Tony dishes out a black eye ROBERT MACKLIN
In praise of saving money... JOHN GRIFFITHS
The heavy burden of light rail MARCUS PAUL
Making light of the Magna Carta HELEN MUSA
Daring days down by the lake CATHERINE CARTER
Enlighten’s
WATCH AS HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS MAGICALLY TRANSFORM INTO CAPTIVATING SHADOW CARTOONS
FRIDAY 27 AND SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 6.30 PM
DON’T MISS THIS UNIQUE PERFORMANCE THAT THE NEW YORK TIMES QUOTES AS
By Lorna Morris
WHEN two University of Canberra students entered the World Paper Plane Championship in 2009, they never expected their story to fly on to the big screen.
James Norton and Dylan Parker’s journey to the championship became the inspiration for the new film “Paper Planes” starring Aussie actor Sam Worthington.
“It’s a miracle you get a film made, it’s a simple story, well told. All kids make paper planes when growing up so it’s really relatable and a great way to engage kids who are lost in technology,” says James.
Ever since he was taught how to make a paper plane by a family friend growing up in Byron Bay, James Norton, now 29, has had a passion for the childhood pastime.
While studying landscape architecture, he entered the Regional Paper Planes Competition held at the University of Canberra in 2008. It was there he met Dylan, an advertising student and the pair instantly bonded over their mutual passion.
“We were like two peas in a pod, we both had similar interests. I had never been to a proper contest before, but there was Dylan with a suitcase which was moulded to the shape of his planes,” says James.
“We were in teams of three and tested on distance, time aloft and acrobatics. I specialised in time aloft and Dylan was distance.”
The boys were only just getting to know each other when Dylan became ill and a “golf ball-sized” tumour was detected in his brain.
Dylan, now 27 and working in advertising in Sydney said: “I was really sick. It was after the regionals when I had to have emergency surgery, it went perfectly and when I gained consciousness I found out we had made it to the Nationals Competition in Sydney. It was a great thing to focus on and a few weeks later we were there”.
From the Nationals, the boys graduated to the World Paper Plane Championship held in an aircraft hanger in Austria where 85 countries were involved and 3 people were chosen from each country.
James says: “It was serious, we started
training hard, doing weights and upperbody training in order to throw better. The World Championship was phenomenal, there were lots of people with incredible planes. There was a real sense of camaraderie.”
Dylan won third place in his specialised area, distance, with a throw of 42.8 metres.
Their journey to the World Championship became the basis for ABC “Australian Story: Fly With Me” and soon sparked an interest in director Robert Connolly who approached them with the idea to make it into a film.
“When we were contacted by Robert, he felt that it was a real shame there weren’t many Australian stories in film. He has a strong social conscience, wrote the script and pursued it until it got funding” says James.
Credited as ‘paper plane consultants’ for the film on IMDB.com, James and Dylan designed more than 20 unique paper
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planes, as well as assisting with the script in order to make the story feel natural.
“The film includes different interwoven stories about the importance of making something beautiful and interesting, as well as looking at the natural world for inspiration,” says James.
“Kids are leading the story, that’s the big point of difference to other films. It’s accessible for all ages, you can hear both adults and kids laughing in the cinema, it’s a real holistic experience.”
Since its release last month, “Paper Planes” has received a strong response. Making $3.4 million in its first week, the film has won a CinefestOZ film prize and has been selected to screen at the International Berlin Film Festival this month.
The pair continue to create paper planes and in their spare time visit schools to teach pupils about design elements and problem solving as part of their business Paper Pilots.
Don’t miss “The Man Who Listens to Horses”. For two amazing days Monty will share with you the lessons learned from a lifetime of training champion horses. If you have never seen Monty starting a young horse or working with problem horses this may be your last opportunity to see this master horseman at work, for many this will be a life changing experience. Shepparton April 29th – For the first and only time Monty will be at Tatura Park in Shepparton for a two hour evening presentation, very limited seating is available at this venue.
17-24
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by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
CHILDREN were much in the news beginning with PM Tony Abbott’s attack on the Human Rights Commission report, “The Forgotten Children”.
Telling the Parliament it was “blatantly partisan” and “a transparent stitch-up”, he rubbished their call for a Royal Commission into children in detention.
Commission president Gillian Triggs seemed taken aback by the ferocity of the former Oxford boxing blue’s fusillade. She wasn’t the only one since Labor’s policy was equally under the Commission’s gun. Perhaps the PM was overly sensitive after his near-death experience in the Liberal Party Room.
CERTAINLY the NSW police overreacted disgracefully by shooting dead young Courtney Topic , an Asberger sufferer, after she was reported waving a kitchen knife while drinking a smoothie outside her local Hungry Jack’s.
Her father is reported to be “struggling” to come to terms with her violent death. Some of us are struggling to understand why there’s not a judicial inquiry into repeated shootings by NSW coppers and, indeed, into the
Perhaps the PM was overly sensitive after his near-death experience in the Liberal Party Room.
entire State police force. Its top cops are at each other’s throats publicly; and the TV specials on the Lindt Café siege revealed their appalling incompetence. Next time the SAS or the Commando Regiment should do the job they’ve trained for.
IT’S hard to know what to make of the huge kerfuffle surrounding the Education Minister Joy Burch whose son Lloyd gave talks to schoolkids on the perils of drugs without first securing the appropriate official clearance. At the time he was on bail for aggravated robbery and was motivated to show he’d reformed before the judge decided his sentence. No one has complained about the content of his talks, and Ms Burch says she did nothing to “facilitate” the school visits. But she should have ensured that he complied with all the regulations – another black mark after her $50 pokie blunder. However, for Lib Leader
Jeremy Hanson to call into question “the safety of our children” in allowing “a convicted criminal to interact with them” was a bit rich.
WHAT a ripper! The proposed convention centre would be a terrific asset to Canberra. Not only would it exploit our strengths in attracting conventioneers to the seat of power, it would really put us on the architectural map. And the economic benefits would flow through the whole community.
In fact, if you had to choose between investing in it or the light rail project, the centre would win every time. And news that 400,000 fewer Canberrans are using ACTION buses than expected this year is further bad news for light rail projections.
SO, the poor old Weather Bureau workers are starved for funds and complain they are “stretched beyond capacity”. Union claims that “lives
could be lost to summer cyclones or bushfires” are just so much hot air. Radar now tells the weather story and anyone with a computer can read it instantly.
ON A happier note, there was a great review in the “New York Times for the American version of that terrific ABC TV series “The Slap”. And there’s special mention of the Aussie actress Melissa George who appeared in both as “particularly beguiling… absurd, infuriating, sad and very funny”. Nice one.
robert@robertmacklin.com
Brindabella Markets are on again with over 40 stalls including: women’s fashion, children’s accessories, ceramics, jewellery, condiments, original art, locally grown produce, cakes and loads more. Enjoy a great day in Town Square, Brindabella Business Park with food stalls and live music from Tuchasoul.
In the event of poor weather the markets may be postponed.
• Big blocks from 810m to 1242m
• Prices from $270,000 to $310,000
• Share our Village lifestyle while enjoying our urban amenities.
• No building time limits (secure your block now and build whenever you like)
• Walking distance to existing village shops
• Adjacent to the new village centre with a wide range of facilities including child care
• Established community with recreational facilities
• Open between 12 and 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
THIS is an astonishing photo of the electric storms that swept across Canberra last week.
Restless commercial snapper Andrew Campbell, who took it, has a habit of sitting in city carparks in the wee small hours when there’s a bit of thunder and lightning about.
“I like storms. They’re exciting, free, and fun to try to shoot,” he says.
“And they’re full of surprises. And frustration, lots of frustration. And for someone who spends
a lot of nights working on fairly prosaic images it can be a great breath of fresh air (literally).”
After moving carparks from 10.30pm, he got the shot above at about 2.15am.
“I saw that the storm was now moving fairly rapidly in a northerly direction to the west of the city. In other words, it was starting to ‘go off’ behind Commonwealth Avenue Bridge from my vantage point. So I moved down to the lake’s edge to improve my angle.
“I missed a decent burst as I moved. Locked the tripod, took about six frames and then this one happened. I literally jumped up and down, shouting. Thankfully, there are very few peeps out there at 2am!
“There is almost no Photoshop involved. A simple auto-contrast and then I lowered the levels (which makes the image a bit darker) as the concentration of bolts kind of made the middle of the pic ‘blow out’ a bit.”
IN my recent adventure moving house I tested out a theory. It turns out it’s a lot cheaper to furnish a house than it used to be.
In need of a washing machine, a fridge and a microwave I put out a shout on Facebook.
A recently replaced dryer was offered for free, and a microwave. Both in fine working order mind you, just taking up space in the sheds of their respective homes.
A fridge was offered for $50. Not the prettiest, but in working order and a good size.
This left the washing machine.
When my house-moving helpers sat down for a well deserved pub lunch I opened up a laptop, tethered it to my phone and hit the Gumtree classifieds site.
My helpers expressed some dismay that I hadn’t organised this in advance.
There was method in my madness, there’s not much point calling about the appliance if you can’t come get it right away; that way lies disappointment and gazumping.
The first person I called was holding the washer while a prospective buyer thought about it. I was ready to go, with cash in hand, but they were admirably resolute in sticking to their promise to the wavering buyer.
To each their own.
The second number I called wasn’t home that day. I only had the truck for a day, so they were out.
The third number was at home and ready to do business. I said I’d be there in 40 minutes and advised the helpers to finish their pints.
There followed a magical mystery tour of Canberra’s outer suburbs. With the stern
For $120, or the cost of a big night out before the taxi fare home, I was able to buy the whitegoods for a whole house.
directions of the Google Maps lady ringing in our ears we were in and out in minutes.
The appliances were generally out by the side of the house when we got there.
For $120, or the cost of a big night out before the taxi fare home, I was able to buy the whitegoods for a whole house. Add on $10 worth of diesel if you like.
Fifteen years ago, when making a similar move, I spent closer to a thousand dollars fitting out the house and the fridge then didn’t even have a freezer.
Sure there were classifieds in the paper back then, but they were expensive so there was no point advertising cheap things you mostly just wanted someone to take away.
Without GPS navigation the backstreets of West Belconnen also would have lost their lustre compared to a shopping precinct.
This is the disintermediation the futurists have been banging on about for the last 20 years.
Once there were good livings to be made picking things up cheap and flogging them not quite so cheap in a centralised location.
Now multi billion dollar multinationals offer us microservices. Gumtree is owned by eBay and harvests a hefty chunk of personal data to let you
contact sellers. Google provides my navigation and tracks my movements.
Instead of having to own a truck I rent one from the Hertz website as needed. That last company does employ some local people to hand over the truck keys, for now.
It would be terrifying to even the slightly paranoid.
But my beer is cold, my food is hot, my clothes are clean and dry, and it cost me less than a night at the pub.
The future is scary, but it has some consolations.
(It is not, however, perfect. A couple of days later Gumtree responded to my interest in washing machines by
What was your financial situation like three years ago? Have you set numerous resolutions to take control of your financial situation? What is your plan for the future? If you commit to learning the secrets of property investment from the experts in 2015, the next three years could see you grow your finances by $150,000.
To me, suburban Canberrans are more concerned about the degradation of their local shopping centres, hospital waiting times and the state of some of our roads than light rail.
IT’S no secret, I’m one of those concerned about the cost of the Capital Metro light rail.
Having worked on the Gold Coast and reported on the construction of the G-Link light rail there, I was excited at first: Wow! New infrastructure for Canberra.
Then I saw the numbers. Quite simply, they don’t add up. A conservative figure of $1 billion for 13kms of light rail servicing only a small percentage of the population of Canberra? Hmmm. Then there’s the annual running costs plus, it’s obvious now, Canberrans to the south are not impressed.
To me, suburban Canberrans are more concerned about the degradation of local shopping centres, hospital waiting times and the state of some of our roads than light rail.
And that’s before we even get into the politics of it all, and before contractors (which the Government says will be local) start lopping the trees to convert Northbourne Avenue to an “urban meadow”.
Critics point to the cost, the political favours and that light rail isn’t sustainable – for now. The Government, with new Chief Minister Andrew Barr and light rail captain Simon Corbell counter with arguments of urban renewal, job creation and providing appropriate transport infrastructure for our city’s future.
But at what cost, Andrew? An overwhelming majority of Canberrans I speak to simply don’t want it, especially with renewed voter concern at the passing of oppressive planning laws to fast-track Capital Metro and silence any protests.
The Government claims it only applies to infrastructure surrounding the tram
line – roads, footpaths, bike lanes and the like. However, I think it will open the floodgates to allow any development along the corridor declared as “related to light rail”.
In a damning indictment, the ACT director of the Planning Institute of Australia, Hamish Sinclair, says he has “grave and deep concerns”. And Assembly Speaker Vicki Dunn’s branded the move “an act of cowardice”.
The Liberal Opposition continues to vow there will be no light rail if they win the 2016 ACT election. Even when pressed about a point of no return, leader Jeremy Hanson and his light rail attack dog, Alistair Coe, remain firm – they will stop it.
One thing is for certain, despite whatever contracts already negotiated, this will be a major issue of ACT politics until the election.
Canberra should have a light rail system – eventually; when the budget looks healthier, the Mr Fluffy loans are repaid and our airport gets some long-awaited international flights.
Until then, Chief Minister, I’m afraid, the vast majority of your constituents simply don’t want a bar of it.
Marcus Paul hosts the drive show on 2CC.
COMMONWEALTH Park will be transformed into a multi-coloured morning of walking, running, dancing and skipping when the Swisse Color Run returns to Canberra on Sunday, February 22.
“We’re putting the fun back into fun run, by getting active with your family and friends at the ‘Happiest 5k on the Planet’!” says Woody Sedgman, race director.
The Swisse Color Run encourages individuals and teams to run in support of one of the nominated, well-known local and national charities.
“We’re really looking forward to coming back to Canberra, the local support from the ACT has been fantastic!” says Woody.
“For anyone who hasn’t seen our event, it’s like no other fun run or festival around.
“We cover our thousands of participants dressed in white with five colours (corn starch powder with food dye) through the 5km loop course. It’s crazy how many smiles we see at each
By Catherine Carter
A DYNAMIC and daring new experiment in urban development will “pop up” along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin on Canberra Day.
Westside Acton Park will be activated next month with a temporary shipping container village that aims to breathe new life into a forgotten part of our city.
Exciting and edgy new businesses, including a cafe, rooftop bar, Vietnamese restaurant, BMX bike shop, French crêperie and gym, are moving into the space, which will feature free wi-fi, a rock-climbing wall and makeshift artists’ studios. A central square will be the perfect spot for bustling markets, live concerts and national sporting events, or just a chance for cyclists and joggers to grab a coffee and a breather.
event. Everyone gets into it, from families, to teenagers, to young kids, corporate groups, awesome dressed-up teams, even grandma and grandpa have the time of their lives getting colourful together and laughing along the way.
“The beauty of this unique paint race is that it’s not competitive, it’s not timed or about speed, it doesn’t matter what fitness level you are, or your age or background. Every Color Runner is there to enjoy the community spirit, and put the fun back into fun run! You can walk, skip or dance your way through the course.
“With 10,000 runners, family, lovers, hens’ parties – you name it, it’s all happening under clouds of blue, pink, green and orange, with an International MC and many special guests including Andrew Morley, of ‘Home & Away’.”
It’s at Stage 88, with an 8am start. Tickets on sale until 6pm, Saturday, February 21 at thecolorrun.com.au
This is the first step in the ACT Government’s activation of the lakeside, and is central to a broader vision of the City to the Lake project. However, a round of applause must go to the group of Canberra developers, designers and entrepreneurs, known as the Stomping Grounds Collective, for their inspiration and perspiration.
The project has captured the attention of people around Australia, as it is made from low-cost, ready-made, durable and sustainable materials – with everything ready for reuse when the pop up park has had its day. This makes it ideal for short-term developments that attract people and activate parts of a city while more permanent projects are getting off the ground.
In other parts of the world, “cargotecture” is creating dynamic, temporary spaces – from student accommodation to shopping malls. In Montreal, for example, shipping containers appear in the warmer months to provide casual outdoor seating and extra capacity for its café culture. In winter, they go into storage.
In Christchurch, the city’s property and building owners recognised that fast and friendly development was needed to encourage people back into the CBD after the 2011 earthquake. The strip of 50 or so shipping container shops are such a success that Christchurch has risen to number six in the “Lonely Planet’s” guide to the world’s “must visit” places. Now Canberra has another pocket of urban, über cool – so let’s get out there and support this exciting new place for people.
Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia.
Located in Griffith close to restaurants, cafés, businesses and Parliament House. Available for half or full-day rental.
Room hire includes:
§ High-speed wireless internet
§ 70 inch flat screen TV
§ Printer/Scanner/Photocopier
§ Conference phone/telephone
§ Kitchenette and amenities
§ Two car parking spaces
Catering can be arranged at an additional cost.
For bookings or inquiries email pfa@pfa.org.au or phone 02 6239 8900
IT’S easy to knock high-level bureaucrats. In the past it has been fair game to be pejorative about the ACT bureaucracy.
However, people of Dr Peggy Brown’s calibre epitomise the work that is done by so many competent people who work on our behalf.
Dr Brown is to retire after a decade as director general of Health some time this year and her departure will provide a fresh start in the directorate.
Health Minister Simon Corbell announced that a recruitment process was underway for a new director general of ACT Health and, with Dr Brown expected to finish later this year, there is ample time for a thoughtful decision and a thorough process.
The criteria for the suitable person should include an ability to take a long-term view, to be a strong negotiator with the Commonwealth, to be able to engage effectively with other directorates and stakeholders and to have the knowledge and understanding to provide sound short and long-term advice to ministers.
An in-depth understanding of the social and ecological determinants of health, prevention and primary health care are as important as an understanding of hospitals.
Top bureaucrats play a significant role in protecting ministers. Good advice, carefully prepared strategies and a long-term vision may appear to come from the minister. Although ultimately the minister is responsible – having a well thought through suggestion is invaluable to the success of a government.
On the announcement of her retirement, the recently appointed Minister Corbell praised her contribution, saying: “Dr Brown has been a tremendous servant for the people of Canberra and she should be congratulated for the important work she has done as both director of Mental Health and as director general of ACT Health.”
He reflected on her decade of leadership, which included the opening of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, the Canberra Region Cancer Centre and the introduction of nurse-led walk-in centres.
He omitted to mention her significant role in long-term strategic planning and negotiating with changes of federal government and a number of health ministers, albeit all Labor ministers.
It has not been all plain sailing. Hospital waiting lists and the waiting times in the emergency departments of both the ACT’s hospitals have been issues throughout the period where Dr Brown has been the mandarin. There has been a huge increase in the health budget over the period, but it is hard to see a commensurate improvement in the healthcare system.
At the last Territory Budget, funding was provided for the “Healthy Weight Plan”. At a time when the Federal government had announced vicious slashing of its share of health funding, the ACT was putting in place an attempt to wrestle with “the most significant health challenge of our time”.
Corbell’s selection of the next director general of Health will have a major impact on one of the most important areas of the government. It is also one of the most politically sensitive and one in which the minister should play a direct and leading role.
Mandarins in the ACT across all the directorates need to have a “hands-on approach” in dealing with the community.
In the past, there has been some significantly limited bureaucratic leadership that has been unaware of the depth of feeling on issues within the ACT. The resultant crises and embarrassment ought to be a warning. However, in the end the minister must be responsible for who is selected and the perfor mance of that person.
Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
“Kingston Warehouse”
U15 & 16, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston
• U15 - 767m², U16 - 581m². Total area of 1,406m²
• 924m² leased to Slater and Gordon until February 2018
• Current annual rent $479,208 plus GST
• Fully leased annual rent $654,568*
• 424m² current vacant, with 4 car parks
• High Quality building in outstanding location
For Sale by Expression Of Interest
Closing Thursday 5th March 5pm
Doug O’Mara 0412 485 181
John Price 0412 266 194 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
“Centro Gungahlin”
73 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin
• Range of ground floor commercial units suitable for investors and owner occupiers
• Leased units for sale yeilding above 7% net returns with long term leases and built in rent increases
• Vacant unit with fit out included, suitable for office or shop
• Prime location within huge growth area
“Woden Valley Specialist Centre” 60 Garran Place, Garran
• 48m²* professional unit
• High quality medical fit out
• Located close to Canberra Hospital
• 17m²* On site storage
For Sale
$309,950 - $389,950 + GST
Chris Miller 0400 376 208 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
For Sale
$235,000 + GST
Troy McGuinness 0413 499 735 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
“AFA House” 2/39 Geils Court, Deakin
• 191m²* internal area
• Office fit out in place, with floor to ceiling windows
• Vacant possession
• Huge amount of free parking at doorstep
For Sale by Expression Of Interest
Closing Thursday 5th March 5pm
Andrew Smith 0409 600 471
David Grimmond 0406 376 697 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
By Lorna Morris
AFTER 10 years as the only registrar at the Family Court and Federal Court in Canberra, Debra Parker has moved back into private practice with the objective of keeping her clients out of court.
With about 40 to 50 divorces each week in the Federal Circuit Court in Canberra, she saw first hand the benefits of settling outside court.
“Settling outside court is not only cost effective but it allows the client to retain control over their outcome, there is an opportunity to work through issues and to get a result they approve of,” she says.
“There are intangible benefits as well, it gives children comfort knowing their parents aren’t fighting anymore.
“A break-up can be a vulnerable and scary time and people want to know what their rights are in order to re-establish their lives.
“Every case is different and has its own challenges, as a mediator and resolution expert I meet clients, identify what they want to achieve and give them advice on how to get there.”
Ms Parker says she hopes to assist clients to resolve the division of
property and to reach an agreement about the amount of time children spend with parents without resorting to court proceedings, but also to advise clients if court is necessary.
“There is now more emphasis on ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), which has become a compulsory step before court and I am pleased to see it growing,” she says.
“I was always in favour of this during the early part of my career and I had a reputation for mediat-
ing before court. I regard myself as a pioneer in mediation,” she says.
“I was admitted to practice in 1984 until I resigned in 1997 and I have missed the relationships with clients. I had to be impartial as a registrar and not give the client confidential advice”.
During her time as a registrar from 2005, Ms Parker’s quasi-judicial role meant that she presided in court in procedural matters, made orders about case management and
mediated with litigants outside of court.
“I’m really proud of my record in assisting courts to settle and I had a high success rate,” she says.
“My work was gratifying, but after 10 years it felt like the right time to move.
“Opportunities as a partner don’t come up that often,” she says of her new role as a mediator and resolution expert at Watts McCray’s Canberra office.
All Offers Will Be Considered
• Fitted out office space
• Units of 57m², 99m², 189m², 305m² & 560m² available
• Excellent northerly views from all units
• Flexible purchase terms available
• Tenant in place until 30/06/2015
For Sale or Lease by Expression Of Interest
Closing Thursday 5th March 5pm
Andrew Smith 0409 600 471
Aaron Green 0406 177 338 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
THE Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise is holding its annual trivia night and silent auction at the National Press Club, Barton, 7pm, on Friday, February 27, in aid of Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT, a local not-for-profit organisation creating or modifying equipment for people with disabilities of all ages. Tickets are $25 at the door, with bookings of tables of 8-10 appreciated. More information or bookings to rotary_sunrise_events@outlook.com by February 24.
THE Canberra Quota Club is holding a trivia night fundraiser at the Irish Club, Weston, from 7pm on Thursday, February 26. The cost is $15 and proceeds will help Home, Inanna and the Shepherd Centre. RSVP to Noelle on 0408 747017.
THE next meeting of the Tuggeranong Evening View Club will learn about scams and scammers from the police over dinner at the Town Centre Club, Greenway, from 6.30pm, Wednesday, February 25. Interested ladies are invited to call 6281 2900 or email tuggeven@gmail.com
THE biennial Canberra Mustang Car Show will be held on the west lawns in front of Old Parliament House from 9.30am on Sunday, February 22. “The show is a fantastic opportunity to see a wide cross-section of Mustangs from the first in 1964 to some of the more modern beauties,” says event co-ordinator Ian Jackson. There will be a jumping castle for kids as well as food, drinks and ice creams for sale. Proceeds will support a local family to outfit a car with disability controls for their son to learn to drive.
“The Creswell” 54/65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell
• Ten year lease with $109,600 net annual rent
• Brand new building within employment hub of Campbell
• High depreciation opportunity
• Completion mid 2015
For Sale or Lease by Expression Of Interest
Closing Thursday 5th March 5pm
Andrew Smith 0409 600 471 rwcanberra.com.au
Ray White Commercial Canberra
*approx
WINNING an art award proved to be a pretty Mickey Mouse (and Pluto) affair for year 12 Gungahlin College student Brandon Mackintosh
Brandon took out the Ray White People’s Choice Award of the recent “College Express” exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre for his Mickey and Pluto “icons” made from old aluminium drink cans.
Gungahlin College Principal Gai Beecher said he had topped his year in the accredited art course and his art teacher Kate Leedham described him as “a very dedicated art student”.
Mackintosh told “CityNews”: “Walt Disney was very creative and I’m a very creative fellow, too – I chose the aluminium cans because of the colours and the design.”
And the cans? His extended family had drunk all the Coke cans for Mickey, while his maths class obliged with the Solo cans for Pluto.
But Mickey and Pluto are not the only Disney subjects in his repertoire.
“I made Tigger from a chook-wire frame covered with recycled plastic bags,” Brandon said. Artist Brandon Mackintosh.
AS we wobble guiltily through Australian Healthy Weight Week, dietitian Ngaire Hobbins has come to rescue of the, ahem, more mature members of the community with the liberating news that being a bit fatter is better when you are older.
Despite the Dietitian’s Association of Australia spending the week promoting strategies to help us all achieve a bodyweight that will boost health and vitality, the heroic author of the book “Eat To Cheat Ageing” says: “I see it all too often – people over 70 who have taken on the latest diet trend and lost weight only to find themselves increasingly succumb -
ing to more illness and not being able to do all they wish they could.
“I want older people to remember that most popular health and diet advice is for people in their 30s, 40s or 50s, and that advice just does not apply to those closer to 70, 80 or 90.”
The science, she says, is clear – while being active remains essential to a productive and vital older life it’s those who are a bit heavier who fare best. Being thin in older age is associated with a higher likelihood of dementia, of having a fall, of general poor health and even death.
ABC news ACT website: “Two shootings overnight in Kaleen in Canberra’s north and Waramanga in the inner south…” These kids have got to get out of Dickson.
Waramanga is in Weston Creek.
SMARTPHONE addiction is called nomophobia and on Sunday, February 22 the nation, if not the world, will mark MoodOff Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of this technological blight.
Organisers of the day say nomophobia has multiple indicators – the fear of being without the smartphone; having no reception; or losing battery strength.
Any of these elements have the ability to generate panic in the user and many individuals don’t even realise they’re nomophobic!
Worse still, they say, some mental health professionals are concerned that in addition to nomophobia, smartphones are fostering self-absorption and a lack of respect for others, especially among younger people.
Constant messages, texts and updates are used as a means of validation for users.
It’s a form of narcissism that allows the individual to be the entire focus of any encounter rather than sharing the limelight with others in a normal social setting.
Apparently nomophobia is reaching epidemic proportions, so February 22 can’t come soon enough for a “Morning Without Technology” when individuals globally are urged to turn off their mobile devices for at least five hours and interact with people around them. We’ll text you when it’s over.
• Quality custom designed chairs, sofas and bedheads
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• Window seat cushions, outdoor cushions and scatter cushions
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• Free consultation with an experienced designer in store
• A local business that has been in Canberra for 30 years
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THE life of John Mackay – so far – is a great read and an integral part of recent Canberra history. The book, “Living on the Edge”, is beautifully written by Graham Downie and was officially launched at the National Press Club by Alex Sloan.
It traces the good, the bad, the painful and true story of the man whose love of Canberra, exuberant spirit and lust for life was a force that made things happen. His kindness is beyond compare. His friendship is legendary. But most of all he’s a family man with his extraordinary wife Colette saying John has made life fun for her.
The gathering of many of what I call his usual suspects at the launch was the culmination of a couple of years of a fantastic friendship and perfect pairing of his biographer Downie and Mackay, where both found a respect for each other and the precious trust required for this story to be told.
Needless to say, I’ve had a long association with John and Colette and their extended family, and our lives have crossed paths in many ways I was unaware of until my hand-delivered and signed copy arrived and was consumed with pleasure very quickly. Buy it through Halstead Press and enjoy the journey.
At Watts McCray we know how to listen. To hear your story.
As a family lawyer and a mediator with ten years’ experience as Registrar of the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court in Canberra, Debra brings a wealth of experience to the Watts McCray team. Debra can help you find the solutions you need. Watts McCray welcomes Debra.
For a confidential consultation call 6257 6347 or visit www.wattsmccray.com.au
THE fifth annual Maxim Invitational Tennis Charity event met and exceeded its fundraising expectations, raising a total of $156,000.
The event, hosted by Maxim Chartered Accountants, brought together 32 local businesses to compete and raise money for local organisations Kulture Break and TADACT at the North Woden Tennis Club.
Kulture Break CEO and founder, Francis Owusu, says the event’s $52,000 donation has heightened the organisation’s ability to deliver high quality, effective and engaging dance programs.
“The money raised today will be put towards purchasing a community mini bus to support our dance mentoring programs and to promote the inclusion of young people living with a disability,”
Mr Owusu said.
“Our passion is to encourage young people to be themselves, to be confident and to provide them with the tools and knowledge to create a positive change within their own lives through creative art forms.”
Maxim Chartered Accountants’ partner, Mark Peatey, says the company is pleased to support such a well-regarded local charity.
“The tournament was a great outcome for everyone and we are delighted to know the funds will make a difference to the Canberra community,” he said.
The Maxim Invitational Tennis Charity event, launched in 2011, has raised more than $400,000 for local charities including Starlight Foundation, The Salvation Army, The George Gregan Foundation and The Cerebral Palsy Alliance ACT.
RAISING OVER FOR TADACT AND KULTURE BREAK
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR: RAISING FUNDS FOR:
$156,000
OVERLOOKING KOSCIUSZKO THE JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL PARKS
THE EPICENTRE OF THE BEST TROUT & SALMON FISHING IN AUSTRALIA SWIM, FISH, PADDLE, WATERSKI OR LAUNCH YOUR BOAT RIGHT FROM THE SANDY BACKYARD BEACH
Lake Jindabyne and the 3 rivers are stocked with over a million trout and salmon. Kosciuszko National Park is a short paddle across the pristine lake where there are 4,287 square miles of hiking, mountain biking and snow sports.
• 60 second walk right out front to a safe sandy swimming and fishing beach.
• Direct access to the lake for easy launching of any size boat.
• Most private location.
• Paved road.
• No road noise.
• Town water and sewage.
• Heaps of room for cars, RV’s and large vegetable gardens.
• No fleas or ticks.
• The safest location from bush fires.
• Never run out of water.
• Can step right out the door for great walks or hiking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing etc.
• Best mountain bike trails and road bike riding roads in the country.
• Cruise or sail down to Jindabyne town for lunch or shopping.
• Drive golf balls from your back steps.
Quality built 4 bedroom. 2 1/2 bath house of Oregon, cedar, and treated log construction. Large wrap around veranda / deck with gates – safe for children and pets and perfect for entertaining and watching those glorious evening sunsets.
Huge work area / garage under. Lots of potential for expansion or even a granny flat.
Pine paneling throughout. Hardwood floors in the lounge kitchen area with two fireplaces
– one two sided with fan. New kitchen with breakfast bar. Vaulted ceiling lounge dining room and upstairs with reversible fans. Lots of
room for a pool table etc.
Property located in quiet, friendly village of Kalkite on Lake Jindabyne. Within 10 to 20 minutes of the residence are schools, post office, supermarket, great shopping, pastry shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, movie theatre, new super clinic.
The Snowy Mountains has year round the most diverse range of sports and activities in the country. From all snow and water sports plus golf, tennis, horse riding and equestrian, lawn bowls, hang gliding, bike, rowing & sailing clubs, dragon boats, rock climbing, abseiling, white water rafting, shooting clubs, bush walking, 4WD driving – plus quilting associations and flying and RC plane clubs.
It’s all here for yourself, family or rental guests – be they honeymooners, corporate reward or a family just wanting to have fun and get away from the rat race or noisy crowded resorts.
Take another look at your life and get out of your sedentary rut. Perfect place to retire. This would have to be the healthiest, safest, socially cohesive region in the country.
Because of an imminent move overseas for family reasons, the price has been dropped from $645,000 to an incredible low $545,000. The buyer could receive a quick sale bonus with the choice of receiving an additional $10,000 off the price of the property or $10,000 in cash paid at settlement. This is an absolute bargain as the house only rebuild costing from NRMA Insurance is $545,000, so you get arguably the best waterfront property with best rental potential, best boat access and magnificent never built out panoramic views in the entire region for less than the house rebuild alone.
THE 1200-metre Seppelt Black Opal Stakes on Sunday, March 8 is Canberra’s premier day at the races and, now in its 42nd year, an important autumn race day on the turf calendar.
The inaugural Black Opal Stakes was run at Thoroughbred Park in 1973 and won by Rich Reward.
This year’s eight-race program includes the $275,000 Seppelt Black Opal Stakes, the $200,000 ACTTAB Canberra Cup, $120,000 Mercedes-Benz (Canberra) National Sprint and the $120,000 Canberra Guineas.
The action takes place on and off the track at Thoroughbred Park on Seppelt Black Opal Stakes day, especially with the Myer Fashions on the Field competition for ladies, men and couples offering the best prizes in the region.
Categories are Classic Ladies Racewear, Classic Mens Racewear, Classic Couples Racewear and the Millinery Award.
Additional attractions this year include the luxurious Seppelt Marquee, offering canapes and cocktails on the deck overlooking the mounting yard and, for children, there’s face painting and a jumping castle.
Be Be Geez will be providing music and along Food
• Seppelt Black Opal Stakes and ACTTAB Canberra Cup Race Day, Sunday, March 8
• Gates open 11.30am. Local racing from about 1pm
• Tickets can be bought online through Ticketek or at a Ticketek agency or for sale at the gate.
• Public car parking is $5 a car. Members park for no charge in Members Only specified areas.
Alley there will be a wide range of food options.
The Black Opal has risen to become a race of importance on the Australian turf calendar by giving rising stars a chance to gain a start in the Golden Slipper, the richest two-year-old race in the world.
Catbird, trained locally by Frank Cleary, was the first horse to win both the Black Opal Stakes and the Golden Slipper Stakes in 1999.
Many placegetters in the Golden Slipper have come from Black Opal winners including Blazing Saddles (1977), Just Blooming (1986), Comely Girl (1988), Clan O’Sullivan (1992), St. Covet (1994) and Paint (1996).
Clan O’Sullivan was the first locally trained horse to win the Black Opal in 1992 and went on to take out the Todman Slipper trial before getting caught late in the Golden Slipper by the filly Burst.
The David Hayes trained St Covet won the 1994 Black Opal by six lengths clocking the fastest winning time for the race at 1:09.40 in the hands of Shane Dye.
Canberra-trained runners gained a hat-trick in the Black Opal after Speed Week, trained by John Morissey, won in 1998 with Catbird, trained by Cleary, the following year and then Pembleton, also trained by Morissey, scored in 2000.
The fastest winning time by a filly belongs to the classy Tommy Smith-trained Silver Shadow in 1975 at 1.10:30.
• ACTION Buses will operate during the day, stopping directly out the front of the racecourse on Randwick Road. ACTION routes 951, 952 and 956 will operate from Belconnen and Civic with a detour down Randwick Road, Lyneham, for racegoers.
• Free shuttle services to Dickson and Civic will operate on a loop after the races from 5pm to 7.30pm.
• No alcohol can be brought through the gates. Patrons can bring a picnic lunch to eat on the lawns or one of the many open areas.
SUNDAY 8 MARCH
NOW A GROUP 3 RACE
FEATURING THE TAB.COM.AU CANBERRA CUP 8 RACES - $831,000 IN PRIZEMONEY
CORPORATE HOSPITALITY:
Purchase your all inclusive ticket into Catbird Lane and let us do all the work for you!
Local DJ’s will entertain inside the Catbird Lane area. Exclusive individual marquees for corporate or social groups. Book a marquee for a minimum of 20 guests up to 200.
Includes:
• Complimentary admission;
• Exclusive area with security;
• Access to Catbird Lane, private marquee;
• Shared bar with a 5 hour standard beverage package with spirits;
• A delicious central buffet menu;
• Race books;
• Television in each marquee;
• Bookmakers and ACTTAB facilities;
• A fantastic lively atmosphere; and
• Catbird Lane has its own private track viewing area just a short stroll away.
Price $205 per person (Incl GST)(Minimum 20 people)
For this and other corporate hospitality options, please contact The Canberra Racing Club on (02) 6204 0000 or visit thoroughbredpark.com.au for further information.
P: (02) 6204 0000
E: canberraracing@thoroughbredpark.com.au
Canberra Racing Club Randwick Road Lyneham
Tara married Simon and came to see me about the tax implications of their union.
“Well, firstly, Tara, congratulations; that’s good news,” I said.
“The tax man is also keen to see you together – it’s now a requirement that each spouse shows the other’s ‘income’ in their tax return. Spouses include de facto and same-sex partners.
“Are you both in a health fund?”
Tara said she was on on her parents’ suggestion when she first started work, but Simon has never been in a health fund.
“By way of information, in the year that you get married for the purposes of the Medicare levy surcharge, you are treated as if you have been married for the full year,” I told her.
“In order not to pay the surcharge, you both have to have hospital cover all year. While you have an appropriate level of health cover for 365 days, even if Simon joins a health fund now, he can only have cover for about 165 days this financial year.
“I know this may sound odd, but the law says that you will be treated as married for the full year and as Simon did not have cover all year you are also treated as only having cover for 165 days.
“So, let’s look at your incomes to see what impact this could have on you both.
“The Medicare levy surcharge is charged where your combined income for surcharge purposes exceeds $180,000. Income for surcharge purposes is your taxable income increased by reportable fringe benefits plus reportable superannuation contributions plus any net investment losses.
“Tara your payslip shows taxable income of $120,000 and you have an investment loss of $5000, so your income for surcharge purposes is $125,000.
Tara said Simon was on a low wage for the first part of the year and from April he will earn the same amount as her.
“We just may sneak in under the threshold,” Tara said.
“It looks as if Simon’s taxable income will be about $54,000 and he has no other income sources. Can you tell me what it will cost us if we do find we have exceeded the threshold?”
I told her that if she incurred the surcharge she would have to pay 165/365 x $125,000 x 1% which is $565.
If Simon’s income for medicare levy purposes was $60,000, then he would have to pay 165/365 x $60,000 x 1% which is $271.
“As you can see, Tara, it’s in your best interests to keep Simon’s taxable income below $55,000 if it doesn’t cost you more than the surcharge,” I told her.
“That is something we can examine closer to the end of the financial year. However, the most important thing is that Simon takes out hospital cover as soon as possible so that if you do have a surcharge liability you both have the minimum number of days this financial year that the surcharge could apply.”
Tara thanks me, saying: “I had no idea that I could have a surcharge liability. That is quite a surprise.”
If you need any information on any tax-related matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
Joanne Madeline Moore
your week in the stars – February 23-March 1, 2015
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
With Mars and Venus visiting Aries you’re feeling bold and beautiful but don’t barge in and think you can fix a situation. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you’re not aware of. Check the facts thoroughly before you proceed. Saturn helps stabilise your fiery energy mid-week, so it’s a terrific time to roll up your sleeves, put your head down and get things done, as you turn creative ideas into practical and productive projects.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Aim for some peace and quiet this week, as your ruling planet Venus visits your solitude zone. Spend time in a special location, where you can contemplate your future and look within. A beautiful garden would be the perfect place to recharge your run-down Bull batteries. Relationships are also favoured as you make a firm commitment, enter into a secret pact, or take on an important role in a partnership.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Are you creatively frustrated? The best way to showcase your numerous talents is within a group situation or via social networking. Attached Twins – is your partner feeling insecure about the relationship? Find practical ways to demonstrate how committed you really are. Singles – take your time looking for love. With serious Saturn moving through your relationship zone, you’re searching for far more than a superficial flirtation.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
When it comes to your daily routine, avoid making hasty moves. You know which tasks need to be done, and Saturn will help you knuckle down and complete them with gusto and grace. So bite the bullet and get on with things. If you are facing obstacles at work, then throw out your old ideas and try a different strategy. The more innovative, imaginative and proactive your approach, the more successful the outcome will be.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Jupiter is revving your fiery engine but taking short cuts will get you nowhere fast. The Sun/Saturn square really cramps your style and lowers your energy levels, as you encounter obstructions and delays. Whatever happens, you’ll need plenty of patience. Much of your time will be consumed by a difficult situation involving a child, teenager or friend. In order to resolve it you’ll need to be creative, proactive and innovative.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
The Sun/Saturn square could send you into a controlled frenzy of micro-managing this week, as you strive to do everything 100 per cent perfectly, on budget and on time. Why do you put yourself under such pressure Virgo? The one area of your life that’s begging for some serious re-building is your home and family. It’s the place that’s hardest to make ‘perfect’, but it’s where all the love and sustenance comes from.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Attached Librans – are you ready to really commit? This week’s Venus/Saturn trine is super for cementing a long-term union, and making it more secure. Singles –romance is in the air as Venus, Mars and Uranus rev up your relationship zone. Don’t be dazzled by appearances though! Have the wisdom to pick a partner who has less surface gloss and more inner substance.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Don’t let other people undermine your self-confidence and don’t indulge in some Scorpio self-sabotage! Remember, with strong self-esteem you can climb any mountain, weather any storm and sail any sea. Saturn’s in your money zone, so look for ways to consolidate your finances, and build firm fiscal foundations for the future. Getting sound professional advice is best policy, as you work on manifesting abundance.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You tend to go to extremes, so there’s nothing more depressing than a down-inthe-dumps Sagittarian! We all know Saturn’s moving slowly through your sign and you’ve got a plethora of problems, but don’t waste your time with endless complaining and ‘woe-is-me’ behaviour. Instead, be inspired by birthday great, Elizabeth Taylor: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The stars favour beautifying or renovating your home environment, and some Capricorns will move house. But are you brooding on the past and kicking yourself for romantic or career opportunities you’ve missed along the way? It’s time to learn from your mistakes and move on. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Johnny Cash: “Close the door on the past. You don’t forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on them.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
The buzz word is communication. Your curiosity is piqued and you’re keen to converse with a range of people. The more time and effort you put into building your social media profile, the more it will benefit you further down the track. Think long-term strategies, rather than short-term fixes. You’re in the mood for some retail therapy but buy practical things you need, rather than expensive trifles you’ll later regret.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
This is definitely not the week to waft around in a perpetual Piscean daze! It’s time for a reality check. Saturn squares the Sun, so strive to get your act together in an uncharacteristically organised and focused way. If you don’t, then expect others to voice their disappointment and disapproval. The good news? A solid financial opportunity is waiting for Fish who show initiative and work hard.
Across
1 Name a sharp, pointed instrument used for engraving and the like
8 Which massive monuments are found especially in Egypt?
9 Name the thinner of an earlier film comedy duo
10 What is the power or faculty of seeing?
11 What is the curd of milk, separated from the whey, and prepared as a food?
12 Which binary star system is sometimes seen as a new star?
13 In mythology, which class of woodland deity is part human and part goat?
16 Which knitted goods such as hose, are made of cotton thread?
19 Name a mild expletive
21 Which modern ballroom dance originated in Cuba?
22 Where, in Belgium, did Napoleon meet his defeat in 1815?
23 Which term is indicative of extreme poverty?
24 Name those mouselike rodents that seem to practise mass suicide
Solution next week
25 What do we call a sycophantic follower? Down
2 Name a less familiar term for the windpipe
3 What is the offence of stealing?
4 Name the human organ in which the blood undergoes certain corpuscular changes
5 What, in many countries, is a military officer of the highest rank?
6 Name a renowned Australian jockey, Roy ...?
7 Name an atom, the nucleus of which has the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons
13 An annual Australian footrace is held in which Victorian town?
14 When is a hot beverage served?
15 What describes a newly enlisted member of the armed forces?
17 Which large lizards are found especially in tropical America?
18 Monrovia is the capital of which African republic?
20 What is a pathological accumulation of diluted lymph in body tissues?
Arts editor HELEN MUSA previews some highlights of the upcoming Enlighten festival
IN a torrid Canberra month dominated by talk of leadership spills and political consultation, there could hardly be a more enlightening document than the Magna Carta.
That’s the view of staff at the Department of Parliamentary Services as they prepare for a whopping 800th birthday celebration of the famous manuscript as part of Canberra’s Enlighten Festival, running in and around the Parliamentary Triangle from February 27 to March 7.
And why not? We have here, in our own Parliament House, one of the only two copies outside the UK of the 1297 “Inspeximus” version of the Magna Carta – the other is in Washington.
Naturally, the DPC plans to shout this to the skies, with huge projections on to the exterior of the House, and “Inspeximus”, a fun family tour full of clues and puzzles related to the text. There’s a mini film festival where you can see our own Errol Flynn and Russell Crowe (also Kevin Costner) disporting themselves as Robin Hood who was, APH assures us, not just the arch-foe of King John but a freedom fighter and champion of the principles of Magna Carta. Gosh.
If you’re wondering about the arithmetic, June 2015 will mark the 800th anniversary of King John’s famous signing at Runnymede. A close-up look at the English translation next to the actual Magna Carta allows every Australian to see the principles of assent by which a ruler should govern. Australian politicians take note.
But APS staff are not stopping there in their search for enlightenment. Geologist Wolf Mayer will lead tours through Parliament House examining the varieties of stone in the building.
The director of the art collection, Justine Van Mourik, will host “white glove” tours where you can get inside the arts store and also hear all the behind-the-scenes goss from Van Mourik, who thinks she is the first director to lead such a tour.
“CityNews” could pretty well “feel the power” as she explained to us how political portraits are commissioned, how new parliamentarians get top-class Australian paintings for their offices (there is a pecking order) and how gifts from foreign leaders are sometimes less than artistically satisfying.
Hedonists are not excluded from the fun. On Saturday, March 7, the Members’ Guests Dining Room will be thrown open for an “exclusive decadent dinner” concocted by Chef Cris Purcell.
While you’re up at the House, the rest of
Canberra will be down on the ground in the Parliamentary Triangle feasting on noodles at the Enlighten Night Markets, oohing and aahing at the wild projections on to Canberra’s most famous buildings, and enjoying free and ticketed entertainment curated by Events ACT’s Adelina La Vita.
Overseas visitors include Voala Station, from Spain, who will sweep four businessmen (or possibly public servants) into a world of magic; Voyage from the UK, who will launch 300 illuminated paper boats on to Lake Burley Griffin and indie jazz and soul band Lake Street Dive from the US.
Meanwhile, local scientists will perform an erudite study of the physics of beer at Questacon, a natural follow-up to last year’s ice cream experiments.
Who can doubt that Enlighten will transform Canberra into the “cool” capital Chief Minister Andrew Barr keeps wishing for?
Enlighten 2015, February 27-March 7, Parliamentary Triangle, program and tickets at enlightencanberra. com.au, tickets from ticketek.com or 132849. Some tickets at the door.
COLD Chisel’s announcement of its coming “intimate one off show in Canberra” is in the cavernous Royal Theatre. But size is relative, and their last ACT gig in 2011 was at the AIS. “There’s a great energy about really seeing the whites of people’s eyes at gigs like this”, says frontman, Jimmy Barnes, in partial explanation. Bookings to ticketek.com.au or 132 849.
COUNTRY music
royalty Melinda Schneider and Beccy Cole will perform at Canberra Theatre, March 1, with their joint show, “Great Women of Country”, paying tribute to the likes of Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.
SKATEBOARDS are the means by which artist Luke Chiswell examines the tyranny of time in his solo show “As It Goes”, showing at Nishi Gallery in NewActon. He sees the show as an exploration of disenchantment through the lens of his first passion, skateboarding. Opening Friday, February 20, 6pm-10pm (all welcome), the exhibition continues until March 8.
BILK Gallery in Palmerston Lane, Manuka, is chuffed to be hosting “Unfold and Construct”, an exhibition running until March 14 of new works by one of the brightest graduates of the ANU School of Art, Phoebe Porter, who combines geometric abstraction, bold colour and “unexpected asymmetry” to create jewellery designed to be worn.
MUSICA Viva is staging an innovative multimedia concert with leading Canadian period instrument orchestra, Tafelmusik, inviting the audience to step into the world of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi through projected images of salons and art, including paintings by Vermeer, Canaletto and Watteau. Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, on Thursday, February 26. Tickets at the door.
THE Australian Rugby Choir is holding its annual Canberra membership drive with a newmember night from 7pm on February 26 at Curtin Primary School. You can “try before you join” by attending three practices. More details at rugbychoir.org.au
‘They made me look like the raging bitch from hell. That’s not me,’ says Anna, one half of the Canberra contestants in ‘My Kitchen Rules’. Gonged out after the first episode, Anna tells dining writer WENDY JOHNSON she regrets being on the show
HOW real is reality TV? It’s not. In any way, shape or form. Indeed, you’d be a complete nutter if you believe anything you see on reality TV.
Just ask Gina and Anna, this year’s Canberra contestants on the top-rating TV reality show, “My Kitchen Rules”, who learned the hard way how creative editing of footage can distort life, and forever, and just to bump ratings.
By their own admission, Gina and Anna agree things went “horribly wrong” with their instant restaurant, and they did. Horribly wrong.
Flathead fillets overcooked and under seasoned. Salad overdressed. Gnocchi promised and not delivered. Substitute pasta soggy and tasteless.
Dessert a disaster with the tart shell so hard one contestant said a chainsaw was needed to cut through it.
And so it was that this loud, boisterous and highly competitive mother and daughter team was unceremoniously kicked off the show.
Gina and Anna are loud and boisterous. When I first interviewed them they said that Vegemite reminded them of “poo” and that broccoli and brussels sprouts were like “eating dirt”. So it was inevitable that “My Kitchen Rules” was going to latch on to their “out there” chatter.
But what really happened in that kitchen? I interviewed Anna after the network had temporarily gagged her and Gina from doing media interviews.
Let’s talk menu. Contestants submit several menus to the program and organisers select from them one entrée, one main and one dessert. Contestants don’t know which dishes they’ll be cooking until the night before.
Let’s talk prep time. Anna says they were told to plan for three hours of prep time, which they did, and then this was unexpectedly knocked back by a whopping 60 minutes. And when the heat is on, as it is when you’re cooking in front a film crew, for two famous chefs and 12 guests, every
second counts.
“I watched the first 10 minutes of the show we cooked on and when they said we had three hours prep when we only had two, well, it wasn’t true,” says Anna.
“It’s a huge difference for a complicated menu. It was a desperate scramble to the finish. I had to stop watching the show.”
Let’s talk interruptions. Anna says the film crew yanked her out of the kitchen for something and, while distracted, the potatoes for the gnocchi overcooked which meant a rush with Plan B – the pasta substitute.
Let’s talk witch hunt. “Mum and I aren’t saying we dished up the best food, but it wasn’t the worst either,” says Anna. “It was a witch hunt. Pete hated us.”
Let’s talk fatigue. “We filmed for 24 hours straight. It exhausts you and makes you a lunatic and you can’t think logically,” says Anna.
Let’s talk bias with raw footage editing. “It was frustrating to stomach since the show didn’t represent what really went on,” says Anna.
“They made me look like the raging bitch from hell. That’s not me. I thought I was going to get my real personality out there. And at the end of the day, my mum is my mum. It has affected her to see me made out to be a psycho.
“I regret applying for ‘My Kitchen Rules’. I would have preferred ‘Master Chef’ but did this for mum. We’re so close and this show gave us a chance to work together.”
Anna and Gina are relieved the experience is over.
“The show taught us that you don’t have to put yourself up to public humiliation to achieve your dreams,” says Anna.
“I’m not upset we were eliminated,
but am about how it happened. We learned harsh realities about TV.
“It’s well constructed to look like fun, but it’s not. I thought I was ready for it but I wasn’t.”
But can these competitive Canberrans cook?
The ‘My Kitchen Rules’ elimination episode suggests not. But the reality is this: Gina and Anna competed against thousands of competitors to win a place on the show.
“We had to produce amazing food during the application process which is why we got through,” says Anna.
“That’s why it’s heart breaking that everything was so viciously ripped out from underneath us. If I had have known what I know now, I wouldn’t have applied.”
The question now is whether the experience has broken Anna and Gina.
“Our passion and drive is as strong as ever and we’re working on a project that will make Canberra
proud,” says Anna.
While they’re not giving too much away, this mum and daughter duo say they’re bringing something new to the capital in the next few months.
“It’s not a restaurant, but a café with some entertainment – something Canberra hasn’t seen yet,” says Anna.
“It’ll be in a central location and won’t be one particular type of cuisine. We have big plans for the food industry here. Restaurants. Plural. I want an empire.”
DEAN Bryant’s brilliant combination of smoke and mirrors, and smoking hot talent, make an intoxicating blend in this sizzling new, much-awarded production of Cy Coleman’s musical.
Thanks to clever design by Owen Phillips (set) and Tim Chappel (costumes), the hard-working cast members rarely leave the stage as they effortlessly change characters and costumes.
The audience is transported through seedy dance halls, swanky hotels, claustrophobic lifts, even ferris wheels, to tell the story of a damaged, but never daunted, dance-hall hostess, Charity Hope Valentine, who enthusiastically subscribes to the religion of love.
The role of Charity Hope Valentine
By Dougal Macdonald
“Fifty Shades of Grey” (MA)
DRIVING this film is volume one in E L James’s best-selling fictional trilogy peeking behind the curtains of BDSM, a sexual behaviour that few but its practitioners would really understand.
Some might call it a perversion. A more libertarian view is that how consenting (and therefore presumably informed) adults get their erotic kicks is nobody else’s business.
A goodly portion of the film’s 129 minutes involves billionaire entrepreneur and control freak Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) persuading undergraduate Anastasia (Dakota Johnson), a virgin in her early twenties when the story begins, that she will come to realise that the pain she feels from his ministrations is really pleasure.
I suspect that Grey’s money, his only redeeming feature, is her real reason for putting up with hm. Her writhings and mewings fall short of those characterising orgasm, dishonouring the desideratum that the woman’s need should come first.
A boring book gives birth to a boring film. Many people including me have begun and put aside volume one as boring. Although a friend, a published author in an admirably stable and fulfilling marriage, told us over lunch of putting fresh batteries in her vibrator and adjourning to the bedroom to read it.
Kelly Marcell, whose career began with adapting a famous X-rated movie into a stage musical, has taken the easy way with the screenplay. Short on dialogue. Little exploration of motivation. Plot credibility that’s hard to believe. Characters struggling to achieve two dimensions.
The film ends with a horrifying portent. There are two more volumes in the trilogy.
At all cinemas, two screens in some!
“The Interview” (MA)
THIS Hollywood comedy caused a minor brouhaha when North Korea accused the Berlin Film Festival of instigating terrorism by screening it. Others including Barack Obama saw the accusation as an attack on freedom of speech.
Having seen it, I wonder why the festival selected a mainstream Hollywood comedy short on redeeming features, silly rather than stupid (but only by a whisker).
Dave Skylark’s TV interview program covering the detritus of the news is scoring high ratings worldwide. North Korean officials invite Dave to interview President Kim (Randall Park).
The CIA persuades Dave and his producer that it is their patriotic duty to assassinate Kim and has confected a Mickey Mouse plot that will leave no traces.
From that point on, it degenerates into what Hollywood calls comedy. Hollywood can do, has done, good comedy. Nowadays it so often just doesn’t try hard enough.
James Franco’s overplaying of dumb Dave, from whom the screenplay withholds the inevitable professional epiphany until almost too late, comes perilously close to stupid. Ho hum.
At Hoyts, Dendy, Greater Union and Limelight
“What We Did on Our Holiday” (PG)
“Sweet Charity” At The Playhouse until February 22. Reviewed by Bill Stephens
was a career defining role for Nancye Hayes in the original Australian production. Nearly 50 years later, it will be the same for Verity Hunt-Ballard whose performance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her Charity is a unique creation and a performance to be relished.
She receives terrific support from a chameleon cast, especially Martin Crews, outstanding as Charity’s three lovers, the reticent Charlie, the suave Vittorio, and the hopelessly shy Oscar. If you see only one show this year, make sure it’s “Sweet Charity”.
DISPELLING the mild gloom that “Fifty Shades…” and “The Interview” had earlier laid over my viewing day, from co-writers and directors Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin came this most agreeable, credible, sweet, intelligent family comedy.
Abi (Rosamund Pike) and Doug (David Tennant) have both been playing away. Until the divorce is heard, they’re keeping up appearances of solidarity, telling their children Lottie (Amelia Jones), Mickey (Bobby Smalldridge) and Jess (Harriet Turnbull) to keep it a family secret.
Today they’re driving from London to the big house near the Scottish coast just north of Fort William where Doug’s filthy-rich and overweening brother Gavin (Ben Miller) lives with mildly dotty but pleasant Margaret (Amelia Bullmore) and the brothers’ father Gordy (Billy Connolly) who’s about to turn 75.
What Billy Connolly film have we seen in which he didn’t dominate the humour while delivering choice morsels of wit? And the children’s performances are delightful without being precocious or precious. Need a lift after a hard day? Or not? This can work wonders for how you feel after it.
At Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Limelight
By Helen Musa
TALKING to Yaron Lifschitz, the artistic director of Circa, the extraordinary physical theatre company from Queensland, proves to be a surprise.
His recent works have been praised as “stunning”, “exquisite” and “the standard to which all other circuses can aspire”, but he’d rather talk about mathematical concepts than theatre.
He may have directed more than 60 productions “from Buenos Aires to Port Macquarie”, as he says, but when it comes down to it, he absolutely loathes theatre in the normal sense of the word, preferring to play with abstract ideas and shapes in the never-ending hope of being able to conjure up “electricity”.
Lifschitz’s alma maters are the University of NSW and NIDA, both hubs of drama, but he’s no conventional theatre expert and at university quickly gave up drama studies in favour of maths, English literature and his favourite –history, which he describes as “my single academic passion”.
“Mine is not the background you would expect,” Lifschitz says. “I basically failed as a theatre director, I just didn’t like it, I didn’t understand actors and I didn’t see my work as a set of stories.”
So why on earth did he go into it? I ask.
“The reason was that electric moment
at the beginning of a show when the lights went down – I felt jolted by electricity, anything seemed possible,” he says.
“What would I need to do to keep that energy going? At first I didn’t have much luck, so I continued directing and I suppose I could have continued for a long time.”
But Queensland – “a strange place,” he says – offered him a new way and Circa fitted into his “mission” without ever being planned that way. As in the Zen proverb, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”, Circa taught him how to explore concepts far beyond the literal storytelling of the south.
“Beyond” serves as an example. It’s been described as “dreamy and hallucinogenic” – there’s a man in a
bear suit, women in outsized white rabbit heads moving to music from Frank Sinatra, Bonnie Tyler and Amanda Palmer, and there’s a breathtaking trapeze act in which gender roles are undermined.
As for the animals, that came in a bolt of inspiration while he was having an afternoon nap in Paris.
“I woke my partner up and told her, ‘they’re all animals’… my idea is that we all have an inner animal – a whole zoo – my proposition is that you can’t understand your own humanity unless you embrace this animal,” he says.
The show went through “so many iterations” as he worked with designers who created stages within stages and costumiers who brought the inner and outer animals together. Above all, he says, there was his “really fantastic cast – it hasn’t been easy for them.”
One thing Lifschitz can’t stand in the theatre is what he terms “unloving energy”, something often seen in circus. “I wanted tender, surreal, warm-hearted theatre, but not a sentimental show,” he says.
As well, he wanted to avoid the dangers of easy laughs. “It would be far too easy to turn it into the comic… you need a degree of grit and thoughtfulness to achieve its full range.”
“Beyond,” Canberra Theatre, February 2528, pre-show forum, Wednesday, February 25 at 6.30pm, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
“Let Me Be Myself” – the life story of Anne Frank At the National Jewish Memorial Centre, Forrest, until March 31.
Reviewed by Helen
Musa
THE newest Anne Frank exhibition, which just had its world premiere at the National Jewish Centre in Forrest, has all of the virtues and all of the dangers of any exhibition that is primarily to do with ideas.
Titled “Let Me Be Myself”, the exhibition has been curated by the Anne Frank Stichting (Foundation) in Amsterdam.
This exhibition depends on the story behind it, that of the young girl Anne Frank, who faces a disintegrating world with what she called “inward strength and plenty of courage” through the diary she was given as a 13th birthday present.
The title “Let Me Be Myself” is also the theme of the exhibition, so in the final section the contemporary implications of Anne Frank’s story are explored as we viewers are invited to ask how we now approach discrimination.
In the centre is a circular, “immersive” enclosure taking the viewer into a photographic reconstruction of the very room in which Anne Frank lived. On the outside is a model and an architectural plan of the house in which the Frank family hid. As well, there are slides, DVD films, a film and a rare example of the yellow Star of David which Jews were forced to wear.
The exhibition largely consists of a series of chronological panels following the personal history of the Frank family until their betrayal into concentration camps where Anne Frank and her sister died of illness 70 years ago next month.
WHEN I drove into Ebden Street in Ainslie to photograph Christine Fernon’s garden, I didn’t need to look too closely to find number 18; it stood out from a distance. It was seven in the morning and Christine was putting in an hour or so before heading off to work.
“I’ve got aphids,” she bemoaned, even before the obligatory “good morning”.
I figured if aphids were the biggest problem in this vast expanse of suburban beauty, she should be a pretty happy lady! The entire block is a work of art – and art itself blends in discretely, in the form of mosaic works of various designs.
Christine Fernon bought the 752sqm property about 10 years ago and the garden was a mess, showing the unremarkable hallmarks of being vacant for many months, with little effort expended by the previous rental occupants.
It’s impossible to calculate the hours that must have gone into this creation that, apart from the heavy artillery machinery brought in to get started,
is almost exclusively the result of Christine’s labour of love.
“I had a broad plan of what I wanted, but nothing definitive. It developed as I went along,” she says.
“I just kept on moving things around. As they say, a garden is never complete.”
Flowers, shrubs and vegetables co-exist happily at the front and the rear of the property.
The notable absence is lawn area, opting instead for neat paving; a decision Christine admits she now regrets.
“If I did it all over again, I’d probably have some lawn around the clothes hoist with a table and a few chairs.”
Like most gardeners, Christine is ever conscious of the need for water conservation having installed three tanks, providing 7000 litres to supplement the mains water.
“Cottage gardens have the reputation of being water excessive, but this is not necessarily so. I
water once a week and a little more often for the veggies and the ferns.”
The whole garden gets an “energy drink” towards the end of winter comprising a cocktail of cow manure, mushroom compost and the mandatory blood and bone. You won’t find any pesticides around this property – except to keep the snails at bay – and even that’s organic.
“I do continuous weeding by hand. It’s a good way to keep an eye on everything,” she explains.
The mosaics, strategically placed around the property – even the front entrance to the house – don’t compete with the numerous herbaceous features; they complement them. Christine learnt the art from her sister, Catherine, about five years ago.
“She’s the arty one. She has about five acres and she got me over there and got me working.
“They (the mosaics) add more colour, especially in winter when colour is scarce. It’s a lot of fun, too.”
Christine’s garden at 18 Ebden Street, Ainslie, will be open as part of the Open Gardens program, 10am4.30pm, Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22. Admission $8 (under 18 free).
Tomatoes need consistent warm weather day and night, which we haven’t had this summer.
AUTUMN time is feeding time in the plant world.
With citrus trees starting to develop fruit, now is a good time to apply plant food.
I have just given my potted lemon tree a mixture of, yes, Epsom salts plus a dressing of garden lime and Neutrog’s Seamungus (a certified organic combination of seaweed and chook poo). Actually, I also gave my roses the same mixture.
Many plants show signs of magnesium deficiency with yellowing leaves and just the deep-green veins showing, especially acid-loving plants such as Daphne odora, gardenias and the like.
The problem is easily corrected by dissolving a heaped tablespoonful of Epsom salts in a watering can of water and thoroughly soak the ground around the drip line of the bush.
One of Canberra’s great gardeners, the late Jim Macfarlane, gave me this advice about 40 years ago, saying he applied Epsom salts to every plant in the garden from conifers to azaleas. His spectacular garden in Griffith was a show stopper.
WE are all having trouble ripening tomatoes this year, but why?
The answer is simple, it’s the weather. Tomatoes need consistent warm weather day and night, which we haven’t had this summer.
Bursts of hot daytime temperatures with cool nights, plus days on end of cool, rainy days have not helped. Perhaps it is going to be a great year for green-tomato chutney!
THE world-famous and historic Sydney Botanic Gardens comprise three gardens: the original Royal Botanic Gardens in the Domain, the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens at Mt Tomah and The Australian Botanic Garden, at Mt Annan, which features only Australian plants, with 2000 varieties set in 416 hectares.
During the holidays we visited our favourite at Mt Tomah, a stunning cool-climate garden, the highlight of the Botanists Way, the historic crossing through the dramatic northern Blue Mountain World Heritage Park on the Bell’s Line of Road at Bilpin.
The plants are arranged geographically to showcase Australian and exotic cool-climate plants from around the world.
Formal gardens, including rose gardens, herb gardens, displays of perennial plants with the dahlia display (which will present a kaleidoscope of colour this autumn), separated by neat, trimmed hedges surround the visitors’ centre and restaurant.
The picnic area is hugely popular at weekends
as is the café with its wide verandas and spectacular views across the mountains. The formal areas gradually change to informal plantings down the hillside.
A new feature at the gardens is The Bower.
Taking the theme of the satin bower birds that collect everything “blue”, the gardens have interpreted the specialised stick structure the male bower bird constructs to entice the female. It is constructed of willow, an environmental weed the Lithgow Council allowed the gardens to collect along creek banks. Apple tree prunings from the famous Bilpin orchards have also been woven into the structure.
All three gardens are open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Entry is free.
• Ensure you have stakes in place with dahlias, being careful not to put the stake through the tuber.
• Spring bulbs can be planted any time now in a sunny spot. With a few exceptions, they do not like shade at all. If you have bulbs in shady places due to trees or shrubs growing, now is the time to dig them up and replant in a sunnier place.
• Broad beans and radish seed can be sown now as well as transplanting seedlings of leek and English spinach.
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• growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants • new garden creations and garden makeovers • sustainable garden design and advice
