140904 citynews

Smoking out Big Tobacco’s toadies

MICHAEL MOORE

Tram rolls on despite no decision ROBERT MACKLIN

Thanks, Pat, for more than football TIM GAVEL

There’s more to fear than what we fear! JOHN GRIFFITHS

When having a baby gets hard EMILY TIGHE

ON THE WILD SIDE

MEET THE RESET TINA ARENA

Review your past. Refocus your

Reset Tina takes a walk on the wild side

TINA Arena is one of Australia’s true superstar exports, having won a swag of World Music awards, sold four million records in France, starred in the West End production of “Chicago” and received a French knighthood from Nicolas Sarkozy.

It’s the same story at home, where she was a “Young Talent Time” star, became the first woman ever to win the ARIA for “Album of the Year”, sang the theme song “The Flame” at the 2000 Olympics and has been appointed a Barnardos Australia ambassador.

I’m talking to her by phone from Brisbane, where she’s in the middle of a five-week tour featuring hits from her first original English language release in 12 years, “Reset”.

We’ll see her at Llewellyn Hall on Saturday, September 6, in an act that she assures me, despite rumours of seriousness, “is really good fun”.

Arena is excited to be working with her co-director, Bruce Ramus, who has staged international spectaculars for U2, R.E.M., Björk and David Bowie.

Tina Arena still calls Australia home, though she spends three months in France every year and her nine-year-old son Gabriel catapults between two education systems and three languages, she tells arts editor HELEN MUSA

“Bruce has produced a really beautiful show with a story from the beginning to the end,” she enthuses.

Self-described as “this mad Aussie-Italian woman,” Arena has, with “Reset”, taken a walk on the wild side – standing up against the institutionalised dumbing down of popular music.

“I grew up listening to music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, a particularly rich time, but the ball has been dropped a bit now,” she tells “CityNews”.

In “Reset,” she says, her aim has been “partially to take up the ball… to tell a story and take a musical journey that evokes depth and emotion… where the theme is about rebalancing things, about social observation, asking questions about the future.”

Two factors have played a part.

Arena admits that motherhood has played an important part in her personal revolution.

As she says, raising a child now demands great responsibility. Today’s world, in her view, “is a world of enormous instability”.

Luckily, she has her mum and dad.

“My son is at school now but is being looked after by my parents for five weeks… basically, they feed him and take him to school… I’m at home three days a week during the five-week tour and then I’ll be at home.”

Then there’s the French connection.

“French people’s idea about pop music is a bit different from that in the Anglo music world, where people are more about technical ability than content,” Arena says.

“The French like good lyrics, a good story and a good melody as opposed to a good singer.”

And the secret of her French success?

“I went to France without a real perspective, but made an effort to be able to communicate, to speak their language, with openness and honesty, it’s been really beautiful learning.”

Tina Arena, Llewellyn Hall, Saturday, September 6, bookings to ticketek.com.au or 132 849.

Since 1993: Volume 20, Number 33

Arts & Entertainment 25-27

Canberra Confidential 16

Cinema 27

Dining 27

Garden 30-31

Horoscope 28

News 3-12

Politics 8

Puzzles 28

Socials 13-15

Sport 6

contacts

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days

Tram rolls on despite no decision

THE revelation that the ACT Government had applied for the rezoning of seven sites along the proposed Gungahlin light rail route strongly suggests that Cabinet has already decided to go ahead with the project.

The so-called “final decision” scheduled for a couple of months hence seems suspiciously like window dressing.

Not good enough, Katy. It’s such a big and expensive decision it deserves a special vote from all Canberrans – a mini-referendum – with all the financial and planning cards on the table.

ON the other hand, the call by Jeremy Hanson for an inquiry into the Mr Fluffy imbroglio was premature. Time enough for that when the government has dealt with the crisis; and the Feds have shown their hand in contributing (or not) to its resolution.

THE overflow of the Googong dam was a symptom of a much wider problem I discovered on a week-long journey through the backblocks of Queensland. Our national weather events have developed a disturbing pattern – massive downpours and

Not good enough, Katy. Light rail’s such a big and expensive decision it deserves a special vote from all Canberrans – a mini-referendum.

unusually high winds followed by long periods of very little rain.

Winters are milder and end sooner. And in the bush more high summer days are becoming unbearably hot. The birds really are falling from the trees in Western Queensland. We Canberrans probably have the best of both worlds.

THOUGH they would deny it to their dying breath, all prime ministers like to have their own little war – preferably in a distant land and with America taking the lead. It lets them wrap themselves in the flag of Team Australia, knock about with beefy soldiers and divert attention from their domestic troubles like, say, a very unpopular Budget. Made to measure, you might think, for a proudly Christian PM with his perception of “pure evil” among the jihadists of ISIS.

ACTUALLY, the Feds often provide our ACT Ministers with a similar target. This week Simon Corbell was on

the warpath even before the Abbott Government decided whether to trash the renewable energy target, calling the Warburton report “dangerously radical and extremist”.

“All bets are off,” he cried, if they dared to withdraw support for rooftop solar. Not exactly “pure evil”, but his stand brought him an invitation to join a panel at an international conference of Nobel Prize winners in Hong Kong next month. Simon was packing his bag before you could say, “climate change”.

EDUCATION Minister Joy Burch also jumped on a solid bandwagon with her stand against the Abbott resuscitation of the legally discredited Chaplaincy scheme.

At a time when our Muslim community is feeling alienated by notions of Team Australia, it does seem unnecessarily provocative.

Canberra school teachers tell me they would much rather see the funds

ROBERT MACKLIN

It starts with listening.

devoted to professionally trained school counsellors. These days there’s only one for every three schools.

HARD to feel much sympathy for the War Memorial’s complaint that its funding for travelling exhibitions has been cut. Much better for Canberra – and the nation – that the Memorial remain the font of our military history and bring visitors to the National Capital to share in it.

Besides which, Anzac museums are springing up all over the nation. Just how militarist do we want our country to be?

robertmacklin.com

Belconnen is booming and the abundance of good places to eat, relax or have a few drinks means you don’t have to go far to find what you are looking for.

After a calming walk around Lake Ginninderra, some shopping or exploring the parks, it’s time for lunch; but where to begin? Perhaps something delicious from Haha Bar or The London Burgers and Beers. Wherever you end up, Belconnen promises great food.

Start the day with a bite to eat at the numerous breakfast delights waiting for you, such as Birrigai cafe, Chatterbox or Black Pepper, and watch the town come to life.

Take a breather after lunch at the range of trendy bars along the water, before making your way to dinner; the finish to a perfect day in Belconnen.

sport briefly Night out with Terry

Thanks, Pat, for much more than the football

THE greatest memory I have of outstanding footballer Pat McCabe is off the field.

Pat announced his rugby retirement in August after succumbing to his third broken neck. His career is highlighted by 23 tests for the Wallabies.

But it’s his work away from the playing arena that will live in the memories of many, particularly those involved with Special Olympics ACT.

He has thrown himself into the role of ambassador for the organisation, being on hand to help in any way he can including distributing medals at sporting events such as sailing and swimming.

Pat was their “go to” man for such occasions.

He contributed his time to countless causes, often going over and above the call of duty.

During a stint as an MC at a function for the Special Olympics I was told of one such story.

Special Olympics’ project manager, Rachel Waddington, had invited Pat to attend a function before he became an ambassador. Rachel says not only did Pat stay until the end spending time with the Special Olympians but also helped pack up the demonstration stand and put it in her car.

It is this sort of action that often does more to promote the Brumbies than any highly produced advertisement.

The Brumbies are definitely doing plenty in the community. I had a neighbour tell me that his son was emotional after prop Ruan Smith had given the young boy his tracksuit top. Smith had been teaching the boy reading skills at school as part of his work in the community.

I regularly see Steve Larkham and Stephen Moore at charity functions as the Brumbies seek to reconnect to the community.

TIM GAVEL

It’s his work away from the playing arena that will live in the memories of many, particularly those involved with Special Olympics ACT.

It is for similar reasons there is so much sentiment for Terry Campese as he finds himself battling to continue his career with the Raiders.

Despite having a year to run on his contract, there are indications that he could finish his career in the NSW Cup, effectively the reserve-grade competition.

Terry has become more than a footballer in Canberra. Through his foundation, which provides funds to the needy within the local district, he has often provided help to individuals and organisations that have nowhere else to turn, as many who are needy can’t necessarily turn to the large charities.

And it’s not just financial help that Terry has provided. I have often seen him escorting parents with sick children through Canberra Stadium before games so that the occasion becomes something special for these children.

We can nominate others who have modelled such dedication to our region. Carrie Graf springs instantly to mind. For these people, sport is a vehicle to exercise great

CANBERRA Raiders captain and charity founder, Terry Campese, will speak at a black-tie dinner in aid of his charity foundation at Rydges Capital Hill on Thursday, September 18. Tickets to “A Good Time for a Good Cause” are $80 or $760 for tables of 10. Book online insightgevents. com or call 1300 306209.

Hockey club celebrates

ONE of the oldest and most successful hockey clubs in the ACT, Central Hockey Club Canberra, celebrates its 60th anniversary at the Belconnen Canberra Labor Club from 6.30pm on September 27. The club’s first team participated in the ACT men’s competition in 1955. It was formed when players from the former ACT Northern Suburbs club recruited players from Canberra and Queanbeyan to establish a men’s 1st grade team. Central boasted many NSW and ACT representatives and members included Olympians Glen Jobson (1956), Errol Bill (1960) and more recently, Glen Turner (2012). All past players and supporters are invited to the party. Enquiries to 6257 4729, bryan.hurrell@bigpond.com or centralhockey.org

Dragons regatta

IN its 15th year, Dragons Abreast Canberra will hold its 2014 Corporate Regatta, for corporate and social crews, at Weston Park, on Saturday, September 20. More information at dragonsabreast.com. au or email daregatta2014@gmail.com

Non-dairy milks

The Canberra Environment Centre is holding a “making non-dairy milks” workshop, 2pm-3.30pm, on Saturday, September 13. Evangeline Lam, of nilbarcodefood.com, will show how to make dairy-free milks using almonds, cashews and coconuts. Includes all ingredients, and take-home samples of each demonstration. Tickets at $20 each from ecoaction.com.au

Ita here for Alzheimer’s

ITA Buttrose, Australian of the Year 2013, is the star attraction for Alzheimer’s Australia ACT benefit dinner at the Ainslie Football Club on Saturday, October 18. Tickets are $130 and booking enquiries to act.admin@alzheimers.org.au

politics Smoking out Big Tobacco’s toadies

“WE have every respect for the work Cancer Council Victoria does in improving health outcomes,” declared Jeff Rogul on behalf of the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores. The trouble is the sentiment is not reciprocated. The AACS continues to be a front for Big Tobacco.

Tobacco is not like the other products sold within convenience stores. As Margaret Chan, the director of the World Health Organization, put it in 2011: “Tobacco is the only legal product that when used as directed, is lethal”.

Tobacco companies have been using lackeys to argue their perspective for years. They did so in the 1990s using restaurants, and later pubs, to argue that hospitality businesses would be ruined if restrictions were put on smoking within their venues. They had plenty of “research” to support their arguments and they launched an offensive against any evidence or research to the contrary.

In 2010 the then chief of the AACS, Sheryle Moon, stepped down as spokesperson for an alliance fighting plain packaging of tobacco products when it became public that the alliance was funded by three Big Tobacco companies.

The Alliance of Australian Retailers, as it called itself, had the backing of the Service Station Association, the Newsagents’ Federation, the Independent Retailers Association and the AACS. The Alliance had prepared a series of advertisements on the impact of cigarette plain packaging which Ms Moon began by defending. Within a week she withdrew the support of the AACS after strident adverse publicity.

The attack launched recently by the AACS on the CCV follows the same pattern. The CCV’s research was published in one of the most respected international journals, the “British Medical Journal”, which illustrated the success of plain packaging by reporting that the proportion of smokers purchasing from supermarkets did not increase between 2011 (65.4 per cent) and 2013 (65.7 per cent) and the percentage purchasing from small mixed business outlets did not decline (2011: 9.2

Tobacco companies want to prove that plain packaging does not work because it is being seriously considered by other governments across the world.

per cent; 2012: 11.2 per cent).

The AACS attack uses very similar arguments presented to me on June 18 in an “Open Letter to Michael Moore, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia” which relies on a series of research findings from what they would have us believe are reputable universities and international consulting companies. In checking each of the references, it turns out all of the “research” was funded by tobacco companies.

These are the normal tactics of the tobacco companies. It is not Australia that they are worried about. They want to prove that plain packaging does not work because it is being seriously considered by other governments across the world. These include Britain and Canada, the European Union and NZ, while a plain packaging bill has been introduced in the French National Assembly.

In Australia the numbers of smokers continues to decline. Plain packaging is part of the complex set of strategies used by governments of all persuasions. Big Tobacco is horrified that this might spread to other parts of the world and will use any strategy that it can to delay. This is why health groups have no respect for any industry group that is just a patsy for Big Tobacco.

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

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There’s more to fear than what we fear

I like the Mohammedan religion best. It has fewer incredible things in it than ours.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

A LOT of powerful people are trying very hard to make non-Muslim Australia scared of Muslims at the moment. Which makes now a good time to think about things we should and shouldn’t be scared about.

Growing up with a Christian education in the Canberra of the ‘80s and a love of history, my upbringing gave me the same unease of Islam that government and parts of the media are trying to tap into.

But living in London for a few years knocked that out of me fast.

A week after starting work in a West London cinema, one of the long-serving staff, Mohammed (or “Mo” to all who knew him) was having a farewell gathering and I went along with my last five-pound note to show willing.

Having quickly exhausted my finances I went to say farewell to Mo and wish him well in the future. He asked why I was leaving so early, I explained I had no more money to spend at the bar.

“Stay,” he said, “I’ll get you a beer.”

This from a man I’d known for just a couple of days, with no realistic prospect of ever seeing again.

This did not in any way conform to the view of Islam I’d gained from growing up in Canberra reading Australian newspapers.

Being young and inquisitive (and with it occasionally rude in an unwitting way) I asked how he married drinking beer with his faith. He shrugged and explained that how he lived his faith was between himself and Allah.

A few years living in the lower end of London’s socio-economic spectrum taught me that Muslims are much like us and that while some of them can, from time to time, be real bastards; it wasn’t often in any greater percentage than any other group of people I’ve come across.

For that matter, I’ve had a lot more fun banging around Muslim cities such as Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur than the more fanatically Christian parts of the American South where it’s much harder to get a drink and they’re a lot quicker to start shooting at strangers.

What then to make of the media and the government trying to whip us into a frenzy over the Islamist menace?

Let’s be clear, fear sells newspapers and if the front page says “everything is pretty much okay” few people are going to pick one up and buy it.

In the case of the Government they’ve made clear they want another massive expansion of the Security State, which is a beast that has been serving its own ends since World War II.

Author John Birmingham recently explained the baffling metadata debate by pointing out that, in the US, the National Security Agency’s general counsel, Stewart Baker, has said: “Metadata absolutely tells you everything about somebody’s life.”

Whereas US general Michael Hayden says: “We kill people based on metadata.”

Or to put it together: “We need to know everything. So we can kill you.”

What the big social media sites do with our personal data will have to wait for another column.

But trust me on this, Muslims are far, far down the list of things you should be getting worried about.

John Griffiths is the online editor of citynews.com.au

JOHN GRIFFITHS

DR Jessica Kennedy, pictured, is the 2014 ACT Young Lawyer of the Year. The Law Society award recognises the professional achievements and community involvement of outstanding young lawyers in the Canberra region. Dr Kennedy works for Farrar Gesini Dunn as a family law solicitor and was awarded her Doctorate of Philosophy last year. She volunteers at the Women’s Legal Centre. (Photo via Facebook)

Vale Kurt Steel

KURT Steel, Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s media adviser, has been killed in a bus crash in Bolivia while on a six-week holiday to South America. He was 25.

Fashion with a past

THE Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella is presenting a cavalcade of history and fashion at the Queanbeyan City Council Auditorium, 257 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, from 2pm, Saturday, September 13.

“The Cavalcade Luxury & Leisure Parade” features historic gowns and accessories dating from the 1890s to the 1960s. Tickets are $27 with the proceeds in aid of Communities @ Work’s equipment for the aged program. Booking and enquiries to 6290 1711.

Bridge club sale

CANBERRA Bridge Club is hosting a fundraising trash and treasure sale at its clubrooms, 6 Duff Place, Deakin (behind the shops) from 7am on Saturday, September 6. The sale features books, bric-a-brac, collectables, linen, clothes, furniture plus hundreds of items at 50c and $1. Canberra South Lions Club will run a sausage sizzle.

Chifley fete

CHIFLEY Preschool is celebrating spring with a fete at the school, 60 Maclaurin Street, 10am-1pm, on Sunday, September 14. It will feature a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, cakes, toys and books.

When having a baby gets hard

SURROGACY is on the rise in the ACT, nationally and internationally, and while not every case ends up an international storm like Baby Gammy’s, if not handled with care it can be a heartbreaking experience.

The laws are intricate and inconsistent across Australia, which can be confusing for substitute parents in Canberra who must adhere to both national laws and Territory-specific ones.

In the ACT, laws are tight and many boxes must be ticked, and many substitute parents are surprised to learn that at least one substitute parent must be a genetic parent, but neither the surrogate mother or her partner can be, so their ova and sperm cannot be used.

In the ACT, parents cannot pay someone to carry a baby for them, no matter where the surrogate lives – in Australia or overseas. “Commercial surrogacy” is punishable by up to a year’s imprisonment and/or a large fine.

Parents cannot advertise for a surrogate, even online. The surrogate must be at least 25 and all parties must have received adequate counselling and given informed consent before conception.

Another important issue is legal parentage. Many substitute parents believe they automatically become the legal mother and father of the baby they have fought hard for.

However, the Parentage Act 2004 presumes that the woman who gave birth is the legal mother and her husband or partner is the legal father. This is even when substitute parents have a written agreement with the surrogate, which Australian law won’t enforce anyway.

COMPENSATION

In the ACT, parents cannot pay someone to carry a baby for them, no matter where the surrogate lives – in Australia or overseas. ‘Commercial surrogacy’ is punishable by up to a year’s imprisonment and/or a large fine.

Many parents are surprised that legal parentage is only transferred by Order of the ACT Supreme Court and it’s not automatic.

Conditions must be met, including that substitute parents must be at least 18 and the surrogate parents freely agree to the order being made. At least one substitute parent must be a genetic parent. The baby must be between six weeks and six months old and living with the substitute parents. The conception must have taken place in an ACT-accredited IVF clinic and the order must be in the best interests of the baby.

Some parents falsely believe it’s safe to go overseas and pay for a surrogate.

International surrogacy adds another level of complexity and, again, does not meet Parent age Act conditions. For starters, commercial surrogacy is illegal. Legal parentage won’t be granted because the baby wasn’t conceived here.

It can be almost impossible to prove the birth mother received adequate counselling and gave informed consent. Also, the baby may not be able to become an Australian citizen, even if one or other substitute parent is one.

If this isn’t enough, a host of other legal issues must be considered. These include international

EMILY TIGHE

law, language and cultural barriers, and additional and unexpected costs. Perhaps the biggest issue is what happens if there are unexpected medical problems during pregnancy, the birth or after birth; think Baby Gammy, who is a twin and has Down Syndrome.

The only approach to surrogacy is to understand upfront the complexities, myths and misunderstandings. Parents need to work closely with their lawyer and other professionals to consider the facts rationally and proceed in a clear, logical way – no matter how desperate they

Hands out for the backyard bonus

THESE days compensation seems increasingly to apply to collective personal disasters: the M17 tragedy, Mr Fluffy house asbestos, along with the enduring third party motor vehicle insurance claims and the workforce accidents.

Nobody would dispute the worth of such payments; however, there has arisen an extension of the concept to incorporate people disadvantaged surprisingly by what can be regarded as a more general social benefit.

The issue was raised in the magazine “Policy” (spring, 2010) under the heading of “Back Yard

Why should some people without being compensated be asked to accept something which disadvantages them, but provides an overall social benefit?

Bonus” (BYB) as a possible solution to the “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) objections so frequently raised in our crowded environment.

Putting BYB in a suburban context, why should some people without being compensated be asked to accept something which disadvantages them, but provides an overall social benefit?

It’s not about planned and documented developments, rather the new motorway carved out beside your rear fence. While never identified as such it is unquestionably of benefit to thousands of commuters, but leaves you with daily noise and fumes and probable loss of property value.

Governments are not the only offenders.

The private sector constructing high-rise accommodation blocking your sunlight could be unexpected, because although you knew and accepted housing would occupy the site the authorities altering height restrictions was not anticipated.

Then there is the co-operation between the public and private sectors of which change of purpose for land is another perennial.

A case can be made every time for action

resulting in the general social good.

Irrespective of overall good or bad outcomes, some people are disadvantaged by loss of an amenity be it view, peace, clean air or whatever else encouraged them to buy or build in the location.

Granted some people might accept the changed circumstances, again for a variety of reasons, but this should not obviate the responsibility for compensation. Just because an owner doesn’t sell the property, the principle remains the same.

Before now these sorts of claims have been limited to electricity high tension, wind and solar power and other rural incursions, but with increased population, BYB will become attractive in our cities.

But we are often dealing with intangibles here, so how does one measure adequate compensation for the few affected by actions taken for the greater benefit of the many?

Seems like a fertile new field of law.

Greg Cornwell is a former Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly.

GREG CORNWELL

Designers plan for the games people play

ANU graduates Lockie Potts and Sahan

Abeyasinghe released their first iPhone app in December and the simple online game is now played by hundreds of people, but the young entrepreneurs expect a much bigger response to their follow-up, which came out this year.

The 23-year-olds came up with the first app, “Story Pieces”, in 2012 at StartupCamp Canberra, a two-day brainstorming and networking session run by Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre where they also formed a small IT startup called Exose. Their business idea was received warmly by a group of mentors and judges they pitched it to at the end of the weekend.

“They really liked it,” says Potts. “We got some great feedback and we found a couple of mentors there that we’ve kept in contact with and they’ve helped us along the way.”

Abeyasinghe graduated with a software engineering degree in 2012 and does the programming. Potts, who graduated last year with a double degree in law and commerce, does the design work and concept creation.

“Basically, anything else we need to do, we just figure out ourselves,” he says.

“It’s just the two of us, and we try to make the app as professional as any of the big companies would.”

“Story Pieces” is a digital version of a classic game often played on paper in school classrooms, and it’s free, but could draw revenue from advertising in future.

It’s not a win-or-lose game. One player starts a

story and the others take turns adding their own lines, but most of what’s already been written is hidden from them, with only just enough visible to make sure their words flow on from the last sentence.

“Eventually,” says Potts, “you’re off on a wild tangent and by the time you reach the end, it’s nothing like what you started with.”

The design is clean and professional, it’s easy

to use and there are features such as Facebook integration to let users easily play with their friends and log in without creating yet another user account.

“We also have an option to play with randoms, so you can hit ‘random’ and it will match you up with some other people from all over the world,” says Potts, adding that “Story Pieces” has users as far afield as Asia, the US and Europe.

The complete stories are all archived online automatically so they can be shared easily.

Potts and Abeyasinghe agree the concept behind “Story Pieces” is entirely unoriginal, but that puts it in good company. Some of the most successful apps are shameless digital counterfeits of popular, time-tested games.

“‘Words With Friends’ is a really funny example,” says Potts. “It started off as an app based on ‘Scrabble’, and now if you go to the stores you’ll see they actually have a ‘Words With Friends’ board game.”

Even though it’s only just come out, Exose has already shifted focus from “Story Pieces” to “Haste”, and Potts is keen to explain how the newer game works.

“Basically, we describe it as something like ‘Boggle’ meets ‘Scrabble’,” he says, starting a new game. “We match up players around the world in real-time, so if you hit play, then someone else hits play, we match you two up instantly.”

The two players compete to make words out of the same group of letters within a 90-second time limit, scoring points for each letter with special tiles giving double or triple scores.

“With ‘Story Pieces’ we have hundreds of users, and it’s a great start, but with ‘Haste’ we’re hoping to have hundreds of thousands of users,” says Potts. “That’s the aim.”

“I guess there’s a bit of luck involved but with persistence and hard work, you can definitely do it, and hopefully that’s what happens to us. We’re going to do our absolute best to get there and we’ll see how it goes.”

“Story Pieces” and “Haste” are available from iTunes. – Stephen Easton

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scene / around

Social event of the week / Black Ink networking event

WITH a hint of exclusivity, plenty of well-researched information and a relaxed ambience, the Deloitte Black Ink networking event started as a fairly typical drinks-and-eats at the National Press Club.

There was a good roll up of Black Ink members crowding the downstairs bar before heading in for the panel discussion called “A Shift in Gears” moderated by Deloitte’s Eddie Senatore

As an invitation-only network of accounting and legal firms, Black Ink gives access to Deloitte’s resources, seminars, surveys, training and networking functions. Black Ink is in the hands of the personable and talented Kate van Haalen, who has shifted from Snowy Hydro SouthCare to join Deloitte as ACT marketing manager, though still keeping her hand on the pulse of fundraising for her favourite charity.

LYN MILLS

SKI AUSTRIA

with the Lech & Zurs snow tour specialists

January 2014

There are still a few spots left in January for our Austrian ski trip, wonderful skiing and fine dining in one of the worlds top ski resorts Lech am Arlberg.

14 nights in on-snow accommodation , guided skiing, transfers to and from Zurich airport, ski pass, all breakfasts and dinners and a moonlit horse and sleigh ride. If you have a partner who doesn’t ski there is always lots to do in the beautiful village of Lech.

Join Hans and Tina owners of Arlberg Ski Centre on this prestige trip, nothing else compares.

Canberra Confidential

Kevern write a book...

“@Rudd2000: Both Labour and Lieberal parties terrified ebola come to Australia in case it beat them in Newspoll.”

That’s a taste of local journalism academic Scott Bridges’ 3000 tweets over nine months from his satirical Kevin Rudd twitter feed, a feed which amassed 5000 followers before he shut it down.

The morning after Rudd announced his retirement from the parliament on November 13 last year, Bridges began tweeting, inviting followers to “#imagen Kevin Rudd never fired and still PM today?”

Using the mangled spelling and syntax appropriate to certain timely internet memes, @Rudd2000 painted caricatures of federal politicians and other members of the media/political class.

In addition to “Kevern”, @Rudd2000 chronicled the lives of figures such as “Ablo” who has a seemingly insatiable appetite, “Crag Thomsen” who is down on his luck but loves to party, “Scot Moronsen” who takes delight in others’ misery, “Toney Abert” who is a world expert in lying and the ever-lovable “Emmo”.

Now there’s an ebook and a print version of Bridges’ favourite tweets, and after covering production and distribution costs, all proceeds will be donated to the UNHCR under the name “Scot Morensen”. More information at editia.com/books/ kevern-write-a-book/

Seasonal adjustment

IS it autumn or spring, asks Laurie McDonald, who took this photo on spring’s first blush in Watson, on the corner of Northbourne Avenue and Phillip Avenue.

Green drinks

OTHER than creme de menthe, CC can’t name any other green drinks. But there’s one that pops up every month at King O’Malley’s Irish pub in the city.

Called Green Drinks Canberra, it’s an agenda-free and non-politically aligned networking tummy rub “for those interested in environmental sustainability and ecoefficiency,” say the organisers.

Apparently Green Drinks runs in more than 600 cities worldwide.

Next event is from 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 9. All welcome, no bookings and no cost beyond drinks, green or otherwise.

More information at greendrinks.org/Canberra ‘Celebrities’

on the run

THE Heart Foundation has inveigled 11 locals into the line-up for the Canberra Celebrity Heart Challenge, a 12-week campaign designed to improve its participants’ heart health through exercise and better nutrition.

Unsurprisingly, they’re also tasked with raising funds for the Heart Foundation and the celebrity who raises the most will be acclaimed, rather grandiosely, “Canberra’s Biggest Heart”.

And the willing “celebrities”? There’s Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr, developer Maria Efkarpidis, dancer Melissa Gelonese, publisher Tim Benson, retailer Kevin Phelan, PR pracitioner David Pembroke, development bureaucrat Dan Stewart; radio manager Eoghan O’Byrne, academic Nick Klomp, blogger Amanda Whitley and leasing agent Theo Dimarhos

Tackling Block

TAX-return accountant H&R Block is refusing to remove its latest TV advertisement that features, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a captive elephant.

PETA Australia director of campaigns Jason Baker says captive elephants, which are used for entertainment in Asia, are stolen from their mothers as babies in the wild – “an extremely traumatic experience for these social, familyoriented animals.”

Others are born into captivity and spend their lives in chains when they’re not “working”.

other day.

PETA says it has provided H&R Block with information about this cruel industry, but to no avail, leaving Baker to “encourage all taxpayers who want companies to demonstrate integrity and ethics in all aspects of their business to take their custom to a company that doesn’t support elephant abuse.”

The chook challenge

HERE on the CC news desk we see some odd things, none more odder than a quest for the nation’s super chook. But given the number of backyard chooks in Canberra (there are 345,267 Australian households with egg-laying hens, that’s 9.8 per cent of all egg

production) we felt duty bound to alert everyone about joining the search for Australia’s fittest and healthiest chook competition.

“If your hen or rooster has a special talent or simply that indefinable X-factor,” then the poultry food sponsor wants to hear from you.

The winning chook will receive a year’s supply of nutritional supplements and a prize hamper, and the top 12 finalist chooks, including the winner, will feature in a calen dar. Entries to the Sustenhance Facebook page.

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Exposed: The retail gems of Queanbeyan

The word “Queanbeyan” is the anglicised form of “Quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”. More than just Canberra’s nearest country neighbour, Queanbeyan is a thriving city in its own right, and over the next eight pages “CityNews” reveals some of its business gems.

Store gives a big lift to the November Gift

THE Telstra Store Queanbeyan is proud to be this year’s major sponsor of the Telstra Queanbeyan Gift, says the store’s managing director, Neil Kennedy.

The 2014 Telstra Queanbeyan Gift will be held on November 22-23 at Queanbeyan Park, and is NSW’s most prestigious athletics event, with more than $40,000 in prize money on offer.

Australian Olympic sprinters Lauren Wells and Melissa Breen are back on board as ambassadors, and will spend time in the community before the event to help promote Queanbeyan to the rest of NSW and Australia.

Queanbeyan City Council place management co-ordinator Tracey Lamont says they are thrilled to have Telstra on board as a major sponsor.

“It’s very exciting for us and we are looking forward to a fabulous weekend,” she says.

There will be a street party on the Saturday night, as well as Family Fun Day on Sunday, and Tracey says they are anticipating more than 5000 people will attend the event.

Neil says he is passionate about Queanbeyan, gaining recognition for the region and boosting the local economy.

“As a local resident and business owner, I am very excited to support a Queanbeyan-based initiative that will generate increased community engagement and excitement within our region,” he says.

“This event will provide a much-needed boost for the local economy and will highlight Queanbeyan for what it is: the greatest inland city in NSW.”

Telstra Store Queanbeyan, 35/131 Monaro Street. Call 6299 3777.

Theatre cues up some unique and exciting performances

THERE are some unique and exciting performances coming up at The Q, says program manager Stephen Pike.

“We have a one-off performance on September 13 called ‘Sons & Mothers’, which is about a group of young men with disabilities, talking about their mums and their relationships with them,” he says.

With heart and humour, these six sons tell stories of their mums as they draw or dance or sing their lives, complete with stumbles and triumphs.

keep safe the things you love

These are love stories made all the more potent because of disabilities the men live with and their humble takes on discriminations they’ve faced.

Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” will run from October 8-25 at The Q. It’s about scriptwriter Joe Gillis and his relationship with Norma Desmond, a silent movie star pushed into obsolescence by the advent of the talkies, says Stephen.

“From start to finish it’s a tragic tale, both in its conclusion and in its

depiction of someone who confused the immortality of her screen identity with the mortality of her flesh and bone,” he says.

This production is produced in-house by Queanbeyan City Council and features a local cast.

Bronwyn Sullivan stars as Norma Desmond with Daniel Wells playing the young playwright Joe.

The Q Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford St. Call 6285 6290.

Pub in the Royal tradition

ONE thing that’s missing from Canberra is a traditional pub, but The Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, has it covered, says owner Anthony MacDonald.

The site was first built in 1850 then rebuilt and opened as the Royal Hotel in 1926. This historic and now award-winning (winner of the Best Redeveloped Country Hotel in both NSW and Australia) pub after its re-establishment in 2012 is widely renowned for its beautiful and comfortable fit out, huge bar selection including cocktails and quality food.

“We offer that traditional pub scene, oriented towards families,” says Anthony. “We have entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and a broad menu that will appeal to everyone, from kids to mum and dad.”

“The kitchen, led by head chef Kelly Kim, is committed to excellence in service, quality and value. Most of our meals’ ingredients are made from scratch by our team of chefs, ensuring delivery of the freshest and highest-quality meals.

“Our menu offers all the usual pub favourites including parmigiana, fish and chips and one of the best steaks you will ever try, but people will travel for our smoky barbecue pork ribs,” says Anthony.

“Confit pork belly is also a real favourite, and the burgers, pizzas and salads are clearly popular and great value, with generous servings.

“Many new offerings of salmon, trout and lamb shanks have been recently added to the already comprehensive menu, and specials are offered weekly based on seasonal ingredients.”

The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street. Call 6297 1444.

Queanbeyan calls

WHEN it comes to screen printing, Ian Barnard, owner of Copperhead Screen Printing, says there are a lot of variables and that each job must be approached in a different way.

“It depends on the result people want and the supplied artwork, and often you have to work out the best way to do the job yourself – there’s nowhere to refer to,” he says.

“We do a lot of garment work, mostly T-shirts and hoodies, as well as caps, calico bags, tea towels, stubby holders, golf balls and glasses.

“We do large commercial printing jobs for major companies and Government departments.”

At 13, Ian was airbrushing white tennis shoes in his parents’ backyard and successfully marketing them to major retailers, including Surfscene and Madd Gear.

“I really loved creating individual designs and was delighted that there

was a demand for these shoes through these major surf stores,” he says.

Ian says he started Copperhead in 1990, operating from his own backyard, and for five years built up the business until it was time to move to a large factory to accommodate the latest in screen printing machinery and extra staff.

“It was a huge learning curve; I was moving from runs of 50 shirts to runs of 5000,” he says.

Copperhead’s major clients include the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of SA, the National Film and Sound Archive and Commonwealth and State Government departments, as well as local events such as the Chevrolet Car Festival, the Canberra Jazz Festival, the American Car Festival, Metal for the Brain and Floriade.

Copperhead Screen Printing, 2 Foster Street. Call 6297 4233 or visit copperhead.com.au

Fat bikes and good Werks

FOR unusual bikes that will suit the needs of any rider, Werks Bikes is the place to come, says owner Stuart Maclachlan.

“We are very good at listening to our clients and working with them to come up with a bike that not only suits their needs, but is also set up to ensure it fits them and their riding style perfectly,” he says.

With a background as a car mechanic and a passion for rally cars, Stu also runs The Werkshop next door, and says that both businesses go hand-in-hand and feed into the other. The Werkshop can repair or service your car, motorcycle, boat or favourite mountain bike.

Werks Bikes also specialises in “fat” bikes, with a tyre that’s 10 centimetres (four inches) or wider.

• A wide range of Fashion and comfort shoes, a shoe for every lady

• Accessories for all occasions

• Fashion hats • Lingerie • Jewellery

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Once a Month Champagne NightJUST giving back to the ladies and having fun.

56 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan • Ph: 6297 5672

“They look a bit strange, with a tyre that can be wider than your foot, but they are amazing; suitable for riding on snow, sand or for endurance events,” Stu says.

With more than 20 years’ experience on bikes, as both a competitor and coach, Stu says he provides exceptional service to his customers.

“Our techs take pride in their work, and when you leave your bike with us it will receive the same care and attention to detail as our team race bikes do.”

Werks Bikes stocks tubeless tyres, shock rebuilds, gears, brakes and can provide a custom bike build.

Werks Bikes, 48 Aurora Avenue. Call 6297 2538.

Stuart Maclachlan regassing front shocks on a “fat” bike at

Acupuncture, an individual solution to pain

WITH acupuncture, everyone is treated as an individual, says Rebecca Ellison, owner of Queanbeyan Acupuncture.

Acupuncture originated in China and is a system of healing that treats health problems by the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points.

Rebecca has run the business for 11 years and says she can help people experiencing pain, fertility issues and throughout pregnancy.

“Acupuncture is very safe for pregnant women, and it’s great because they can’t access the usual medications during this time,” she says.

“I also see people with migraine, headaches, backache, menstrual pain, neuralgia, neuropathy, post-stroke, and those with hay fever and sinus problems.”

Rebecca says she likes the fact that treatment is tailor-made for the individual.

“I might see several people with a backache, but each one is different and will need to be treated as such,” she says.

Queanbeyan Acupuncture, 5/21-25 Monaro Street. Call 6297 7288.

• Chinese, Malaysian & Singaporean Cuisine

• Part of the Queanbeyan dining scene for over 30 years

• A family restaurant big on quality & Value for money

• Dine, take-away or home delivery

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Team offers travellers personal service

Booking a holiday should be an experience, with the travel agency going above and beyond as we do, says Jennifer Cooper, owner of Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise.

“We get to know our clients, ensuring we understand their needs, their dreams and what they want from their travel experience,” Jenny says. With more than 25 years in the business, Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise have clocked up several awards and pride themselves on their ability to provide a one-stop solution to their customers’ travel needs.

“We currently operate with a team of five agents and a back office manager (and joint owner), Jim, with the combined experience of 90 years in the travel industry,” says Jenny.

“There’s Caterina Agnello, Luke Cochrane, Laura Murphy and myself at the front, and we have just

Chinese meals with a family touch

A FAMILY-run business that’s been in the same location since 1977, Canton Chinese restaurant offers some popular signature dishes that people love, says owner Vanessa See Toh.

“We offer south-east Asian cuisine, including laksas, stir-fries, noodles, and our most popular dish is the rock salt chilli squid,” says Vanessa.

The restaurant was run by Vanessa’s parents and she used to help out when she was younger, and she took over in 2000 with her husband Charles.

The couple have a young family so they trade for five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch is noon-2.30pm, and dinner, 5pm-10pm.

“We open on Sundays on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day only, so we will be open on September 7 for lunch and dinner, with takeaway available as well,” she says.

Canton Chinese Restaurant, 232 Crawford Street. Call 6297 5246.

employed a new staff member, Daniela Ferry.

“Although there is healthy competition between the team, we familiarise ourselves with each other’s clients so that any team member is able to assist with that particular client’s needs.”

Queanbeyan Travel & Cruise are accredited CLIA cruising specialists, and also offer international and domestic travel, reservations for all airlines, coach and independent tours, travel insurance, visa processing, special events and group travel, wedding packages and bridal registry and gift vouchers.

“Our customers can access our services by visiting our office in person, via telephone, email, twitter or our website,” says Jenny.

Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise, 49/131 Monaro Street. Call 6299 3111 or visit queanbeyancitytravel.com.au

The sound of music at The Q

“THE Sound of Music” will be put on by the Queanbeyan Players from November 1-15 at The Q.

Queanbeyan Players have been going for more than 50 years and have put on more than 80 productions, says director Janetta McRae at the Queanbeyan Players.

The true story of a family that fled Austria during World War II and became famous for their singing, “The Sound of Music” first opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, New York, on November 16, 1959, starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel. The critics were dismissive, complaining that the show was sickly and sentimental. However, audiences loved it and it ran for 1443 performances.

Despite the success of the stage production, it wasn’t until the 1965 film with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer that the show became a worldwide phenomenon.

“The Sound of Music” is set against the dark days of the emergence of Nazi Germany, but the enduring message of the show is one of hope and courage.

There are twilight performances at The Q at 5pm Saturday and Sunday November 1 and 2, evening performances on November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, and matinee performances on November 8 and 15.

Bookings to 6285 6290 or at theq.net.au

CANBERRA LIVE Weekdays 3 - 6pm

@CanberraLive2CC 2cc.net.au

From November 1 – 15, 2014

The Sound of Music

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSELL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers”

Director: Janetta McRae

Musical Director: Jennifer Groom

Choreographer: Christina Philipp

At The Q – Queanbeyan NSW www.theq.net.au • Phone: 6285 6290

Performances: 5pm (Twilight) Saturday 1, Sunday 2 7.30pm (Evening) 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 1.30pm (Matinee) 8, 15

Tickets: Adults $45 • Concession $40 Children 15 years and under $25 Parties of 6 or more $35

Queanbeyan calls / advertising feature

Stories of the city of champions

PUBLISHED for Queanbeyan’s 175th anniversary of being declared a township in 2013, Nichole Overall’s book “Queanbeyan City of Champions” is a social and pictorial history of the town.

“The book reveals Queanbeyan’s journey, the ups and downs, the hardships and the good times,” she says.

“It particularly highlights things Queanbeyan is known for, such as its sporting talent, business leaders, the arts, the community.”

Nichole says she’s very passionate about Queanbeyan being recognised as the unique regional centre it is, and the significant contribution it made to Canberra in its early days.

“Canberra relied on Queanbeyan as a social and economic hub, and I want to dispel the myths that surround the town, putting the facts on the table.”

One of the chapters in the book is “Myths, Mysteries and Legends”, and Nichole says it got so much attention that she decided to create a spin-off tour.

“It’s a new way to present the stories to people, and now we do them twice a month, taking select groups around Queanbeyan and telling them stories they may otherwise never have heard,” she says.

“We talk about murders, otherworldly happenings, suicides, prison escapes – everything you could think of – or not!”

The book has won two awards this year, says Nichole – the Queanbeyan Heritage Award 2014 and a Highly Commended for the National Trust Heritage Awards 2014.

Contact Nichole on 0413 671123 or email nichole@qbncityofchampions.com.au

Delights of being down by the river

QUEANBEYAN is full of pretty spots, such as the Riverbank of Queanbeyan cafe, which overlooks the Queanbeyan River, says owner Brent Richter.

“The tranquillity of this unique oasis is enhanced by its elevated timber decking overlooking the Queanbeyan River’s sandy beach,” says Brent.

“We’re located just a short stroll from the historic Queanbeyan suspension swing bridge and located under the King’s Bridge, walking distance from the city’s central business district.”

The cafe was established in 2011 and features modern Australian cuisine with a wide range of gluten-free

and vegetarian meals enhanced with great Cosmorex coffee, Brent says.

“The menu includes seasonal fare, a broad children’s selection as well as a ‘canine cuisine’ section for your faithful, four-legged friends.

“We also have an ever-expanding display of unique handmade Australian giftwares.”

Riverbank of Queanbeyan is open from 10am until 4pm Wednesday to Friday and from 8.30am until 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Riverbank of Queanbeyan, 4 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan. Call 0417 465457 or email riverbankqueanbeyan@bigpond.com

Ave Queanbeyan • P. 6299 1800 garages@bigpond.net.au

John’s garages are built to last

GARAGES, sheds, fencing and patio covers need to be durable and tough, says John Griffiths, owner of Masterbuilt Garages.

“Everything we build is built to be tough and to withstand the harsh Australian conditions and a no-nonsense way of life,” he says.

“We do all types of garage doors, including automatic doors, and provide exceptional sales and service.

“We know that people don’t have time to worry about chips, scratches, repainting and being precious with your shed, which is why we use only the best chip, scratch and faderesistant products.”

John says that Masterbuilt Garages has been based in Queanbeyan for 26

years, and can deliver a structure on time and with maximum care, as well as commercial and domestic projects in a large range of sizes.

These include single garages, double garages, carports, verandas, industrial buildings, sheds, pergolas and gazebos, with a range of designs to choose from, or they can custom build to meet your requirements.

“We listen to your requirements, work together to find a solution that best meets your desires in terms of functionality, attractiveness and cost effectiveness,” he says.

Masterbuilt Garages, 32 Aurora Avenue. Call 6299 1800.

Men’s Barber

OPEN: Mon-Wed & Friday 9am-5pm Thursday 9am-7pm, Saturday 8am-1pm

Phone: 6297 1844

Shop 6, Cassidys Arcade, 72 Monaro St, Queanbeyan

GET THE STYLE YOU WANT!

We can provide:

➜ All international and domestic travel...

➜ Reservations for all airlines

➜ Tours: coach and independent

Queanbeyan calls

Haircuts through generations

TRADITIONAL barbershops will continue to have a place in the world, thanks to their simplicity, says Jason Tutalo, third-generation barber and owner of Tony’s

“Men prefer to go to a barber, they like the techniques and cut; and it’s like 15, 20 minutes and you’re out of

“It’s faster than going to a salon, we don’t take appointments or anything, it’s just walk in, get your hair cut, and walk out again.”

Established in the 1960s, Tony’s was opened by Jason’s father, Antonio. Jason began his apprenticeship in 1989, learning from his father in the family shop.

Being in the business for so long, Jason says he’s seen many styles come and go, and variations on old

“The Rockabilly look is definitely in nowadays; the big bushy beard with the short hair,” he says. “But styles

➜ Travel insurance

➜ Visa processing

➜ Special events & group travel

➜ Wedding packages & bridal registry

➜ Gift vouchers … and much more!

Jason says he sees the same clients regularly, and over the years has built up a steady customer base formed on one thing: satisfaction.

“I’ve got a lot of clients, a lot of goodwill,” Jason said.

“People come from years ago, they still come from when my father cut their hair.”

➜ Cruising specialists - accredited CLIA agency

Rebecca Ellison has been a registered acupuncturist practicing for over 11 years.

She specialises in treating pain and digestive issues, as well as providing fertility, pregnancy and paediatric treatments.

Acupuncture can provide effective treatment for conditions such as:

• Pain

• Migraine, back and joint issues

• Fertility issues

• Sleep problems

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Digestive issues like irritable bowel, constipation and bloating

Queanbeyan Acupuncture – for better health

Bits and bobs for absolutely everyone

WHEN you’re choosing a gift, it’s worth getting something that’s great quality, says Deborah Keenan, owner of Beautiful Gifting.

“I’ve got a tiny store, but stock a wide range of Australian and selected imported fine gifts, with plenty of unusual bits and bobs you won’t find anywhere else,” she says.

From Australian hand-crafted Robert Gordon tableware, mohair and pure wool throws from St Albans, Maine Beach exquisite soaps and body products, beautifully scented Naya candles and room diffusers to

French glassware and table accessories, Deborah says Beautiful Gifting truly has something for everyone.

“We also stock L’Ascari man candles, which make a great gift for the man who has everything,” she says.

“They’re available in Espresso, Sawdust, Old Oak Tree, Open Field and Vodka and Schnapps scents.

“You have got to smell these to believe how true their scents are to their names!”

Beautiful Gifting, Shop 14, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street. Call 0419 627210.

Looking for that perfect gift?

We make gift buying easy with our stylish and sophisticated selection that covers all occasions. Our unique range includes:

• Baby items • Selected European items

• Scented products • Homeware

• Kitchenware • much more to tempt you!

A treasure trove of gift ideas right here in Queanbeyan with helpful advice available.

Phone Deborah on 0419 627 210 Shop 14 Cassidys Arcade,

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Local fashion with passion

HELPING her customers to build a stylish look is a passion for

Debbie Maree, owner of Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique, which was established in 2012.

“Queanbeyan had some good stores, but I felt that I could create a shop with a point of difference,” says Debbie.

“The boutique offers a range of wonderful local designer labels including Sacha Drake and Philosophy, and we also have a lot of starter pieces, like pants, camis and skirts.

“My customers can then build

a stylish look from there, and accessorise with local milliners and jewellery designers, too.

Debbie says they offer a personalised service and convenient hours.

“I love helping ladies from local areas like Canberra, Queanbeyan and from the coast,” she says.

“Our stock changes seasonally and I enjoy helping people find their perfect outfit.”

Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique, 60 Monaro Street. Call 6299 3335.

Homemade treats from Denis and his mum

A FAMILY-friendly atmosphere with fantastic coffee and delicious homemade treats are on offer at Melita Coffee Lounge, says owner Denis Sakkas.

Denis’ mum Eleni makes the food, serving up cakes, pumpkin soup and garlic bread, steak sandwiches that people come back for again and again, a spicy pork and fennel stew, lentil burgers and roast pork paninis, he says.

The cafe also sources much of its produce from the Southside Farmers Market.

“We’re open every day except Sunday, when I go down to the markets at 7am to stock up on beautiful quality meat, fruit and veg for the week,” he says. “I’m passionate about supporting local farmers in the region.”

The bacon at Melita is locally smoked and sliced on the premises, and their burgers and crumbed chicken are all prepared in-house from fresh, unfrozen ingredients, Denis says.

The cafe is mum and bub friendly, and stocks Pinky McKay’s Boobie Bikkies, making it easy for local mums

to pick them up without having to order online.

“We also stock organic and boutique beverages, with much of the menu available gluten-free,” Denis says.

Melita Coffee Lounge, 45 Monaro Street. Call 6255 8653.

Modern Australian Cuisine

An award-winning social & pictorial history of Queanbeyan over 175 years. This full-colour gloss coffee-table book contains over 300 images. Available for only $49. You can also join Nichole on a Mysterious Queanbeyan by Moonlight Tour where she shares some of the city’s secrets. For information & bookings, 0413 671 123 or www.qbncityofchampions.com.au

Queanbeyan calls / advertising feature

Slipping into shoes – and fun

SHOES and accessories should be all about fun, says Therese Patsos, owner of Mainstreet Shoes.

“I just love the ladies who come into the shop, and I enjoy giving back by organising a champagne night once a month, with sales and special offers, and champers of course!” she says.

“There’s never any obligation but it’s always fun and we offer something new each time, we’ve had make-up nights, auctions, a psychic night and scarf-tying tutorials, things like that.”

Therese, who runs the shop with her partner Tim, sells a wide range of footwear, including Baxter boots for ladies and men, handbags, bridal accessories and hats.

“We’ve got a lovely new range of hats for Melbourne Cup, and summer shoes in a huge range of colours; oranges, blues, pewters, corals, with heels, flats, bling, wedges – all sorts!” she says.

Decorative and functional

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

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

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

Toscan Glass offers this awardwinning product in a diverse

DISCOVER THE JOYS OF SHOPPING IN

Queanbeyan

Lots of interesting shops you won’t see anywhere else.

A wide variety of business and service providers.

And plenty of well-planned FREE parking throughout the city.

Queanbeyan means business!

range of colours and textures for a variety of applications, domestic and commercial.

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

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

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

Toscan Glass, 5 Chapman Street. Call 6284 2255.

Preserving memories for the future

IT’S so important to preserve previous items such as photos and documents for future generations, says Lara Montebello, owner of Family Keepsakes.

“I’m passionate about helping the community preserve their memories and stories,” she says. “Even if they can’t see a reason now, in 50 or 100 years their memories might be really important to a family member or the community.”

Lara has been running Family Keepsakes for a year, and with a background in fine art and working at the National Museum of Australia, is well placed to help people with their archiving and preservation.

“Part of the business is retail, with custom-made, archival-quality folders, photo albums and boxes for sale, but I also mend old documents

like birth, death and marriage certificates, and rebind old books,” she says.

Lara also offers a special laminating service called encapsulation, which doesn’t use heat and glue, and is totally reversible and much more gentle on old documents.

She also offers photo restoration, and says that she has received photos that are in pieces.

“When they’re in that state, you can’t do anything physically with them, but there is the option of digital restoration,” she says.

“It’s my goal to educate the community about how important it is to look after family keepsakes for future generations.”

arts & entertainment

Larry has lots to be happy about

By Helen Musa

“I FEEL silly as ever,”

Larry Sitsky tells me as he prepares to mark his 80th birthday on September 10, “I’m in good health. I’m producing at a great rate. I enjoy working with young people.”

His only health problem was a cardiac incident about 15 years ago, quickly sorted out. “I’m not a vegetarian or anything like that,” he adds, “and besides, 80 is just a number.”

As we sit in his ANU practice room surrounded by music, the celebrated Canberra composer and pianist prefers to talk about his pupils. There’s a current one, Aaron Chew, with whom he performed a duo piano recital at Wesley last week, and Adam Cook, with whom he performed a devilishly difficult Busoni work for two pianos last year.

There’ll be a bit of celebrating, he says, with a recital of his carillon music at Aspen Island on September 24 and Canberra Youth Orchestra will perform a Sitsky concerto on September 31. Then with the support of the ANU School of Music, he and Canberra violinist Tor Frømyhr will do a Busoni-Sitsky recital where each opus and sonata involves the number 1. Government House in Hobart has invited him to a concert and reception in his honour on September 10, his actual birthday. This, Sitsky tells “CityNews,” is very appropriate because his first opera, “The Fall of the House of Usher”, premiered at the Theatre Royal Hobart in 1965. But as far as he knows, nothing has been planned by the CSO, and as for Opera Australia, well, when he approached director Lyndon

Terracini about performing his completion of Ferruccio Busoni’s unfinished opera, “Dr Faust,” (a nice bookend to the music he wrote for Splinters Theatre’s “Faust” in Canberra) he was told Australian audiences didn’t appreciate modern music. Not to worry, a conductor in Germany has offered to stage it in Buenos Aires and later in Cologne. You’d expect Sitsky to be enraged, but he isn’t. On the contrary, he still enjoys getting up people’s noses.

“Not only do I push the envelope, but also I like to challenge the audiences,” he says, likening himself to composers Nigel Butterley and the late Richard Meale – “we write music that is honest, without worrying whether it’s politically correct.”

The magical ‘Dream’

YOU really haven’t seen

Puck in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” until you see Julie Forsyth in “The Dream”.

Her immersion into Shakespeare’s strange and elusive character is an invasion into one’s lingering shadows and echoes of voices left over from childhood; but a childhood of fancy and dread at the same time. With her use of voice and gesture, she burrows below the known world into that of mystery and imagination.

Forsyth along with Bell’s exemplary cast reveals the extraordinary world normally kept from the eyes of both 16th and 21st century audiences.

The magic of theatre is captured by the spirit world in the play; a world where players cast spells over the eyes of both each other and the human world of society. The illusion is thought to be real while the intervening manipulation is never recognised.

As an audience, we are left to laugh and enjoy the games. We care little as both women face death if they do not accept the commands of the men. Only the magic world really engages. The reality is too terrifying.

Peter Evans’ deft directorial

theatre

“The Dream”

By

His has been a long musical life.

“I gave my first concert at 10 and that means I’ve spent bloody 70 years on the concert platform,” he groans. “I think I was destined to be a musician.”

Born in China, Sitsky came to Australia in 1951 and though as a child prodigy he began piano lessons at age 4, his parents didn’t want him to be a musician.

“I was supposed to be an engineer.” He tried that, accountancy, librarianship and even operating a radio in Antarctica, before putting his foot down and studying piano at the Sydney Conservatorium with Winifred Burston then at San Francisco Conservatory with Egon Petri.

Sitsky has enjoyed plenty of accolades. He’s travelled to the USSR

on a DFAT cultural exchange, won the AH Maggs award twice, the Alfred Hill Memorial Prize, the China Fellowship, the inaugural Fellowship of Composers prize, the inaugural National Critics’ Award and the inaugural Fellowship of Australian Composers. He was granted a personal professorial chair at the ANU, where he is now emeritus professor.

And has he passed his talents on? His daughter is a piano teacher but loathes the very platform experience Sitsky rejoices in. His granddaughter, here in Canberra, is studying piano and has perfect pitch. But does that mean she has musicality?

“Perfect pitch is a freakish ability,” Sitsky says. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

become spectres resonating with a power to haunt the sceptical mind of the contemporary spectator.

Give a Pre Christnas Gift for someone special SAT 13th DECEMBER.

Coach departs 7am for a 2pm matinee. Returns approx. 9.30pm Departs from Jolimont Centre.

Coach can also pickup in Goulburn. Departs 8am from McDonalds Goulburn Direct to Lyric Theatre.

Fully escorted Luxury Coach, A Reserve show ticket Surprises and fun on board. $210 per person

arts & entertainment

Duo’s farewell fundraiser

GUYY & The Fox, a Canberra duo seen at the National Folk Festival, has been invited to the big White Mountain Festival in South Africa, and to perform 11 other shows from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The duo, Guy Lilleyman and Amelia Gibson, is holding a farewell fundraiser in the Food Co-op near the ANU at 8pm on September 13. Bookings via eventbrite.com.au

MOHONA is Bengali for “estuary”, but here in Canberra it’s a musical group – Robin Guda, Andrew Purdam and Nitya Bernard Parker – that plays Indian classical music and original compositions. It will be performing in the High Court, 1pm, on Sunday, September 7, as part of the free concert series.

LOCAL band The Ellis Collective is releasing its second album, “Carry,” to audiences at The Street Theatre on September 6. They’ll be performing what Triple J’s Richard Kingsmill calls a “‘classic Australian sound” – strings and multi-layered harmonies. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

“ICE Floes and Growlers (Antarctica)” is a great name for the coming joint exhibition at M16 of paintings and site sketches by Kerry McInnis and sculptures by Mike

Helen Musa arts editor

MacGregor, who travelled together to the Antarctic Peninsula on a ship leaving Tierra del Fuego and crossing Drake’s Passage in November, 2012. At 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, September 11-28, with an opening by Wendy Teakel, 6pm, on September 11, all welcome.

LOCAL comedy showcase “Nothing Is Sacred” has raised $2143.90 for Amnesty International. Now it’s looking for script submissions for a Christmas event with a fundraising goal of $5000 in aid of Médecins Sans Frontières. The script may be up to 15 minutes in length and in any genre, but must begin with the stage direction, “(Character’s Name) enters carrying a Christmas present.” Submissions by October 5. Details at buddingtheatre.com

FURTHER afield, Bookham artist James Shannon is exhibiting paintings of scenes from below Burrinjuck Dam to beyond Gobarralong in the “Murrumbidgee Magic” art exhibition at the Jugiong Wine Cellar, September 7-21. Opening by MP Katrina Hodgkinson, 2pm, September 7, all welcome.

‘The Best’ winners

WINNERS of passes to see the hit Swedish movie “We Are the Best” are: Lucie White, of Hughes; Gary Koroschetz, Ngunnawal; Annette McKenna, Wanniasa; Malcolm Parnell, Queanbeyan; Doug Thompson, Campbell; Amanda Medcalf, Cook; KA Mewett, Lyons and Katharine Blackwell, Braddon.

Bob Dylan thrills and disappoints

CANBERRA’S Bob Dylan fans packed out the Royal Theatre on Friday night to hear the voice that shaped a generation.

An audience aged eight to 80 arrived in denim, hippy clothes, suits and Versace. It is hard to think of another performer whose appeal, at 73 years old, remains so broad.

And, truthfully, we didn’t really know what to expect. Dylan’s recent concerts are infamous – tales of him playing with his back to the audience, utterly uninterested in his loyal following. And on Friday night, there was no “Hello, Canberra”, not even a wave until the interval.

His first song, “Things Have Changed”, set the tone for the rest of the concert with the line: “I used to care, but things have changed.”

A strange disconnect existed between Dylan and his audience – it may have been the light, or the unfamiliarity of the newer songs, or perhaps it was just that “things have changed”.

In near-darkness, Dylan cut a small figure on the stage in a linen suit and broad-brimmed hat. Sometimes he seemed awkward and alone, moving between a baby grand piano and a circle of microphones on centre stage.

Dylan doesn’t play guitar anymore because of arthritis in his hands but the crowd went crazy when he picked up his harmonica. And he sang like he meant it – there were diamonds and there was also the rough.

The biggest crowd reactions came for the iconic songs from 1975 “A Simple Twist of Fate” and “Tangled up in Blue”. And while most of the concert was devoted to his recent album “Tempest”,

music

Bob Dylan At the Royal Theatre, Friday, August 29.

Reviewed by Judith Crispin

Dylan included enough classics to keep faith with his older audience. Recent Dylan albums evoke more of the deep south, folk and blues, the jaunty old-world Americana styles. This music showcased Dylan’s high-quality band, all accomplished rhythm and blues players – Charlie Sexton (lead guitar), Stu Kimball (rhythm), Tony Garnier (Bass), Donnie Herron (multi) and George Recile (drums).

The gritty “Scarlet Town” from 2012 and his mesmerising “Forgetful Heart” from 2009 were both received enthusiastically, as was “Duquesne Whistle”, the single from “Tempest”, but an enduring lack of intimacy caused the audience to sag between numbers.

A parting gift, perhaps – the band returned to the stage for an encore of “Blowing in the Wind” and “All Along the Watchtower”. The new arrangements still allowed the old magic to shine through and the crowd roared to their feet. As the show ended with my favourite Dylan song (and perhaps my favourite song of all time), “All Along the Watchtower”, I reflected that the hour is indeed getting late and Dylan, the great Bob Dylan, is not the immortal he once seemed. Friday’s concert was thrilling and disappointing. You have to ask why Dylan is still doing this when the rest of his generation are playing with their grandkids. And you also have to ask, at around $200 a seat, what we were all doing there – conjuring the past or bearing witness to the end of a legend.

arts & entertainment / cinema dining

Whimsy in the ‘Moonlight’

“Magin In The Moonlight” (PG)

WOODY Allen’s latest film is a whimsical confection that Noël Coward might have recognised as reflecting his style – the upper classes at play, romance confronted with seemingly-insurmountable obstacles, witty dialogue, an exotic location on the French Riviera and reprising popular musical hits of its time (1928).

Stage illusionist Howard (Simon McBurney) implores his life-long friend and superior at that craft Stanley (Colin Firth) to apply his skills to prove that Sophie (Emma Stone) is a charlatan who rips off wealthy women by claiming to be able to communicate with late husbands.

Howard is concerned about rich widow Grace whose gawky son (Hamish Linklater) is besotted with Sophie whom he serenades on his ukulele, singing mostly off key.

Stanley’s favourite aunt Vanessa (Eileen Atkins) lives nearby. Casting her and Jacki Weaver as Grace gives the film an admirable geriatric polish.

The screenplay contains occasional fallibilities especially in the development of Stanley and Sophie’s relationship. Its notes of “Private Lives” and “Blithe Spirit” suggest Woody Allen paying his respects to Coward, today’s master to yesterday’s.

JOEL Edgerton gives a cracking portrayal of NSW Police Service detective Malcolm who has concealed his part in a traffic incident involving a child while driving home after a late-night collegiate drinking session to celebrate his surviving a gunshot and running down the shooter.

The old-pals’ network has shepherded Malcolm through RBT. He knows he’s twice guilty, terrifying knowledge, because while those crimes are both free of mens rea, his concealment of them is not.

By coincidence, Det Sgt Carl (Tom Wilkinson) and DC Jim (Jai Courtney) are in the vicinity when they offer to give a hand at the accident scene. Carl is an old-style cop, trained on the job, up through the ranks, focused on protecting the reputation of the Service and its members.

Jim is the new breed of detective, academically trained, imbued with strong moral values, sensing that Malcolm’s story doesn’t add up, compounded by Carl’s not having taken Malcolm’s car for forensic examination.

We’ve grown complacent about police films and TV series full of gunplay, high-speed traffic derbies, punch ups and what police jargon calls “a result”. This one’s different, worth a look for that reason.

At Dendy, Palace Electric and Capitol 6

On fire in Braddon

BLACKFIRE is the name of another restaurant that’s just opened in Braddon, an area that simply can’t sit still.

Blackfire has an open fire pit and woodfire oven, and it specialises in some pretty delish Mediterranean cuisine. It’s only been open a couple of weeks but it won’t take Canberrans long to discover it.

The kitchen is headed by an executive chef who has worked in two-Michelinstar restaurants in Italy and Spain, two countries that worship food.

Paolo Milanesi, who hails from a Sicilian family of restaurateurs, has put his own stamp on the menu, plating up as nicely as he creates modern, yet rustic dishes.

We shared several items on the extensive menu, nicely guided by Paolo. Truth be told? We would have indulged in more except we maxed out.

“God’s

IN the last couple of millennia, monotheistic religions have arisen, mostly based on books written long before science established knowledge’s superiority over belief. Talmud, Bible and Koran are all belief-based, each appointing its god as the only true one and declaring false all others.

Harold Cronk’s film, written by Hunter Dennis and Chuck Konzelman, conducts its argument in an American university’s philosophy department.

Dr Radisson (Kevin Sorbo) directs his freshman class to write “God is dead”, sign it and hand in the page. Josh (Shane Harper) refuses. Radisson gives Josh the option of leaving the class or convincing his classmates that God is indeed not dead.

The film doesn’t take long to reveal its real intentions – subtle proselytising for fundamentalist Christianity in a nation where it’s big. Very big.

Costing $US2million, “God’s Not Dead” has already taken $US60million at the box office. It presents philosophical arguments from some of history’s leading atheists and agnostics. It leaves to the Christian God the task of proving his (or her) existence, alive, kicking and manifesting his/her powers on earth.

At Capitol 6

It was a great start with roasted piquillo peppers, stuffed with big chunks of tender crab meat and king prawn cutlets ($6 each). Next up was grilled artisan morcilla (sounds so much nicer than blood sausage), made especially for Blackfire in Sydney. If you’ve not had this before, don’t be afraid. It has amazing spices and is fab on top of bruschetta with roasted sweet pimiento ($5 each).

We continued to share, with a risotto celebrating the wonderful world of mushrooms ($27). It was cooked perfectly with generous serves of earthy brown and Swiss varieties. We agreed the dish was a wee bit salty.

The shaved radish and poached fen nel with preserved oranges, black olives and capers, with creamy goat cheese and beetroot vinaigrette ($16), danced on the plate. Such a beautiful combination of textures, colours and flavours.

Then came the organic, farm-certified, free-range lamb, roasted for eight long hours and served on a wooden board ($36 for a piece easily shared by several diners). Another dish packed with flavour, it was tender as and we gobbled it down with some of the best mash I’ve had in yonks.

Blackfire’s only been open a couple of weeks but it won’t take Canberrans long to discover it.

Blackfire is a great destination if you love open-fire, slow-roasted meats. Suckling pig is on the menu, as is certified purebred Black Angus and Wagyu, more than 36 months old and dry aged for 30 days.

I also love the idea of wood-roasted vegetables, seasonal and sourced as much as possible from local farms (some organic). And if you love haloumi, that’s prepared wood roasted, too. Indeed, there’s not a dish in the house I wouldn’t order and I can’t wait to return for wood-roasted chorizo and sautéed alubias white beans ($15), pan-tossed king prawns marinated in Pedro Ximenez and pil pil infused ($17) or any other dish for that matter.

Desserts are delightful. The décor is classy but warm. The wine list is impressive. This is a great place to book out for a special event or Christmas party. I’ll be back, and well before Santa arrives.

45/38 Mort Street, Braddon. Open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7am-11.30 pm. Call 6230 5921.

La Scala Italian Restaurant

Celebrating 25 years of excellence and welcomed as an accredited member restaurant to The Academy of Italian Cuisine for accurately displaying Italian culinary traditions and innovations.

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – September 8-14, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Full Moon highlights health, diet and exercise plus emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Issues from the past could also arise, as unresolved matters surface and demand to be addressed ASAP. On the weekend, Mercury opposes Uranus (you’ll feel hasty and hot-headed) and Mars marches into speedy Sagittarius. So pace yourself Rams, otherwise you might just blow a fuse!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

A current situation is confusing and true motives remain hidden but don’t let it compromise your moral radar. Plus avoid embellishing the truth, and being less than 100% honest. Stand your ground and be a reliable Bull. On Saturday, enjoy life’s little luxuries like good food, fine wine and convivial company. But - if you’re too self-indulgent - a loved one won’t be happy.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

The full moonbeams place you firmly in the spotlight, so make sure it’s for the right reasons. Strive to get the balance right between being creative and being organised and don’t neglect your family. Logic goes out the window on the weekend, as you feel confused about your future direction. If you think outside the box and trust your intuition it will take you where you need to go.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

You crave your comfortable Crab routines, but you need to shake them up with some creative thinking and adventurous dreaming. And are you stuck in worry wart mode? Seek advice from an older friend or family member, someone whose wisdom and experience you respect. A problem shared is a problem halved. For some lucky singles, love lies waiting in your local neighbourhood.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Communication, social media, finances and family matters are all favoured, as you combine self-discipline with a surge of Cat creativity. Plus, with prosperity planet Jupiter powering through your sign (until July 2015) it’s time to talk up your talents and live life to the max. Be inspired by birthday great, the writer D. H. Lawrence: “I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Partnerships and joint ventures are highlighted but don’t assume you have all the information. Check the facts and wait until the full picture emerges. Plus avoid talking about a property sale or financial transaction until it’s signed, sealed and delivered.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

A friend or colleague comes up with an unusual proposal that confuses you. Avoid making spur-of-the-moment decisions. Sleep on it and let a fresh perspective emerge. And don’t allow a loved one to manipulate you, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment. Strive to differentiate between a delicious daydream and an impractical fantasy.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The stars favour joint ventures plus group projects, as you enjoy contributing your creative talents. Draw up a to-do list, and be flexible enough to tweak it as the week develops. Expect a dramatic dummy-spit from a loved one though, as the Full Moon fires up old grievances. And don’t let someone’s flattering remarks blind you to their real intentions. Keep a smart head on your Scorpio shoulders.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Don’t assume you know where a loved one or colleague is coming from midweek, you may be way off the mark. Ask for clarification and keep your options wide open. You’re firing on all cylinders on the weekend, as Mars charges into your sign and you combine an adventurous approach with Sagittarian spontaneity. If you make bold moves and take calculated risks, you’ll taste success.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Full Moon and Saturn link up, which increases your determination to get things done. It’s also a terrific time to network with colleagues plus develop your social media connections. Concentration is high and your attention to detail is even better than usual. Any work you do will be of an exceptionally high standard, as others sit up and notice your numerous talents and multitasking skills.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Avoid taking short-cuts at work Aquarius. Look for facts that are hidden beneath the surface; be uncharacteristically patient; and do all the research that is required. Plus resist the temptation to shop up a storm, and use retail therapy as entertainment. Find less expensive ways to amuse yourself! On the weekend, don’t expect everyone to appreciate your quirky, kooky and chaotic ways.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Attached Fish – has your relationship become ho-hum? Venus is vamping through your relationship zone (for three more weeks) which provides a welcome romantic respite. Singles – sparks could fly with a tender Taurus or a virtuous Virgo. But you need to take off your rose-coloured glasses and view prospective partners in a more realistic light. On the weekend, avoid being rash with cash.

4 Which substance appears as quartz, sand, flint and agate? (6)

7 What is an incidental clause of agreement in a contract? (8)

8 What was the given name of Australia’s first prime minister, ... Barton? (6)

9 To pass across, is to do what? (8)

11 Which type of plant is ivy? (7)

13 Name a north coast NSW town at the mouth of the Richmond River (7)

15 Which term is descriptive of sluggishness? (7)

17 What do we call one who is very sensitive to the beauties of art or nature? (7) (US)

20 Which word refers to “starlike”? (8)

23 Name the son or daughter of an aunt or uncle (6)

24 What are unsolicited drawings or words, written on walls, etc? (8)

25 What is an organism in the earlier stages of its development? (6)

(6)

3 Name the NSW premier from

to 2005, Bob ...? (4)

4 What is a bullock called? (5)

5 Which marine gastropod mollusc adheres to rocks? (6)

6 What is a light narrow boat that is propelled by one or more paddles? (5)

9 What are shinbones called? (6)

10 Which infectious skin disease is caused by parasitic mites? (7)

12 To send back a prisoner into custody is to do what? (6)

14 What is a drink of water, beer, etc, taken after a drink of

(6)

16 To refine something is to do what? (6)

18 Name the Melbourne NRL team (5)

19 Which Spanish-American dance is considered a classic? (5)

21 Which hard, durable, resinous wood is used for shipbuilding and furniture? (4)

22 Name the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet (4)

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping

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glenbog@skymesh.com.au Like us on Facebook

gardening Hail the mighty magnolias

ONE of the most magnificent plants about to flower are magnolias. Ranging from shrubs to small trees they need sufficient space to grow gracefully; there’s nothing worse than a distorted shrub crowded out by other shrubs.

The magnolia family is huge with Hillier’s “Manual of Trees and Shrubs”, the bible of plants, listing 110 varieties, by no means all of them. Unfortunately, we have relatively few available in Australia, although more varieties have become available in recent years.

In 1703 the missionary Charles Plumier, famous for introducing fuchsias to the West, described a tree and flowers he first saw, calling it Magnolia after the French botanist Pierre Magnol.

There are two varieties of magnolias, the North American evergreen and the Asian deciduous, my subject this week. Magnolia denudata and M. liliflora are the best known of all Chinese flowering trees, the latter having been cultivated for more than 1000 years.

Magnolia stellata or Star Magnolia is suitable for almost every garden, rarely exceeding three metres, with its delicate, fragrant, star-like white flowers opening in profusion now.

popular with gardeners with its huge, tulip-shaped flowers.

Magnolias have few growing requirements, preferring a good depth of soil plus plenty of organic matter such as compost.

Good drainage is essential. If this is a problem, plant on a mound of soil. Popular opinion, as with other acid-loving plants such as camellias and rhododendrons, is that they need copious amounts of water. Whereas, in fact, they are surprisingly drought tolerant.

summer, even though the acorns can be slippery underfoot. And yet those little cups are responsible for some of the world’s highest-quality leather.

The oak Quercus valonia’s acorns are the best.

In the UK, there’s a Devon tannery that’s been on the same site continuously since Roman times using oak bark to get the right amount of tannin to process the hides. Then acorn cups are crushed and added to the brew to increase the tannin levels.

• THE Horticultural Society’s Spring Bulb and National Camellia Show, Wesley Centre, National Circuit, Forrest will be held on the weekend of September 13 (noon5pm) and 14 (11.30am-3.45pm). On display will be the largest collection of daffodils in Australia plus the Australian Camellia show. Entry by gold coin.

Introduced from Japan in 1862, it was honoured with a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1922. Magnolia soulangiana, which was also given an AGM in 1932, has always been extremely

With all these plants in our garden, even in the drought, I still only turned the drip system on one hour, once a week. This year, with regular rainfall, I have not used any drippers for six months.

IN older suburbs oak trees provide wonderful shade in

The hides stay in the tanning brew for nine months with a further six months of processing to make some of the finest leather in the world from saddles to shoes. Even in Australia, acorns are a valuable source of food for pigs.

Doings...

• THE Bowral Home and Garden Show is being held this weekend, September 6-7. Details at homeandgardenshow.com.au

CEDRIC BRYANT

open garden Magical garden with a sense of place

HIDDEN from the road by mature trees and rows of poplars, Wendy Zeitsch’s magical garden is full of secret corners to explore.

“Yeumville”, at Hall, is the first open garden of the season and is a delight in spring, with pink blossom lining the driveway, wide garden beds and dots of colour here and there.

“I prefer little spots to a riot of colour, but I do like to have a picture from every window in the house and colour all year round,” says Wendy.

The Nanima Road garden will be open on the weekend of September 13 and 14, and will include a pop-up cafe organised by the Springfield Bushfire Brigade. It’s a garden guaranteed to appeal to children, says Wendy, with space to explore and whimsical art to discover.

“My grandchildren love visiting, they tear around and there’s not a complaint or a fight to be heard when they’re in the garden,” she says. “There’s that wonderful element of discovery and plenty of places for them to get lost, have adventures.”

The creek area is alive with noise, from flowing water to a frog chorus and birdsong, as well as a little blue bridge, stonework and places to rest.

It’s come a long way from the well-manured ram paddock the family moved into in the hot summer of 1984.

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Gary Schafer

“Photos of the house and garden back then are so different, and people ask me how I knew where to start to make the garden so beautiful,” says Wendy. “It’s evolved slowly, one job at a time, and I tell people: ‘Well, you just start’.”

The “inner garden”, as Wendy calls it, frames the other side of the house and is an open, restful green space, with an “angel walk”, a large lawn and neat wide beds full of hellebores, comfrey, agapanthus and groundcover such as violet and variegated vinca that largely self-seed.

“I don’t like a very formal, manicured look but I do like it to look as though someone cares,” she says.

“I’m a bit of an accidental gardener – I like to have a nice outdoor space, so I do what’s involved to make that happen, but I don’t see myself as a gardener.

“It’s more of a philosophy – a house and garden have to work well together, and when they do it creates a sense of place, which is so special.”

“Yeumville”, 680 Nanima Road, Hall, open Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, 10am-4.30pm.

Adults $8, children under 18, free. Funds raised will go to Open Gardens Australia and the Springfield Bushfire Brigade. More information at opengarden.org.au

$464,550 INCLUDING 126SQM OF LIVING, 45SQM OF OUTDOOR LIVING, 3 BATHROOMS, 3 CAR SPACES, WALK IN ROBES AND SEPARATE LAUNDRY

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