The wish even Santa can’t fix
Families matter at this time
Brave Kelsey’s battle for blood
Season’s Greetings from the team at Kazar Slaven
enjoy the communal garden designed by internationally renowed jamie durie With fire pits and a lap pool Live
It’s safe to say Andrew Doyle has set the bar for the art of popping the question. LAURA EDWARDS reports
ANDREW Doyle’s proposal to his girlfriend of 11 months, Mehri Homayunfard, was a meticulously planned, unique moment; right down to the last detail.
The 28-year-old, who owns his own accounting and finance recruitment business, commissioned local artist Angela Parragi to paint a portrait of him proposing to Mehri in front of another portrait, with the painting to hang on a wall in the NewActon gallery where he proposed – creating a “three-way mirror” effect.
“We had to be a bit sneaky about it, so we arranged to have a look-alike pose for the painting and get a friend to take a few photos of Mehri standing that way,” Andrew explains.
“It was made a bit more complicated as I had to encourage her to wear the dress she was wearing in the painting in a way that wasn’t obvious, but it all worked out.
“The whole thing was under the guise that I was taking her there for work Christmas drinks to meet some clients of mine, and going into the gallery to have a quick look beforehand, so we worked with the Molonglo Group to open it up so only we were in there.”
Andrew also got “CityNews” on board, with our photographer Gary Schafer pretending to snap photos of the gallery as the couple walked in, turning his camera around once Andrew proposed to catch the moment.
“I really wanted a proposal that included businesses in the community, but that wasn’t too over the top,” Andrew says.
Mehri says she “had no idea” the proposal was coming.
“I was a bit shocked, I knew it was coming eventually but not today and not in this way - the painting is going to be a beautiful keepsake,” she says.
After Andrew got his “yes”, the couple went to nearby bar Parlour to celebrate with waiting friends and family – “a perfect ending,” says Mehri.
But Andrew admits he’s never been one for small gestures.
He says it “took time” for their relationship to blossom – they first met through his previous job at Hudson recruitment, when Sydney-based Mehri visited the Canberra office one day, and were friends for over three years before finally getting together in January.
“Things had been blossoming at the start of the year and I surprised her by coming up to Sydney to visit and basically ask her to go out with me,” Andrew says.
He says he had been trying to put Mehri “off the scent” in the months before the proposal.
“When we first got together, I had told her she’d have a ring within 12 months, which put a bit of pressure on me, admittedly; so
Canberra Confidential 11
Letters 10
News 3-13
THINGS TO DO
Crossword 23
Entertainment 14-16 & 21
Exhibitions 14
Family Fun 15
Gardens 17
Horoscope 23
Movies 22
Soduko 23
Sport 15
Just engaged… Andrew Doyle and Mehri Homayunfard in front of the painting he commissioned to surprise her.
leading up to it I had to keep saying it’d be a while, that I couldn’t afford it to try and get her thinking it wouldn’t happen soon.”
Andrew admits he is probably setting the bar for his friends, but wanted a unique proposal for Mehri “because she’s so special”.
“One of my friends was a bit annoyed when I told him my plan, as he thinks it’ll put a lot of pressure on him to outdo it when he decides to propose to his girlfriend,” Andrew laughs.
a ring within 12 months,” says Andrew.
DECORATIONS, scented candles and even the humble Christmas tree can harbour hidden asthma triggers, warns the National Asthma Council Australia.
“Most people are unaware that cypress and pine trees produce high amounts of pollen and pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma, especially when the trees are displayed indoors,” says council CEO Kristine Whorlow.
“Artificial trees may seem like a safe alternative, but these trees are often used year after year and they can accumulate dust and even mould in storage and both of these are common asthma triggers.”
To minimise the Christmas wheeze, the council recommends vacuuming artificial trees and decorations as you get them out of the box, unpacking them outside if possible and wiping down artificial trees before putting them up inside.
Other potential triggers include dusty decorations, highly scented candles and emotional ups and downs including laughter and stress.
A personal asthma action plan can be stored on a smartphone and easily accessed from anywhere via the Asthma Buddy app. More information at nationalasthma.org.au
Since 1993: Volume 19, Number 47
Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601
Chief executive officer: Greg Jones 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au
Senior advertising executive: Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999
Advertising sales executives: Kim Garcia, 0414 878055 Gen Cheah, 0417 653100
Advertising sales co-ordinator: ad@citynews.com.au
Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777
Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au
Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au
Journalists: Laura Edwards, laura@citynews.com.au
Stephen Easton, stephen@citynews.com.au Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au
Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au
Photographers: Gary Schafer and Andrew Finch
Graphic designers: Janet Ewen and Paulette Leo
Distribution: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au
Cover: Andrew Doyle proposes to Mehri Homayunfard. Story this page. Photo by Gary Schafer. Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
THIS Christmas, the Laloulu family all have the same thing on their wish list – a home.
Since parents Raymond and Muniao and their six young children moved from NZ to Canberra last year, the family has been struggling to find permanent, affordable accommodation.
“We were staying with family, but it just got too crowded with six children under 12, so we didn’t know where to go, it’s hard to move around everywhere,” says stay-at-home mum Muniao.
The family turned to the St Vincent de Paul Society, which in the last 12 months has helped them find temporary accommodation and put them on a waiting list for permanent housing.
“Our kids love it in Canberra and we have some family here, so we really want to settle down – we just didn’t think it would be this hard, so we’re just waiting and hoping for government housing now,” says Muniao.
St Vincent de Paul support worker Kathy Miller, who has supported the Laloulu family in their search for permanent housing, says finding affordable housing can be difficult for any struggling family, particularly large families like the Laloulus.
“It’s very hard, especially when you’ve got six kids, to find affordable housing - there’s very little that would be available,” Kathy says.
“And around Christmas time, it’s added stress –it adds an extra dimension to a tough situation.”
According to St Vincent de Paul President
Frank Brassil, the Society has seen a 12 per cent increase of families seeking help in the lead up to Christmas.
“Based on these statistics we are expecting an increase over the Christmas period,” Mr Brassil says.
“Last year, from November 2012 to January 2013, the St Vincent de Paul Society in Canberra/ Goulburn visited over 4000 homes of people in need in our community. Our Conferences will also be providing assistance to those in need in the community during this Christmas period. This may involve having a friendly chat or it might involve providing information, advocacy, food or food vouchers, clothing, furniture, budget support, and assistance with utility bills or back-to-school costs.”
Muniao says she has her “fingers crossed” the family can find a home in the new year.
“I’m just very thankful to Vinnies, they’ve really helped us… I’m not sure what we would have done without Kathy,” she says.
More information on the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal at vinnies.org.au/page/Get_Involved/Fundraise/VIC/Christmas_Gift_Appeal/
Thanks to Santa at Cooleman Court, and to Cooleman Court and ALDI for providing the family with a gift voucher.
“I look around me at my damp rat hole the sides and roof of which are lined with sandbags … the lower bags are green with mildew and the upper ones up near the sun and air are sprouting grass … one simply notes these things, fear of death having left one.” David Harford of the 51st Battalion describes in his diary the conditions in the trenches at Pozières in mid-October 1916
the First World War through the words of our first ANZACs.
entry. Open daily 10 am – 5 pm Treloar Crescent Campbell ACT www.awm.gov.au
We’re looking for the best kid’s eye view of our centenary year. We want to capture children’s perspectives on Canberra in 2013. The photographs could be of people or places in Canberra, people enjoying Centenary of Canberra events, or photos of art works you may have created at school to celebrate the centenary. The competition is open to children up to 12 years of age living in the ACT.
www.canberra100.com.au for
on how to submit your entry. Entries close 17 January 2014
By Laura Edwards
TUCKED away inside the Holt Community Centre is a cafe proactively changing the story of disability and employment in the community.
Branch Out Cafe, opened last year by Carers ACT, provides an opportunity for young adult school leavers with a disability to learn new skills, with a view to transition to employment in the hospitality industry.
Up to six trainees at the cafe learn how to clean, handle money, deliver meals and prepare food and drinks under the guidance of a supervisor and two support workers. At the end of their tenure, usually a year depending on competency, most trainees receive a Certificate 1 in Work Preparation.
“It feels good to be working here,” says trainee Jordan D’Ambrosio, 21, who has been working at Branch Out three days a week since July.
“I like finding my cooking skills, because I did cooking in high school. My favourite job at the cafe is making food, taking orders, making drinks and deliveries. I want to have a restaurant career when I leave.”
This month, the cafe won a Chief Minister’s inclusion award for tourism and hospitality and in November was named team of the year at the disability support worker awards. Manager Amanda McAlister says there was “nothing else” like it in Canberra when it opened.
“There was a huge gap for people with a disability when leaving school, they might have had certain skills but they needed a little bit more help to transition to employment, so this program was created to give them a bit of a leg-up,” she says.
“A lot of the trainees will start out very quiet, but you see them really come out of their shell, their confidence just grows.”
Supervisor Stevie Beattie hopes more businesses in Canberra’s hospitality industry will open up
to the idea of hiring an employee with a disability.
“I understand that it’s a difficult one for a hospitality worker,” he says.
“There are rewards though, quite often people with a disability are very loyal, they learn the task, they keep doing the task, and they’re happy to keep doing it. If you tailor a job and tasks specifically to them, and train them in it, nine times out of 10 you’ll get a very loyal and capable worker who is productive.”
Support staff member Lorna Keogh, who has a background in nursing and disability support, says: “So many of the trainees have really surprised me with how well they have performed on the job, and we’ve had feedback from their parents saying they love their new-found independence.”
“If you set the bar high, they will reach it.”
Branch Out Cafe, open from 9am-1pm, Monday-Friday. More information at carersact.org.au/ branchout
THE holiday season isn’t always a happy time for parents heading for, or in, a relationship meltdown, says lawyer Catherine Coles.
“Separated couples with children, who are facing their first holiday season apart, may experience communication and other difficulties,” she says.
“While circumstances vary, the fallout can include depression, tension, isolation and extreme anxiety for everyone – including, sadly, the children.
Coles, a family lawyer with the Canberra office of Watts McCray, says it’s important to put the children’s needs first and remember it is not the child’s role to create a harmonious environment over the holidays.
“In these situations, in particular, a blissful, hassle-free Christmas can be a big ask,” she says. “But having realistic expectations and applying some practical tips can help ease the pain.” Her tips include:
• Planning as much as possible in advance to avoid flare-up arguments.
• Respecting family traditions.
• Compromising and aiming to be fair so the children can have the best of both worlds.
• Being civil, no matter how hard it is, and making sure any disagreements are out of earshot of the children.
• Using technology to make communication possible, such as Skype.
“When sparks fly, some parents rush to the phone to seek legal advice,” says Coles. “Being on the phone to your lawyer all the time during the holidays can be costly. It is often best to concentrate on your legal options after the emotionally charged Christmas period is over.”
LOOKING at Kelsey Drabsch today, it’s hard to believe she was once on the brink of death.
Born two months premature, the bubbly Lake Tuggeranong College student weighed a fragile 1.4 kilograms (three pounds) at birth, leaving her with underdeveloped lungs, profound deafness and infected bowels which required immediate surgery.
At age seven, Kelsey was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency disease; a state where the immune system’s ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent due to a lack of white blood cells.
The 17-year-old now depends on infusions of antibodies every four weeks for the rest of her life.
As a young ambassador for the Australian Red Cross, Kelsey has been visiting schools around Canberra since March, encouraging students to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to help people like her.
“Some people don’t realise how much blood we rely on, and it saves about three lives a year, from people who have been in accidents, to people like me who need it for infusions,” Kelsey says.
“I need about 240 mls every time I come in to get enough white blood cells, and if I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t be able to live healthily. Even the week before I’m due to go get the infusions, I start to feel weak and fatigued, so it really helps me continue on.”
Kelsey, who wears a hearing aid and can lip read, says having chronic illness doesn’t stop her from being the energetic, sports-mad student she is today.
In year 10 she won a Gai Brodtmann “Legend” award, for students who overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals.
A semester of bullying in year 8 “hurt”, she says, but made her more determined to push on with her studies.
“I never let it stop me, I think it made me stronger in the end and taught me to not rely so much on my friends, to just do my own thing,” Kelsey says.
“I started really getting into sports like soccer after that, and branched out and made new friends.”
It also inspired Kelsey to set up a soccer-based, lunchtime program called Kids Empowered Learning Sport, which encouraged students to interact and make new friendships through sports. The program was run in four schools for about a term, and involved over 200 students.
“I wanted to help combat bullying because it can be
a pretty horrible thing when you’re at school, so it was great to see people interact and make new friends, to let them know they can do anything they want,” she says. Kelsey recently told her story at Starlight Foundation Balls in Canberra and Melbourne to standing ovations, and says she will continue to speak about issues she is passionate about.
“I realise how lucky I am to be alive, when things could have been a lot worse,” she says.
“I definitely would like to continue making people aware that they can make a difference.”
To donate blood to the Australian Red Cross, visit donateblood.com.au/
FOR many families, the festive season is a time for celebration, but for thieves, it’s also the prime season for home burglaries.
According to police statistics, around 350 Canberra homes were robbed in the last summer holiday period, with empty and unprotected homes making easy targets.
Station sergeant Rod Anderson says taking a
few simple steps this holidays will reduce the risk of burglaries.
“It’s all about making sure the house doesn’t look unattended – have sensor lights, draw curtains, get someone you know to grab the mail or even arrange for a neighbour to park their car in your driveway so it looks like someone is
POLICE will “make no apologies” for breath testing anytime and anywhere this festive season, says station sergeant Rod Anderson.
Until February, police will target alcohol and drug impaired driving, with statistics showing that impaired driving, primarily due to the effects of alcohol, is a major contributing factor to serious and fatal crashes in the ACT.
In 2013, more than 100,000 random breath tests were conducted on ACT roads, with more than 1000 drivers returning a result over the limit.
“We know the seasonal change brings people out and we know they consume more alcohol, and we want to make sure everyone is kept safe, that we reduce road trauma and we remove any impaired drivers on the road,” says Sgt Anderson.
Police will also launch Operation Crossroads, a nationally co-ordinated traffic campaign, partnering with
home,” Sgt Anderson says.
“There’s many break and enter cases we see where the point of entry is an unlocked window or something, so it’s important to make sure they are all secure,” he says.
“It may sound really simple, but if you make it as hard as possible for someone to get into your house, they’re more likely to move on. It’s about putting up deterrents.”
More information at police.act.gov.au/
Monaro police, which aims to make making sure people are safe coming into and out of the ACT.
The operation, which runs from December 23 until January 3, will see extra police deployed on main roads and highways, targeting speeding, drink-driving, fatigue, seatbelts and driver distraction, with double demerit points in place from December 20 until January 1 inclusive.
Police will also focus on Kings Highway, where between December 2012 and January 2013, a total of nine crashes occurred, with over half of those crashes speed related.
“Last summer from December 2012 to January 2013, police issued 364 speeding tickets to reckless Kings Highway road users,” says Sgt Anderson.
“We want people to enjoy themselves this summer but to also drive safely and return back home.”
For more information visit police.act.gov.au/
“OVER the next fortnight we’re going to see some pretty impressive heat across the Canberra region,” says the Bureau of Meteorology’s Sean Carson.
“The odds are favouring a warmer than average summer. It’s a continuation of what we’ve seen this year so far; 2013 is going to rank as Canberra’s second-hottest year on record.”
Christmas Day promises to be in the high 20s in Canberra, with hot weather predicted until the New Year.
The early forecast for New Year’s Eve at this stage is expected to reach the high 20s, too.
YOUR readers might be interested in reading about this spontaneous act of kindness.
Our Belconnen Branch of the CWA arranged to hold our monthly meeting at a community hall in Scullin. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were locked out and so held the formal part of our meeting in the car park.
An enquiry at Alzheimer’s headquarters nearby resulted in our members and visitors being warmly welcomed to their boardroom, where we swiftly set up the tables for our fundraising “Cards Without Four Corners” morning, put the kettle on and prepared morning tea, as well as laying out a trading table offering handicraft, fresh produce and pantry items.
We even spilled out into the reception areas of the building, which had the entire complex really buzzing.
Thank you, Alzheimer’s for accommodating so many of us at such short notice. This spontaneous act of kindness surely demonstrates what a caring community we enjoy here in Canberra.
Kay Beagle, publicity officer, Belconnen Branch of the Country Women’s Association of NSW
KATY Gallagher should bite the bullet and sack Joy Burch following her disgusting Twitter message referring to Christoper Pyne.
She has been an underperfomer in the three portfolios she’s been given by Ms Gallagher.
Community Services: The Bindubi Youth Centre and its many problems, which she mishandled so badly.
Disability Services: This was in complete disarray including recently closing a respite care house urgently needed by children and young adults with disabilities
and utilised by parents, many of them coping alone as single parents.
And now, as Education Minister and even worse Minister for Women, someone who should be setting an example, she reproduced this Twitter message using the most disgusting word which completely denigrates women.
Katy, she must go!
Heather Ponting, Greenway
EACH year disasters affect thousands of people across Australia.
Despite disasters being fresh in our minds, many of us still aren’t adequately prepared and haven’t really thought through protecting those irreplacable items that are most precious to us.
New research commissioned by Red Cross found nearly half the population had not included items of personal value in their emergency plan. We’ve seen first hand how losing precious and irreplaceable items makes it even harder for people to recover from a disaster. When making your emergency plan, don’t overlook cherished items like photos, special gifts, mementoes or the kids’ favourite toys.
There are simple steps to ensure your safety, the safety of your loved ones, your livelihood and the things you hold dear.
Download an emergency REDiplan from Red Cross and work through it with your family, get an emergency kit and get to know your neighbours.
It is never too early to be prepared. It could save your life.
Joan Hughes, executive director, ACT Australian Red Cross
WHAT’s the big deal about a tiny apostrophe, one might groan?
Well, CC worries about all things large and small and driving around town the other day passed one of the grand, brown tourist-destination signs that announce the impending presence of “Calthorpes’ House”.
That’s odd, we mused, it used to belong to the Calthorpe family and, in that case, shouldn’t it be described as Calthorpe’s House (apostrophe “s”)?
But the sign suggests the house belonged to a clutch of Calthorpes, to wit Calthorpes’ House (“s” apostrophe).
CC called for a grammarian and no finer authority than Michael Travis, the retired chief sub-editor of “The Canberra Times”, from a time when things like this mattered.
Travis took to our query and intoned: “If they mean Mr Calthorpe, of course it’s Calthorpe’s house. But they may have meant the family, the Calthorpes, when of course it would be Calthorpes’, but they should say the Calthorpes’.”
Or, we agreed, simply use the apostrophe-free solution: Calthorpe House.
Signwriting... the sign as it is, left, and perhaps two ways (thanks to digital mischief) we think it should be.
THE recent claim by “The Canberra Times” that it was the only newspaper to report on November 23, 1963 that US President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated has caused a ripple of disagreement around the newspaper industry.
Veteran Melbourne journalist Kim Lockwood writes to an industry newsletter that “The Canberra Times” “cannot be allowed to get away with its claim”. “I know for a fact the Melbourne ‘Sun News-Pictorial’ put out a late edition, having recalled several staff from home. And what does the ‘Times’ have to say about the afternoon papers across the country [Saturday afternoon papers were still printed in the capitals]?”
Another person working in Sydney at the time writes that: “It may have been the only morning newspaper to print this, but it was not the only paper to print this news on the Saturday, November 23, 1963.
“Both the ‘Daily Mirror’ and ‘The Sun’ usually went out at 10am each Saturday… but on this day they produced their first editions at 9am and followed this during the day!”
Even Hobart’s “Saturday Evening Mercury” reported the assassination on November 23, 1963, and the weekly “Derwent Valley Gazette”, an hour’s drive from Hobart, reported it a week later making it possibly the last Australian newspaper to report the assassination for the first time!
AS one heads off to holiday with the prospect of languorous nights in a hotel bed reflect on this: according to the Healthy Hotels Program, the average hotel bed will be home to more than 1370 people over a five-year period. Humans shed up to 3.6 kilograms of skin each year and an average bed can contain anywhere from 100,000 to two million dust mites.
The Ohio State University entomology department says the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be comprised of up to 10 per cent dust mites and their excrement. In addition, carpets and beds which are not regularly or correctly sanitised have been found to contain high concentrations of mould spores and bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
To add to the equation, when examined with black light, most hotel room bed heads or head walls have been found to show evidence of human proteins. Happy holidays.
CC is always appreciative of seasonal greetings and commends the member for Ginninderra Mary Porter for showing thoughtfulness and economy with her Christmas salutation, an email largely bereft of adornment and grammar with her economising on the apostrophe in the word “Seasons”.
MINISTER for Police and, clearly, the Bleeding Obvious, Simon Corbell, was finger-wagging at the launch of the “Safe Summer” campaign the other day urging Canberrans to take responsibility for their safety this summer and warning (clear the front page!) that police would respond appropriately to those who engage in violent or anti-social behaviour.
SOMEONE touting a strange, new dog delicacy called Ruffs Ice Bones as “a healthy snack for our furry friends” in CC’s bloated inbox, went further to suggest they are also “a wonderful stocking filler”, presumably for the primary recipients of Christmas stockings, kids?
AND another PR panhandler is proffering research that says nearly half of dog and cat owners will serve their pets a traditional feast on Christmas Day and more than half will give their pet a gift (and three quarters of them will wrap it up and put it under the tree).
LONG-time trooper for the Australian War Memorial, much-loved communications and marketing head Marylou Pooley, will retire before Christmas after more than 15 years.
THIS Australia Day, a group of Canberrans will wake up aboard the Federal City Express and tuck into breakfast as they glide smoothly over rails into Sydney.
As they alight the heritage sleeper train at Central Station they will be no doubt pleased to see it is only twenty past eight, leaving plenty of time to make their way to Darling Harbour, where their six-hour harbour cruise departs at 9.45am.
Once on board the twin-deck catamaran “Southern Star”, the fun really starts.
“The passengers will be welcomed aboard with champagne and canapés as we head off to see all the waterborne action for the day,” says Alan Gardner from the ACT branch of the Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS), which is organising the trip.
“One of the things we’ll see is the ‘Ferrython’, a race between four Sydney ferries down the Harbour to Pinchgut and back to the finishing line under the Harbour Bridge, accompanied by a whole crowd of pleasure boats. It’s an absolutely amazing spectacle.”
The ARHS runs the Canberra Railway Museum at Kingston, which is open seven days a week and houses fascinating displays of Australian rail history including the oldest steam locomotive in Australia, built in 1878, and a 265-ton Beyer-Garratt 6029, the heaviest class to run on Australian rails.
The musuem is used for educational tours, parties,
photo-shoots and filming. Regular heritage rail trips throughout the year include short shuttle runs to Fyshwick, steam-powered journeys to Bungendore, dinner-dance trains, special charters and long distance trips to Sydney like the one for Australia Day 2014.
According to Gardner, the Society wanted to give Canberrans an opportunity to see the amazing spectacle that is Australia Day on Sydney Harbour, without the hassle of arranging transport, accommodation and parking.
“Our route to Sydney is part of the experience,” he says. “We avoid the Hume Highway so it’s a nice, relaxing train journey.”
The train departs Kingston at 9.20pm on Saturday the 25th, so passengers can retire soon after that to their comfortable sleeping quarters, or have supper in their seats first and perhaps peruse the tour notes provided.
There are two classes of accommodation, Premier and Holiday, but all passengers are treated to the same level of service.
Fares include supper, sleeping accommodation with unlimited tea and coffee, breakfast there and back, and of course the Sydney Harbour cruise on the Southern Star with its buffet lunch and open bar.
“After all the excitement of the ‘Ferrython’, we enjoy an Australianthemed buffet lunch on board our catamaran as we cruise the waters, watching out for the RAAF’s F/A-18 Hornets flypast, the top contenders in the ‘best-dressed vessels’ competition and the Army’s 21-gun salute, fired from Mrs Macquarie’s Point,” Gardner explains.
“Then there is the Tall Ships
Race, starting at Bradley’s Head and finishing with a flourish of sails under the Harbour Bridge at around three o’clock.”
The six-hour cruise finishes around 4pm, back at Darling Harbour where there’s lots of entertainment on offer to fill out the rest of the afternoon and evening, and plenty of places to relax before finding a spot for the big finale: the giant fireworks display, which ends at 9pm.
The Federal City Express will be waiting on Platform 1 at Central from much earlier in the evening, so guests can come back earlier if they wish. The beds will be made
and supper will be served from the train’s bar until late.
“We depart for Canberra at about 11.30pm, and travel at a sedate pace in order to arrive at a respectable hour on Monday morning,” says Gardner. “Breakfast will be served as we run down the line from Goulburn to Canberra, and all that’s left is to enjoy the public holiday at home.”
Call 6232 6405. Prices start from $895 twin share.
Former Canberran WINNIFRED ROSSER shares how her small Italian community rose to the challenge of celebrating Christmas on a shoestring
THIS year Italy’s economic woes have made it increasingly difficult for comunes (local councils) to provide basic services, let alone to light up the main streets of small towns over Christmas.
The local council of Polinago, a small town in the mountains about an hour out of Modena, in partnership with the proloco (a volunteer group found in all small towns, which is responsible for arranging markets, fairs and events) came up with a novel, low-cost way to celebrate and light up the town for Christmas.
In early October, all residents were given a list of recyclable items and invited by the proloco to save them and place them in specially provided bins at the local comune.
The items were to be put to use later to make Christmas decorations. The Mayor, Gian Domenico Tomei, arranged for 20 tall pine trees, growing nearby, to be cut and placed along the main street and also in the main piazza and outside the door of the comune.
Children attending the local school, along with a variety of voluntary groups and members of the public, then used their artistic talent and ingenuity to make decorations using the recycled items such as yogurt pots, toilet rolls, plastic bottle tops and plastic bottles.
On Sunday evening, December 8, with the main street in darkness, on the count of 10, the decorated Christmas trees were lit up, along with shop windows and other trees covered in fairy lights. Corso Roma, the main street of Polinago, looked fantastic.
Residents were amazed by the various themes such as the voluntary ambulance service’s tree, which had miniature uniforms, stethoscopes, drips, cardboard ambulances and such draped all over it.
The Alpini (Alpine Corps) had old hiking boots and water bottles with the distinctive Alpini hat crowning the tree.
Not only has this project lit up a small town facing a somewhat bleak economic Christmas period, but it has created a palpable sense of camaraderie, unity and joy in which all residents could in one way or another contribute and play a part.
Winnifred Rosser and David Malloch, former Canberra residents, now live in Polinago where they run a small B&B. More information at cherryhouseinitaly.com
NICK JENSEN says holiday conflicts are something to be grateful for as they provide the opportunity for greater love and forgiveness
LAST year, my Christmas present was a novel called “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and, as it turns out, some of the “Mad Russian’s” thoughts were incredibly prophetic.
He was writing when Marxism was on the rise in Europe, and capitalism developing in the West. One of his characters, a monk named Father Zosima, said that in 100 years people would be living in closer proximity and have more possessions than at any point in history, but would also be lonelier than ever before.
This is so often the reality in our modern, Western world. Despite the significant prosperity, security and well-being in Australia, isolation, depression, and a lack of communities are all very evident. This is one of the reasons why Christmas is so important.
The Christmas story of Mary and Joseph reminds us not only of God sharing our humanity, but also the difficult journey that brings together a family.
Several hundred years ago, the “state” (or at least the historical version) was seen as being made up not of individuals but of families. This was the fundamental unit of societies. This shift towards the individual as the key unit in Western society was theological and political.
Firstly, some church denominations began to move towards adult rather than child baptisms. This may seem abstract, but the change was significant. More focus was put on an individual decision rather than a community of faith. This in turn influenced the political shift towards individualism as religious freedom was
emphasised and Liberalism was born.
This shift towards individual focus has had significant benefits throughout the world including greater women’s rights, child protection, economic growth and universal suffrage.
However, it is also evident that in this journey we have lost some close familial relationships.
The family is, by nature, the foundation of civil society. It provides a layer of protection from abuses in wider society or from the state, it creates a safety net of economic and emotional support, and (surprisingly for some parents) it is still the key influencer of values for children and teenagers. Put bluntly, families are the most important factor in a stable society as well as individual human flourishing.
Certainly, around this time of year there will be holiday conflicts, but perhaps this is something to be grateful for as they provide the opportunity for deeper relationships and indeed greater love and forgiveness.
Therefore, this Christmas make the most of the time you have. Bless each other, share meals, give thanks together, and maybe even take the opportunity to include those who don’t have a family.
At its heart, the Christmas message is about right relationships, with God and each other. You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.
The last two sentences are attributed to Desmond Tutu.
Nick Jensen is a director of the ACT Australian Christian Lobby
Learn to swing dance in 6 weeks for $60 (normally $70)
Email contact@jumptown.org before 27 January 2014 to buy your special new year pass. Passes valid for any beginners course in 2014
For more information on class times and venues visit www.jumptown.org
Jumptown – swinging in Canberra for more than 10 years
STEPHEN EASTON has compiled a guide to boredom busters in Canberra over the festive period and beyond…
ON the night before Christmas, plenty of creatures will be stirring when Sydney duo Bag Raiders rock the dance floor at Trinity Bar, with support from local DJs.
After the dust has settled from Christmas and New Year’s Eve, two mega concerts featuring female vocalists both come to town on January 18. Celtic Woman is on at the Royal Theatre, featuring Irish singers Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden accompanied by violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, and Jessica Mauboy brings her “End of the Earth” tour to the AIS Arena. If it turns out that the silly season isn’t quite silly enough, comedian and best-selling author David Sedaris will be wise cracking live on stage at the Canberra Theatre on January 22, for one night only.
AT the Glassworks, the “100 days of Glass” exhibition ends on Sunday, December 22, but
its Christmas show, “Treasures”, continues until January 6, featuring exquisite jewellery and small objects for sale by some of Australia’s leading designers.
Exhibitions ending on New Year’s Eve include Gotye’s “Fractured Heart” at the National Film and Sound Archive, the interactive sound and light sculpture that lets you remix the singer’s mega-hit “Somebody That I Used to Know”, and “Discovering Mildenhall’s Canberra”, a collection of more than 7000 photographs of the capital taken between 1920 and 1935 on show at the National Archives.
You have until January 27 to check out “Roy Lichtenstein: Pop Remix” at the National Gallery of Australia, and until 16 February to see “25 Treasures from the Parliament House Art Collection” exhibited right where they belong, at Parliament House.
Arc Cinema at the Film and Sound Archive has lined up a highly unusual collection of movies that passed Australia by for the “Blink and You’ll Miss Them” film festival, which runs until February 28.
The National Portrait Gallery’s photographic exhibition “Elvis at 21” ends on
March 10 and so does “Mapping Our World: Terra Incognita to Australia” at the National Library, which brings together historical charts, atlases, globes and the like from around the world.
The National Gallery of Australia has treasures from the people who lived in Peru before Spanish colonisation on display until April 21 in “Gold and the Incas”, and “I’ve Been Working On The Railway” tells the stories of the Torres Strait Islanders, South Sea Islanders and Aborigines who laid Australia’s train tracks in the 1950s, 60s and 70s at the National Archives until May 5.
Two exhibitions at the National Museum of Australia offer rare insights into Aboriginal culture until July 20: “On Country: Connect, Work, Celebrate”, which explains how traditional knowledge about land and sea management is blended with modern technology and research, and “Old Masters: Australia’s Great Bark Artists”, which shows off the museum’s large collection of bark paintings, one of the world’s oldest continuing art traditions.
rides, rock climbing and bungee-trampolining as well as music and carols near the fountain outside the Canberra Centre.
The National Dinosaur Museum at Gold Creek has 30-minute guided tours between 11am and 2pm during the school holidays as well as three of its 2013 programs ending on December 31. “Australia Through Time” explains what the continent was like in different time periods, “Prehistoric Canberra” is all about fossils found right here and each child who completes the quizzes in the “Australian Fossil Family Activity” gets a certificate and a real, 50-millionyear-old fossilised shark tooth to take home!
Also ending on New Year’s Eve is “Brick By Brick: Build Your Own Capital”, where budding designers can create a new national capital or replicate Canberra’s iconic buildings using Lego or Duplo blocks at the National Capital Exhibition in Commonwealth Park. It’s not for every family, but first up in 2014 is the Summernats Car Festival at Exhibition Park from January 2-5.
From January 13-17 and 20-24, the National Museum of Australia is holding “Young Masters”, where children can create their own collage masterpiece, inspired by the “Old Masters” of bark painting whose work is currently on display at the museum.
The Old Bus Depot Markets has a Christmas focus on the weekend of December 21 and 22, and antiques and collectibles take over on January 12 for the first “Portobello Road” special event of 2014.
All summer long at Questacon there’s “Measure Island”, an adventure through a jungle-themed world with Archy and his dog Cubit, which aims to get kids aged 8-14 thinking about the science of measurement.
THERE’S always a lot on over summer for sports fans, including plenty of live action in Canberra featuring national and international stars.
On January 2, our champion baseballers the Canberra Cavalry begin a four-day clash with the Adelaide Bite at Narrabundah Ballpark. The match-up involves four separate games (normal in baseball) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm, and on Sunday at 1pm. The Cavalry then take on the Perth Heat from January 16 to 19.
In basketball, the Canberra Capitals have three home games early in the New Year. The Caps take on the Bendigo Spirit on January 3 at the AIS Arena, and the Adelaide Lightning on January 11, also at the AIS, followed by a showdown with the West Coast Waves at Southern Cross Stadium in Tuggeranong on January 18. January 14 sees the Prime Minister’s XI play the old foe England in a day-night match at Manuka Oval, and our local women’s soccer team Canberra United will be doing all they can to find the net when Adelaide United come to McKellar Park on January 19.
Be part of Canberra’s most exciting street parades We
Do you want to be part of Carnival Parade 2014 for the Multicultural Festival (just like in Rio)? We can teach you, so you can be involved! NO DANCE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Drummers, circus jugglers, acrobats, uni-cyclists, or anyone with special talents welcome!
Rehearsals start Wed 8th January 2014 at Merici College, Braddon For more info email info@subsdance.com.au or info@salsabor.com.au
By Laura Edwards
YOU Am I has a habit of ringing in the New Year on stage.
For three of the last four New Years’ Eves, the iconic Australian rock band has performed at venues around the country and this year, it’s adding Canberra to the list.
“Fireworks, happy people – who wouldn’t like performing then?” enthuses bass player Andy Kent to “CityNews”.
“No-one’s got anything to do the next day, everyone’s excited, it’s a really great atmosphere.”
Headlining Civic Square’s “NYE In the City”, the band will perform two sets, with a mix of songs from the new self-titled album and old favourites such as “Heavy Heart” and “Purple Sneakers”.
After the band’s last gig at the University of Canberra in July, Andy says he’s “pumped” to return to the capital.
“Usually the Canberra crowds are a bit more informed, educated and appreciative – there’s less sh*t thrown at us, the sledging is a bit more intelligent,” he jokes.
“This event will have a real family component too, which is good, and something a bit different than we’re used to.”
The band even has a capital connection – lead singer Tim Rogers studied law at the ANU in the 1990s before moving to Melbourne.
“I know Tim enjoyed his time there, and I’ve actually got friends in Canberra myself, even though I’m based in Sydney,” Andy says.
It’s been a memorable year for You Am I – 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of their debut
“NYE in the City” stars, You Am I… “Usually the Canberra crowds are a bit more informed, educated and appreciative,” says bassist Andy Kent.
record “Sound As Ever”, when they burst on to the alternative rock scene.
Since then, the band’s won 10 ARIA awards, released 12 albums and toured alongside legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones and Oasis, to name a couple.
This year also saw the band return from a five-year hiatus – spent “doing our own thing”, says Andy – to tour the country.
“It felt natural to come back together and be in the same room collaborating again, a bit like a trip down memory lane,” Andy says.
“We all get along really well, and have a lot of respect for each other.”
THIS New Year’s Eve, as we bid farewell to our centennial year, the ACT Government brings us two major events in the city: the family-friendly concert in Civic Square and an all-ages dance party in Garema Place.
The all-ages dance party “Bass in the Place” begins at 9pm with DJ Felixx getting things started, followed by DJ Rawson , who each play for about an hour. After that is DJ Uberjak’d from SA till 11.55 sharp, when a short 2013 tribute video will play before all the shouting and fireworks. Then it’s a trio of local DJs called The Projektz for the first hour of 2014.
Canberra’s own finalist on “The Voice”, Alex Gibson , kicks things off at 7pm on the Civic Square stage before You Am I come on just over an hour later. Then comes the early fireworks at 9pm so the little kids can gasp in awe before being bundled off to bed.
2014 is set to be another big year, performing at summer festivals and later touring America.
But could their hard-partying days be behind them? When he’s asked what they plan to do in Canberra after their NYE set, Andy’s answer is about as far from the old “rock ‘n’ roll” cliche as you can get.
“The wives and girlfriends are coming down with us, so it’s going to be a bit of a family occasion, and we’ll probably have an early night –start early, finish early I say,” he laughs.
You Am I, “NYE in the City”, Civic Square, from 7pm, Tuesday, December 31.
With the children out of the way, You Am I come back for another 45-minute set before local sevenpiece band Tuchasoul play up until the countdown, which includes a second helping of fireworks, followed by a 15-minute encore from the band. Both events are free of alcohol and, this year, the Nightrider buses are free of charge. The fireworks spectacular will be set to music and is sure to be the biggest bang a bureaucrat’s budget can buy.
FAR away from the din of the city at the Arboretum, Ginger Catering is hosting the $150-a-head Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party, which includes a three-course meal, drinks and entertainment from the Baker Boys Band
Fitness professional NATHAN HITCHCOCK has compiled seven easy steps to ‘beat the Christmas belly’
1 When you need those gifts/ingredients from the shops, don’t drive there – ride your bike or walk. Don’t forget a backpack so that the extra weight on the return journey will have you pushing harder.
2 Perform squats when and wherever you can. For instance, when you’re preparing dinner, waiting for something to boil on the stove or cook in the microwave, try squatting with the correct technique for the period the ingredient takes to cook. You may look a little silly, but the extra calories you burn will definitely assist with maintaining the desired physique.
3 Make a habit of going on a nightly walk/run. Plan your journey and pass as many houses that have Christmas lights. Map out the houses that have Christmas lights within your area and drive to one suburb a night. Park a distance away from the Christmas lights and walk/run to the selected houses on your map. If you are pushing a pram or a running stroller, carry everybody’s drink bottles. The extra weight will have you pushing hard and burning calories.
4
Eat for one and not for two. Portion sizes are an issue across Australia, but it’s this simple: instead of using large dinner plates, serve Christmas lunch on a smaller plate. If you have a sudden urge for a second serving, wait 15 minutes. It takes some time for your brain to register that your tummy is full.
5
Drink water. This is such a simple suggestion, but very important in that every chemical reaction in the human body requires water to work effectively. Being dehydrated makes you feel sluggish and often tired. Drinking a sufficient amount of water will not only hydrate you, it will also improve your mood! A real bonus for enjoying Christmas.
6
Pair up with a family member or friend that has a similar physique goal and ask them to be a second set of eyes when eating food. Have a secret code word that means “Are you sure you want to put that in your mouth?” Obviously this suggestion is not for everybody, so only take it on if you feel comfortable doing so.
7 Enjoy yourself! Do what pleases you over the festive period, but be aware if it is good for your health and your goals. Don’t shy away from a beer or a wine, just don’t drink the whole case or bottle. Eat chocolate, but not the whole box. Indulgence can be a positive thing but in moderation.
Nathan Hitchcock is the founder of Define Fitness, nathan@definefitness.com.au and offers a Define Fitness Bootcamp special for the New Year at definefitness.com/prices-and-packages
Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping
This is the time to take a rest from the chores of the garden, says
CEDRIC BRYANT
DESPITE the difficult spring, with hugely varying temperatures and rainfall, the petunias are in, the early flowering shrubs have been pruned and it is a time for relaxation.
So what if a few weeds appear over the next couple of months?
It is the time of family reunions and showing off your garden to one and all.
It’s always especially heartening to look back at photos taken of a new garden started a few years previously.
It is also a good time to look at other gardens, our own Botanical Gardens for instance, or the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens, seven kilometres south of Batemans Bay on the Princes Highway, just before Mogo. The kids will never get bored with the adventure trails, or the new playground equipment, much of which cannot be found anywhere else in Australia. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday and every day during school holidays.
The flower displays are quite something and the Rotary Mobility Trail has been especially designed for easy access for those with disabilities. Combine this with a visit to the famous Mogo Zoo only a few kilometres away.
AND while you are away:
• Have someone check your garden and house.
• If you have an automatic watering system, recognise that things can go wrong, so this needs checking.
• If you have lots of potted plants, these will need watering every couple of days.
• Make sure all the garden tools are securely locked away.
• Indoor plants can be put in the bath or laundry tub (with an old towel under the pots to prevent scratching) and fill with a few centimetres of water.
FINALLY, for that last-minute present, how about a gift voucher from your local garden centre (I also have them available for garden advice, call me on 6241 8752) or a copy of “The Canberra Gardener”, available from newsagents and bookshops, especially for those moving into a new home?
The Canberra region’s largest range of locally-grown plants – grown on site for local conditions.
• growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants
• new garden creations and garden makeovers
• sustainable garden design and advice
• providing a value for money solution
314 Plummers Rd, Burra NSW 2620 (20 minutes from Queanbeyan) Ph. 0402 024 204 – 0408 119 160 Nursery open 9am to 5pm Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm Weekends.
We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow. glenbog@skymesh.com.au
‘TIS the season for spending up on art and craft, says HELEN MUSA
BILK Gallery for contemporary metal and glass in Palmerston Lane, Manuka, is staging a “Hollydays” exhibition until December 24, seven days a week. Among the precious items by many of our top artists, they tell me, are fireflies that glow in the dark by Sue Lorraine.
A FAVOURITE each year is Watson Arts Centre’s Christmas Gift Fair where you can pick up original ceramic gifts and feel good by supporting local artists. Aspinall Street, Watson, until December 23, daily 10am – 4pm.
THAT cutting edge ex-Canberra design label, Polka Luka, is back in town showcasing its range of resin jewellery and homewares at The Front Cafe & Gallery in Lyneham Shops, daily until Sunday, December 22.
UNTIL December 24 daily, Beaver Galleries at 81 Denison Street, Deakin has “Small Works” for sale by 21 artists, Crispin Akerman, Peter Boggs, Nicola Dickson, Mel Douglas, Graeme Drendel, Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott, Neville French, Kirrily Hammond, Fiona Hiscock, Waratah Lahy, Bruno Leti, Adrian Lockhart, Mandy Martin, Alicia Mozqueira, Denese Oates, Jenny Orchard, David Pottinger, Amanda Shelsher, Avital Sheffer and Wayne Viney.
THE 14th Summer Art Experience of the Artists Society of Canberra will consist of 11 five-day workshops, from January 6-10, in watercolours, acrylics, oils, life drawing, pastels, drawing, and printmaking. Tutors are coming from all around Australia. Register at asoc.net.au
Whether you’re after a traditional Italian dining experience, a fusion of Southern American spices, a casual family meal or a hearty roast, you’re spoiled for choice with Bailey’s range of restaurants and cafes.
Hot seared lamb mince on baked potato slices, greens and onion. Mint aioli on top and the famous gravy underneath makes for a very special burger. Phone 02 6247 9464
‘Ultimate Platter: Carolina pulled pork, Memphispork ribs, Texas brisket, signature beef ribs, Kansas City chicken and house speciality buffalo chicken wings; pictured with potato salad, red cabbage coleslaw, hand cut fries with house seasoning and mexican street corn. Phone 02 6162 3350
By Helen Musa
“AS far as I’m concerned, a set is a big sculpture,” director-designer Wayne Shepherd tells me.
The theatrical veteran and former multi-arts teacher in Canberra schools is enjoying talking to “CityNews” about his next production, because we once described his knitted set for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” as “astounding” and he liked that.
Shepherd is the director of “Seussical the Musical” for Ickle Pickle Productions, coming up in the New Year, and he’s quick to point out that while he is a great fan of the show’s writers, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, this is the short version, not the three-hour version that bombed on Broadway.
It’s a kind of musical composite of Dr Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who!” and “Horton Hatches the Egg”, where a lovable elephant takes over looking after the egg of lazy bird Mayzie and finds himself abducted by hunters, shown off in a circus and subjected to all kinds of indignities until his good nature triumphs over all.
The show, Shepherd says, can have a cast of nine to 200, but Ickle Pickle has gone for a modest 32, partly involving children rehearsing over the holidays.
“My motto is: ‘Never do anything that’s been done before in Canberra’,” Shepherd says. So while the full-length version was, indeed, staged by Phoenix Players in 2005, “this is completely new and it feels like a new show, too.”
“I love to be original,” Shepherd says. “I wanted to do a black theatre piece and to bring puppets on stage and to make it 4-D… my production will include all sorts of wonders.”
While he’s a little evasive about the 4-D, he admits to having been mightily influenced by the touring production of “Slava’s Snow Show” and demanded of his technical crew “snow and bubbles”.
With a quirky sense of humour and a lot of jokes accessible to adults, he believes it will be more suitable for six and seven years and up than for the very tiny.
“Grandparents are going to love it… in Canberra, grandparents are stuck with their grandkids during the school holidays, so are only too pleased to have something to take them to.”
And he’s got stars. There’s Kaitlin Nihill, who shone as Ugly the Duckling early in the year, playing Jo-Jo, and high school drama teacher Adam Salter as the Cat in the Hat and master of many accents.
As well, there are fabulous character actors, the backbone of any show, such as Sarah Hull, Deborah Byrne, and Geoff Young (who auditioned for Cirque du Soleil).
Sensing Young’s talent, Shepherd asked him to pick a song and some kids, teach them to juggle, and to create a circus interlude in “Seussical”.
So there’s a fun set designed by Shepherd, colourful costumes by Jeanette Humphrey, circus by Young and rollicking music directed by Susan Davenport.
“It’s just stunning,” Shepherd enthuses.
“Seussical”, Belconnen Theatre, January 10-25. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberraticketing.com.au
By Helen Musa
AT an end-of-year literary feast, the 2013 ACT Writers Centre Award winners have been announced.
The Marjorie Graber-McInnis Short Story Award, commemorating the life of a Canberra short story writer, went to Monica Carroll for “This Square Called a Ring”, while Michelle Brock’s “Breath” and Claire Delahunty’s “Feather-light” were highly commended.
The Michael Thwaites Poetry Award, named after the Australian poet, went to Penny O’Hara for “Ode to a Toothbrush”. Claire Delahunty’s poem “After Nights” and Rebecca Fleming’s “An Untimely Death” were highly commended.
In the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards (sponsored by Paperchain Bookstore) non-fiction book category, G.A. Mawer was awarded first place for “Canberry Tales: An Informal History” (Arcadia). “Leaving the Rest Behind: An Immigrant’s Story” by former theatre critic and publisher Ann Nugent, was highly commended.
In the fiction book category, Kaaron Warren’s “Through
Splintered Walls” (Twelfth Planet Press) was the winner, with Nigel Featherstone’s “I’m Ready Now” (Blemish Books) and Donald McMaster’s “Provocation” (Arcadia) highly commended.
In the poetry book category, Melinda Smith was the winner for “First…Then…” published by Ginninderra Press. Suzanne Edgar’s “The Love Procession” (Ginninderra Press) and Leon Trainor’s “In Country” (Bat Trang Road Press) were highly commended.
In the children’s book category Tanya Davies’ “Sarah’s Song” (A Tiny Publication) and Mary Teychenne’s “My Aunt Ate a Plate” (Starry Night Publishing) were co-winners.
The Z4 Award for book reviews (sponsored by Zane Hills Wines) went to Duncan Driver’s review of Martin Amis’s novel “Lionel Asbo: State of England”.
Finally, the Anne Edgeworth Writers’ Award for Young ACT Writers, honouring poet, writer, theatre director, academic and conservationist Anne Edgeworth (Godfrey-Smith), went to law student and playwright Brian Obiri-Asare, who receives $4500 to help produce his play “In Between the Solitude of Sunburnt Islands”, and to undertake research for a work of fiction.
Proudly produced by the Canberra Wine Industry to celebrate Canberra’s Centenary. Three Packs: Numbered bottles of Shiraz and Riesling are available with a Centenary Sparkling. These are collectors items.
DOUGAL MACDONALD reviews and previews the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day movie releases Opening, December 26
“The Railway Man” (MA)
Jefford as Hildegard delivers a searing justification of the religious life with a zeal reflecting bitterness fed by the vocational devotion that has barred her from womanly experiences.
The film may indeed have taken creative licence in presenting its underlying anger. Oscar talk is being talked.
JONATHAN Teplitzky’s translation to film of Eric Lomax’s account of his terrible experiences as a PoW brutally punished by Japanese guards for building a radio receiver to listen to reports of the progress of World War II is mind-blowing and transcends Col Nicholson’s fictional suffering in “Bridge On The River Kwai”.
“The Railway Man” observes Lomax’s gentle courage in war and peace, living with his demons in war’s aftermath and meeting and marrying Patti who encouraged him to return to Thailand and confront the Japanese interpreter who treated him as a personal enemy.
The portrayals of Lomax by Colin Firth as Patti’s husband and Jeremy Irvine as the young subaltern who endured are commanding. Nicole Kidman is lovely as Patti. Stellan Skarsgard is quietly influential as Lomax’s fellow prisoner Finlay who catalysed his decision to make the journey. And Hiroyuke Sanada is impressive as the middle-aged Nagase whom Lomax found guiding tourists around the railway.
“The Railway Man” offers significant measures of anger, cruelty, courage, anguish, compassion and love.
At Dendy, Greater Union, Palace Electric and Limelight
“Philomena” (M)
No single word adequately encapsulates the effect of Stephen Frears’ filming of Martin Sixsmith’s book “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” describing Philomena’s search for the small son whom the nuns at Roscrea Abbey had sold to American foster parents 50 years earlier.
But “knocking you for six” comes close.
The Abbey ran a Magdalene Laundry which incarcerated young women considered guilty of licentiousness, unwed motherhood or prostitution and forced them into menial labour verging on slavery. Philomena was sent at age 15 to give birth in the Abbey. In her sixties, she retains a sweet unworldly innocence unaffected by any sophistication coming from friendship with Martin, a dismissed media adviser to a minister in the Blair government. In a search traversing determination, friendship, friction, humour, tension and conflict, Judi Dench as adult Philomena and Steve Coogan as Martin are a delight to watch. Sophie Kennedy Clark is compelling as teenaged Philomena.
Times change. In 2002, ageing has not diminished Sister Hildegard’s commitment to her vows. Barbara
At Palace Electric, Capitol 6, Dendy and Limelight AND DOUGAL’S PREVIEWS:
“Frozen” – Disney animation. Anna teams up with Kristoff and snowman Olaf in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. For the anklebiter audience.
“The Hobbit 2: The Desolation of Smaug” – The usual suspects accompany or hinder Bilbo Baggins in the second blockbuster drawn from Tolkien’s slim volume dealing with events in and beyond the Shire.
“Nebraska” – on a trip from Montana to Nebraska to claim a lottery win, a son tries to get through to a father he doesn’t understand. Reputedly a comedy.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” – Day-dreamer disappears into heroic, romantic action fantasies to escape reality. Ben Stiller directs and stars. Danny Kaye was delightful as James Thurber’s eponymous hero in 1947. Kristen Wiig is funnier than Virginia Mayo.
Opening January 1 or 2
“August: Osage County” – A family returns to the Oklahoma farm of their childhood to deal with a crisis. Heading a stellar cast in John Wells’ film of Tracy Letts’s book and play, Meryl Streep plays a drug-addicted gutter-mouthed matriarch. Sounds promising.
“Walking with Dinosaurs” – 3-D animation with a BBC input has underdog dino becoming a prehistoric world hero. Connection with Attenborough’s wonderful TV series of the same name is probably tenuous at best.
“Her” – Heartbroken when a relationship ends, a writer of letters for other people gets interested in a new, advanced operating system and meets Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), a bright, female voice, whose needs and desires grow in tandem with his own.
“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” – Tom Clancy’s action hero Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) works against the clock to stop the crash of the US economy at the hands of Russian villains.
“Free Birds” – Two turkeys put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to get turkey off America’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus. Reports say it’s a turkey.
Information provided by cinema chains and the International Movie Database. Classifications unavailable at time of compilation.
DAVID O Russell’s film about venality, corruption, ambition and emotional mayhem is a loosely based-on-fact telling of the Abscam scandal from the late 1970s, an FBI sting against the Congressmen and a senator involved in subverting US law to get Arab funding for a New Jersey gambling complex.
Christian Bale plays Irving, a low-grade con-man with overweening self esteem. Married to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) but not working hard at it, he’s recently done his nut for Sydney (Amy Adams) who’s worked her way up be to a force to be reckoned with. Her wardrobe shows plenty of bosom, which in a male society is a surefire way to make an impact.
Bradley Cooper plays FBI agent Richie, desperate for professional improvement by exposing the corruption, often his own worst professional enemy, to the film’s benefit. His channel to the big political targets is Mayor Polito (Jeremy Reiner) who for his genuine devotion to his constituency is more to be pitied than blamed.
“American Hustle” takes a while to reveal its anticipations. It has breathtaking passages of acting virtuosity, especially when Sydney and Rosalyn let fly at each other.
At all cinemas
“The Glided Cage” (M)
THIS warm-hearted told-in-France tale is Portuguese actor Ruben Alves’ feature writing and directing debut.
Since emigrating to Paris 30 years earlier Maria (Rita Blanco) and Jose (Joaquim de Almeida) have lived comfortable working-class lives, she as concierge at the apartment block belonging to Mme. Reichert (Nicole Croisille), he as foreman for builder Caillaux (Roland Giraud). Employers, neighbours, friends, relations, all benefit from their small, often unpaid, services making major contributions to the comfort and smooth running of their community.
A solicitor’s letter arrives. Jose’s brother in Portugal has bequeathed his estate to Jose. And what a bequest it is – land, vineyard, winery and 200,000+ Euros per annum business. For Maria and Jose, accepting will mean a powerful lifestyle change.
The humour is warm. The crises are small-scale, the tensions are not threatening.
At Palace Electric
Joanne
your week in the stars / December 23-29, 2013
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Have you still got a heap of shopping to do? It’s time for resourceful Rams to grab last-minute gifts that are gorgeous and practical. Christmas Day looks somewhat chaotic though as Mars (your ruling planet) and Uranus oppose each other. You’ll be in reckless Aries mode but, if you stir up fractious family members, you could end up with more on your plate than you bargained for!
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Christmas Day finds most Taureans in a terrifically festive mood, as you let your hair down and enjoy the Yuletide revelry. But, if you eat and drink too much, you’ll be a grumpy Bull on Boxing Day! With Venus in retrograde motion (until February 1) it’s not a good time to spend up big at the New Year sales, as you’re likely to over-value items and buy things you really don’t need.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Mercury (your ruling planet) shifts into Capricorn (from December 24 through until January 12) which will stabilise your mercurial mind. If you methodically tick off the to-do list, then you’ll power through preparations without the usual distractions. The Moon moves into your celebration zone late on Christmas afternoon, so you’ll be in the mood to have some serious festive fun!
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
With Mars in your home zone (opposing disruptive Uranus) there are bound to be some upsets on Christmas Day. Anything from a burnt meal to a domestic disagreement. Stay cool Cancer, and keep things in perspective. Heed the wise words of Quentin Crisp, born on December 25, 1908: “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities, but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
The positive Sun/Neptune hook-up makes for a delightful Christmas Day for festive Leos. The more you roll up your sleeves and help out, the better you’ll feel. Putting others first is the key to holiday happiness. Friday is a fabulous day to draw up your goals and dreams for 2014. Include a plan for healthy eating and regular exercise, as you strive to be the best Lion you can be.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Cooperation and teamwork are highlighted, so make sure you include family and friends in your festive preparations. Share the jobs around Virgo! Don’t labour under the delusion that you can handle everything on your own. With Venus in retrograde motion, be extra careful in your dealings with children, teenagers and friends. A dash of diplomacy will smooth over any problems that crop up.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Luxury-loving Librans - if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Christmas, you’ll just end up with a heap of debt in the New Year. You don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time. Plus try to control your urge to splurge on food and drink on Christmas Day. If you pace yourself, then you (and your digestive system) will enjoy Boxing Day and beyond.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Avoid getting too stressed this Christmas Scorpio. A cool and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive preparations and family celebrations. When in doubt, just keep calm and carry on! With Jupiter journeying through your aspirations zone, make your goals for 2014 as big and bold as possible. You are only limited by the scope of your imagination and the size of your dreams.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Sociable Sagittarians love Yuletide celebrations with the accompanying eating, drinking, dancing and partying. But make sure you’re pulling your weight (with preparations and cleaning up) otherwise you’ll be in the bad books on Boxing Day. Too much enthusiasm at the New Year sales could see you deep in debt in 2014. So, when you go shopping, take a limited list … and stick to it!
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Mercury moves through your sign (from December 24-January 12) when you’ll be at your rational, reasonable and rigorous best. But your perfectly thoughtout plans and preparations are likely to be turned upside-down on Christmas Day, as impulsive Mars and unpredictable Uranus create havoc in your family zone. (If you’re a clever Capricorn, you’ll have a Plan B up your sleeve.)
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Spend some quiet time on your own, before the Christmas madness really begins. If you’re still buying presents, look for gifts that stimulate the imagination. The Mars/Uranus opposition increases your rebellious, unpredictable side so it should be an interesting Xmas Day! You’re bursting to blurt out exactly what’s on your mind … but are you prepared for the consequences?
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
It will be a magical Christmas for many festive Fish, as the Sun/Neptune connection favours compassion, creativity, contemplation, meditation, prayer, delicious daydreams, spiritual insights and lashings of romance. An old friendship may feel as if it’s going backwards, but it’s just entering a brand new phase. If you are a patient Piscean, relations will soon be back on an even keel. Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2013
Across
1 What, in computers, is a minor error, especially when the source is unknown?
8 Name another word for one’s wages
9 What do we call one who suffers from sleep apnoea?
10 XVIII is the Roman numeral for what number?
11 Which large, strong, social wasp has an exceptionally severe sting?
13 Name an Australian pop group, originally the ‘Flowers’, founded in 1977
16 What was the profession of Antonio Rossini?
19 Name a domesticated camel-like South American ruminant
22 What are informative types of calendars known as?
24 What do we call castings obtained when melted metal is poured into moulds?
25 Which is the large South American snake of the boa family?
26 What are the lowest points of adversity?
Down
2 What is a colloquial term for jargon?
3 Name a city in NW Italy, in Piedmont, on the River Po
4 Which professed believers reject doctrines prescribed by their church?
5 What is another term for a self-righteous person?
6 What is a small unpretentious restaurant also called?
7 Which of the various worldwide herons bear long plumes in the breeding season?
12 Name a standard quantity among paper dealers consisting of 20 quires
14 What describes a person, one of whose parents is European and the other Asian?
15 Name one of the two bones of the forearm
17 Which term describes the form of a rectangle?
18 To move in an elated manner is to do what?
20 To be summoned to the foyer by someone is to be what?
21 What does one do, who provides food at functions?
23 Which inflammatory disease is characterised by an eruption of the skin, expecially of the face?
Grant was confused about Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) on his staff’s Christmas party and came to see me about an update.
“There’s no special legislation concerning Christmas parties, Grant, “ I said.
“The general principles concerning entertainment apply to both FBT and income tax. The most important thing to understand about FBT is that it only applies to employees, past, present or future, and does not apply to your clients. So if FBT is payable on your Christmas party then it should be tax deductible to the extent that it is subject to FBT.”
“You also need to be aware that any benefit under $300 per head is regarded as a minor benefit and is not subject to FBT.
“If the Christmas party is held on your business premises, the situation is slightly different. If you invite only your staff and their associates then there is no FBT to be paid for your staff regardless of the cost. However, if the cost for each associate exceeds $300 then the whole payment for that person is subject to fringe benefits tax. It should also be tax deductible. If you invite clients then the cost per client is not subject to fringe benefits tax nor is it tax deductible.
Grant said he hadn’t realised that it was so complex to host a party! However, this year he would be hosting at a restaurant.
“If you go to a restaurant or other venue away from your business premises, the situation will be different,” I said.
“If the cost exceeds $300 for each person, the full cost will be subject to FBT as it will also be for their associates. It will also be tax deductible.”
“I know that some of your staff are employed in other States and I assume that some or all of these staff will come to Canberra for the party. “The $300 minor benefit cost also includes their travel and accommodation if it is solely to attend the party. If they come for work purposes, their travel should not be included. However, if they bring a partner or other associate those travel and accommodation costs will be included in the $300 threshold.”
“Lastly, the good news is that the cost of any Christmas present is regarded as a separate benefit so is also subject to a $300 minor benefit exemption.
“This means that you can provide each staff member with a meal costing less than $300 and a gift costing less than $300 and also provide the same for their associates.”
Grant was grateful for the information about his staff and said he’d look in again to get some guidance about client entertainment.
If you need guidance on FBT or any other tax-related matter, please contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.
