Katy has protected jobs. It should be considered the most important achievement.
MICHAEL MOORE
Running the ACT is a hard slog and she’s done it tough since taking over in 2011.
ROBERT MACKLIN
Having made a generous offer to the Mr Fluffy homeowners she ignored some opportunistic politics from Jeremy Hanson.
JOHN GRIFFITHS
Rebranded and revived, Manuka’s traders are breathing new life into one of Canberra’s oldest shopping precincts, reports WENDY JOHNSON
THIS week is a milestone for Manuka. Ninety years ago, on December 12, 1925, the first business lease was let.
It was the beginning of one of Canberra’s oldest shopping precincts, which today is alive and well with vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars and a raft of professional services.
Model T Fords no longer line wide, dusty streets, but customers still spend time socialising and shopping, including in upmarket fashion and jewellery boutiques.
About 200 businesses operate in the area according to the Manuka Business Association.
“Last year we held one of the largest Parties at the Shops to celebrate Manuka’s rich and diverse history and Canberra’s Centenary,” says Scott McGrath, branch manager for Canberra of Bendigo Bank and president of the association.
“We saw how much people loved the area and decided to keep the momentum going.”
The association has since hosted networking evenings and conducted its own informal research, concluding that Manuka needed its own brand, the inspiration for which was the stained-glass fencing on Franklin Street.
“Beyond the new brand, which is rolling out now, the association is looking into more serious issues needing attention,” says Scott.
“We’re seizing the opportunity to revitalise Manuka. Canberra is growing at a rapid rate and the retail environment is exploding with the Kingston Foreshore, Braddon, New Acton and the like. We have a different offering and need to maximise that.”
Convenient access to Manuka is an issue. “The introduction of paid parking in the Parliamentary Triangle has negatively impacted traffic,” says Scott. “Staff who
pay for parking don’t want to lose their spot by travelling to the inner-south for shopping, services or dining. The association is looking at innovative ideas to present to the ACT Government, such as a free shuttle bus service that could work its way through the Parliamentary Triangle, Manuka and Kingston between noon and 2pm.”
Another access issue relates to the change in the Number 6 bus routing, which has upset many retailers.
Wendy Loftus, who owns the gift shop Living in Style, says the bus used to stop in the heart of Manuka on Franklin Street.
“Then the route was changed and the bus now stops two blocks away on Captain Cook,” says Wendy.
“It defies logic because people, including the elderly, now have to cross busy roads and walk a much longer distance.”
Steve Doszpot, local Assembly member for Molonglo, who lives and works in the
area, has received a large number of complaints about the re-routing.
Steve, who attends most association meetings, says: “There’s new blood, new energy and new ways of thinking with the association.
“It’s good to see people getting together to revitalise a suburb. The timing is right to work together on the re-routing problem, the need for more parking and accessibility from the parliamentary precinct.”
ACTION Buses is on record saying it has no plans to change routes or bring new buses to Manuka, but a petition is underway by the association to test need.
IN the meantime, Manuka is as busy as Santa’s elves with Christmas around the corner, including several new businesses that have recently opened in the area, such as Pressed Juices, Priceline, Nineteentwentyseven by Cusak and Sushi Smith on The Lawns.
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by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
THE dogs had been barking that Katy Gallagher would depart the Chief Minister’s chair for a Senate seat ever since Kate Lundy resigned.
Running the ACT is a hard slog and she’s done it tough since taking over from Jon Stanhope in 2011. As a mother of three, it’s not surprising that she’d prefer the somnolence of the Senate for a while.
The centennial was fun while it lasted but will only be remembered for that ghastly blow-up whale. She won an election; and with the support of successor Andrew Barr received good marks for financial management. And her buyback of 1021 Mr Fluffy homes starting this week is both sensible and timely.
Indeed, it was a rueful Ms Gallagher who noted that the Commonwealth Bank donation of a $10,000 special assistance payment to 250 affected customers was more than they’d received from the Commonwealth Government, which was running the show when it happened.
Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson called for more “flexibility” in dealing with individual victims and that might well be justified. But there’s very little political capital to be made from the issue; he’d be better advised to stick
Katy’s departure might well give the new Chief Minister an excuse to abandon the tram before it runs him over.
to the light rail project where the Barr government has yet to convince a dubious public. In fact, Katy’s departure might well give the new Chief Minister an excuse to abandon the tram before it runs him over.
REGULAR readers will recall last week’s adventure in the Emergency Department of the Canberra Hospital where I had to wait from midnight to 3.45am to be seen after ripping my calf on the lever of my TV chair. Ah, if only that were the end of the saga. But the redressing a few days later took a staggering two and a half hours! However, the good news was the Chief Minister’s announcement the very next day of a $23 million upgrade for the ED! Wow. Sometimes the power of “CityNews” is just frightening.
A FOND farewell also to the Feds after what PM Tony Abbott called his “year
of achievement”: the rejection of all the controversial Budget measures and the dumping of the Victorian Liberal government. No doubt the Opposition will be hoping he has another one just like it in 2015.
THREE hearty cheers for the great Wallaby forward David Pocock in his protest against the massive expansion of the Maules Creek coal mine in the Leard State Forest. Both the ARU and Brumbies coach Steve Larkham made goats of themselves by issuing “official warnings” to him. How absurd to conflate his “arrest” with police actions against other footballers for larrikin behaviour in nightclubs.
SO, let’s get this straight: Minister Rattenbury is happy to dish out free needles for Maconochie Centre prisoners to shoot up, while at the same time arresting and charging four blokes
last Friday for allegedly supplying the drugs.
And in a statement this week the warders’ union, the CPSU, said its members remained “as resolute as ever” to oppose the free needle program. They have agreed to remove a provision from the enterprise agreement that requires union support before any program can be implemented. “But the program should not go ahead without the agreement of a majority of staff,” a spokesman said.
Shame, Shane, shame.
robert@robertmacklin.com
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How long since you’ve had the Manuka experience? Manuka is evolving with new shops, boutiques, hospitality venues and professional services—everything you need.
It’s Christmas and a perfect time to rediscover Manuka for great holiday shopping and socialising. Manuka has it all.
Living in Style is a one-stop destination for stylish décor and gift requirements. A Pandora’s Box of contemporary, unusual and quirky items from across Australia and around the world, the store continually delights customers. Hilarious cards, aprons and mugs. Speciality items for home, office, garden and pets. Free gift wrapping.
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T.O.D. Manuka imports impeccable classic pieces with a twist direct from Europe. We empower our customers with a fresh sense of fashion and sophistication. Since establishing in 1999, T.O.D. Manuka has cultivated a highly satisfied base of customers from around Australia who appreciate stylish garments and accessories.
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Creations is an award-winning, family-owned and operated business, something of a rarity in the traditional world of fine jewellery. The business has a modern approach and a keen sense of fashion. It specialises in designing, manufacturing and remodelling old jewellery. The friendly team of staff includes designers, gemmologists and creative jewellers.
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This emporium of indulgent body care and bathroom luxuries will arouse your senses. Specialties include a range of L’Occitane en Provence, Voluspa scented candles, Missoni towels and bathrobes, SLIP silk pillowcases and luxurious bathrobes. Spoil yourself and your loved ones with fabulous gifts. You can even create your own gift basket.
TEL 6295 2255
As Canberra’s favourite independent bookstore, our comfortable atmosphere is perfect for browsing. With knowledgeable staff who are passionate about reading, and a huge range of titles, we can find the right book for you. We hold regular events with authors and are open 9am to 8pm seven days a week.
TEL 6295 6723 / paperchainbookstore.com.au
Dedicated to sourcing unique and beautiful products from around the world, Country House Manuka is truly a feast for the senses. For 22 years, Marlene McCarthy has personally selected a diverse range of personal accessories and homewares, all chosen for their superb quality, beautiful design and the best materials.
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Located in the chic shopping precinct of Manuka, Briolette prides itself on the remarkable design and beauty of it’s original pieces. Briolette is dedicated to delivering, the highest standards of excellence, refined craftsmanship and assurance of quality, and the knowledgeable staff are experts in advising on all manner of inquiry.
TEL 6295 9493 / briolette.com.au
Escala Shoes sources shoes and accessories from exciting designers in Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Australia, bringing cutting-edge designs to customers. Escala Shoes provides signature looks that are elegant, highly wearable and on-trend. Established under the present ownership in 1999, Escala Shoes has been in retail for almost 30 years.
TEL 6232 7666 / escala-shoes.com.au
Experience, expertise and Dr Bernard Leung’s artistic eye are what set us apart from the rest. We strive for excellence in cosmetic surgery and offer a comprehensive list of surgical and non-surgical treatments requiring little or no down time. We’re here to help you look and feel your best.
TEL 6255 8988 / facialartistry.com.au
Marilyn and Arthur at Mail Boxes Etc Manuka, have been providing a range of services to customers for 19.5 years. Business services include digital, offset printing, courier, freight and mail services. Christmas promotion: We will pack and send your Christmas goods anywhere in the world with a trusted carrier.
TEL 6239 5122 / mbemanuka.com.au
Urban Pantry brings warmth and sophistication to Canberra’s leafy inner south. The rustic fitout, vintage floorboards and earthy colour palate, creates a lived-in feel. The menu changes with the seasons and focuses on local produce. Blackboard specials delight. The wine list is carefully selected. Sit, taste and indulge at Urban Pantry.
TEL 6162 3556 / urban-pantry.com.au
My Cafe promises something for everyone with a tasty breakfast menu from 7am to 5pm and all-day and late-night dining. Indulge in vegetarian dishes, paleo-friendly and gluten-free options, seasonal and daily specials and exquisite desserts. Shelter indoors or enjoy the breeze and a cocktail al fresco. Reservations are not necessary.
TEL 6295 6632 / mycafemanuka.com.au
East Hotel is a 4.5-star apartment style hotel with creative event space where guests leave with expectations exceeded and with a sense of having experienced something different. Winner of the Australian Hotel Association National Award for Best Suite/Apartment Style Hotel 2013 and 2014, East is designed for couples and families.
TEL 6295 6925 / easthotel.com.au
Located in the heart of Canberra, we are just a short walk to the cafés and restaurants of Manuka and close to many of Canberra’s major tourist attractions. The property comprises 76 hotel rooms, and 40 one-and two-bedroom serviced apartments. Overlooking beautiful parkland, our restaurant and deck are ideal for alfresco dinning.
TEL 6203 4300 / forresthotel.com
Our boutique clinic offers a range of advanced, non-invasive skin and beauty treatments as well as individually tailored weight management programs. We offer extended hours, operate on an appointment only basis to ensure you receive the undivided attention you expect and will answer all your questions at a free consultation.
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At Boettcher Law, our experienced lawyers provide practical and cost-effective solutions to businesses. We have a proven track record in resolving complex and sensitive disputes. We proudly serve clients ranging from large construction companies and foreign embassies to individuals seeking personalised service in estate planning, asset structuring and notarisations.
TEL 6232 0600 / boettcherlaw.com.au
Find fanciful fashion and whimsical wares for babies and children up to 16 years at Wolfie. We select the best quality clothes, shoes and gifts, so children can run wild and play hard. Kids can play in the outdoor forest while you shop. Brands include Sudo, Paper Wings, Eeeni Meeni and Wilson & Frenchy.
TEL 6239 6038 / wearwolfie.com.au
With fabulous brands at famously low prices, we’ve got your health and beauty needs covered. Our pharmacists are committed to your well-being and offer expert advice and services. At Priceline Manuka you’ll love our huge range of makeup, skincare, hair products and fragrances and you’ll love paying less for them.
TEL 6162 0007 / priceline.com.au
LAMBASTING Katy Gallagher is akin to kicking a koala. Reflecting on the political career of the ex-Chief Minister brings mixed reactions from the people of the ACT.
The challenge in making an unbiased assessment is that the media image of the friendly, warm, engaging Katy is the same as the person you meet on the street, in her office or in the shops.
However, this is not enough in political life. Political leadership requires a balance between leadership and decisive action. Listening is important. Alternatively, hard decisions carry higher political risk but they deliver results.
Katy Gallagher explained her move towards the sinecure in the Senate being vacated by Kate Lundy. “After much consideration I have decided that I can use the skills I have gained in my time as Chief Minister to step into the federal arena to stand up for Canberra, defend our city and
Barr will be fair political game and can expect a much more aggressive, vociferous opposition. And he will have to deal with the Katy legacy and its critics.
be a strong local voice for our nation’s capital. This job has never been more important than now.”
Announcing the move she ran through her proudest achievements. Amongst them she cited: health, open government, “Digital Canberra” and her work on obesity.
Compared to the corruption of NSW, the failure of a one-term government in Victoria and the slash and burn that has devastated the health and social service sectors in Queensland creating more inequity, she is doing pretty well. That is, if Canberra can afford it. The Territory still retains its AAA+ credit rating, which is surely the envy of the Liberal governments in WA and the NT.
So how do we sit after 13
years of Labor government? The critics argue there is a record debt, the health system is not without its problems and the prison is overcrowded with the warders unhappy.
Some Mr Fluffy homeowners seem pretty unhappy despite her commitments to assist them. The bus system seems as inefficient as ever and the light rail is causing major conflict in the community. Time to hand over to the pretender to the throne. Andrew Barr may well be capable of turning this around. However, in doing so he is at high risk of losing the next election. For Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson there will be no accusations of attacking a koala. Barr will be fair political game and can expect a much more aggressive, vociferous opposition. And he will have to deal with the Katy legacy and its critics. It is correct to say the new prison is already overcrowded. But this was always going to be the case and there are plans to extend. Build a gaol and the judiciary will fill it. Across the developed world a higher percentage of the people are incarcerated even though statistics illustrate a decline in criminality.
The Mr Fluffy debacle has been an emotional roller coaster ride for Katy Gallagher. She has been caught in the middle in attempting to balance financial reality with community need. The Federal government under Eric Abetz has short-changed Canberra in refusing to wear its part of the responsibility for the original debacle.
Katy has protected jobs. It should be considered the most important achievement. When the Federal government attacked ACT funding, slashed the out years of the budget and hacked into the partnership agreements on health, it also chopped more than 10,000 jobs from Canberra. There was no Geelong parachute. The Gallagher government rebuilt its budget extending the time it would need to come back into surplus. The decision was about jobs, health and the community. With the AAA+ rating held by the ACT she could afford it. She stood up to the criticism.
Public transport is an issue for every government. However, if light rail is to be the backbone to the public transport system, why not ensure all Canberrans understand their turn will come. Get the message out: “Stage One” Gungahlin to Civic. “Stage Two” to Tuggeranong. “Stage Three” Belconnen! And so on. Better still – forget 19th century technology
and build pride in the innovative city with a 21st century magnetic levitation system. Be visionary. Then ensure the bus network reaches out from the backbone.
A steady hand on the tiller is the mark of Katy Gallagher in the ACT Assembly. She has stood up for Canberra as an MLA, now she will need to use her influence in the party and the Senate to protect and build a better Canberra.
Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
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THREE cheers for Katy Gallagher!
Hip hip, hooray!
Hip hip, hooray!
Hip hip, hooray!
Having made an exceptionally generous offer to the Mr Fluffy homeowners she ignored some opportunistic politics from Jeremy Hanson (it’s hard to see him offering as much “flexibility” at the expense of the budget bottom line if he actually had to deliver it), ignored the grumbling Fluffy malcontents holding out for an even bigger deal and stuck to her guns.
Let’s review what’s gone down.
Having bought houses that were almost certainly at a discount because of their past association with the awful brown asbestos roof insulation, the homeowners, who had thought their cheap buy was due to some innate real estate genius, are getting out with the taxpayers coughing up a valuation based on the fiction of there being no asbestos issue.
This is, apparently, not good enough. One suspects the malcontents, having already got such a great deal, think that with a rush and a push the land can be theirs.
Let us remember how life works for everyone except the precious petal real estate genii of the Fluffy claque: pretty much everyone who bought a record store 10 years ago? Gone.
Bookstore franchisees? Roadkill.
Dare I say it; founders of independent media sites? Years of work gone, thousands in entitlements lost and crippling credit-card debt that comes with sudden and unexpected unemployment.
In every other walk of life, if your business ends
The homeowners, who had thought their cheap buy was due to some innate real estate genius, are getting out with the taxpayers coughing up a valuation based on the fiction of there being no asbestos issue.
up on the wrong side of history you take the hit, dust yourself off, and start working hard to try and make up the damage.
Fluffy owners, with assistance for out-of-pocket expenses, and stamp duty exemptions, are horrified they’re going to have to endure the trauma of moving house.
They may be surprised to know there is a significant group in their society, called renters, who do not own assets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, who normally have to move every few years with no government assistance at all!
Even more enraging; those renters will have to endure cuts to government services they rely on in order to fund the ever more entitled Fluffyites. So on behalf of the wider community, who has not generally been paying attention, let us draw a line in the sand.
If you stop a non-Fluffy owner in the street and explain that the Government is going to bail out the losses of failed real estate investors at the expense of the rest of the community their response (and I’ve tried this) consists of four-letter words conveyed in a negative manner.
If you tell that person in the street this offer is not good enough for the Fluffy owners, the response gets considerably louder and more negative.
The outgoing Chief Minister grasped the nettle and chose to fix this problem once and for all. The houses will be demolished and the land scraped. She offered the home owners compensation equal to what their houses would be worth if all the inspections and reports (which the owners should have read) did not say there was an issue of deadly contamination.
It is handsomely fair. It fixes the issue. The moaning really needs to stop.
Either that or we need to bail out every other failed investor in the community. I could do with the money but I really don’t see how that can work.
John Griffiths is online editor of citynews.com.au
ANDREW James Barr, a Rolling Stones “fanatic” with an abiding love for Canberra, has become the Territory’s seventh chief minister.
And whatever he says – “You won’t see radical change in terms of policy priorities” –things are going to be different following Katy Gallagher’s sudden ascent to the Senate.
Characteristically, the 41-year-old is keeping his foot on the accelerator, affirming to “CityNews” that the tram plans are rolling on, rates reform will continue, the becalmed City to the Lake will have some news in the New Year and there are Territory assets heading to the auction block – but not Floriade, though changes are afoot.
On public transport Barr says he is “committed to increasing investment in public transport, including light rail.”
“The lived experience around the world is that cities that prioritise public transport have stronger economic performance,” he says. “Good public transport infrastructure is essential for the sustainable growth of a city.”
He believes the “heavy lifting” of rates reform is almost complete.
“Tax reform has driven considerable economic activity in the past few years – particularly in the commercial property sector,” he says.
“Stamp duty has been cut on every single property in Canberra saving purchasers thousands of dollars (sometimes tens of thousands of dollars).
• “I am a Rolling Stones fanatic – own every album they have ever released and saw them twice on their recent Australian tour.”
• “My favourite TV shows are ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘House of Cards’, ‘Scandal’, ‘Fargo’ and ‘Looking’.”
• “During my Canberra junior cricket career in the 1980s I played in the City U13s and U14s team with James Hird and we used to play against George Gregan.”
aquatic centre planning and the new theatre feasibility study.”
He confirmed the Government is considering a range of “old assets” that could be sold to invest in “new assets”. Despite the rumours, there are no plans for ActewAGL, Icon Water or EPIC.
“Older Government buildings, undeveloped land, and ageing public housing are areas currently being worked on – particularly along Northbourne Avenue.
And Floriade? “It will always remain free under a Labor Government, and will remain a flagship event for Canberrans and visitors alike to enjoy,” he says. “There are some exciting new proposals to expand the event that the Government will consider in the New Year.
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“The Government will continue tax reform in future budgets, but the heavy lifting has nearly been completed with the complete abolition of insurance tax due in 2016. Beyond 2016, the Government will continue to cut stamp duty each Budget.”
Barr is seen as an “ideas man” and one of his biggest is City to the Lake, which was parked by Gallagher in the face of the Mr Fluffy liability hitting the Territory’s Budget.
Barr is hinting at getting it restarted with the promise of announcements in the New Year around private sector investment.
“The Government will continue to develop the City to the Lake project in stages,” he says.
“The Westside pop-up village at Acton Park will open this summer. Work continues on the west basin waterfront project, the Parkes 3 land release, convention centre business case, city
“Canberra is a city of brilliant possibilities and I am passionate about making our city an even better place to live – a place where there are jobs, opportunities and a future for all,” he says, promising to bring energy, ideas and experience to his new role.
“I am a proud Canberran – my family moved here in 1977 when I was four years old. I grew up in Canberra’s suburbs, completed all of my education and university here and have worked in the public and private sectors over the past 20 years.
“I will always stand up for Canberra. If that means telling the Federal Government that its policies are hurting Canberrans – and indeed all Australians given the important role the public service has in delivering services right across the country – I’ll continue to do that.
“I have been a minister since 2006 and Deputy Chief Minister since 2011. So I understand this city and its people and what makes it tick.”
IN this era of media management in sport and “sending the right messages”, are we sanitising sportspeople to the extent that we don’t even expect them to be interesting any more?
Brumbies flanker David Pocock, a man of conviction if ever there was one, has been presented with a formal warning from the Australian Rugby Union for his part in an anti-coal mine protest in north-west NSW.
The ARU felt the need to issue the warning after Pocock was arrested on three charges, including trespass. He went to the protest with the sole intention of raising awareness of the issue.
He has a history of promoting causes in which he has a strong belief including same-sex marriage, climate change and the eradication of AIDS and HIV in Zimbabwe. In fact he funds his own charity to improve the health of women and children in his birth country.
We are not talking about your average sportsper-
organisations are being criticised for a homogenous approach in how sportspeople under their charge present themselves.
Which is why I found
I understand the significance of Pocock being charged, but do you lump him with players on assault charges or disgracing themselves in nightclubs?
the wording in the ARU’s statement curious. It stated while the ARU appreciates that David has personal views on a range of issues, “we’ve made it clear that we expect his priority to be ensuring he can fulfill his role as a high-performance athlete”.
I understand the significance of him being charged, but do you lump him with players on assault charges or disgracing themselves in nightclubs?
Reading between the lines you get the impression they would be happy if he didn’t have any outside interests and that his sole focus be on securing possession at the breakdown.
Are we in danger of breeding a generation of robots?
Whether you agree with Pocock’s stance on a range of causes is not the point. I am sure there are many that don’t support his views but he clearly demonstrates he has the courage of standing up for his convictions.
If anything the ARU should be encouraging him to have a voice on the causes he feels passionate about, albeit within the law. To suggest his priority should be as a high-performance athlete only suggests that sportspeople are not
David Pocock… the courage of standing up for his convictions.
able to think about anything else. I would have thought of bigger concern to the ARU is how to sell the new registration scheme for club players. This appears to be similar to the time when Football Federation Australia introduced a scheme for junior soccer. Spend some time on this issue and let footballers contribute to society in a way that is consistent with their personal beliefs.
10AM–2PM, WED 10–SUN 14 DEC
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I NOTE columnist Robert Macklin’s counsel (CN, November 13) that I should “tread carefully in promoting the asylum seeker issue in Labor circles”. Mr Macklin goes on to suggest that the asylum seeker issue is one on which politicians and political parties should simply follow the national mood and accept the current policy as it is.
As an aside I assume Mr Macklin would, in the same light, support the reintroduction of the death penalty and would perhaps have argued against the abandonment of the White Australia policy or policies involving the removal of Aboriginal children from their families, on the basis that those policies all had, at one time, popular support and in the case of the death penalty probably still does. Those policies were, of course, only abandoned as a result of strong political leadership.
I will not, with respect, be accepting Mr Macklin’s advice. The current Australian asylum seeker policies, including those supported by my party, the ALP, are in my
view, not acceptable. Those aspects of the policies that involve, for example, the mandatory and indefinite detention of asylum seekers, most particularly children, are cruel, inhumane and in some respects may possibly constitute torture.
We Australians are by our treatment of asylum seekers knowingly damaging the health and welfare of innocent men, women and children. There are aspects of our current policies that shame Australia and by extension all Australians.
Rather than accepting Mr Macklin’s exhortation that we all turn our faces away from the cruelty and inhumanity being perpetrated in our names as a result of the policies implemented by successive Labor and Liberal Governments, I intend to continue to agitate for our leaders, most particularly my colleagues in the ALP, to actually show some leadership and moral fibre on the matter and find a better way.
Jon Stanhope, Bruce
JOHN Griffiths has written a fine tribute to Maj-Gen Sherman’s remarkable victory against the Confederacy during the American Civil War (CN, December 4), but I am saddened at his dismissing slavery as “unpleasantly exceptional” today, when there are at present an estimated 30 million people around the world who are viewed as property by others and forced to live in bondage.
Today the countries where you
are most likely to be enslaved are Mauritania, Haiti, Pakistan and India. Slavery is not a phenomenon limited in time and place to the US; the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2 brings to our attention each year the fact that we as a human family are all still dishonoured by its existence among us.
Catherine Doherty, Campbell
SO President Obama will not fly to Atlanta to celebrate that city’s burning. He probably knows more than John Griffiths (CN, December 4) who trots out the old canard the American Civil War (1861-1865) was fought “fundamentally” over slavery.
At least he qualified his comments because slavery had nothing to do with it until the North needed more troops and this emotive issue was seen as an encouragement to volunteer. The real point of the war was to preserve the Union.
Those who doubt this should see Abraham Lincoln’s words of September 18, 1858 in Charleston, Illinois, where the future president said, inter alia: “I am not nor ever have been in favor of… the social and political equality of the white and black races… of making voters or jurors of negroes… of qualifying them to hold office nor to intermarry with white people.” A war to free the slaves? Honest Abe seems like Lying Lincoln to me.
Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla
THE ACT Labor and Liberal parties, by conspiring to remove the cap on political so-called “donations”, are saying in effect: “Yes, we like and accept bribes, in fact, the bigger the bribes the better, so the sky’s the limit now for anyone with a fat wallet who would like us to see things their way”.
This is now the level of political morality in the capital city of Australia.
Katy Gallagher, Jeremy Hanson and their colleagues should be ashamed.
Hugh Dakin, Griffith
By Kathryn Vukovljak
EVERY Christmas the Queanbeyan Bowling Club hosts a fundraising event for a different local charity – but this time, the charity they’re supporting is themselves.
The club is currently in voluntary administration and it’s hoped the Celebrity Family Day on December 21 will help raise much-needed funds.
Margaret Davies, president of the Queanbeyan Women’s Bowling Club, says they have had some amazing donations from local businesses, and that local pubs and clubs are putting in teams for the day.
“This year, we are the charity,” she says. “Because of what we’ve done in the past to support the community, we hope this time the community will help us.”
The Women’s Bowling Club is now including the men from the main club at their greens across the road in Farrer Place, making them a mixed club for the first time in 75 years, says Margaret.
“The men are here and we’re working as a team now, which is great,” she says. “We’ve made them feel welcome but it’s been a big step for them.”
Margaret says many clubs across NSW are feeling the pinch, with people more likely to go to the pub for a smoke and a drink and to play the pokies, without having to join a club, make a commitment and put in the volunteer hours.
“People just aren’t committing to clubs the way they used to,” she says.
Local celebrities on the day will include Bill Motherway from 106.7 FM, Queanbeyan’s mayor Tim Overall, author and journalist Nichole Overall, Queanbeyan High principal John Clark, Maj-Gen (rtd) Jim Molan, local artist Graham Charlton, golfer Julie Blundell, squash player Heather McKay, footballer Terry Campese, member for Monaro John Barilaro, president of ACT Bowls Kevin Antoine, SE Area Bowls Development Officer Andrew Howie, Aussie lawn bowls champion Kelsey Cotterall and champion junior lawn bowler Trent Britton.
The club has just sold the house it owns to a developer who is planning townhouses, but its own future is yet to be decided, says Margaret.
“The club’s first AGM since the two clubs joined will be in late February, and hopefully by then the administrators will give us a way forward,” she says.
Margaret says she’s passionate about bowls, and about keeping sport for all ages local.
“I love everything about it; the physical and mental challenge, the social side within Queanbeyan and the wider bowling community,” she says. “It would be very much a backward step to lose a sport such as bowls here in Queanbeyan.
“It’s a change in the way communities operate; I know my dad would be out all weekend playing bowls, but the women are saying no to that now.
“The club is very much a social entity; as well as playing bowls it’s a meeting place to chat, play cards, have a cup of tea or a beer, and enjoy other people’s company. It’s so important, particularly for people who are perhaps past playing, to have the clubhouse to come to, otherwise they would be stuck at home.
“We want to keep our small section operating and vibrant, and keep bowls as an important part of the town’s facilities, so we can support the community further into the future.”
The Celebrity Family Day will include prizes for the best-dressed team, a shootout and other bowling activities and games, as well as raffles, auctions, a chocolate wheel, cookbooks for sale and a barbecue lunch.
“As president, I want us to get over this and move out the other side with the new set up, although it will be different.
“We haven’t lost one female member through this; they have all stuck with me. That makes me want to fight for our club.”
The Celebrity Family Day, $25 per person (kids free), December 21 from 10am at the Queanbeyan Bowling Club, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan.
JINDII EcoSpa is to open a new day spa at the base of Rainforest Gully at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
“This is a great addition to the range of visitor experiences in the Gardens, one that’s sure to bring more people to this beautiful, national institution of ours,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment.
“Parks and gardens play a big role in people’s health – both physical and mental. So I see this as a great step forward, delivering a triple bottom line to the health of Canberra’s community, its local economy and investment back in our environment.”
Liberal senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, said: “There’s no other place in Canberra that offers such an experience. The Botanic Gardens is one of Canberra’s favourite attractions.”
Jindii EcoSpa will open its doors at the Botanic Gardens in January. The company uses natural Australian botanical products and operates on the principles of conservation and sustainability.
The Koundouris Group are proud to have constructed the new the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Centre. We are committed to providing ongoing support for children and babies with Cerebral Palsy in the ACT.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES WHO HELPED US ACHIEVE THIS OUTSTANDING RESULT
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Fredon Electrical Rivoland Tiles Plastamasta Canberra Claw Construction Elite Heating and Cooling
Glendening Commercial Painting Hawker Roofing Kirk Building Pty Ltd Schindler Lifts Australia
Tureks Plumbing and Gas Universal Truss Management Floorcraft Parchem Group One Weldcraft Engineering
WE should have seen it coming. Some folk read palms, others tea leaves, but we’re going to pay more attention to Christmas cards.
On Thursday, CC got a greeting “wishing you a safe, happy and relaxed festive season” from Katy Gallagher, with the digital “holiday message” describing her only as an MLA. Oddly modest, we thought, her not proffering seasonal salutations as the Chief Minister.
But the clue was in the unseasonal picture of a long, winding and distant track (by Jonny Renton, of the Centenary Trail near Cooleman Ridge). Was this a subliminal announcement of her impending departure? If it was, we missed it completely and the next day she announced she was slinging her hook and heading for the Senate, if they’ll have her. Happy holidays, Katy.
RANDOM irony: Zed Seselja left the Assembly via a bloodied preselection fight against incumbent Gary Humphries to enter the Senate and moved from perpetual opposition to being, for the first time, in government. Katy Gallagher is likely to sashay into the Senate and straight into opposition for the first time in her political career.
AS our city’s sullen petrol prices seem immune to falling world oil prices, the good news is that American discount store Costco is poised to open its Canberra servo by Christmas and, hopefully, shake up the local market
over the pricey holiday period.
CC has pumped gas at Costco Gasoline in the US and looks forward to Majura Park’s 16 bowsers with long hoses that allow filling from either side of the car. And there are bypass lanes for a quick exit. How sensible is that?
OUR online editor John Griffiths was cloistered in the Assembly courtyard for Katy’s Awfully Big Announcement with the winners, losers, the delighted and distraught. He faithfully recorded the moment in words and pictures for the website (citynews.com.au) and reckons the lone Greens member and minister Shane Rattenbury was particularly emotional at Ms Gallagher’s taking the tram out of there. Sure, he doesn’t look especially happy, but CC reckons inside he’d be dancing. Her departure is great news for Ratters, who was chummy with the Chief. With less than two years to differentiate the Greens from his Labor Cabinet bedmates before the next ACT election, he probably feels relieved that he won’t be having to lambast Katy, which as political columnist Michael Moore writes elsewhere in this edition, “is akin to kicking a koala”.
UNSUNG sponsors: CC is a big fan of Martin Fisk and his Menslink work mentoring and counselling young and often troubled blokes aged 12 to 25 in schools and around the Territory. Here’s a small insight into how the small but effective organisation manages to make ends meet. The picture shows Peter Munday, right, handing over a new Volkswagen Amarok ute, compliments of Lennock Volkswagen. Nice gesture, Lennocks.
SO, he upgrades to a snappy Beemer and decides to transfer his personalised plates to the new car. In fact, he ups the number plate experience to a set of the pricey European-style plates that feature the prefix “A”. His initials are RS. Oops.
A WORRIED Dunlop reader calls Canberra Connect seeking help with a snake spotted in her front garden. The call centre told her to wait indoors for an hour and it would go away. But where, CC wonders, next door?
DEFENCE Health’s battle with Calvary over private hospital cover for its members has ended. Calvary has withdrawn its provocative “notice of termination” and some cooler heads have prevailed with a new four-year agreement that is described as “fair and it does not put undue pressure on premiums”, which suggests Defence did better than the hospitals.
THE Christmas Gala for SnowyHydro SouthCare has become the major knees-up for all to celebrate the festive season.
In its third year on the lake shore, the choice of Lennox Gardens for the massive marquee to contain the 750 in comfort and shelter from the extensive “tropical” storms and deluges was wise, especially as the Hyatt Hotel Canberra was the caterer and for the guests a seamless and smooth operation of delicious food and premier service ensued.
Hand-held devices were essential for bidding, buying and bartering in the now simplest form of fundraising where All Bids handles the operation and constant perusal of the overhead screens – that’s squinting for some of us – is more civilised than the live-auction formula.
To add to the coffers, Moet was the bubbles choice with a bottle giving four tickets in the very desirable diamond necklace draw. More than enough didn’t necessarily win us the diamond but we all loved the “methode champenoise” fundraising method.
Owen Finegan, the largerthan-life CEO, it was a triumph of lessons well learnt, upping the ante each year to encourage Canberrans to support this organisation –weather or not.
invited to the Sundays from 10am, 2CC Talking Canberra presents an exciting new concept on Canberra radio – the CityNews Sunday Roast. It’s a program that will trigger conversation and debate with news, views and background to issues that affect the great city in which we live. And it’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” writers and 2CC’s local personalities. Be a part of the discussion and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon
DOUG just turned 64 and is not planning to retire anytime soon but wants to keep an eye to the future.
“I know that there will be changes when I reach 65 and I want to make sure that I do the right things in relation to superannuation,” he told me.
I congratulated him for thinking ahead, because things do change with superannuation when you are 65.
“Until you are 65 your tax-deductible contributions to superannuation will be capped at $35,000,” I advised him.
“You can still arrange to have this maximum amount contributed either by yourself or your employer depending on your circumstances until your 75th birthday. If you are working after age 75 your employer still has to pay compulsory superannuation on your behalf but you cannot salary sacrifice up to the $35,000 limit after your 75th birthday.
“Once you have passed your 65th birthday you will need to satisfy the work test. This requires that you work for at least 40 hours in any consecutive 30-day period. For every year that you work after age 65 you will have to sign a declaration that you satisfied the work test during that year.”
Doug said that seemed relatively straightforward and that he would clearly satisfy the work test. What else?
“Well Doug, until you are 65 you can also make non-deductible contributions. They are subject to a limit which increased to $180,000 effective from July 1. There is a special rule which allows you to bring forward three year’s worth of contributions provided that you make the $540,000 contribution before you reach age 65. So, depending on how much cash you have available from the sale of your investment property you can contribute anything up to $540,000 before your 65th birthday.”
Doug said he looked restricted to the $540,000 limit, despite having about $700,000 in cash.
“Not necessarily, Doug,” I told him. “If I am correct, your wife, Margie, is also under 65 so she can take advantage of both caps. She may be able to salary sacrifice up to her $35,000 cap and make a personal, non-deductible contribution of the balance you are not using.” How about half each, Doug suggested?
“Not such a good idea,” I told him. “Margie has a few years to go which means that any contribution she makes will be locked up until she reaches 65.
“If you draw a pension from your funds after you are 65 it will be tax free, but Margie cannot draw her pension until she is 65 or permanently retired from the workforce.
“One other small point: if either of you exceed either cap you may have to pay penalty tax or the excess may be refunded to you.” Doug left my office saying: “Thanks so much, Gail. I hadn’t realised that it was such a minefield, I am pleased that I came in to seek your advice.”
If you require guidance on retirement, tax or superannuation contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
Joanne Madeline Moore
your week in the stars – December 15-21, 2014
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Prepare for a challenging week full of dramatic disruptions and gob-smacking surprises. Being a restless, rambunctious Ram will just land you in a heap of trouble, especially with authority figures (like your boss or the police). So simmer down before you say or do something that you later regret. On the weekend, Mars and Uranus encourage you to extend your peer group to include a creative new crowd.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Expect an intense week Bulls when your capacity to bend, change and adapt will be put to the test – professionally and in personal relationships. If you are too stubborn and unyielding in your opinions, then others will just stop listening to what you have to say. Your motto for the moment is from British statesman Benjamin Disraeli (born on December 21, 1804): ‘Change is inevitable. Change is constant’.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
There will be some turmoil early in the week Twins, especially involving friends, joint finances or group projects. Avoid spreading unsubstantiated gossip and passing on information that is unverified. Take the time to check the facts first. As Mercury moves into conscientious Capricorn, you’ll gradually feel less frazzled and more settled. Saturday is super for creative brainstorming and intuitive insights.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
You want everything to run smoothly but it’s just not going to happen. Professional relationships will be tricky and loved ones unpredictable, so relax and take things as they come. If you switch into crabby and cantankerous mode, then you’ll just make things worse. Business and financial matters look promising, as Jupiter sends a unique opportunity your way and the Sun gives you the confidence to accept it.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
With Venus, Uranus and Pluto all stirring up your wellbeing zone, it’s time for a complete physical and mental detox. Choose a simple, healthy diet that boosts your energy levels, plus purge your life of toxic people who are bringing you down. The Sun/Jupiter trine gives you motivation and confidence to make major changes that will lead to long-term success and happiness. Don’t miss the opportunity!
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Mercury (your ruling planet) is moving into fellow earth sign Capricorn (until January 3) so you’re keen to tackle practical tasks like cooking, gardening, building, DIY jobs, and fun creative projects. But the more intently you try to micro-manage close relationships, the more loved ones will distance themselves. Emotional power struggles are likely, unless you can be less critical and more cooperative.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
With Venus (your ruling planet) and Pluto pairing up in your domestic zone, it’s a wonderful week to clean and de-clutter your space. Then you can enjoy the simple pleasures of Home Sweet Home. As birthday great Jane Austen wrote: ‘There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort’. Your family life certainly won’t be simple and uncomplicated. Expect a few surprising twists and turns along the way!
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Uranus sends disruptions in your direction and Pluto demands that you shed your old Scorpio skin and start afresh. The only certainty is change! A close relationship is complicated by possessive behaviour and heavy demands, as Pluto hooks up with Venus. Trying to control others and manipulate outcomes will get you nowhere fast so consider swapping sulking and sarcasm for cool, clever compromise instead.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Expect a week of extremes. You have the ability to turn a difficulty into a lucky opportunity. All you need is the confidence and chutzpah to pull it off! You’re in an impulsive mood but try to modify your reactions. Cool co-operation will get you further than fiery confrontation. With Venus and Pluto pairing up in your finance zone, the more you respect/conserve money, the more cash will come your way.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You’re keen to get ahead but, if you are less than 100% honest and ethical, then the Uranus/Pluto square increases your likelihood of getting caught out. Plus avoid using emotional manipulation to force people to do what you think they should be doing. Let others make their own choices and mistakes. It’s also time to initiate positive changes in the way you relate to a family member. Think outside the box.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Aquarius is a fixed sign and you can be very set in your wild and wacky ways. But with Uranus squaring Pluto – the less adaptable you are, the more difficult this week (and weeks) will be. It’s time to examine your life in forensic detail and make some radical changes. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water though! Keep what’s working, and change what isn’t. The trick is knowing which is which.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Enthusiasm is high but don’t jump to hasty conclusions, and then pass on incorrect information. Get your facts straight Pisces, otherwise serious stuff-ups are likely – especially involving finances and friends. Saturday looks super as Neptune blesses creative projects, and intuition helps you find a solution to a long-term problem. Put aside time to get lost in a fantasy novel or favourite romantic movie.
Across
3 How many lines make up a sonnet?
7 Anchorage is the largest city in which US state?
8 Name the SA premier who was reelected in March 2006 (4,4)
9 In meteorology, which are the dense, white clouds occurring at heights of 600 to 900 metres?
10 Which term describes a body having an excess of electrons?
11 Name those people who show us to our seats in theatres
14 To be penurious or niggardly, is to be what?
17 What is the portion of the atmosphere above a particular land area?
18 Name a method of defensive fighting in which hands, elbows, feet and knees are used
19 Name a TV series in which Raymond Burr starred
20 What do we call a Canberra NRL player?
21 What is the concave upper surface of a column of liquid?
Solution next week Down
1 In grammar, which groups of words contain subjects and predicates?
2 Which polite title can appear after a man’s last name?
3 What are extreme and general scarcities of food?
4 To decree by legislative process again, is to do what (2-5)?
5 What is the act of escaping something by trickery or cleverness?
6 Name another term for a convent
11 Which element is the basis of nuclear reactors?
12 Which spearlike missile is used for catching whales?
13 What is a less common term for meals?
14 Which well-known Australian folk group was formed in 1962?
15 Name another word for sluggishness
16 Which beards are trimmed to a point on the chin?
By Helen Musa
“WHEN you’re working with light, you end up shaping everything around it” says American artist James Turrell, whose work is the subject of the National Gallery of Australia’s most unusual blockbuster ever.
“James Turrell: a retrospective” opens on Saturday, December 13 and the exhibition’s Australian curator, Lucina Ward, has described her encounter with the artist as “life changing”.
The idea of staging a Turrell exhibition at the NGA has been around since 2006 or 2007, developed as the gallery made key acquisitions, notably his 2010 Skyspace, “Within without”.
Some people, Ward says, may only know him as the eccentric who owns a crater in Arizona, but now they’re going to experience his work.
The show seems almost impossible to describe, since Turrell’s medium, light, is not something you can grasp in your hands.
The coming show has elements of sell-out exhibitions at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and
the Guggenheim in New York. Ours will be the second largest, after LACMA, and it’s seen Ward dashing across the Pacific three times in the past 18 months.
Turrell has been here four or five times, too, and will be in town this week to talk about his work.
Talking about Turrell’s work is one thing, but experiencing it is something quite different. “Much of the work is hidden,” Ward says.
Ward says there are 50 works, including 10 large installations, projection pieces, built spaces, holograms, drawings, prints and photographs.
And are some of the huge spaces in Colin Madigan’s National Gallery building particularly well-suited to Turrell’s work?
Ward tells me the late Madigan had made disparaging remarks about Skyspace and that “Turrell’s work is about blocking off architecture”, but indeed the enormous space in Gallery 3, with 16 metres width and 8 metres in height to use, allows a huge “Ganzfeld”, perhaps the largest ever.
Much of this has been under wraps for months, exciting the curiosity of passers-by, but the space is now ready.
“Ganzfeld”, in case you wonder, is German for “entire field” and involves a technique of perceptual
deprivation drawn from parapsychology, which Turrell studied in his youth along with mathematics and astronomy.
A featureless field of vision will be suffused with light, Ward explains, but just as in outer space there are no corners and curves.
“The human eye likes to attach itself to something,” Ward says, “so the whole effect of Turrell’s installations is “discombobulating… you step into a large coloured square, but then you take off your shoes and you move into the space beyond the colour.”
We can expect to feel a rich gold warmth, but at times it’s icy-cold as the light cycle moves on and it affects the physical body. Ward likens it to walking on clouds.
“You have to slide, you have to feel with your feet…it’s very intriguing, people are drawn to Turrell’s work, but it’s not a matter of viewing, it’s a
matter of experiencing,” she says.
“I can’t tell you how it will be for you, but I can tell you how it affects me… it brings the viewer into the unknown.”
Most of these experiences will be safe for viewers, except in the immersive installation “The Perceptual Cell”, which can only accommodate one viewer at a time every 15 minutes. There Turrell has used strobe, with a warning for people suffering from epilepsy.
As for changing Ward’s life, curating the show has been an all-consuming project.
“I feel myself the physical effects on me, on my eye as a seeing entity,” she says.
“James Turrell: a retrospective”, at the National Gallery of Australia, from December 13, timed entry sessions with limited capacity. Bookings to 1300 795012.
BUDDING Theatre is about to stage “Unwrap Me”, 10 short plays each beginning with a character carrying a Christmas present. Director Kirsty Budding promises domestic chaos, family deceit, bickering housemates and Christmas lunch sabotage. Proceeds to Doctors without Borders and World Animal Protection. Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, December 18-20, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
IT’S time for “Behind the Lines 2014” where Australian cartoonists line up to immortalise our political superheroes, including the late PM Gough Whitlam. Political Cartoonist of the Year is Mark Knight, of the “Herald Sun”. At the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House until November next year.
CANBERRA’S 70th “Carols by Candlelight” will be held at Stage
88, Commonwealth Park, from 7pm on Wednesday, December 17. It’s an initiative of the fabulous Woden Valley Youth Choir and its director Alpha Gregory. Spectrum Big Band will start the evening, which also features the choir, the Canberra City Band and guest artists Christine Wallace, Livia Brash and Fraser Findlay. Free event, bring a picnic.
COMEDIAN Shaun Micallef will be at University House, 6.30pm-9.30pm, on December 15, performing his idiosyncratic tribute to the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office and the men who have sat at it. Bookings via eventbrite.com.au
2013 ARIA winner and “Play School” presenter, Justine Clarke, will be in town to perform ‘I Am A… Band’, aimed at encouraging young audiences to engage their
imagination through words, song and movement. Canberra Theatre, 10am, Saturday, December 13 and 11am, Sunday, December 14, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
“RING a Ding Ding” is the name of Bilk Gallery’s annual Christmas show that features new works by top jewellery and glass artists including Klaus Moje, Johannes Kuhnen, Peta Kruger, Christian Hall, Mel Douglas and Tom Rowney. In the gallery, Palmerston Lane, Manuka, until December 24.
“COLLEGE Express” is Belconnen Arts Centre’s annual exhibition of works by talented young artists in years 11 and 12 from nine colleges in the north Canberra region, showing until January 18. Meantime, Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s “College Create” showcases selected work by students across south Canberra, until January 20.
By Helen Musa
CANBERRA has been a haven for actor, writer and director Kabu Okai-Davies, whose coming-of-age book about growing up in Ghana, the book, “Curfew’s Children”, has just been launched by former ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, John Hargreaves.
“Australia provided me with the sense of cultural confidence, comparative distance and reflection to tell my story,” Okai-Davies says.
The author, who based the book on his PhD thesis for the University of Canberra, believes modern-day Africa “has imposed a curfew on itself through authoritarian rule”.
With the book under his belt and a role performed recently in the Street Theatre’s “Where I End & You Begin”, it’s been a bumper year for the man who came to Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival in 2006 with a theatre company he had established in New Jersey, in the US.
After moving to Canberra he became the producer of the Multicultural Festival in 2008 and 2009 and the manager of the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre. His long-term aim is to create an Australian audience for African writing, especially important, he believes, “at a time when Africa is in the news for stories other than about its literatures”.
“Curfew’s Children”, by Kabu Okai-Davies, available at Paperchain, Manuka and at Dymocks in Civic as part of an arrangement to support self-published local authors.
In 2015 The Q brings you a package of theatrical delights: comedy, drama, music, contemporary dance and musicals –a mix of theatrical experiences that will encourage you to TREAT YOURSELF to some great entertainment.
For your free season brochure, bookings or vouchers phone 02 6285 6290, email boxoffice. adminassistant@qcc.nsw.gov.au or visit www.theq.net.au for more info. This year we’ve kept our fantastic $10.00 saving for Subscribers on Adult and Concession tickets and you’ll be able to purchase additional tickets, to any Season Productions, at a reduced price.
Don’t forget about our early bird special, book up to four weeks before the show opens and get $5 off the price of Adult and Concession tickets!
T H R E E G E N E R A T I O N S exhibition continues throughout December with works from Brittany, Velia and Anita Newman
“Particle Fever” (M) YOU don’t need a degree with distinctions in physics to take satisfaction and benefit from Mark Levinson’s documentary shot inside and about the biggest machine yet made, the Large Hadron Collider or LHD.
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The scale and engineering of the LHD are visually breathtaking. The intellectual energy and complexity of the science is mind-boggling. The LHD’s implications for planet Earth and the rest of the known universe are profound simply for having confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson. But the film is most of all about people meeting the challenge of propelling two atomic particles around a circular track at speeds approaching that of light to see what happens if they collide.
“Particle Fever” focuses its attention on six physicists. Two of them are women.
In 1982, seven years after receiving a piano diploma, Fabiola Gianotti received her PhD in particle physics from the University of Milan. She later spent 20 years leading the biggest experiment and supervising nearly 3000 physicists and engineers around the world.
Marathoning, cycling, rowing and mountain climbing provided conditioning for the 16-hour days American post-doc Monica Dunford spent working on the ATLAS detector. Her ebullient persona adds delightful lucidity to her explanations of her work.
“Particle Fever” espouses a fundamental principle of human existence. Today’s high-tech world results from people for millennia seeking explanations for life, the universe and everything else simply because they want to know.
The film is as exciting as any Hollywood confection purporting to present science as a dramatic element foreboding great calamity unless the handsome hero and his pretty female companion sort it out in the last reel. But you’ve got to believe “Particle Fever” because it is 100 per cent real.
At Dendy
“Exodus: Gods and Kings” (M)
THE true authorship of the second book in the Christian Bible is not known. Its veracity comes in spurts interspersed with legend. It took four writers to massage Chapters 1 to 14 into a screenplay for director Ridley Scott to turn into 150 minutes of movie.
The film’s first third explains the falling out between military companions Moses (Christian Bale) and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) when Ramses, elevated to godhead in the Egyptian pantheon simply by becoming Pharaoh, felt that the Hebrews, captive in Egypt for four centuries
as slaves, were getting uppity and might go on strike in pursuit of a better deal.
The next third deals with all those plagues that God visited on Egypt and God’s command to Moses to lead His chosen Hebrew people out of Egypt and back to their Promised Land.
The final section follows Moses and his people trekking east with Ramses’ chariots in hot pursuit. The Red Sea parts to let the Hebrews cross before returning to drown Ramses’ army. Spectacular stuff indeed! There’s little overt religious proselytising in the film. Moses’ briefings from God don’t materialise the latter. Scott’s staging of the story’s most exciting bits looks impressive but wouldn’t have without CG.
At all cinemas
DIRECTOR Jim Lounsbury’s screenplay for this romantic drama has an agreeable freshness speckled with moments that, by sometimes not adding up, add to its challenges. Mercurial free spirit Audrey (Claire van der Boom), scarcely acquainted with aspiring photographer Dean (Eamon Farren), responds to an instant fizz of attraction by suggesting that they get on their pushbikes tomorrow morning and ride up the NSW north coast.
For Audrey, it’s a nostalgia trip. She takes Dean to the farms where she picked fruit two years ago. She introduces him to friends she made at that time. She may be smitten with Dean but not so much so that she won’t respond to some of those young men. Dean finds one of the young women attractive.
When Audrey goes missing, Dean, desperate to find her, traces her to the local hospital, where admission records show Audrey being there two years ago.
Ah, mystery. From the vicissitudes of optimistic young love, “Love Is Now” moves into deeper enquiry into questions of Audrey’s very existence. Dean will have enduring memories tinged with grief, but his photographs from the trip will resonate among others in that profession well enough to suggest an optimistic future.
At Hoyts Belconnen
THE formula is clear. Eat well 80 per cent of the time. Indulge 20 per cent of the time. That adds up to 100 per cent “good”. That’s what fitness folks live by. It’s what we should all live by.
Klarisa Cengic and Tihana Ravanparsa, the sisters who own Eighty/twenty food in Braddon, have opened a café devoted to creating food that is good for the mind and body.
But what about taste? Don’t we eat out to indulge a little? A friend and I visited Eighty/twenty and discovered you can have taste and goodness while dining out.
The lunch menu features seven options, including a soup ($9.50) and salad selection ($13.50).
My three-beet salad – art on a plate – was created with golden baby beets and target beetroot ($16). The third element was delightful drops of beetroot mousse, a beautiful creamy texture. The Persian feta was also creamy, and the mix of snowpea tendrils, asparagus and candied walnuts exceptional. My only comment was that the salad was slightly
dry. I would have loved a stronger presence of a dressing (a healthy version, of course).
My friend selected the rice noodles Asian style. It was a feast for the eyes, with pretty pink pickled ginger perched on top. The dish was generous with veggies, tofu and toasted sesame seeds ($14.50). You had to dig deep for the bit of dressing that had settled on the bottom. My recommendation is to give it a good toss before digging in. Both dishes were vegan, gluten free and vegetarian.
If you crave meat, the lamb tacos with red kidney beans and guacamole ($16.50) sounded promising as did the grilled paprika chicken salad ($16.50).
A café focusing on health could not possibly get away without a selection of smooth smoothies and here Eighty/twenty performs well ($8 each). The Nutty Professor has cacao, milk, banana, peanut butter and maca. The Glow Pro features acai, blueberries, raspberries, coconut flesh, ice and honey. Feeling healthy yet?
I wondered if Eighty/twenty would offer wine (why not… surely that falls safely into the 20 per cent of the equation?). It does with whites from SA, NSW and NZ on the menu (up to $10 by the glass) and reds from Victoria, Queensland and NSW (up to $8.50 by the glass).
The fitout is impressive, with a massive square communal table a feature for outdoor dining and a long, rectangular table inside. Some backless stools have denim cushions for a bit of bottom comfort. And I love the pots outside with fresh herbs growing in the summer sun.
Eighty/twenty, 1/18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, open for lunch and breakfast. Call 6247 2866.
Thank you for being part of our family… Ciao
THE festive season is upon us and cut Christmas trees are in abundance at the markets, but be warned: taking them into the home too early will mean dropped pine needles and a tree half dead by Christmas.
Better still is a living Christmas tree, with the traditional tree being Picea abies, the Norwegian spruce that can be kept in a pot and enjoyed for many years.
Alternatively, if you want the spirit of Australiana for your tree consider the dinosaur pine, the Wollemi.
Another traditional Christmas decoration is Euphorbia pulcherrima or Poinsettia, with its brilliant red flower bracts.
A native of Mexico, it is a tropical plant that is difficult to keep going through our winter. I suggest you treat it as a potted plant just for Christmas decoration.
Interestingly, although not a native of Australia, when the Brisbane City Council was formed in 1925 it adopted the Poinsettia as its floral emblem.
Poinsettias, the perfect Christmas table decoration.
THE holiday period can be a time of stress for gardens and needs all the help it can get from family and friends. But if all else fails, consider getting hired help, perhaps a regular garden maintenance person who knows your garden. It may be a cheaper option than coming home to dead plants.
NORMALLY I do not recommend using saucers under pots in the garden because they inhibit drainage leading to root rot and the demise of the plant.
The exception is during the holiday season when a saucer of water combined with a well-mulched pot top will help while you’re away. Don’t forget to change the batteries of the automatic watering system’s back-up, then give the whole garden a good deep soaking just before you leave on holiday.
ROSES (standards, bush & ground covers), HYDRANGEAS, PETUNIAS, HEDGING PLANTS (including advanced stock), CITRUS TREES, SHRUBS, ORNAMENTAL TREES, NATIVES, FRUIT TREES, MICRO HERBS/GREENS, VEGETABLE SEEDLINGS and much more!
WHOLESALE PRICES – DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC
38 River Street, Oaks Estate Peter 0418 663 934
Carmela 0416 108 455 riverroadnursery1@gmail.com
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Depending on their size, indoor plants are much easier to manage while you’re away. If you
have a bath, place an old towel in the bottom (so plant pots don’t scratch it), then fill with about 50mm of water and place the plants in the bath. This will keep them going for several weeks.
GIFT vouchers from your local garden centre are better than the risk of buying friends or relatives plants. Vouchers can be to buy plants or new secateurs or even fertilisers.
A garden consultation is a good gift for someone new to town or someone moving into a new home, as is a copy of “The Canberra Gardener”, written by the Horticultural Society of Canberra especially for our local climate. Like many other garden designers, I offer garden consultation gift vouchers.
FOOTPATH coffee shops using planter boxes to separate their areas and provide some greenery in the barren wasteland of city pavements try hard against all odds with some customers using them as ashtrays and dropping in empty takeaway cups. How many of these plants survive at all is a miracle.
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Innovatively, Tosolini’s, in Bailey’s Arcade, uses the spaces between the box-hedging plants to grow herbs for use in its kitchen.
All of Cedric Bryant’s gardening columns are searchable at citynews.com. au cedricbryant@grapevine.com.au
