140529 citynews

Dear

Author Biff Ward… “I’ve always thought that when people talk about things it’s better.”

Photo by Gary Schafer

A mother’s dark secret revealed

AUTHOR Biff Ward has always been one to tackle topics that aren’t talked about.

“I’ve had a thing about that my whole life; I’ve always thought that when people talk about things it’s better,” she says.

The trait is evident in the unflinching title of her first book, “Father-Daughter Rape”, which was published 30 years ago. Working as a Rape Crisis counsellor had convinced her that domestic child sexual abuse was far more common than most people knew, except Biff would be unlikely to call it that; in the book she rejects terms such as “sexual abuse” or “molestation” because “they imply that something less than rape occurred”.

Her second published work, “In My Mother’s Hands”, is on sale from May 28 and is nothing like the first. Although, as a deeply personal memoir of family life, it also explores things that weren’t talked about much: her mother’s mental illness and the occasional odd behaviour she attributes to it, as well as the accidental death of her older sister Alison, who drowned in the bath as a baby before Biff was born.

Only a few chapters in, among warm memories of loving parents and a nice childhood before there was television, a very uncomfortable question starts to coalesce: was Alison’s death really an accident?

“We don’t find out until right near the end,” Biff says. “There are various bits of evidence that come to the surface and we do find out what really happened, so there’s a kind of element of a mystery, of what really happened to Alison.”

It’s not actually the book she set out to write. The original idea was to write about her father, Russell Braddock Ward, the historian and well-known author of “The Australian Legend”, a book still in print after 56 years and still much discussed, reviewed and referenced.

In 1953 a young Russell Ward

Dear Katy, please don’t do it!

An open letter to the ACT Chief Minister, the Treasurer and cabinet members

DEAR Chief Minister, Treasurer and cabinet members,

The Federal Treasurer and his conservative Federal Government are deliberately pushing you and other State and Territory leaders towards asking for an increase in the Goods and Services Tax.

Two elements of temptation should be resisted. The first is to remove the exemption on whole food and the second is to increase the percentage of the GST.

The pressure put on you by the Federal Government as part of its ideological drive for smaller federal government and less taxes for the ultra-wealthy and big business will make resisting a call for an increase on the GST very difficult.

the poor.

The GST is a regressive taxation system. People who are earning $200,000+ still pay 10 per cent for the goods they purchase –the same as someone earning $40,000. This means that those on a lower income pay a much higher proportion of their salary. Contrast this to other revenue measures such as rates and payroll taxes where the wealthier “shoulder the burden” of taxation in a more equitable manner.

The ultra-wealthy, who often pay little or no tax in other ways, are at least taxed through the GST, contributing through lavish purchases. However, there are precious few of these people in Canberra.

and 12 per cent in Brisbane. And this is without a GST on top.

“In contrast, the price of junk food only increased by 1-6 per cent in these cities over the same time period”.

Increasing the price on healthy food will increase the long-term costs of health issues associated with obesity.

The federal government has delivered a major cost shift to the States and Territories even though there is far less capacity to raise revenue or make savings.

moved to Canberra to join the ANU’s first intake of PhD students, bringing along his wife Margaret, Biff, and her little brother Mark, another of the book’s principal characters whose attempt to say “Elizabeth” led to his sister’s distinctive nickname.

“Russell Ward went into his PhD as an ‘Eng Lit person’ studying the poetry of the bush ballads, and came out a historian, but I wanted to write about him not so much because of that but because he was a very charismatic, big personality, and he had quite a history of ASIO interference in his life because for a short period, about eight years in the ‘40s, he was in the Communist Party, which most progressive people back then were,” Biff says.

The biggest impact on the ACT will be the loss of jobs within the public service and the NGO sector, which will have a direct impact on Canberra’s economic growth.

Withdrawing from the National Partnership Agreements on hospital funding and preventive health, the introduction of the GP co-payment and cutting dental health funding by more than $50m per year will add to the pressure on local health services and expenditure. There is a similar story with cuts to education, setting higher thresholds in social services and running yet another efficiency dividend across all portfolios.

It is clear that you have some significant challenges in the ACT to reverse federal support for the wealthy at the cost to

The other temptation will be to remove the GST exemption for fresh food. Arguments will be put that this removes red tape for small business, fewer public servants will be required for administration, it will be a simpler system and, by removing this exemption, the increase in the GST can be minimised for the same revenue.

Heather Yeatman, professor of public and population health at the University of Wollongong and president of the Public Health Association of Australia, ex plained: “In Australia since 2000, the cost of basic healthy foods has been increasing at a much faster rate than unhealthy foods and CPI. Over the last three years the cost of fruit and vegetables rose by 8-13 per cent compared to only a 3 per cent increase in price for snacks and confectionery.

“Some States are even worse off: vegetables increased in price by 24 per cent in Canberra, 16 per cent in Brisbane and Sydney, and 11 per cent in Perth. The cost of fruit went up by 19 per cent in Perth, 16 per cent in Canberra

MICHAEL MOORE

Taxpayers will wear the burden one way or the other. In managing your Budget, please do not be driven down Joe Hockey’s path cornering you into calling for increasing the GST. It will impact most heavily on those who can least afford it.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health. He is the CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia.

“After he died in ‘95, various people around the history world started to theorise about his personality and his background and how he came to write this really unusual book and they’d say these things and I’d go, ‘Really? That’s not right.”

Biff’s unique biographical insights into Russell Ward are still in the book, but she says Margaret’s mental illness “just kept taking over” the story. Luckily her father wrote letters, and a lot of them are kept in the National Library.

“I discovered that he talked with his parents and his sisters, in fact, quite a lot about the progression of my mother’s mental illness in my childhood, which he never talked about in front of us, so to me and my brother it was kind of invisible. Like there’s your mother being weird and no-one ever talks about it, so we grew up wondering, ‘Is this really weird? Or is it just us, thinking it’s weird?’

“You know, it was quite confusing and, of course, he was in fact just trying to protect us, so it was quite a relief to me to find he did actually have people to talk to and he did talk to his parents about it a lot.”

“In My Mother’s Hands: A disturbing memoir of family life” by Biff Ward is out now through Allen & Unwin.

Since 1993: Volume 20, Number 19

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Canberra Confidential 18

Cartoon 18

Cinema 20

Dining 21

Garden 22

Horoscope 23

News 3-8

Politics 3

Puzzles 23

Socials 11-13

Sport 6

contacts

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Tony takes ’em on, young and old

OXFORD boxing blue PM Tony Abbott copped a few well aimed jabs this week. At times it looked as though half the spectators had climbed into the ring with fists at the ready.

They came from all sectors on the stadium’s left – education, health and welfare – and were joined by six big bruisers from the States and Territories – all clamouring for a whack. And when he winked at the ref, a 67-year-old pensioner named Vilma jumped all over him. By week’s end he was on the ropes… but was he hurt or just resting?

Big Joe, his cigar-smoking second, reckoned the crowd didn’t appreciate what a good show he was giving them.

KATY Gallagher stood four square with the other State leaders, but then unaccountably raised the prospect of a “review” of the GST, a regressive tax that hits the low-income groups hardest. Odd that.

CONSPICUOUS by their absence from the Australia-wide protests were our own Opposition members Gai Brodtmann (Canberra), Andrew Leigh (Fraser) and Senator Kate Lundy – and this in the city most affected by the Budget cuts! Could it be that they are among the rich percentile who escaped

Conspicuous by their absence from the Australia-wide protests were our own Opposition members Gai Brodtmann, Andrew Leigh and Senator Kate Lundy – and this in the city most affected by the Budget cuts!

its hammer blows? Or are they above all that protest stuff?

PITY the local press chose to drag the $4.5 million renovations to The Lodge into the Budget argument. A cheap shot. No wonder successive Prime Ministers have declined to authorise the very sensible recommendations for a new official residence. The present building should then house visiting dignitaries.

SPEAKING of cheap shots, media reports of a big increase among Canberra parents refusing to allow their kids to be immunised was deeply troubling… until you dug into the story. The “increase” was from a low base – as in miniscule – 437 out of 38,309 children compared with 357 out of 35,968 two years ago. And our results are much better than the nation as a whole. That

ROBERT

we have so few loonies in the community should be cause for celebration!

HEARTBREAKING news from Cairo on the moronic show trial of journalist Peter Greste. Pleas for justice this week from Foreign Minister Julie Bishop were dismissed with contempt. So, when will the SAS use their decades of intense training to rescue an Australian citizen from the hands of these terrorists?

POOR Simon Corbell is still boasting about the success of his liquor laws despite the video this week showing a single punch assault outside a Civic nightclub that fractured a man’s skull.

“Assault offences in the last quarter, when compared to the same time last year, show a decrease of 20 per cent,” he cried. So, how many fractured skulls last year?

MACKLIN

ON a happier note, I understand that in one of those Civic bars, a bloke came in, sat down on his own and suddenly heard a voice. “My, my,” it said, “aren’t you a handsome young fellow.” Startled, he looked around but there was no-one there.

“Beautifully dressed, too,” said the voice. “Love that jacket.” Now he was totally bemused. When the barman arrived the customer started to stammer his question; the barman smiled; he’d heard it all before. “Don’t worry, sir,” he said, “it’s just the complimentary peanuts.”

robertmacklin.com

If the unique comfort of natural gas heating is on your mind this winter, there’s never been a better time to connect or upgrade. ActewAGL’s hottest ever natural gas heater deal is on now, with up to $1,000 back on new natural gas heating systems and upgrades.

Plus, with a range of manufacturer incentives and finance options* across a wide range of gas heating appliances, you’ll save even more. It’s easy to see why natural gas is the natural choice.

Meet radio’s new Mr ‘Nice’

By Kathryn Vukovljak

BY his own admission, Marcus Paul is “too nice to be a shock jock”, but 2CC’s new talkback drive show host says he wants to do things a little differently to his predecessors.

“As a journalist, I want to get in to the nitty gritty of local stories and issues, and provide a balanced account,” he says. “I’m up for an argument now and again, too; although I’ve been told I’m far too nice to cause too much trouble!

“The drive show is great; it’s a challenge. I’m excited to get outside of news, and put across a little of my viewpoint and my personality.”

Marcus, 41, has been doing the 3pm-6pm show for just six weeks.

“I love talking to people and hearing their stories,” he says.

“Three hours goes so quickly. There’s always something to talk about.

“I’m committed to the long term here, and I’m looking forward to building a relationship with the audience and growing through word of mouth.”

Marcus has been at 2CC for 15 months, and before then a radio journalist on the Gold Coast. He’s also worked in Sydney as a radio journalist and newsreader. This is his second stint working at 2CC; he was a 2CA and FM104.7 announcer from 1997-99.

“I’ve been called a radio gypsy over the years, but I’m glad to be back – Canberra is the most important city in the country,”

he says.

Marcus’ sons, Bailey, 13 and Jackson, 11, live in Sydney with their mum, and he says he’s very used to the drive up the Federal Highway every weekend.

“My mum has a property there, and the boys stay with us,” he says. “It’s great for me to see mum so regularly, too, and help her out with odd jobs.”

Now in his 23rd year in radio, Marcus says he’s keen to cover local interest stories.

“Things like the public service, for example – I’d like to get experts in to give a balanced account of what will happen if the Federal Budget goes through,” he says.

“I’m also interested in the light rail

issue and having reported on a similar process in the Gold Coast, I’m aware of what can happen.

“Another thing I’d like to talk about is regeneration of the southside. I think its shopping centres are struggling a bit and there has been so much development northside with the new suburbs and Gungahlin. I’d like to see a little more emphasis on the south now.”

He’s ambitious too, although happy to gradually gain the experience needed to aim high.

“After years of experience, and working in different cities, I hope one day to present a network show.”

Kakadu calls voluntourists

By Stephen Easton

IN early June, DFAT’s downstairs caffeine dealer Keith Ashurst and his 13-year-old daughter Millie are escaping the cold to Kakadu for a spot of voluntourism.

The pair are only able to go on the trip, which includes a three-day hike through Crocodile Dundee’s backyard and a paddle down a hopefully not-too-crocodile-infested river, on the basis they will contribute $3000 each to Save the Children on top of the travel costs.

“This is my third time, actually,” says Keith, who runs Cafe Brindabella in the lobby of the foreign service’s Barton headquarters. About 10 years ago he went to Nepal supporting the same charity. His second voluntourism trip with Save the Children was to Laos, taking his son Jack along to broaden his horizons.

In the NT, they will help out Save the Children’s School Attendance Program, which started in 2008 and works

in the communities of Knuckey Lagoon, Minmarama Park, Bagot, One Mile Dam and Gurdorka in the NT, and has partnerships with Ceduna Area School, Crossways Lutheran School, Koonibba Aboriginal School and Yalata Anangu School in SA.

Average attendance rates across all primary schools involved have increased from less than 60 per cent in 2010 to almost 80 per cent in 2013, according to the charity.

“I’m fundraising at work and at school Millie’s house is having a cupcake day,” says Keith, who’s a dab hand at making sweets.

“I’ve also been making toffees and chocolates for the last three months and selling those in our cafe separately so I can give all the money to Save the Children.”

The nine-day adventure runs from June 7 to June 15. More information at savethechildren.org.au

sport Archer Simon’s aim to surprise

SIMON Fairweather stopped the nation when he won gold for archery at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

In stark contrast, his return to competition in Canberra over the past month or so has been decidedly low key.

After representing Australia at five Olympics, Simon took over as the head coach in 2009 before walking away from the sport a year out from the London Olympics, frustrated by the politics.

Right now he’s avoiding any talk about a comeback, saying simply he’s back shooting a few arrows. He has been down on the range in Canberra about 10 times but, like Michael Phelps’ return to swimming, it is often hard to hose down expectations.

JUST on Canberra soccer; I was watching my daughter play for Belconnen United in the under 17s Division 1 at Harrison and on the adjacent field the Belconnen United under 16 Premier League boys were playing Gungahlin.

To my surprise, playing for Belconnen was legendary Canberra United player Caitlin Munoz.

As I watched the game it was clear she more than held her own. She was using the tougher approach in the boys’ competition on Saturdays to prepare her for the W League. She is also playing on Sundays in the women’s Premier League.

A telling indication that he may be serious about returning in a bid for selection in Rio is his registration with ASADA, which is required if he intends to compete at the national titles later this year. That has been done within the six-month timeframe to take part in the Australian Championships.

THE Men’s Premier League soccer match between Woden Valley and the Cooma Tigers would have to go down as one of those special moments in Canberra sport.

Cooma was leading one to nil when Woden Valley was awarded a penalty. However, the Woden players didn’t believe they should have been awarded a penalty, even though a goal could have levelled the scores.

Woden’s Lukas Cole stepped up and, instead of attempting to fire the ball into the back of the net, simply dribbled it to the Cooma goalkeeper.

Cooma went on to win the game three to one, but in the eyes of many the Woden players emerged as champions as well.

While I was fascinated by the contest, not everybody shared my enthusiasm to see a competitor who has played more than 50 times for Australia battling it out with boys half her age. There were complaints about a 30-year-old woman playing in the 16 years boys’ Premier League.

The upshot is that Caitlin won’t be playing with them again.

FORMER Canberra Kookaburras skipper, Matt O’Connor, has found success as coach of Irish rugby giants, Leinster. He is making sure there is a Canberra connection with former teammate Marco Caputo appointed as the new coach of the set piece for the next two years.

Is this Canberra’s happiest man?

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

HAPPINESS is important to Erwin Tanaja, a man who loves his job, his life and his gelato.

“It’s the best job in the world, because everyone we meet is happy,” he says. “Who wouldn’t be happy when they’re getting gelato?”

Along with his wife Cin, Erwin runs three Gelatissimo franchises in Canberra as well as one in Wagga Wagga.

He says the idea came about in his younger days, pre-kids, when he and a few friends would drive from Wagga to Melbourne to get gelato.

“I saw there was a gap in the market and decided that Wagga needed gelato, so Cin and I opened the first regional franchise there.”

Despite not being very Italian (Erwin likes to joke that he’s from south of Sicily... about 10,000km south, in Indonesia) the couple say they can relate to the Italian lifestyle.

“It’s about family and being together,” he says. “We don’t drink,

Erwin Tanaja, wife Cin and children Olivia and Nicholas... “We decided early on that this was the place we wanted to settle down and raise a family.”

so we love providing a place for people to hang out. You can bring the kids, it’s family-friendly, of course, but it’s also a great place to come for a first date... it’s safer than clubs or bars where you can drink too much!”

Originally from East Java, the couple met at uni in Perth while

by Gary Schafer

studying food technology. Erwin moved to Wagga to do his PhD in wheat at Charles Sturt University, and Cin joined him shortly after. The couple decided to get married in 2006.

“It was just after the wedding that we heard about the availability of the Canberra Centre

store,” says Erwin. “I said to Cin, how do you fancy a honeymoon starting up a new business? I’m lucky to have her, because she agreed! We still haven’t had a proper honeymoon.”

They now have two children, aged four and two, and say the secret to working together successfully for so long is having the same goals.

“We are opposites in personality, but we are moving in the same direction, our goals are the same,” he says. “She keeps her composure when I can get manic!

“We love living in north Canberra, and we decided early on that this was the place we wanted to settle down and raise a family.

“I believe in the business, of selling happiness, and it helps me to follow through and bring my dream to others.

“For us it’s about making people smile. The gelato is amazing, of course, but we’re more interested in how the whole experience makes people feel. We want to make a connection with the customer, to bring some joy. These days, that level of interaction is lost.

“We’re selling a moment, an experience – it’s not just gelato.”

briefly

Fred’s school award opens

NOMINATIONS have opened for the Fred Hollows Schools Award in the ACT. Now in its third year, the event recognises primary school students in years 3-6 who show good citizenship, compassion and community service. Nominations can be made to hollows. org.au/schoolsaward

Tough questions

AMNESTY International will hold its 24th annual quiz night at the Hellenic Club, Woden, 7.30pm, on Friday, June 13. One of Canberra’s oldest quiz nights, it has raised a total of more than $250,000. The compere is Radio National’s “Rare Collections” presenter David Kilby. Tickets are $28, tables seat eight to 12 and bookings to 6277 2661 or rob.lundie@aph.gov.au

Overeating survey

CARMEL Hill, a clinical PhD student at the ANU, is still looking for women, over 18, who struggle with overeating to assist her research into how shape/ weight concerns impact on overeating/binge eating. Participants who complete a 30-minute, anonymous and voluntary survey go in the draw to win one of two $100 gift vouchers. The survey link is at anupsych.co1.qualtrics. com/SE/?SID=SV_dmwpZFnxEQD4fat or email carmel.hill@anu.edu.au

MEMES are strange and misunderstood beasts; the term is often misused, but as they run rampant through the internet and our minds, the concept becomes ever more important to understand.

Merriam-Webster defines the word as “an idea, behaviour or style that spreads from person to person within a culture”. The word was coined by Richard Dawkins in the 1970s.

It can be a little scary that most of what defines our own consciousness is a series of ideas transmitted from friends and family, as well as mass and social media.

Memes can be very recent, like the idea that maybe as an heiress Gina Rinehart shouldn’t be lecturing the rest of us how to be less poor.

Memes can be relatively modern like the steaming load of pseudoeastern philosophy dumped into popular consciousness by the “Star Wars” movies.

A lot of memes are very, very old. The ideals of democracy, of justice, have spread like a fire through human minds for millennia.

The theory goes that successful memes get that way because their carriers benefit and outcompete the people who haven’t taken them on board.

The great religions are founded on the rocks of mighty memes we call the Bible, the Koran and the Tripitaka, whose ideas we choose to preserve, and pass on.

There’s an old joke that nerds invented the internet so they could talk to other nerds about “Star Wars”.

Similarly the evolution of the printing press was driven by Gutenberg’s desire to print the Bible and the use of paper made from cloth pulp in Europe was driven by calculations of just how many cows he’d need to slaughter to print it on parchment (40 cows per Bible).

The modern meme as the term is commonly used on the internet is a lot less high minded.

Here’s one I made this week, grab a picture, google meme generator and bob’s your uncle (whether anyone will be amused by your work or choose to forward it is another matter).

Mostly it’s a short exclamation printed over a loosely related image to hopefully comic effect; if you can drag in a well-worn cultural trope from elsewhere that will give added resonance.

Here in Canberra, the Canmeme Facebook Group have taken global memetic imagery and applied local ideas to amusing effect (albeit having somewhat run out of steam after a barnstorming start).

Sadly, the average netizen will use the term “meme” in complete ignorance of the older meaning, thinking they’re just talking about words on pictures.

This is a nicely recursive evolution for a theory on the evolution of ideas.

More worryingly, bright-eyed things who go to social media conferences and collect full houses in buzzword bingo have seen something that people like and want to colonise the space for power and profit.

Normally this is harmless and, only occasionally, regrettable. But professionals are getting better at it. The Greens in particular are churning out a lot of memes that encourage a retweet or Facebook share, even if they’re largely preaching to the choir.

Canmemes can be found at: facebook.com/ CanberraMemes

Understanding the strange meme JOHN

Our minds have had thousands of years to develop defences from this kind of informational warfare (defences loosely known as “how our parents raised us”). But make no mistake, just as the food industry uses mountains of research to assault our tastebuds with sugar, fat and salt, the bright-eyed things are amassing research and tools to insert memes into our minds for their own benefit. Something to think about next time a friend sends you a funny picture of a cat.

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Winter home safety check

During winter the number of house fires increases with appliances like heaters, clothes dryers and electric blankets switched on. It’s a great time to do a simple safety check around your home and help keep your family safe.

þ Check you have working smoke alarms.

þ Check appliances for fraying cords and other signs of wear and tear.

þ Check that power points and power boards aren’t overloaded.

þ Check there is adequate ventilation around power points, especially behind beds, TV cabinets and furniture.

þ Clean heaters and fans to make sure they are free of dust and dirt.

þ Have your natural gas appliances checked and maintained annually by a licensed gas fitter, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

For more electricity and gas safety information visit actewagl.com.au/safety

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / World’s Biggest Morning Tea

The World’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser is held... with a significant contribution by the Waldren family, their friends, colleagues and business associates, people who’ve been supporting the event for 18 years.

THE Forrest Motel and Apartments is at the centre of a vibrant and supportive community. It’s up the road from Manuka, across the road from Forrest Primary School and has the bowls club, the Jewish Centre and the Italo Australian Club for neighbours.

And every year in May, this year on the actual date, the World’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser is held. Not with the world’s biggest number of tea sippers but with a significant contribution by the Waldren family, their friends, colleagues and business associates, people who’ve been supporting the event for 18 years.

On May 22 they raised plenty for the Cancer Council ACT by enjoying the brief respite in a run of the mill day to drink tea, eat cakes and gossip with friends.

Among guests over the years have been survivors; members of the cancer club they reluctantly joined, but many with stories to tell, tears to weep and laughter to share about the cancer process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery they experienced.

To hold your own World’s Biggest Morning Tea, call 6257 9999.

LYN MILLS

To

At the Cerebal Palsy Alliance fundraiser, Hellenic Club At the Public Education Dinner, National Press Club

Catch some exciting recent cinema about the creative genius that lies behind art in a program curated and introduced by film writer and curator Dr Simon Weaving.

PROGRAM

Wednesday 4 June

MARWENCOL

2011, rating TBC, 84 mins

Wednesday 11 June

FIFI HOWLS FROM HAPPINESS

2013, rating TBC, 96 mins

Wednesday 18 June

PICASSO’S GANG

2013, rating TBC, 101 mins

Australian premiere

Wednesday 25 June

BELTRACCHI: THE ART OF FORGERY

2014, rating TBC, 93 mins

Australian premiere

Wednesday 2 July

A STORY OF CHILDREN AND FILM

2013, rating TBC, 106 mins

Wednesday 9 July

FINDING VIVIAN MAIER

2014, rating TBC, 83 mins

Special advance screening

Wednesdays 4 June – 9 July 6.00 pm

James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia

Series tickets (6 films):

$80, $70 concession, $60 members

Single tickets: $16, $14 concession, $12 members

Bookings: For series tickets go to online.nga.gov.au/eventbookings

Series and single session tickets available from the information desk at the National Gallery.

For more information nga.gov.au/WinterFilmSeries

(right) still from A story of children and film (2013)

At the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner At ‘Atua – Sacred gods from Polynesia’ opening, NGA

HAve yoUR SAy

Secure Mental Health Unit Preliminary Sketch Plan

Aspects of the Preliminary Sketch Plan can be seen at: www.health.act.gov.au/HIP

Comments can be sent to HIP@act.gov.au or Secure Mental Health Unit Project, PO Box 11, Woden ACT 2606 by Wednesday, 18 June 2014.

A community information session will be held at 6.00pm on Wednesday, 21 May in the Aegean Room, Hellenic Club, Woden. The session will be facilitated by ABC Health Presenter, Dr. Norman Swan.

(02) 6174 8088

Repubblica

When Italy swapped a king for a

At an important milestone in Italian history, we salute those who embrace Italy’s culture and celebrate its lifestyle and traditions.

ALONG with their compatriots all over the world, Canberra’s Italian community celebrates Festa Della Repubblica (Festival of the Republic) on June 2.

It marks the day in 1946 when the Kingdom of Italy voted to swap its king for a president and become a democratic republic with a new parliament.

The actual result of the referendum was far from a landslide, with only about 54 per cent of the voters choosing to remove their monarch as head of state through this peaceful revolution at the ballot box.

On the one hand, it was a big step to end the line of kings that had ruled Italy since its unification about a century earlier, and it was not strictly necessary to get rid of the king in order to have a new constitutional democracy. But on the other hand, many Italians were disappointed in the royal family for supporting the ill-fated Fascist dictatorship that led the country to military defeat in World War II.

Democracy was not new to Italy in 1946, either, the Italian Parliament having played a strong role as a check on the power of the king and his ministers since the mid-1800s. But with the king’s support, the Fascist Party, led by Benito Mussolini, was able to seize power in the early ‘20s, and later pass a law in 1926 that completely freed Mussolini from accountability to Parliament.

In this way, the Festa Della Repubblica can be seen to celebrate the return of democracy to Italy in a stronger, more permanent form.

The first period of Italian democracy was based on a constitution agreed to by the King of Piedmont-Sardinia, Charles Albert, in 1848, when Italy was still in the process of uniting as a single nation. The

Statuto Albertino, as it is known, was so important to Italy’s formation that the day it was signed became the first Italian National Day.

This was always celebrated on the first Sunday in June, which hovers from year to year around its modern replacement, Festa Della Repubblica.

In Rome, a grand military parade is held every year with the president of the republic – currently Giorgio Napolitano – taking centre stage as supreme commander of the armed forces, a role once played by the king.

Some Italians joke that the only time Italy was ever truly unified was when the national soccer team won the World Cup, but Festa Della Repubblica is a day when all Italians can celebrate the rich culture of their modern republic.

Festival in Forrest

EVERY year, members of Canberra’s Italian community come together to celebrate their motherland’s National Day with a festival at the Italian Cultural Centre in Forrest, next door to the Italo Australian Club.

This year it’s on Sunday, June 1, the day before Festa Della Repubblica.

There’ll be market stalls with Italian food such as sausages and pasta, Sicilian sweets, wine, beer and fantastic coffee alongside books, ceramics and Ferrari memorabilia.

We’re also told to expect plenty of fun and games as well as performances from Dante Musica Viva, the Canberra Tarantella Dance Group and an Italian Language school group.

Festa Della Repubblica, 80 Franklin Street, Forrest, Sunday, June 1, 11am-4pm.

Enjoying the gift of language

THE great Italian poet Dante Alighieri penned his most famous work, “The Divine Comedy”, in the early 1300s and is considered the father of the Italian language.

The society that bears his name was established nearly 600 years later in Rome to promote Italian language and culture around the world, and now has 450 chapters.

Dante Alighieri Canberra is a particularly vibrant, active chapter that runs formal courses and informal conversation evenings over three terms per year.

It also organises regular cultural events on a range of topics such as cinema, art, music and history, with interesting and informative speakers such as ANU film studies academic Dr Gino Moliterno, who will take members through the work of five-time Oscar winning director Federico Fellini on Thursday, June 19.

Society members also get discounts on Italian language courses in Italy and access to a language and literature library. They can keep up to date on local activities through the high-quality bilingual newsletter, “Canberra Dante Review”, which also features interesting content about all things Italian.

The Dante Society also has its own choir, Dante Musica Viva, which was formed under the direction of UC education professor Francesco Sofo in early 2005 and enthusiastically promotes Italian culture through song.

In November, 2010, it launched its first CD, “Nostalgia d’Italia” and intends to cut a second one this year.

The Dante Alighieri Society, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6247 1884 or go to dantecanberra.org.au

PEPE Ianiello first developed a love of fine stationery at age 10 while on a trip to Venice and Florence with his parents. He was amazed at not only the beauty but also the variety of paper and stationery available, and decided he would open his own paperie back home in Australia.

Pepe’s Paperies are full of nice things such as stylish pens, notebooks, journals, photo albums, leather goods, cards, gift wrap and writing sets.

“We stock good quality luxury products at an affordable price,” says Pepe. “It’s my goal to give customers an exciting and pleasurable shopping experience.”

Among the huge array of high-end knick-knacks are exquisite paper knives and writing sets by Bortoletti, a company founded in 1980 by four brothers who shared their father’s passion for sculpture and bronze casting. The beautiful products are hand finished using a Venetian technique of wax casting and manual chiselling.

The two stores, in Phillip and the Canberra Centre, also stock Cavallini and Co’s old-fashioned decorative paper products that feature images such as antique maps and vintage posters, as well as artists’ journals made of paper from Fabriano, a village in central Italy where modern industrial paper production began in Europe.

He is also really, really into Vespa memorabilia and carries a large range of it, including jigsaw puzzles, mugs, bags, watches, desk lamps and alarm clocks.

Pepe’s Paperie, Shop 26, Level 1, Canberra Centre, Civic (call 6162 4448) and 2 Townshend Street, Phillip (call 6162 3586). Online store at pepespaperie.com.au

Fabio never gave up on his deli dream

CANBERRA’S first traditional Italian delicatessen opened in Narrabundah in 1952 and it’s still going today at Mawson under the name Tutto Continental.

“It wasn’t called Tutto Continental for that whole time, it’s passed through several different owners over the years, but it was always the same concept: a traditional Italian deli with some continental groceries and a little bit of kitchenware, like our pasta makers,” says owner Fabio Cavaliere, who recalls going to the shop since childhood.

“When I was 17, I told the owner

I wanted to buy the shop one day, and he didn’t believe me, of course,” he says.

Fabio came back from three years overseas in 2010 to find the little deli had a new owner and eventually, managed to convince her to sell it to him. Since then his mission has been to keep the shop the way he remembers it as a boy and improve on it by bringing in more specialty lines all the time.

“We’ve got free-range ham and salami from WA, free-range eggs from Yass, and I’m one of two shops in Australia that carry 22-month-

Fresh flavours of Italian cuisine

BRISCOLA is a popular Italian card game and one not to be played alone, much as the authentic Italian food at Briscola is not made to be eaten alone.

As well as pizza and pasta, Briscola specialises in stuzzichini, which basically means mouthwatering entrees such as marinated Ligurian and Sicilian olives with toasted almonds warmed in olive oil, or arancini, which is crumbed porcini risotto balls stuffed with provolone cheese and served with oven roasted red capsicum salsina.

“At Briscola, we focus on using the best products from Italy or regional businesses,” says owner Gianni Guglielmin. “Our coffee is locally roasted by Lonsdale Street Roasters, our meats are from the Red Hill Butcher, our gelato is locally churned by Gelatomio, our regional wines include Four Winds Vineyard, Lerida Estate, Pankhurst, Brindabella Hills and Bimbadgen, and our beers include cider and pale ale by Pig’s Fly in Bowral. Our ravioli is made locally by my mum.”

Briscola’s famous pizza recipe goes back to its predecessor La Posada, which opened in 1998. Using imported Italian Tipo 00 flour, the dough is twice risen,

aged San Daniele prosciutto; there’s only 150 made every month, worldwide, and I have a standing order for 30,” Fabio says.

“For June, which starts with Festa Della Repubblica, I’ve brought in some limited stock of Molinari Sambuca and I’ll be putting it at half price. I’ve got a big range of Italian wines and spirits; we’ve got some grappa at the moment, and I’ve also started making fresh pasta every Friday and Saturday.”

Tutto Continental, 142-152 Mawson Place, Mawson. Call 6286 8800.

then hand-stretched when you order.

“The kitchen focuses on crafting intimate sharing plates, which explore the simple and fresh flavours of Italian cuisine, just like dining at Nonna’s table,” says Gianni.

The modern restaurant specialises in group bookings and offers great value with a range of banquet deals.

Briscola Pizzeria é Stuzzichini Bar, 60 Alinga Street, Canberra City.

Biginelli Espresso

•

Festa Della Repubblica / June 2

Espresso with a view

BIGINELLI Espresso is hidden away on Level 5 of the Canberra School of Music on the city side of the ANU, but with its dramatic views to Black Mountain and location only a block away from the city, it’s the perfect place to meet friends for a coffee or have a light, informal lunch.

“If you are chilling out in Childers Street, make sure you drop in,” says owner Ben Biginelli.

“We are just up the street from The Street Theatre, and a stone’s throw from the School of Art and Theatre Three.

“We specialise in all aspects of fine coffee and coffee products. Using only the finest Arabica beans available, Biginelli Espresso has three distinct blends to suit your taste. Our aim is to bring you the freshest and richest premium quality coffee so that you truly experience the espresso taste of life.”

The food offerings include traditional Italian dishes and a gourmet range of cakes with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Biginelli Espresso also runs a successful cafe at the Manheim Street shops in Kambah, where Ben’s mother Anne-Marie makes all the food using special family recipes. They also have mobile coffee carts and gelato bars suitable for pretty much any event or venue.

Biginelli Espresso, Level 5, ANU School of Music, William Herbert Street, Acton (call 6125 5848) and 3/48 Manheim Street, Kambah (call 6296 7544). Online at biginelli.com

Beautifully crafted by Italians

MOST of the beautiful European footwear, clothing and accessories you’ll find inside Escala Shoes are examples of world-famous Italian craftsmanship.

“The Italians have always enjoyed a fantastic reputation for being able to make beautiful products, especially beautifully crafted leather; the fit and feel of Italian shoes is just lovely,” says Gail Lubbock, who owns the longstanding Canberra fashion store on The Lawns at Manuka.

For winter wardrobes Gail has some of the most stylish boots in town, but Escala is more than just a shoe shop.

“We have lovely Italian gloves, shawls, wraps and scarves, and a beautiful line of knitwear that’s also from Italy called Gran Sasso,” she adds.

“The knitwear is a really beautiful

Centre gets an Italian accent

product, a blend of Merino wool and cashmere that is just wonderfully soft, warm and cuddly. The colours are beautiful and rich like jewels; emeralds, sapphires, rubies, as well as cobalt blues and a bit of purple.”

Gail says the knitwear will go perfectly with the beautiful Achille Pinto scarves from Northern Italy that are double-sided in prints and colours, all cashmere and wool and soft as can be.

“We also have a range of Italian Caridei leather gloves in all the colours of the season – there’s orange, red, purple and magenta, colours that will bring a bright tingle to your fingertips,” she says.

Escala, Shop 1, 21 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 7666

THE bargain hunter’s paradise formerly known as DFO, Canberra Outlet Centre, at Fyshwick, has a few Italian residents keen to fly the flag for the Festival of the Republic.

First up is Nostalgia, which sells Italian costume jewellery with the elegance of Europe and funky, unique watches at affordable prices. Also in the centre is an outlet for Arpelle, a label that has been making Italian-style clothes in Sydney since 1999.

Arpelle’s designers research the latest worldwide trends to develop ever-changing styles, carefully tailored with quality materials sourced exclusively for them.

Then there is the sports brand Fila, established in 1911 at the foot of the Alps in the textile-making town of Biella, and now proudly selling its apparel and footware all over the world, guided by its “Filasophy” to be bold and brave.

The Fila brand was first seen on the world stage in tennis and has since achieved recognition in the wider sporting world for its high quality products, which still retain the Italian flair for functional style.

Canberra Outlet Centre, 337 Canberra Avenue,

A village for everyone

VILLAGIO Sant’ Antonio opened in 1992 after Italian people from Canberra and the surrounding region worked together to establish a retirement villagio for older members of their community.

Since then it has grown into much more than a retirement village; alongside its 60 villas for independent living is a nursing home that includes a dementia-specific wing along with both day-respite and overnight respite services.

The non-profit organisation’s board is still made up of Italian people but the village has become a truly multi-cultural community. General manager Michael Giugni says there are currently people of 14 different nationalities in residence.

“The hostel currently provides accommodation for 83 residents of low and high-care needs and we also have a 20-bed dementia-specific unit called The Lodge that opened in June, 2005,” says Michael.

There are six overnight respite beds as well as a day respite program, and community care packages are also available to those living in villas, who are supported to “age in

place” if that is their choice.

The village’s namesake is St Anthony of Padua, presumably chosen because elderly people are among his many saintly patronages.

“The 15th of June is our St Anthony’s Day celebration,” says Michael.

“We’ve got a mass at 10.30 on the Sunday morning, followed by a lunch and it’s open to anyone, including past residents’ families; people can ring here for more information.”

Five days later, 10am-2pm, on June 20, all of Villaggio Sant’ Antonio’s facilities will be on display at its open day.

“We care about the happiness and welfare of our residents and know that feelings of isolation, insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty can impact upon their health and contentment,” says Michael.

“Our highly experienced and expert staff are there to give the advice, support, comfort and practical input needed for peace of mind and tranquillity.”

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794 or go to villaggio.com.au

Repubblica

Fila was established in Biella Italy in 1911 amid the foothills of the Italian Alps. Fila is a leading manufacturer of lifestyle sportswear, technical apparel and footwear, which is distributed worldwide. A confident style leader and true fashion icon, Fila’s priority lays always on style, craftsmanship and using innovative materials, technologies & techniques. Fila is located in shop 146 at the Canberra Outlet Centre.

Arpelle is an Italian Fashion Outlet that stocks high-quality coats and jackets made from Italian wool, cashmere, and the strongest, most supple premium Italian leathers. Arpelle’s designers thoughtfully research the latest trends to develop their everchanging styles, and products are carefully tailored with quality materials sourced exclusively for Arpelle.

Arpelle is located at shop 204 at the Canberra Outlet Centre.

Nostalgia stocks imported Italian costume jewellery and watches made from beautiful, quality materials, which capture the elegance of Europe at an affordable price. In celebration of Festa Della Repubblica all necklaces are all on sale at Nostalgia for $10 or less. (Minimum purchase 2 items.)

Nostalgia is located at shop 134b at the Canberra Outlet Centre.

Canberra Confidential

Sun down on the knees-up

“IMAGINE a spectacular setting, sipping a glass of champagne overlooking a sunset panoramic view of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin and beyond…”

Imagine indeed, for despite the soothing promise, there will be no sunset for guests at the Conservation Council’s World Environment Day Dinner at the National Arboretum on Saturday, May 31 because the knees-up starts with canapés and bubbles at 7pm, two hours after the scheduled sunset at 5pm. Nevertheless, the night promises a threecourse meal, guest speaker ecology professor David Lindenmayer and entertainment from the irrepressible Shortis and Simpson. Tickets are $95 and bookings to 6229 3200 or online at conservationcouncil.org.au

Mice with that?

TASUKE Japanese Restaurant in the Sydney Building, Alinga Street, in the city, has a grand sandwich board out the front that lists, amid its array of technicoloured offerings, the lipsmacking hot and spicy pork “mice” ramen.

Tongue twisted

CC’s arts snout reports from the flash opening of the exhibition of Pacific art “Atua”, at the NGA, that director Ron Radford did a sterling job pronouncing very difficult Polynesian words, but slipped up – indeed, gave up – on “iconoclastic” and “Qantas”.

Give to live, really?

LYNNE Harwood, from Communities@ Work, would have us believe that people who give to others live longer than their non-charitable peers.

In launching her charity’s “Do Good, Feel Good, Real Good” campaign, she quotes UC’s Prof Thomas Nielsen, whose research suggests that giving is one of the strongest predictors of increasing our happiness and health.

“Go to commsatwork.org/dogood. Change someone’s life for the better and add years to your life!”, Lynne urges. No mention of a money-back guarantee, though.

On paper, they’re stuffed

THEY huff and they puff about the digital genius of giving their work away for nothing, but never mention the faltering paid circula -

tion of “The Canberra Times”. “Masthead readership” is the mantra in Fairfax’s Fyshwick bunker, but the reality is the paper that pays salaries is slip sliding away; its advertising premium probably gone forever, too.

The latest March circulation numbers peg the sales at startling lows as the flagship Saturday edition slumps 16.8 per cent against last year to 35,612; Sunday is down 15 per cent to 24,124 and the weekdays have dropped 10.4 per cent to 24,300.

We won’t call you

AFTER weeks of nail-biting, a candidate calls the NCA to see if the job she had applied for weeks ago had been filled. No, no decision, she was told, but now they’re uncertain if they will fill it, what with all the cuts to the public service. On this logic, the NCA may be the only Federal agency surprised by the Budget. Despondently, she was told not to wait to hear back from them.

“I’m trying not to think it was a waste of time, but an opportunity to practise writing/ interview skills!” she sighs.

Short, back and chords

SINGING barbers we’ve heard of, but not a guitar playing one. CC couldn’t help but notice the instrument at the doorway of Barbero, a new hairdresser in Bailey’s Arcade. Alas, snipper Karan Khanna admitted he wasn’t much of a player, but said waiting clients would often pick it up and some were quite good, especially the guy from Civic Shoes down the hall.

Coralie couldn’t resist

“MY finger hit the shutter. No self control,” is how “CityNews” snapper Gary Shafer tried to weasel his way out of taking this wonderfully cheeky pic of local promoter-to-the stars

Coralie Wood having a fan moment. That’s Coralie in the middle between Reps Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and legendary opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at Parliament House. And Coralie, who was promoting the soprano’s recent Canberra show, confessed she just couldn’t resist the moment. “I had to be seen with a dame and the Speaker!”

Joy turns to nightmare

FLYNN grandparents head off on a joyous trip to Sydney for their granddaughter’s graduation in nursing.

Things took a difficult turn when nana was rushed by ambulance to Hornsby Hospital following a bad gastric attack.

Worse yet, the following evening she fell over in hospital after being tangled in drip lines, resulting in two fractures in her left pelvis. After a rough week at Hornsby she was transferred to Calvary by ambulance to face six to eight weeks of rehabilitation. Get well soon, Joyce.

arts & entertainment

By Helen Musa

PERTH Theatre Company is about to descend on us with “It’s Dark Outside”, created and performed by Arielle Gray, Chris Isaacs and Tim Watts, who use puppetry and masks to create what they term, “a grand epic western about redemption and dementia”.

The score for the show has been composed by rock musician Rachael Dease, soloist in the “dirty” band Schvendes and composer of a music theatre work, “City of Shadows”, that has toured to the New York Fringe. Impressive, but she has pretty big shoes to fill.

For when it comes to composing big Westerns, there is one huge name, hovering over all young artists, that of the prolific Italian film composer, Ennio Morricone, best known for his scores to “A Fistful of Dollars” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.

“When I first came on board, the company had already used a lot of Ennio Morricone,” Dease tells me by phone from Perth.

“That was kind of scary, because he is one of the greats, so I had to figure out how to open up to what I do.”

One section, she admits, is “a straight homage to Morricone”, but the rest is all Dease.

The work, she explains, deals with memory loss and dementia, “it comes in and out of reality

and fantasy and the music kind of narrates to the audience when we are”. Hired just three months before the show opened, there was a lot to do very quickly, she says, “but that’s the way I work, so that was that.”

The result, Dease tells “CityNews”, is one hour’s worth of “pretty substantial” music. While there is some wordless vocalising, most of the music is made on the electronic instrument the omnichord, though for the “large western-type moments”, she sourced live orchestral musicians.

Dease worries about “people suffering from sound fatigue”. With a lot of theatre, she suffers from “word fatigue” and tunes out.

“I guess my ears are tuned a bit differently… it’s important to challenge audiences without turning them off,” she says.

As for her burgeoning career, she gave up her day job about a year ago and survives as a musician and a part-time teacher at her alma mater, the WA Academy of Performing Arts. So far she hasn’t had to turn to doing toothpaste jingles, though she suspects she’d be “quite good at that”.

“I’m sort of spreading my fingers into a few pies,” she says.

“I go in between rock and pop style to larger scale theatre works. I’ve started to be recognised as a person who writes music for theatre, but I don’t think I’m ready to write a musical.”

“It’s Dark Outside”, The Street Theatre, June 3-8, bookings to 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au

day, friends the next

PIANIST Andrew Rumsey was the only musician to perform at Government House for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Guy Sebastian and Harry Kewell in the crowd. He’s continuing his “Rumsey & Friends” series with Beethoven, Debussy, Bartok, Villa-Lobos, Schubert, Edwards and Chopin performed by popular instrumentalists and Canberra soprano Louise Page. Fiona Nelson will read original poetry. At Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm-9.30pm, on Saturday, June 7, bookings to trybooking.com/EWBR

ALSO at Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, on Sunday, June 1, Art Song Canberra’s “Season of Song 2014” has that busy husband and wife team of mezzo soprano Christina Wilson and pianist Alan Hicks performing songs under the title “Love and Harmony Combine”. Tickets only at the door.

ARTSHOW@Radford features hundreds of works in painting, ceramics, photographs, glass, jewellery, woodwork and sculpture. On June 1, Robert Foster, from FINK Design, will talk about his sculptural installation, “Blue Mantle”, at the school. At TB Millar Hall, Radford College, Bruce, 10am-4pm, May 30-June 1. Tickets at the door.

“NEVER Trust the Teacher” is the latest in Joe Woodward’s “Without a Voice” series. It’s billed

Helen

Musa

arts in the city

as a new radio play presented live by Woodward, Damien Foley, Tom Woodward and Lucy Smith and tells the story of teacher John Dark and “how he disappeared, along with his career”. At Smith’s Alternative, 8.30pm, on June 2.

CANBERRA director Daniel McCusker’s production of “Party”, by Tom Basden, will run on June 3 and 6-8, at Smith’s Alternative. It’s a comedy that tackles the big issues – China, climate change, Muslims, when to eat cake, and how to run a political party.

THE High Court of Australia’s next free concert features the Strange Weather Gospel Choir, led by Daniel Brinsmead, performing “A Change of Tune”. At 1pm, Sunday, June 1.

THE corps of staff cadets and the band of the Royal Military College will present the trooping the colour spectacle at Gallipoli Reach, Rond Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin, at 10.15am on Saturday, June 7. Free, but bring a chair and a blanket.

TWO talented sisters and two extraordinary guitarists from Ireland, The Heartstring Quartet, will perform at Teatro Vivaldi on Wednesday, June 4, bookings to 6257 2718.

IT’s DArK OUTsIDE

When art and science come face to face

By Helen Musa

HOW often do we pause to reflect that rural Australia is full of serious artists?

One such is Bob Baker, working away quietly in Bodalla on a daring series of artworks that place art and science face to face.

Baker wasn’t always reclusive. Trained in England, when he came to Australia he was a frequent finalist in the Wynne Landscape Prize, then the foundation director of the Camden Art Gallery.

Two years ago he exhibited paintings about contemporary physics at the CSIRO Discovery Centre. But nowadays he works quietly in his home studio.

Recently I visited Baker in his Bodalla studio and at the public launch of a new painting in town.

Gone were his mischievous musings on Newton’s apple, replaced with a bold new imagining of works by the greats – Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

In “The Men of Forever”, a reworking of Picasso’s 1907 cubist

Artist Bob Baker and his canvas in which he has extrapolated from a cubist painting by Salvador Dali… “I’m not trying to copy him, I’m trying to convey the feeling of the man.”

work “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, Baker takes the distorted image of five prostitutes viewed through the prism of seven panes of imagined glass, with a cheeky violin on the side – perhaps a reference to mathematical string theory. As he sees it, this matches Einstein’s vision of what we think, relative to what is actually there.

Back in Baker’s studio, we are greeted by an enormous canvas in

which he has extrapolated from a cubist painting by Salvador Dali, this featuring a guitar, in a limited palette of greys, dark at the left but becoming lighter at the right. As if viewing nature through a glass darkly, Baker starts with Dali at the centre and using the layers of class, creates his own work of art

“I’m not trying to copy him, I’m trying to convey the feeling of the man,” Baker says.

Anna’s powerful journey

“Ida” (M)

IN 1960s’ Poland, Anna (Agata Trzebuckowska) has lived in a convent since she was a baby.

Soon, at the end of her teens, she will make her religious vows. Mother Superior tells her she has a living relative and sends her out into the secular world to meet this unknown aunt and evaluate the choice that suddenly confronts her.

Aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza) is a class act. A lawyer, she has prosecuted law-breakers. As a judge, she has ordered punishment at every level on the penalty scale. She smokes, she drinks and she has uncommitted sex with strangers.

Her news overturns everything Anna knows about herself. Anna was born Ida Lebenstein, Jewish. Anna wants most of all to locate where her parents are buried. Wanda drives Ida to the farm that they once owned.

The film is a journey, along unmade roads among people whose behaviour is totally strange to the innocent young woman.

It’s no box-office smash. But definitely powerful cinema.

At Capitol 6

“Sunshine On Leith” (PG)

AFTER service in Afghanistan, Harry (Jason Flemyng) and his closest pal Dave (George MacKay) return to civilian life in Edinburgh to the joy of Harry’s parents Rab (Peter Mullan) and Jean (Jane Horrocks) and his winsome sister Liz (Freya Mavor) whose best pal is Yvonne (Antonia Thomas).

Those six characters play out the core of this joyous, charming yet complex tale of simple folk dealing with issues such as those confronting us all at some point in our lives.

The film’s origins are 13 songs by Craig and Charlie Reid who for three decades have performed in and around Leith as The Proclaimers.

Dougal Macdonald cinema

The film doesn’t actually go to Leith, Edinburgh’s port area, but its views of the city from elevated vantage points and buildings are delightful.

The narrative is comfortable and credible. The musicality fits the plot like a glove, the singing robust, delicate or plaintive as the lyrics require.

And then there is Jane Horrocks as Jean, whose cracker performance drives the film’s humanity in an unexpected way.

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

“The Babadook” (M)

AS Sam’s parents were rushing to hospital for Amelia to give him birth, there was a car accident. Sam, aged about eight, misses the dad he never knew. Amelia has a battery-powered solution to her grown-up problems. She does her best to raise Sam as a normal kid, but something is wrong.

“The Babadook” is a ghoulies-and-ghosties-andlong-legged-beasties-and-things-that-go-bump-inthe-night film. He’s the anti-hero of a book of which Sam is uncomfortably fond. It scares him, but he depends on it.

As Amelia, Essie Davis makes a firm statement of her acting chops. Her co-star as Sam is Noah Wiseman, great in a role demanding difficult emotional and physical responses.

“The Babadook” is a commendable example of workmanlike, low-budget filmmaking. While the peripheral characters in this little Australian-made gothic number may advance the story, they don’t clutter it. There is obviously a reason why the horror genre has such a long history on stage, screen and the printed page. It’s not one I relish, but I do acknowledge quality such as writer/director Jennifer Kent delivers here.

At Palace Electric and Limelight

The little sister’s big coffee

IT’S a challenge eating a macaron (salted caramel, if you must know) when you’re sitting beside a fitness centre and can see, through an expansive glass wall, people fitted out in designer gym gear running like hell on a treadmill.

But that’s what I found myself doing on my first visit to Farmers Daughter in the city. It didn’t stop me from downing the macaron, but it did remind me that my New Year’s resolution to join a gym is, well, a little behind schedule.

This is the baby sister to Farmers Daughter that opened with a bang at Yarralumla shops a few years back. The emphasis is on baby sister. It’s a small shop – some would argue more a kiosk – in the North Quarter food court of the Canberra Centre with a very small menu.

Farmers Daughter specialises in specialty coffees and teas, freshly made sandwiches, gourmet cakes and a line-up of macarons (note to self: at least it was just a macaron and not a massive slice of cake or a decadent brownie).

You order at the counter your table number, into a green apple

(cute, but a waste of apples?). If eating in, you then head behind the serving counter to find a seat. The space is what it is, but I didn’t find it inviting. Perhaps it’s the combination of the surrounding fitness centre, escalator and the ATMs. Just remember “food court” and you’ll have a better perspective.

Farmers Daughter promises that its breakfasts and lunches will “make your saliva glands work overtime”. It sure has done so for me in Yarralumla, but not so in the city. The selection of sandwiches was acceptable but not innovative… smoked chicken and avo, BLT, ham and cheese, you get the drill.

I ended up with the chicken, made with lovely gourmet bread, tender meat and creamy avo. It

hit the spot although I waited ages for it to arrive, even though the place wasn’t busy. Indeed, I had to enquire at the counter if my sandwich was even coming and did so some time after my coffee and macaron had been served. One of Farmers Daughter’s claims to fame is that they are the only outlet in the city to serve Campos Coffee. Some search for this specialty coffee label but as we all know you can have a great bean, roasted to perfection, but ruined by a barista who hasn’t a clue. This barista did the coffee great justice. It was a superb cappuccino and, yes, it went well with my macaron.

Farmers Daughter, Shop FGK 12, Bunda Street, Canberra Centre, call 6249 8809.

WENDY JOHNSON

Manning ‘contains’ her inspiration

In her first article for “CityNews”, Canberra’s most respected craft art reviewer, MEREDITH HINCHLIFFE, looks at drawings, paintings and textiles by Jenny Manning

THE theme of containers runs strongly through this exhibition, which reflects Manning’s interest in ropes and knotting, wrapping, patterns and colours.

Blankets hold comfort and warmth and speak of succour and nurturing. The images of boats remind us of the coracle – a spherical or elliptical form made from lathes or reeds and covered with a waterproof skin –light and easily carried, that has been in use for centuries.

Using a variety of media: graphite on card and paper, pen and ink, sometimes with acrylic, on paper or MDF, mohair and wool, Manning builds up patterns.

The baskets are coiled wool and patterns are built up during the making, animating their surfaces.

visual art

“Bowls, Baskets, Blankets and Boats,” By Jenny Manning

At Belconnen Arts Centre, Emu Bank, Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm, until June 8.

Cut-out bags and baskets are drawn and painted on MDF, hung on the wall and give a strong illusion of three dimensionality. They evoke the rich, colourful patterns of carpets and textile bands used in countries such as Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. These baskets give more room for informality than the rigid coiling technique, and containing the illusion of space, they escape the restrictions of the traditional rectangular frame.

“Basket

Ropes and textile bands wrap around the drawn boats, referring to familiar patterns the hapless sailors left behind. The fragility of the boats alludes to the fate of asylum seekers who will go to any lengths to find a

new life.

The mohair blankets are knitted using traditional patchwork techniques – piecing squares of small knitted fabrics together to create larger blocks of texture and pattern.

gardening Plant a tree, make a difference

THE UN World Environment Day, on June 5, is the time to do something positive for the environment.

It’s the day for galvanising individual actions, however small, into having a positive impact on the planet.

But with block sizes getting smaller, it’s getting harder to do in many urban environments.

Where once a row of individual homes stood, each with their own garden of trees and shrubs, they are now replaced by the wall-to-wall concrete of massive unit developments. Even block sizes, of an average of about 800sqm, are now reduced to between 270sqm to 400sqm.

On the positive side, it is up to those still with room to plant trees and shrubs to do just that.

I like to encourage children to be involved in planting trees and shrubs and, as the UN special day falls on a Thursday, perhaps a planting could take place the weekend before with, maybe, a label giving the details of who planted the tree and the date, and a photo of the event. If you have the space, plant a fruit tree for summer shade, its beautiful blossoms, fruit and autumn colour.

AMONG the many varieties of fruit trees, the persimmon tree, Diospyros kaki, is worth considering.

Grown in China for hundreds of years, this deciduous tree has glossy broad leaves changing to brilliant yellow and red in autumn followed by bright orange fruit.

The fruit is either astringent or non-astringent. The astringent variety needs to be squishy overripe to remove the astringency. I prefer the non-astringent variety, which

up to talking back

can be eaten firm like an apple. Simply peel the skin and eat fresh or freeze for future use.

Two of the most non-astringent varieties are “Fuyu” and “Jiro” grown by Flemings Nurseries and available at local garden centres. The fruit is borne on the new season’s growth, so it is important to encourage as much new growth as possible by cutting out laterals that have previously borne fruit. As with most fruit, you will need to net the tree.

I AM receiving an increasing number of inquiries about possums, but I don’t have the answer and have unsuccessfully tried all the proprietary products myself.

A reader in Downer tells me she finds it almost impossible to grow anything in her garden because of the presence of possums.

The local daily must have been having a slow news day recently when it devoted a whole page to one man’s obsession to have the Territory rid of our furry friends.

We have possums in our garden, but we have no serious problems apart from foraging in the compost heap. I found just one half-chewed apple out of the entire crop on our apple tree and the veggies and roses are left alone.

specialising in possum control, but beyond that I can be of no help.

Jottings…

• Once leaves have fallen, check that no ties attached to support stakes are cutting into trees and shrubs. I suspect some have been in place for years and they can ringbark small branches.

• Prune Acers (maples) now, checking for any dead, diseased or damaged branches. With no sap flowing, pruning at this time prevents undue “bleeding” that happens with spring pruning.

• Band fruit trees with sticky bands (available from garden centres) to stop insects travelling up the trunk.

• Get rid of saucers from under outdoor container plants and raise them off the ground to prevent deadly water logging and root rot.

The only plants they do eat are parsley (and only in winter) and English spinach, though they do love apples. Bananas are bad for them.

Possums are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 (ACT) and the internet lists numerous local firms

puzzles page

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – June 2-8, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Attached Aries – prepare to be at your sexy best, as Mars charges through your partnership zone. So it’s time to up the sizzle factor and make your (neglected?) spouse feel extra special. Single Rams – don’t sit around passively waiting for your soul mate to magically appear. You need to be passionately proactive as you go out on the prowl, looking for love.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Have you been running around like a busy Bull on steroids? It’s time to slow down, as you re-discover your inner child and throw yourself into creative projects that make your heart sing. But with Mercury going retrograde on the weekend, make sure you check and double-check all social events and travel plans. Otherwise there’ll be major mix-ups and misunderstandings.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Twins are terrific talkers. But, when it comes to a friendship, fledgling romance, hobby or sporting activity, stop talking about what you want and instead start doing. Being proactive will put a pep in your step and a smile on your dial. Mercury reverses through your finance zone on the weekend, so resist the temptation to be impulsive with cash and irresponsible with credit.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Don’t let nebulous self-doubts drag you down. Stressing about something that may happen in the future is not the sensible way to go. Use your common sense to work on practical projects so you can move forwards in a positive new direction. No side-stepping Crabs! If you have to make a big decision on the weekend, trust your instincts and let your intuition be your guide.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

With Venus vamping through your career zone (until June 23) your professional life is about to become extremely interesting. Some lucky Lions can expect a promotion or improved conditions, while others will just be very busy. Single Cats – love and work could also combine in romantic and totally unexpected ways. Is that Cupid I see hiding behind your desk?

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos are usually thrifty shoppers and very good savers. But, with Mars and Uranus both moving through your money zones and Mercury (your ruling planet) about to go retrograde, your impulsive side could take over. So steer clear of internet sales, dodgy deals and spontaneous spending sprees. “The art is not in making money, but in keeping it.” (Proverb)

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mighty Mars is moving through your sign (until July 26) so strive to get the balance right between cool independence and cozy togetherness. Pooling individual ideas leads to exciting and unexpected joint ventures, as you dare to be different and break a few rules. Wednesday is wonderful for romance while Friday is a fabulous day to go on a grand adventure.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With peacemaker Venus visiting your relationship zone, you’re in a generous mood as you offer emotional support to those around you. Communication and consultation are the keys. Scorpios are serious planners and master strategists but it’s a wonderful week to step outside your usual routine and do something that’s adventurous, spontaneous and frivolous fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week’s stars encourage being impulsive in love (which is a Sagittarian specialty!) Amorous Archers are experts at falling in and out of love very quickly, and are notorious for hasty hookups, rushed and romantic elopements, shotgun weddings, sudden separations and dramatic divorces. A little less haste in all your relationships will lead to less long-term regrets.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Wednesday’s all about love and romance, as you cuddle up close with your partner – or lock eyes with someone special across a crowded room. Friday’s unpredictable, so keep your adaptability muscles well flexed. If you’re a clever Goat, you’ll handle fractious family members with kid gloves on the weekend, as Mercury starts reversing through your relationship zone.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Wednesday’s stars highlight your creative and humanitarian side. Friday’s Sun/Uranus hook-up is all about shaking up your usual routine, taking some adventurous risks, and expressing your individuality in innovative and unexpected ways. Draw inspiration from fellow Aquarian, Bob Marley: “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With Venus and Saturn in your neighbourhood and international zones, there are long-term, far-reaching benefits to be gained through nurturing contacts within your local community. So your current motto is ‘Think global, act local’. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to exchange news but be careful about passing on information from unreliable sources.

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2014

General knowledge crossword No. 454

Across

4 Name the Australian pioneer aviator, Bert ...?

8 To which animal species does the lizard belong?

9 Which animals are mice, squirrels, beavers, etc?

10 What is the young of the common pilchard?

11 Name an alternative term for witchcraft

12 What is a machine designed to convert energy into mechanical work?

14 Which public building is for the confinement of criminals?

18 What is a short allegorical story designed to convey some moral lesson?

21 What is a sheriff’s officer called?

22 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist

23 Which term describes the poetical and musical quality of a song?

24 Which Australian pop and folk group was formed in 1962?

Down

1 What is a frame used as a support, made from a horizontal beam, fixed at each end to a pair of spreading legs?

2 Which term describes a musical drama?

3 What is an illicit relationship?

4 Name an opinion or belief contrary to established theory

5 What is the lowest point, as of adversity?

6 What are small surgical instruments known as?

7 To be impaired through disuse or neglect, is to be what?

13 Which other term is applicable to household rubbish?

15 Name those swords used only for thrusting

16 Name the external island territory of Australia, situated ENE of Sydney NSW

17 Which term describes those who resist authority?

18 What are treaties also known as?

19 What do we call a newly married woman?

20 Name a late renowned Australian film actor, Peter ...?

Bob came into see me looking for strategies to reduce his income in the face of the Federal Budget’s two per cent “debt reduction levy” on high income earners.

“I earn just over $180,000 and it looks like I will have to pay the additional income tax from July 1. Is there anything I can do?”

I told Bob that while there is no harm in doing some planning, whatever we decided would be only preliminary because the Budget had not been passed through parliament.

“From what I am hearing no party is saying that they will oppose it,” I said. “The current proposal is that the two per cent will be charged on taxable income, which is simply income less deductions and includes negative gearing losses.

“You can negatively gear a rental property or shares. This simply means that the outgoings exceed the income earned. It can apply to shares and rental properties.

“If you do decide to follow this strategy, a word of caution, the levy is only for two years but shares and property will be unlikely to have made a return within that period. I normally recommend seven years for these types of investments. In addition you will have to pay capital gains tax on the profit that you make on sale.”

Bob said that he and his wife Jean had been thinking of buying a negatively geared property so maybe now was the time.

“You could also consider salary sacrificing into superannuation,” I told him.

“Effective from July 1, the general superannuation cap will increase to $30,000 but, as you are 51, your cap will increase to $35,000. So you could salary sacrifice $10,000 to superannuation. The tax rate is 15 per cent in the superannuation fund compared with the 49 per cent, which you will be paying from July 1.”

Bob confirmed that Jean wasn’t working nor planning to while they had children studying.

“So you could divert some income to Jean,” I suggested.

“You could put your surplus funds into Jean’s name, this would not trigger any tax whereas if you transfer shares or property to her that could trigger capital gains tax.”

“The last strategy I am thinking of for you is to take fringe benefits which are taxed at a concessional rate. For example, a salary packaged car would still give you some benefit even though the fringe benefits tax rate is set to increase as announced in the Budget.

That increase does not come in until April 1 next year, so you would have nine months at the old rate and reduced benefits after that.”

Bob said “he would talk to Jean and get back to me when the Budget was passed. Although I actually think these suggestions would be good for us to follow anyway”.

If you need guidance on your personal tax planning, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

Terrace

• 1 & 2 bedroom terrace apartments, some with study

• SMEG kitchen appliances

• Spacious layouts and high ceilings

• Street access to Macarthur Avenue

• Community vegetable garden for residents

• 12,000L water tank

• Walking distance to O’Connor and Lyneham shops and a short drive or bike ride to the city, Braddon, Australian National University and Dickson