140612 citynews

When the privileged few go feral

MICHAEL MOORE

Tick for Andrew, cross for Shane

ROBERT MACKLIN

Are we too tough on sport’s kids?

TIM GAVEL

Enjoying the fruits of milder weather

CEDRIC BRYANT

BLONDE

MOMENT

Arts editor HELEN MUSA meets the stars of ‘Legally Blonde’

Bree and her winning entry.

Bree wins award

Eighteen-year-old Bree Sturgess, of St Mary MacKillop Catholic College, has

$2000 Tuggeranong Rotary youth arts acquisitive award for her photographic and multimedia work, “Haunted by Humans”, created by transferring a photograph to wood and then treating the image. Judges, Annika Harding, Bernie Slater and Alasdair Roy, described the exhibition as “varied and intriguing”. It’s at Tuggeranong Arts Centre until June 30.

Toastmasters open up

THE Ginninderra Toastmasters are hosting an open meeting, where visitors will see how a meeting runs and learn about public speaking, at the Southern Cross Club Macquarie, 7pm, on Monday, June 16. Questions to 6161 2825.

Cedric talks Dutch

“CITYNEWS” gardening writer Cedric Bryant is the guest speaker at the Horticultural Society of Canberra’s meeting at Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm, on Monday, June 16. Cedric’s illustrated talk is titled “The English Influence on Dutch Gardens”. All welcome and supper will be served.

Doctor with a View

DR Dan Etherington will speak about “The Tree of Life – A Coconut Odyssey” at the Tuggeranong Day View Club’s monthly meeting at the Tuggeranong Vikings Town Centre Club, Greenway, 11.30am2pm on Tuesday, June 17. View is a women’s volunteer organisation that fundraises to help disadvantaged children through the Smith Family’s “Learning for Life Programme”. Lunch cost is $21 and all ladies and guests are welcome. RSVPs to 6284 8804.

When the privileged few go feral

SLAP them, slam them and smash them. Parliamentary privilege provides unfettered freedom of speech by our elected members. It is not uncommon in heated debates for members of the ACT Legislative Assembly and other parliaments to verbally thump each other in one way or another.

There are occasions where a vicious attack is launched on someone outside the Assembly. For these people there is no immediate comeback with similar protection. It can be really unfair, embarrassing and debilitating as it was for former “CityNews” reporter, Jorian Gardner.

Conduct during debates is covered in the rules of the proceedings. For example, Standing Order 55 states: “All imputations of improper motives and all personal reflections on Members shall be considered highly disorderly.”

This allows the Speaker to intervene.

Although there is some protection for the judiciary under the Standing Orders, ordinary citizens can be targeted by members without fear of being sued.

Gardner was dragged into the fray during a debate of no-confidence in a Minister. Such debates are invariably heated affairs with the opposition doing their best to highlight ministerial incompetence.

As director of Canberra’s Fringe Festival, Jorian was caught up in a frenzied debate over a no-confidence motion in Joy Burch as Minister

A reading by a fair-minded person of Mr Gardner’s response would illustrate just how appallingly he had been treated.

for the Arts.

Sometimes this protection from being sued is needed in the interests of the community as whole. For example, when an elected member believes that actions of government are being undermined by corrupt actions, or that an individual or corporation are having undue or inappropriate influence. This is a powerful privilege and, like all power, it can be misused.

attack on Burch in the first sitting week this year when he described her as a “minister [who] has been responsible for a long list of actions that have successively caused embarrassment, have caused offence and have been damaging to this government but, more importantly, have been damaging to the people she is charged with the responsibility of caring for in our community”.

He went on to drag Jorian in, saying: “She cannot seemingly comprehend how someone dressing up as a Nazi and then stripping in the middle of the National Multicultural Festival might be insensitive, insulting and offensive to a great many people”.

was tabled with Gardner’s response, perhaps because he had not yet read the report, Hanson would not back off.

On June 5 he postured: “I will state it again: I stand by my comments. I stand by those made by Mr Smyth and Mrs Jones, who have been named. I see this as an exercise in grandstanding. We know that the individual concerned seeks notoriety.”

It is time for the MLAs to calm down, to read the report of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures, and then to apply some Christian philosophy, to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and to reflect on the proper use of parliamentary privilege.

In May 1995 the Legislative Assembly adopted a process of “Citizen’s Right of Reply”. This tool, which has only been used twice since that time, was used by Mr Gardner to correct the record as he claimed he had “been the subject of clear, direct and personal attack and criticism and that my privacy has been unreasonably invaded by references made” and he directed his comments at Liberals Jeremy Hanson, Giulia Jones and Brendan Smyth.

Opposition Leader Hanson had launched the

Jones and Smyth followed suit. Ironically, these three are from the same party as Federal Attorney General George Brandis who at the time was trying to remove racial vilification from Commonwealth legislation.

The attacks cut much deeper, delving into Gardner’s personal life and work history. A reading by a fair-minded person of Mr Gardner’s response would illustrate just how appallingly he had been treated. But this was not enough.

Even after the report on the issue by the Administration and Procedures Committee

MICHAEL MOORE

Jorian Gardner’s reponse is an appendix to the report of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures at parliament.act.gov.au/ in-committees/standing_committees/administration_and_procedure

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

Since 1993: Volume 20, Number 21

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Canberra Confidential 14

Cinema 20

Dining 21

Garden 22

Horoscope 23

Letters 8

News 3-8

Politics 3

Puzzles 23

Socials 18

Sport 8

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GOOD to see Andrew Barr’s mildly stimulatory Budget getting such a ready acceptance from the business community as well as Canberra’s highly discriminating populace. The Feds are great for drama; down the hill and across the lake we want managerial competence. And Mr Barr has grown into his job.

NOT so Minister Shane Rattenbury who this week opposed the very sensible electoral reform for the Assembly to grow to five seats, each with five members. Shane wants three seats and lots more members in each. Why? Because he thinks his Greens would increase their numbers. He spells idealist p-o-l-i-t-i-c-i-a-n.

CANBERRANS love a political stoush and the ructions this week between Malcolm Turnbull and the shock-jocks – whom Tony Abbott called his “good friends” – made great theatre. However, beneath the bluster is an Oxford boxing blue PM pummelled by public opinion. He’s desperate for a knock-out punch to his opponents’ collective chins.

The Feds are great for drama; down the hill and across the lake we want managerial competence. And Mr Barr has grown into his job.

SO, three judges are to decide whether David Eastman, who one of their brothers believes probably murdered a police commissioner, is to grace our fair community once again. I’m told those hoping hardest he’ll be released are his jail warders. During 19 years’ imprisonment Eastman has been moved from one jail to another, mainly to give warders a break from his behaviour.

SPEAKING of prisons, when will Minister Simon Corbell order a survey on the number of inmates of the Maconochie Centre who are psychiatric cases better housed in a treatment facility?

The figure is at least 30 per cent in Victorian prisons. Jail only compounds their problems and society suffers on their release. Of course, that means we’d have to build such a facility. And as Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson points out it’s been on the books for years with virtually no Government action; and the cost has mounted accordingly.

NO news to Canberrans in the weather bureau report that May was unseasonably hot and June is going the same way. And no coincidence that this week President Obama acted across a broad front in the fight against global warming while Tony Abbott called for it to be deleted from the G20 agenda in Brisbane later this year. Perhaps he’ll change his tune when he has grandchildren.

EGYPT’S judicial terrorists this week called, for the “maximum penalty” of 25 years’ jail for Australian journalist Peter Greste who is banged up in a Cairo hellhole for doing his job. Australia’s pleas for justice have fallen on deaf ears. I say again, when is our famed SAS going to act? They have been training to release hostages for 30 years without ever putting their skills to use.

THE Schools Safety Review wants suburban speed limits reduced to

Tick for Andrew, a cross for Shane ROBERT MACKLIN

30kmh! And schoolkids’ play equipment is now so safe and boring it’s unused. However did an older generation survive to adulthood?

ON a darker note, Fyshwick’s ladies of the night, we hear, can barely contain themselves till the release of that $35,000 report from Liberal MLAs Giulia Jones and Vicki Dunne to rescue them from their fate. Whatever is holding it up?

robertmacklin.com

Fans of “The Game of Thrones” know what comes next: Malcolm’s head on a pike from the ABC battlements!

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.

Virginia and Tim among birthday best

ABC news presenter Virginia Haussegger is one of the high-profile local recipients honoured in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list. Ms Haussegger was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Her ABC colleague, the sports broadcaster (and “CityNews” columnist) Tim Gavel, was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Ms Patricia Audrey ANDERSON, Hackett, for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, educational and protection outcomes for children.

Professor Desmond John BALL , Hughes, for distinguished service to international relations as an academic, author and researcher, to Australian Defence policy formulation, and to the security architecture of the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr Rosemary Barrington BRYANT, Woden, for distinguished service to the profession of nursing through national and international leadership, and as a supporter of access and equity in health care.

Dr Gwendolyn GRAY JAMIESON, Hughes, for distinguished service to the community, particularly through better women’s health outcomes, advocacy, and the development of public policy.

Professor Thomas Rhys (Tom) GRIFFITHS O’Connor, for distinguished service to tertiary education, particularly social, cultural and environmental history, and through popular and academic contributions to Australian literature.

Professor David Bruce LINDENMAYER,

Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU, for distinguished service to conservation and the environment in the field of landscape ecology, to tertiary education, and to professional organisations.

Professor Barry William NINHAM, Cook, for distinguished service to physical sciences through landmark theoretical and practical advances in colloids and surfaces, and as an academic, educator and mentor.

Professor Hugh John WHITE, Reid, for distinguished service to international affairs, through strategic defence studies as an analyst, academic and adviser to government, and to public administration.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Dr Tim BONYHADY ACT, for significant service to education in the field of climate and environmental law, as an academic and researcher, and to the visual arts.

Professor Stephen John BUCKMAN, Jerrabomberra, NSW, for significant service to science in the field of experimental atomic physics as a leading researcher, academic and author.

Mr Ian Bjarne FRANK , Kambah, for significant service to medical administration and education, particularly training, accreditation and assessment for health care practitioners.

Mr Richard Worsley GRAY, ACT, for significant service to the community through policy direction and reform in the not-for-profit aged care and disability service sectors.

Ms Virginia Mary HAUSSEGGER , Griffith, for significant service to the community, particularly as an advocate for women’s rights and gender equity, and to the media.

Dr Stephen Gary JIGGINS, Nicholls, for significant service to the community, particularly as an advocate for improved road safety.

Professor Michael Herbert LEVY, Campbell, for significant service to medicine in the field of public health as a clinician, academic and educator.

Mr John Thomson WOOD, Ainslie, for significant

service to the community as a consumer rights and complaints handling advocate and adviser.

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL (OAM)

Mr Cliff ARMITAGE PSM, Rivett for service to youth, and to the community of the ACT.

Mr Thomas Reginald (Tom) BAKER, Queanbeyan, NSW, for service to conservation of the environment in the Queanbeyan region.

Mr Timothy Tempest (Tim) GAVEL , Ainslie, for service to the media as a sports broadcaster, and to the community.

Mr Reginald Francis GOLDFINCH, ACT, for service to engineering, particularly through major water supply projects.

Mr David Alexander HORTON, Queanbeyan, NSW, for service to the community, particularly through the Anglican Church of Australia.

Dr Peter Dalton HUGHES, Canberra, for service to medicine, to a range of professional associations, and to the community.

Ms Fiona Ellen KENNEDY, Monash, for service to nursing, and to the community.

Mr Donald Gordon LIMN, Calwell, for service to veterans.

Mr Thorald Bruce MACDONALD, Chapman, for service to the preservation of engineering heritage.

Mrs Margaret Jean MANSFIELD, Campbell, for service to music, and to the community.

Mr Bede George TONGS MM, Oaks Estate, for service to veterans, particularly through military history organisations.

Mrs Patricia Ann WILKS, Weetangera, for service to education in the ACT.

Also receiving an OAM are former Canberra arts identities:

Mrs Tessa BREMNER-MacDONALD now of Wagga Wagga, NSW, for service to the performing arts, particularly theatre, and to education.

Emeritus Professor William Richard HAWKEY

MBE, now of Akolele, NSW, for service to music, and to the communities of Canberra and the south coast.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Ms Kerry Anne FLANAGAN, Griffith, for outstanding public service leading to better health and hospital services, especially through the Commonwealth Medical Internship program and the publication of national data on hospitals.

Ms Beryl Jane KNOX, Stirling, for outstanding public service through the provision of executive support at the highest levels of the Australian Public Service and as a role model for public sector executive assistants.

Mr Christos (Chris) MORAITIS, Campbell, for outstanding public service to Australia’s international affairs as Australia’s High Commissioner to Port Moresby and in senior legal and corporate roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mr Phillip James PRIOR Canberra, for outstanding public service in the field of financial management, especially as Chief Finance Officer of the Department of Defence.

Mr Michael ROTHERY Dickson, for outstanding public service through the delivery of innovative and effective strategies that protect our communities and improve the national capacity to respond to and recover from national security events.

Ms Serena Judith WILSON, Bungendore, for outstanding public service through exceptional contribution to the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and longstanding and distinguished service to public administration in the area of social policy.

Dr Lesley Anne WYBORN, Campbell, for outstanding public service to geology in Australia, especially highly innovative international leadership in integrated geoscientific data management.

Mr John YOUNG, Isaacs, for outstanding public service through leadership of the Australian Search and Rescue System.

Vera wins earrings

COOLEMAN Court customer Vera has won a pair of 14ct white gold, 1 carat diamond drop earrings valued at $2999, the first prize in the shopping centre’s recent “Win Something Extra Special” competition. She was selected from thousands of entries as one of four winners nationwide, taking out the major prize for the combined State entry pool of ACT and NSW.

Pioneer display

THE Hall Heritage Centre is inviting visitors to the Hall Markets on July 3 to experience what life was like for the early settlers who came to select land in the Hall district in the late 1800s. The displays include photographs, stories and artefacts from the period that reflects home life, farming, law and order, tragedies, sport and recreation, medical and trades and services. The village museum is open every Thursday from 9.30am-noon and Hall Market Days, noon-3pm. More information at museum.hall.act.au

Are we too tough on the kids?

SOMETIMES in this game, this journalism game, you have to take a step back and wonder whether we put too much pressure on young sportspeople.

We are dealing with young men and women in their late teens, early 20s. Most haven’t experienced much of life; in fact, most live their lives in the bubble that surrounds professional sportspeople. Yet the media often pursues them expecting a grown-up response. As a 52-year-old sports commentator with kids of my own, you become a lot more understanding as you get older.

Anthony Milford is a case in point. Should we have expected the teenager to handle the tug-of-war between the Broncos and the Raiders any differently? He said he left it up to his manager. If his manager said “stay”, I get the impression he would have stayed. Put yourself in Milford’s shoes; as a 19-year-old how would we have performed in front of television cameras expecting a definitive response to questions? Some 19-year-olds I have come across have trouble saying much at all, yet we expect this young footballer to be different because he plays in the NRL. Looking back over the past 25 years, would you have been able to predict that the Raiders would produce eight NRL coaches, the current two origin coaches, and two politicians through their playing ranks?

Having known most of them in their late teens and 20s, what they were like then bears little resemblance to how they are now.

No way would I have predicted that Glen Lazarus and Paul Osborne would become politicians or that Craig Bellamy would emerge

As a 52-year-old sports commentator with kids of my own, you become a lot more understanding as you get older.

as a premiership-winning coach. Or that Ricky Stuart would win a premiership as a coach before coaching NSW and Australia, or that Andrew McFadden would become a first-grade coach.

Michael Maguire was reasonably quiet when he came to the Raiders from rugby union and there was little to indicate that he would become a first-grade coach.

Laurie Daley lived life at 100 miles an hour as a young man, but the person we see now is very different. These days he laughs at some of the things he got up to, such as dropping the premiership trophy.

The same with Mal Meninga, David Furner and Neil Henry.

Sometimes our expectations of young sportspeople, in terms of decision-making and their ability in front of the microphone, are in excess of what we expect from other people of their age, which is something we need to always consider when making a judgment about them.

STEPHEN Moore has become the sixth Brumbies’ player to captain the Wallabies, which is a record in

the modern era.

The others are Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom and George Gregan.

Admittedly, Pocock and Elsom had already captained the Wallabies before they joined the Brumbies, but we can still claim them in our statistics book!

It says much about the culture within the Brumbies that breeds players with leadership skills.

Tim Gavel was honorued with an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday list for his service to the media as a sports broadcaster, and to the community.

Cash-strapped land grab

AS an affected owner, Catherine Carter’s Yarralumla brickworks contribution (CN, June 5) is strong on adjectival praise (exciting, spectacular) and light on reality. Some 1600 dwellings, including eight-storey buildings, does not respect the heritage value of the site nor the amenity of existing residents, but simply is a land grab by the cash-strapped ACT government and their developer mates.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Alarmed at debt

TIM GAVEL OAM

Give the city’s builders a time to shine

THE ACT government’s announcement to pull back its land release program by 3000 sites over the next three years means that some of our local builders will struggle to survive.

The decision is indicative of the anticipation that demand for new housing will slow as the city comes to terms with the impact of a reduced Federal public service. Recent tax-reform initiatives such as stamp duty relief and reductions in lease variation charges

and commence and complete penalties make it easier for home buyers and property investors to see Canberra as a viable option.

However, the Land Development Agency’s intention to corner land sales means that many local developers will go hungry competing for a smaller pool of opportunity.

Some of these businesses will move interstate and with them will go jobs and investment in the

community.

In such a climate, a monopoly on the release of land just doesn’t make sense – imagine a city where there was only one place to buy food and drink!

The benefit of a more balanced approach to land release is clear. You don’t have to look far to find examples where our local developers have achieved exceptional outcomes.

Crace in north Canberra is a case in point – a collaboration of the Land Development Agency and Crace Developments – the suburb has set a new standard for

suburban development in Canberra and was recently awarded the national Property Council RPS Award for Best Master Planned Community. It demonstrates how a partnership between the public and private sectors can result in innovation, affordability, sustainability and fantastic amenity. Now is the time to give industry an opportunity to shine so that we can build a resilient and prosperous national capital.

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

I WAS not surprised when Michael Moore took issue with some Federal Budget actions, but his quiet acceptance of the ACT Budget was perplexing (“When left is the right move”, CN, June 4).

I suggest he read Budget Paper No.3, figure 8.3.3 to be precise. Dodgy scaling aside, it shows that between June 2012 and June 2018 the ACT borrowing will expand from about $2.1 billion to $4.7 billion. In fact, this Budget has a real sting in the tail, the debt doubles in two years from 2016 to 2018. To put this in a long-term context, in the 12-years to 2018, the debt has grown from about $0.8 billion to $4.7 billion. The rise is dramatic by any measure (nearly 500 per cent).

Martin Gordon, Flynn

More extravagant spin

THE latest banner headlines read: “Light rail to deliver ‘over 3000 jobs’”. It should have read, “may” deliver these jobs.

There are so many extravagant claims with this project, but where have we heard similar claims on another project paid for by ACT ratepayers? Why, the arboretum, of course.

Early in 2004 the ACT government announced a $10 million arboretum that, by October 2006, was back to $6 million as the first trees were planted.

By March 2008, it was up to $7 million with supporter John Mackay, later chairman of the arboretum board, saying: “It was a fantastic use of ratepayers’ money”. And so to the claims to rival the light rail concept. In 2004, I attended a talk on the arboretum in amazement of a projected 900,000 visitors a year paying $20 entry fee and, on this basis, it would be largely self-funding. The first paying visitors would be in 2008. Oh, really! How did they arrive at these figures? Quite simple, suggested Tourism Minister Andrew Barr: “We [at that time] have 350,000 visitors to Floriade, so we will have two Floriades a year, one in spring and one in autumn. That gives us 700,000 visitors which leaves 10 months to attract the other 200,000.

Of course, in due course all these figures were totally spurious along with the amount spent to date, in excess of $70m and growing.

We all fell for the extravagant claims of the arboretum and now are stuck with it. Are we also going to fall for the light rail concept?

Cedric Bryant, Watson

‘Blue Lapiz’ collar – was $800, now $400 from Fuse Silver

‘Alika Circle’ dress – $165.00 from Rockin’ That Frock

winter looks advertising feature

Brighten things with warm, deep colours

THE cold, dark mornings in Canberra may have set in, but the gloom can be offset by choosing outerwear and accessories in warm, deep colours rather than black this winter.

Beautiful rich teal, periwinkle blue, raspberry, burgundy and caramel shades are a great way to brighten up your winter’s day, says stylist Jane Allen, of Styledge Image Consulting.

“People tend to choose black because it feels safe, but it can age us as we get older,” she says. “I’m seeing some beautiful charcoal grey coats around too, which can be a wonderful blank canvas for people with warm or cool tones in their skin. You can take grey in any direction with the right accessories, and with the gorgeous scarves around you can really make the look suit your personality.”

Jane says that black will always be popular though, and as long as it’s given a lift with a touch of medium-contrast colour it can look classic and beautiful.

“Soft, deep colours can perk up a black suit or jacket, but avoid anything too bright as it creates a strong contrast which can be jarring,” she says.

Prints and patterns are also in, as well as tunics, which help create the layered look over long-sleeved tops, leggings and boots – perfect for the often unpredictable Canberra weather.

Knee-boots are still a popular look, but this season Jane says the ankle boot will add more of a funky edge to an outfit.

“They can be difficult to style, because they cut the leg at an unflattering point, but it really does give a trendy look when worn with a skirt or leggings and a tunic,” she says.

“Chocolate, caramel, soft grey

or latte boots look great with all colours, and it’s just a question of thinking outside the box with all your accessories like handbags and scarves.”

Jane says there is also a bit of an edgy, rock chick vibe going on this season.

“I’m seeing a lot of leather or pleather as accent details, on shoulders, necklines and sleeves,” says Jane.

“There’s a lot of animal print around too, with snakeskin, zebra print and leopard particularly popular.

“It’s usually best to add a touch of animal in a scarf, a trim or a shoe, but don’t go too full-on unless it really reflects your personality! With fashion, it’s not

always about what’s in, but rather what’s in on you.”

JANE is offering 90-minute, one-on-one fashion advice and shopping sessions at Cooleman Court for $25 throughout May and June.

“Often women have the idea that they can’t wear certain clothes, and I take the time to look at them with fresh eyes,” says Jane.

“I can help them find clothes that fit and flatter, enhance their colouring and reflect their personality.”

To register for a Cooleman Court session with Jane (valued at $300), visit coolemancourt.com.au

To contact Jane, visit styledge.com.au or call 0438 837 808.

Centre offers premium outlet stores

DFO has transformed into the Canberra Outlet Centre, and offers a mix of retail outlet stores for a one-stop retail destination, says marketing manager Katey Johnstone.

“We have a lot of premium fashion retailers here, including Cue, Alannah Hill, Diana Ferrari, Joanne Mercer, JAG, Oxford, Puma and Cotton On,” she says.

As well as popular fashion outlets, Canberra Outlet Centre has top shoe brands, homewares and specialty stores.

Canberra Outlet Centre, 337 Canberra Ave, Fyshwick. Call 6112 6222.

“There’s also Monkey Mania for the kids, a food court and Coffee Club, as well as ongoing promotions every month throughout the centre.”

Canberra Outlet Centre is Canberra’s number one destination for the hottest winter styles at the lowest prices. Featuring high-fashion stores including Alannah Hill, Cue, Diana Ferrari, JAG, Calvin Klein Jeans, Joanne Mercer, Tony Bianco, Queenspark, Blue Illusion and Arpelle, come in and see what’s new at the Canberra Outlet Centre.

For more information and to subscribe to our E-newsletter visit canberraoutletcentre.com.au

LIKE us on Facebook to stay up to date with all the current factory line and homemaker full–line offers. facebook.com/canberraoutletcentre

looks

Fun for active kids

KIDS need good quality clothes they can run and play in, says Kylie Krinas, owner of Wear Wolfie in Manuka.

“There’s no point in having beautiful clothes that make you want to say, sit still and do nothing!” says Kylie. “They need to play, to run freely and work out who they want to be.”

Kylie says the clothes she sells are beautiful quality, and bright colours, with brands such as Sudo, Goliath, Rebelle, Hoot Kids and Little Wings.

“We also sell toys, including Kinetic Sand which everyone is obsessed with at the moment, micro scooters and dolls,” she says.

“We only sell imaginative toys, not ones where you have to press a button.”

For winter, Kylie says they have a beautiful range of Acorn gloves, mittens and beanies, that are handmade in cashmere.

They also have a collection of coats from Spanish brand Desigual, and a range of gumboots, raincoats and matching umbrellas from Hatley.

“Our shop is set up to be a fun place to be,” says Kylie. “We have teepees and chalkboards for the kids to play with, and a table outside for parents who want to look through catalogues or have a coffee – or a champagne!”

Chocolate, caramel and latte…

Warm chocolate browns, reds that are “punchy, not fiery” and pastelly blonds are the hot shades in hair this winter, says Tammy Garrett, owner of TG’s Hair Studio.

“Chocolate is always gorgeous in winter, and warm reds go beautifully with the plum lipsticks that are in at the moment,” she says. “Caramel and latte shades of blond are also in, with a cleaner, textured look. We’re also seeing a lot of balayage, with a very subtle gradation of colour from dark at the roots to light on the ends.

“Extensions are very big this winter, and we do Show Pony extensions which are amazing quality, 100 per cent human hair.”

Having been in business for more than 20 years, Tammy owns three salons in Civic, Fyshwick and Jerrabomberra. She says communication is key – “bring

pictures!” – as is a strong focus on education for her stylists.

“All my stylists have to do self-education every two months, so we’re always up to date on trends,” she says.

For men’s hair, a longer length on top is in, with a bit of a quiff, says Tammy.

“It’s a more disconnected look, textured and messy, with an undercut,” she says. “Side parts are also big this winter.”

TG’s offers two late nights per week in each salon, as well as extended hours and Monday opening in the Civic salon.

TG’s Hair Studio, Genge Street, Canberra Centre, Civic. Call 6162 4247.

“Our

“We are definitely a layer concept, and our tunics are versatile as they can be worn with a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath with leggings and boots, and topped off with one of our wool-blend cardigans or coats.

“We have a wonderful range of wool-blend, long-line cardigans, short jackets and zip-front cardies by Clarity, tweed and suede jackets by Contrast and zip jackets and layer cardis by Threadz.”

Leigh says Sorbet is aimed at women aged 40-75, who are looking for comfort and fit, but also a fashion edge.

The store has just moved to a new location in Canberra Outlet Centre, and had a new fitout in March.

“We offer regular styling sessions in store, to educate and entertain our loyal customer base and show them how to look great every season,” says Leigh.

Sorbet, shop 173, Canberra Outlet Centre, Fyshwick.

WINTER

It’s cold outside, perfect weather for wearing your gorgeous boots from Escala Shoes

winter looks

On trend with ankle boots

IT’S all about the ankle boot this winter, and when paired with a textured stocking the look is right on trend, says Gail Lubbock, owner of Escala in Manuka.

“Some people have found the look a bit hard to get their head around, but it’s very fashionable now to wear an ankle boot with a skirt, and once they get used to it, they love it,” she says.

“We have some beautiful textured stockings by OMSA in store, and some gorgeous soft leather ankle boots by Italian brand Lilian. They are available in burgundy, black or navy, and feature a touch of brocade. Some designs have a wedge and there is one with a cuff that you can wear up or down.”

Children’s clothing, shoes, toys and decor boutique

Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.30 to 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Sunday 10.00 to 3.00pm

Gail says there are also stylish navy brogues in store with embossed leather, and Gardenia moccasins in black, taupe, jacaranda blue and rust, as well as black patent runners with a furry animal skin element, also very on-trend this season.

“We also have a range of gorgeous Caridei Italian leather gloves lined with cashmere, available in red, taupe, purple, orange, black and green,” she says. “Not to mention the Achille Pinto printed reversible scarves and wraps, guaranteed to keep you toasty this winter.”

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

Fashionable, functional kids’ wear

JACKETS to keep little ones warm this winter, as well as groovy gumboots for splashing in puddles, are available at Lellow in Braddon, says owner Loretta Hately.

Loretta says she’s passionate about good quality children’s wear that’s fashionable and functional.

“We’re a beautiful children’s boutique stocking a range of clothing, shoes, toys and gifts for ages 0-14,” she says.

Labels include Alphabet Soup, Minti, Munsterkids, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh, Oishi-m, Petit Bateau, Desigual, Alex and Ant, and Tutudumonde.com. “We have a range of gorgeous jackets for winter and gumboots by Bergstein and Bisgaard,” she says.

Shoe brands also include Bobux New Zealand & Australia, Saltwater Sandals and Mini Melissa.

Lellow also sells French toys from Moulin Roty Australia, Doudou et Compagnie and a range of wooden toys.

Lellow, 129/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Call 6162 1272.

What’s new at

CORNER

There are some exciting new faces lighting up the Bailey’s Corner arcade, come in and see what’s changed for yourself!

Inspired by their organically homegrown produce, bee hives and their own happy chickens’ eggs, TreeEighty3 serves up seasonal breakfast and lunch menus. Monday to Friday, the cafe boasts Canberra’s most impressive roast roll bar “the Pork Bar” as well as its own vertical hanging herb garden. Saturday breakfasts are all about the farm produce. TreeEighty3 also offers extensive catering options for your next meeting or function. facebook.com/treeeightythree

April’s Caravan has been Canberra’s vintage clothing mecca for years, and the store has transformed their new home in Bailey’s Corner into a retro haven. With hundreds of vintage clothing items for men and women, come in and let your imagination run wild. facebook.com/aprils.caravan

Barbero professional barbers and stylists take pride in producing well finished and well styled haircuts and the closest shaves. They are passionate about giving great attention to detail and high regard to the client’s ideas and preferences. Barbero offers modern and vintage-style haircuts, full face shaves, straight edge razors, hot towels, fades, beard trims, and more. facebook.com/barberocanberra

Canberra Confidential

Bonjour, Joy

WITH all due respect, CC can’t entirely point the finger at Joy Burch, but it doesn’t reflect well that some dunce in the Education Minister’s office thought explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, who landed in Botany Bay the same week as the First Fleet, was Dutch. Like his name wasn’t a clue?

They sent the Minister bravely off to unveil a statue of the explorer at the Red Hill shops the other day armed with a press release that says: “La Pérouse was an accomplished early Dutch explorer in command of a French expedition of reconnaissance to the Pacific in 1785”.

The following day the Dutchman became a Frenchman in a straight-faced, uncontrite replacement press release that made no allusions to the previous howler.

Walker not a talker

UNI student Scott Walker, organiser of the “Stick-In” protest at the ANU, clearly got a smack on the nose for his rush of blood in telling the world that: “Students are deeply frustrated by vice-chancellor Ian Young, chancellor Gareth Evans and the University Council’s unanimous support for the deregulation of fees”.

Within a day he was red-faced retracting his statement and wringing his hands over the use of the word “unanimous”.

“This word is likely to mislead readers that the student representatives on the Council, including Student Association president

Cameron Wilson, support university fee deregulation. I have not viewed the minutes of that meeting, but I fully accept Mr Wilson’s objection to the statement.” Okay, now, Cam?

Painters go into space

FINALLY, the writing’s on the floor… in February, “CityNews” snapper Gary Schafer fell foul of extremely faded lines and logos marking out disabled car parking spaces beside the Canberra Museum and Gallery

dose of dorin

on London Circuit. The lush foliage blocking out the signs didn’t help, so he appealed the $200+ fine, providing a few shots to make his point crystal clear.

He beat the rap, but better still the parking poobahs have finally had the painters in – as they should have done – to go over the yellow lines.

AND to get the job done without cars in the way, the road painters blocked off the disabled spaces with witches hats. As CC walked past, one of the bemused tradies

pointed out someone without a disabled parking pass had moved the cones, driven right in – and received a fine. And it wasn’t Schafer, either.

Silly boys say goodbye

DENDY has already sold out one session to a screening of the live theatre reunion special, “Monty Python Live (Mostly)” from the UK in early August. It will be the Pythons’ absolute last performance together and the last since the Hollywood Bowl in 1980.

“The response to our planned reunion has been very, very silly. But, we’re all touched that so many fans still want to see such old people perform,” says Python John Cleese Tickets, at $20, from the Dendy box office or dendy.com.au

What we do to phones

A WEB organisation called Photobucket caught CC’s attention with an email titled “The Earth is Plotting to Destroy Your Phone”. On the basis of urging phone owners to back-up their photos, the Bucketeers reported that 75 per cent of people use their mobile phones on the toilet and 9 per cent drop them in. And, odder still, of alcohol drinkers, 13 per cent drown their phones in beer.

Raising office morale

GOOD to see we have something else over the Kiwis. Apparently Australians are more at ease with admitting to having had sex

in the office (38 per cent) than our friends across the ditch (15 per cent). The research of only 115 members of the Berlin-based Elite Singles website revealed that the hotspots for office bonking are conference rooms and personal offices. Reassuringly, only 3 per cent of women (19 per cent of men) see the photocopier as an attractive proposition.

Shrugs, conditions apply

WE liked this, the antidote to the free-hugs guy in Garema Place… the Front at Lyneham is offering “free shrugs” with any purchase over $5. Like, whatever.

Sat 7 June: 2–4pm, Sat 14 June: 2–4pm, Fri 20 June: 6–7pm

To accompany the exhibition, Elioth Gruner: the texture of light , the National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema is focusing on Australian cinema’s own ‘vision splendid’; local and regional feature, short and documentary films where sunlight, landscape and European agricultural settlement have played a key aesthetic and narrative role. Presented in collaboration with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

$6 all tickets. Screening at Arc Cinema, McCoy Cct, Acton. Bookings via 6248 2000.

program details www.nfsa.gov.au/arc

Russia Day / June 12 advertising feature

When Russians celebrate their nation’s new start

RUSSIA Day, a holiday celebrated on June 12, marks the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the USSR.

The holiday was officially established

Dear readers,

I am happy to congratulate all members of the Russian community in Australia on the occasion of the National Day of Russia.

This holiday, celebrated on June 12 – the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the USSR –marks the opening of a new page in the history of our country.

Vladimir N. Morozov

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Commonwealth of Australia

in 1992. Initially it was named Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, but on February 1, 2002 it was officially renamed Russia Day.

The First Congress of People’s Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of

Fedor rows the Pacific

RUSSIA’S greatest modern-day adventurer, Fedor Konyukhov, reached the shores of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, on May 31 Konyukhov left the Chilean port of Concon in December 2013 in a ninemetre carbon-fibre vessel named “Tourgoyak”, which has sleeping quarters in the stern and storage in the bow.

Family, friends and a flotilla of local boats greeted the traveller in Mooloolaba.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated him through a letter delivered by H.E. Mr Vladimir Morozov, the Ambassador of Russia. Konyukhov accomplished his first expedition at the age of 15 having crossed the Sea of Azov in a rowing boat.

As a yacht captain, he has made four circumnavigations and crossed the Atlantic 14 times, setting world records. He is also the first and so far the only person in the world to have reached the five extreme poles of the planet: the North Pole (three times), the South Pole, the Pole of Inaccessibility in the Arctic Ocean, the top of Mount Everest (twice) and Cape Horn.

Fast facts / history

• Russia emerged as the Principality of Muscovy in the 12th century; after more than 200 years of Mongol domination.

• By the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty had expanded the state across Siberia and to the Pacific.

• It was under Peter I, who ruled from 1682 to 1725, that the country emerged as the Russian Empire after it extended its rule to the Baltic Sea.

• By the 19th century, the Russian Empire made more land acquisitions in Europe and Asia.

• Russian Revolution of 1905 led to a new parliament and reforms.

• In 1917, Communist leader Vladimir Lenin won power and formed the USSR.

• Joseph Stalin strengthened Communist rule from 1928 to 1953.

• In 1985, General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) to modernise Communism.

• In December 1991, these initiatives released forces that split the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent republics.

the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic on June 12, 1990.

The idea of the declaration was born in the Democratic Russia movement, in which proponents of evolutionary market reform and strong statehood based on Russia’s national interests started opposing the Communist monopoly on power.

The creation of the post of the President of the Russian Federation and the adoption of the new Russian Constitution to reflect the new political reality, along with the national flag, anthem and emblem of the Russian Federation, were major landmarks in the

consolidation of Russian statehood.

The country’s new name – the Russian Federation (Russia) – was adopted on December 25, 1991.

The day when the declaration was adopted – June 12 was proclaimed as a national holiday by the Supreme Soviet of Russia in 1992.

Solo adventurer Fedor Konyukhov… crossed the Pacific in a nine-metre carbon-fibre vessel.

ROLFE CLASSIC BMW CONGRATULATES THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY.

Rolfe Classic BMW has been proudly associated with the Embassy of the Russian Federation for over 20 years and we celebrate with them on their National Day.

Rolfe Classic BMW

2 Botany Street, Phillip. (02) 6208 4111. rolfeclassic.bmw.com.au

Russia Day / June 12 advertising

There’s more to Russia than just Moscow…

FOR most westerners, Russia is associated with its European cities – Moscow and St Petersburg.

This is the heartland of Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most guests.

However, there is much more about Russia. Characterised by its tumultuous history, immense size and incredible natural beauty, it is a great travel destination for outdoor adventurists and amateur historians alike.

One popular circuit recommended in any Russia travel guide is the Golden Ring, a group of historic Russian cities and towns in Central Russia that are known for their colourful churches and convents.

Others opt to take the world famous Trans-Siberian Railway, which is deeply loved by Australian tourists (about 15,000 Australians visited Russia last year). The longest railway in the world, “Trans-Sib” connects Moscow and the city of Vladivostok in the far east of the country.

Annual economic forum bears fruit

THE St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an annual gathering of political and business leaders, which was held late last month, is the main platform for discussions on the Russian economy.

The events of the three days of the forum were attended by about 7400 guests, among them 248 heads of major foreign companies and 458 heads of Russian companies.

Among the participating countries were the key regions of the world: BRICS countries, the US, European Union, Middle East, Japan, Australia and CIS.

The main theme of the three-day forum was “Sustaining Confidence in a World Undergoing Transformation”.

Key topics revolved around global growth and growth in emerging markets, innovations and private investment to infrastructure development projects.

The forum has seen a completion of 160 agreements in 175 different areas with Russian and foreign companies, including 11 agreements on investment projects in various sectors of the economy totaling

Special year for Hermitage mueseum

THE State Hermitage, a museum of art and culture in St Petersburg, is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world and this year is celebrating its 250th anniversary with galas, symposiums and events.

Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and open to the public since 1852, its collection of the State Hermitage includes more than three million works of art and artefacts of the world culture.

Among them are paintings, graphic works, sculptures and works of applied art, archaeological finds and numismatic material.

The main architectural ensemble of the Hermitage, situated in the centre of St Petersburg, consists of the Winter Palace, the former state residence of the Russian emperors, the buildings of the Small, Old (Great) and New Hermitages, the Hermitage Theatre and the Auxiliary House. The museum complex also includes the Menshikov Palace and the Eastern Wing of the General Staff building, the Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Centre and the Museum of the Imperial Porcelain Factory.

Fast facts / the economy

• Russia, as the sixth biggest economy in the world according to purchasing power parity, has strengthened its financial and budgetary system in recent years.

• Russia is in third place in terms of gold and currency reserves and its economy is growing at a rate of around 4 per cent, the highest rate among the major European economies. Today, unlike in 2008, the national banking system is more resistant to fluctuations on the world financial market.

• The debts of the Russian population (10.6 per cent of GDP) are significantly lower than those in other countries, compared to about 60 per cent in Germany and France, 87 per cent in Spain, and 92 per cent in the US.

• As for the public debt (9.2 per cent of GDP), it is the smallest among the G8, G20 and BRICS countries, compared to 81 per cent in Germany, 86 per cent in France and 104 per cent in the US).

Ice hockey team tops the world again

RUSSIA has just won its fourth world ice hockey title in the last seven years.

On May 25, Russia’s national ice hockey squad defeated Finland 5-2 in the battle for the gold at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk, Belarus.

During a prize-giving ceremony for team members in the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin said the victory of the Russian team was significant for the development of hockey and other sports within the country. The team made a contribution to the victorious traditions of Russian hockey.

The Russian men’s national ice hockey team has been competing internationally since 1993 as the successor to the Soviet Union Hockey Federation.

From 1956 to 1988 the Soviet Union national ice hockey team won seven gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal in nine appearances. Russia has won the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014 World Ice Hockey Championships.

Russia to host 2018 soccer World Cup

IN 2018 Russia will co-host one of the world’s major international sporting events – the 21st FIFA World Cup.

This will be the first World Cup to be held in two parts

of the world: Europe and Asia with 11 host cities and stadiums in four major clusters. From host city to host city, Russia and its people will offer many distinctive, captivating, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a single event. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia will open to the world a country dedicated to and fascinated by sports.

Remembering the courageous

RUSSIA was one of the major and hardest hit participants in World War I.

Nowadays, with the active government and public support, a social movement has been created to restore and immortalise the memories, courage and self-sacrifice of those who took part in World War I.

A special governmental committee together with many historical and war-historical organisations are presenting a series of events this year to commemorate the centenary of the war.

Several monuments will also be erected in Moscow and other Russian cities.

Chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (since May 7, 2012)

Head of government: Dmitriy Anatolyevich Medvedev (since May 8, 2012);

Land area: 17,098,242 sq km

Population: 138,082,178 (est.)

Major cities –population: Moscow (capital) 10.523 million; St Petersburg 4.575 million; Novosibirsk 1.397 million; Yekaterinburg 1.344 million; Nizhniy Novgorod 1.267 million.

Big year for the Winter Olympics

THIS year Russia hosted the Winter Olympic Games in the city of Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, the first time that the Russian Federation had hosted the Winter Games.

Sochi has a population of 400,000 and is situated in Krasnodar, the third largest region in Russia.

The Games were organised in two clusters: a coastal cluster for ice events in Sochi (at The Olympic Park) and a mountain cluster located in the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains for the skiing and sliding sports.

Three mascots for the Sochi Games, the leopard, the polar bear and the hare, were chosen by popular vote from the Great North and the mountainous regions of Russia.

The medals of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi symbolised the mosaic of national designs from the various cultures and ethnicities that make up the

Russian Federation.

The torch relay lasted 123 days and covered more than 64,000 kilometres, excluding Earth orbits in space.

A total of 14,000 torch carriers took part in the relay.

The Olympic flame was taken to the Caucasus’ tallest peak – Mount Elbrus, lowered to the bottom of Lake Baikal, and visited the North Pole and the International Space Station.

A record 88 nations qualified to compete, six more than the previous record of 82 at the previous Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

There were 98 events over 15 disciplines in seven sports and Russia finished with 33 medals in total on top of the medal table.

After that the Paralympic Winter Games were held, where athletes with disabilities from 45 countries participated. The Games featured 72 medal events in five sports. Russia won 80 medals, 30 of them gold, setting an all time record.

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Nancy Sever Gallery opening, Kingston

Opening night was a happy mix of Nancy’s supporters there to enjoy Tim Johnson’s ‘Eye to Eye’.

NANCY Sever was, for many years, the director of the Drill Hall Gallery. Ostensibly she retired, but the smell of the paint and love of the show was still in her soul and, with encouragement from many of her former staff and friends, before she could say “art gallery in Kingston” she’d signed the lease and had artist Tim Johnson stepping up his output to be her first exhibitor. at 6 Kennedy Street, for another opening; this time of her own kind.

Opening night was a happy mix of Nancy’s supporters with our chief scientist, a judge, a poet, several significant artists and the cognoscenti of Canberra’s art scene there to enjoy Johnson’s ‘Eye to Eye’.

I am enchanted by this man’s work and love the ancient chinoiserie effect mixed with religious icons and modernday idols on many and varied sizes of paintings and panels to create an impact and encourage discussion.

His dot painting technique is luminous and delicate, a tribute to his Papunya teachers, and the works in this exhibition exemplify his spiritual, magical and mystical pursuit of the metaphysical.

LYN MILLS

At Ethiopia Day, Hellenic Club

DVD WINNERS

WINNERS of the five DVD copies of “August: Osage County” are: Jack Dean, of Banks; Tony Rumball, Fadden; Colleen Romano, Fisher; Christine Crosswell, Conder and Deborah Gale, Evatt.

arts & entertainment

Blonde moment, the musical

COVER STORY

By arts editor Helen Musa

THERE’S no shortage of jokes about blondes and acting with animals when “CityNews” meets the stars, producer and director of Free Rain theatre’s upcoming production “Legally Blonde the Musical”, a show likely to pull in a much younger demographic than is usual for musicals.

Centrestage is the petite chihuahua Violet, “the Princess of Melba”, who gets to play Bruiser opposite glamorous performer Michaela Williams from Sydney.

Williams, for her part, has just undergone a seven-hour ordeal with a hairdresser, transforming her from her natural brunette to the physical and intellectual status known as “being blonde”, of which she says: “I don’t mind it all that much, I’m getting used to it.”

She plays Elle Woods, the smart but apparently dumb blonde who trounces everybody at Harvard Law School.

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Music, Williams has performed in “Dance Academy” and in “Hairspray”, playing another “dumb but not-so-dumb” character, Penny, in whom she sees a certain similarity to Elle. Her agent will be in the audience on opening night, so she hopes it won’t mean getting typecast in future.

Williams tells “CityNews” she’s never seen a professional production of the musical and prefers to remain in ignorance.

Director of the show, Derek Walker, a NIDA graduate who taught drama at Canberra Grammar School a few years ago, says he had cast Williams and her opposite number, Sydney actor Damon Grebert-Wade, in open audition here.

“I never direct a show I can’t cast,” he said as he and producer Anne Somes hasten to assure us that there were plenty of Canberra actors in the cast who get on very well with the two non-human stars.

But inevitably during our photocall, all eyes are on the diminutive but extrovert Australian champion chihuahua Violet, whose owner, Kimberly Mackrell, reveals that she doesn’t like sharing a dressing room with other dogs and “absolutely hates” the pug playing Rufus the bulldog.

As Williams entices her canine co-star to smile for the camera, photographer Andrew Campbell insists Violet get back into the pink overcoat she arrived in since, he informs us, “one of the abiding themes in ‘Legally Blonde’ is the love of pink.” Readers shouldn’t expect ever to see the

‘Kismet’ hits the target

“KISMET”, a lush, romantic Eastern fantasy, makes considerable demands on any community theatre group, requiring principals with voices of operatic standard, a large orchestra and chorus, and lavish sets and costumes. However, with this new production, under first-time director, Peter Smith, Queanbeyan Players have largely succeeded.

Baritone Don Bemrose leads the cast with an attractive performance.

Rosanna Boyd as Marsinah is beautifully teamed with the silvervoiced Thompson Quan Wing, in the role of love-lorn Caliph. Michael Politi, as Wazir, and Stephanie McAlister as his wife, Lalume, reveal

“Shadowland”. Photo by Emmanuel Donny

Magic behind the shadows

By Helen Musa

“SHADOWLAND”, the American sensation that mixes up the ancient traditions of circus and shadowtheatre to bring an entirely new experience to the stage, is coming to Canberra later this month.

Behind a series of huge, moving shadow screens, a disciplined group of gymnast-actors contort, dance, move and morph seamlessly from one on-stage creature to another, as they tell the story of a young girl who falls asleep then wakes to find something lurking behind her bedroom wall – her shadow.

From the audience, there is always the wonder of how it’s done, what’s going on behind the screen?

I’m talking to Krystal Butler, a member of Pilobolus Dance Theater (named after a fungus), which is bringing “Shadowland” to the Canberra Theatre as part of its first Australian showing.

“In ‘building’ an elephant you

stand-in chihuahua, Angel, on stage. Violet is used to being top dog and, as Mackrell confirms, she can be terrifyingly “cattish” when threatened.

“Legally Blonde the Musical” at the ANU Arts Centre, July 4-27, bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

musical theatre

“Kismet”

At Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre until June 21.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

excellent singing voices. Although Jennifer Groom’s impressively large orchestra struggled with the difficult music score on opening night, when it all came together in the big choral numbers the effect was thrilling. Despite limited resources, the production captures much of the spectacle and excitement of a form of musical too rarely seen today. Highly recommended.

might have your arms in front of your body, your head contours it and your feet in the ‘plié’ position for three seconds – and then you have to move… It takes a lot of muscles that I never knew I had, you have to be flexible and strong,” Butler says.

“When people see us morphing from one creature to another, they go wild about it.”

In “Shadowland”, Butler says, “it took a lot of work to make it look as real as possible… it’s not magic, but it looks like it.”

There are very few ‘reveals’, although the last section of the show opens the screens so the audience can see everything. The cast often meets children after the show to discuss what they’re doing, but to Butler, it’s the serious work of creating “the magic of the shadow”.

“Shadowland”, Canberra Theatre, June 21-22. Bookings to 6275 2700 and canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Dull, turgid ‘Grace’

“Grace of Monaco” (PG)

I’VE yet to see or hear a flattering word about Olivier Dahan’s treatment of writer/producer Arash Amel’s recounting of the 1962/63 contretemps that threatened to terminate Monaco’s independence when Charles de Gaulle demanded that the Grimaldi family’s pockethankie principality pay French taxes.

There’s at least one generation for whom the name Grace Kelly, the film-actress daughter of an American squillionaire who turned into a princess by marrying Monegasque ruler Prince Rainier, has little if any meaning. She died in 1982 when her driving let her down.

The film reeks of privilege and its climax, at a glittering ball that Grace organised to pull the rug from beneath de Gaulle’s political feet, is a spectacular occasion.

The rest is slow-moving, turgid and dull, in a court peopled mostly by non-entities.

Grace is not Nicole Kidman’s best performance. We should not excoriate her on that account. Although if the role had to go to an Aussie, I can’t but wonder how Naomi Watts would have handled it.

At all cinemas

“The Fault In Our Stars” (M)

WATCHING Josh Boone’s film among mostly adolescent or slightly older women, about teenagers finding love under the dark cloud of cancer, pleased me because of its scope for observing their collective responses to the film’s strong emotional elements.

We all smiled audibly at the film’s amusing early stages as Hazel (Shailene Woodley) permanently on an oxygen breather and Gus (Ansel Elgort) wearing a prosthetic lower right leg got together to work out a shared modus vivendi for their afflictions, affections and constrained options.

Hazel wonders what author Van Houten (Willem Dafoe) had in mind with the incomplete ending to his novel about childhood cancer. Van Houten’s partner (Lotte Verbeek) arranges for her and Gus, chaperoned by her mom (Laura Dern) to visit Amsterdam.

Writer Scott Neustadter’s adaptation of John Green’s novel maintains a comfortable grasp on credibility. Hazel and Gus do indeed become lovers, as they had every right.

Leaving the cinema among young women not inclined to giggle or chatter was a gratifying experience. We had seen a slice-of-life ending sooner than is fair, but not so much so as to destroy scope for gratification until then.

At all cinemas

“Edge of Tomorrow” (M)

TO beget this noisy farrago for lovers of mindless futurist military violence, “Groundhog Day” (1993) copulates with just about every aliens-from-a-hostile-planetcoming-to-take-over-the-earth movie ever made.

Major Cage (Tom Cruise) of the US Army PR service, is sent to document the landing of allied forces on the beaches of Western Europe to annihilate the extraterrestrial invaders who arrived on a meteor now safe beneath a dam in Germany.

On Day 1 in his assignment, Cage gets offside with the allied commander (Brendan Gleeson) who has him demoted and assigned to a combat zone where StaffSgt Rita is earning a reputation as a fearsome warrior. Having now provided enough information about the screenplay to help readers decide go or no-go about seeing it, I’ve discharged my obligation. But I can’t move on without bemoaning the use of Emily Blunt in a role that insults her reputation. I hope playing Rita gave her pots of money and a personal buzz.

At all cinemas

DOUGAL MACDONALD

Cast off to mysterious war

THE “Great” War is hard to escape in the arts this year. Now in “The Home Front”, a piece of improvised theatre, we follow three women during World War I facing their own challenges, but the actors won’t know who they will portray until the performance starts. Developed through The Street Theatre’s “Made in Canberra” and “First Seen”, it’s at The Street, June 18-28, bookings to 6247 1223.

REP’s showbiz offering for the current season is “Showtune”, a night of razzle dazzle celebrating the words and music of Jerry Herman in shows such as “Hello, Dolly!”, “Mame” and “La Cage aux Folles”. Leisa Keen will be musical director and Jordan Kelly makes his REP directing debut. Theatre 3, Acton, June 20-July 5, bookings to 6257 1950 or canberrarep.org.au

IMPRESSIVE news that former ANU and WAAPA graduate and Canberra theatre identity, Thomas Holesgrove, has successfully “defended” his doctoral thesis in

Portuguese at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he now lives and works with the theatre company, Arte Tangível.

IN 2013, our own Luke Cornish (E.L.K.) achieved the highest auction record for a street artist. Now his new show, “Charlie Foxtrot”, has been opened by Father Bob Maguire at the Metro Gallery in Armadale, Victoria, running to June 29. The show follows Cornish’s journey to the Middle East where he encountered not so much crossfire as road blocks.

THE Art Gallery of NSW will, for the second year, run the 2014 “Young Archie” competition for children between the ages of five and 18 to coincide with the Archibald. We cannot deny that the title of the main prize belongs to the Gallery, but the use of the word Archie conjures up the irreverent

THE next free concert at the High Court (1pm, Sunday, June 15) is a spectacular one – female vocal ensemble Polifemy, recorder ensemble Walking the Dog and Trumpet Club, the latter made up of no fewer than 20 local professional trumpet players.

A LATIN Fiesta fundraiser supporting the Chilean Red Cross in Valparaiso to help victims of huge fires that destroyed 2900 homes will be held in St Edmund’s College’s hall, 110 Canberra Avenue, Griffith, from 6pm on Saturday, June 21.

SONGS from favourite musicals will be sung in four-part harmony by the U3A Warrani Chorale with featured soloists at Weston Creek Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson Street, Weston Creek, 10.30am, Wednesday, June 18. Entry by gold coin donation will include morning tea.

When eggs go amiss

THE buzz around the Kingston Foreshore continues, with new food places opening up in steady succession.

Recently? La Rustica and Local Press Wholefood Café on The Promenade and, underneath the Dockside development facing Eastlake Parade, Paleo Perfection Espresso Bar and Mrs Sackville. It was a Saturday and off we went to Mrs Sackville for breakfast.

The décor is eclectic, with a range of furniture that crosses decades, including a grey laminate table circa 1950s, and a peculiar assortment of decorating items scattered about the place. There’s a huge stainless steel fridge to the left as you walk in (which made me wonder if I was in a takeaway joint), kids toys and other paraphernalia that all up looked, well, just messy. It’s an oddity in an area that prides itself on being pretty upmarket and hip.

The menu at this “tea room” isn’t extensive and we took straight away to the blackboard specials of Spanish eggs and chorizo ($16) and organic ham hock hash topped with a free range egg ($16). All eggs and chicken are free range at Mrs Sackville and the bacon and egg organic, lightly smoked and nitrate free. It sounded like a good beginning.

After ordering coffees (note: this is a light blend of organic fair-trade coffee so if you need some kick in the morning, as I do, best to order a double shot) we ordered our meals and watched the world go by. The ham hock dish was smoky and a generous serve. It was piping hot and the combination of flavours

intense and interesting.

One serve of Spanish eggs hit the mark. Mine missed terribly, however. The eggs were not cooked – indeed, were partly raw when served – and had to be returned. After waiting another fairly long time they came back to the table overcooked, with hard yolks, one egg an unattractive dark brown on top, and the whites rubbery. It was too frustrating to cope so I gave up, returned the dish, and concentrated on the toast instead, gently refusing the offer of substitute poached eggs.

Other items on the breakfast menu include Englishstyle scrambled eggs, which you can order with black pudding, smoked salmon, bacon or tomatoes (start at $12). French toast is available ($12), as are rosti and eggs ($14), beans on toast ($14) and a homemade toasted muesli with Greek yoghurt and fruit ($9).

The staff are lovely at Mrs Sackville and earnest in approach. There were a lot of apologies for what went wrong, which is fine, and staff accepted the refusal to pay for my meal in the end, which is fine. What isn’t fine is that I had to come home for breakfast.

Mrs Sackville takes cash only.

Open Wednesday to Friday for breakfast and lunch (till 3pm) and on weekends from 9.30am to 3pm. 21 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore.

WENDY JOHNSON

La Scala Italian Restaurant

for accurately displaying Italian culinary traditions and innovations.

Centre Cinema Building, Garema Place, Canberra City 6248 8338 www.lascala.net.au

dining

Black Truffle Degustation Tuesdays

Local Black Truffle Degustation every Tuesday Night from now to Mid-August $99 - 4 courses / $125 with matching wines

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Nursery and

gardening Enjoying fruits of mild weather

AFTER an amazing autumn, we’re now into the second week of winter and the mild weather continues.

I am still picking tomatoes growing outside and fuchsias still in flower. Regular falls of rain, not too heavy, has meant that no plants needed watering for at least the last two months, with the exception of container-grown plants or perhaps those under eaves.

GREY or silver-foliaged plants are usually indicative of coming from a hot, dry climate. The greatest variety of such plants is from the Mediterranean and southern European region. Typical examples include lavender, thyme, cistus and many of the salvia family. This characteristic of grey foliage also applies to some South African plants.

Teucrium fruticans from Southern Spain and Morocco fits into this category and has been available for many years with its silver grey foliage and blue flowers. I have used this in gardens

as an excellent dense hedge, growing 2-3m tall.

With this in mind, here are a few pointers on paths and steps. Ideally paths should be at least 1.5m wide. Wide enough to wheel the barrow or for two people to walk next to each other. This is particularly important if you either have a disabled person living or even visiting your home. If this is the case, a gently sloping ramp is preferable to steps. Always have paths leading somewhere. I thought you would love this photo I took some years ago, does it lead somewhere, yes, into a big rock!

AND for steps the rising part should not exceed 18cm or less than 12.5cm, with the tread at least 30cm. In gardens, I always try to make the step at least 35cm deep. If the rise is too steep, incorporate one (or even several) landings at least 80cm to 120cm square.

Rather than going straight up a slope, think about taking the path up the side of the slope. Remember sheep tracks; they always use the easy way up a slope.

Landscaping • growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants • new garden creations and garden makeovers • sustainable garden design and

• providing a value for money solution

Jottings...

I am often asked for suggestions of a fast-growing hedge other than the ubiquitous photinla or pittosporum. For some Teucrium fruticans grows too fast with the complaint it has to be clipped too often!

If you like the look of Teucrium and wish there was a dwarf variety for low-growing hedges, the answer is Teucrium fruticans or “Silver Box”. Its sky-blue flowers appear from autumn and into spring. It is a compact variety growing to one metre tall with a spread of 60cm that responds well to clipping.

It is ideal as a border to paths, planting at least 40cm from the edge of the path. It loves full sun and, once established, is extremely drought tolerant and is tolerant of most soils. Fruticans simply means shrubby. It should now be available from your local garden centre.

WINTER is an ideal time to tidy up some of the hard landscaping in the garden before spring, which is just 10 weeks away!

SOME weeks ago I mentioned the ridiculous lack of space allocated for trees in some gardens. A reader has drawn my attention to another perfect example at a new display home. The space just 8m x 1.5m and the trees, not just one, but six planted less than a metre apart. The trees are Pyrus calleryana “Bradford”, which grow to 11m x 6m plus!

Please, builders/ developers get some professional advice before planting.

CEDRIC BRYANT

Nursery open 9am to 5pm Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm Weekends.

0402 024 204 – 0408 119 160

We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow. glenbog@skymesh.com.au

• Cut paeony leaves to ground level.

• Spray fruit trees with Bordeaux or Kocide once all leaves have fallen. This is just as important as spring spraying for brown rot.

• Lift dahlia tubers. If named

varieties, write the name on them with a waterproof Texta and store in sawdust or dry washed river sand in a dark place.

• Prune hydrangeas by removing the old wood of previous years in the centre and reducing last year’s growth to three nodes (leaf joints) counting from the base.

puzzles page

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – June 16-22, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

‘Keep moving forwards and don’t look back’ is your current motto. But – with Mercury reversing through your communication and social media zone –make sure you’re broadcasting the correct message. And think things through, especially on the weekend. You don’t want to be saddled with the long-term consequences of impulsive and imprudent actions.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Your bovine charisma shines brightly this week, as vivacious Venus vamps through your sign and Jupiter gives you a welcome confidence boost. So it’s the ideal time to indulge in some personal body pampering, party like a pro, plus call in a few old favours. But your sweet tooth is stimulated and comfort eating is a danger, so strive to nurture yourself in less fattening ways.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

It’s true that your ruler Mercury is reversing through your sign (until July 1) but don’t let that frustrate you Twins. It’s the perfect time to read, research, rehearse, reboot, reschedule, revisit and reload, as you carefully double-check all information that comes your way. Geminis love nothing better than a good old gossip but resist the urge to be the neighbourhood nosey-parker!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

With prosperity planet Jupiter visiting your sign (until July 16) hurry up and make the most of the lucky opportunities that come your way. No sidestepping Crabs! The Sun shifts into your sign on Saturday, so home and family are the main focus for the next four weeks. Be inspired by Meryl Streep (born on June 22): “My family really does come first. It always has and always will.”

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions are feeling impatient! But it’s not a wonderful week to make a wish, pursue goals, launch a group project or unveil a social media campaign. Wait until after July 1, when Mercury moves forwards again. With Venus visiting your career zone (until June 23) a little Leo charm will take you far at work, as you find creative ways to connect with colleagues, customers or clients.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

It may feel as if everyone wants a piece of you this week Virgo, as responsibilities increase and deadlines shorten. If you’re smart, you’ll do all you can to avoid power struggles and communication chaos (especially at work). You’re keen to say what’s on your mind but try not to be a carping critic. Make your comments as constructive and positive as possible.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

You may bump into an old friend, discover long-forgotten love-letters, or re-connect with a former flame. Just remember – memories are so seductive because they’re so selective! Librans have a predilection for procrastination. The weekend Aries Moon helps you initiate a project that’s been percolating in your mind. As birthday great Meryl Streep reminds us: “Start by starting.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Professional partnerships are favoured midweek, as you utilise your Scorpio charm to win friends and influence people. You’re in an argumentative mood on Saturday but be warned - loved ones are primed to fight back, so you may find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew. With Venus visiting your relationship zone, it’s time to make love not war.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Many Sagittarians will be in a buoyant mood midweek, as vivacious Venus and jovial Jupiter lift your spirits and boost your confidence. It’s also a terrific time to socialise with work colleagues or clients. The fiery Aries Moon puts you in the mood for sport, speed and spontaneity on Saturday, whereas Sunday suits tackling more practical and productive pursuits.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

For some lucky Goats, love is in the air! Venus and Jupiter jump-start a sluggish romance or send Cupid’s arrows in your direction. But retrograde Mercury is about to cause some mischief in your daily routine zone, as your strict schedule goes out the window and chaos reigns supreme. Don’t stress Capricorn, some unstructured spontaneity may be just what the doctor ordered.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Does life seem like all work and no play at the moment? Hang in there Aquarius – the professional skills you polish now will pay off handsomely further down the track. No matter how busy you are, make sure you leave room in your hectic schedule to spend quality time with an important child in your life, so you can explore a new sport, hobby or creative activity together.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Are you capitalising on your creativity? The stars encourage you to revisit a neglected talent – whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, singing, taking photos or playing music. When it comes to a domestic matter, don’t let a loved one talk you into doing something you don’t believe in. Stand strong, as you spell out the boundaries of what’s fair and reasonable for you.

Across

4 Name the Australian engineer who invented the orbital engine, Ralph ...?

7 Which numerical scale indicates wind velocity?

8 To send goods to other countries is to do what?

9 Name a game of chance played at a table in a casino

11 What do we call one’s place of residence?

13 Name another term for a grappling iron

15 Which small regular interstellar discs resemble planets?

17 What is another term for a violent storm?

20 Name an edible snail

23 What is a UFO often thought to resemble?

24 What are groups of persons closely related by blood?

25 Which city hosted the Olympic games in 1896?

Down

1 Who is said to have “fiddled while Rome burned”?

2 What is another name for hessian?

3 Which disease is characterised by painful inflammation in the big toe?

4 What is a high-spirited horse?

5 What is a loud noise, as from an explosion?

6 Which substance is obtained from milk, for making into cheese?

9 Which term describes a ruler or governor?

10 What are special natural aptitudes?

12 Name the chief justice of NSW 1974-88, Sir Laurence ...?

14 Cochise was the leader of which American Indian tribe?

16 One who is ungovernable is said to be what?

18 Name the first woman to preside in an Australian federal court, Elizabeth ...?

19 What do we call persons in a condition bordering on slavery?

21 What is a state of prolonged unconsciousness?

22 In cricket, what is a set of six bowls?

Angela came to see me about her health fund and medical expenses for the coming 2014 income tax return.

“We got caught in 2013 and had to repay some of the rebate that we received from our health fund and I would like to ensure that doesn’t happen again,” she said.

I explained that in 2013 a means test was introduced to ensure that couples whose joint income exceeded $168,000 were entitled to a reduced amount of health fund rebate. In 2014 that figure has changed to $176,000 and the offset has reduced to a maximum 29.04 per cent in accordance with the table I showed her.

Singles ≤$88,000 $88,001-102,000 $102,001-136,000 ≥$136,001 Families ≤$176,000 $176,001-204,000 $204,001-272,000 ≥$272,001

“It would appear that your joint family income will exceed $204,001 and, as you are both under age 65, your maximum health fund offset entitlement will be 9.68 per cent,” I advised her.

“If you did not reduce the amount that the health fund is automatically reducing your premiums by last year then you will have received 19.36 per cent too much health fund rebate, which you will have to repay when you lodge your income tax returns.” Angela replied that she was unware that they needed to do that and will be up for the shortfall again. She then asked how joint incomes were calculated.

“It is your taxable income to which certain things are added back, such as negative gearing losses, salary packaging and reportable superannuation contributions. So it is not as simple as your taxable income which is why it has confused a lot of people.”

Angela said: “Now I understand why it wasn’t making sense to me, it is quite complex. The other thing I was wondering about is our medical expenses claim as I had major surgery in 2014 which was very expensive.”

I asked: “Did you have a medical expenses claim in 2013?”

Angela replied: “No, because our medical expenses did not exceed the $5000 threshold. Although we didn’t check very carefully as $5000 seemed such a lot, it didn’t seem worth the effort of checking too hard.”

I said: “The threshold is still $5000 this year as your joint incomes exceed $176,000. However, you will be unable to claim medical expenses in 2014 as you did not have a claim in 2013.

“If you incorrectly did not put through a claim in 2013 then you can request an amendment for 2013 that will then allow you to claim your medical expenses for 2014.

“The medical expenses rebate will cease in 2015 for most people unless they had a claim in 2014 and only limited claims will be available until 2019. So if you were correct in not claiming in 2013 then you cannot claim in 2014 or 2015.”

Angela said: “Thank you so much, I was completely unaware of all of these changes.”

If you need assistance with any tax related matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.