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LOCAL HEROES

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Pitting reputations in the game of life

THREE Canberra entrepreneurs are about to launch a new online community where friends trade in motivation and reputation is everything.

Users amass points and advance up a leaderboard but it’s not a game; they post pictures and little stories of their real lives, but it’s not a social network.

“We’ve got a term for it – I don’t know if this is right yet – but we call it an ‘online accountability framework’ or a ‘social accountability framework’,” says 33-year-old Thomas Burdon, who created “StakeMyRep” with his partners Michael Riethmuller and Jonathan Mullins.

“In StakeMyRep, users, or players, are asked to create a challenge for themselves, and other users are invited to bet their reputation on whether they think the user will complete that task,” he explains.

While the three have done nearly all the work themselves, with help from friends, Thomas says the small startup business really took off with the support of Covate, a Canberra-based “innovation incubator and accelerator”, which provided them with starting capital and ongoing mentoring.

“It’s about getting the idea validated as being a legitimate and solid business model, and they’ve helped

Stephen Easton reports

us tremendously in that regard, and working with them has just been really great in general, in terms of having somebody that you can talk to about your ideas.”

Each member of the new online community has reputation points, which they can increase by completing challenges – especially difficult ones –or gamble on whether others will. The amount they get back for completing a challenge is based on how much they put on the line, but also how much others bet against them. Evidence of success must be uploaded, and the community gets to vote on whether they believe it.

“That’s one thing that makes our app unique,” says Thomas. “It’s got that evidence-based voting component which other [similar] products lack.”

A few similar websites have appeared since he first thought up the concept about four years ago, but Thomas sees validation rather than competition in the growing scene where he hopes StakeMyRep will take its place.

“If other people are doing it, that means there’s a market, so I’m excited about that,” he says.

Beyond the simple concept, there’s a

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Arts&Entertainment 24-25

Canberra Confidential 18

Cinema 24

Dining 25

Election 14

Home & garden 26-27

Letters 10

News 5-17

Puzzles 28

Socials 19-22

Sport 17

Cover: Flt-Lt Lindsay Knowles, of 3 Squadron RAAF, pictured in Libya.

Story Page 6.

Phone 6262 9100

lot of testing and experimentation needed to make sure the system works well and that users enjoy the experience.

The first-stage or “alpha” testing is now complete and people can sign up to take part in the “beta” testing phase

now, which involves taking part and sending feedback on bugs or loopholes that make it easy to cheat. With plans to add some real-world value to the reputation points, preventing fraud could become a serious issue.

“One way reputation points might benefit the user would be if they were able to cash them in with a business for a discount ... or it may be that their reputation points boost up some other currency they can then exchange,” says Thomas.

The team is also looking at ways users can rate tasks on degree of difficulty, he says, and the possibility of letting businesses put up “sponsored challenges” for the whole community to complete.

“But I can’t accurately tell you what will happen because our users will tell us that,” says Thomas.

“Our whole build philosophy is around customer validation; we’ve conducted alpha testing with initially 10 people, and then 30 people, so you get really quick and honest feedback about how they feel about different things.”

Since 1993: Volume 19, Number 29

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Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

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Stephen Easton, stephen@citynews.com.au

Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043 764

helen@citynews.com.au

Design and photography: Brent McDonald, brent@citynews.com.au, 0421 962 325

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Contributing photographer: Andrew Finch

Distribution: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

With the beta testing phase just beginning, Thomas hopes to get a lot more honest feedback so StakeMyRep is ready to launch later this year.

To try out StakeMyRep and help with beta testing, go to stakemyrep.com

news / cover story briefly

Memorial salutes local heroes

In a special Centenary exhibition, the Australian War Memorial gives a rare salute to Canberra’s military heritage. STEPHEN EASTON reports

CANBERRA’S Centenary has allowed the Australian War Memorial to do something it ordinarily wouldn’t, and present an exhibition focused entirely on local experiences of war and military service.

Visitors can explore the personal stories of 20 Canberrans, including World War II fighter pilot Lindsay Knowles, a champion swimmer who was killed in a dogfight over Libya in 1941, aged 24.

His father Sir George Knowles (who would become Australia’s Solicitor General, head of the Attorney General’s Department and Parliamentary Draftsman all at once) had already played a central role in Australia’s federation, the drafting of the Constitution and the creation of Canberra, by the time the family moved here in 1928.

Weather or not

THE Bureau of Meteorology is hosting a day of talks and displays at the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome, in Acton, 9am-3pm, on Saturday, August 31. The event will look back over some of the big Canberra weather events of the past 100 years and explain why Canberra has the weather and climate it does. More information at centenary@bom.gov.au

‘School’ lunch

THE Gungahlin Day View Club (Voice, Interest and Education of Women) will hold a “Back to School” meeting and luncheon at Gold Creek Village on Wednesday, August 28, with a “surprise” guest speaker. Tickets at $30 from 6230 2892.

Poll-day fete

CAMPBELL Primary School, an election-day polling booth, is having a fete, 10am-2pm, on Saturday, September 7 which promises, among many things, “quality craft”, food and cakes, and a jumping castle.

Fadden fair

The pilot’s younger brother Mervyn, 91, remembers a man in the prime of his life, blessed with athletic and academic gifts, who became a family hero for later generations to look up to.

In the same year Sir George’s membership in the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was upgraded to Commander (CBE) for his tireless work in the young nation’s public service. His efforts earned him his knighthood in 1939, the same year Lindsay told him he wanted to fly.

“He was a hell of a good brother,” recalls Mervyn, flipping through one of many incredible photo albums that fill the family home in Forrest where he lives with Beth, his wife of 68 years.

“I was the kid brother because I was four years younger, but yeah, Lindsay was a leader in many ways. He was dux of the school, he got a scholarship to Sydney Uni and did arts; he was going to do arts-law but then he got to the end of arts and he said: ‘Dad, I want to fly,’ so fly he did. Bloody good pilot, too.”

The middle child, Lindsay was the first of three Knowles boys to enlist and serve in World War II.

“George, the eldest, got to be a flight lieutenant and he survived,” says Mervyn. “There were three of us in the services and we would have all been in the Air Force – if I could have seen straight.”

Mervyn enlisted in the Army after

the Air Force turned him down but, to his disappointment, ended up in administrative jobs. The war in Papua New Guinea took its toll nonetheless and he was discharged on medical grounds.

“There were two branches of the Army I didn’t want to be in; one was the Pay Office and the other was medical, and I finished up with both,” he says with a smile.

When Mervyn was five the family moved into his father’s nearlyfinished house in Red Hill. “They sold it to the Dutch in the middle of the war,” he says, and it is the Dutch Ambassador’s residence to this day.

The Knowles family name is around town in various places, like the address of the ACT’s courts, but it is the connections between Lindsay and the city’s living residents that feature in the new War Memorial exhibition, entitled “Salute: Canberra’s Military Heritage”.

Its curator, Amanda Rebbeck, expects a lot of visitors who live locally and hopes they will see themselves in the personal stories, each of which is filled with familiar names of Canberra institutions such as schools, clubs and churches.

“With Lindsay’s story I wanted to focus on all the locations around Canberra where he’s remembered,” says Amanda. “The family donated a memorial to the local family church – the Uniting Church in Forrest – and there’s a memorial swimming trophy [from the Canberra Amateur Swimming Club] in the exhibition.”

Swimming was important in the Knowles household, and the ebullient 91-year-old Mervyn still does laps every day. The first memory of his big brother that comes to mind is of “a bloody good swimmer” who once knocked 14 seconds off the 400m record for university competition.

“Our old man was an early president of the swimming club, then its patron,” he says. “Lindsay was club champion, I was club champion twice and so it goes on. I’ve been swimming all my life and it’s a good way to be.”

As well as the personal stories of Lindsay Knowles and 19 others, “Salute” will examine the military’s presence in Canberra, recent local veterans and life in the ACT during wartime.

“Salute: Canberra’s Military Heritage” is at the Australian War Memorial until November 20.

FADDEN Primary School’s spring fair will be held, 9am-1pm, on Saturday, September 7. The fair, at Hanlon Crescent, will be fun for all the family including amusements, stalls and food. Stall enquiries to fadden. springfair@gmail.com

Wine dinner

PREMIUM cool-climate wines and regional produce will be showcased at the Hilltops region’s annual wine dinner, August 24. Hosted by Australian home cook hero, Lyndey Milan, and with special guests wine gurus Tyson Stelzer and Tim Kirkc, the menu has a Greek theme and includes delicacies such as spezofai (with alpaca sausages) and orange and olive oil cake with spice syrup. Tickets are $120 and include a one-hour tasting, wines and a four-course dinner. Bookings to hilltops.com.au

Thing about skin

“LOVE The Skin You’re In; Fabulous after-40 Workshop” is a seminar offering an insight into the style challenges faced by women in their 40s, 50s and 60s and how an image consultant can take them from frumpy to funky. At The Hub, Canberra Centre, on September 14, from 1-3pm. More information from jane@styledge.com.au

Food Safety Supervisor Course

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Assessment of your environment, also available to assist with reaching high standards in food safety.

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Please contact Nicole at nicole@takeanote.com.au or 0412 697 545

by Brent Macdonald

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Puppets help Patsy spin a yarn

By Kathryn Vukovljak

ARMED with a zany puppet for every occasion and a genuine love of storytelling, Patsy Allan knows how to spin a yarn.

“The face-to-face element of storytelling is so important,” she says. “It’s lovely to see children engaging with the story and sharing in my enthusiasm.”

Patsy, 69, has made a DVD called “The Wonder and Joy of Storytelling to Young Children” which she hopes will show early childhood educators how storytelling can be done.

“Often storytelling just becomes a small part of the day, and while it’s great to read a book to kids, the whole process can become something very special when you bring in a funny puppet or a musical instrument,” she says. “It’s also really great to get the kids involved – chaotic, but fun!”

The DVD, which is aimed at parents, librarians and educators but also features

a storytelling segment for kids, was made at Patsy’s home with the help of her son Chris. She’s running workshops based on the DVD, too.

“It’s designed to spark ideas for anyone interested in developing their storytelling skills using props, puppets and participation,” she says.

Specialising in storytelling in early childhood, Patsy goes regularly to two childcare centres and also runs Rock, Rhythm and Roll classes for mums and bubs at Kippax Uniting.

“The children respond so beautifully and the props really get their attention – it’s so different from the iPads and computers they’re used to now,” she says.

Ex-librarian Patsy’s love of stories started when she used to run storytime for children in Maitland City Library, before she left work to have her own children more than 40 years ago.

“After I had my first child I was getting so bored around the house that I asked if they would like me to come back to do the stories,” she says. “They were thrilled to have me back and it really became my joy.”

Patsy says that storytelling creates a lovely relationship between the teller and the listener, and can improve a child’s listening and mental imaging abilities, which are vital pre-reading skills for children.

“Telling tales has been a way to pass on values and morals for centuries, and it increases our understanding of other cultures,” she says.

Patsy says that while she mainly tells other people’s stories, particularly folk tales and stories from a vast collection of books at her home, she has also self-published two books, “The Boy Who Loved Drums” and “Tessa the Runaway Teapot”.

“At first I didn’t think my own stories were good enough, but as I’ve got older I think it’s important to be who you are, and I’m proud of my books. They’re like my babies,” she says, smiling fondly at Tessa the teapot puppet.

“Storytelling makes me want to go on living – to be able to communicate with children and see them wonder what’s coming up next is really special.”

Workshop and storytelling details at patsytales.com.au

When Wednesday, 21 August 2013, 6.00pm - 8.00pm Venue The Canberra Rex Hotel | 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon RSVP Monday, 19 August 2013 | events@actchamber.com.au

Expand on your matwork: Try our

Dianne says goodbye, almost

WHEN Dianne Anderson reaches the finale of the National Eisteddfod’s Australian Open Choirs Championship on August 24, she’ll be breathing a sigh of relief – and satisfaction.

For Anderson is standing down from her role as convener and major sponsor of the Choirs Division since 2007.

It’s not that she’s had enough, but after seven successive eisteddfods, it’s time to spend time with her husband and fellow-sponsor, Brian, the brilliant founding professor of Systems Engineering at the ANU and former president of the Australian Academy of Science, as he looks to retirement.

“I think some of my sponsors will be pleased that I won’t be harassing them after this year for money,” Anderson says, half-joking, as she assures “CityNews” that she’ll still provide the first prize of $5000 and remain on the committee.

It’s been a formidable show of strength from the Andersons, who first chipped in with $12,000 to help the Choirs Division raise its profile and attract the interstate entrants it now does.

Dianne Anderson’s interest in choirs doesn’t come from a black hole. An accomplished pianist, organist and trained music teacher, she has also been a choral and band director. And that’s the key to her interest – the effect participating in eisteddfods has on children.

“There are many kids who are no good at sport and maths, but if they get a certificate in the Eisteddfod it just seems to make a difference.”

She describes husband Brian as “a willing partner” in her choirs ef-

Helen Musa arts editor

forts, though she’s sometimes had to twist his arm.

“But he is musical, we play piano duets together and he even played the organ at church for me when I was expecting,” she says.

Since she married the up-andcoming professor at age 20, Dianne has made sure to keep herself occupied, volunteering with the Red Cross, participating in the Open Garden scheme, sponsoring the CSO, helping entertain departmental visitors and even organising the “best ever” opening ceremony for the Congress of the International Federation of Automatic Control (of which Brian was world president) at Sydney Opera House in 1992.

“I could not sit back and live in Brian’s shadow,” Dianne says in the understatement of the week, “I felt I needed to be in something to make my life more interesting.”

She’s achieved that and she has made lots of other people’s lives “interesting” too as she chases private funding for the arts in a notoriously parsimonious town.

“There are a lot of wealthy people in Canberra,” she notes, “if people do have $200 or $500 that would make a difference, but it’s even hard to sell a program to Canberrans for $4 to make a $2 profit.

“Also, you have to take into consideration the hours spent in preparation of the program… I don’t know what my hourly rate would be,” she says, noting that luckily she’s had a wonderful team to work with.

Dianne steps down from the convening role with a sense of disquiet about the future of the Eisteddfod,

which was forced to put its famous National Aria competition on hold this year after losing its corporate funding.

“If only we had funds to pay a full-time administrator to go out and get sponsorship and do a lot of marketing – that’s where the Eisteddfod needs help – you have to aim high.”

Meantime, this year’s Choirs Division is set to be a beauty: Sunbury Choirs in Victoria are entering four choirs; Canberra Choral Society (with Tobias Cole as director) is entering for the first time; a new section for choirs singing in lan-

guages other than English has been sponsored by the ACT Government’s Office of Multicultural Affairs; Concordis (Victoria’s Choir of the Year) from Melbourne has entered; and the adjudicators will be musicians Jenny Moon, from the Gold Coast, and George Torbay from TV’s “Battle of the Choirs”.

Choirs Division of the Australian National Eisteddfod, at Llewellyn Hall, all day August 23 and 24; finale 5pm-10pm Saturday August 24. More information at nationaleisteddfod. org.au, bookings to premier.ticketek. com.au or call 132849.

All we need is love to breakthrough in prison

CASUALLY driving down Monaro Highway

the other day, I saw an unusual sight – a mother and four children walking southward on the side of the road.

It was strange because it was at least five kilometres from where they were to any suburb or civilian area. I quickly realised that they must have just come from visiting the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

My first thought was to question the public transport situation, but then I began to ponder broader questions around the actual effectiveness of AMC, now almost five years old, as well as the responsibility of the wider community in the criminal justice system.

The ACT Government should be applauded for trying to make a prison system of a higher quality. Its aims of providing skill-based training and greater choice for prisoners are in line with a fundamental view that all humans, no matter their crime, have an inherent worth and dignity.

We are yet to see adequate studies done on the re-offence rates at the AMC, but I’m sure the Government is hoping for an improvement on the roughly 60-70 per cent rate we see elsewhere. But can we content ourselves that this is the best system we can aspire to?

Nick Jensen religion

I recently watched a documentary about a prison in a Brazilian town called Sao Jose dos Campos that was forced to close after government failure and a local church community asked if they could have a go running it.

Within 10 years, there were no guards and the head of security was a prisoner who had been originally sentenced to 114 years. Many of the prisoners worked outside in the community during the day. The re-offence rate was 4 per cent.

The documentary was titled “Love is not a Luxury”, and the prison’s ethos was built on this premise, that love is a person’s most basic need and vital for restoration.

For me, the main issue comes down to how we understand justice. Is justice about people getting due punishment for what they have done, or is it actually about redemption?

There is a move going through schools (and some police programs) at the moment called “restorative justice”, where attempts are made for the offenders and the offended against (or anyone directly affected) to sit in a circle and, feeling the full weight of the situation, sometimes even work

out a punishment together.

I have seen this model work magnificently, but it is extremely time consuming and takes a great deal of skill and preparation. However, the ultimate principle is that justice is not necessarily about getting what one deserves, but rather the restoration of right relationships.

When a crime is committed, what has fundamentally happened is a number of relationships have been damaged. Usually there is a direct victim, but verily the offender has also damaged relationships with the authorities, the wider community, and sometimes even the environment. These are all relationships that need to be made right.

As a Christian I would even take it one step further, seeing all breakdowns in relationships as ultimately a consequence of a broken relationship with our Creator. Whatever your beliefs however, this theme of relationships being at the centre of crime is clear, but it could also be the solution to the current problems in the criminal justice system.

The Government can only do so much but it can never offer love, which is central for recovery.

Nick Jensen is a director of the ACT Australian Christian Lobby.

Stay left, slow down

AS a driver, pedestrian, bus user and cyclist, I am thoroughly over the criticisms levelled at cyclists. Yes, paths are shared, then pedestrians, women with prams, joggers and dog walkers need to equally exercise courtesy and restraint. But they don’t, they’re greedy and selfish. The amount of self righteous moaning from noncyclists has got beyond a joke.

Some of us are trying to get to work on our bikes and we’re entitled to use the shared paths, too. Most cyclists are responsible, conscientious people and we’re entitled to use the public infrastructure our taxes also pay for without dealing with loutish behaviour from others or the constant sledging.

Stay left, slow down, be courteous; that’s all it requires to “share” public spaces. There’s only 350,000 of us in this city and it’s time people meant greater courtesy all round.

Greta Nielsen, via email

Irrigating claims false

IT would be pleasant to have lawns return to Green Square, Kingston, but the Territory bureaucracy will not admit it was mistaken to rip out the former grass (“Pawl calls for more green in Square”, CN, August 1).

The basis for that action was the totally false claim that irrigating Green Square would use five million litres of water a year. That would have been so only if the sprinklers ran non-stop, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An accurate estimate was just 40,000 litres a year, say $200 worth.

How much was the Skywhale thing, again?

Stephen Brown, Forrest

Green driving rail plan

INFRASTRUCTURE Australia report says “not enough traffic” for Canberra light rail plan. That should now be the end of it and the ACT Government financial waste, oh, hang about, that’s it, ACT Labor is now under control of a solitary Green.

Michael Attwell, Dunlop

Political supermarket chains

AUSTRALIA has two giant supermarket chains dictating prices to farmers and other suppliers, controlling petrol prices, promoting themselves as insurance providers, offering their own credit card accounts and, now, entering the television industry.

What’s next? Perhaps the establishment of two new consumer-driven political parties – The Australian C Party and the National W Party who, having finally eliminated all opposition (Labor, Coalition, Greens and, especially, independents) and having amended the constitution, can then concentrate of determining which party’s CEO will become the next president of the Shopperdocket republic of Australia.

M J McGregor, Curtin

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.

Jaipur’s colourful festivities Conference aims to build stronger ties

Author AMAN NATH, in this edited extract from his book “Jaipur –The Last Destination”, describes the fairs and traditional festivals of this historic region

EVERY August the Rani Sati Mela in Jhunjhunu, Shekhavati, attracts the important Marwari community, which has since migrated away from the Jaipur region.

Although the sati was committed in 1595, the temple complex was constructed in the 20th century.

Several other minor fairs are held here including the Shitla Ashtami Mela at Chaksu, the Chhatka-Mela at Amber, the Banganga Mela at Viratnagar (Barat) and the Donkey Fair at Sanganer.

These fairs provide an excellent opportunity for the rural folk to congregate for a day or two. Tied down by taboos and oppressive traditions, the village women have little scope to come out of their villages. These village fairs grant them the opportunity to watch various spectacles and buy clothing, household articles and objects of personal adornment. The fairs are organised either to buy and sell cattle, camels, horses, donkeys and mules or to offer special worship to a deity. Since the fairs usually coincide with a day of special religious significance, the village folk take a dip at a holy kund or nearby river.

On the day of Shitla Ashtami (generally in early March), the women take a day off from their daily cooking chores. They work overtime on the previous evening to prepare special dishes with which they visit the local temple of Shitla Mata and offer the first morsels to the deity before feeding members of their family and their friends.

The temple on the hilltop at Seel-ki-Doongri at Chaksa attracts more than 300,000 devotees when a fair is organised here to propagate Shitla Mata, who protects people from the fatal smallpox. The cattle fair coincides with this worship and lasts for a week.

The Banganga Mela is held at a small place about 11km from Viratnagar (barat) on the full moon day of Baisakh when nearly 100,000 devotees from nearby areas assemble to take a dip in the sacred river.

The animal fair at Sanganer, held in the month of January, specialises in donkeys and mules though cattle, camels, horses and even elephants are

brought to the four-day-long fair.

Amongst the traditional festivals observed in Jaipur, the most important are Gangaur, Teej and Sankrant, while Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Janmashtami and Shivaratri are observed with the same enthusiasm as in other parts of northern and central India.

Gangaur is mostly observed by young women who worship Gauri, the Mother Goddess in her virgin form. The sonorous tunes of traditional songs such as hoji mahra baisa ra bir bhanwar mahne pujan de Gangaur (I am offering worship to Gangaur in the hope that my daughter will get a brave bridegroom), fill the morning air in spring for about a fortnight immediately after Holi. On the third and fourth day of the bright fortnight, a large ceremonial procession of uniformed music bands, caparisoned elephants, camels, horses, bullock carts, cannon carriages, raths, palanquins, ekkas and groups of retainers in red tunics come out of the Zenbana Deori of the City Palace.

At its end, selected members of the Mehra caste carry the gold and silver takht-e-rawan with the beautiful wooden image of goddess Gouri adorned in a rich zart-gota embroidered poshak and ornaments studded with pearls and costly jewels. It travels a short route through the Tripolia Gate, Tripolia Bazar, Chhoto Chaupad, Gangari Bazar and the Chhaugan Stadium to Talkatora, after passing by the viewing pavilion Shahi Burj, where the Maharaja ceremonially views it along with his principal nobles and dignitaries. The ritual is repeated in the same way on the following evening. Sweetmeat sellers hawk a special sweet – ghewar – a crisp perforated wheel-like sweet made of wheat flour and milk, deep fried and dipped in thick syrup.

Teej is observed in the rainy season in the month of Sawan (July-August) to celebrate the onset of the monsoon after the oppressive, blazing months of summer. This, like Gangaur, is also a festival mainly for the womenfolk who celebrate the reunion of Parvati with Lord Shiva. The grand pageant of richly caparisoned elephants, camels and

gaily decorated chariots, cannon-carts, palanquins and so on, come out of the Zenana Deori and pass through the Tripolia Bazar before ending on the banks of the Talkatora Lake.

During the two days of the pageant, young girls play on flower-bedecked swings hung from trees and villagers from nearby places assemble in the bazaars of Jaipur to buy toys, sweets and clothing.

The other local festival gaining gradual importance is Sankrant, held on January 14 every year when young people from all walks of life fly kites of different shapes, sizes and colours throughout the day. This has virtually become a kite festival. The devotees, however, take a holy dip in the deep kund of Galtaji and make presents of sweets made of til or linseed and fluffly finny made of flour dipped in a thick sugar syrup.

Dussehra, apart from being the 10-day long autumn festival of worship of the Mother Goddess Durga, is also the period of the nine-day fast of Navratra. In Jaipur the festival is observed with great solemnity in the temple of Shila Mata at Amber in the presence of the Maharaja. In the City Palace, Dussehra is observed with a durbar in the Sarvatobhadra where the Maharaja is customarily offered nazrana by the feudatory chiefs (sardars), high officials and important citizens.

He performs to traditional worship of regalia, carriages, weapons and animals before the assembly. He leads the procession of his personal officers to Vijay Bagh and releases a Neelkanth bird to conclude the ceremony.

Diwali is observed in every household by lighting up the homes with earthen lamps (or candles or electric lamps) and the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth. For children and the energetic

young the celebration manifests itself in fireworks and the bursting of crackers. This heralds the new year for traders and is a big day for gamblers. Wearing new clothing and offering sweets are essential parts of the celebration. Rajput nobles and officials don dark galabands and achkans, their wives wear dark blue poshak embroidered with glittering zari and gota to attend the ceremonial reception given by the Maharaja and Rajmata. The main bazaars are tastefully decorated with lights and people stay out till the early hours to walk through the traffic-free bazaars of the old city. Holi is observed with great enthusiasm. The temple of Govind Dev-ji lends additional colour and importance. For a fortnight before this full moon festival in spring, people dance and sing songs in praise of Radha and Krishna.

Special phag are held in Govind Dev Temple where musicians sing devotional songs and Kathak dancers perform before the deity. On the day prior to Holi, a special pura is performed in the Chandra Mahal and a big fire, made of dried leaves, cowdung cake, twigs, discarded kites along with ears of new wheat, barley and gram, known as Holi-ka-Dahan, is lit. Young people assemble there to light their marshals and run in relay to light hundreds of bonfires at every street crossing and mohalla. The following morning men and women sprinkle each other with coloured water and smear each others’ faces with coloured powders. For the last few years a special elephant festival has been organised in the Chaugan. Elephants painted with bright colours and decked in their colourful best are paraded before visitors from all over the world. They run a race and play a few chukkers of elephant polo in their slow, clumsy way.

By B IREN N ANDA Indian High Commissioner

ON August 15, 2013, I extend my greetings to Indian nationals and people of Indian origin, who have made Australia their home, on the occasion of India’s 66th Independence Day.

India’s relations with Australia have grown from strength to strength since the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2009. Our bilateral trade has reached $US20 billion.

There has been a very significant growth in two-way investment. Indian companies’ significant investment in the resources sector has propelled our economic relationship to the strategic level.

Indian companies have established joint ventures in Australia in the manufacturing sector in areas like auto components, aircraft manufacture, the manufacture of tractors and refining of vegetable oils.

The supply side constraints of the Indian economy – resources, energy, education, skills and science and technology – are driving our economic relationship. The Free Trade Agreement that we are now negotiating will diversify and deepen our economic engagement.

Last year, the people born in India were the largest segment of new immigrants in Australia. The 400,000 strong Indian community in Australia is acting as a bridge between the two countries. It has the potential and the capacity to qualitatively transform our bilateral relations in the future. Recognising this immense reservoir of human capital, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Government of India and the High Commission of India are organising a Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Overseas Indian) Convention in Sydney from November 10 to 12. Its theme will be “Connecting for a Shared Future: The Indian Diaspora, India and the Pacific’’.

To be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, it is expected that 1000 delegates from States and Territories of Australia and neighbouring countries, including NZ, Fiji, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will participate, as will the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre and the Australia India Business Council.

At a May 30 function, Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Government of India, and NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell jointly made the announcement of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention via video link in New Delhi and Sydney.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) has been celebrated in India on January 9 each year since 2003 to mark the contributions of the overseas Indian community in the development of India.

Regional PBDs are organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with the collaboration of the host Government, the Indian mission, prominent overseas Indians and organisations catering to the needs of the Indian diaspora.

The objective is to reach out to those members of the community who have been unable to participate in the annual PBD in India and to provide a platform for the Indian community in Australia and the Pacific to contribute to the relationship between countries of the region and India.

This convention is not only for the Indian community, but for anyone interested in plugging into India’s growing relationship with Australia and other Pacific countries and will be a unique networking opportunity for all participants.

The program will feature discussions on different aspects of India’s relationship with Australia and countries of the region including resources, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, services, skills and education, languages, women in business, youth, media and culture.

Speakers will include ministers and prominent dignitaries from Australia and India, prominent members of the Indian community, Australian and Indian businesses, academics and media practitioners.

Registration for the convention to pbdsydney2013.com.au

Rudd’s a goner, here’s how Rupert will sink him

I HAVE learned the hard way never to underestimate Kevin Rudd.

During his exile in the political wilderness, there were times when I rated his chances of a return to The Lodge as somewhere between zero and Buckley’s.

So much for my fabled political antennae.

Indeed, there was a time when regular readers might recall I advised him in an open letter to discard his Prime Ministerial ambitions and throw his support whole-heartedly behind Julia Gillard.

So much for my influence on Kevin’s decision-making process (laughable); to say nothing of my statesmanlike judgement (missing in action).

While chastened and contrite, Kevin Rudd’s biographer ROBERT MACKLIN just can’t see the PM getting across the election line

I am suitably chastened.

Nevertheless, with the best will in the world, I just can’t see him winning the election.

It’s not because he and his government lack the correct policy prescriptions. They have a commitment to the NBN, which is a game-changer in our economic and social history; to Better Schools; to a decent investment in public hospitals; to disability insurance; to higher superannuation; to stopping the boats; and, most importantly, to fiscal discipline short of the failed European “austerity”. I might be wrong, but that

seems to tick all the important boxes.

And it’s not because he’s facing a daunting opponent. Tony Abbott scares the pants off lots of people. He’s an economic innumerate, a Catholic ideologue and a bully. Try as I might, I can detect no empathy in him for the better angels of our collective nature.

So far, you’d think, Kevin’s practically got it in the bag. But for two reasons I just can’t persuade myself that he’ll get Labor over the line.

The first is the very clever way that Tony Abbott has pictured a government with a AAA credit rating as a

New weapons in the election war

The more a voter finds out the more you realise how much more there is to know, says MICHAEL MOORE

ELECTION information has never been more extensive, easier to access or more difficult to interpret.

The old tools for understanding elections are still there in the form of newspapers, TV and radio. However, now there is a myriad of new devices that provide information on elections. All of them have their pluses and minuses.

Interpreting the print media by understanding the influence of people such as Rupert Murdoch, comprehending the biases of journalists and commentators has been understood by educated and interested people for a long time. The story is similar with radio and television.

However, the new social electronic media including email, Facebook, Twitter and interactive sites provide a plethora of options and range of opportunities for the voters as well as the parties and the candidates.

The ABC provides an excellent example of an interactive site providing information to voters. “Votecompass” (abc.net.au/votecompass/) has already had over half a million people using the electronic tool to see where they stand in relation to the policies of the major parties.

It is fun to use and to see how you rate and to examine how you are placed on a chart in comparison to the major parties and the Greens. On the plus side, the tool looks at issues from recognition of indigenous peoples in the Constitution to climate change, refugees, the economy, health, education and same-sex marriage. In fact, they explore attitudes to around 30 issues to determine how aligned the participant is with the parties. On the negative side, this is a tool that cannot explore all options. For example, voters might be influenced by the possibility of a hung parliament being used to hold the government accountable, by the personality, intellect and hard work of a local member, by the ability of a minor party or independent to really influence the day to day workings of

government. It might just be a case of liking or disliking a particular candidate who is somewhat known to the voter. However, by using the tool and by taking the other issues into account the voter becomes more informed. And the ABC has access to an in-depth data base which provides much more insight to what influences voters’ intentions rather than the simple polling that simply asks who a person intends to support at the next election. It goes further in actually understanding the extent of voters’ feelings on a range of political issues.

Facebook is another device that provides understanding. Messages come through that are either scathing of the behaviour of the leaders or candidates or strongly supporting their candidacy. Because the information comes from Facebook friends the source carries a stronger element of trust and is likely to have more influence.

Twitter is a similar story. A person using Twitter chooses who to follow. The information might be limited to 140 characters and for my own account (@mmoore50) I am reasonably selective about whom I choose to follow. It does include some prominent journalists, a few politicians and a range of academics. The 140 characters often carry a pointer to a webpage providing insightful comment or information to expand understanding. On the down side it can be quite an effort to trawl through a barrage of short sharp statements trying to work out which will provide further insight.

These few examples of the new election tools hardly scrape the surface of what is happening with new media. Let’s hope that the profusion of information assists in decision making rather than having voters throw the overload switch and become completely turned off our democratic processes.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

Twitter: @mmoore50

bunch of economic stumblebums. That is salesmanship with a capital “S” and I dips me lid. And, of course, he will duck and weave to avoid any knockout blows in debates that might expose the underlying falsity of his claims.

The second is much more important. It’s called Rupert Murdoch. In his sere and yellow, Mr Murdoch has come to believe he can dictate who will govern Australia. He has dropped all pretence of journalistic professionalism. He has sent his editorial henchman, Col Allan, from the egregious “New York Post” to our shores with the express purpose of using his newspapers to destroy Rudd and install Tony Abbott.

And he owns 65 per cent of all Australian metropolitan circulation. That’s bad enough, but because they are so influential, they set the tone of each election day’s agenda. Even the ABC (radio and TV) takes its cue from the headlines in the Murdoch press. So Rudd and his ministers will spend the entire campaign defending themselves from the latest confected outrage. That is no way to win an election. So while I wish Kevin well, this time I think he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Rupert Murdoch and his minions will triumph. Tony will move into The Lodge. And guess who’s coming to dinner?

www.robertmacklin.com

election letters

Signs of embarrassment

A CAUTION to other political parties, an embarrassment to Minister Rattenbury, but congratulations to TAMS rangers who removed the Greens’ signs from the Adelaide Avenue nature strip last week. A worry, however, that a group that wishes to represent Canberra in the Senate knows so little about our laws.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Make Canberra marginal

IT would appear from the Superannuation/Defence pension indexation meeting of August 6 that the pollies are still paying lip-service to any suggestion for equitable treatment in this respect. Kate Lundy in particular shows just how the Senate has become a useless relic of the past. It was designed to represent the States, but Lundy made it clear that she only supports the party machine, not her constituents. This time-serving Senator of nearly 20 years needs to be replaced, especially after what can only be called her “brown-nosing”

approach to her recent performances under Julia Gillard.

And Mike Kelly is not much better.

When are Canberrans going to realise that the only way they are going to be properly represented is when they turn the ACT into a marginal State?

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Lessons unlearnt

IF politicians, over recent years, had tried to demolish the previous policy of ordered entry of refugees they could not have done better.

Processing teams, including selection officers and doctors, were sent in the mid/late ‘70s to countries bordering Vietnam after that war ended and, in co-operation with the UNHCR, refugees were flown here to new lives. Then the role of overseas selection officers was virtually abandoned.

If immigration had understood six years ago that early intervention meant going to the start of the problem, i.e. source and transit countries, 1000 plus people would not have died.

Experts tell us it has cost $5 billion so far for nearly 50,000 arrivals – or $100,000 per person. For that amount

we could have sent an army of selection officers and doctors to repeat the successful Vietnam experience. Why do we have history, if not to learn from?

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Breathtaking cynicism

THE astonishingly cynical ALP campaign about tobacco industry donations suggests the US Democrats recruited by the ALP are at work. They are “slimemasters”. Anyone that has followed US politics will know the style of ads, and politics. It is not about policy but pure negativity (ironically from the ALP who has, apparently, criticised such tactics). For the record, I am no friend of the tobacco industry and would not touch them, but the ALP in government is happy to take money from the tobacco industry in the form of excise and company tax revenue. Apparently, tobacco is so offensive that it is still perfectly legal. It is a great revenue source, so good that the Government is happy to increase its revenue from it. The cynicism is breathtaking, just like tobacco!

Martin Gordon, Flynn

DRAWING on the latest census data, the 2013 “State of Australian Cities” report confirms our city as a place where people want to live and work.

In the five years to 2011, the Canberra-Queanbeyan region grew by nearly 10 per cent. At the same time, the median household income in the capital increased more than 25 per cent to $1891 (compared to a national median of $1234). We have the highest proportion of working women in full-time employment (63 per cent) and more than 80 per cent of men in employment are full time.

Ranking second, Canberra continues to hold its own as one of Australia’s premier cities. More than 7 per cent of us walk or cycle to work (one of the highest rates of active travel) and traffic congestion has decreased over the last year. We also have the highest level of recycling, with 85 per cent of standard recyclables and more than 90 per cent of

briefly

Wildflowers walk

FARRER Ridge ParkCare Group is planning a guided spring wildflowers walk, 10am-noon, on Sunday, September 15. Participants should meet at the top of Muresk Street, Farrer, and bring cameras, binoculars and hats, and wear walking shoes. More information from ACT Parks and Conservation Service on 6205 7384.

Facilitator:

Catherine Carter comments

green waste recycled last year. International education is also having a positive impact on our population – in 2011 around 2 per cent of Canberrans were international students. Higher student numbers increase demand for rental housing – a challenge that our city still struggles to meet. We rate as the best in the country for on-campus living, and this helps ease demand, but affordability is still an issue for more than 20 per cent of low-income rental households in Canberra. However, the opportunity to do better remains and adaptive reuse of vacant commercial spaces, quality urban infill and effective public transport will all help to build on Canberra’s already enviable lifestyle.

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

Singles charity event

THE Southern Cross Club, Woden, is the venue for a fund-raising singles night, from 7.30pm on September 27, in support of Unicef and Plan Australia. The goal is to raise $2000 for each charity. Tickets from Thai Chiang Rai, 102 Emu Bank, Belconnen and Man To Man at the Canberra Centre.

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Allhomes Manifesto

We love real estate.

1. EvEryonE

We’re here for everyone who loves real estate – the buyers, the sellers, the agents, the landlords, the renters, the real estate junkies and the dreamers.

2. FrEEdom

We believe in freedom of real estate information. The reassurance of knowledge. The surety of facts.

3. InFormatIon

We believe in making information as easy, as intuitive, as human as possible. There’s no such thing as information overload when it comes to property.

4. EmotIonal

We believe the most emotional decisions can be made intelligently. People make property decisions with their hearts, our purpose is to inform the ‘head’ to help them make the wisest decisions.

5. EqualIty

We believe in a level playing field where everyone is treated equally. No favourites, no bias, no priority, no agenda.

6. valuE

We value agents and their role and we strive to bring value to the agent, the industry and the consumer. We believe everyone should win in the property game.

7. ConnECtIon

We believe the ultimate connection we can help facilitate is the loving connection between people and their home.

8. HappInEss

We believe happiness is a great house sold well and a lovely home wisely bought.

wellbeing sport

Foot men to a new wave of fitness

EVERYWHERE you look these days, a growing number of people are rejecting the trappings of modern society and going back to basics.

Some want to “get off the grid” by producing their own food, harvesting rainwater and generating electricity, while others take health and fitness cues from hunter-gatherers, eating the “paleo diet” and jogging in bare feet.

The idea is that since the dawn of civilisation, humans have been slowly losing impressive physical abilities, developed through evolution.

Inevitably, the science behind

Stephen Easton reports

such trends is twisted for commercial reasons, but it’s fair to say most Canberrans are adapted to a far more sedentary existence than the short, action-packed life of a hunter-gatherer.

Riding this postmodern wave are two local “natural fitness” gurus, Simon Thakur and Craig Mallett, who run classes several times a week.

“It’s quite a big concept,” says Simon. “It’s not so much about fitness, although fitness is a by-product. It’s more about exploring the body in its relationship to the environ-

ment, making everything threedimensional and fluid... [and] using all of the movement skills available to us.”

Natural or “ancestral” fitness aims to limber up every body part through real-world actions such as running, jumping, climbing, crawling, moving quietly, lifting and carrying objects or negotiating obstacles.

“This is really something you don’t see a lot of the population doing these days, but more so in the rural population,” says Craig.

“Most people say they wouldn’t use these skills in modern life and to an extent they’re right, but put yourself in an emergency situation and all these skills become useful – look at the tsunami in Thailand, there were people saving themselves by climbing trees, by crawling, jumping over things and running flat out.”

Craig recalls working at a gym where, among people running and riding to nowhere on treadmills and exercise bikes, he was the odd one out for practising his “weird monkey stuff”.

“As soon as children can stand they’re told not to crawl anymore; as soon as children reach a certain age they’re not supposed to go around climbing trees any more, and that’s just social conditioning,” he says.

“If we can re-engage with all of those kinds of movement, we go way outside of this very, very narrow range that is considered acceptable

Brave Brumbies deserve the city’s support

For the Brumbies, what a difference two years makes, writes TIM

GAVEL

AT this time in 2011, the Brumbies had begun their pre-season for 2012 after finishing thirteenth, which all seems light years ago in the wake of their courageous performance in making this year’s final.

Inexperience and jet lag took its toll in the final 20 minutes of the decider. To go down by five points in one of the great finals away from home, and after travelling 30,000 kilometres in the month, is no mean feat.

No foreign team had ever won a Super Rugby final on NZ soil, but the Brumbies went close. In the end, it was a learning experience for much of the team who had never played in a finals series.

On the field, the side played with team spirit that hasn’t been evident for some seasons. You can put that down to the leadership of captain Ben Mowen and coach Jake White, a man who likes to be in control.

Two years ago, there were players openly questioning whether they wanted to play for the Brumbies or live in Canberra. White’s arrival was just what the side needed to ensure the players understood that off-field discipline was paramount to success on the field.

It’s worth noting there have been no off-field issues during White’s tenure at the Brumbies. With discipline in check, the likes of Laurie Fisher, Steve Larkham and Dean Benton have been able to go about their business without the off-field distractions that can derail a campaign.

movement for an adult.”

The romantic idea of a prehistoric human as the pinnacle of strength and vitality is perhaps a fallacy, but as Simon points out, that’s irrelevant since it’s just an ideal to strive for, which feels good for those who dream of getting out of the rat race.

“There’s this notion of the person fully embedded in their local region and their landscape, knowing all the animals and plants, knowing how the animals move, knowing the sounds that they make, able to hunt and forage and use the senses, and a lot of us simply want more of that because it feels really good,” he says.

“With all this stuff, what we’re trying to do is wake the whole body back up, every little bit of it, and through that feel more alive, more human. It’s about using the feet, the spine, the hands, the fingers, the shoulders, the hips – literally, every part.”

Craig says a lot of people are too single-minded about the virtues of our ancestors and reject too much of modernity.

“I think we’re better off striving for some sort of balance between ancient and modern, and I think that balance can be struck, it’s just a difficult thing to get an entire society to do.”

For more information on classes with Simon and Craig, go to the Facebook group “Natural Movement Canberra”.

So how do you build on this year’s success? In terms of playing personnel there won’t be too many changes. Peter Kimlin will be a huge loss after he displayed the best form of his career this season, George Smith needs little comment except to say he is still one of the best players in world rugby, and prop Dan Palmer’s decision to play in France is also a blow.

The final showed the Brumbies must build their depth to be more than competitive; the Chiefs gained enormous thrust from their bench in the final.

On the downside, this year’s crowds have been disappointing for a side on top of the ladder and more must be done to make the community more aware of the personalities of the players. While their appearance in the finals will help, marketing of the team needs to be overhauled. It is too easy to blame the weather, game plan or pay television for 14,000 turning out to see the Brumbies’ play in a final against the Cheetahs.

If I was to make a suggestion to the management: make players more accessible to the media and have more visibility in the community, there is plenty of research showing that people go to a sporting event to watch people they know, whether personally or through the media.

I have heard from many people following my column earlier in the season that the team deserved to play in front of bigger crowds. Many said they didn’t know who was in the team; some didn’t know when the games were on; others cited the style of play with a focus on defence; some were put out by the longer season and plenty said it was too cold.

Several others suggested that I was antiBrumbies! Which is assuredly not the case, having called virtually every home game the side has played since its start in 1996.

So, I wish all the best to the Brumbies for another season, with bigger crowds that such a great side deserves.

Canberra

Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

Hard(hat) love

CC loves the flash, Brumbies-style hardhats, but we think the models at the turning of the first sod at the University of Canberra’s new Sporting Commons shouldn’t give up their day jobs.

Sport Minister Andrew Barr says the Government has committed $5 million toward the development, which will merge high-performance sport, community sport and educational opportunities.

The Commons will include an ACT Sports Hall of Fame, a new headquarters for the Brumbies, sports studies teaching and research facilities, a bocce court and new student sports facilities. Special Olympics and ACTSPORT will also call the new building home.

Up the pole

Radio daze

ONE Forrest resident with a flagpole is bemused at taking a call from the security gate from a television production company wandering the sumptuous streets of the inner-south looking for a suitable property for outside shots of an imagined Pakistani high commission. Apparently, it’s for an upcoming series being filmed for the ABC (“The Chaser”?). Has no-one told them the Pakistan High Commission is actually in Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley?

Free, at last

CC’s Cooleman Courtier alerts us that Liberal MLA Giulia Jones’ election (October) bannery plastered in the window of a deserted restaurant in Weston Creek has finally been removed.

Dance mystery

THE Irish dance spectacular “Rhythm of the Dance”, the September 12 show they say was one of the most anticipated events of the year, has been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”, which is usually code for poor ticket sales. The announcement rather dramatically revealed that “at the eleventh hour” the organisers “met and brainstormed but unfortunately no solution could be found”. Oh, no! That’s terrible. Er, solution to what? They don’t say. Nor did Viv Hill at the Canberra Centre when CC tickled her up for the reason.

Super Catherine

THERE’S no stopping ACT Property Council executive director Catherine Carter, just back from a sabbatical in France and, clearly, raring to go, go, go! The caterers must have still been washing dishes up at Parliament House from the council’s glittering gala ball when she sends out a save-the-date alert for next year! Great Hall,

IT seems everyone but the cleaner at Radio Canberra (2CC and 2CA) has reached the finals of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards, to be held in October in Brisbane. The two stations have achieved a record nine nominations: Mark Parton, Best Current Affairs Presenter; Mike Welsh, Best Current Affairs Presenter; David Sharaz , Best Show Producer (Talk & Current Affairs); Sarah Bannerman, Best Show Producer (Talk & Current Affairs); Peter Davidson, Best Multi-Media Execution (Sales); Mark Parton, Best Talk Presenter; Mike Welsh, Best Talk Presenter; Nathan Harrison, Best Direct Salesperson and Kirsten Lim-How, Best Newcomer Off Air.

Operatic cabaret

HAS opera had its day? Is it too elitist? Singer Fleur Millar doesn’t think so and will prove it in “Opera and Me” her personal cabaret, to run on the tiny stage at Smiths Alternative, August 23 and 24. CC hears Smiths has been searching high and low for a Madame Butterfly-style sword. Bookings to 6247 4459 or books@smithsbooks.com.au

Happy and glorious...

GATHER round, chaps, as Philip Benwell, chair of the Australian Monarchist League, offers the dribbling droogs of the Fourth Estate a delicate lesson in Royal protocol, to wit: “It is not correct to refer to The Queen The wandering

WE’RE not sure what the proof-reading department was looking at when it was checking its self-promotional advertising in the hardy “Bungendore Mirror” recently. Lucky it was being paid for only in reputation.

FUSION CAFE & GRILL

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Is The Allhomes Salesperson of the Year 2013

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property

arts & entertainment / reviews cinema

Praise for printmaker of pop

THE NGA has welcomed home its travelling exhibition of “Roy Lichtenstein: Pop Remix”, comprising around 80 pieces from a comprehensive collection of nearly 300 artworks.

Lichtenstein was one of a coterie of American artists, including Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, who from the 1960s participated in the revival of American printmaking.

Lichenstein appropriated images from everyday life, from comics and advertisements and from other artists, including Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, and reworked these images

Roy Lichtenstein’s 1990 “Reflections on Crash”, a lithograph, screenprint, collage, embossing.

visual arts

“Roy Lichtenstein: Pop Remix”

At the National Gallery of Australia until January 27.

Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

into large format prints; brilliantly coloured and instantly recognisable.

Downstairs, a number of early woodcuts and lithographs from 1952 to 1960 contain subtle precursors of the graphic explosion that would become synonymous with Lichtenstein’s work and provide a window into the artist’s subsequent lifelong fascination with American imagery.

Upstairs, classic Lichtensteins include; “Bull I-VI” from the “Bull” profile series,1973 (lithograph, linecut, screenprint, 68.8cm x 88.9cm); “Nude with blue hair”, from the show stopping and darkly humorous “Nudes” series,1994 (relief, 146.7cm x 93.5cm) and the fascinating “Reflections” series wherein Lichtenstein, as curator Jaklyn Babington writes, “is remixing himself”.

The NGA has had a nearly 40-year relationship with the master American printer Ken Tyler who is well known and respected amongst Canberra art circles and whose own long relationship with the iconic American Pop artist has resulted in generous gifts to the Gallery’s collection of Lichtenstein’s works, the largest outside America. Definitely take the teenagers to this one.

Street jazz festival sets the benchmark

jazz Capital Jazz Project At The Street Theatre, August 2-11.

Reviewed by Clinton White

THE Capital Jazz Project is not like the thousands of standard jazz festivals around the world.

Far from running safe themes or jazz styles, the CJP pushes every boundary. Musicians explore new territory and audiences are shoved well outside their comfort zones.

Three of the more than

20 shows on offer took me to places I had never been.

Drummer, Andrew Dickeson, with bassist Brendan Clarke and Steve Barry at the piano indelibly stamped their fingerprint, as Dickeson put it, on some of the great tunes from the American Songbook. Their improvs were the embodiment of carpe diem as they twisted and turned every harmonic nuance of the melodies.

The Arrebato Ensemble takes the Spanish flamenco style, stretching it into new dimensions and pushing it unashamedly into the jazz realm. An unusual line-up of instruments made for intense and mysterious music-making.

CJP artist-in-residence, The Raah Project, pushed the jazz envelope right over the edge in an extraordinary concert that decisively put paid to any theory that hip-hop was not jazz. Backed by a 30-piece ANU School of Music orchestra, including a full string section, Ryan Ritchie and Tamil Rogeon compelled us to imagine jazz in 2025.

Cemented firmly in the Canberra music scene, the CJP is at once crazy-brave, educational, experimental and exploratory, but always entertaining. Congratulations go to The Street Theatre and the ANU for a festival that sets the benchmark for all others.

Adolescents’ antics of after-dark lives

By Dougal Macdonald

“The

FROM writer/director Sofia Coppola comes this salutary message movie with a linear plot drawn from real-life in a “Vanity Fair” magazine article.

In 2008/9, four adolescent women and one man systematically burgled the homes of Los Angeles’s rich and famous (notably Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom and Lindsay Lohan), carrying away famous-label clothes, cash, drugs and at least one firearm. Their parents were unaware of how they were comporting their after-dark lives.

They got away with it for a while, insouciant of risks, getting buzzes from undetected law-breaking, proximity to celebrities without direct interaction, or flaunting stolen fashion garments (with little to commend them in style or attractiveness) to peer admiration on

dance floors and at parties. Eventually uncompromising police action delivered the come-uppance, felt equally by adult family members apparently so deeply immersed in their own lives that they were totally unaware of what the little darlings were up to.

The film doesn’t offer sugarcoated clichés such as mark many Hollywood films observing the same social milieu. The kids are foul-mouthed drug users with limited vocabulary, morally sterile, cowardly, very hard to admire. Their victims who appear only peripherally may also have little to commend themselves beyond being notable for being famous for being notable... And sloppy security arrangements in their homes kept a cynic like me wondering. At Palace Electric

Entertaining, escapist fun

“Now You See Me” (M)

THE day after French-born director Louis Leterrier’s caper movie opened around Oz, some enterprising PR flack scored a hit when ABC Breakfast News screened two segments of interviews with actors and clips of action. That coup obliquely reflects the film’s themes, show-biz magic and bank robbery.

Many of the convoluted plot’s judiciously-timed revelations are themselves structural legerdemain that doesn’t explain itself until just before closing credits start. That’s clever. But it keeps us from becoming too aware of lax character development.

The protagonists inhabit clearly defined camps. The cast is well-upholstered with big names –Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine,

Isla Fisher, Mark Rufalo. Close-ups of conjuring tricks often record genuine routines performed by the actors. Or do they? Wider shots have just gotta be CG fakery delivering images that would be either impossible or too costly to stage in reality. The package is entertaining, escapist, fun. You need to deliberately scan its images (apologies for splitting that infinitive) to find what Leterrier and his cast are working so hard to conceal. My favourite is Isla Fisher having 60 seconds to escape from chains in a glass tank before a school of piranha joins her. Were the fish real, or CG ? They looked to me to be authentic Serrasalmus species. But the trick’s aftermath suggests something else. At all cinemas

Look at lesbian emotions

“Cloudburst” (MA)

Would you like to watch those old family videos once again, or listen to your favourite records on CD?

We can take your vinyl records or cassette tapes and put them onto CD and we transfer VHS tapes onto DVD.

WRITER/director Thom Fitzgerald’s dramatic road-movie comedy begins in Maine in a clapboard house where Stella (Olympia Dukakis) and Dorothy (Brenda Fricker) have for 31 years enjoyed a committed loving relationship undiminished by Dorothy’s blindness.

After falling from bed during a frolic, Dorothy comes to the attention of bureaucracy which commits her to a hospice. Stella’s not standing for that. She removes Dorothy and the pair set off in a red Ford ute with the intention of getting married in Canada.

En route they pick up young hitch-hiker Prentice (Ryan Doucette) trying to get to his mother’s funeral

in Nova Scotia. The film becomes pretty much a three-header. Stella’s a feisty lady who rejects masculine intrusion into her life. One of the film’s best passages is when, hitchhiking while Prentice drives Dorothy through Canadian border control, Stella tells it like it is for her in the matter of the engine driving her sexual life, using vocabulary a family paper cannot repeat.

“Cloudburst” has won numerous audience and jury awards. It looks good, the story is warm and engaging and the cast is first rate. And its portrayal of lesbian emotions is convincing, which is a good reason for men to see it.

At Palace Electric

Stars shine in must-see ‘Phantom’

arts & entertainment Musical honour for star flautist

THE thundering organ, the crashing chandelier, Christine and the Phantom in a fog-bound, candlelit boat in the bowels of the opera house, all make their appearances in Free Rain theatre’s much anticipated production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “The Phantom of the Opera”.

Producer Anne Somes has mined considerable resources to come up with an impressive production that captures much of the spectacle and excitement of, perhaps, the most successful musical

music

“The Phantom of the Opera” Free Rain Theatre. At Canberra Theatre until August 23.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

ever written.

Central to the success of the production are the thrilling performances of the two principals, Michael Cormick and Julie Lea Goodwin. Cormick’s “Darth Vaderish” Phantom prowls the stage,

zapping anyone who gets in his way in a wildly melodramatic, superbly sung, performance.

As the beautiful Christine, the object of the Phantom’s passion, Julie Lea Goodwin matches Cormick both vocally and melodramatically to portray the woman torn between her fascination of the Phantom and her love for her fiancé, Raul (David Pearson).

Under the deft direction of David Harmon, the large local cast of singers, dancers and actors provide strong support

with stand-out performances from Tony Falla and Michael Moore as the theatre managers, Christine Wallace as the fiery Carlotta and Bronwyn Sullivan as the mysterious Madame Giry.

Startling pyrotechnics, impressive lighting and special effects, colourful costumes, a set design that allows smooth transitions between the many scenes, together with a stunning orchestra under the direction of Ian McLean, combine to make this must-see production a triumph for all concerned.

Labour of love on the foreshore

STEAK and seafood sourced within a 500-kilometre radius and fresh produce direct from farmers. That’s what the menu dishes up at a new waterfront restaurant in the middle of the dining precinct developing at Kingston Foreshore (some would say, “finally developing”).

C Dine Bar is a labour of love for Shann Howman and Daniel Keogh, who got down and dirty in building the place. New restaurants strive for points of difference and C Dine has several. One is the glass “ageing cabinet” in which hangs – on rather large hooks – several big slabs of certified Angus beef from Wagga Wagga, for up to 21 days. Is this too disturbing for vegetarians or those who don’t want to stare at raw beef while dining? I say, it’s a

Wendy Johnson

dining

tantalising feature.

Then there’s the oyster bar, with freshly shucked, plump, salty oysters from Merimbula and dishes such as lobster poutine (lobster meat, bisque and melted cheese), inspired by the French Canadian creation of french fries, gravy and cheese curds.

Also intriguing is the “progressive art” space in the bar area. C Dine places a blank canvas in a frame and invites local artists in on Mondays, when the restaurant is closed, to progressively create a piece of art. When finished, the artwork is launched. And another difference? The most comfortable bar stools in town. Promise.

Our group settled into the comfy, highback fabric chairs, absorbing the décor and the menu, which is roughly divided into

C Dine Bar... a new waterfront restaurant in the middle of the dining precinct

at Kingston Foreshore.

entrees, crustacean/molluscs, mains (farm and C-food) and desserts.

The “black and blue” beef carpaccio looked glorious on the plate, although we thought the slices were too thick. We were dead wrong. It melts in the mouth and we adored the mustard aioli, crispy capers, pecorino, horseradish powder and baby basil ($18). The wild beetroot entree was another favourite ($16) with goat’s cheese, hazelnuts and a shallot dressing, as was the pulled pork cheek croquette ($18) ordered by a fellow diner, who really wanted to steal my carpaccio.

The winner of the day for mains was the seafood pie (specials board), a must-try if you’re a seafood aficionado. My blue swimmer crab ravioli, with salty crispy caper flowers and house-preserved lemon ($28) was fine but not my fave, although

I can’t pinpoint why. One serve of fish and chips hit the spot; another was a bit dry. And the prosciutto-wrapped chicken roulade stuffed with pistachios, bacon and wild mushroom ($34) was a great combo of tastes.

C Dine’s wine list features local options (nice one) and a large number of interesting drops, impressing the wine experts among us.

We didn’t have dessert, but how does the Chocolate Bar sound – chocolate sprayed marquise, bitter orange gel, vanilla, bittersweet feuilletine and black berry sorbet ($16).

C Dine Bar, 17/19 East Lake Parade, Kingston Foreshore, call 6239 5299. Open lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday. Seating inside (for 90) and outside (for 50) with views of the water.

city

THE Canberra Symphony Orchestra is honouring brilliant flautist Virginia Taylor in its August concert, “From the New World”. A former associate professor of flute at the ANU, she’s gone off to coordinate flute at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne, but will be performing the Australian première of Matthew Hindson’s flute concerto, “House Music”, at Llewellyn Hall on August 21 and 22. Bookings to 1300 795012 or ticketek.com.au

JOE Woodward, director of Shadow House Pits, is kicking off the “Without a Voice” series at Smith’s Alternative, Civic, at 8.30pm on August 20. Bookings essential to shadowhousepits.com.au/ without%20a%20voice.htm

THE State Theatre Company of SA’s “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”, a romp through all 37 plays that boasts “blazing hilarity that aims to out-Python Monty”, is at the Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, August 24-27. Bookings to 6285 6290 or theq.net.au

RESEARCHERS/curators, Erica Seccombe, Prof Tim Senden and Ben Forster examine tensions between science and popular culture in partnership with the ANU’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Research School of Physics and Engineering in “Science Fiction” at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House, until September 28, 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday; 10am to 4pm Saturday.

CRAFT ACT will host its inaugural international artist-in-residence when British textile artist, Michael Brennand-Wood, will undertake his residency at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage during September as part of an ongoing collaboration with National Parks and Catchments.

THE eighth “Possible Worlds” film festival is bringing four new feature films and one short film representing independent cinema from Canada and the US to the Arc Cinema, Acton, August 21-23. Included is “Lunarcy”, a portrait of eccentrics obsessed with the moon. Bookings to 6248 2000.

“ARTMissionheart” is a show of art, photography and craft at Ainslie Church of Christ Hall, August 23-25. A charity auction will be held at 7pm on Saturday, August 24. Hours are Friday 11am8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

By candlelight

Exquisite design

Legendary designer Florence Broadhurst’s legacy of striking patterning has been translated into beautiful bedlinen. “Chinese Key” in silver shows the influence of travel and ancient artefacts in a geometric design in 100 per cent cotton sateen with metallic highlights. From $249.95 for a queen set, available at David Jones, Domayne and Harvey Norman.

By Kathryn Vukovljak

& garden

Keep the colour palette light and fresh.

Dreaming of a bright kitchen

UPDATING your kitchen doesn’t have to be a timely and expensive exercise, says Jessie Harvey, of Fyshwick-based Granite Transformations.

“The days of a complete demolition and rebuild are a thing of the past, with more than 10,000 people opting for kitchen makeovers in 2012, in Australia alone,” she says.

“For a portion of the cost of a complete demolition and rebuild, a makeover or renovation will transform your tired, old kitchen into a stunning feature.

“By working with existing surfaces and cabinets, a makeover will give your kitchen a new feel and fresh look.”

Jessie says a kitchen makeover doesn’t need to be complicated.

“My advice is not to complicate

the layout too much; this way you can have a simple kitchen makeover without the expense of doing a complete demolition,” she says.

“Determine how you use your kitchen, and how you want to use your kitchen.

“Work out what you need –more cupboard space, bigger island benchtop – before deciding on the layout.”

A makeover is better for the environment and makes life easier, being completed in just a couple of days, she says.

“Also, keep the colour palette light and fresh and just add a splash of colour with a feature splashback.

“Engineered stone splashbacks are an emerging trend for the simple advantage that there is no grout to clean. Plus they create a seamless look that flows beautifully with the stone benchtop.”

Going to pot or what?

POT culture can be a neglected aspect of gardening, leaving some plants in pots for years, like a lifetime in jail, possibly with roots growing into the ground.

To prevent this, never place pots directly on soil in a garden bed, rather place pots on a paver.

When re-potting, just getting the plant out of the pot can be a challenge, particularly if it is an Ali Baba-style, tapered pot, a type I never recommend for plants. Depending on the value of the plant, the pot may have to be sacrificed. Starting with potting up a new plant, here are a few new ideas: usually, the size of the pot is too large for the plant and its root ball and leads to using more potting mix than is necessary. Potting mixes vary in quality and while it is tempting to buy the cheapest, this is a false economy. Spending, say, $50 or more for a beautiful specimen plant and planting it in $5 potting mix is something like driving a Mercedes and running it on standard petrol!

The roots of most plants will not extend to the bottom of the pot. Very few plants have a tap root. So what is the solution? Firstly, make sure there are sufficient holes in the bottom of the pot or indeed any holes – many imported ceramic pots don’t have drainage holes, which is great for a mini fishpond but a quick death for plants.

Firstly, place a few pieces of broken tile or terracotta over the holes. Next shred some polystyrene to fill the container to a quarter or a third, depending on the variety of plant. For example, azaleas and daphne have shallow roots. With annuals, at least half the container can be filled with polystyrene, reducing the amount of potting mix.

With any plant, it depends on how long it has been in the pot at the garden centre. Check if it appears root bound. This is rarely a problem with perennials as the roots can be gently teased out. Certainly this is

Cedric Bryant gardening

never a problem with veggie, herbs or flower seedlings. Incidentally, garden centres report herbs are outselling flowering annuals by a factor of three to one. If the plant is a shrub and has a mass of roots one can be quite ruthless using a sharp knife. Gently cut through the roots in three places from top of the plant to the bottom. Then similarly cut a cross across the base of the plants. The roots will then spread out from the cuts into the potting mix.

Firm the potting mix, leaving a space of about five centimetres from the top for watering. I suggest you plant carpet thyme or similar on the top of the pot as a living mulch, keeping the root zone cool in summer.

Finally, water the plant several times, adding Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient to promote root growth. All of the above advice can equally apply when re-potting older plants while at the same time trying to reduce the roots and soil by one third for fresh potting mix.

Always raise pots off the ground, even when placed on paving or concrete. Pots do not need a saucer as this leads to bad drainage and root rot and possible death of the plant.

Stuff to do

• If you have used a pot as a mini fishpond, clean accumulated leaves and other debris from the bottom.

• Group a variety of pot sizes together to form an interesting display of colour.

• To prevent terracotta pots drying out, paint the inside with a bituminous paint such as Ormonoid available from DIY stores.

• Grow a variety of plants in a pot with flowering times throughout the growing season.

• Focus outdoor lights on a group of pots.

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

George puts brakes on pre-election car buying

George runs a labour-hire business in the computer industry and is worried about the Government’s changes to car fringe benefits.

“In the absence of any legislation at this stage, it is just an announcement which makes it hard to give you specific advice,” I told him.

“However, I will clarify what is clear so that you can see a way forward. Despite the Government’s announcement, the Liberals have indicated that they will not support the changes if they win Government, which means there will be no change.”

George then wanted to know what he was supposed to do in the meantime.

“Any agreements you entered before July 16 will not be affected,” I counselled him.

“So, unless there is a need to change a car immediately, I would recommend that you leave everything as is.

“The announcement said cars purchased after July 16 will not be able to use the statutory formula method. The only other method that currently exists is the operating cost method, which requires that a log book be kept for 12 weeks and is based on the actual business use of the car.

“If the car has little business use, the benefit to your employees will be reduced. It is also possible that some alternative method of calculation will be introduced.

“Vehicles over one tonne are exempt from FBT if they are used for business. Whilst a one-tonne utility is exempt from FBT, the Commissioner of Taxation says that private use of the vehicle must be limited to home-to-work travel and minor and infrequent private use such as trips to the tip.

“If the vehicle is used for any other private use, then it is not exempt from FBT. So it would appear that a log book will be required for this type of vehicle if the legislation is passed.”

George said given none of his vehicles were due for replacement, he’d sit tight and make a decision after the September 7 election. He also wanted clarification of changes to the rules around the Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA).

“Firstly, your employee must maintain a home in Australia which they can return to at any time during the secondment, which must be for less than 12 months,” I told him.

“Substantiation of the accommodation component is essential as it will be exempt if completely substantiated.

“Regarding the food component, from April 1, the amount that does not require substantiation is $350 a week for two adults plus an additional amount for children. Provided that LAFHA does not exceed this amount, substantiation for meals is not required and it is exempt from FBT.”

George said thanks and left with a promise to come back to discuss this with me after the election.

If you need assistance with your fringe benefits tax, motor vehicles or LAFHA, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

puzzles page

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Many Rams are feeling mighty feisty, and in the mood to fight back. But this week’s impulsive aspects could land you in a heap of hot water, so resist the temptation to be rebellious and antagonise authority figures. Perhaps a more subtle approach is the smarter way to go? Slow down and think things through – before you say or do something that you later regret.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

The Full Moon lights up your Brilliant Career zone (for the second time in the last month). But are you making the most of the opportunities that are around? Don’t be a bashful Bull – show others what you are capable of. Things become intense on Saturday, as you worry about a close relationship. The more possessive you are, the more difficult the day will be.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Is your cash flow erratic at the moment? With Mars and Jupiter jumping through your money zone, look for proactive solutions to financial problems. If you develop a second stream of income, you’ll feel much more secure. Mercury moves through your family zone (from August 24 until September 9) so it’s time to get talking – really talking – with a loved one.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

A work situation (or professional relationship) is likely to veer off in a totally unexpected direction, so keep your adaptability muscles well-flexed (and try to relax). If you sweat the small stuff, it will be a long and exhausting week. Jupiter encourages you to step back and take a broader perspective. Sunday suits all forms of communication, but avoid being a snappy Crab.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Expect a fabulously frantic week, as the Full Moon fires up your relationship zone and loved ones demand more of your time, energy and undivided attention. Plus Mercury hooks up with the Sun on Sunday, which increases your Cat curiosity (and your tendency to gossip and spill secrets). But is that a wise thing to do? Just remember Leo, loose lips sink ships!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

You’re searching for stability but that’s the last thing you’ll get from loved ones this week. A goal or dream is also uncertain, as you strive to adapt to changing circumstances. Mercury visits Virgo (from August 24 to September 9) which suits critical thinking, research work, facts and figures, plus practical projects. But don’t let minor details blind you to the bigger picture.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mars and Jupiter are charging through your career zone, so dynamic and decisive action is what’s needed at work. If you dither around (in typical Libran fashion), then lucrative opportunities and important connections will pass you by. If you are looking for employment, you need to be uncharacteristically proactive as you search out jobs before they are advertised.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With Saturn moving slowly through Scorpio, resist the temptation to be too hard on yourself (and overly impressed by the outward trappings of material success). Strive to be as authentic as possible – true to your talents and core values. Be inspired by birthday great Coco Chanel: “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Jupiter squares Uranus mid-week, so be careful your spontaneous Sagittarian side doesn’t land you in unexpected trouble! Plus be extra patient when dealing with a wilful child, teenager or friend. Clear communication sees you zoom ahead at work, as you find a captivating new audience for your creative ideas. The weekend is wonderful for sporting pursuits and outdoor activities.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns thrive on being self-sufficient and in control but, with Venus visiting your career zone (until September 11), teamwork and consultation will get you where you want to go. Look for a person you can collaborate with, on a project that is close to your heart. And don’t be too proud to ask for assistance when you need it – others will be happy to lend a helping hand.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The Full Moon’s in your sign (plus Uranus squares Jupiter), which will amplify your restless Aquarian nature. But too much chaos and haste could lead to an argument or accident, so pace yourself. When it comes to a money matter, are you being overconfident? Make sure financial plans are based on a realistic appraisal of the situation (and the risks involved).

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A goal or aspiration has been put on hold but that’s OK. It gives you extra time to think things through and calibrate your plans. If you are still struggling for direction, look within for guidance and inspiration. When it comes to communicating important ideas, resist the urge to launch into long and obscure explanations. Strive to be more verbally precise Pisces!

1 Which noxious shrub was once used in hedges?

8 What do we call one of the ruling systems where the power is invested in a few?

9 Which term describes one who catches fish?

10 Which device controls the amount of fuel being fed to an engine?

11 What is a city quarter in which any minority group lives?

13 Name the Australian pop group, originally the Flowers, formed in 1977

16 What is another term for spendthrifts?

19 Mistakes in writing or printing are described by which Latin term?

22 Where are dances held?

24 What is an estimate of government income and expenditure?

25 Which term describes that which is mournful or gloomy?

26 Name the various herons occurring throughout the world Down

2 What is a large farm for cattle, horses, or the like?

3 What is another word for a manservant?

4 Which terrestrial or freshwater reptile has toed feet rather than flippers?

5 Name an alternative term for a jetty

6 Which military pageant takes place at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile?

7 What covers certain fish?

12 Which animals in America are called wapitis?

14 What is the entire costume of an individual?

15 Name one of the two bones of the forearm which is on the side opposite to the thumb

17 Which ancient calculator is still in use?

18 What do we call a bank employee who handles money over the counter? 20 What is an addition to a document, etc? 21 Name another term for larceny

What, in cricket, is a set of

Tiler Luke takes top apprentice prize

TILER Luke Wray is this year’s top apprentice after being presented with the Outstanding Graduating Apprentice certificate at the ACT Regional Building and Construction Industry Training Council’s awards.

Luke is also the current Australian World Skills gold medalist for wall and floor tiling.

The CITC held its 11th Outstanding Graduating Apprentice and Industry Encouragement Awards at Thoroughbred Park, on Friday, August 9. A total of 22 awards were presented

to exceptional apprentices including outstanding cadet, indigenous apprentice and for a woman in a non-traditional trade.

It was also the first time that the Industry had nominated women for five separate trades: bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, electrical and landscaping.

Vince Ball, executive director of the CITC, reminded the more than 300 guests of the enormous contribution the construction industry played in not only the local economy but also in its contribution to youth and the general community.

“This major industry event is providing the opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding performances by local

graduating construction industry apprentices in the presence of their family, employers and industry,” he said.

“The quality of apprentices nominated and interviewed this year was outstanding.

“Each apprentice has demonstrated their commitment and dedication to their chosen trade and to the industry.

“This year’s winners were all highly motivated and have reached a high standard of skill and dedication in their chosen fields within the construction industry.”

Mr Ball acknowledged the generosity of event sponsors and supporters, and said that without their support the CITC would not be able to continue this major construction industry function.

Rider Levett Bucknall congratulates all the winners of the 2013 Property Council of Australia ACT Awards.

We are the major sponsor of the 2013 ACT Property Development of the Year Award.

We are proud to recognise projects that exemplify creative thinking and challenge and improve our industry.

We share with the 2013 ACT Development of Year award recipient “RM Hope Building” a focus on quality in everything we do and a push towards a vibrant and community driven Canberra.

www.rlb.com p: +61 2 6281 5446

ACT Property Council 2013 awards Property stars run

The Property Council of Australia ACT held its annual Awards Night and Gala Ball 2013 at a sell-out themed event – “The Night Circus” – at Parliament House on Friday, August 2. Here we list and profile the winners of the council’s prestigious awards

ACT Property Development of the Year

Sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall Winner: R M Hope Building, owned and nominated by ISPT

CONSTRUCTED between 1939 and 1941 to house the Patent Office, the building at 2 National Circuit was one of the first erected within the Parliamentary Triangle. During the war years, the office was also home to the British High Commission, the Federal Police and the local branch of what would later become ASIO.

Regular sittings of the ACT Supreme Court were held there until 1963, with a gated cell for defendants that remains in the basement today.

After the Patent Office moved to Woden in 1971, the building fell into decline and was in danger of demolition. “No amount of expenditure would bring it up to modern office standards and, aesthetically, the building can hardly claim architectural significance,” was the National Capital Development Commission’s assessment.

By the time ISPT Pty Ltd began its $37 million facelift in 2010, the building had been stripped of many of its heritage features, with the spectacular internal staircases, joinery and custom-built furniture just a memory.

The operational and security needs of the tenant, the Office of National Assessments (ONA), combined with the challenges of refurbishing a Commonwealth Heritage listed building, proved a complex task. The building was renamed the Robert Marsden Hope Building after the former royal commissioner whose recommendations

GEOCON WINS PROPERTY COUNCIL’S ACT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Mark Chappe, director, Rider Levett Bucknall, presents the Property Development of the Year Award to ISPT’s fund manager Mark Bassett and Property Investment Manager Heather Kent.

in the 1970s led to the creation of the ONA. ISPT’s work included the demolition of old and construction of new link buildings, and the restoration of the original Art Deco façade. Every effort has been made to preserve original features. For instance, jarrah flooring removed from the ACT Supreme Court has been re-used as decorative wall panelling in the main reception area and conference facilities.

Today, the RM Hope Building lays claim to the best of both the past and future. The careful restoration has preserved a Canberra landmark, while the innovative and environmentally-sustainable design has met all the contemporary requirements of a modern office. It’s a clear example of nation-leading construction from the nation’s capital.

GEOCON is proud to be named as the Property Council’s 2013 ACT Business of the Year.

As a growing Canberra company, we are humbled by this honour. With a focus on producing quality residential and commercial property, GEOCON’s portfolio of work includes VUE The Residence, Observatory Living, Abode – The Apartment Hotel, the Gungahlin Business Park and Fringe at Epicentre.

According to the Property Council, GEOCON was presented with this hotly-contested award for demonstrating optimism, innovation and hard work.

For further information about GEOCON and our work in the property and accommodation sectors, visit geocon.com.au

/ advertising feature away to the circus

ACT Property Business of the Year

Sponsored by GHD

Winner: Geocon

IN just five years, Geocon has expanded from a small business focused on residential homes to a property developer of residential, industrial and commercial property, and the owner and operator of three hotels in Canberra.

“The ACT property industry has a diverse range of exceptional businesses worthy of public recognition, but this year Geocon stood out among an extremely strong field of nominees,” said Property Council ACT executive director, Catherine Carter.

Geocon was recognised for its excellence in client service, innovation and commitment to delivering quality and affordability across a range of sectors. Geocon’s diverse mix of current projects includes six residential developments, two commercial projects and four hotels.

Among its many achievements, Geocon is currently finalising an ambitious adaptive reuse project of Juliana House in Woden. The transformation of a tired and empty C-Grade office building into an Abode Hotel is on target to achieve Australia’s first Green Star rating for a hotel. The project will breathe life into an underused part of the Woden Town Centre, and set new benchmarks for sustainable construction.

Allan Wylucki ACT Property

Professional

of the Year

Sponsored by Hays

Winner: Mark Chappe, Director, Rider Levett Bucknall

WITH more than 35 years’ experience in the property industry, Mark is an industry leader in pre-contract and post-contract cost consultancy services on projects that range from less than $1m to more than $3bn.

“Mark’s hands-on approach and dependable experience in contractual and cost planning matters provide the industry with solid evidence-based advice and reassurance in a very complex field,” said Property Council ACT executive director, Catherine Carter. Mark has worked on major ACT projects including courts, detention centres, libraries and schools, health, defence and diplomatic facilities, and many of the leading commercial offices in Canberra.

He has also contributed to the bidding process and execution of Olympic Games including Rio 2016, Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000, as well as Commonwealth and Asian Games, adding certainty to areas of cost, setting realistic budgets, reducing the risk of budget overruns and planning for venues that leave an asset to the host city.

The Property Professional of the Year Award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance in their profession, and honours the contribution of Allan Wylucki. A Principal at McCann Property & Planning and the author of the ACT Office Market Report for 10 years, Allan passed away in August 2002 after a long battle with cancer.

ACT Future Leader of the Year

Sponsored by the ACT Building & Construction Industry Training Fund Authority

Winner: Karen Billington, Sustainability Manager, Northrop Consulting Engineers

A SUSTAINABILITY specialist with a reputation for excellence, Karen is the founder and group manager of Northrop Sustainability, a specialist group within Northrop Consulting Engineers.

Over the last five years, she has built a strong, highlyreputable and profitable business that is overseeing some award-winning projects.

Karen has played a lead role in shaping a number of outstanding projects around Australia, as well as projects that are transforming Canberra, including the Juliana House revitalisation project in Woden and Loop, the Belconnen Markets Redevelopment.

With a number of qualifications under her belt, including a Masters in the Built Environment (Sustainable Development), Karen’s mix of academic and practical experience was a stand-out in a very strong field of nominees.

Property Council ACT executive director, Catherine Carter, said: “Karen was the first female associate to be appointed in Northrop’s 40-year history. She is an exceptional example to other young women considering careers in construction, and the potential to become one of Australia’s future sustainability stars.”

Executive Director’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Property Council

Awarded to Brendan Bilston, Principal, Point Project Management

AFTER a career in the Australian Defence Force, Brendan left the forces to pursue a career as a professional engineer.

Two years later he joined Michael Snare as co-owner of Point Project Management. In six years, Point has grown from two staff to 90, with seven offices in Australia and one in Papua New Guinea.

Point has won a swag of awards, and Brendan has a reputation for delivering the “fastest Defence fit-out in history”, completing a highly-complex project in 12 weeks rather than the expected 48 weeks.