150312 citynews

Well written, well read

HELEN MUSA discovers the story behind award-winning ‘Black Diggers’

Plain

The week we could have done without ROBERT MACKLIN When relationships go horribly wrong MARK PARTON Going to jelly for crabapples CEDRIC BRYANT

Charity Race DAY

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Dan’s big hillclimb for little hearts

SINCE 2009, Dan Cummins has raised $45,000 for the charity HeartKids through his annual HeartKids Hillclimb event in memory of his late brother.

The 31-year-old, from Hackett, who works as an electronic technician at ANU and part time as a photographer, says that the HeartKids Hillclimb, where kids can ride in race cars with professionals and watch time trials, is a great way of raising awareness for heart conditions.

According to HeartKids, childhood heart disease is one of the greatest killers of children under the age of one in Australia, claiming more than four lives every week.

“Heart conditions are very prevalent, so the event is a great way to get people talking about it,” Dan says.

“HeartKids works to support families who have children with heart conditions, they give information on what to expect and provide a support network.

“It has been so rewarding championing this cause.”

Dan was inspired to create the event by his late brother Will, who was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away at the age of 12. The brothers had always been interested in cars and Will had collected hundreds of matchbox cars.

In 2009, Dan approached the Southern District Motorsports Association (SDMA) to organise an event that celebrated what would have been his brother’s 21st birthday.

He says: “I have my own race car

and had been competing at SDMA Hillclimb events for about 18 months as well as helping out on the committee.

“I wanted to do something that raised money for charity and celebrated my brother’s life. The first year we did it, it was just a fundraising event but the next year, in 2010, it was so popular we got the track solely for HeartKids. We’ve had such good support from everyone involved.

“So far we have raised $45,000 for HeartKids altogether and every year we’ve raised a little bit more at the Hillclimb, this year the target is $14,000 and we’re hoping to sell more raffle tickets.”

The HeartKids Hillclimb will be held on Sunday, March 22, at Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track on Sutton Road.

With up to 400 people expected to attend throughout the day and with

St John Vianney’s Primary School

Wednesday 29th April 2015

&

a full grid of 40 competitors, guests can enter for free to watch time-trial racing.

Kids will have the opportunity to ride in a race car with a professional around the race track, as well as get involved in other children’s activities. Food and drink will also be available and all donations go towards HeartKids.

Dan says that the children inspire him to do the event every year.

“The temperament of the kids to bounce back from adversity is truly inspiring and despite their condition they have a well rounded enjoyment of life. I have had letters from parents to say they have never seen their child smile so much, it has been such a positive result” he says.

The money raised will go towards research for the cause and treat-

Will Cummins... was born with a congenital heart defect and died at the age of 12.

ment of heart conditions, support for programs and co-ordinators and will also give parents the chance to go into hospitals to talk to other families to get an insight into what they can expect, says Dan.

“Being a kid in hospital, it is very difficult to socialise, events like this provide a good support network” says Dan.

“I’m fortunate enough to have a race car and I use that as a positive. If you’re in the position to help people, do it”.

2015 HeartKids Hillclimb, Sunday, 9am-4pm, March 22 at Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track, Sutton Road, ACT. Visit facebook.com/HeartKidsHillclimb and heartkids.org.au

Irish minister here for St Pat’s service

TOM Hayes, the Irish Agriculture, Food and the Marine minister, will attend the annual St Patrick¹s Day Ecumenical Service at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Blackall Street, Barton, at noon on Tuesday, March 17. Brigidine nun and child refugee advocate, Sr Jane Keogh, will deliver the St Patrick’s Day Address. Music by the Celtic Choir and Irish musicians.

Florey school fete

RIDES, jumping castles, face painting, show bags, and lucky dips will feature at the annual fete of St John the Apostle Primary School, Pawsey Circuit, Florey, 10am-2pm, on Saturday, March 14. There will also be stalls selling pre-loved books, toys, clothing and plants.

Kenny at the fair

KENNY Koala will be a star at Torrens Primary School’s biennial Twilight Fair at the Ritchie Street campus, 1pm-6pm, on Saturday, March 28. The fair will feature carnival rides, pony and donkey rides, reptile display, farmyard nursery, face painting, crockery smash, sponge-a-teacher, Chinese craft activities, lucky dips, raffles and a painting auction. Stalls will include pre-loved goods and toys, craft, cake, plants and produce, and books.

Red Cross talking

LORRAINE Higgins, from the Red Cross, is the guest speaker at the next Woden View Club lunch meeting at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, on Tuesday, March 24. Cost is $25. Visitors and interested ladies are warmly welcome. RSVP to 6286 1009 before March 18.

Bright spark

MEGAN Andrews, of St Vincent de Paul, will speak on the ACT government’s energy efficiency programs at the Tuggeranong Evening View Club, Town Centre Club, Greenway, on March 25. Dinner costs $25. Visitors and interested ladies are warmly welcome. RSVP to 6281 2900 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Namatjira Drive, Waramanga www.sjv.act.edu.au

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seven days

A week we could have done without

WELL, those were seven days we could have done without. Preparations for the execution of the two apparently rehabilitated Bali Nine drug couriers, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, dominated the national media.

Parliamentarians on the hill made a great show of support for the condemned men while there was much hand-wringing in the broader community.

Sadly, others took the opportunity to belabour our most populous neighbour while conveniently forgetting that until very recently we, too, employed the death penalty; and in every poll taken there’s a majority in favour of its reintroduction (though not, I suspect, in Canberra). Moreover, we made not a whimper of protest when the Bali bombers were despatched by a similar firing squad.

This is not to excuse its barbarity. The pity is that relations with Indonesia were already so strained that our pleas and protests fell on deaf ears.

CLOSER to home, the shocking axe murder of Calwell’s Tara Costigan, who had sought protection from a violent former partner the day before,

Can Andrew Barr really look us in the eye and say his choice of light-rail advocate David Flannery as head of the Heritage Council is anything more than a political stitch-up?

came as a terrible illustration of the apparent epidemic of domestic violence throughout the nation. Indeed, it showed just how appropriate was the selection of Rosie Batty as Australian of the Year.

However, Labor Leader Bill Shorten’s call for a summit on the issue looked like crass political grand standing. And PM Tony Abbott , newly rejuvenated from his “near-death experience”, rightly put him in his place. If there were to be a summit, clearly Shorten’s deputy, Tanya Plibersek , was the one to propose it. Far better, I suspect, for the event to be declared a politician-free zone.

COINCIDENTALLY, we learned that federal cuts to the legal service for vulnerable women will mean 500 Canberrans will be turned away in the next two years. Two-thirds of them will be victims of domestic violence. Really

makes you wonder how fair dinkum the pollies are.

SPEAKING of devious politicians, can Chief Minister Andrew Barr really look us in the eye and say his choice of lightrail advocate David Flannery as head of the Heritage Council is anything more than a political stitch-up?

The council recently put a spanner in the government’s light-rail works by giving the Northbourne Flats a heritage listing. Whatever Mr Flannery’s heritage qualifications, his appointment at this time was outrageous. Come on Andrew, we’re not mugs.

THANK heavens there was some good news to end out the week. A study published in the “Health” journal found that “those who drink between three and five cups of coffee a day are less likely to have clogged arteries than

those who have none”. What a joy that us coffee drinkers (and that’s most of Canberra) are doing ourselves a favour by indulging our favourite beverage.

AND our local film and TV industry is really taking off. The movie of Helen Garner’s “Joe Cinque’s Consolation” will be shot here later this year, as will the second season of TV series “The Code”, which has been sold internationally. And a team of nine Canberra filmmakers (your columnist included) is heading to the Hong Kong Film Festival later this month to tie up some deals with the big production houses. That’s “Action!” aplenty. robert@robertmacklin.com

ROBERT MACKLIN

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Plain Ricky puts up a good argument

STRANGE that it takes a Victorian senator from the bush, representing the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party, to engage appropriately about the state of our democracy.

In contrast to the moans and “woe-is-me” wails of the major parties, Senator Ricky Muir has hit the nail on the head in his “first speech” on March 5. Our democracy is vital, thriving and working for the people. The Abbott government is not simply going to be a three-year dictatorship.

Ricky Muir threw down the gauntlet to all of those who had pilloried him as a backwater yokel.

“As a voter, I never agreed to be restricted to a twoparty system,” he told the Senate.

“I was unsatisfied that our elected representatives were bound by preconceived party positions, which in turn goes against the very definition of representative democracy, as the voices of the people that they were supposed to represent seem to somewhat fall on deaf ears”.

He was an ordinary person who, dissatisfied with the way he saw the two-party system operating, put his hand up to play a part. He explained the frustration of the Abbott government with cross-benches in the Senate blocking some of the government initiatives in a way that clearly pointed the finger at the problem.

The problem is not the Senate cross-benches. The problem is the government.

In Muir’s words: “‘There will be no changes to education, health or the renewable energy sector,’ and then, before you know it, bam, we are all faced with the biggest changes to our university sector since 1989, when HECS was introduced; reform that will completely change our Medicare system and could damage primary health care, potentially leading to negative health outcomes; not to mention the complete uncertainty in the renewable sector, which is affecting investment and stopping projects from beginning – projects which will create employment”.

In a word, the Senate is doing its job; it is holding government accountable. As a community we should be offering thanks to cross-bench senators who are at least containing the ultra-conservative Abbott government.

In the ACT, voters can also learn some lessons about keeping government accountable. Since selfgovernment there has only been one Assembly that had a majority government and the system has worked very

The problem is not the Senate cross-benches. The problem is the government.

effectively, despite coming under similar criticism in its first few years.

The election in NSW at the end of this month has the potential to illustrate that the problem is about policies and practices of the major parties rather than about the minor parties.

The demolition of the Campbell Newman government in Queensland illustrates the frustration of ordinary people with hard, right-wing conservative governments. The NSW Liberal government is much more moderate and will not suffer the same sort of swing against it.

In a similar way, if the ACT government leans too far to the left, the consequences will be felt at the election in October next year.

Our democracy is not at risk. It is not perfect. There are certainly improvements that can be made. However, we should be celebrating the vibrancy and effectiveness of our democratic systems.

There is a great deal that can be learnt about how Australian democracy works.

No-one should miss the irony in having this explained by Ricky Muir: “I do not have a long political past to speak about. I cannot speak about a time where I was a staffer for another senator or member or speak of time spent in university whilst completing a bachelor of political science. I do not have a long-seated history with a traditional party with deep-seated policy positions and rehearsed catchphrases to sell. And I do not mind”.

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

lowbrow

Open that attachment and you’re done for!

IT hasn’t had an enormous amount of media attention here in Australia, but last month details emerged of the world’s biggest bank heist.

It seems that during 2013 banks through Russia and Eastern Europe were cleaned out by a talented motley crew of Russians, Chinese and other Europeans.

ATMs started spewing wads of cash out on to the street just as members of the gang happened to be walking by.

Random bank accounts were inflated with extra zeroes and the excess money transferred internationally.

It’s believed in the order of a billion dollars was stolen. At least $300 million has been confirmed by the security firm brought in by some of the banks to get to the bottom of it.

And how did they pull this off? Just emailing tempting attachments to people working in banks.

Eventually someone clicks on the attachment and, as far as they know, nothing happens. Quietly in the background lots of things start to happen, but the miserable click-happy user has no idea about it.

Until, that is, very serious people drag them into a room with no windows to have very long and detailed conversations about exactly why they clicked on the dodgy attachment that led to millions of dollars in losses.

Back in the dawn of the internet nihilistic nerds tried to write viruses named after their ex-girlfriends just to wreak maximum destruction on a world they felt had wronged them.

Now a much smarter crew are building on that legacy to get filthy rich at the expense of the banking system.

(A few small donations to charity and they’ll be on the way to folk-hero status.)

Those who follow these things find their minds turning to the Stuxnet virus, a very subtle beast that spread throughout the world in 2010 until it found its target.

The target in that case was Iranian computers operating nuclear enrichment centrifuges. When it found itself on one of those it turned the centrifuge up to full power and kept it spinning until the centrifuge shook itself to pieces.

Fortunately for the millions of computers infected in the hunt for ones running Iranian nuclear weapons programs, the Stuxnet virus was so carefully created it

If this all sounds completely terrifying it is. The doings of intelligence agencies shouldn’t be intersecting with criminals and law-abiding citizens.

deleted itself, throughout the world, on June 24, 2012.

In the last few weeks there have been still more revelations from the Russian security experts at the Kaspersky Lab (possibly with the help of very annoyed Russian security services) of just how vastly compromised the world’s computers are with the American National Security Agency’s clever worms burrowing into everything and everywhere as part of the Equation Group.

The problem with this vast concentration of hacking know how and its resulting surveillance data is that it has 30-40,000 employees at any given time.

Do you want to trust your financial safety to the hope that not one person in 40,000 will misuse information they have access to?

Just last week the FREAK (Factoring RSA Export Keys) bug was found which used a decades-old ban on strong cryptography exports from the US to dumb supposedly secure connections down to easily hacked ones.

If this all sounds completely terrifying it is. The doings of intelligence agencies shouldn’t be intersecting with criminals and law-abiding citizens. The security agencies, for their own purposes, appear to be pioneering techniques that will later be used by criminals, against us.

The advice that comes from this is a well-worn refrain:

1. Always apply security updates as soon as possible.

2. Use complex passwords.

3. Never ever ever use a public wifi network.

Good luck!

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

When relationships go horribly wrong

TOO many people are losing their lives in so-called “crimes of passion” and too many others are being crushed by ongoing abuse.

I don’t know what the answer is, but as a city and as a nation, we have to think about it.

I spoke to the Victims of Crime commissioner, John Hinchey, in the days after motherof-three Tara Costigan’s death in Calwell. He was unwill-

property

Seeking orders against an abusive partner can be the single event that turns up the

ing to speculate on details of that particular incident as the matter is before the courts, but we had a much broader discussion about domestic violence and domestic orders.

When individuals find themselves in a violent or abusive relationship, it’s always difficult to extricate themselves from it, particularly if there are children involved.

The toughest thing, according to John, is drawing the line in the sand and saying: “It’s over… I cannot do it anymore”.

‘crazy dial’.

Often the abusive partner cannot be reasoned with and the thing that’s likely to get the most extreme reaction is leaving.

These thoughts are echoed by Kylie Travers, the anti violence and homeless advocate. I heard her speak at the Vinnie’s Community Sleep Out late last year. She spoke of the great danger in staying in an abusive relationship, but also of the flashpoint danger that can arise when you leave.

MARK PARTON

John Hinchey told me that sometimes seeking orders against an abusive partner can be the single event that turns up the “crazy dial”. He suggests establishing a safety plan to work hand-in-hand with

Winning the talent war

By Catherine Carter

BY 2055,

Australia’s workforce participation rate will be 2.2 per cent lower than the 62.4 per cent it is today and any business looking to attract and retain talented people had better hold on to its hat. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The Australian government’s newly released fourth “Intergenerational Report” argues that our nation’s prosperity is at risk unless we work longer, boost productivity and attract more women into the workforce. And there is the crux of why workforce diversity has become a hot-button issue and a conundrum for the property and construction industry, where the level of female employment has remained static at 13 per cent for the past decade.

A compelling new report from EY, “The Next Big Deal is On”, finds that women leave the construction industry well before they start having families. Why? Because “younger women see the writing on the wall” and move to other industries where they believe they’ll gain more opportunities for career progression and work/life balance.

To tackle this, the industry has established Property Male Champions of Change, the first industryspecific group of 22 male CEOs focused on boosting workforce diversity.

Diversity is not only a problem for property and construction. Women make up 51 per cent of Australia’s population, 46 per cent of the paid workforce, 60 per cent of university graduates, and yet just three ASX200 companies have female CEOs.

On average, a woman graduate’s starting salary is $5000 less than that of a man doing the same job. And the pay gap has widened to 20 per cent in recent years. We’re going backwards.

It’s inconceivable that 49 per cent of Australia’s population could possess 100 per cent of the skills and abilities. “The Intergenerational Report” should act as a clarion call to any business leader thinking about how to win the war on talent.

securing violence orders. It strikes me that in many cases this would be so difficult. Presumably it means that if you take out a domestic violence order against a partner or ex-partner, you must then vacate your home for a “safe house”. For some individuals this wouldn’t be possible. For others, it would deter them from making the break.

I think the national focus on domestic violence must provide a system that provides much more practical, no-cost “safe house” accommodation for women who are breaking away from violent relationships.

I’d sooner be spending national money on that sort of practical help than on another advertising campaign.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC

‘Ydeas’ that change lives

By Lorna Morris

HANNAH Wandel had a “Great Ydea” and over the past year it has allowed three schoolgirls to go on a “power trip”.

One of the five recipients of the YWCA’s Great Ydeas Small Grants in 2014, Hannah says that winning has provided the support she needed to begin the national initiative “Country to Canberra”, which gives rural girls the chance to visit Canberra.

The 25-year-old who works at the Department of Defence and lives in Kingston, says: “Winning the grant was great and it was nice to know that people supported and acknowledged my idea.

“Growing up in the South Australian country, I noticed that in country regions, funds, distance and cost can isolate girls from education and career opportunities. I wanted to create an even playing field for women and men as well as people in the country and city.”

She organised an essay competition on gender barriers that allowed its three winners to go on a “power trip” to meet some of Australia’s most influential female leaders.

The trio of year 11 girls, from Queensland and NSW, attended a breakfast with Canberra-based leaders and went on a behind-the-

scenes tour of Parliament House.

Hannah says: “Since the trip, the girls have done some very exciting things, one of the girls went on to become school captain, another created her own magazine and the other went on to speak on local radio and at events”.

Hannah hopes to develop the project by creating a mentoring network and increasing web presence for rural teen bloggers to write about their experiences.

YWCA Canberra’s Great Ydeas Small Grants Program is for “women who want to change the world” says executive director Frances Crimmins.

To celebrate its 80th birthday, YWCA Canberra launched the grant program in 2010 with the plan to give out $8000 every year for 10 years to members who have a new and innovative “Great Ydea” that contributes to the community.

“The ambition, innovation and courage shown in many of the projects we have funded is a sign of the outstanding qualities already well developed in young women across our community,” says Frances.

Become a YWCA Canberra member and apply for the grant before 5pm, March 27 at ywca-canberra.org.au/get-involved/becomea-member.

Visit countrytocanberra.com.au

Help with conservation?

WILL the Property Council contribute to Canberra Brickworks’ conservation?

The Yarralumla Residents Association is not surprised by the recent enthusiastic response of the ACT Property Council’s Catherine Carter (“New Vision awakes the Brickworks”, CN, March 5) to the proposed massive development at the junction of Cotter Road, Yarra Glen and Adelaide Avenue, near the Canberra Brickworks. After all, some council members may reap huge financial benefits from the development.

It is good news that the ACT Government has increased funding for Brickworks’ conservation to $5 million. This will focus on the most important heritage listed kilns and associated chimneys and fanhouses. However, Land Development Agency estimates in 2010 of the cost of Brickworks’ conservation and adaptive reuse were much higher than this and, in any case, much of the funding will not flow until stage 2 of the development, in six to eight years or later.

So the realisation of Catherine Carter’s vision of “new offices, studios, galleries and community facilities” may be two electoral cycles into the future. If the Property Council is really passionate about the future of the Brickworks, what about showing the Canberra community a concrete expression of that passion, such as a philanthropic trust to help support the Brickworks’ conservation and adaptive reuse?

Marea Fatseas, president, Yarralumla Residents Association

Audacious self interest

“THE Property Council wants more foreign investment in Canberra,” (citynews.com.au, March 2). What an audacious statement by the self-interested Property Council. Quirking on about benefits to us but it’s all to them. They’re already getting the extras of light rail, Northbourne, city, Dickson, Woden, University of Canberra with more than 3000 non-student residents developments, greenfield plus normal everyday trade.

Catherine Carter says foreign investment can help us boost a sluggish ACT economy and help us build a better Canberra. How? We already have offices closing, an over-supply of one-bedroom apartments (caused by Property Council’s members e.g. developers and builders), and a planned slow release of new land to keep prices and taxes high. Catherine says the federal government’s proposed changes to foreign investment rules, which would include fees of at least $5000 per application, will drive up house prices, make it harder for first-home buyers and ultimately hurt the ACT economy.

How? The $5000 fee would represent only one per cent of a $500,000 house. I fear foreign investment will distort our ACT residential market higher.

Geoff Davidson, Braddon

Sick with anger

WHEN I recently watched the “Four Corners” program on live baiting of greyhounds, I had to ask myself who the real animals were. It made me sick with anger to see these people lie to the camera and laugh at the sickening sight of helpless creatures being ripped apart by these previously gentle, natural running machines. Greyhound racing will no longer be considered a respected sport in the eyes of genuine, honest racegoers. It has been infected by deceitful, fraudulent, greedy individuals who have destroyed greyhound racing for us all.

Being a taxpayer I would be opposed to any government who turns a blind eye to such cruelty. It is obvious that illegal practices like this have been overlooked by many who had and have the power to stop this type of unacceptable cold-bloodedness. M Medcalf, Belconnen

• Big blocks from 810m to 1242m

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• 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.

CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAYTUESDAY 17th MARCH

Happy St Patri

Everyone feels like a local

TUESDAY 17 T H MA R C H : Celebrations star t at 12 noon!

FRIDAY 13TH MARCH

6 – 8pm: World’s Greatest Shave 2015 for the Leukaemia Foundation. Public Shave and Hair Colouring.

SUN DAY 15 T H MA R C H ST PRAC TICE DAY!

TUES DAY 17 T H MA R C H

ST PATRICK’S DAY – 12 noon Irish dancing, face painting by the Gecko Gang and GREAT LIVE MUSIC from Fir Croi, Cassidy Ceili, Oscar, Chicago Charles and many more Irish Folk musicians. O W N A PIEC E O F HIS TO RY ! King O’Malley ’s Bust It ’s all yours for only $20

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Week promises fun, friends and discovery

ACT Seniors Week provides information and advice, plus opportunities to learn and discover different aspects of the Canberra community.

This year’s venue, Thoroughbred Park in Mitchell, will be a hub of activity during the week, starting with the Seniors Week Opening Address and Ambassador Awards Brunch on Friday, March 13.

Ageing Minister Mick Gentleman will give a speech and acknowledge the seniors who have given back to the community in an exceptional way.

The Seniors Expo, 9.30am-3pm, on Tuesday, March 17 will have up to 200 exhibitors offering information on leisure, travel, lifestyle, retirement and activities.

As well as cooking demonstrations by Nutrition Australia, the Royal Military College will play at the ACT Chief Minister’s Concert in the main arena at 10.30am and again at 1.30pm.

The event manager for COTA ACT, Helen Taylor, says: “The week encourages seniors to look for new challenges and to live a long and healthy lifestyle, we provide information on how to enhance that. It gives people the opportunity to find out about services in Canberra and to also build new relationships.

“Seniors are valuable members of the community and we want to recognise that”.

ACTION is providing free travel all day for all Seniors Card holders from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22.

More information on ACT Seniors Week, call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au/seniorsweek

Community gyms catering for seniors

CURVES is a place where women can exercise in a safe and friendly environment.

With facilities in Jamison, Weston, Gungahlin and Queanbeyan, Curves offers one-on-one weight loss coaching, zumba classes as well as resistance training which helps to strengthen bones and build up muscle.

For Seniors Week, Curves is offering a $10-for-10 days trial, which includes access to the gym, facilities and circuit sessions.

Owner of Curves in Jamison, Anita O’Meara, says: “Curves is a community gym and our main demographic is aged 55+.

“Around 75 per cent of our members are seniors or retirees that come in during the morning, it is fantastic. The hardest thing is getting people in the door but once they begin, they realise it is a fun and friendly environment.

“We have zumba sessions which create a buzzing atmosphere of women moving, laughing and having fun. We get to know our members and keep track of their progress.

“Not only does the exercise help you lose weight but it strengthens bones and maintains muscle. It helps manage arthritis pain because you are moving your joints.

Seniors Week is a great time to raise awareness and to let people know that there are facilities like this available in Canberra”.

Curves, call 1300 287837 or visit curves.com.au

DRC SENIORS’ WEEK 2015

Theme: Hearing Loss Management

When: 17th March 2015

Where: Grant Cameron Community Centre

Level 1B, 27 Mulley Street, Holder ACT

What time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Hearing Tests: From 10:00am

Australian Hearing will be HERE for your FREE hearing screening test

Book direct with Australian Hearing first for your

test on (02) 6232 3200

I AM STRONG HEALTHY HAPPY.

Caring, safe and home-like

PROVIDING a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, Adria Village in Stirling has been delivering low and highlevel aged care for more than 20 years, says general manager Iva Vujica.

“Established in 1989 by the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Adria Village provides support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment, while encouraging individuality, independence and active participation in a broad range of cultural, social and religious activities within the village,” says Iva.

The village contains low and high-level residential care for 42 residents, as well as 36 independent living villas in a landscaped environment with mature trees and gardens providing homelike and natural surroundings.

“Although the villa residents have their own independent community room they often visit with the

hostel residents,” says Iva.

“They have high teas together, choirs come in to perform, and they also go on outings together”. As well as organised social programs the village provides multilingual staff, bus services, regular mass, an on-site chapel, a psychologist, podiatrist, chemist, hairdresser and pharmacist.

Adria Village also provides special care units for residents with dementia and any other special needs, and has two respite care rooms for short-term care by arrangement.

“Adria Village is located 500 metres from Cooleman Court and bus services connect it to Woden, Civic, Belconnen and Tuggeranong town centres,” says Iva. “It’s close to everything!”.

Adria Village, 89 Freemantle Drive, Stirling, call 6288 0198, visit adria.org.au

Week Opening Address and Ambassador Awards Brunch

supportive environment for women

strengthen muscle and bones and with you are using correct form and gaining

Friday 13th March 11am-1pm Silks Room, Thoroughbred Park, Mitchell Book on 6282 3777

Belconnen 6251 1111

Gungahlin 6255 5916

Wanniassa 6296 7415

Weston 6288 8333

Queanbeyan 6299 0344

Capital Chemist is proud to be associated with COTA helping older Australians Find us

The importance of an up-to-date will

THE Public Trustee for the ACT will be expressing the importance of having an up-to-date will and enduring power of attorney at two free seminars during Seniors Week.

The first seminar will be held at the Hellenic Club in Woden, 6pm-8pm, on Monday, March 16, and the second, at the Jamison Southern Cross Club, 9.30am-noon on Thursday, March 19. Bookings are essential.

The highlights of the seminars will be lucky door prizes and a free will voucher for all attendees 60 years of age and over.

Executive officer, Tracey Jay, says: “Seniors Week is the opportunity to provide the older community with information.

“They have worked all their lives and this week gives them new opportunities and the chance to participate in all walks of life.”

The Public Trustee for the ACT will also have a stall at the Seniors Expo from 9.30am-3pm where staff will be on hand to offer advice and information on wills and powers of attorney.

The stall will also offer information about GreaterGood, Canberra’s public charitable foundation that provides people with the facility to create their own tax-effective charitable funds.

The Public Trustee for the ACT, to book a place for the seminars call 6207 9800. Visit publictrustee.act.gov.au

Chance to loop and listen

COMMITTED to helping the one in six people with some degree of hearing loss, the ACT Deafness Centre will celebrate Seniors Week with its own expo at its offices at the Grant Cameron Community Centre, Holder, on Tuesday, March 17.

CEO Pete Halsey, says: “Our concern is to offer advocacy and referral services and a range of assistive devices that you can try on. We also provide hearing loops for hire and sale.”

Australian Hearing will be there on the day to provide free hearing screening tests for people who have prebooked.

“With the National Disability Insurance Scheme now a fact in the ACT comes a realisation a person’s hearing choices and the ability to manage and fund

them, is no small matter,” he says.

“They will need all the information in order to take charge of their hearing disability and to understand the choices they may have.”

If you’re not yet 65 years old and live in Canberra, it is important to register now before you turn 65 to ensure you have the opportunity to access the benefits of person-centred, whole-of-life care under the NDIS, says Pete.

ACT Deafness Resource Centre, Level 1B at the Grant Cameron Community Centre, 27 Mulley Street, Holder. Call 6287 4393 or visit actdrc.org.au

To book a free hearing test with Australian Hearing, call 6232 3200.

A knowing word about medicines

CAPITAL Chemist will be setting up a stall at the Seniors Expo on Tuesday, March 17 with three pharmacists on hand to provide one-to-one advice.

From 9.30am to 3pm, the pharmacists will dispense information and monitor blood pressure.

The company’s community program manager, Melita Flynn, says: “It is wonderful for seniors to be able to ask about their prescriptions or any other advice they may need. The pharmacists on hand are outgoing and very community minded”.

With 18 pharmacies in the ACT and 19 in rural NSW, Capital Chemist provides counselling, webster packaging, in-house reviews, wheelchair hire as well as delivering medication.

“We would love anyone to ask any questions regarding medicines and blood pressure,” says Melita.

Capital Chemist, call 6126 4000 or visit capitalchemist.com.au

Established in 1994 by the Canberra and Queanbeyan Croatian community. Created by the many selfless volunteers in admin and construction.

Adria Village was named after the Adriatic sea where it is renowned for its unique landscapes, islands and history.

Adria Village has 36 independent living units and 42 low care, high care and dementia rooms incorporating 2 respite rooms with the very best of care provided by quality trained and caring nurses and care staff.

SUNDAY ROAST

Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

Seniors Week / advertising feature

Premium units at a special price

FOR a limited time, The Pines, set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens on the high side of Farrer, is offering premium retirement apartments from $480,000. The special pricing is available only on contracts settled by the end of April.

Management says the gated community’s architecturally designed, air-conditioned apartments are private, secure and low maintenance, featuring huge storage and chef’s kitchen. Up to 8.5-star energy rated, the apartments have been designed to provide lower ongoing running costs.

“Architecturally designed to accommodate the residents’ needs, the luxuriously appointed, two bedroom villas and apartments allow the privacy and freedom to entertain family and friends and to come and go as they

please,” they say.

“The Pines provides organised day trips, happy hours, exercise, tai chi and yoga classes as well as 24-hour access to the Clubhouse that includes studios for craft, workshop, men’s shed and meeting room.”

Construction of The Pines residential aged care facility (nursing home) will begin next and will include 132 places, an indoor heated pool and a restaurant for The Pines’ residents.

Appointments can be made to inspect the apartments or alternatively view the display unit between 10am and 1pm each Saturday and Sunday, 9 Drevermann Street, Farrer.

More information at pinesliving.com.au or call 6162 2999.

THE PINES RETIREMENT RESORT

Priced from $480,000.

Construction of a new residential care facility (nursing home) starting in April 2015.

Still hesitating to move to a Retirement Resort?

In Retirement:

• A new enjoyable lifestyle is important

• Long and frequent holidays are important

• A new home is important, because your current home is now unsuitable

• Support is important

• Selling your present home releases cash to enjoy, cruising for example

• Security is important when you go away on holidays.

• Low price is important.

The Pines is all the above and more.

Open every Saturday & Sunday 10am-1pm By appointment at all other times

scene / around canberra

At the Seppelt Black Opal race day, Thoroughbred Park

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / International Women’s Day Forum, National Press Club

“JUST get on with it,” said Helen Conway, the soon-to-be-former director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, from which she’ll retire in a week.

This last missile across the bows of stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to make equality a reality was perhaps the one she’s wanted to fire for some time.

The occasion was the annual International Women’s Day Forum at the National Press Club with a preamble from Senator Michaelia Cash, Minister Assisting the PM for Women, and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, followed by the forum where Virginia Haussegger moderated for speakers Yassmin Abdel-Magied, the Queensland Young Australian of the Year; , executive director of UN Women Australia and Helen Conway. The UN Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing in 1995 and the document on the aspirations of that conference is a mighty formidable one that is available online and lists the strategic action required in critical areas of concern.

And, no, we’ve not come a long way since then. This year’s International Women’s Day is “Beijing + 20”, saying let’s not wait another 20 years for gender equality. With the pay gap now at 19 per cent and domestic violence on everyone’s radar, let’s just get on with it!

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The shell-shocked view of black history

COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

WESLEY Enoch has devoted his life to telling stories many of us have never heard of. Mostly to do with this country’s First Peoples, stories of the Stolen Generation and unusual stories such as that of the Sapphires.

He’s been in town talking up his already famous production “Black Diggers”, coming to The Playhouse later this month and it’s bound to get us all thinking – and crying.

Trained in Drama at Queensland University of Technology, Enoch has been artistic director of Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts and Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-Operative and is now artistic director of the Queensland Theatre Company. His sister Leeanne Enoch is a cabinet minister in the new Annastacia Palaszczuk government.

Presenting what he calls “a shell-shocked view of history”, he, researcher David Williams and playwright Tom Wright have used interviews with the families of black diggers, veterans and historians combined with songs and movement to let the forgotten black soldiers of World War I “step from the blank pages of history”.

The planning for “Black Diggers” began after Sydney Festival director, Lieven Bertels, told Enoch the story of an indigenous Australian from World War I who was buried on the fields of Belgium. It got him wondering who the soldier was. He turned out to be a South Australian digger whose family still observes cultural protocols, regularly visiting the grave site with soil from Australia and taking Belgian soil back in a kind of spiritual exchange.

To Enoch, the story showed the need during that war to create a united narrative that depicted Australians as finding identity through suffering on foreign soil. But 100 years after World War I, he says, we are ready to acknowledge that there were Chinese-immigrant diggers, German diggers and, of course, a thousand or so indigenous soldiers – the Black Diggers.

Now, he says optimistically: “Australians are more mature regarding identity and more open to recognising diversity in our narratives.”

So in 2013, when celebrations of World War I loomed, he decided to get in early, to “intervene” in the broader narrative and make it known loud and clear that there were First Peoples in the first world war.

So why on earth did black soldiers fight for king and country after having been treated so badly? After all, most were initially banned from serving in the military and many had to hide their heritage to enlist. Then when the survivors came home from the war, it was back to a life of oppression.

Enoch sees their reasons for enlistment as fourfold –community service, adventure, escaping oppression (since once you joined the AIF you became a number and were paid the same money as others) and perhaps most of all fulfilling the living warrior spirit of a subjugated people.

Enoch says they are stories with allegorical power and big, universal themes. His aim has been to get an emotional, not an intellectual response but at the same time to avoid a victim narrative. Nor does he want to romanticise war.

He’s careful not to give away details of the last scene, but he will say that the play begins with a massacre in far-north Queensland, the lone survivor of which grew up to serve in the Great War.

All the stories in the play have the weight of reality but one of the most touching moments to him is when Uncle Jerry Bostock, who actually served in Vietnam, appears with his medals, making the point that the tradition of black servicemen continues on.

Enoch’s cousin in Darwin is part of an army family, further proof of the continuing tradition. Actor Guy Simon chips in. His great grandfather served in World War I and it wasn’t until the research began on this play that he ever saw a picture of him. He gets to play a digger, a mother, a Trinidadian – as a working actor he’ll play anything, and he’ll be moving on soon to the Sydney Theatre Company, but says the experience performing in “Black Diggers” has been “really emotional.”

And Enoch? People may be packing into the play, he thinks, because of a deep sense of unease and even guilt, but are in the end drawn into “a true celebration”.

“Black Diggers”, The Playhouse, March 25-28, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

Funny business booms

By Helen Musa

SO popular is this year’s Comedy Festival that organisers had to put on a simultaneous (same acts, different order) gala in The Playhouse.

Which makes artistic director Benjamin Stevenson’s claim that, with more than 60 shows slotted in, the event will be “bigger and better than ever” no exaggeration.

Pink is the festival theme, Stevenson says, and no expense will be spared to hang “a giant banner the size of Europe” in the Canberra Centre.

With parochialism long gone, there is a healthy multicultural presence in top Australian comics such as Ronny Chieng, Akmal Saleh and Nazeem

Hussain and an equally healthy disrespect for taboo subjects as with American comic Wil Sylvince who tackles the triple perils of “Syllables, Fat and Celibacy”.

Top in the “incorrect” stakes are The Umbilical Brothers, back with their new show “KiDSHoW (Not Suitable for Children)”, and you can confidently expect more iconoclasm from John Safran in the performance and Q&A based around his book, “Murder in Mississippi”.

Fittingly, local comedians Harris Stuckey, Chris Endrey, Sophie Rutzou, Toby Halligan, Andrew and Danny Bensley, and Sparrow Folk will take the stage.

Stevenson is particularly proud of the Festival Club, predicting that we’ll see “comics letting their hair down… wild and loose, you never know what will happen”. That’ll be in the Canberra Theatre’s Courtyard Studio and free to anyone buying a ticket.

Wesley Enoch and actor Guy Simon at the Australian War Memorial… Enoch decided to get in early and make it known loud and clear that there were First Peoples in the first world war.

MARQUEE WINNERS

TIM Rasheed, of Page, and Jackie Harding, of Curtin, were the winners of the double passes to the Seppelt Marquee at the Black

Until Sun 21 June

This exhibition explores the urban and suburban experience of the Canberra region. From black-and-white photographs of the city from the 1960s through to the work of contemporary artists examining life in the suburbs, the exhibition reveals the rituals and experiences that enrich life in our region.

Mon–Fri: 10am–5pm, Sat–Sun: 12pm–5pm Civic Square, Canberra City | 6207 3968 www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au EDUCATION SPONSOR

FRIDAY 20 MARCH – 10 APRIL

OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE: CELLIST DAVID PEREIRA

To mark our 15th birthday Aarwun Gallery invites FIFTEEN of its best loved artists to exhibit FIVE unique works.

You are warmly invited to help us celebrate on Friday March 20 from 5.30pm with wine and canapes, a salon performance by world acclaimed cellist David Pereira and a chance to enjoy 15% off this beautiful collection of works for one evening only. This event is free but we do ask our guests to RSVP as places will be limited.

arts & entertainment

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA dance artist Alison Plevey, her band of collaborators and Lingua Franca Dance Theatre have set themselves the daunting task of “making art work”.

That’s one of the tags for You Are Here, the feast of experimental art coming up from March 18 to 22, and they’ve been looking inside the local community for inspiration.

Plevey has been busy preparing for a new multimedia dance performance called “Work It” with audio designer and DJ Yohan Iddawela and video artist Caitlin Welch. Together they’ve been interviewing workers in places as diverse as Monster Kitchen and Bar in Hotel Hotel, the back rooms of St Vinnie’s, a construction site on Lake Burley Griffin, a hairdresser in Bungendore and the corridors of UNHCR.

So how, “CityNews” asks her, do you create a dance work from interviews – after all, one is verbal and one visual?

“I’ve done a lot of site-specific work”, Plevey tells us. For this, her third consecutive creation for You Are Here, she got into workplaces, talked to people and created instant, improvised dance pieces on the spot.

“We line up the people, ask them about their relationship to work, what they value and why they work – that gets lots of different answers – then I ‘do’ it, drawing on the interview,” she says.

Take their visit to a woman lawyer at UNHCR, who explained her frantic life travelling to Asian

countries and meeting refugees whose lives were full of uncertainty. Immediately, in the corridor, Plevey danced – “I expressed not knowing where my place is, like the refugees.”

“Work It” can be seen in Art, Not Apart at Nishi NewActon, 3.30pm and 5pm, March 14, then for You Are Here in Garema Place, 8pm, March 18 and 20. Then there’s “Far Flung”. Described as “part dance work, part live video installation,” it was originally created by Courtney Scheu, Ashlee Bye, Anna Kallstrom, Robert Brassington and Hannah Wong. This time round QL2 dancers will join in. In CMAG on March 19 and March 21.

Artist Mussared’s “Little Library”, operating throughout the festival in The Record Store, CMAG and Gorman House, is part of a worldwide phenomenon, she tells us, now found in English phone boxes, Italian villages and France’s “Boîtes à Lire”. It’s run on a system of honesty where you can borrow, but you should reciprocate by bringing along books, paperbacks, or magazines you don’t need.

Co-producer of “You Are Here”, Vanessa Wright, hopes the mix of visual arts, performance, theatre, dance and music will show off innovation in the Canberra arts scene. She’s aided by a swag of artist/ curators, more than 17 of whom are creating the East Row Museum, “a space for the untold, untrue and unbelievable,” complete with audio tours.

“You Are Here” opens, 6pm, on Wednesday, March 18, in the festival hub, located in The Record Store, near the corner of East Row and City Walk. Full program at youareherecanberra.com.au

cinema Dancing Alison is here Spookery comes in sevens

“Seventh Son” (M)

SERGEI Bodrov’s filming of a novel by Joseph Delaney offers spectacular visual imagery, both natural (mainly in Canada) and computer-generated, a vigorous plot, exciting action, a cast unfazed by the fantasy environment and some unsupported presumptions in the delivery of its drama.

The number seven has mystical and religious associations. The seventh son must come from an unbroken line with no female children born between and be, in turn, born to such a seventh son. For example, Thomas (Ben Barnes).

Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges skilfully hamming it up) has unfortunately set his last apprentice on fire while destroying a minion of evil Malkin (Julianne Moore). Gregory travels to the farm where Thomas’ mother (Olivia Williams), trim and lovely after seven pregnancies, hangs a periapt on a leather thong around the lad’s neck and sends him off to learn the dangerous trade of sorcerer’s apprentice.

Gregory (a.k.a. the Spook) and Thomas have a week to train Thomas in spookish crafts before journeying to the mountain eyrie where Malkin, returned from the underground incarceration to which Spook consigned her, oh, so many years ago, has resumed the throne.

It’s all rather good fun, its M classification perhaps too severe. Many notable films portraying evil magics have delighted kids over many decades without causing trauma. One featured seven vertically-disadvantaged miners. In another, a beautiful princess slept for a century after eating a poisoned apple.

I rest my case.

At Hoyts and Limelight

“Unfinished Business” (M)

CONSIDER the variety of positions that humans adopt while copulating – missionary sometimes varied as prone à tergo or side-by-side, cowgirl, doggy, knee-trembler and wheelbarrow. Not that many, really. Wheelbarrow requires the most strength and agility.

What’s all that got to do with a film about three American businessmen, desperate to shake hands on a major deal, who find themselves in a Berlin fully booked because of a G8 meeting, Oktoberfest and a festival of sex fetishes? Please, be patient while I explain.

A year earlier, Dan (Vince Vaughn) quit his employment and set up a new company employing septuagenarian co-worker Timothy (Tom Wilkinson) and early-twentiesgoing-on-early-teens Mike (Dave Franco). Today’s deal aims to corner the world market for swarf, the waste produced from drilling holes in metal. Timothy whose wife resembles a coin-operated fridge longs to enjoy carnality with a like-minded woman. Mike is a virgin. They both yearn to experience the wheelbarrow position.

Vince Vaughn has made acceptable movies playing the leader of a bunch of misfits confronting adversity. “Unfinished Business” fails the acceptability test. Not because of nudity or sexual frankness trying to deal equally with both genders, but for that bête-noir of so much Hollywood comedy, inability to deliver fully-formed and functional humour. Its closest approach to that standard is when Dan and Nick Frost, playing Bill, an overweight and frustrated corporate gopher, walk along from a gay bar and Bill unloads his misery.

Director Ken Scott and writer Steve Conrad are the guilty parties responsible for the film’s failure to make the grade.

At Hoyts, Capitol 6, Dendy and Limelight

DOUGAL’S review of “Focus” (MA) is at citynews.com.au

Vibrant Akiba sets the pace

AKIBA bills itself as “a restaurant for the people”; a restaurant that brings “New Asian cuisine” to Canberra. It’s designed around fast, inexpensive (relatively so) food served in a vibrant, eclectic-electric atmosphere. Indeed, Akiba couldn’t be more different than the restaurant that preceded it in ActewAGL’s Civic building, Dieci e Mezzo.

With Akiba’s completely transformed fitout, you wouldn’t even know you were in the same place. The predecessor was formal, quiet and light. Akiba is informal, boisterous and dark.

Snacks and street food range from $8 per piece to $10 for four pieces. Options include pork belly bun, soft shell crab bun, a couple of dumpling offerings and a couple of pancake offerings.

We dived into the steamed prawn and chicken dumplings with ginger and black vinegar dressing. If you love dumplings, you’ll love Akiba dumplings. They’re up there with the best.

The raw food line up includes

Sensitive

time

SOME plays seemed designed for specific actors to perform. Graham Robertson made the character of Morrie Schwartz so real as to allow the audience to forget they were watching a play.

We were privileged guests, along with Dave Evans’ Mitch Albom, in the life and space of Morrie, a most insightful gentleman. Both actors worked with great sensitivity in bringing a book to life on the stage.

Sitting back in the most comfortable seats of The Q, it was easy to flow within a mind-space of a very personal story. Director, Liz Bradley, has allowed the actors to evoke the relationship between two men in a seamless interplay between narration and simply being the story.

It is an autobiographical work with the writer also being a character. By chance, Albom saw his former professor on television. Seeing the older man now with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, he determined to meet up and

Is

Akiba Japanese? Let’s say it’s half Japanese and half American barbecue, as evidenced by dishes such as the pancakes on the menu.

yellow fin tuna with organic Japanese soy, and a sensational wasabi panna cotta ($16). It was the dish of the day for me and represents everything I adore about this cuisine – quality produce, fresh tastes and a simple but memorable approach. My bet is there would be protests and riots in the street if this dish was removed from Akiba’s menu.

We next ordered the cocoadusted kangaroo, with goa eggplant, cauliflower and masala sauce ($18).

Hmmm. The meat was perfectly cooked and the flavours surprisingly well matched, but we agreed there was too much dust on the roo, which led to a rather strange feeling on the

tongue, but then some dust does that.

The share plate with soy cured salmon belly, nori puree and fried eschallots ($20) made our tastebuds much happier. The salmon melted in our mouths and, again, represents everything Japanese food is known for.

But is Akiba Japanese? Let’s say it’s half Japanese and half American barbecue, as evidenced by dishes such as the pancakes on the menu.

While at Akiba, be aware that a trolley zips around periodically with “dishes of the day”. It has a little bell announcing its arrival. We were told that the trolley offers dishes that the kitchen is road testing for customer feedback. It’s a great idea, although

our waiter didn’t tell us about the trolley, so we had ordered everything we wanted by the time we heard the first “ding-ding”. When I return, I’d like to road test the “just feed me option”, which is eight of Akiba’s favourite dishes for $46 a person. Or perhaps I’ll road test the yum cha, which Akiba offers on weekends from 11am to 3pm.

Akiba, 40 Bunda Street, Civic, call 6162 0602 (1.5 per cent surcharge on Visa cards, 3 per cent on American Express).

with

theatre

Morrie It’s a good ‘Evita’, but…

“Tuesdays with Morrie” By Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, based on the book by Mitch Albom; directed by Liz Bradley At The Q until March 15.

Reviewed by Joe Woodward

continue the positive relationship of his student days. This leads to regular visits on Tuesdays. This deceptively simple plot structure allows for each character to discover and refine a pathway for the different periods in their lives. Morrie’s travel into death and Mitch’s refining of a new way of seeing offers a glimpse into a deeper understanding of life’s purpose and possibility. This is not easy work and it could become twee or sentimental in lesser hands. The production avoids such traps and utilises the strengths of the actors to mark out the signposts for discovery.

EXCELLENT singing from the leads highlighted a good production of “Evita”.

Director Jim McMullen carefully marshalled a large and enthusiastic cast on an impressive and functional set designed by him in collaboration with the talented Ian Croker. Kelly Roberts took some time to totally command her bittersweet role but, by Act 2, she was in total control and was most believable as the complex character Eva Peron. Grant Pegg, as Che, the singing narrator of this Rice/Lloyd Webber musical, was equally impressive with crisp, clean diction, sound pitch and fine character interpretation. His opening number, “Oh What a Circus” was effective in setting up the story. His duet with Eva, “High Flying, Adored”, was aptly emotional. Tony Falla was a sympathetic and sincere Juan Peron, his rendition of “She is a Diamond” was suitably reflective and calm while Mathew Chardon O’Dea displayed his wide vocal range to fine advantage as the tango singer Magaldi.

By Helen Musa

WENDY Sharpe is back in town with her portrait show, “Seeking Humanity”. The popular Archibald Prize-winning artist sat with 39 refugees and asylum seekers with the aim of capturing their likenesses to express their humanity and their personal stories. Sharpe and the presenter, the Asylum Seekers Centre, wanted to put a human face to those who have fled situations of great danger in their home country. Belconnen Arts Centre, Emu Bank, March 18-April 12. Meet the artist at 4pm, Friday, March 20.

TO celebrate the 150th birthday of patriotic Finnish composer Sibelius, the appropriately-named Sibelius 150 Trio will perform in the beautiful Embassy of Finland, 12 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla, 7pm, on Monday, March 16. The artists are Tuomas Lehto (cello), Siljamari Heikinheimo (violin) and Roope Grondahl (piano). Bookings to ewa. walczuk@formin.fi or call 6273 3800.

THE National Film & Sound Archive of Australia will host the Taiwan Film Festival, March 20-22. Opening-night film is Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s historical film “A City of Sadness”, the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winner in 1989. Opening-night screening 6.30pm, Friday, March 20. It’s free, but bookings advisable to tickets@nfsa.gov.au or 6248 2000. Full program at ciw.anu.edu.au/events/2015/tff/

THE picturesque nearby towns of Crookwell, Gunning, Wayo, Rugby and Taralga will be the setting for six Artisans’ Open Studios featuring more than 14 local artists working and selling art directly without added commission, 10am-4pm, on the weekend of March 21-22. Maps and brochures at visitupperlachlan.com.au

CURATED by Leanne Santoro, the “Urban Suburban” exhibition, at the Canberra Museum and Gallery in Civic, highlights works of Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds from the CMAG collection from the 1960s to today. The idea is to look at this region as a place where people live, away from the notion of Canberra as the nation’s capital. The list of contributing artists is a local visual arts Who’s Who. It runs until June 21.

INDIGENOUS artists from the ACT are encouraged to enter the 2015 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award run by the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT. The top prize, won by our own Jenni Kemarre Martiniello in 2013, is worth $50,000. Winners will be announced on August 7. Entry forms from 08 8999 8287, email natsiaa@nt.gov.au, or visit nt.gov.au/natsiaa.8

musical theatre

“Evita”

Canberra Philharmonic Society At the Erindale Theatre, until March 21.

Reviewed by Ian McLean

The chorus suffered ill balance with amplified sound as did the orchestra, which often sounded empty and restrained. When unleashed at the end of Act 1 and during the “Entr’acte”, the full orchestra sound, under the direction of Casey White, was robust and energetic. Softer sections exposed technical playing deficiencies and tuning weaknesses, particularly in the strings, which were irritating.

For the show to advance beyond the level of “good” more attention to finer detail is required.

Quibbles apart, the buzz amongst those heading to the car park as they hummed “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” indicated that they had enjoyed an entertaining and rewarding evening of musical theatre.

Grilled king prawns with creamy spinach and paprika

Light battered garfish with spicy salt and chilli

Shantung style spicy lamb

Chairman’s red curry chicken

Cape Grim eye fillet with scallops in black pepper

Mixed vegetables dressed with ginger oil

Steamed jasmine rice

$48.50 pp

Conditions apply.

Available March – May 2015 only. Must be prebooked.

Minimum of 4 to maximum of 20 people.

The Chairman & Yip P: 6248 7109

108 Bunda Street, Canberra E: chairmanandyip@gmail.com chairmangroup.com.au

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u

gardening Going to jelly for crabapples

ONE of my favourite fruit trees is the crabapple Malus “Gorgeous” for one reason alone – its fruit makes the very best crabapple jelly, and I just love crabapple jelly on hot toast.

Growing to 3m x 3m, it will tolerate most soils, although improving the soil at planting will result in the tree producing more fruit.

In spring the pink buds open to become white-tinged pink blossoms, which are followed by large, crimson-red fruit in summer, the largest fruit of any crabapple.

This is an ideal small tree for a small garden. Most of the larger crabapples are grown for their magnificent displays of spring blossoms rather than their fruit.

ANOTHER small tree ideal for a small garden is the Koelreuteria paniculata or Golden Rain tree.

GREVILLEAS

Growing to about 7m high x 7m wide, it provides a wonderful show of yellow flowers in summer followed by the bright-green, lanternlike fruit at this time of the year, which gradually change to yellow and finally rose-brown, giving the appearance of being covered in Chinese lanterns.

They can remain on the tree for several months providing interest throughout the autumn. It was one of the earliest trees grown in China, designated more than 3000 years ago as one of the five official memorial trees and was one to be planted on the graves of scholars.

Sent from one of the early plant hunters in China, it was introduced into Britain in 1763. The Royal Horticultural Society gave it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1932.

I RECOMMEND space be found in every garden for a Aloysia triphylla or more aptly A. citriodora commonly called

fragrance of its lemon-scented leaves can be brushed against.

Originally from Chile and Argentina, it was introduced into Europe in the 1790s. It was said to have been named after Maria Louisa, the wife of Carlos IV of Spain.

This time of the year it is covered with racemes of small mauve-white flowers.

cold countries, where the ground freezes solid for months, the frost here only affects a few top centimetres of soil.

This means the soil stays warm through winter enabling roots of evergreen plants to keep growing even though the plant shows no sign of top growth.

Growing to 2m-3m, it loses its leaves in winter and in early spring will benefit from a fairly healthy pruning.

to plant it near a door or alongside cious

The leaves, fresh or dried, make a refreshing tea. Like lavender, its leaves retain their scent for a long time, making them suitable for sachets to deter insects and making potpourri.

When we owned our nursery and herb gardens in Yass, we supplied all the flowers from herbs for a wedding. Lemon Verbena was the principal flower in the bridal bouquet.

AUTUMN is the ideal time for planting evergreen shrubs and perennials. Unlike other

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Indulge in local produce and romantic getaway packages, a coastal escape to remember.

Cottage

Autumn plantings are not subject to the desiccating hot winds and the soil, when watered, stays moist longer.

By springtime, the plants will have a stronger root system.

Jottings...

• For winter colour, plant violas, pansies, polyanthus and primulas. They will take about eight weeks from planting to full flower.

• Lift and divide rhubarb crowns. Dig in wellrotted manure or compost before replanting.

• Plant carpet thyme to cover bare spots in the garden as a living mulch.

• Plant broad bean seeds and broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower seedlings.

• Plant foxglove seedlings at the back of the border for a real spring show.

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – March 16-22, 2015

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week sees Rams pulled in opposing directions. The Uranus/Pluto square activates your selfish side and accentuates your ‘take-no-prisoners’ approach. You’ll feel compelled to remove the dead wood from your life in the form of a person, possession, job or outdated belief. Then the late week Solar Eclipse energises your spiritual and humanitarian zone, as you reach out to someone in need (with unusual sensitivity).

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Bulls – are you bored to bits? This week’s stars urge you to stretch yourself in dynamic new directions. Keep what’s working in your life but don’t be afraid to discard people, possessions or projects past their used-by date. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking. Venus vamps into your sign (until April 12) which boosts sociability, as you expand your peer group or extend your social media influence.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

For many exasperated Crabs, a close relationship remains stuck in a time-warp where it’s difficult for both of you to change. Difficult – but not impossible. A complete shift in perspective is required. Are you looking for love, and demoralised by the dating game? Draw on your inner reserves of strength and charge back into the singles battleground. Your Prince or Princess is waiting but you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find them!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

The mid-week Mars/Pluto square can trigger intense experiences that aren’t necessarily pleasant. Avoid winding up a family member, pushing your partner’s emotional buttons, or getting into an altercation with an authority figure. Singles – you could find yourself strongly attracted to someone with a powerful personality. Pace yourself and remember there’s a fine line between fiery affection and obsession.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Avoid the temptation to be a drama queen and fly off the handle this week. If you try to control or manipulate others, then you’re in for an intense and tumultuous time. For some attached Lions – your lacklustre love life gets a welcome boost as the Solar Eclipse stimulates your sensuality zone. Single Cats – a sudden attraction promises passion but are you seeing the person clearly? Remove your rosecoloured glasses and take a second look.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

You’re at your fastidious best as the planets push your perfectionist button. By all means do things well, but don’t be too obsessive in the process. This week’s stars are intense and unpredictable so pace yourself and resist the urge to be too regimented. Things are in a state of flux and smart Virgos will strive to be flexible and versatile. When it comes to a loved one, don’t assume you know how they are feeling.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Problems you had back in December surface again, courtesy of the Uranus/Pluto square. You think you’re dealing with them but are you being diplomatic or just plain indecisive? It’s time to be clear and proactive in your dealings with others, and don’t waste time pussyfooting around. Quit the fence-sitting and make a stand! If you avoid taking action, then you’ll just prolong the situation – and someone else will make the decision for you.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Uranus and Pluto are breaking down old patterns of behaviour and forge a fabulous new course. It won’t happen without practical problems, uncomfortable disruptions and emotional pain. Transformation is the name of the game as you leave the familiar behind and venture into unchartered territory. Your motto for the moment is from fellow Scorpio, Will Rogers: “Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week’s Uranus/Pluto square compels you to examine your life in forensic detail; keep what’s working, and change what isn’t. The trick is knowing which is which! It particularly fires up your finance zone so don’t let a child, teenager or friend talk you into buying something that you really don’t need. It’s time to get your spending spree tendencies under control, as you replace short-term whims with long-term strategies.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You long to change something in your life, but it never seems to be the ‘right’ time. Stop being stubborn; digging your hooves in; and making ridiculous excuses. Grab the Goat by the horns and initiate overdue changes (especially on the home front) before Uranus and Pluto step in and do it for you! Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, Simone de Beauvoir: “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Unpredictable Uranus sends disruptions in your direction – and, at the same time, powerful Pluto demands that you let go of old patterns of behaviour and find a totally new template. So the only certainty at the moment is change. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy, then it will pay off handsomely further down the track.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Many Pisceans will receive an unwelcome reality check this week, as a cherished goal or financial dream comes crashing to the ground. To repair the situation, you need to balance being practically realistic and creatively optimistic. With the Solar Eclipse in your sign, your motto for the week is from birthday great Dr Seuss: “Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”

General knowledge crossword No. 492

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4 What are the longer components of the Morse code called?

7 Which term describes the killing of one human being by another?

8 The most qualified person could be called the what?

9 Which AFL team won the premiership in 1991?

11 Which bituminous substance is used to cover roads, etc?

13 What is something unexpected, but welcome and timely?

15 Which aromatic seed is used in medicine, cookery, etc?

17 Name the small knife used in surgical operations

20 What is a line drawn on a weather map, linking all points of equal temperature?

23 What was the former name of Beijing?

24 Which words sound like others, but differ in meaning?

Sudoku medium No. 146

1 Which word describes a state of prolonged unconsciousness?

2 What are piebald or mottled horses called?

3 Which colloquial term is used to say goodbye?

4 Name the heads of medical schools, university faculties or their like

5 Which fairy-like beings are believed to inhabit the air?

6 What is an artist’s stand readily known as?

9 Name a renowned Scottish dish

10 What are particular types of tyres?

12 What is a ‘bicycle built for two’?

14 Which term describes areas of relatively flat land?

16 Which huge stone figure has the head of a human and the body of a lion?

18 Name the wickerwork basket used by anglers, for holding fish

19 Which number is known by the Roman numeral VIII?

21 What are the units of electrical resistance called?

25 What is a small room for clothing, food, utensils, etc? Solution next week

22 Name a SE Queensland town known for its agricultural centre and natural gas fields

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