140313 citynews

READY TO TACKLE THE NEXT CENTURY

We’re a vibrant, cultured, inspiring, influential and surprising city full of brilliant possibilities. We’re growing. We’re changing. And we’re ready. Ready to embrace the future. Ready to challenge the stereotypes. Ready to celebrate the amazing things that happen here everyday. And we’re ready to tell the world.

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news Wanted: 101 genuine humans

IAN Hill’s original new marketing campaign for Canberra is called “101 Humans” and it reverses the idea behind his award-winning “Human Brochure” campaign by offering the chance to try out a huge range of “VIP experiences” to 101 locals, provided they invite a friend or relative from interstate to join them, of course.

“The people we’re trying to tap into are essentially community influencers,” says the Visit Canberra director.

“The more successful bloggers are the ones who stay true to being authentic; they’re not in the advertising world, they’re in the storytelling world and in their communities, they’ve become a very trusted source of information.”

Hill says that at the same time as 2012’s “Human Brochure” participants from interstate were swanning around on the ACT taxpayer’s dime, they actually snapped more than 5000 photos and composed countless positive messages about our fair city, all seen by millions of people, and the important thing, says Hill, is they were genuine.

“It’s really about authentic experiences being shared through a group of people with significant social media reach,” he explains.

Being genuine is often said to be the

Stephen Easton reports

key to effective marketing and the local tourism body has picked up a swag of awards including an Australian Tourism Award for destination marketing this year.

The “101 Humans” equals one socialmedia savvy human from Canberra for each year the city has existed, each inviting a plus-one to experience some of what our region has to offer in terms of arts and culture, food and wine, family friendly and/or nature-based activities.

“They get to match their interstate friend or relative to the things they like to do, so if you like mountain biking, you can do a guided tour with [Canberra’s own six-time gold medal winning Paralympian skier and cyclist] Michael Milton at Stromlo Forest Park, or if you like arts and culture you can get a behind the scenes tour at the National Gallery, so you will get these experiences matched to the things that you’re personally interested in,” Hill explains.

The new campaign has four phases, which will be drawn out over the year.

In the first, the 101 lucky locals will get to discover things they didn’t already know about the city they call home.

“We’re going to showcase to them some of the best experiences their home town has to offer,” says Hill. “We are going to be making them world-

Canberra director Ian Hill… “It’s

class ambassadors, so some of those discovery-phase activities could be behind-the-scenes tours of places like Poachers Pantry, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon or the National Portrait Gallery, or it could be a Mount Majura wine tasting with French black truffle brie.”

As well as being a great “prize” for the “101 Humans” and their interstate guests, he says, this also ensures “they can talk about the experiences with real conviction and first-hand knowledge”, creating marketing content with a far stronger whiff of authenticity, albeit with a small risk of some being less than flattering.

Since few locals know much about

Canberra’s hotels, for obvious reasons, the local accommodation industry is going to show the chosen 101 around some of their latest properties during the discovery phase, and they’ve also chipped in free accommodation for when their guests arrive in October and November (travel costs are not included).

The recruitment closes April 10 with the 101 participants announced by the end of April, the fun of the discovery phase runs through May and June and the VIP events will be organised to catch the spring weather in October and November.

Apply to be one of the “101 Humans” at 101humans.com.au

Locals bring back Chinese bushranger

By Helen Musa

AWARD-winning author and screenwriter, Robert Macklin, and former Shanghai producer, Cindy Jia Li, are planning a film about Australia’s only Chinese bushranger, Sam Pu. The film, called “Aodaliya Gold”, is to be set at Gooromon Park Riding Centre in the hills of Hall. “Aodaliya” is Mandarin for “Australia”.

Pu came to Australia during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. Here he fell in love with an Australian girl, Emma Golding, but ran foul of the law at a time when there were vicious anti-Chinese riots on the goldfields.

With a budget of more than $20 million and the likelihood of a general release in China and elsewhere overseas, Macklin and Li are optimistic about the enterprise, which has been undertaken in partnership with Canberra production house, Silver Sun Pictures.

“We are very lucky that Cindy Li has recently relocated to Canberra,” Macklin enthuses. “She has worked with some of the top film people in China.”

Macklin, who some years ago embarked on a filmmaking project about local bushrangers, told “CityNews” the trailer would be filmed at Gooromon Park next month and used to secure the additional funding for the project, which is supported by ScreenACT.

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Arts & Entertainment 26-28

Canberra Confidential 18

Cinema 26

Dining 28 Garden 30

Horoscope 29

Letters 10 News 5 -10

Politics 10 Puzzles 29

Socials 15-17

Sport 9

Olympian Alicia Coutts in a remarkable portrait by Andrew Campbell. Make-up by Lesley Johnston.

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

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

Journalists: Stephen Easton, stephen@citynews.com.au

Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au

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Rebeccan Dann, 0431 042087; Charlotte Hoy, 6262 9100

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Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601

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seven days

Welcome to liveable, unaffordable Canberra

SOMETIMES it’s hard to separate news from theatre, and never more so than this past week in Canberra. Take the big story of the week: the revelation that ours is the most “liveable” city in Australia… pure social theatre.

Sure, we know it’s clean, convenient, friendly and about as healthy as a 21st century city can be.

But here’s the rub: once you tell the world, you encourage everyone to come here and presto! It’s a crowded conglomerate and you can’t park anywhere.

The one caveat, I noted, was our “housing affordability”. But Katy Gallagher and Andrew Barr promised they’d be fixing that. Oh sure; the only way to make housing more affordable is to lower the value of our major family asset.

Let’s hear the standing ovation among Canberrans for that one.

NICE to see Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson coming aboard to increase the cast at the Assembly from 17 to 25. Just as important, the seats should be distributed between the five town centres so that each gets its say on the political stage.

Of course, this will mean a new

Once you tell the world, you encourage everyone to come here and presto! It’s crowded and you can’t park anywhere.

Assembly building to strut their stuff…and where better than beside the Canberra Theatre?

THE Qantas imbroglio was all political theatre. Even after Joe Hockey strongarmed diminutive CEO Alan Joyce into blaming the comparatively miniscule $59m carbon tax for the airline’s woes, Tony Abbott refused to extend them a $3 billion line of credit. Instead, he said they could sell off half of their domestic cash cow to unnamed foreigners.

“Gee, thanks, Tony!” they cried. Well, they cried… but not all the way to the (Commonwealth) bank. Sad really, after all those “hard decisions” Alan had made about sacking 5000 workers, especially since he’d declared a “freeze” on his own salary.

In 2011 Alan’s annual pay packet was increased a trifling 71 per cent from $2.92 million in 2009-10 to a risible $5.01 million and he was granted

1.7 million Qantas shares under a longterm incentive plan. Last year his take home pay was a mere $3.3 million. And he froze it! The man is all heart.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell then entered stage left refusing to commit a cent to the infrastructure of a second Sydney airport at Badgery’s Creek. Yep, looks like the Snows (Terry and Ginette), owners of the Canberra airport, the natural second gateway to the nation, got snowed by the PM on this one.

He has yet to announce it, but take it from here, the Creek’s the go. You only have to look at the figures (the polls, not the costs): 72 per cent of NSW voters are cheering Badgery’s while only 20 per cent are booing.

CATE Blanchett tied news and thea tre together nicely in her Academy Award acceptance speech when she underlined Australia’s

ROBERT MACKLIN

triumph of four Oscars by telling the Yanks, ‘Don’t f***** forget it!’ (Well, she had played Blue Jasmine.) But she got it right when she said the Australian industry is bursting with talent. Canberra is right up there. If you doubt it, make “Tracks” to our own Mia Wasikowska in a theatre near you. She is Cate’s undoubted successor to the Hollywood crown.

robertmacklin.com

of

What motivates the amazing Alicia? Planning to live on the edge

Every time I start to think every elite sportsperson has little concept of reality, along comes the likes of Alicia Coutts.

THE “entitlement generation”

has become a common catchphrase; it is even more widely used to describe young sportspeople.

There is a perception that sportspeople believe they are entitled to certain things in life without actually working for them. We hear the phase so often and it is supported by the colourful exploits of young, professional footballers, cricketers or tennis players who, with monotonous regularity, seem intent on blowing every opportunity.

In the media, we appear to delight in the off-field exploits of these spoilt “brats” doing little to warrant the rewards coming their way.

I think this view is a generalisation. Every time I start to think every elite sportsperson has little concept of reality,

along comes the likes of Olympic swimmer Alicia Coutts.

I sat down for a television interview with Alicia at the Australian Institute of Sport last week. I admit I entered a conversation with her without any real understanding of what she has been through in life and how it motivates her to achieve.

If ever there was a grounded athlete, it is Alicia. In fact, she should be employed to go to Canberra schools to talk about overcoming hurdles, getting on with life and making the most of every opportunity.

She was Australia’s most successful swimmer in London with five medals and is now preparing for the trials for the Commonwealth Games.

She almost quit after London from a team environment described as toxic with suggestions she was bullied. In the wake of two separate inquiries, she says the atmosphere now is great and encouraging. The suggestion of her walking away from swimming in her mid 20s because of the actions of

others would have been a travesty.

Alicia says she is keen to start a family after the Rio Olympics.

So what drives her, what makes her work harder than most in the sport?

A chat about her childhood soon provides an insight. The death of her father to cancer when she was only seven had an understandable impact. He had real belief in her ability as a swimmer. Her memory of him is one of her motivators. She says she wants to make him proud.

Another motivator also comes from her past and the hard times experienced growing up in a family with little money, at times living on Weet-Bix.

Also, the health problems she experienced would have stopped most from continuing in the sport.

These days, she works part time at the RSPCA at Weston as much through her love of animals as the grounding and distraction it provides.

Hers is an inspirational story and worth telling in more detail to the next generation.

TIM GAVEL

By Catherine Carter

CANBERRA’S city edge is set for a revamp with its ageing public housing making way for new residential and mixed-use development on Cooyong Street.

A recent variation to the Territory Plan will allow the old complexes in Allawah and Bega Courts and the Currong Flats to be demolished and replaced by contemporary, high-density apartments, retail and commercial buildings and new community facilities.

The redevelopment will help to define Cooyong and Coranderrk Streets as a true ring road to the city, leading and connecting to a vibrant Civic centre and on to Parkes Way and the national precincts.

It is a natural progression of the revitalising redevelopment that has been welcomed on Bunda Street –bringing new energy to the fringes of Civic with active street frontages and rooftop gardens for residents.

Just as Lonsdale Street and New Acton have introduced us to indy pop-up shops and a chic café lifestyle, the Cooyong project should establish new commercial spaces with the potential for laneway restaurants and inviting urban spaces.

This is a welcome opportunity to introduce innovative housing into the city – offering more options for our growing inner-urban demographic. Urban infill is finding its rightful place in Canberra’s heart and local centres. It is not sustainable for our city to continue to spread outwards.

Building on the city edge rather than the suburban fringes will make room for more Canberrans to access all that our city has to offer. Importantly, this development will continue to include space for public housing tenants, preserving Canberra’s admirable policy of integration of social housing within well-located inner suburbs.

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

AUSTRALIAN music legend

Russell Morris will host an intimate, limited-ticket preview listen to his new album in Canberra on Tuesday, March 25.

“Van Diemen’s Land”, which will be released on April 11, is the follow-up to the biggest album success in Morris’ career, the critically acclaimed “Sharkmouth”.

While Morris will not be performing, the album will be played and fans, the first in Australia to hear the new songs, will be invited to ask questions (as well as get a photo and autograph).

Tickets – priced at $15 – are limited to 160 and available only from the Southern Cross Club Woden or Songland Records at Cooleman Court (call 6293 4677).

“CityNews” has five doubles to the album preview to give away. First five emails to editor@citynews.com with the subject line: “I claim these tickets” wins.

Community deserves a sporting chance

GOVERNMENT sponsorship of sport is good public policy. Academic literature is full of evidence about the benefits of children who grow up involved with sport.

However, in the ACT recent events indicate that government support for sport is somewhat haphazard.

A few weeks ago this column questioned the disproportionate expenditure of half a million taxpayer dollars on beach volleyball. Hardly was the column in print when news broke of the impending demise of the ice hockey team the Canberra Knights, which has been playing for decades in the Australian Ice Hockey League at the Phillip ice skating rink.

There had been some support from the ACT government for the Knights, but for two Canberra businessmen coming to its rescue, renaming it CBR Brave, the team would have been out of the competition.

Contrast this struggle with the immense financial support the Canberra Raiders are seeking through the redevelopment of Braddon Oval. The redevelopment proposal simply rips off ordinary Canberrans. As with all property in Can-

The Canberra Raiders’ redevelopment proposal for Braddon Oval simply rips off ordinary Canberrans.

berra, the oval is leased rather than owned. The lease was granted for a specific purpose – as a sporting and club facility to support their sport. The attempt to change the lease to allow commercial or intense residential to be built on the site immensely increases the value of the land compared to its value as a club and sporting facility. It would be a considerable windfall gain to the Raiders if allowed to proceed.

This gain from changing the purpose of a lease belongs with the Canberra community – not with those who happen to own the lease. The incentive for the Raiders to sell this land for another purpose is simply financial.

Each time a similar thing happens the community loses more green space and more sporting facilities. Such a precedent means that the sporting clubs that happen to have the advantage of holding prime leases, wind up with totally disproportionate community sup-

port for their particular code.

In principle, if the full value of the windfall gain on the change of lease is taken by the government it can be more evenly distributed across a wide range of sporting codes or other government needs. If the government really wishes to have the site redeveloped it has the option to purchase the lease from the Raiders at its current value and put the land to auction, an approach that would make a level playing field!

The language the Raiders used in a letter to its members was to have the land “de-concessionalised”. It tells a story. They have the land on a special concessional lease. It has not been assigned to them for develop ment so that they can make a motza windfall gain that genuinely be longs to the rest of the community.

If this sort of development is allowed to proceed in this manner it begs the question: where will it end? Think of the

MICHAEL MOORE

OPEN DAY

Tuggeranong Community Health Centre

The expansion and refurbishment of the Tuggeranong Community Health Centre, on the corner of Anketell and Pitman Streets, is now complete. Before it receives its first clients, Canberrans are invited to take a look through the new centre during a community open day.

Everyone is welcome!

When: 12 noon to 3.00pm, Saturday, 22 March 2014

The community open day will also incorporate a chance to meet and talk with ACT Government Ministers during Community Cabinet from 12 noon to 1.00pm.

For further information: T: (02) 6174 8088 E: HIP@act.gov.au

“concessional” leases owned by some of the private schools and the churches around Canberra. There simply should not be a financial incentive for the Raiders. Financial support for our sporting clubs should be distributed in an equitable manner through a transparent system.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health. He and his son were ice hockey players and Canberra Knights fans.

briefly

Antique fair returns

THE Autumn Antique and Collectables Fair, a major fund-raiser for the Rotary Club of Canberra City, will be held at Albert Hall on the weekend of March 21-23. Proceeds will help the Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast in various projects that advance the status of women in the Canberra region. Entry is $7 ($5 concession), children under 14 free. The Friday opening runs from 6pm to 9pm; Saturday, 10am-5.30pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Dragons celebrate

BREAST cancer survivor team Dragons Abreast Canberra will celebrate its 15th year on Friday, March 28. The dragon boat team is looking to welcome past members to a birthday dinner at University House, Acton. RSVP before March 17 to canberra@ dragonsabreast.com.au

Family festival

AN original Cobb & Co coach will be giving rides at Hume’s Heyday Family Festival at Cooma Cottage, Yass, 10am-4pm, on Saturday, April 5. The family event features activities such as bush dancing displays, wood turning, cow milking, blade shearing, horse shoeing and 19th century games for kids and adults.

View Clubs meet

POLICE sergeant Daryl Neit is the guest speaker at the next lunch meeting of the Tuggeranong Day View Club at the Tuggeranong Vikings Town Centre Club, 11.30am, Tuesday, March 18. RSVP to 6284 8804. All ladies and guests welcome. AND Jennifer Berrie will talk about the basics of Feng Shui at the dinner meeting of the Tuggeranong Evening View Club, also at the Town Centre Club, 6.30pm, on Wednesday, March 26. Cost is $23 and acceptances or queries to 6291 4018.

Praise Shane, not ridicule him

THE ACT Greens’ Shane Rattenbury deserves to be congratulated, rather than ridiculed by Mark Parton (“St Shane of the imaginary animals”, CN March 6). The banning of cage-egg production and sow stalls in the ACT ensures these inhumane and outdated farming practices can never again be part of the ACT landscape. After 18 years and seven attempts, this Bill has finally passed, what a truly fantastic day for the welfare of animals, imaginary or not.

Chris Doyle, Gordon

How stupid is this?

THE absence of consistent street numbering in Canberra business districts (city and suburbs) is a disgrace and a symptom of government negligence as much as are broken pavements or clogged drains.

As evidence, consider Brierly Street, Weston. On its western side the visible numbering from south to north is – Chicken shop, nil; pizza shop, nil; garden shop, nil; bank, 11; offices, 12; pizza shop, nil; wine shop, nil; mini market, nil; restaurant, nil; estate agent, nil; café, 6/25 (facing Brierly but could refer to Trenerry); estate agent, 9 &10; carpet shop, 8; restaurant, nil; hair salon, nil; estate agent, nil; hair salon, 3B 39; chiropractor, 4 (43 on high wall sign); café, nil; auto shop, nil and service station, nil (told it is 47).

How stupid is this when strangers are encouraged to visit Canberra, or someone needs to find a business, or even figure out which way street numbers are running?

One business on line gives its address as 28 Brierly Street, but Google Maps cannot find it. No wonder. P. Edwards, Weston Creek

Wake up to our environment

WHEN I first arrived in Australia from England in 1957, age 17, I found a job as a jackaroo at Gunnedah on a large sheep and cattle station.

In the first weekend, the cocky explained a few things about local wildlife. He said go for a walk, take a gun and shoot anything that moves except sheep, cattle and the dogs. At that stage, I had not even seen a kangaroo, let alone giant goannas, which I thought were dragons. Goannas, kangaroos, wedgetail eagles, white cockatoos, foxes and snakes, shoot the lot, I was told.

Some things never change. We shoot the kangaroos in Canberra, kill the sharks and crocodiles in other places when we know that there is a risk in being in their habitat, although the worst thing the kangaroos do is damage to speeding cars.

Now it is the turn of the Koel. What next, open season on cockatoos or possums as some would suggest?

Wake up, Australia and learn to live with the environment! Cedric Bryant, Watson

Horse power

I WANT to tell you about my horse, Brego.

I have had him for around six months and he means the world to me. I have had two other horses since I was about 14 and recently I put them both down. I was devastated and didn’t think I would get another horse – but things happen, and I met Brego. Since I’ve had him, he has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his eyelid. It was recently operated on however tests show that there are still cancerous cells remaining. A further operation will be required soon. At the same time, the vet discovered issues with his teeth and operated on those as well.

Throughout this procedure, Brego has taken it all in his stride and he has a beautiful nature. He has had a tough life, but through all of that he doesn’t seem to have lost faith in humans.

Despite setbacks with his health, he is worth every effort and every dollar spent just for what he gives back in kindness. It just goes to show how animals can play such an important role in human well-being.

Fiona Mckenna, via email

‘You

can hear the hippos grunting, all the stars are up there above you, you’ve got a campfire, this freshly prepared food; it’s just impossible to describe.’

Discovering the unforgettable face of Africa

“YOU know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions,” wrote Danish baroness Karen Blixen in “Out of Africa”, her poetic 1937 memoir of 17 years in colonial Kenya.

A lot has changed since then but Africa’s raw natural beauty, the feeling of freedom in its vast, open spaces, its amazing wildlife and incredibly diverse, ancient cultures still stir strong emotions in those who visit to its shores, just as they did for the baroness in -that bygone era.

A classic safari is still the best way to get to know Africa in a short period, and Canberra’s most experienced travel agency is inviting up to 10 people to join them and try out this luxurious way to travel at its best.

Civic Travel owner Claus Dirnberger has taken a couple of safaris to see for himself in recent years, and can’t hide his excitement as he recalls the life-changing experiences he’ll share with guests on The Great Migration Seeker tour, departing on October 12.

“I remember so vividly, sitting on a peninsula on the side of the Mara River, where the wildebeest cross during the Great Migration,” says the enthusiastic tour guide and travel agent.

“You’re about 10 metres above the water, you can hear the hippos grunting, all the stars

are up there above you, you’ve got a campfire and you’re eating this beautiful, freshly prepared food; it’s just impossible to describe.

“The accommodation in the camps is luxuriously appointed tents with everything in them – two king-sized beds, toilet, two showers, two wash basins, you name it – it’s better than a lot of the five star hotels in Sydney. It really made me appreciate the difference between a high-end tour and a run-of-the mill tour.”

The 18-day trip is for a maximum of 10 people to avoid the feeling of being “herded around”, and Canberran professional photographer

Vladimir Rimsky-Korsakov, of Accent Photographics, will be there to make sure everyone brings home some good, lasting memories.

“We fly into Nairobi where we’ll be met by the local tour guide with a glass of champagne, and a little package of things like hand sanitiser, a mosquito net and a safari hat, then you’re taken to a five-star hotel for the first night,” Claus says, explaining that the itinerary is based on his pick of the best places to see the massive herds on their yearly migration, and the predators that follow them.

“We go to Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya which most agencies are not going to, then to Lake Nakuru National Park, ” explains Claus.

“It’s unfenced and it’s next to a mighty river, but it’s also a smaller park, only about 70 square kilometres, where you’ve got a really good concentration of animals, so you can see

things like hundreds of elephants just roaming past you. It’s an amazing sight.”

Also on the menu is the Maasai Mara region in Kenya followed by the Serengeti, just over the border in Tanzania.

“From the Serengeti we go to Ngorongoro Crater, which is a World Heritage area; it’s a crater that you can go into, but the animals have no way to get out so it’s got very rich wildlife,” he adds. “Then the last stop is Amboseli National Park, which is right in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Wild animals can freely roam through the camps, including a well-mannered elephant named Mr Obama, who Claus hopes to introduce to his fellow Canberrans, but he says there’s no reason to worry, as “you’ve got your own personal Maasai warrior watching out for you”.

With well over 100 years’ experience between Civic Travel’s four consultants, guests on The Great Migration Seeker can be certain that everything is taken care of and they have been given all the important information, unlike with some discount operators, especially on the internet.

“A lot of people believe that it’s necessarily more expensive to go to a travel agency,” says Claus. “It’s not. And without a travel agent, you’re on your own.”

More information on The Great Migration Seeker safari tour, call 6248 0822 or go to civictravel.com.au

CIVIC TRAVEL EXPO

Speak to the representatives from Qantas, Qantas Holidays, Viva Holidays, Etihad, Finnair, CoverMore Travel Insurance, Globus, Avalon Waterways, Cosmos, Mongrams, African Safari Company, Kirra Tours and Swagman Tours.

A huge slide-show of photos/films of Africa, Europe, America and South America on display.

There will be a special ‘Africa-desk’ highlighting our luxury and exclusive safari to Kenya and Tanzania in October 2014.

Get the expert information on a wide range of global destinations.

planes, trains & automobiles, package tours, bus travel, group travel TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS!

TRUST the experienced CIVIC travel team!

While you can book your own holiday on-line...... WHEN things do not go to planned “You are not alone and have a travel professional to fall back on for support”.

Book Civic Travel Service is our Success!

Win one of many prize give-aways.

17th

Monday 17th March Celebrations start from 12 noon!

. Irish Dancing

. Face painting by Gecko Gang

. Traditional Rotary Club of Canberra East BBQ

GREAT LIVE MUSIC from Fir Croi, Cassidy Ceili, Oscar, Band Java, Cassidy Celli, Chicago Charles and many more Irish Folk musicians

OPEN FOR BUSINESS CORNER

Offering unique fashion shopping, a select range of specitality retailers, amazing restaurants and cafes.

scene / around canberra

Event of the week: At Diner en Blanc, Enlighten Festival

Moveable feast as wet and wild at Rond Terrace turns to clammy and cool in the Canberra Centre.

DINER en Blanc is the ever-sostylish and elegant picnic event that started in Paris 25 years ago and, for the second year, is part of our Enlighten Festival.

It has rules that add to the excitement with a secret location only revealed shortly before guests are transported there laden with the food, wine, tables, chairs and dining accoutrements.

And all guests must wear white. That gives some leeway for interpretation evidenced as the many shades of white swept down the steps to Rond Terrace in a gentle sprinkle of rain and the sounds of popping champagne corks.

That was shortlived as the heavens opened and a rush for the buses by diners began while the organisers wisely decided to shift the event to the Canberra Centre.

In they swept in good humour and with new anticipation of a slightly delayed feast of food and fun in a space that looked quite white and right on the night. The waving of linen serviettes signified the start of dining, the balloons were left behind but the sparklers sparkled outside and, despite the weather, Diner en Blanc was a success because of the enthusiasm and acceptance of diners to the experience. Enlightened indeed.

At the ‘Oscar Gala’, Hellenic Club, Woden

At Coo Izakaya support dinner, Deakin

At the French Film Festival opening night, New Acton

ADVERTISEMENT

ASG join forces with The Cancer Support Group to help raise money for local families.

organisation in Canberra who are providing tremendous support to local families. After meeting with the charity CEO, Melissa Gardiner and learning of the work CSG is doing, the local staff at ASG wanted to provide support through fundraising and volunteer activities”.

Australian IT Services provider ASG Group has successfully raised $6,500 for local charity support organisation, The Cancer Support Group (CSG).

In handing over the cheque, ASG Group’s Canberra Branch Manager Wayne Gowland commended the positive impact CSG was making to the local Canberra community.

“The Cancer Support Group (CSG) is a well know charity and support

The Cancer Support Group ACT Eden Monaro’s Own assists with some of the additional costs associated with cancer treatment and in doing so aim to reduce the level of financial stress that comes with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

With over 700 patients in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding regions currently registered with CSG, they are able to offer financial assistance to help pay for chemotherapy and other required medication, and assist with household costs like food and petrol.

For further information head to thecancersupportgroup.org.au

Canberra Confidential

Irene’s hope lies in India

PUBLIC servant

Irene Elliott is heading to India for a high-risk treatment that may mean a cure for her advanced multiple sclerosis.

Brave Irene, whose heartwrenching story was featured on the cover of “CityNews” on October 10, will travel to the Bangalore Manipal Hospital for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment, which involves harvesting stem cells from her bone marrow, then decimating the immune system with chemo before reintroducing the stem cells.

Her family raised almost $90,000 for the treatment in a “Big Fat Greek Fundraiser” at the Hellenic Club in November.

Irene says she’s now busy planning everything, including post-treatment and logistics, and expects to leave for India in early June.

“It’s exciting and I’m buzzing from the news, but it’s very scary at the same time, as this is a major treatment process,” she says.

Going and coming

AS Goulburn runs its beautifully executed “come and live here” campaign around Canberra, the irony of Emily Moran winning the ACT Government’s Update Your Medicare Address Campaign’s $10,000 prize draw must be galling. Emily recently moved to Canberra from Goulburn.

Meanwhile, Goulburn has come in at number eight in the top 10 regional suburbs for family living in a national “Top 100 Suburbs For Family Living” report, compiled by RP Data.

The biggest loser is Canberra, with none of our suburbs making the Top 100 because of a combination of higher prices and scarcer amenities compared with other cities. How this reconciles with last week’s news that Canberra is the most liveable city is anyone’s guess.

Tim’s ring of truth

‘Sniffy’ side of coffee

“SNIFF and slurp”, that’s snapper Gary Schafer ’s fond interpretation of Cupping Room manager Jack Scheeren’s approach to encouraging the appreciation of coffee by educating customers through “cupping” – the ritualistic, international method of sampling and analysing the aroma and taste of comparative blends.

Here, as Schaf’s lovely picture shows, Jack leads customers Louisa Tang, left, and Emma Buckland through the process at the University Avenue cafe. Dining writer Wendy Johnson’s review is on Page 28

FORMER Canberra Grammar School headmaster Tim Murray, now living in Melbourne, detected a certain irony when the school announced last week that its forthcoming production of “Julius Caesar” would take place on a boxing ring erected inside the theatre named after him. Murray, you see, once wrote a short story called “Ring of Truth” about the pugilism at his old school, Geelong Grammar, that he helped undo as an adult drama teacher by turning the boxing ring into a stage. No wonder, he told “CityNews” it looked as if the story was coming full circle.

Run out of town

THE late, largerthan-life Canberra director and actor Jasan Savage would unquestionably have enjoyed his funeral last week at Norwood Park, and especially the standing ovation accorded to him by the large crowd of theatricals who turned up to bid him farewell.

Director and playwright Duncan Ley stole the show as he told how he and the late actor were once chased out of a country town by the local CWA after Savage opted for the more ribald alternative words to Henry Lawson’s “The Bastard from the Bush”.

ACTION man

AS CC bumbled through the commuting classes at the bus interchange on East Row the other evening, there was besuited MLA Alistair Coe awaiting his omnibus home. It had broken down, an event the Liberal member for Ginninderra smilingly agreed would never have happened had he been in government. A regular commuter, and therefore a rare bird among his parliamentry colleagues, the Opposition transport spokesman said he was occasionally recognised and that recently someone tweeted he was on the bus, but he couldn’t spot the tweeter – half the passengers had their heads in a phone screen.

Pierre’s pick

“THE Chronicle” of March 4 is the omnipresent Pierre the Lair ’s withering focus this week. The inky weekly reports on page one of “concerns about the likelihood of a new community centre being built”.

“Or are they concerns about the likelihood of it not being built?” says Pierre.

“On page two, seasonal change in Canberra is described: ‘It’s a subtle change but quite dramatic’, which would make a dramatic change something to behold.”

Staying on script

WHICH discount chemist ensures the continued patronage of little old ladies by retaining their scripts? Our Weston snout’s snout has observed that the old darlings are inclined to accept when invited by this particular chemist to leave their repeat scripts with them.

Renovating can increase our enjoyment of living in our homes, but it can also create chaos, and endless amounts of dust! It makes sense to bring in the professionals, because a house is usually our biggest single investment and serious renovations need to be done properly.

Whether it’s to update or repair an older home, adding personality or adding value through professionally guided improvements, “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of experts who can help you achieve those objectives...

ASBESTOS

IN recent months, the presence of asbestos in buildings in the ACT has been highlighted in the media, according to Workcover ACT.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Mark McCabe, says that many homes in the ACT built in or before 1990 will likely have asbestos-containing materials used in parts of its construction.

“Some common locations of bonded asbestos include kitchens, wet areas and under the eaves outside your house, while some homeowners who had loose-fill asbestos previously removed will have to be cautious before renovations as remnants may remain in difficult-to-access areas,” he said.

When asbestos products deteriorate or are disturbed, dangerous fibres which may not be visible to the naked eye can be released. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause asbestos-related disease, which can be serious and cause death.

“If you’re a home owner, or a DIY renovator, and if you are unsure if an area or material contains asbestos, it’s best to treat it as though it does.

Only appropriately licensed asbestos assessors can advise on asbestos and how it can be managed, so if in doubt, call a professional,” says

Mark. “Asbestos assessors and removalists are appropriately qualified and have undertaken prescribed asbestos awareness courses that enable them to deal with asbestos.

PAINTING

The power of paint Investigate before you renovate

PAINTING requires attention to detail, and a genuine passion for seeing a room transform, says Terry Glendening, director of Glendening Painting and Decorating Services in Fyshwick.

It’s a real family business, with Terry’s wife Zena and son Guy making up the other two directors.

“Asbestos assessors can undertake and supervise air monitoring for airborne asbestos, undertake surveys to identify the location, type and condition of asbestos in buildings, assess the risk the identified asbestos presents, advise how it should be managed and provide a written report about the work carried out. If asbestos is detected, you can then engage the services of a licensed asbestos removalist. An asbestos removalist can handle, remove and dispose of bonded and friable asbestos from buildings.”

Mark advises against renovating an area that has been identified as containing asbestos.

“Be asbestos aware and before you renovate, get a professional to investigate,” he said.

More information about asbestos and where to find an assessor or removalist at asbestos.act.gov. au or call 13 22 81.

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Having been a painter since he was 15, Terry has a lifetime of experience and says he has around 32 painters working for the company.

“We are very detail focused, and a job is never done unless myself or one of the other directors has had a good look at the work,” he says. “We’ve never had problems, either – we pride ourselves in completing a job on schedule, using premium paints and qualified personnel.”

Glendening paints heritage buildings, residential, commercial, exteriors, interiors, new, old or refurbished buildings, and can cover graffiti and provide anti-graffiti coatings.

“Each surface requires a different approach, and we use easy-wash paints, heavy-duty paints for high-wear areas, mould-resistant paints for bathrooms and wet areas,” he says.

Glendening has also recently started Majic Windows, an innovative way to update old aluminium windows with Colorbond colours to make them look stylish and modern, says Terry.

A number of Glendening Painting staff are formally trained in lead removal and disposal, which is often an issue for older homes.

Glendening Painting and Decorating Services, 2/16 Geelong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6293 9160

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2/16 Geelong St, Fyshwick PH: 6280 9495 E: majicwindows@ozemail.com.au www.majicwindows.com.au

• Majic Windows has been developing a resurfacing technique since 1997. This technique will transform old and tired aluminium and powder coated window frames to make them look like new.

• Previously, your only options for updating window frames were to either replace the old frames with brand new frames and glass,

• OR, for a tidy up of existing frames, remove the old frames from the buildings structure, and then separate the glass from the frames for sand blasting, and that’s before you can even start to recoat the original window frames!

• Both of these options are time consuming, and can leave your home or office at risk of weather exposure and compromised security while your windows and frames are removed for recoating.

At Majic Windows, our resurfacing technique is both time saving and cost effective, leaving your frames in place to maintain the integrity and security of your home and/or office building

A division of Glendening Painting

About us

Glendening Painting…Award winning painters

What sets us apart from the other painters and decorators in Canberra? Attention to detail and our passion for painting! The team at Glendening Painting Services is extremely passionate about painting. We love to see a room transform; the difference it makes to a street when an old house gets a fresh new exterior paint job, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Our painters and decorators will take great care and pay attention to every detail when completing each job. If your residence or commercial property needs to be revived; but you’re unsure of finishes to use, talk to us about it. We are experts in all the products we use and can suggest ideas that will fit perfectly with your needs and desires.

At Glendening Painting & Decorating we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients at all times.

• Domestic Internal and External painting

• Commercial Internal and External painting

• Graffiti Removal & Anti-Graffiti Coatings

• Lead Managment Porgrams

• Heritage Buildings

• Qualified painters and decorators

• Experience & skill

• Attention to detail

• Fast & efficient work

• A Guaranteed product

Talk to us about commercial or domestic painting and decorating services today.

home improvements

SOLAR INDOORS

Choose solar now

WITH the government trying to slash the solar rebate, now is the time to take advantage and install solar panels, says Lucas Sena, sales director of Green Broker, a custom solar power system company based in Mitchell.

“The industry is fighting back, because we know that solar energy is a good thing for the country and we want it to be available to as many people as possible,” he says.

“The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is under review, but we are fighting to keep it.”

Green Broker offers highly competitive prices, experienced salesmen and customised services, says Lucas.

Passionate about renewable energy, Lucas has worked in the industry since 2008 and says that Green Broker uses only highly experienced installers who have fitted more than 600 residential solar systems.

“We manage the whole installation process on your behalf,” he says.

“Solar panels will add value to your home, protect you against energy cost rises and ensure your home becomes energy efficient, while you save money and help the environment,” he says.

Green Broker, call 6243 3655 or visit canberragreenenergy.com.au

Gorgeous glass splashbacks

GLASS kitchen splashbacks are a stylish, easy-to-clean option, says Matt and Erin Ryan, and Peter and Barbara Orlicky, owners of Toscan Glass.

The specialty glass manufacturer makes decorative and functional colour-back-painted glass products, including splashbacks, door panels and bathroom and shower walls, floors and screens.

Matt and Peter are glass experts, who have more than 25 years of experience in the industry, and focus on high-quality products and workmanship.

TOSCAN GLASS Kitchen Splashbacks

• a practical and aesthetic addition to every kitchen and bathroom

• has unlimited choice of colours and textures

• ease of installation and cleaning and “no grout”

• impact and heat resistant (up to 65-70ºC) and lasts forever

• resistant to mould and mildew build-up

e re ective surface creat an illusion of greater space

and

and outside

“We have more than 500 colour samples when measuring and quoting to ensure you get the right result, and we can colour-match any existing colour scheme,” says Erin.

“All our work is site measured and custom made to the exact measurements, with a five-year warranty on internal paint.

“We also offer a specialised range of patterns and textures you can’t get anywhere else.”

Erin says that minimal, white kitchens are popular at the moment, with a subtle metallic champagne or bronze glass splashback.

Toscan Glass, 5 Chapman Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2255

home improvements

TIMBER INDOORS

Built to last

BEAUTIFUL timber will last a lifetime and add character and quality to your home, says owner of Thor’s Hammer joinery Thor Diesendorf.

The joinery, sawmill and recycled timber yard is based at the Old Brickworks in Canberra, and can create custom-made furniture or benchtops from recycled timbers, or install timber floor boards.

“We design and make furniture and architectural products from recycled timbers,” says Thor.

“Thor’s Hammer builds to last – we believe in quality, in good design and taking care of the environment.”

Thor’s Hammer has provided timber to several local

bars and cafes around town, including A. Baker and Parlour at New Acton, Penny University in Kingston and the newly renovated Hippo Bar.

Thor’s Hammer also supplies recycled timber and furniture into homes.

Over the last six months Thor’s Hammer has been recycling huge amounts of timber from the old “Q-Stores” woolstores in Alexandria, which were built during Wold War II.

Thor’s Hammer, The Brickworks, Denman Street, Yarralumla. Call 6282 9900

Unique designs to fit the space

BUYING off-the-shelf flatpack cabinets for a kitchen is all very well, but what if your room isn’t a standard size? Mark Locke, of Custom Flatpack, says that’s their point of difference.

“We are a full manufacturer and we can make anything, whatever the client wants,” he says.

“There are no set sizes or colours, and that makes us always on-trend, because we can design and build to any specifications.”

Custom Flatpack can create a perfectly designed and manufactured kitchen, that works with your room layout, at the price of an off-the-shelf kitchen.

Mark says they also offer a higher quality craftsmanship, and have a team of specialist tradies that can install everything, too.

Mark says that as well as kitchens, they can do laundries, bedroom furniture, built-in TV entertainment units, home office storage, and even garage storage that needs to be basic but useful.

“We can do things that are weird and wonderful or bog standard, so we’re pretty flexible,” he says.

Custom Flatpack, 11 Shropshire Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6298 1445

& COLOUR OF

Heritage Recycled Timber THE CHARACTER

• Recycled floorboards & decking

• Re-milled flooring products from recycled timbers

• Joinery – timber bench tops and entry doors

• Furniture – custom built tables, bookcases and shelving

• Sawing, dressing & sanding services – to 1300mm wide

The Brickworks, end of Denman Street, Yarralumla PH: 6282 9900 E: hammer@thors.com.au www.thors.com.au

Thor’s Hammer uses timber recycled from demolition sites around Australia to make a range of beautiful architectural products. These include re-milled and salvaged floorboards, lining boards, durable hardwood decking and recycled posts and beams.

In our joinery we make kitchen bench tops, entry doors and tables from the recycled timbers. We build to last, using traditional joinery techniques combined with the best of modern environmrntally friendly glues and finishes.

As well as these fantastic examples, Thor’s can also supply the recycled timber and furniture to help make your home renovation extra special.

advertising feature

Kitchens, bathrooms, anything

A TOTAL solution for any renovation, extension or new-build, Bordeaux Kitchens also specialises in custom-built design and joinery, ranging from kitchens, vanity and laundry units to commercial joinery including shop/office joinery and fit-outs, and home office joinery.

Owner Steve Milutinovic started his own cabinetmaking business in 1983, and 31 years on the company has grown into a total design consultancy for home, office, shop or commercial premises, extending, renovating or building your dream home.

“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” he says. “Our prices are competitive and we work with you to achieve your desired outcome.

“We offer full trade coordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project.”

Bordeaux Kitchens provides an obligation-free quote.

Bordeaux Kitchens, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4642. Showroom hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-noon, or by appointment.

• IAG & Baumatic “Studio Solari” appliances available

• Kitchens made to your specifications and colour choice – save money by installing yourself

• Tradesmen available to help

• Wardrobes – from boutique walk-ins to basic built-ins

• SOHO options – built in desks/workstations

• Filing solutions & storage units to keep your home office under control

• Full range of Blum, Grass & Hafele storage accessories and lighting

• Australian made to Australian Standards – not imported or mass produced

Interiors

BORDEAUX KITCHENS

(Associated with Capital Cabinetmaking)

Specialise in custom-built design and joinery

• Kitchens • Vanity and laundry units

Commercial Joinery

• Shop/office • Home office

• Experienced tradesmen and full trade co-ordination available

BORDEAUX BATHROOMS

• Designed with you with your budget in mind

• High standard of workmanship

• High quality finish

• Completed on time, every time

Total

Seniors Week Big week that celebrates

ACT Seniors Week begins once again with the Chief Minister’s Breakfast, at the Ainslie Footy Club, at 7am on March 17, with special guest sports commentator Phil Lynch, who played basketball for Australia.

On Wednesday, March 19, the RMC Duntroon Band will play at the Chief Minister’s Concert at the Vikings Club Erindale and on Thursday, the Seniors Week Expo comes to EPIC, with more than 100

organisations providing information and advice on health, government and lifestyles issues.

IN Queanbeyan, mayor Tim Overall is looking forward to the Mayor’s Quiz, at 1.30pm on Thursday, March, 20 at the Senior Citizens Centre, 257 Crawford Street.

More information on ACT Seniors Week, call 6282 3777 or go to cotaact.org.au/seniorsweek; for Queanbeyan Seniors Week, call 6285 6552 or go to qcc.nsw.gov.au

Making the most of mobility scooters

GUARDIAN Mobility and Scooters

Australia have a complete range of equipment to help older Canberrans with reduced mobility get out to all the Seniors Week events under their own steam.

Owner Rose Marimon-McDonald says the family business is committed to assisting people maintain their mobility and independence, with older people making up the majority of their clientele.

“As well as the electric scooters, we sell all mobility products like walkers, bathroom and toilet aids, electric recliners and walking sticks,” says Rose, who runs the business with her husband Anthony.

Village centred on personal care

WHETHER you’re looking for respite care, independent living or a permanent placement in residential aged care, St Andrews Village in leafy Hughes can help.

Executive director Corine Jamin says that, according to the Village’s person-centred care philosophy, the places where its residents live are their own homes.

“We have been providing care to the older people of Canberra for over 20 years, in a supportive and homely environment,” says Corine.

“Our professionally trained care staff undertake ongoing training to ensure we are implementing best-practice procedures so that our residents receive the care they need.

“We offer free, comprehensive safety training for all the equipment – most importantly, the mobility scooters.

“Older people or their family members can ring and tell us about their needs and we narrow it down to which products might work for them.

“Then they either come into the store, or we can take a few different models around to their house for them choose the one that’s best for them.”

Guardian Mobility and Scooters Australia, Waramanga Shops. Call 6288 3538 or go to guardianmobility. com.au

“We also promote a communal and social living experience by encouraging people to take part in activities they choose themselves, and there is plenty of opportunity to have a quiet read or chat with friends and family in our beautiful gardens.”

A bus stop at the door and regular outings in the Village bus means it’s easy to get out and about, and St Andrews Village also supports “ageing in place”, which means residents don’t have to move as their need for support increases.

St Andrews Village, 95 Groom Street, Hughes. Call 6283 4999 or go to standrewsvillage.org.au

advertising feature

the role of seniors

Hearing help at special expo

THE ACT Deafness Resource Centre has organised its own expo for Seniors Week 2014, at the Hellenic Club Woden on Wednesday, March 19.

The expo brings together a huge range of organisations, including Better Hearing Australia, CICADA (formerly the Canberra Cochlear Implant Support Group), the Office of Hearing Services, the Canberra Tinnitus Self Help Group and Australia Hears, who will be providing free hearing tests (bookings required to 6232 3200).

“The ACT Deafness Resource Centre is here to help the one in six people with some degree of hearing loss,” says its executive officer Peter Halsey (pictured).

“We provide advocacy and referral services. We carry a range of assistive devices that you can try before committing to purchase. We also provide hearing loops for hire or sale.”

By train to the highland games

BUNDANOON becomes “Brigadoon” for the day on Saturday, April 5, when the little town hosts the 37th Highland Games, and Canberrans can get there in style on board the Brigadoon Highlander, a special train organised by the local chapter of the Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS).

The Brigadoon Highlander leaves just after 7am from Canberra Station in Kingston, with alternate pickups in Queanbeyan and Bungendore, and gets back to Canberra around 9pm after a day of events such as caber tossing, haggis hurling and the lifting of the Bundanoon Stones of Manhood, billed as “an awesome spectacle of speed, strength and agility by some of the

Nearly all hearing-impaired nursing home residents in Canberra and Queanbeyan now benefit from the DRC’s award-winning, free Hearing Aiders Program, says Halsey.

“We continue to struggle getting financial support for this valuable program,” he adds. “Any donation will help 300 of Canberra’s elderly residents receive a fresh battery and have their hearing-aids cleaned each month.”

ACT Deafness Resource Centre, Level 1B, 27 Mulley Street, Weston. Call 6287 4393 or go to actdrc.org.au

strongest young men in the land”.

“Before you board the train there’ll be a piper playing on the platform,” reveals Alan Gardner from the ARHS.

“He’ll come with us on the train to entertain you from time to time en route.”

On board the Brigadoon Highlander there is a fully licensed bar and for an extra charge, breakfast ($15) and dinner ($25) can be pre-ordered. Entry to the Highland Games is included in the ticket price, unless of course you just want to spend the day in Bundanoon, in which case you can pay for the train by itself.

Bookings to 6232 6405 or via canberrarailwaymuseum.org

Hearing Health & Help

How is your hearing? Been wondering?

Come along for Information & Support

Hearing Industry Stallholders on site

When? 19th March 2014

Where? Aegean Room at the Hellenic Club

What Time? 10:00am to 2:00pm

Presentations: 10:15am

• Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre

• Captel Phones

Free hearing screening tests. Bookings are essential. Phone: 6232 3200 for your appointment

Captioning and Auslan on-site

Donate today to keep the DRC Hearing Aiders Program going at ACT and Queanbeyan nursing homes & aged-care facilities

Contact: enquiries@actdrc.org.au

artSHOW

Kevin Hill Invites you to his

Celebrating 100 Years of the Australian Red Cross

To be opened by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Australia His Excellency Mr Marcel Stutz

Friday Night Opening 14 March at 7.00pm-10pm

Drinks and nibbles • $5 Entry Donation Friday night Email: khill@optusnet.com.au • Enquiries: Cheryl – 0402 130 000

Where: The Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla FREE ENTRY Show Times: Fri 14 & Sat 15 March 9am-6pm, Sun 16 March 9am-4pm

Meet these renowned artists and view over 350 of their works for sale! “TOP TEN” Artists include: Max Mannix, Otto Kuster, John Vander, Werner Filipich, Paul Margocsy, Gary Myers,Ian Hansen, Jim Hough, David Brayshaw and Ramon Ward-Thompson. Guest artists John Bradley, Ern Trembath and Canberra artist, Chris Ramsey with a selection of works by Bill Ambagtsheer, Richard Bogusz, Kevin Best, and Pro Hart Every visitor to the show gets

Please join us & the artists at our upcoming SALE’S OF FINE ART with over 350 paintings for sale

painting

More details of the exhibition are on the website www.kevinhillstopten.com.au

arts & entertainment / reviews Bliss in Broadway send-up

Mia’s ‘Tracks’ are impressive

“Tracks” (M)

CANBERRA native Mia Wasikowska plays Robyn Davidson in this film of her solitary trek, leading three pack camels and the calf of one of them, from Alice Springs to the WA coast near Ningaloo during 1977/78.

Wasikowska displays a palpable physical resilience that runs contrary to the more delicate feminine roles of her 10-year career and she admirably projects Davidson as a woman driven by personal objectives, carrying personal baggage from childhood and managing personal emotional reconstruction during the journey.

Photographer Rick Smolan (Adam Driver), assigned by sponsor the National Geographic Society to record Davidson at intervals during the journey, has a double burden.

At first meeting, he comes across as a brash twit and intrusive prat concerned only for the shot (of itself not unreasonable but, in context here, close to bullying). He is a constant reminder that without sponsorship, her journey might have been, if not impossible, then more dangerous and difficult than it actually was.

The uncredited star in “Tracks” is the western part of our continent’s

The Latin American Embassies in Australia present

Dougal Macdonald cinema

land mass straddling the Tropic of Capricorn. Three bands of colour from edge to edge of the screen and the merest hint of the sinking sun’s upper limb need no detail of either sky or land to look magnificent.

The film displays challenging and spectacular surface features that I expect few Europeans have seen. Until here.

Neither mainstream cinema nor documentary, the chiefest virtue of “Tracks” is reducing nearly seven months and 2560 kilometres into 113 minutes of absorbing cinema blessed with a strong sense of verity.

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

“3 Days To Kill” (M)

THAT many stars for an action fantasy? Why?

After the opening production house logos, two words supplied me with the antidote to the media puffery preceding the film’s release.

Producer and co-writer (with Adi Husak) – Luc Besson.

Besson is a fun guy, writing, producing, even acting, vesting his creativity with a delightfully quirky style, with a passion for stylish violence.

Hovering just above zero, the credibility score for “3 Days To Kill” is to our benefit. It is as comical an actioner as you might hope to find.

CIA operative Ethan (Kevin Costner) has come home after five years’ field work to see his daughter Zoey (Hailee Steinfeld) before succumbing to a rare medical condition in three months’ time.

What Ethan does best is kill bad guys at the behest of his handler Vivi (Amber Heard). The deal is that if Ethan kills the Albino (Tómas Lemarquis), Vivi will provide Ethan with a drug under development that will cure what ails him.

Vigorous escapism. Comedy for the thinking person to enjoy. What else do you want?

At Hoyts and Limelight

musical theatre

“Forbidden Broadway” Free Rain Theatre At The Q – Queanbeyan, until March 22. Reviewed by Bill Stephens

FOR those who love Broadway musicals this show is sheer bliss.

But even if you couldn’t care less about Broadway, there is still much to enjoy in the clever performances, the witty costumes and the spot-on choreography of this wicked, affectionate send-up of the Broadway musical genre.

“Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables”, “Wicked”, “Cats” and “A Chorus Line” are among the Broadway shows skewered with hilarious accuracy in this brilliant, fast-paced, constantly entertaining show.

The clever decision of director Anne Somes to expand the cast to 12 highly talented performers allows each to shine. There are many highlights, too many to list here, but personal favourites included Georgia Pike, as a wonderfully garrulous Ethel Merman, treating David Spence’s Phantom of the Opera to a singing lesson. Pike again, as Rita Moreno, triumphantly out-diva-ing the plucky Chita Rivera of Halimah Kyrgios, in their marvellous duet “America”, or Kyrgios striding the stage as a sequined Liza Minnelli in cabaret mode, belting out “Liza One Note”.

“Forbidden Broadway” is packed with such marvellous moments; all presented in an appropriately colourful setting featuring revolving doors that allow the cast to move quickly and seamlessly between numbers.

Seated centre-stage at a white baby-grand piano, Nick Griffin’s accompaniments brilliantly capture the requisite Broadway feel; however, over-amplification of the voices meant that some of the all-important lyrics were unintelligible on opening night. Highly recommended.

Ambassador to open art show

SWISS ambassador Marcel Stutz will open the “The Centenary Red Cross Art Show” at Albert Hall, 7pm, on March 14.

Long-time organiser Kevin Hill’s top Australian artists will be at the exhibition to help support the Red Cross as it celebrates a century of helping people in Australia.

Mrs Bucket regrets...

EXCLUSIVE: Well-known British actress Patricia Routledge tells arts editor HELEN MUSA that there is much more to her than Mrs Bucket

BRITISH actress Patricia Routledge likes to get her facts straight. Indeed, as I stumble momentarily over the name of her TV detective character Hetty Wainthropp, she spells it out for me; very carefully, indeed.

Similarly, Routledge is determined that readers should clearly understand that her most famous character, socialclimber Hyacinth Bucket (“Bouquet”) in the TV series “Keeping Up Appearances”, has nothing to do with the part that she plays at the Canberra Theatre in “Admission: One Shilling”. “It’s totally different,” she says. She is equally determined that readers should not think that she is primarily a comedienne, though her formidable record, including an Olivier-winning role in Bernstein’s “Candide”, an Australian tour as Lady Bracknell and, of course, the universally-recognisable Hyacinth, would suggest otherwise.

“I played Queen Margaret with the Royal Shakespeare Company,” she reminds me in answer to my naive suggestion that comedy was her metier.

Indeed, “Admission: One Shilling” is different. Billed as “a moving evocation of art in the time of war”, it sees Routledge appearing with London-based Australian concert pianist, Piers Lane, in the retelling of the story of piano virtuoso Myra Hess who, in the depths of World War II, produced a series of lunchtime concerts at London’s National Gallery.

Her name might not be familiar to Australians, but it certainly is to English people of the wartime generation.

“The idea began with Piers Lane, who thought it would be an interesting idea to remember Dame Myra Hess,” Routledge explains to “CityNews”. “It tells the story of the way in which she lifted the spirit of the nation by setting

up these lunchtime concerts, held for anyone who wanted to hear classical music… it was a real revelation for the people who came and the concerts went on for 6½ years”.

Routledge, during her own school days, saw Dame Myra perform in Liverpool.

She doesn’t impersonate Dame Myra, although she does read some of her words, while Lane, who is, incidentally, director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville, brings the house down with his renditions of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Beethoven and Bach.

Present for the show will be artists Max Mannix, Otto Kuster, John Vander, Kevin Best, Werner Filipich, Paul Margocsy, Gary Myers, Ian Hansen, John Dynon, Jim Hough, David Brayshaw, Ramon Ward-Thompson, John Bradley, Chris Ramsey and Ern Trembath.

Routledge is looking forward to coming to Canberra, which she has visited briefly, admiring “the wonderful avenue of remembrance and the great parliament building”.

She likens the possibility of encountering a kangaroo in the national capital to the increasing likelihood of meeting foxes in England.

It is with a heavy sigh that Routledge eventually agrees to talk about Hyacinth, reminding me as she does that she is a working actress and not that character.

“I was asked to read a script, and do a pilot,” she says.

“We still get her on digital TV,” I tell her.

“I thought, ‘I could knit this woman together because it was so strongly delineated in the text’ – she leapt from the page.

“Admission: One Shilling”, The Playhouse, May 20-21, bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

EXPERIENCE HISTORY IN THE MAKING....

“Oh dear,” Routledge says with a laugh and another sigh.

See an ancient NT Aboriginal Ceremony never performed outside of Kakadu or seen in public before.

There will also be paintings by Kevin Best, Bill Ambagtsheer, Richard Bogusz and Pro Hart.

Visitors will be able to talk to artists about their work and the inspiration behind them, as well as being able to buy direct from the artists.

There will be more than 350 works for sale, with prices starting at $300.

The art show is open on Friday, March 14, from 7pm, with a donation at the door of $5 to Red Cross and all are welcome, and on Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 9am-4pm.

“To my astonishment, Hyacinth has a resonance around the world and I get letters from all over the place… from all ages and all stratas of society… nobody is more surprised than I am.”

This sacred Lorrkkon Ceremony features 30 dancers, singers and ceremonial elders and is the continuing journey of Big Bill Neidjie, affectionately known as The Kakadu Man. Join us in the Bunggul Ceremony.

A room full of beans

THERE’S usually a great story behind a name and The Cupping Room is no exception. No, it’s not the cupping of the massage-therapy type. It’s the process coffee roasters use to judge coffees.

With its prime location in the city, The Cupping Room is full of beans. The team from Ona Coffee designed the concept hoping to “develop customers’ tastebuds”. It might sound pretentious, as does The Cupping Room’s claim that “we don’t just cup coffee, we cup life”, but the reality is the place oozes passion.

It was pumping at lunch, but we were immediately spotted by friendly staff and seated in “about ten”.

The food line up takes you on a world tour… Costa Rica, Columbia, India, Cuba, Asia… and it was challenging to decide what trip to take.

I ended up in Columbia with a daily special that was colourful and soul satisfying. The Columbian Potatoes ($18) featured grilled chorizo sausage, baked beans, corn, house-cured heirloom tomatoes, spinach, poached eggs

By Wendy Johnson

and a slightly firey barbecue sauce. Yummo.

My dining partner headed for the Sashimi-grade garfish fillets, but it was sold out (c’est la vie with daily specials). The Super Salad came to the rescue, a lovely mix of kale, roast pear, roast pumpkin, walnuts and Yarra Valley Persian feta ($15).

Lunch also includes a roast root veggie salad, a venison patty with aromatic herbs, a slow-braised lamb neck curry with Indian spices, an oven-roasted chicken thigh in Costa Rican marinade and other scrumptious – and refreshingly different – items.

Breakfast runs all day and apparently the “Not so Benedict” is super. The poached local eggs come with silverside, braised savoy cabbage and a Dijon blanquette ($16), again refreshingly different. And kids are well taken care of all day, including with baby quinoa bircher and housemade coco pops.

But let’s get back to coffee. I’ve heard some say the barristas at The Cupping Room are rigid with what

Try delicious oysters direct from Australia’s Oyster Coast farms. Join cooking demonstrations by south coast’s ‘hatted’ chefs . Indulge in the Ultimate Oyster Experience. Great live music including Johnny G and the E-Types, play in the Ambrose Golf Classic and much more.

by Gary Schafer

they’re prepared to serve up (remember the soup Nazi on “Seinfeld”?). Filter coffee is only served black. A long black is with 70C water, a white coffee is served at 60C and so it goes. I get this, since the true taste of coffee – like red or white wine – is served a certain way for balance and flavour. I don’t know what The Cupping Room would do if you asked for a hot long black, or for milk with your filter coffee, but hope they would be accommodating.

The Cupping Room has a great vibe, a great fit-out (although the ventilation inside needs to better deal with the smells from the kitchen) and a great possie. I’ll be back, and soon.

The Cupping Room. University Avenue and London Circuit, Civic, call 6257 6412.

Nurse Ratched rides again

city

REMEMBER the terrifying Nurse Ratched in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”? She’s the nemesis of inmate Randle Patrick McMurphy in the stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel being staged by The Acting Company and Shadowhouse Pits at the Courtyard Studio, March 18-29. Who is sane? Who is insane? You’ll have to be there to find out. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

“LUMEN” is an exhibition of new video, multimedia installation and works on aluminium by local arts identity, Alexander Boynes. He’s canned collaborating with the Perth Praxis collective – his sister, dancer Laura Boynes and cellist Tristan Parr – to create a “virtual” performance, with dancers moving “like low-tech holograms” around a rice-covered floor. It opens 6pm March 19 and runs to April 6 at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson.

WE hear Canberra media artist Tracey Benson will be the only representative from the ACT at the Waterwheel “World Water Day Symposium” from March 17-22 where she will present her latest project, “Words for Water”, which combines photography, video and augmented media.

HOW to use Australian plants in the art of bonsai will be the focus of the big annual bonsai exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ Crosbie Morrison Building, 9.30am-4.30pm, on March 15-16. GO-getting guitarist Matt Withers returns to the Wesley Music Centre’s Lunchtime Live Series, 12.40pm-1.20pm, on Wednesday, March 19 with all-Aussie works for classical guitar. No bookings, paper note or gold coin entry.

THIS month’s annual visit of the Mortimore Prize, Australia’s leading art event for Realism, has been cancelled because construction works are blocking access to the Canberra Grammar School Gallery, making delivery of the art and public attendance “unviable”.

ARTISTS keen to exhibit at the lively M16 Artspace next year have only until March 31 to submit expressions of interest. M16 has three professional open access galleries, ideal for most artistic media, and the gallery hire includes, amazingly, invitations, administrative support, galleryminding, listings on the exhibition page on the M16 website, media and lighting. Inquiries to 62959438 or office@m16artspace.com

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars / March 17-23, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Busy Rams - have you been burning the candle at both ends? You’ve been running on empty so make sure you eat well and exercise, plus slot some regular relaxation into your daily routine (otherwise your health may suffer). Don’t accept things at face value – look a little deeper. If you tune into what people are doing behind the scenes, you’ll uncover some fascinating information.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Venus/Uranus aspects promise a positive week, as you connect with family, friends and colleagues. Self-discipline is at an all-time low – and the need to pursue pleasure is at an all-time high. Venus is in Aquarius, which encourages you to be more adventurous and rebellious. So your motto is from fellow Taurean, Katharine Hepburn: “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

The Full Moon’s in your domestic sector, so get your house in order and tackle Gemini jobs with gusto. But, with Mercury moving into your career zone (where it hooks up with Neptune) work issues look confusing. Creativity and inspiration are high … but so is delusion and self-doubt. So – before you make any important decisions – get a second opinion from someone you trust.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

You may feel pulled in four different directions as personal, professional, domestic and relationship responsibilities pile up. Pace yourself, and take things one careful step at a time. Clever Crabs will schmooze up a storm at work, as Venus and Uranus activate your career zone. The more you consult and cooperate with professional colleagues, the more successful you’ll be.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Have you been responsible with money? The Full Moon fires up your finance zones, and encourages your tendency to be careless with cash. But impulse buys now will lead to trouble later on. Compromise and consultation are the current buzz words for wise Lions. If you want your close relationships to improve, then you’re the one who’ll have to hold out the olive branch of peace.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Take a chill pill Virgo! The stars encourage you to prioritise tasks, and then power through urgent projects. The more you multi-task (and pace yourself) the less stressful the week will be. Loved ones are demanding your attention but the Full Moon urges you to take time out for yourself. If you indulge your interests and passions, then you’ll have more to offer those around you.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Romance is in the air this week. Attached Librans – dazzle your partner with a super special surprise. Singles – look for love with an amorous Aries or an avant-garde Aquarian. On the weekend, it’s time to explore what’s going on within your local community. So, whether it’s a market, art show, music concert or school fete, make the most of your neighbourhood connections.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

All types of social events and group activities are favoured this week, as you mix and mingle with an eclectic range of people from outside your usual circle of friends and acquaintances. Discover ways to make your home life happier and more harmonious. This may involve resolving issues with relatives or re-organizing your domestic space so it better suits your current needs.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re full of ideas and are in the mood for some spontaneous shenanigans but don’t rush in and overlook important details. Domestic circumstances keep changing so avoid burning bridges with loved ones by being too hasty, as you blurt things out first and regret later. The more proactive and positive you are and the more support you give family and friends the better.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you feeling restless and ready for adventure? The Full Moon indicates travel or study are coming up over the next nine months. So start planning and researching your options ASAP. When it comes to a work matter, it may seem as if things are going backwards but you just have to be patient. Communicating with others can be creative or confusing this weekend, it’s up to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Attached Aquarians – the Full Moon’s in your intimacy zone, so it’s time to pump up the passion with your partner. Singles – look for love with a lusty Leo or a gregarious Gemini. Wednesday’s super Venus/Uranus aspects mean it’s your day to shine and express your quirky individuality. Use your innovative energy to explore new interests and initiate exciting projects.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Mercury moves into your sign, which favours all types of creative expression from poetry and painting to craft, cooking and music. You’ve got plenty of Piscean plans that may be thwarted by nagging doubts but don’t let negative self-talk drag you down. There’s a fine line between illusion and delusion so make sure you use your active imagination in positive, productive ways.

General

Across

1 Which sport is known as the “world game”?

7 What is a boa constrictor also called?

8 What is the name applied to Hindu ascetics?

9 Islamabad is the capital of which Asian republic?

10 Which term describes a division of a government department?

11 What are insurance schemes whereby the sole remaining survivor receives all the funds?

14 Name the rodents that seem to have suicidal tendencies

18 Name the leader of the rock group, Billy ... and the Aztecs

19 What describes the gold found in the sediments of rivers, etc?

21 Name the line drawn on a weather map

22 The Roman numeral XIX is the symbol for which number?

23 Name the hit Broadway musical about summer love, set in the 1950s

Down

1 In which sport is the ball bowled underarm?

2 Name the Australian rock group, formed in 1974, Cold ...?

3 The Siberian peasant (1869-1916), Grigori Efimovich was known as whom?

4 What is the knave also known as?

5 Name the practice of growing very small examples of trees in pots

6 To form in thought, is to do what?

12 What is a young bird still in the nest?

13 For which RL team did Reg Gasnier play from 1959 to 1967?

15 Name a light, finger-shaped cake, made of pastry, filled with cream, and coated with chocolate

16 What could describe the trade of the Pied Piper of Hamelin?

17 Name a more readily known term for the prairie wolf

20 Which part of March was Julius Caesar warned to beware of?

BULBS

garden Making scents of a plant survey

THE UK’s Royal Horticultural Society recently invited its members to list their favourite scented plants for each season.

Thousands of online entries poured in for “Scents of the Seasons” as members rated their favourites from one to five stars.

I have only listed here one or two of the toprated plants for each season. Five stars represent the highest rating for a plant that carries its fragrance strongly in the air; four stars if the fragrance is detectable at a distance and so forth to one star for only a minor

Starting with spring, three plants received the top five-star rating – Wisteria floribunda, with its heady fragrance of honeyed fruity fragrance; Rhododendron lutea with its rather exotic scent and Viburnum burkwoodii

The top votes in summer will possibly surprise you with Trachelospermum jasminoides or Star Jasmine and Jasminum officinale receiving five stars. Roses and English lavender rated only four stars. For autumn, only one plant out of 15 listed rated five stars. This was Clerodendrum bungei, a small deciduous plant with its strong fruity, heady fragrance and bright orange flowers. I noticed some of these in stock at the Heritage Nursery in Yarralumla last week.

And for winter, the long-flowering Daphne bholua with its sophisticated, clove-tinged perfume, received five stars. This is one of my favourites with ours reaching three metres tall.

The next winter favourite with four-stars was Sarcococca confusa, a small compact evergreen shrub with honey-scented flowers.

While these ratings were in Britain, all the listed plants are available and grow well in Canberra.

LANYON Homestead, in conjunction with Open Gardens Australia, will hold its annual plant fair, 10am to 4pm, on the weekend of March 22-23. An amazing collection of plants from bulbs to trees plus garden art and more will be offered for sale. Remember autumn is planting time. Entry is $10, which includes all the talks, walks and exhibitions.

REGRETTABLY, the free CIT Plant Clinic at the School of Horticulture has been discontinued because there were too few inquiries to sustain the service. The long-running clinic answered plant problems for home gardeners as well as being part of student training.

THE largest garden show in the Southern Hemisphere, the spectacular Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, will be held from Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30, in the grand Exhibition Building and surrounding grounds. I have been a regular visitor and it just seems to get better and better each year. More information at melbourneflowershow.com.au

WHOOPS! A glitch on my computer messed up the updated information sheet “Growing vegies for a healthy life” on my website. For example, you cannot plant pumpkin seeds now! All fixed now, at cedricbryant.com, click “Cedfacts” on the homepage and scroll to the revised version.

Jottings…

• Bulbs ready for planting are arriving at garden centres now.

• Check out the newly expanded Heritage Nursery in Yarralumla. It has taken over the Yarralumla Nursery retail garden centre next door.

• Lightly prune Star Jasmine to keep it under control.

CEDRIC BRYANT

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