140123 citynews

Insights from a shell for blind author

LEONIE Pye may be blind, but that hasn’t stopped her from writing a children’s book with a powerful message.

Her debut book, “The Little Shell”, tells the story of a broken shell washed up on a beach that becomes the treasured possession of a blind woman.

“The shell feels worthless and unattractive because she is different, until the woman tells the shell she is beautiful because she is unique,” says Leonie, of Page.

“The story has many underlying layers, but the real message is that everyone is precious, beautiful and worthy of love and respect.

“It’s a very important message, not just for children but for adults, particularly in this day and age when so much emphasis is on appearance and materialistic things.”

A former accountant, Leonie, 51, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at just 19, a condition that affects peripheral vision. Ten years later she was told she had early onset macular degeneration, an eye disease which attacks the central vision.

Now legally blind, Leonie can only “faintly” see objects from an extremely close distance, and uses a guide dog on a full-time basis.

She used special magnifying software to write “The Little Shell” on her laptop

LAURA EDWARDS meets a Canberra woman diagnosed with an eye condition which left her blind, who has had her first book published

– a “slow and frustrating process, as it only shows one word at a time,” she says.

The mother of two says the story is also linked to her struggle with depression, and was inspired by a damaged shell she found at a silent retreat on the Gold Coast in 2010.

“We had been given a shell at the retreat, and mine had a hole in it, and I was almost going to put it back because it was damaged, but I kept it with me,” Leonie says.

“A few days later I just started writing on my laptop. As I wrote I found the story was similar to my journey with depression; going from a dark place and coming out the other side.

“I had originally put the story away not thinking of publishing it, but when I joined [Belconnen writers group] Scribblers, I submitted it there, and one of the group members said it would make a fantastic children’s story. I would have never thought of making it a children’s book unless they had said that.”

Local photographers, graphic designers and illustrators from the Belconnen Community Centre also came on board to help create the book, which took about

two years to publish.

And while it’s aimed at children, Leonie believes “The Little Shell” could have a place in Canberra’s mental health facilities.

“When you’re in the depths of depression, it’s hard to take anything in… but this book is short, it’s got vibrant colours and pictures, and it’s got a simple message. I just feel it could help someone in a dark place, and give them a glimmer of hope,” she says.

“The Little Shell” is dedicated to Leonie’s much-loved former guide dog Buffy, which died in 2012 after almost eight years by her side. Twenty per cent of sales will go towards Guide Dogs Australia NSW/ACT.

“If we sell 15,000 copies of the book, that would be enough to train one guide dog, which I would be ecstatic about,” says Leonie.

The Little Shell, $16.95 from Paperchain, Manuka, and Belconnen Dymocks, or $15 direct from nonibear62@gmail. com. Leonie and guide dog Franklin will appear at a book launch at Paperchain from 11am on Saturday, February 22.

Arts & Entertainment 19-20

Australia Day feature 8-10

Canberra Confidential 16

Cinema 20

Garden 23

Horoscope 21

Jumbo Crossword 22

Letters 12

News 3-18

Puzzles 21

Suduko 21

Cover: Champion road cyclist

Jessie Maclean.

Since 1993: Volume 20, Number 2

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Clark of the discourse

ABC Radio had to go to Sydney to fill the critical vacancy in its high-rating breakfast program. LAURA EDWARDS meets the new host with fond memories of Canberra

IF there’s anyone who could slip easily into the well-worn chair of ABC 666 breakfast radio host Ross Solly, it’s Philip Clark.

The 57-year-old broadcast veteran and former Canberran is days into his new gig, replacing Solly as he moves overseas for a year, and already feels “at home.”

“I’ve got a great fondness for Canberra, it’s been a place of great memories for me, so it’s as if I’ve never really left,” says Clark, who studied a degree in arts/law at the Australian National University in the 1970s.

“My two daughters are studying here at the ANU now, so it’s almost like the family is together again.”

Clark’s wife Diana Slade, a linguistics professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, is currently on an 18-month posting to Hong Kong.

“We’ve been trying to visit as much as we can, but for now I’m just settling in and finding my feet,” he says.

Clark, who moved from Sydney for the new role, says he’s enjoying reconnecting with his former community at an “interesting time” for the capital.

“It’s a time of change in Canberra –there’s a brand new Federal Government, they’ve suggested there will be job losses, so I’m interested in what Canberrans think about their environment, what they think about health and education, and what they do and don’t like about their city,” he says.

“It’s well known Canberrans are among the most educated in the country, they want to know what’s going on in their community and they want to know first thing in the morning, so I’m looking forward to listening to what they have to say, what concerns them, and holding public officials to account when I need to.”

He says Canberra has changed “remarkably” since he was a resident.

“I’ve just moved to a unit in Braddon, and when I was there as a student it was all car yards, now it’s cafes and shops,” he says.

“Then you’ve got places like NewActon, which are very funky, very cool – the city is a lot more dense, a lot more alive.”

“I think that’s what my style is in this new role, to be warm and

and to reconnect with a community I have great affection for.”

Launceston-born, Clark first moved to Canberra in 1974 for his university studies, later working at Parliament House as press secretary for Labor Senator John Button during the Hawke years.

“It was a very interesting time, for a young fellow like me. I’d always been interested in politics before that, so it was just fascinating,” he says.

Clark moved to Sydney in 1986 to pursue a job with a private law firm, before realising it “didn’t quite fit”.

When the opportunity came to write for Fairfax, he didn’t hesitate.

“As soon as I started, I knew journalism was the right move for me,” he says.

Clark wrote and edited “The Sydney Morning Herald’s” popular “Stay in Touch” column – “lots of political gossip and great fun,” he says – until he was offered a role with the ABC to co-host a radio show with John Doyle, also known as Roy Slaven of Roy and HG.

The producers had seen Clark’s columns, and wanted a fresh voice to talk politics with Slaven in an “offbeat” way.

“I still remember my first shift – it was shocking,” laughs Clark.

“I was ridiculously nervous, and I had written my introduction in biro and everything just seemed to go wrong.”

Gradually, Clark became a natural behind the mic and soon landed his own

evening show. Later, in 1993, he hosted his first breakfast radio show on ABC 702 and even moved into television, hosting ABC TV’s quiz show “Flashback”. More recently, he has been teaching media law at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Clark has many highlights in his broadcasting career – interviewing former Prime Minister John Howard during the “children overboard” scandal, covering the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – but he says those raw, poignant moments with “ordinary people” are what really drives him.

“I feel really privileged when someone can just let go and share their story or their adventures, when you have those moments when you can hear a pin drop,” he says.

“For me, breakfast radio is my favourite slot of the day, it’s so dangerous. People might be grumpy or tired, their kids might be screaming as they wrangle them into the car – you’re talking to people at a very loaded time of the day. But it’s also a very important time because they want to know what’s going on, they want to be informed and entertained, they want you to say something funny without shoving your opinion down their throat.

“I think that’s what my style is in this new role, to be warm and friendly, and to reconnect with a community I have great affection for.”

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For Jessie, team comes first

ROAD cycling may seem like an individual sport, but for professional cyclist Jessie Maclean and the other members of Orica-AIS, teamwork is everything.

Orica-AIS is Australia’s first professional women’s cycling team to compete internationally, formed in 2011 as one half of a venture that includes the OricaGreenEDGE men’s team.

The women’s team is number one in the world, and Jessie puts their success down to strong camaraderie.

“We really value the team culture and that’s why we get so much success; we’re willing to really put it on the line for each other,” she says, having just pedalled to the AIS in 40C heat to speak with “CityNews”.

“Everybody’s got their role and they understand that, and they know that their role is valued and we work together really well.”

Orica-AIS recently demonstrated the well-oiled machine it is at the National Road Championships, with the team’s other Canberran Gracie Elvin winning for the second year in a row.

“Kathy Watt’s the only other woman to have done that,” Jessie points out. “It was a real team effort and we’re all really proud of it; we all really share in each other’s victories.”

This week, the tight-knit group has been braving the South Australian heat in the Santos Women’s Cup and in February they’re heading off to the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar.

It’s a lot of fun travelling all over the world as part of the team, which is based in Varese, Italy, but of course it requires immense physical and mental strength to deal with extremes of heat and cold, hillclimbs from hell and, of course, the inevitable crashes, while staying focused over countless kilometres.

“An easy week would be about

Stephen Easton reports

300km – and that’s really easy – and then we do up to and over 800km in a big week,” Jessie says, leaving the “CityNews” team slightly stunned.

Now in her late twenties, she was encouraged to try cycling in high school through the talent identification program, cut her teeth with some other newbies in the Canberra Cycling Club, and won a scholarship to the ACT Academy of Sport in her late teens.

She excelled on the track and was the Junior World Pursuit Champion in 2003, the same year she graduated from Dickson College.

She moved to road cycling and won the Amy Gillett Scholarship in 2006, “but it wasn’t a good year,” she recalls.

“I was pretty sick so I didn’t get to go overseas and race in Europe, which is what the Amy Gillett Scholarship provides.”

Next, Jessie moved to the US and raced with a small team in Philadelphia called Verducci. It was a lot of fun but after four years, Europe was calling.

“I came back home and really wanted to step it up a notch,” she says, recalling the brutal “boot camp” she survived in 2011 to join the Australian national team.

“You can’t just go from Australia and race in the World Champs. You have to race in Europe first, because it’s really different racing, so that year I raced with the national team, proved my worth and got selected in the team for the World Championships.”

After that, she signed a contract to ride professionally for OricaAIS, and has since represented Australia in a second World Championship.

In the team, it’s not her job to sprint across the line and claim the glory. Her specialties involve working up the front of the pack early on, and throughout the race as a “domestique” to help the

team’s best-placed rider.

“In some races you might go back and get bidons [water bottles] or sit on the front and chase down a breakaway, or your role might be to attack and make the race harder for somebody else, or just look after your lead rider in the bunch,” she says.

She finds it very rewarding, and

is widely recognised within the sport as being very good at it.

This year, Jessie hopes to be among the six women to ride for Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but no matter what happens, you can be sure she’ll be enjoying herself and doing her part to keep Orica-AIS on top.

Lantern workshop...

IN preparation for next month’s Chinese lantern festival, adults and children are welcome to join a lantern-making workshop at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, 1.30pm3.30pm, Saturday, February 8. Bookings to acfsevent@gmail. com or call 6254 7732.

...for Chinese festival

THE Lantern Festival, the final event of Chinese New Year celebrations, will be held at Commonwealth Park near Gallipoli Reach (west of the Rond Terraces, below ANZAC Parade), 6pm-9pm, on Saturday, February 15. The site will be decorated with Chinese lanterns and lights and there are performances of Chinese traditional music, children’s dances, martial arts, a lion dance, a hand-made lantern competition and a lantern parade. Entry is free and more information from acfsevent@gmail.com or 6247 8231.

Cocktails with a cause 1.

WATTS McCray Lawyers’ inaugural networking drinks soiree at As You Like It Café, Childers Street, Civic, 5.30pm-7pm, on Friday, January 31, will raise funds for the anti-slavery Somaly Mam Foundation. Tickets are $30 (includes canapés and give aways) and beverages bought from the bar. Bookings to trybooking.com/ECNF

Cocktails with a cause 2.

CHARITY group Raize the Roof is holding a 100-ticket only cocktail night at Trinity Bar, Dickson, 6pm-9pm, on Saturday, February 8. Tickets are $50 and include a cocktail, three glasses of beer, wine or champagne and tapas! Funds will support building a charity house in Bonner, which is expected to raise more than $500,000 at auction, with half the proceeds to be donated to Starlight Children’s Foundation and the balance to supporting SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana to help support orphaned children. Bookings, before January 28, to raizetheroof@gmail.com

Ball for life

THE black-tie “Light for Life” Ball will launch DonateLife Week, in support of organ and tissue donation for the ACT and surrounding areas, at the National Arboretum, at 7pm on Saturday, February 22. To buy ball tickets online go to act.gov. au/lightforlife or with cash or cheques from DonateLife ACT, Level 1, Building Six, Canberra Hospital.

Cafe concert

LOCAL band The Cashews will be performing for the final Sundays at Old Parliament House event at the Café Terrace, 1.30pm-3.30pm, on January 26. And in the Downstairs Gallery, 12.30pm-3.30pm, cartoonist Chris Wilson will be drawing free caricatures.

Church rejoices

ST Margaret’s Uniting Church, Watson, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on February 1 and 2. There will be a celebratory dinner and book launch on the Saturday evening and a special worship service open to everyone at 10.30am the following day. Special guests include the first minister of the St Margaret’s congregation, Don Erickson, and former ministers Paul Cameron and Paul Swadling.

The race to be the Face

By Laura Edwards

THE search for Canberra’s finest fashion filly is off and running as the Myer Face of Canberra Racing competition returns.

Now in its fifth year, the competition offers more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Last year’s “face” Kate Goodwin says she has gained plenty of experience over the last 12 months, with her title duties including speaking engagements, judging and hosting several functions.

“From photoshoots and television interviews, I have really gained some fantastic experience. I’ve met so many people and it’s been a definite boost to my confidence,” Kate says.

Local ladies between the ages of 18-35 are invited to take part in the judging process.

“We are looking for someone with immaculate presentation, someone who is fashion savvy and willing to become Canberra Racing’s ambassador,” says Thoroughbred Park sales and marketing manager Briony Young.

“An interest in horseracing is beneficial, but not essential. We’d like someone who is the complete package – sophisticated, well-spoken and confident.”

This year, the competition includes two preliminary heats to be held at Siren Bar in Gungahlin.

Finalists will then be personally styled by Myer and local stylist Sofia Polak, and parade on Preview Day on Sunday, February 23, with the winner to be announced later that day.

“This is the only model search of its kind in Canberra and each year the entrants increase

Kate Goodwin… “From photoshoots and television interviews, I have really gained some fantastic experience.”

due to the popularity of the competition. It’s definitely an ideal launch pad for someone who is interested in modelling or media,” says Briony.

The first engagement for the new winner will be at this year’s Seppelt Black Opal Stakes in March.

Enter at outincanberra.com.au/myer-face-ofracing-signup

‘The Magic Show’ – 30 minutes of magic, marvels and mayhem that will amaze, astonish and delight both children and adults alike. Presented by world renowned conjuror Elio Simonetti.

When: Tuesday 28 January – Saturday 1 February, 11.00am & 1.00pm daily

Where: Upper Level

Australia Day in the national capital Singer with a big role

INDEPENDENT singer-songwriter Lior Attar has a unique and important role to play in Saturday night’s Australia Day celebrations on the Parliament House lawns.

With the Australian of the Year announcements and the concert combined this year on the same stage, the talented and versatile musician has been given charge of the first hour of proceedings and asked to pay tribute to the 2013 award recipients, before they pass on their prestigious titles.

It’s Lior’s second time at the event; he performed briefly outside Parliament on the eve of Australia Day in 2006, not long after being catapulted to national fame with his independent debut album “Autumn Flow” achieving both widespread critical acclaim and strong commercial success.

“That left me with a really good taste in my mouth as to the Australia Day celebrations in Canberra, so when I got asked to do this, I didn’t hesitate,” he tells “CityNews”, taking a break from the final stages of recording his new album “Scattered Reflections”, which is out in March.

“I’ll be doing a couple of songs from each of the three albums I’ve put out, a song or two from the new album and a small selection of covers that were chosen... so it’s going to be a selection of different little musical interludes, and hopefully that’ll mix it up and give a little bit of colour to the ceremony.”

Lior moved to Australia from Israel as a child, and sees Australia Day as a good

STEPHEN EASTON talks to Lior Attar, who is starring in the “Australia Celebrates Live” concert in Canberra on Saturday night

opportunity to cultivate a more inclusive society.

“I came to Australia when I was 10 years old, and I’ve always been very proud of the multicultural nature of our society and I think, for me, Australia Day is a celebration of that more than anything else,” he says.

It’s a good point. Australia is multicultural, and many of one ethnic group – Aboriginal Australians – still feel alienated by the celebration of January 26 and refer to it as “Invasion Day”.

“I think if I was an indigenous person I’d feel the same way, so I think we all need to kind of put ourselves in those shoes and think about how that would feel,” says Lior.

“I completely relate to what a lot of the Aboriginal community are saying, which is why I think the focus of Australia Day should be about being a progressive country, about it being an open and tolerant country and being a multicultural country.”

As with all Lior’s albums, “Scattered Reflections” is an independent release, but this time he decided to crowdfund it online, at the suggestion of Ian Ball from Gomez, so you can pay him $20 directly through the website PledgeMusic and have the album delivered to your house.

Give him $400 and you can take three friends to a gig, meet Lior backstage and go

home with a signed copy of all his albums and a shirt; $5000 and he’ll play in your loungeroom.

“I just really liked what you could do as part of it, in terms of offering things that I suppose you otherwise wouldn’t be able to offer to your audience,” he explains.

He says more and more of what people listen to is now “dictated by taste” and the influence of “big gatekeepers like major record companies” is on the wane, with crowdfunding a good way to cover production costs while still bypassing the “middlemen”.

“It’s been a really great thing, not only to have raised the target to make the album, but also in the way it’s opened up more direct communication between my audience and me, it’s been really good.”

Lior is known for his simple, clear recordings and intimate live performances, and says keeping that intimacy with a crowd of 30,000 or more is always a challenge.

“I suppose, being a singer songwriter, much of the focus in my performance is on the lyric and you know, it is about a personal connection.

“There is a certain power that comes through intimacy that is harder to get, the bigger the shows get and the more the production takes over. There’s a distance or barrier between you and the audience.”

‘Live’ from the lawns

THIS year’s Australian of the Year Awards will share a single stage on the lawns of Parliament House with the Australia Celebrates Live concert, headlined by Matt Corby, who will play a full-length set featuring new songs from his upcoming debut album.

T HE gates open at 3pm on Saturday, the night before Australia Day, and the nationally televised event kicks off at 5pm featuring an hour-long musical farewell to those who were honoured last year alongside 2013 Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose.

National Australia Day Council executive director Jeremy Lasek explains the send-off is a new element for 2014, which is being taken care of by accomplished independent singer-songwriter Lior, with help from Megan Washington. “Lior’s been talking to them about a great Australian song that means something to them and he will perform it, or perhaps one of our other entertainers throughout the evening,” Lasek says. “The singer will introduce the song and tell the story of why it’s significant to the person they’re singing it for.”

Lior will be mixing the cover versions with some of his own songs, and will also include something new from his upcoming crowd-

funded album, which comes out in March.

Then at 6pm, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will present the 2014 Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Local Hero awards.

The star-studded concert will continue long into the night, featuring multiple ARIA Award winner Megan Washington along with the 2011 winner of “The X Factor”, Reece Mastin and Jai Waetford, who placed third in the talent show last year, as well as Australian DJ Havana Brown.

Around 30,000 people have attended in previous years and with the event being held on a Saturday night this year, it’s likely to be a big one.

What: Australia Celebrates Live concert and Australian of the Year Awards.

Where: Entry is behind Old Parliament House.

When: Gates open from 3pm for a 5pm start, Saturday January 25.

More information including transport, what to bring and facilities for families and people with disabilities at australiaday.org.au

Australia Day in the Park Stage 88, Commonwealth Park 7.30am – 2.00pm

• Great Aussie Day Breakfast

• Dora’s Dance Party

• Rides, jumping castles & more fun activites

• The Bridge Between

• Constable Kenny Koala

• National Zoo & Aquarium

• Lake Burley Griffin Life Savers

Rond Terrace 10.00am – 11.00am

• Flag Raising, Flyover & 21 Gun Salute

• Citizenship Ceremony

Australia Day Fireworks

• Regatta Point National Library lawns

• Aviation displays by the Australian Defence Force from 6.30pm

• Fireworks at 9.00pm

www.australiaday.org.au/act

To

Australia Day discount

CCE offers over 60 different courses covering languages, culture and arts. To celebrate our diversity in knowledge, we’re offering a $50 discount* on many of our courses (for a full list visit our website):

> Creative street photography

> Landscape painting

> A rite of passage to poetry

> An introduction to writing for the screen

> ESL for business

> Portfolio preparation

> Women in Woodwork

> Young adult Australian science fiction - exploring new worlds

> Learning guitar for fun

> Science and technology: shaping future Australia

* Enrol before the 30 January in one of our selected courses to receive a $50 discount off the full course fee. For full terms and conditions see our website.

Australia Day

The fun starts early and doesn’t stop

FOR those who like to party in public there’s always plenty on for the Australia Day weekend in the capital.

On Saturday evening, the Australian of the Year announcements combine with performances from top Australian musicians including Matt Corby, Megan Washington and Lior on one stage outside Parliament House for “Australia Celebrates Live”.

Local entertainment and ceremonies in Commonwealth Park start bright and early the next morning and continue for most of the day, and the fireworks are set to light up Lake Burley Griffin at 9pm.

Two of the ACT’s historical homesteads are also opening their doors free of charge over the long weekend, offering a chance for a picnic and quiet reflection on the nation’s past.

In the park

AUSTRALIA Day celebrations in Commonwealth Park get going at 7.30am, when the “Great Aussie Day Breakfast” will be served free of charge at Stage 88. ActewAGL, the Fyshwick Markets and Canberra Milk are providing sausage sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee. Local sports stars will serve food and sign autographs, and donations for the SouthCare rescue helicopter will be taken.

The official events start at 10am on Rond Terrace with a raising of the Australian flag, a military aircraft flyover and 21-gun salute before the citizenship ceremony at 10.25am.

Children’s entertainment is taken care of by the live stage show “Dora’s Dance Party” on Stage 88, which is giving three half-hour shows in a row, at 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30.

Local blues and roots band “The Bridge Between” will then play two 45-minute sets, at noon and 1.15pm, with a half-hour break in between.

At 6.30pm some of the Australian Defence Force’s best aviators will aim to wow the crowds below with an aerial display and the Traditional Boat Squadron will launch into the lake at 7pm.

At 7.50pm, the Canberra Ice Dragons will show off their outrigger racing skills at Regatta Point, which also happens to be one of the best spots to see the fireworks at 9pm.

What: Various Australia Day events around Lake Burley Griffin.

Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park.

When: Sunday, January 26, 7.30am to 9pm.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Bidvest Race Day: eight races at Thoroughbred Park, free entry, 3pm-7.30pm, Randwick Road, Lyneham.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Mugga-Mugga historic cottage open day: free entry, 1.30pm-4.30pm, 129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston. Australia Celebrates Live: free entry, 5pm-11pm (gates open 3pm), entry behind Old Parliament House.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Great Aussie Day Breakfast: gold coin donation appreciated for Snowy Hyrdo SouthCare Rescue Helicopter, 7.30am-10.30am, Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park.

Australia Day in the Park: free entertainment at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park with rides, art and craft and face painting.

MS Colour Dash: 5km fun-run fundraiser at 9am for people with multiple sclerosis at Black Mountain Peninsula with runners showered in colourful dust. Adults $50; children under 16, $25; families with two adults and two kids, $100.

Australia Day Festival: Family day out at the National Museum of Australia with children’s entertainment, hip-hop dance lessons, reptiles to play with as well as two exhibitions, one featuring Aboriginal bark art, the other indigenous land and sea management practices. Free entry, 10am-2pm, Black Mountain Peninsula. Australia Day at Belconnen Arts Centre: Singing and dancing workshops, live music, barbecue, arts and crafts activities. Free entry, 10.30am-4pm, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen.

Mugga-Mugga historic cottage open day: free entry, 1.30pm-4.30pm, 129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston. Chief Minister’s Regatta: More than 100 boats hit the water at the Canberra Yacht Club. Free of charge, noon-5pm, Mariner Place, Yarralumla.

Fireworks Spectacular: 9pm above the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin in the centre of the Parliamentary Triangle, a 15-minute display synchronised to a soundtrack of Australian music.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Lanyon historic cottage open day: free entry, 10am4pm, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa.

SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2014

Dear Has-been, What were

thinking…

If job-seekers are rejected for being old, recruiters should at least have the guts to tell it like it is, says MIKE WELSH

I’M going to buy myself a 60th birthday gift later this month. A pet monkey that I can train to rip the face off the next person who tries to buoy me with the stupid saying: “Sixty is the new fifty”.

I’m hanging on to 59 for dear life, so if 60 really is the new 50, I’m really only 49. Phew, thank God for that!

Which also means when I say I’m still in my late 40s on a resume, I’m not really lying, am I?

But if they swallowed that small exaggeration, they’d have to have me in for a “face-to-face” chat and that would be very awkward, especially when they smell the urine. The game would be up. I’m old.

Uncertainty over Katy

THERE are strong rumours inside and outside the Legislative Assembly that Chief Minister Katy Gallagher will stand down before the next ACT election.

While there is no statutory requirement for the Chief Minister to announce her intentions at this time, lack of resolution of the situation is unsettling for State governments, businesses and the Canberra community.

Many would say the Chief Minister has performed reasonably well, but drawn out uncertainty about her political future can only erode her standing and that of her party.

Apparently, there are laws which prevent them from discriminating against me on the grounds of my “advanced years”. So, it’s easier for them to put back on the 10 years which, a stupid new cliché says I can subtract, and drop me a format letter/email to make sure I still feel a part of the system. Mathematically (not my strong suit), I’ve deduced that when seeking employment 50 is in reality the new 60.

Recently somebody suggested we should postpone retirement and think about working through to our 70s, because Australia desperately needs “your lifetime of unique skills”. Apparently, some “skills” are going to be in short supply in the next decade. Wonder what those skills might be?

Wouldn’t it be ironic if the anticipated shortage included the God-given gifts of the highly sought after wordsmith who knocks out those: “Dear Mike, thank you for your recent application for the above position. Unfortunately your application was not successful on this occasion. Your time and interest in the role is appreciated and we would like to assure you that full consideration was given to all applications received” letters. I’m too old to be ironic, but not too old to be sarcastic. Wouldn’t it be refreshing for someone to say it like it is in a rejection letter? Brutal but balanced. At least we’d get a laugh with our rejection.

Dear Aged Person/Old Man/Senior Person/Has-Been, What in God’s name were you thinking in making an application for the above position? We would love to say we were impressed with your 33+ years extensive experience in this field but, it doesn’t count for a stack of goat droppings here.

Here in the real world, we’ve got 12-year-old kids coming out of university at the rate of knots, all with nice shiny degrees, but with nothing to do. Thanks to the Clever Country they don’t have jobs to go to. However, we must, for the sake of appearances, continue dragging them off the streets and nursing them through a three-year degree. It’s just how the system works.

So you see, sunshine, you’re wasting your time and ours by foolishly putting yourself forward for jobs for which you’ve a green frog’s hope in hell of even getting an interview. Let me do us both a favour here. Not wishing to put too fine a point on it, you’re washed up, finished, ain’t gonna happen, pop. Why don’t you consider spending more time at the bottom of your garden where they tell tall tales of people working well into their 70s and other fairytales about the world needing your rare and valuable gifts?

But we wish you every success in the future you don’t have. You’re gonna need luck by the bucket full (sorry about the bucket reference), but while we’re being honest here, you are just too old!

If you spot an angry old man with a pet monkey roaming around the village this year be super careful of what you say to him. Although you’d be pretty safe. I understand it’s illegal to own a monkey. Homer Simpson was breaking the law.

This is from Mike Welsh’s blog “Mockery of Shockjockery, thoughts of an ex-radio shockjock”

In fact, it opens the door to an extension of reasonable expectations by the community regarding all parliamentarians. In my view there should be a binding obligation on all representatives to announce at least three months before an election if he/ she intends to stand for re-election. We have experienced too many last-minute drop-outs, and a handful who have quit their electorates within months of being re-elected. A big deal is made of transparency of policies. The same should apply to electoral intentions.

Colliss

Parrett, Barton

Refreshing antidote

“CITYNEWS” is to be congratulated for publicising the excellent work done by Brian Maher and Greg Wood in uncovering Canberra’s hidden history (“Callous start to the Centenary story”, January 9). Maher and Wood remind us that local landholders were both disenfranchised and dispossessed when the Federal Capital Territory was established in 1911. Their candid account provides a refreshing antidote to the benumbing cheerfulness promoted by the organisers of the official Canberra Centenary festivities.

Stephen Holt, Macquarie

Kennedy shock

IN the context of your “Canberra Confidential” item (CN, December 19, countering “The Canberra Times” claim that it was the only Australian newspaper on November 23, 1963, to report the assassination of US President John F Kennedy) you might also be interested in the front page of the Melbourne “Herald’s” sports edition that day.

My mates and I heard the news at a Melbourne Uni post-exam party. I remember someone rushing in and yelling: “Someone shot Kennedy!” and somebody else saying: “Graeme Kennedy? No loss!”

But the penny dropped pretty quickly and we were devastated.

Anyway, if it happened today I do wonder if “The Canberra Times” would manage to get it even into the Sunday edition!

Name withheld, Dickson

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Academic in search of free speech

JOHN PASSANT has some questions for the new Human Rights Commissioner

IN a recent article in “The Australian” about free speech and universities Patrick Massarani says that if “the Abbott Government is so devoted to freedom, as the appointment of Tim Wilson seems to indicate, they should direct him to the question of academic and intellectual freedoms.”

Let me in a roundabout way put the question of defending academic freedom more directly to the new Human Rights Commissioner through my own experience.

Free speech can only be judged in the context of the society in which it exists. Media moguls have free speech courtesy of their accumulation of money and hence power.

There will thus be a problem for Wilson in championing free speech. Most actions that restrict political free speech are exercised against the Left and those campaigning against big money.

The rights of East-West Tunnel demonstrators to express their opposition to the destruction of their homes and neighbourhoods for a toll road are denied when the police, as they have on numerous occasions, viciously attack the demonstrators. Wilson, of course, won’t be championing them.

Nor will Wilson champion the refugees silenced in our concentration camps here and on Nauru and Manus Island. So Tim, how about a trip to Nauru as a Human Rights Commissioner to see the disgraceful and inhumane conditions asylum seekers are held in, with a denunciation of the illiberal Abbott Government over refugees for good measure?

When he was appointed, Wilson tweeted: “To those who have welcomed my appointment I give thanks. To those that have not, I welcome the chance to defend your free speech”.

Here’s a chance for Wilson to defend my free speech and that of countless other academics at universities across Australia from the ravages of right-wing neoliberalism gone mad.

I worked at the University of Canberra on contract in 2010 and 2011 in the then Faculty of

Law. In my 34 years in employment, it was the worst place I have ever worked in.

In 2011 a group of non-commercial law colleagues removed the work of the commercial lawyers from the Faculty display cabinet. Interfering with the property of work colleagues is, in my opinion, workplace bullying. I described the non-commercial law group to their leader as a faction.

Almost straight away Maree Sainsbury, the Dean of Law, issued a gag order against me. I was prohibited from calling this cabal a faction. I said to her that this was a restriction on my right to freedom of speech and contrary to both the Enterprise Agreement and the ACT Human Rights Act.

After a week she unilaterally lifted the gag order on her understanding I would not call this group a faction. I gave no such undertaking.

I complained to the relevant section of the university with responsibility for investigating human rights breaches. Three and a half months later their investigation had gone nowhere with the response they thought I had withdrawn my complaint. I had not done so. My contract was coming to an end and I was not interviewed for a future job there.

Here are some questions for Tim Wilson. In defending free speech will you not just champion the right-wing and its campaigns of racial and other vilification? Will you also campaign for revolutionary socialists like me to exercise my human right to free speech? If so, will you investigate the seeming breach of my right to academic freedom and free speech outlined above?

I welcome giving you the chance, Tim, to defend my free speech and to help embolden academics across Australia to speak out.

John Passant is a Ph D student at the ANU and former tax lecturer and Assistant Commissioner of Taxation in charge of international tax reform in the ATO. Since leaving the University of Canberra in December 2011 he has not been interviewed once for any of the more than 20 academic tax law jobs he has applied for. He does not suggest that Maree Sainsbury is responsible for his lack of success. He blogs at En Passant.

EvenPay

BudgetPay

‘Winging’ it on social media

FOUR years in the writing and composing, cabaret collaborators Karen Strahan and Jill Walsh have launched their musical comedy “Winging My Way to the Top” into a crowdfunding site to soak up the last $30,000 of the $120,000 needed to get the show to the Q Theatre stage in 16 weeks.

When CC looked, they had raised $251 for the show, which is about sibling rivalry, egos and a second chance at the big time. Curiously, the concept enjoys the endorsement of two “CityNews” music critics, Ian McLean (“History demonstrates this will be another successful venture undertaken by these two inventive ladies and I heartily recommend supporting this project”) and Bill Stephens (“an excellent piece of commercial writing, offering strong potential to become a Broadway hit”). More usefully, it has just bagged an ArtsACT grant of $34,452 and in 2012, CAPO chipped in $4k for set design.

Donations to igg.me/at/WingingMyWaytotheTop/

The ice queen

TWELVE-year-old Telopea High School student

Dilli Kenyon (pictured) has blitzed a field of 22 ice princesses in Melbourne to win the novice lady gold medal at the Australian Figure Skating Championships in Melbourne last month.

Tutor Sally Patton says: “In the short program, Dilli was flawless and as she skated I could feel the atmosphere in the Melbourne Docklands stadium was electric.

“After she skated, many other coaches said it was an amazing performance.”

Dilli capped off her championship success when she was named in the 2014 national squad, the youngest skater this year to be awarded such an honour.

The big hill calls Victor

FORMER “Canberra Times” journalist Victor Violante has left the cloisters of Joy Burch’s ministerial office to ride the range with the Federal Opposition. Violante, one of the strongest performers in the ACT Government’s spin machine, patiently kept Burch out of a lot of trouble during her bumbling early days as a minister. Impressively, he’s joining Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s staff as a Canberra-based policy adviser.

Katy channels Canute

NEW Tuggers Community Council president, Eric Traise, recently met with Chief Minister Katy Gallagher for the first time.

In a report of the meeting in the council’s latest newsletter, the Chief Minister says she supports the TCC’s opposition to the controversial residential development across the border at Tralee, agreeing it was a bad decision to allow residential development under or close to airport flight paths and agreeing, Canute-like, that no ACT taxpayer funds would be spent to allow Tralee to proceed. Well, that should have developer Bob Winnel quaking in his well-heeled boots.

Wee success in the city

CBD Limited is aflush with the results of its second “trial” of six portable pissotière around the town’s late-night hot spots during Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Summernats with 3000 men recorded as having used the urinals. CEO Jane Easthope, said: “We are particularly pleased that the men in the clubbing and pubbing community are enjoying the convenience of the portable urinals.” Enjoying? When you gotta go, you gotta go, Jane.

FEELING the heat? Be afraid, global warming is only a few hours away at Sunshine Bay, just south of Batemans Bay, where our gardening columnist Cedric Bryant snapped this sign reporting a staggering 127C at 8.49am!

THE air-con faltered at Cinema 2 of the Capitol Theatre, Manuka , one day after Christmas affecting screenings of the movie “Frozen”!

“HONK if you love Jesus,” says the sign outside All Souls Anglican church, in Sydney’s Leichhardt , then: “text while driving if you want to meet him”!

SOME wags got Ming into the party mood over the festive season adorning the former PM’s statue on the Menzies Walk by the lake.

IN a stand against visible underwear, the Commercial Hotel, at Bowning, north-west of Yass, warns patrons to pull their pants up or not come in. Children under three are the exception.

How Jason reaches the unreachables

STEPHEN EASTON reports on a city-based mission helping people who are often socially isolated through building ‘relationships, not programs or empty religion’

SOCIAL worker Jason Hayduk found his calling at the AIS Arena in 1985, and he’s been sharing the love ever since.

“I met God,” he says casually. “It was full on; it was really cool.”

He goes on to describe the moment, at a concert by an American Christian rock band called Wings of Light, who stayed with his family for the Canberra leg of their tour.

“There were thousands of people – it was packed out – and this great band were playing and then this girl was singing this song. I can still remember all the words and I can still see her face. She was crying, and singing about ‘if I could introduce you to my Lord’, and it was like God was talking to me. I realised He was always in my life, but at that moment, it was amazing.”

Hayduk was a youth worker in Belconnen before he decided 16 years ago to set up a social work organisation in the city, which he called Missionheart.

“When we started it was like, there’s a whole bunch of people that other people don’t want in their churches or their communities,

but they need love too, so we sort of desired to come and sort of ‘touch the untouchable, reach the unreachable’ and just build relationships,” he explains, taking time out from a drop-in session at the group’s base in the Griffin Centre.

One of Missionheart’s core values is listed as “relationships, not programs or empty religion” and its volunteers are encouraged to be “genuine, down-to-earth, relevant and approachable” with the people they help, many of whom are affected by some combination of homelessness, mental illness and addiction.

“We don’t want to make people our projects,” says Hayduk, explaining the people he helps are often socially isolated. Love and friendship are missing from their lives, they “hurt because they’ve been hurt” or find it hard to trust because their trust has been abused.

He recalls being in the park many years ago with his wife, who was holding their infant daughter and speaking to a homeless man. She asked if he’d like to hold the baby and, according to Hayduk’s imitation, this left the man wide-eyed

with shock.

“He said: ‘People don’t trust me with a dollar, and you’re letting me hold your baby?’ Some of the healing that happens through community like that, you just can’t get from a

therapist. It can be really powerful.”

At the drop-in session, a group chat and a card game after lunch, a blonde-haired little boy plays with toys and shoots cheeky looks at the adults, beside a pile of swags that will

SCULPTURE GARDEN RESTAURANT

soon keep homeless people warm.

It’s a happy place, but most of the work of this “24-hour church” is done out on the streets or in homes.

Among other initiatives, volunteers walk through low-income areas and offer to help mow a lawn, fix a tap or lend a sympathetic ear, and every Sunday “The Gathering” takes place in Glebe Park.

Some people turn up early for prayers and to share Christian faith in a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental setting, while others just come for the food or to have a chat.

“We’re very careful to not be hidden about the faith basis to who we are and what we’re doing because we don’t want people to feel like they’ve been tricked,” Hayduk says.

“We want to be really open about everything so we don’t hide any of that, but I’m really, really big on not pushing it down people’s throats either.

“The idea is you love because you love, not because you want someone to jump through some hoop or agree with some system of belief or whatever. But, because you love someone, and you have a strong system of belief that you feel would be of great benefit to them, of course you want them to know about that and you want to share that with them.”

arts & entertainment arts

Miss Marple to the rescue

JUDI Farr’s acting career is nothing if not varied.

She’s played in everything from “Boeing Boeing” to “Death of a Salesman” on stage.

She recently played “very challenging and exciting” matinees as Violet in Steppenwolf’s production of “August: Osage County” for Sydney Theatre Company. She’s directed five plays for Marian Street Theatre in Sydney. Her film roles encompass “Oscar and Lucinda” and “The Year My Voice Broke”.

And, of course, there is Farr’s household fame on TV in “All Saints”, “A Country Practice”, “Kingswood Country” and, of late, alongside Guy Pearce in “Jack Irish: Bad Debts”.

“My work has not been evenly spread,” she tells “CityNews” by phone from Brisbane where she’s been playing super-sleuth Miss Marple in Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced”.

“In the ‘70s I did more TV, in the ‘80s and ‘90s I did a lot of stage work”.

Now Canberra audiences are about to see her playing one of the world’s most famous roles. Farr admits to having seen plenty of Miss Marple shows on TV, but assures me that once she got the role, she refused to watch any more.

“I like to follow Agatha Christie’s view of Miss Marple,” Farr says, “as a kind woman and a gentle lady, but one who was very suspicious of anyone she met… she was fascinated by what makes people tick.”

Modelled on women she grew up with including aunts and a grandmother, the character, she says, “is a genteel lady and something of a busybody, but very clever”.

Farr has no notions of any backstory involving a World War I lover, preferring an alternative version where she was a nurse during World War I.

“She is single and happy about it, she is a very happy woman and content with her lot,” she says. She has no idea where Miss Marple got her money from, but presumes she inherited from her parents.

As to the story, based on the 1950 Christie novel of the same name, there will be no spoilers, but the unbelievably complicated plot of “A Murder is Announced” sees her staying temporarily at the vicarage in Chipping Cleghorn, close to the action of a strange murder in nearby “Little Paddocks” that has been announced in the local “Gazette”.

The secret of the success of the play, which she has been told by Christie experts is much better than “The Mousetrap”, is that the

characters appear to be not a bunch of wild eccentrics but “just a group of very nice people… then the flaws emerge”.

In her view, the play works because of “that urge we all have to be amateur detectives”. After the show, Farr and her fellow actors often ask audience members, “did you work out who did it? Few do”.

From the acting point of view, the greatest fun for Farr is in her stage relationship with Inspector Craddock, played by Mark Lee of

“Gallipoli” fame.

“He’s antagonistic at first when she starts suggesting things, but he comes around when he realises that he can really rely on Miss Marple,” he says. And fear not, readers, although Farr certainly doesn’t give away any secrets to “CityNews”, all is revealed at the end of the play.

“A Murder is Announced”, Canberra Theatre, February 22-28, bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.

Flix mix of music and lots of laughs

By Helen Musa

“FLIX in the Stix” is coming back to town on February 1 for its sixth year of films, comedy and music.

The 2014 festival will feature Australian comedy act Axis of Awesome and musos Eskimo Joe, fronting a selection of short films, viewed live under the stars.

Creators of the YouTube smash video, “The Four Chord Song”, the Axis of Awesome have played at Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and four seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe, also touring the US and Europe.

Award-winning Fremantle alternative rock band Eskimo Joe will be performing an “intimate” outdoor set across all nine stops of the tour. Eskimo

Joe recently launched its sixth album “Wastelands”.

Co-founder and director, Simon Rollin, describes the “new and improved” “Flix in the Stix” mix as “one that new and old Flix friends are going to really love.”

Since early 2009, the event has been entertaining regional Australians in surroundings such as local botanic gardens, paddocks and vineyards

around regional NSW and the ACT.

As for the films, guest curator and comedienne, Julia Morris, says she has chosen the best comic short films from around the world, including “Penny Dreadful” by US filmmaker Shane Atkinson, about a kidnapping gone wrong, and UK director Jonathan Hopkins’ film of the weediest gladiator, “Minimus”.

The full list of films is never revealed until the night, but the selection includes a strong representation of Australian and NZ filmmakers.

“Flix in the Stix”, Saturday, February 1, Australian National Botanic Gardens. Gates open 6.30pm. Dinner from food vendors on-site is included in the Lawn Lounge ticket. The event is fully licensed, so BYO alcohol is not permitted. Bookings to Ticketek. com.au or 132849.

List confirms Adam’s appeal

By Helen Musa

THE Stage UK’s “Stage 100” annual theatre power list is out. Right up the top, along with luminaries such as actor/director Kevin Spacey and “Downton Abbey” director Edward Hall, is Canberra’s very own Adam Spreadbury-Maher, artistic director at the King’s Head and Hope Theatres in Islington. He was included, they say, because he is insisting that visiting companies pay all their actors at least the national minimum wage.

BEA Brickhill has left her role as ACT director at Creative Partnerships Australia (formerly the Australian Business Arts Foundation) after 4½ years to become relationships manager at the Australian Academy of Science. “I will watch with interest the continual growth and development of arts and culture in the ACT,” she says. No news yet of a replacement.

SPREADBURY-Maher is home at the moment directing “A Tale of Two Cities” for The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, opening on February 5. Bookings to 6285 6290.

CONGRATULATIONS to founding director of the Wesley Music Centre, Garth Mansfield, pictured, on achieving retirement in December. Since its opening in September 2002, the centre has hosted around 1100 events, not least the popular free Wednesday Lunchtime Live series. It’s only a sort of retirement. Mansfield will continue as a leader of Bach Courses for U3A at the centre and as a member of the Board of the Wesley Music Foundation.

SALUT! Baroque is staging a concert called “Bach vs Bach” at Albert Hall, from 7.30pm, on Friday, January 31. The two rival Bachs are JS Bach and his son, CPE Bach. This year Salut! commemorates the 300th year of CPE’s birth. Tickets at the door or to baroque.com.au

FORMER owner of Electric Shadows cinemas, Andrew Pike, will receive funding through the $80,000 2014 ACT Screen Arts Fund to make a documentary on his family heritage and Canberra filmmaker Daniel Sanguineti will be mentored on his first feature film, “Me and My Mates vs the Zombie Apocalypse”. Sanguineti produced “Theatre of the Dead” last year, but says this next show will be more in the comic style of “Shaun of the Dead”.

For Theodore, it’s all about ‘Her’

“Her” (MA)

SPIKE Jonze’s fourth feature tells of a man who uses voice-recognition software to compose and print letters between relationship partners able to afford his services.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) may have the talent for such a profession but his own marriage is in impending dissolution. He signs up for the world’s first artificially intelligent operating system which provides an avatar available 24/7 to dispel his loneliness. We never see Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) but the emotional comfort and challenge that her voice provides are profoundly intelligent.

Inevitably, Theodore falls in love with Samantha. This is the film’s core dramatic issue which Jonze’s screenplay deftly directs toward a denouement that we may see coming but not how it pans out.

Phoenix’s performance is admirable. As the human colleague with whom he has a strong platonic friendship, Amy Adams has a relatively small role.

At 130 minutes, “Her” takes a tad more time than it needs. The development of its drama and the exposition of its technology satisfy any reasonable standard of credibility notwithstanding that the film as a whole is a fantasy. It has Academy Award nominations for Best Film and Best Screenplay.

At Capitol 6 and Palace Electric

“Inside Llewyn Davis” (M) THIS mordant comedy, written and directed by the brothers Ethan and Joel Coen, has only one Academy Award nomination – for Bruno Delbon -

Dougal Macdonald cinema

nel’s muted greenish grey cinematography that well reflects Llewyn’s inability to overcome life’s major obstacles.

Llewyn plays a Gibson guitar and sings an eclectic repertoire – folk, blues, country. Oscar Isaac plays and sings him with an admirable intensity that compels us to find relief among the misadventures befalling him in the winter of 1961. His girlfriend (Carey Mulligan) berates him with shrill anger for not having used a condom. His agent finds excuses for not paying him.

The ginger cat belonging to a friend in whose apartment he has crashed escapes.

All Llewyn wants from life is to be paid for playing and singing numbers that mean something to him while he waits for an impresario to recognise his undeniable talent. The Coen brothers have no intention of granting him such indulgences. They’ve provided a litany of misfortunes to dog him along New York’s bleak streets, on a drive to Chicago and back (a wonderful opportunity for John Goodman to squeeze bleak comedy from the raddled owner of the car), uncomfortable meetings with siblings and his aged father; the list is long and the intensity close to intolerable, yet Llewyn endures it all.

It’s all poignantly funny and sad in the same moment. The music may not be the kind I now choose to hear but rather the kind I sang in my youth. The nostalgia gave me comfort. It can do the same for you.

At Capitol 6 and Palace Electric

“Jack Ryan: shadow recruit” (M)

I CANNOT conjecture how Tom Clancy might have rated this film’s major changes to his fictional hero Jack Ryan who entered the world in book form in “The Hunt For Red October”, followed by the movie thereof and a regular flow of Ryan action thrillers in both media.

Despite their US-centric hubris, I enjoy Clancy’s books for their intelligent escapism. They are not sacrosanct but any attempt by a filmmaker to modify their fundamental premise needs to respect its origin.

This mish-mash of disrespectful writing by Adam Cosad and David Koepp and careless direction by Kenneth Branagh (who also plays Russian oligarch Cherevin planning a terrorism hit on Wall Street combined with financial manipulations that will bankrupt the US) begins with the WTC disaster then jumps a decade to Jack Ryan with a Ph.D. in economics recruited to the CIA by Harper (Kevin Costner). The time distortion is one thing. How the film handles Ryan’s assignment to visit Cherevin in Moscow to wheedle details of money laundering is another.

We accept James Bond’s uniquely-flavoured credibility doing the same kind of thing as this film has Ryan doing. Chris Pine as Ryan and Keira Knightley as Cathy (they’re not yet married) move woodenly through a screenplay that struggles toward an outcome defined by the same old same old stuff so well-worn that improving on it is a real challenge.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Hoyts and Limelight

The mighty musical

ICKLE Pickle Productions moves into a higher gear than normal with this enjoyable “theatre for young audiences” version of the popular Dr Seuss musical.

Largely based on “Horton hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches an Egg”, it centres on the lovable elephant Horton showing us the way to humanity.

Leading the cast are Adam Salter as the Cat in the Hat/Narrator, sharing the stage with the vivacious and outgoing Kaitlin Nihill as JoJo, who serves as both Narrator and a “Who”, and Steven Galinec playing the cuddly Horton with an American accent.

Other standouts were Jenny Watson as Horton’s sincere avian girlfriend Gertrude McFuzz, Sarah Hull as the Sour Kangaroo and Debra Byrne as Mayzie la Bird.

Ickle Pickle veterans Matt and Ben Hardy add weight to the lively

children’s theatre

“Seussical the Musical” Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, directed by Wayne Shepherd At Belconnen Theatre until January 25. Reviewed by Helen Musa

supporting cast. Director Wayne Shepherd has pulled out all the stops for “Seussical”, with bubbles, stick puppets and an amusing set, while steering the large cast to high-quality performances.

With no fewer than 22 musical numbers expertly directed by Susan Davenport and sung by the largely young cast, this is an accessible hour-long entertainment with a near-perfect balance of diversions for adults and children.

Solution to summer jumbo crossword

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars / January 27-February 2, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The New Moon urges you to find fresh ways to connect with those around you, as you contribute your considerable talents to a group, club or organization. And don’t worry if your spontaneous approach results in mistakes along the way. Your motto for the moment is from French writer Colette (born on February 28, 1873) “You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Is it time for Bulls to look for a better job or change vocation? Are you overdue for a pay rise or promotion? Maybe you need to work smarter, not harder? If you resist making career changes, you’ll be left behind, as the New Moon encourages you to explore fresh professional pastures. Singles - you need a partner who’ll bring stability and security into your topsy-turvy Taurus world.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

You’re super busy but are you actually achieving anything? If you tackle tasks in short, sharp bursts, you’ll gradually get things done. The New Moon stimulates your brain power so it’s the perfect time to study, read, research and investigate. You’re also keen to speak up about work issues as you express yourself eloquently, and colleagues are keen to hear what you’ve got to say.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Crabs are sentimental creatures and can spend too much time in the past. Resist the temptation to brood (and stew) over love gone wrong. This week’s stars will help heal your hurt feelings so you can finally let go and move on. The New Moon signals a major shift in the areas of sex or money. Perhaps a passionate new relationship or the start of an exciting financial partnership?

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Mae West, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Robert Redford, Whitney Houston, Robert de Niro, Jennifer Lopez … why are so many major entertainers (past and present) also Leos? Because they relish being the centre of attention. With the New Moon revving up your relationship zone, the challenge is to share the spotlight with someone else, whether it’s a lover, friend or business partner.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With the New Moon activating your health zone, it’s time to start a new diet and exercise program as you swap cream buns for carrot juice, and long TV sessions for power walks and trips to the gym. Virgos thrive on a regular routine and a healthy lifestyle, so stop the excuses and start now! With Venus finally moving forwards in your love zone on Sunday, you’re ready for romance.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

It’s time to connect with your inner child as you tap into the stores of creativity within. There could be some conflict between your professional and personal lives, as Jupiter and Pluto highlight your struggle to achieve some balance. With Venus powering forwards in your domestic zone on Sunday, make your home a cocoon of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy world outside.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Pluto opposes Jupiter on Friday, which increases your ambitious streak … and your domineering side. Strive to be persuasive, rather than forceful. And perhaps it’s time to boost your own performance, before you start telling everyone else what they should be doing! It’s a great week for a domestic clean-up and de-clutter, as the New Moon highlights your home zone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarius is a fiery sign of extremes, big bold moves and extravagant gestures. And Jupiter (your ruling planet) opposes Pluto on Friday, which will increase your tendency to overdo just about everything (especially spending). You’re also inclined to jump to hasty conclusions about other people but –before you judge others – take a close and considered look at yourself!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Show me the money! With the New Moon in your cash zone, it’s time to take stock of your financial situation and initiate some smart new strategies. Abundance is all around – you just have to tap into it. Don’t forget to do an inventory of your inner wealth, which includes your self-esteem and core values. Remember – you are more than your job, what you earn or what you own.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week Aquarians are twice as much fun – and twice as much trouble. You’re avant-garde and adventurous, and are keen to re-model an important area of your life. But you’re also feeling restless, reckless and rebellious as you shake loved ones out of their comfort zones. Be inspired by birthday great Vanessa Redgrave “Ask the right questions if you’re to find the right answers.”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Procrastinating Pisceans are the masters of avoidance – never more so than this week, when the New Moon energises your ‘escaping’ zone. If you have a problem that needs to be faced (or a decision that needs to be made) by all means spend time pondering and contemplating … closely followed by decisive action. The weekend is wonderful for group activities and creative pursuits.

General knowledge crossword No. 438

4 Name a boat basin offering dockage for small craft

7 Which bitter crystalline alkaloid is obtained from coffee, etc

8 To purloin something is to do what

9 Name the ornamental bottle from which wine is served at table

11 What do we call broadcasts etc, in many instalments at regular intervals

13 Name a person who loves his or her country, zealously defending its interests

15 Which Australian company operates and maintains a system of telecommunication services

17 Name a more familiar term for otalgia

20 Which fibrous amphibole is used for making fireproof articles

23 To be of nobility is to be what

24 What is the entire costume of an individual, especially when all the parts are in harmony

25 Name the main trunks of the arterial systems

1 What is the track left by a ship

2 What is another term for an illicit relationship

3 Name a place where money is coined by public authority

4 Name our SI base unit of measurement of length

5 Which grape is dried in the sun, or artificially

6 What is a fictitious prose narrative of considerable length

9 Which radio antenna consists of two conductors

10 What are pieces of landed properties called

12 Name the guitar-like instruments of India

14 What is a small, booklike folding case for carrying papers, paper money etc, in the pocket

16 Name a tropical herb whose small seeds yield oil

18 Which acids are considered to be the building blocks from which proteins are formed

19 What is said to be the abode of the dead

21 Name the 41st President of the US

22 Which nocturnal birds of prey feed on mice, small birds, reptiles, etc

Jez called in to let me know he was moving back to Melbourne with his family next month to take up a new job.

“While you are here, Jez, we may as well confirm details of your properties, as I believe that you have bought a new one,” I said.

He told me he had bought two new investment properties and, of course, a new house for the family to live in.

“I was very lucky because the bank suggested that I mortgage all the investment properties so that I won’t have a mortgage over my own home and I even have some of the funds left over for my overseas holiday next year,” he proudly announced.

I asked him if he was intending to claim the interest on the loans as a tax deduction against the mortgaged properties?

“Too right!” said Jez.

Warning bells were ringing and I said: “Oh dear, you can’t claim a deduction for that interest.”

Jez looked startled and said: “But the mortgages are over the investment properties, why can’t I claim it?”

I told him that is was the “purpose of borrowing” that determined the deductibility of interest.

“As you didn’t use any of the money to purchase the investment properties, you cannot claim the additional interest against those properties,” I advised him.

“Instead, you used the money to buy your new home and use the remainder for your overseas holiday. Neither purchasing your principal place of residence nor your proposed overseas holiday are for income-producing purposes, consequently the interest will not be allowable as a deduction.”

But, Jez said, the bank said that it was okay.

“Okay for them,” I told him. “Banks are not tax advisers and it is a basic requirement of the tax system that there must be a connection between income earned and deductions claimed.”

Jez said he could put the excess funds into an offset account.

“You could, but offset accounts don’t earn interest, you would be better off to invest those funds to earn interest directly which would then allow your deduction or just repay the excess loans immediately,” I said.

“If for some reason you need more funds for investment in the future, you can borrow again, as you have good security, and provided that the funds will be used for a tax-deductible purpose then the interest should be deductible.”

“Oops,” said Jez, “Next time I am planning to do something that involves tax, I will ring you first to ensure I get the best tax result.”

When you need assistance with any tax matter, call the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

summer jumbo crossword

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping

It’s hot, don’t panic!

IN heatwave conditions the aim is not to panic, plants are much tougher than most of us think. It is important that trees and shrubs are watered out at the drip line, not by the trunk.

Recently, I saw a gentleman watering a huge gum tree on the nature strip. He was pouring a bucket of water right at the trunk!

(02)6242-7033Fax:(02)6242-7040

Bink Cement Products of business in the Canberra and surrounding region. We believe in sustainable business practices which is why our raw materials are sourced locally and we manufacture locally. Bink Cement has the ability to supply all scale of projects from large commercial to smaller residential. We supply the building market, sand and soil yards as well as South-East NSW with our superiour products.

Architects requests are

BINK CEMENT SPRINT 26 April Thoroughbred Park - Free Entry Come and enjoy the day, catch up with Jack and the boys and cheer on the Gungahlin Jets AFL Sprinters!

Email: binkmit@bigpond.net.au www.binkcement.com.au

oin our panel as they discuss soft ed leadership and its implications for the property industry.

MODERATOR: Dr Simon Longstaff AO

PANELLISTS: Jure Domazet, Sue Kench, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO and Carolyn Viney

Thursday 13 February 12noon – 2:00pm Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit, Bar ton

Members:

Registration: Rebecca Scott

Cedric Bryant gardening

It may make him feel better, but it is useless for the health of the tree.

Imagine an umbrella with the handle the trunk and the water running off the opened top. That outer edge is the drip line similar to the tree canopy. For small trees make an earthen bank round the tree or shrub to hold at least three buckets of water at the one time, depending on the size of the plant.

If using a drip system in extreme conditions operate the system for one to two hours in the morning and repeat in the evening. This only needs to be done once a week and your plants should be fine. A drip system, which is the ideal way of watering, does not need to be turned on every day.

For example, hydrangeas flop in the daytime heat and bounce back next morning. Plants do not have to be watered every time you see the leaves wilt. There were possibly more plants lost during the drought from overwatering than underwatering. All they need is a good deep soaking once a week. Most hand watering is a complete waste of time, with water running off and never reaching the roots.

GARDENS should be fun and not a chore, and give the “wow” factor when friends visit.

Just look at the fun item of boots in a garden. Maybe the owners are demonstrating how hard they have worked over the years?

Last year we visited our daughter in Holland and reIatives in England. Naturally, we visited numerous gardens and garden centres full of fun items besides just plants. These were in demand for private gardens and parks with topiary as one of the top sellers. There were many examples of full-size animals, from giraffes to rhinos and everything in between.

HERE’S a New Year resolution best carried out in autumn: “Plant a tree, because full, healthy trees make for full, healthy lives”. Autumn may seem a long way off but it is only five or so short weeks away. Autumn is planting time and plants will survive better, with more stable weather conditions and usually autumn rain. The ground is still warm to encourage plenty of root growth so the plants are well established before the heat of next summer.

IT is easy to think of spring and the massed display of bulbs but overlook autumn, which can be as equally floriferous as spring. It is not too late to plant nerines, the most popular variety being the pink Nerine bowdenii, a showy bulb with spidery flowers that last for an incredibly long time as a cut flower. The only demand is changing the water regularly.

Do look out for the rare Nerine flexuosa “Alba” with equally stunning white flowers.

It is getting rather late for planting dahlia tubers, however most garden centres have them available in pots.

Discover a huge range of living options, from terrace homes, to land ready to build on now, to new land off the plan.

You’ll live a beautiful life and love it at Springbank Rise, the only Lend Lease community in Canberra. Every day you’ll enjoy the beautiful places, people and homes that make up this thriving and growing community. With a huge range of living options at Springbank Rise, there is something for everyone - no wonder over 1000 residents call this exciting community home.

Choose from a low maintenance lifestyle, perfect for first home buyers or retirees, with The Norfolk Terraces from just $328,500*. Or there’s a great range of land that is ready to build on now, or off the plan, to give you time to find or design the right home that suits you. There is also a range of home and land packages to make it even easier. So visit Springbank Rise today to find your new dream home.

Double storey terraces with individual titles have been popular throughout Canberra, and The Norfolk Terraces will be no exception. Scheduled for completion in 2014, these affordable yet elegant homes are positioned in a slightly elevated location in Arcadia Village at Springbank Rise, with views of Gungahlin’s surrounding hill tops.

Split contract - first home buyers save on Stamp duty.

1 bedroom and study both with BIR’s Stone Bench Tops - Yes Stone!

Full tiling and carpets throughout Choice of two colour samples

Full landscaping to front & rear

• Playgrounds and picnic areas

• Future Village Centre with local convenience and specialty stores

• Future childcare and medical centre and a large choice of schools nearby

• Easy access to Gungahlin (4km), Belconnen (11km) and Canberra (18km)

• Four main parks and the largest dedicated dog park in North Canberra

• Beautiful lookouts to Canberra City and the Brindabellas