150319 citynews

Political risks of riding the rails

MICHAEL MOORE

Goodbye egalitarianism, hello Apple’s watch

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Mastering number ones and twos

SONYA FLADUN

Let the (Canberra) Games begin…

TIM GAVEL

What’s eating at our children?

MARCUS PAUL

FOOD FETISH

Ronni Kahn’s charity has recovered 33 million meals from unwanted food. KATE MEIKLE talks to the founder of OzHarvest

An unbelievable investment. An unbeatable location.

• Fur ther your business or investment potential.

• Save thousands by buying not renting or make almost 8% net retur n as an investor!

Canberra It cur rently presents an amazing oppor tunity for businesses and investors alike. Located in Canber ra’s premier business and legal distr ict, Neon House is minutes walk from all necessar y amenity, including the ANU, Law Cour ts, and the Canber ra GPO as well as being sur rounded by cafés restaurants and shops, all of this with an eye catching and unmissable name and facade.

• Strata suites of all sizes selling now.

• Complete refurbishment inside and out.

• Over $3.6million in capital works.

In the years to come Neon House will be one of Canber ra’s most recognizable icons

Your business or investment will have iconic, light filled premises, with already a strong tenancy profile including leading Australian and multi-national fir ms, and Gover nment bodies Investors can expect almost 8% net retur ns compared with a standard 3% for residential investment.

Making a meal of wasted food

OzHarvest has returned to Canberra and its founder, the self-proclaimed ‘pied piper’ of national food rescue, Ronni Kahn, tells KATE MEIKLE in Sydney that she couldn’t be happier...

THE enormous volume of food wasted every day in corporate hospitality horrified Ronni Kahn.

Having run her own events company, she says: “I came to a point where I questioned why I was put on earth – I was searching for a larger purpose to life.”

Inspired by a New York charity, Ronni saw food rescue as her way to make a difference.

“I was able to connect these two things – my background in events and my desire to help people,” she says.

And so, in 2004, Ronni founded OzHarvest in Sydney as the first perishable food-rescue organisation in Australia to collect excess food from commercial outlets and redistribute it for charitable purposes.

This year the bright yellow OzHarvest vans will deliver four million kilograms of surplus food, direct and free of charge, to 650 charities nationally.

Speaking to “CityNews” at her new, brightyellow headquarters in Sydney’s bustling Alexandria, the effervescent CEO says it was a simple message, one that parents have been preaching to their children through the ages – don’t waste your food.

Ronni found that it resonated with all who heard about it from both a social welfare and environmental perspective.

“I was like the pied piper. Once I said what I was doing, everyone understood it, believed in it and came on board.”

It was through this word-of-mouth network that OzHarvest first came to Canberra, in 2008, in partnership with Communities at Work.

“We worked wonderfully as a partner with Communities at Work until they started their own van in 2012,” says Ronni.

“We then got called by agencies asking us to return. The model that Communities at Work had taken over changed and our job is to answer that need in the community.”

And the need is great. From its recommencement in Canberra in November, a whopping 43,423 kilograms of food has been rescued by OzHarvest and directed to 54 organisations free of charge. In February alone, 16,202 kilograms was saved. OzHarvest also operates in Queanbeyan and Yass.

Forty-six donors supply the yellow van on a regular basis including major supermarkets,

restaurants, the National Convention Centre and Virgin Airlines.

Kahn’s keen appetite for social change has seen OzHarvest diversify its operations into community education initiatives. OzHarvest Canberra will roll out their Nutrition Education Sustenance Training (NEST) program this year, which will see people in need taught key skills about healthy food choices and preparation.

“Our NEST program is to educate and engage vulnerable people to teach them a more nutritious and nourishing way of life to look after themselves and make healthier decisions,” says Ronni.

Another burgeoning initiative is OzHarvest’s NOURISH program in which disadvantaged youths are taught work skills aimed to take them into careers in hospitality.

The NOURISH pilot program began late last year in OzHarvest’s commercial kitchen at its Sydney headquarters and there are plans for expansion to other states.

“For me, this year it’s about helping more kids find employment. Helping them to be a success,” enthuses Ronni.

After 10 years at the helm and 33 million meals distributed to those in need, Ronni Kahn’s mission remains strong; as the supersized branding on the yellow warehouse’s wall states: “Our purpose is to nourish our country”. Ronni’s vibrant personality permeates the OzHarvest brand.

“I will always be finding more ways to help

people. Helping people is so nourishing!” she says.

“We are thrilled to be back in Canberra and there is plenty to do. There are so many organisations in Canberra doing fantastic work and when we collaborate we can make the most impact.”

Help OzHarvest through donating, volunteering or buy the second edition of its “Urban Harvest” cookbook, online at ozharvest.org

Walking the walk

MORE than 500 walkers will join overseas visitors from the Czech Republic, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the US for the annual Canberra Walking Festival over the weekend of March 27-29. Now in its 24th year, the festival is a non-competitive walk for all ages. The Saturday Loop the Lake walks range from 6km to 42km (marathon), while the Sunday circuit walks vary from 5km to 30km. More information at aussiewalk.com.au

Virtue of English

BARRY Virtue will be entertaining the ladies of the Weston Creek View Club with his lunchtime presentation “Hens Lay Eggs, People Lie Down (the English language!)” at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, on April 7. Visitors and new members are welcome. Lunch costs $24 and RSVPs to 6281 3110 by April 2.

AFL fans get ready

THE Sydney Swans supporters group, Swans-ACT, is organising buses to home games in Sydney against Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Hawthorn, Adelaide, Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns during the upcoming AFL season. The group will also watch televised away games at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, games against Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, Brisbane and Geelong. More information from mclindin@grapevine.com.au or call 0402 258157.

GEELONG fans are invited to watch the team on the big screen for rounds 2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19 and 22 downstairs at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. And they’ll be cheering the Cats in Sydney for round 7 and at Manuka, against GWS, in round 17 at Manuka. Email canberracats@gmail.com for a weekly newsletter.

Party in laneway

TOCUMWAL Lane in Civic will be the centre of a day-long celebration of art, culture, food and music, 11am-4pm, on Sunday, March 29. Street artists will paint the blank walls in the laneway, off Bunda Street and Petrie Plaza. Visitors will be invited to try their hand at painting on the walls or canvases in one of the day’s master classes. Adding to the party atmosphere will be a local DJ.

Language seminar

A FREE seminar and discussion session for families, early childhood educators, teachers and others interested in bilingual education and raising children in more than one language will be held at the JG Crawford Building, ANU, 1.30pm4.30pm on Sunday, March 22. Organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance, bookings are essential. More information at actbilingual.weebly.com/events or email canberrabilingual@gmail.com

A bout of biffo from out of the blue

OUR former Oxford boxing blue PM

Tony Abbott discovered a couple more targets for his combination punches – the UN, which had dared criticise our treatment of asylum seekers, and the remote Aboriginal people for their “lifestyle choices”.

If they decided to live so far away, he reckoned, they couldn’t expect the Australian taxpayer to foot the bill.

The UN ducked the punch, but Aboriginal leaders hit back with words like “appalled” and “deranged debate”.

Coincidentally, the next day the ABC screened an episode of its wonderful “Outback ER” on the trials of doctoring at Broken Hill in which a (white) woman with a chest

Violence against women doesn’t have to be physical to be unnecessarily painful; Hanson might bear that in mind in his choice of words criticising Joy Burch for daring to help her son get back on the straight and narrow.

infection was flown in a plane that came from Melbourne to take her to an Adelaide hospital where she quickly recovered. The cost? Ah, forget about it.

GREAT to see local Lib leader Jeremy Hanson proposing a bipartisan approach to the domestic violence epidemic.

“It’s an issue too big for political game playing,” he said. Good stuff, Jeremy.

Of course, violence against women doesn’t have to be physical to be unnecessarily painful; he might bear that in mind in his choice of words criticising Joy Burch for daring to help her son get back on the straight and narrow.

GOOD to see the Feds have scheduled a “welcome home; well done” march of our veterans who

fought in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.

Whatever one might think of the intervention, they deserve our warm recognition. It’s good they didn’t have to wait a generation like the Vietnam vets for the community’s gratitude and goodwill. Let’s hope Canberra turns out in force on Saturday.

SPEAKING of matters military, the War Memorial this week was voted No.1 among international and interstate tourists to Canberra with up to two million visitors a year. According to tourism boss, Ian Hill: “That’s more than the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Opera House”.

Together with our other big cultural attractions it brings about $1.8 million annually into Canberra’s coffers. And the new dioramas are quite stunning. Director Brendan Nelson, take a bow.

CONGRATULATIONS also to our Canberran of the Year, Sue Salthouse. Like most

Canberrans, I suspect, I was unaware of her wonderful work in the cause of the disabled. But that only means it was an excellent choice. We’ll have heard plenty from her by the end of her tenure. There’s still much to do.

JUST when you thought politics on the hill was getting far too serious, along came three big boofy blokes to lighten the mood. First Joe Hockey had a thought bubble about using super to pay for that first home, only to have it deliciously punctured by Malcolm Turnbull, Paul Keating and every economist in the land. Then in his libel action about a Fairfax story, “Treasurer For Sale”, the twitter wits cried: “You wouldn’t get two bob for him!”

The “Brick with Eyes” Glenn Lazarus then dumped the Palmer United Party (of which he was the leader!) because, he said: “I have a different view of teamwork”. While his plump erstwhile patron Clive Palmer blurted: “He’s spat the dummy!”

Fair dinkum, sometimes you have to think politics is too important to be left to men.

ROBERT MACKLIN

robert@robertmacklin.com

POWER PANEL

Political risks of riding the rails

THE politics of infrastructure projects can be challenging.

In Canberra, the Liberals are using the Capital Metro light rail project as a bludgeon for the Labor government and particularly Greens’ Minister Shane Rattenbury.

This is not new politics. One of the reasons for the demise of the great NSW Premier Jack Lang was to do with the borrowed money for that iconic infrastructure project, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Liberals have seen the political opportunity and are milking it mercilessly. Constantly raising the costs, fuelling ideas about cheaper bus alternatives and last month attempting to block legislation in the ACT Assembly that attempts to expedite the progress of the light rail project. These are just some of the tools. There is a myriad of letters to the editor. No doubt some are genuine.

However, it has long been a standard political tool to seek to have party members and Liberal supporters writing letters, phoning into talkback shows and writing articles for publication in the mainstream media.

political parties to criticise government. The Canberra Liberals are also adept at using these and other forms of social media.

From the government’s perspective: “The world’s best and most liveable cities all have excellent transport systems, designed and planned in tandem with land use to create walkable, people friendly communities with a range of transport options”.

However, when so much of the framing of politics over the last decade has been around attaining a Budget surplus, the argument goes that it is simply profligate to be spending so much money on this type of project. It is not.

Borrowing money for infrastructure projects means that some of the costs are shared by the generations of the future that will receive great advantage from them.

Borrowing for capital works, for infrastructure projects, is very different from borrowing for recurrent expenditure, which would be asking future generations to pay for the services we receive now.

By retaining a Triple A credit rating, governments are able to borrow at much lower rates than ordinary people can borrow for a mortgage.

sport

A common argument against the Canberra Metro is that it favours Gungahlin at the expense of the other town centres such as Tuggeranong and Belconnen. This argument misses the point. The other town centres have the most important infrastructure – they have large federal departments located centrally providing jobs within their boundaries.

In contrast to Gungahlin they are not

in the situation where almost all the traffic in the mornings is heading out of Gungahlin and in the afternoons all returning.

At the last election the Liberals ran a very effective campaign warning that “rates will triple” and won eight of the 17 seats. In October next year they will be contesting 25 seats and, it seems, they are shaping up for a battle on the light rail.

The messages will be simple, they will be designed to convince voters that Labor is wasting their money and they will talk of cheaper alternatives.

In 1932 Jack Lang suffered a 15 per cent swing against his government. Perhaps it was more over his extremist views than over infrastructure. Earlier this year Campbell Newman suffered a similar

swing after just one term in government. His was also an extremist government – on the opposite side of the political spectrum – but he was attempting to persuade Queenslanders that his was an infrastructure government.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott argues that his is the greatest infrastructure spending government. His “Plan for Real Action” includes “building more modern roads to boost productivity and get Australia moving, with a special emphasis on bottlenecks”.

Rather than so much on roads, an investment in a high-speed rail from Melbourne through Canberra to Sydney and Brisbane would provide the sort of futuristic vision that went into the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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

Let the (Canberra) Games begin...

AFTER two years of more international sport than anybody in their wildest dreams thought possible in Canberra, the cupboard is looking pretty bare for the next 12 months.

And that’s why I think we should be looking at creating our own multi-sport event unique to the ACT.

In 2013, to celebrate the Centenary of Canberra, there was a major sporting event every month with the Australian cricket team playing the West Indies, a rugby league test, the British and Irish Lions tour, a netball test against NZ and the Oceania men’s and women’s basketball series.

Then last year, flowing over to the summer of this year, the Australian cricket team was back to play South Africa, the Australian netballers played England, we had seven matches as part of the Asian Cup, three as part of the World Cup, the National Cycling Tour, the BBL finals and the return of the Australian Athletics’ Tour.

But for the next 12 months, it’s hard to see where the big events are going to materialise.

Cricket Australia has ruled out

I believe we need to look at multi-sport events that utilise our terrain and lifestyle.

Canberra as a host location for the Big Bash finals again for the time being; the chances of the Australian cricket team returning to play day-nighters is unlikely; Athletics Australia is yet to commit to a format for the athletics tour; Football Federation Australia doesn’t appear interested in the Socceroos playing in Canberra; there is no sign of a netball test and talks continue with the ARU about playing a Wallabies’ test in the future.

There is little the ACT government can do if the events don’t exist or we don’t have the facilities such as a velodrome or swimming centre to cater for national or international meets.

The Victorian government says it’s in the market for major sporting events for Melbourne and Sydney is also actively seeking the big sports, as shown by successfully bidding for the Rugby Sevens.

Canberra can’t compete with the financial induce -

ments offered by Sydney or Melbourne, but it’s worth asking if we are looking to attract events to improve the lifestyle of the people of Canberra or are we looking at bringing focus and attention to our city?

If it’s a combination of both, we seriously have to consider creating our own sporting events. I believe we need to look at multi-sport events that utilise our terrain and lifestyle.

A marathon swim on the lake; sprint canoe/kayaking on the lake; a significant road cycling race through the city and surrounds; a criterion similar to the one staged in Geelong and Adelaide this year; a major long-distance triathlon or a marathon with the world’s top runners, through the streets of Canberra.

Modelling skills test Alistair

ALISTAIR Coe, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, is reported on citynews.com.au as having scoffed at the cost of a cardboard model of a possible carriage for the Capital Metro light rail (“$11,000 for a cardboard tram?”, March 6).

I did not see it, but the model appears to be half-size.

Alistair Coe obviously is unaware of the skills and knowledge that would be required by a professional model maker to construct such an object, not the cost of the materials that would be required.

He also is said to have dismissed it on the basis that it is a lot of pay for a “cardboard box”. Once again, the skills and knowledge of artists are dismissed by members of the Opposition in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

I draw to his attention that $11,320 (the precise figure he quotes) is a small amount to pay.

The tram would have to have been structurally sound for people to be able to go inside and, therefore, be of a heavy duty material. It obviously had some seats – these can be seen in the background behind the child.

Will he blast the Federal government for commissioning a full-size mock-up of the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightening II on public display in Russell? When will the Opposition take Canberra artists and the works they create seriously and give them the respect they deserve?

Meredith Hinchliffe, O’Connor

A grammar ‘grrr’

ONE of my pet grammar “grrrs” is the substitution of “fulsome” for “fully” and the Canberra commentariat constantly misuse this overworked and misunderstood adjective.

Look it up, Robert Macklin (Seven Days, CN, March 5) “fulsome” is not a substitute for “fully” – in fact it has quite a different meaning and one that may surprise you. Note to the Canberra media – longer words may sound more impressive, but may also be incorrect.

Tina Faulk, Swinger Hill

Doing tourists a favour

Call it the Canberra Games: we could utilise the facilities we already have coupled with the experience that already exists from running major sporting events involving volunteers over the past two years.

It would not only put Canberra on the map, but it would help shed the tag of a public service town where nothing but policy development happens.

AT the same time a Bangkok-based columnist in another publication bemoans Canberra’s lack of ubiquitous public wifi networks and how this makes the place seem like a “backwater” to tourists, in “CityNews” the highly tech-savvy John Griffiths tells us to never ever ever use a public wifi network! Maybe we’re doing the tourists a favour – not only will they have to find a more secure way of communicating, but they might actually stop looking at their screens and start looking around at the place they came to visit!

Vanessa M, via email

Weather or not?

THERE was a suggestion recently that Prime TV was considering a fully local afternoon news broadcast given WIN’s Canberra news hadn’t been well received following its relocation to Wollongong.

Sorry, but I can’t see Prime doing it successfully if its 5pm weather report is anything to go by. Some of the weather maps don’t even show Canberra, although Alice Springs and Broome do appear.

And when weatherman David Brown does a whip around of “the capitals”, he (more often than not) skips over Canberra and its forecast as if he’s reluctant to admit that Canberra even exists, or maybe he feels it’s not important enough to rate as a capital.

M Mcgregor, Curtin

Charity Race DAY

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

GATES OPEN: 12:30PM | 1ST RACE: 1:28PM

Weston Anglican

Saturday March 28

2-4pm Easter Story, Easter crafts & Easter Egg Hunt (no cost)

Maundy Thursday April 2

8pm Holy Communion

Good Friday April 3

9am The Passion in Scripture and Song

Easter Sunday April 5

8am Holy Communion 10am Family Communion

Cnr Parkinson St & Watling Pl, Weston Phone 6287 1193 events@stpetersweston.org.au www.stpetersweston.org.au

children Mastering the ones and twos

ONE of the many good things about parenthood is that all things pass, sooner or later... and then you can laugh about them.

Last week I had a reminder of times past. In all places, it was in the women’s loo at our local shopping centre. Another mum and her young son entered and the boy went into one of the cubicles. All was silent and then a deep voice rang out “Luke, I am your father.”

At the same time a Darth Vader hand puppet appeared above the partition.

“Luke, the force is with you,” the voice intoned.

“I’m trying, Darth Vader, I’m trying,” the boy replied.

“You must use the force, Luke, the force is strong in you,” Darth Vader urged. After some sounds of success, there was a further instruction: “Use the flush, Luke, use the flush.”

My husband and I reckon we changed about 18,000 nappies before both our kids were toilet trained.

One way or another, all parents have been in this territory and we come up with all sorts of stratagems to teach our kids the fundamentals of life.

Sometimes one has to be very creative, indeed cunning, to get food into recalcitrant little mouths, clothes on to struggling bodies and kids into baths without resorting to something that looks like waterboarding. But perhaps the activity that brings out the most creative parental efforts is toilet training.

Obviously, I’ve changed the name, but this moment left me cackling.

When I was a new mum with a baby whose wriggling antics on the change table resulted in some horrendous incidents, I remember dreaming about the day my little acrobats would be toilet trained.

My husband and I reckon we changed about 18,000 nappies before both our kids were toilet trained. I make no apologies for using disposables, though I do acknowledge this was a significant contribution to Canberra’s landfill. We resorted to all sorts of instruction, cajoling, bribery and tricks to get the kids toilet trained. We didn’t do puppet theatre, but perhaps we should have. “Luke’s” mum certainly had a good routine that appeared to get results.

We did have a toilet song, loosely adapted from the South Park character Mr Hankey, “The Christmas Poo”. I don’t know what the kids made of that, but it did reduce their parents to hysterical laughter. Progress was slow, often a case of one step forward, three steps back. At times we despaired. It seemed that the toilet bowl was a psychological Mt Everest, or perhaps some sort of a terrifying abyss, but in the end, with a lot of patience, things turned out well and first number one and then number two mastered the business of ones and twos.

Of course not all parents found toilet training such a problem. I remember one mother I encountered having her child toilet trained in a remarkably short time, though her method wasn’t one I was prepared to try. I just couldn’t come at having them go cold turkey and learning cause and effect over several months in an entirely nappy free environment.

Years later it’s all now a distant memory. But my encounter in the loo last week did remind me that some of the most important aspects of parenting are love, imagination, humour, persistence and an absence of any sense of embarrassment.

SONYA FLADUN

DARAMALAN COLLEGE OPEN EVENING

THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2015

5.00pm - 6.30pm

This will be followed by an Information Session for Year 7, 2016 students from 7.00 - 8.00pm All welcome.

OTHER KEY DATES:

Tuesday 5 May 2015

“Try Dara for a Day” for current Year 6 students. Bookings essential. (See below for contact details).

4 - 22 May 2015

Enrolments for Year 7 2016 accepted

Wednesday 20 May 2015 Year 11 2016 Information Evening at 7.30pm in McCowage Hall at the College. All welcome.

For more information about enrolments at Daramalan College, visit the Daramalan website <www.daramalan.act.edu.au> or contact the Enrolments Officer on 6245 6348

| ENROLMENTS@DARAMALAN.ACT.EDU.AU

What’s

eating

I WAS unsurprised by recent reports of 80 per cent of food and drink advertisements aimed at Canberra children in shopping centres, supermarkets and near schools that promote unhealthy products.

The Heart Foundation’s research only confirmed my long-held view that health authorities are fighting a losing battle against the constant bombardment of “unhealthy advertising” aimed at young Canberrans.

Indeed, the irony isn’t lost when visiting our major sporting venues and watching world-class athletes amid adverts highlighting “junk” food and sugar-laden drinks.

The figures conclude that 85 per cent of adverts at our stadiums promote unhealthy choices, while 80 per cent and 77 per cent of similar ads appear in our shopping centres and supermarkets respectively.

Furthermore, it’s clear the battle’s almost lost with around 95 per cent of advertising in the capital’s two major hospitals having also been deemed as promoting unhealthy food and drinks, according to the Heart Foundation.

Not to mention nearly three-quarters of adverts within 200 metres of ACT schools featured products not recommended for sale in school canteens.

Already, around a quarter of ACT children are at risk of chronic disease, deemed overweight or obese.

So what is the answer? The ACT Government is considering a number of options including a “traffic light” system for school canteens and a new community based nutrition service.

at our kids?

However, much more is needed. It’s clear parents need to now step up.

Example: my two boys are 12 and 14. Last weekend I walked into the lounge room to find them sitting over their electronic tablets, chowing down on chips with the TV blaring in the background.

At their age I would be out smacking a golf ball, playing backyard cricket, climbing trees or riding a skateboard or bike.

So, it’s our fault as parents… us and the the electronic company giants who seem to control our kids’ lives these days. Their technology, while no doubt making the world a much brighter place, is almost certainly killing our kids.

This is where I believe parents need to intervene with some tough love – pushing children into the yard or park to play; taking away the iPad for a few hours a day; turning off the flat screen and telling them to try an apple over chips or chocolate biscuits.

Hard? Yes, but not impossible. After all, our kids’ futures depend on it.

Marcus Paul is the drive announcer at 2CC.

MARCUS PAUL

• 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.

lowbrow Watch arrives in changing times

AND so it came last week, to breathless excitement, the end of egalitarianism in information technology.

It came in the form of pricing announcements for Apple’s much anticipated watch, which will bring the tyranny of charging to a category (watches) previously known for running years without a top up.

Luxury comes in many forms. A decade ago, in Toronto, a female friend pointed me at the mothers with their kids in a suburban playground during a work day and sighed deeply.

“Look at that, that’s real money,” she said.

“How so?” I muttered.

“They’ve got themselves husbands so rich they can afford to not work, and they go to the gym every day to get their toned, post-childbearing bodies”.

With their watches Apple has also divided our society neatly up.

The watch for the masses (bearing in mind they all have the same inner workings) will be known as the “Apple Watch Sport” and will go for $579 at the larger 42mm size (incidentally, let the sportos ponder that “Sport” now means “for the masses”).

The next step up “Apple Watch” will go for $1629 in that size. Have no doubt its steel body will be effortlessly distinguishable from the “Sport” and its aluminium case.

Losing the sport tag will cost you a grand more.

Then we move up to real money; $24,000 for the top-of-the-line “Apple Watch Edition”.

Status anxiety drives our society and now with a glance at others’ wrists we’ll know where they fit in.

jeweller and take a look at the price tags. People pay a lot of money for watches, just so other people will know they have a lot of money.

With cufflinks, they’re pretty much the only socially acceptable form of jewellery for men.

Until recently IT products were ferociously egalitarian. Performance metrics were improving fast so they were the measure of value.

We compared the megahertz as if they were all roughly comparable (often they were not) and went for the highest number we could get at the lowest price.

An Apple Watch doesn’t need much performance. It’s just an adaptive display and input unit (its ability to accept data inputs is a big part of the design) that will be socially acceptable to have in view in polite company, as opposed to Google Glass spectacles, which may never be socially acceptable outside of nerd bars.

That “Sport” model will get you a grudging seat in such company.

Even with Apple products, up until this moment there had been a refreshing equality.

The richest man in the world had the same iPhone as anyone else who could qualify to get it on contract (anyone with a job, or a parent with a job). The richest people in the world

really hated that.

That day is done now.

The top-of-the-line watch, in its gauche gold bling, exists purely to say: “I have lots of money”. It’s sometimes hard to convince people to come to the car park and check out your motor, and many young people today wouldn’t recognise a Rolex if you threw it at their heads.

This is great for Apple, paying for a few hundred dollars worth of precious metals to add $24,000 to the price.

Even getting a counterfeit from China won’t be the solution it used to be for the status anxious. The first time someone tries to send a “tap” to your watch to get your attention they’ll know that sucker isn’t real.

Status anxiety drives our society and now with a glance at others’ wrists we’ll know where they fit in.

Most of us aren’t going to like where we find ourselves.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS FAST

Before anyone thinks this is too bonkers, go take a walk down to your nearest

Meet new people trying to tickle your fancy

WITH more than 6000 people attending the first Connect and Participate (CAP) Expo last year, organisers are promising a bigger and better expo when the free event returns to the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston on Saturday, March 28.

From 11am to 4pm, there will be a tempting smorgasbord of more than 140 groups – representing sport and recreation, arts and crafts, music, leisure, cultural activities, performing arts, and special interest hobbies – vying to attract new members to their groups and clubs.

While research shows the adverse effects of isolation are comparable to that of smoking and diabetes, sometimes it’s difficult to break into established groups and clubs.

That’s why the ACT Government’s Community Services Directorate has partnered with Belconnen, Northside and Woden Community Services and Communities@Work to hold the CAP Expo, which encourages people to come along and connect with like-minded people and groups.

Feedback from last year’s visitors included comments such as: “I didn’t know lots of these groups existed”, “A real eye-opener for anyone thinking Canberra might be a boring place to live!”, “This is great, and I would recommend it to others, because Canberra can be really hard to meet people” and “No excuse for being lonely now”.

One of the stall holders said: “CAP Expo had the essence and potential of the Multicultural Festival, showcasing the immense richness and diversity of clubs and groups, activities and opportunities that are open to people with a passion or an interest.”

Whether you fancy yourself as a chorister, a potter, a performer, a collector, a sportsperson, a musician, a crafty person, a rider, a gamer, a writer, an ancient arts fellow, a dancer, a knitter, a storyteller, an outdoor adventurer – there will be something to spark your interest at the expo, with a diverse mix of activities to try and groups to join.

One of the new groups at the expo this year is Labrador Rescue. Gill Morphett is its deputy CEO and sees the CAP Expo as a fantastic opportunity.

“Normally the focus at events is on the foster dogs, but the CAP Expo allows us to focus on the volunteers who make it happen,” she says.

“Labrador Rescue is about volunteers sharing the joy of rescuing and re-homing dogs from difficult situations. We get together for regular doggy dates and to share tips, and our network is Australia-wide.”

A local Army cadet unit will also be represented. Lieut Cherilyn Carey of 224 ACU is looking forward to highlighting cadets as a youth-development organisation.

“Cadets encourage teamwork, initiative and leadership. Young people come together, learn new skills and grow in an environment of fun and adventure,” Cherilyn says.

“This year is a big year for 224 ACU, with opportunities to meet current Victoria Cross recipients, marching in the ANZAC Day March and touring the Western Front in France.”

Entry to the expo is free and there will be live performances across four stages; children’s entertainment; free transport from Civic and food stalls.

Award-winning comedian Toby Halligan will again host the event.

More information at connectandparticipateexpo.com.au

WHO’LL BE THERE

Animal groups

• ACT Companion Dog Club

• Australian Koolie Rescue Inc.

• Capital Cats Incorporated

• Labrador Rescue • Wildlife ACT

Art and craft

• ACT and Region Machine Knitters

Guild • Canberra Craft Bookbinders’

Guild • Canberra Potters’ Society

• Canberra Quilters Inc • Canberra

Regional Feltmakers • Embroiderers’ Guild ACT Inc • Hands On Studio

• Paperworks Inc. • Southern Cross Club Friday Art Group at Woden

• Spinners and Weavers Guild Choirs

• Andante Andante Choir • Australian Rugby Choir • Canberra Celtic Choir • Canberra Choral Society

• Canberra Opera Inc. • Heart and Soul Singers

• Sing Australia

• Strangeweather Gospel Choir

Music & performing arts

• Canberra Blues Society

• Canberra Brass Band • Canberra

Chamber Music Players

• Canberra City Band • Canberra College of Piping and Drumming • Canberra Repertory Society • COZMO (Capital of Australia Mandolinata Inc.)

• Music for Canberra • Tuggeranong Valley Band • Young Music Society Concert Band Dance

• ACT Square Dance • BellyUp Belly Dance • Canberra Dance Theatre

• Flamenco Centre Canberra • Folk Dance Canberra • Monaro Folk Society – Bush Capital Band • Silver Soles Cloggers Inc. • Tango Social Club of Canberra • The Jumptown Jammers (Jumptown Swing)

Environment

• ACT ParkCare and Landcare

• Cactus and Succulent Society of

the ACT • Ginninderra Catchment Group Canberra • Open Gardens

• Orchid Society of Canberra

Games and model clubs

• ACT Chess Association • Belconnen Model Aero Club • Canberra Bridge Club • Canberra Model

Shipwrights Society • Canberra Society of Model and Experimental Engineers • Klaverjassen

• Southern Cross Scrabble Club

Martial arts

• Do Chung Korean Martial Arts

• Kyodo Shuho Karate-Do

• Olympia Judo Club • Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia

Special interest

• 2XX (98.3FM) - Community Radio Station • 501st Legion, Southern Cross • Garrison (Star Wars) • ACT GOLD • ACT Miniature Enthusiasts

• ACT Playgroups Association • ACT Region Lions Clubs • ACT Storytellers Guild • Ancient Arts Fellowship

• ANU Anime and Gaming Society

• Army Cadet Unit (224 ACU) • Australian Railway Historical Society

ACT • Brindabella Rotaract Club

• Calligraphy Society (Canberra)

• Canberra Community Councils

• Canberra Glassworks • Canberra Ornithologists Group • Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club (CRARC) • Canberra Speculative Fiction • Capital Country Friends of Mahbob’s Promise • Centre for Short Courses, CIT Solutions

• Community Language School Association • Compassionate Friends ACT and Queanbeyan

• Country Women’s Association (Canberra Branch) • Darryl’s Den Inc. • Das Zentrum AustralianGerman Institute Inc. • Girl Guides ACT and SE NSW Region • Inanna

• Libraries ACT • Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT Inc.

• National Trust of Australia ACT

• NSW RFS Region South Lake George Zone Stoney Creek Brigade • Omnia Adventurers and Social Club Inc • Philatelic Society of Canberra • Photowalk Canberra

• Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) • Rough Diamonds • Royal Society for the Blind and Canberra Blind Society • Screen ACT • Soldier On ACT • St John Ambulance Australia ACT • Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club Inc. • Usui Reiki Network

– Canberra Region • Vegan ACT

• View Clubs of Australia Canberra and Surrounds and Smith Family Sport & outdoor groups

FAST NEWS FIRST

Debbie Maree’s

Look good and feel great when you’re:

• Enjoying a casual

• Delivering a corporate presentation

• Socialising at a cocktail party, or

•

Nowruz

The Iranian New Year at Present Times

In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration, or Noruz (Nowruz), always begins on the exact astronomical beginning of the spring. This exact second is called “Saal Tahvil”. Nowruz with its uniquely Iranian characteristics has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian (This was the religion of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D.).

Before Nowruz

Khanne Tekaani and Buying New Clothes

Before the new year, Iranians start cleaning their houses (Khanne Tekaani). It usually involves washing carpets, painting the house, and cleaning the yard and attic. This is also extended to personal attire, and it is customary to buy at least one set of new clothes. On the New Year’s Day, families dress in their new clothes.

Chahar-ShanbehSoori (Fire Jumping Festival)

This Fire Festival is a prelude to Nowruz, which marks the arrival of spring. It takes place on the last Wednesday of the old year, well actually Tuesday night! It is an ancient Iranian festival dating back to at least 1700 BCE of the early Zoroastrian era. People set up bon fires, young and old leap over the fire with songs and gestures of merriment like: (Sorkhi-e to azman): Give me your beautiful red color (Zardi-e man azto): And take back my sickly pallor!

Hāji Firuz

Hāji Firuz, is the traditional herald of Nowruz. He oversees celebrations for the new year. His face is covered in soot and he is clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat. While ushering in Nowruz, Hajji Firuz plays a tambourine and sings “Hāji Firuz-e, sal-i-ye ruz-e” (It is Hāji Firuz time, It happens one day in a year). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, sazor kamancheh, and dance through the streets with tambourines and trumpets spreading good cheer and the news of the coming New Year.

During Nowruz

Sofreh-e Haft Seen

A ceremonial table called Sofreh-e Haft Seen (Seven dishes Spread, Seven Symbols Spread), name of each dish beginning with the Persian letter Seen (S). A few days prior to the New

Year, a special cover is spread on to the Persian carpet or on a table in every Persian household. The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for the seven angelic heralds of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty. These seven things usually are: Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinegar), Samanoo (a meal made out of wheat), Senjed (a special kind of berry), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic). Sometimes instead of Serke they put Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice).

Lighted candles, which represent the goodness and warmth that enters life with the coming of spring and the dissipation of evil that has had the world in its cold grip, are placed on the sofreh. Often an egg accompanies each candle. A copy of family’s holy book (i.e, Avesta, Torah, Injil (Bible), or Qur’an -depending on the faith to which the family belongs) is placed in a prominent place on the sofreh. The holy scripture refreshes the bond between the faithful and the source of good emanating from the light.

Wheat or lentil representing new growth is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with colorful ribbons, it is kept until Sizdahbehdar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed outdoors. A few live gold fish (the most easily obtainable animal) are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they would be returned to the riverbanks, but today most people will keep them. Mirrors are placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of fire.

At the time of Sal Tahvil (beginning of the new year) family members gather around the Haft Seen Table (Sofreh-e Haft seen) to start the new year together.

Visiting one another

After the Saal Tahvil, people hug and kiss each other and wish each other a happy new year. Then they give presents to

each other (traditionally cash, coins or gold coins), usually older ones to the younger ones. The first few days are spent visiting older members of the family, relatives and friends. Children receive presents and sweets, special meals and “Aajil” (a combination of different nuts with raisins and other sweet stuff) or fruits are consumed. Traditionally on the night before the New Year, most Iranians will have Sabzi Polo Mahi, a special dish of rice cooked with fresh herbs and served with smoked and freshly fried fish. Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also served. The next day rice and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional variations exist and very colorful feasts are prepared.

Sizdah-Bedar

The 13th day of the new year is called “SizdahBedar” and spent mostly outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or local plains for a festive picnic. It is a must to spend Sizdah-Bedar in nature. This is called SizdahBedar and is the most popular day of the holidays among children because they get to play a lot! Also in this day, people throw the Sabze away, they believe Sabze should not stay in the house after “SizdahBedar”. Iranians regard 13th day as a bad omen and believe that by going into the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unwed girls can wish for a husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots, symbolising a marital bond.

At the Spiral Club of Curtin, socal activities for seniors

MY grandmother was a joiner. Not of the carpentry kind, she but should have learnt that as she famously sawed off the kitchen table legs to stop the wobble and it eventually became a coffee table.

No, she loved being part of a group, loved learning and sharing and was an office bearer of many organisations with her name to be found on honour rolls around Canberra. Diverse interests gave her a sense of community and involvement kept her active and interested.

We’re living longer, we’re working longer but being part of a local community organisation keeps us in touch. Spiral is an organisation for seniors that provides both the social and stimulating kind of membership activities and has done that for 46 years. It benefits from the input of an eclectic mix of invited speakers bringing a personal perspective to the members every week and an energetic group who handle the logistics of organising, arranging and keeping members informed.

Ann Moyal is among a great list of upcoming speakers and her book

“A Woman of Influence”, a second autobiographical volume, is where she continues her “ageing life with passion, involvement and intensity”. That’s the only way to do it!

More information from Brett Yeats at yeatsb@iinet.net.au or call 6281 7684.

Easter Dining

Whether you’re after a traditional Italian dining experience, a fusion of Southern American spices, a casual family meal or a hearty roast, you’re spoiled for choice with Bailey’s range of restaurants and cafes.

Tree Eighty3

Hot seared lamb mince on baked potato slices, greens and onion. Mint aioli on top and the famous gravy underneath makes for a very special burger.

Phone 02 6247 9464

Smoque

‘Ultimate Platter: Carolina pulled pork, Memphispork ribs, Texas brisket, signature beef ribs, Kansas City chicken and house speciality buffalo chicken wings; pictured with potato salad, red cabbage coleslaw, hand cut fries with house seasoning and mexican street corn. Phone 02 6162 3350

Tosolini’s

‘Gamberi Al Diavolo’ - King prawns chargrilled with chilli lemon lime oil on a bed of rocket. ‘Ravioli Di Zucca’ - Pumpkin ravioli in a burnt butter and sage sauce. Phone 02 6247 4317

Hogs Breath

Breath’s famous 18 hours slow cooked calamari prime rib steak.

02 6257 8501

arts & entertainment / cinema arts

Kidnap tale’s new narrative

By Dougal Macdonald “Kidnapping Mr Heineken” (M)

IN 1982, Dutch brewing magnate Freddy Heineken was kidnapped and eventually rescued after payment of reputedly the biggest ransom ever paid for an individual.

That’s great material for a movie in which director Daniel Alfredson and writers William Brookfield and Peter R. de Vries spurn the rules of the genre and deliver a refreshing narrative that purists may not like. Co-writer de Vries shunned the film’s premiere because he disagreed with the ending and felt the film did not accurately describe the actual events. Methinks he nitpicked three decades after the event.

The bank tells four owners of a failing Dutch construction firm that a loan isn’t possible. So who else

has a lot of dosh? What about Alfred Heineken whose brew they enjoy?

From that seed grows a plan that may not exactly replicate the events but does tell an agreeably engrossing story in which the heroes are the villains relying on the success of their machinations to rescue their firm from financial trouble and provide for their families.

What Willem (Sam Worthington) and Cor (Jim Sturgess), prime movers of the caper, couldn’t

have foreseen was Heineken’s tough survival resolve. Zillionaire businessmen don’t get that way without knowing how to win arguments. Anthony Hopkins plays him with convincing ease, not an easy task when chained to a brick wall in a purpose-built dungeon.

One of the film’s niggles is its conversion of many graffiti on its exterior locations to English which most Dutch also speak. Offsetting that is a gratifying departure from convention. The film doesn’t show how the police cracked the case. Which they certainly did.

At Capitol 6 and Hoyts Belconnen.

“Top Five” (MA)

MY lack of interest in black comedian Chris Rock collapsed after seeing “Top Five”, a mixture of acerbic social observations and sharp comedy that he wrote, directed and starred in, which did not insult my intelligence by belabouring me with stupidity masquerading as humour. Rock plays Andre, whose

FRIDAY 20 MARCH – 10 APRIL

NIGHT PERFORMANCE: CELLIST DAVID PEREIRA

career in comedy no longer delivers satisfactions. He’s scared because he feels he’s not funny any more. He’s about to wed Erica, blonde, bosomy, not the sharpest pencil in anybody’s box, meretricious to more than merely one fault, hiding her inadequacies behind an assertive façade and hoping that televising the wedding will restore the ratings for her reality-TV program.

“The New York Times” sends ace reporter Chelsea to interview Andre. The pair spend a day discovering each other. Will Andre obey convention and abandon the comfort of Erica’s bosom in favour of Chelsea’s brain? From Chelsea’s first appearance, we sense that gorgeous Rosario Dawson playing her will waltz away with Andre. Spoiler alert. Rock’s screenplay is too sharp to fall for that cliché.

In its journey toward denouement, the screenplay delivers intelligent satire and social commentary ranging across topics as diverse as racism, poverty, family disputes, sexual shenanigans and journalistic noms de plume.

It’s funny, clever, perceptive and engaging. Good one, Chris Rock.

At Palace Electric and Hoyts Belconnen. DOUGAL’S review of “Inherent Vice” (MA) is at citynews.com.au

The ‘Process’ of biting satire

By Helen Musa

THE Street Theatre has popped in a play that’s been causing a sensation at Melbourne’s La Mama. “The Process” is a biting satirical work that follows a Tamil refugee caught up in the immigration process. Written by Ian Robinson, it stars veteran actor Sean Scully, Jessica Muschamp and Tamil actor Ezekiel Day. At The Street Theatre, March 25-28, bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

IN a double blow to Canberra’s theatre scene, Canberra Theatre’s education officer and local livewire performer Hannah Ley is off to Bournemouth with son Rupert to be learning and participation manager at Pavilion Dance South West. Playwright husband Duncan will follow later this year.

MEANTIME, local playwright Emma Gibson has been shining at a recent festival celebrating the best of Manchester fringe theatre with a play written over Skype with Salford writer Rob Johnston. “War Stories” tells of Aussie nurse Elsie and Mancunian storyteller and patient Bernard who meet in 1916 and was selected as one of the opening shows of this

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.

year’s Re:play Festival.

IT was a case of artist helping artists when Canberra Glassworks announced that one of its artist/ hirers, Peter Nolan, had won the inaugural Canberra Glassworks Collectors’ Raffle and is now the owner of Klaus Moje’s work from the “Roll Up” series, 2007, valued at $17,500. The raffle supports the creative fellowship, this year held by Queanbeyan glass artist Matt Curtis.

STREET artist Fintan Magee is bringing his bold artwork “Man Bites Dog” to M16 Artspace for a show opening on March 26 as part of a group exhibition called “Protest”. Originally installed in an abandoned warehouse in Alexandria, Magee painted the mural at the centre of the work then burnt a life-sized wire sculpture filled with copies of “The Daily Telegraph”, while filming the process.

TWO talented Australian women composer-pianists join forces in the next free Sunday concert at the High Court, 1.30pm, on March 22. Sally Whitwell and Sally Greenway grew up in Canberra and are ploughing ahead in the world of Australian contemporary music.

MORNING Melodies at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, The Q, has “Everybody Loves Lucy” coming up, with Francine Cain as Hollywood’s screwball Queen of Comedy, Lucille Ball. Written by Elise McCann and Richard Carroll, it’s a tribute show full of gags. At 10.30am, March 25 only, bookings to theq.net.au

THE 7th Annual Hall Twilight Concert is at Victoria Street, Hall, in the primary school grounds from 5pm on Sunday, March 22. Canberra Brass supported by Victoria Street Brass and Brass Quintet will play popular tunes of World War I and show tunes while Rebekkah Sawkins will sing popular songs. Sausage sizzle available. Bring a rug or chair. Gold coin donations appreciated.

Lovin’ the buzz and loaded dogs

The Hamlet is the place if you’re in the mood for a quick, inexpensive bite to eat,” says WENDY JOHNSON

BRADDON is a buzzin’ with endless creativity. The latest hot-spot is The Hamlet with its lineup of food vans calling Lonsdale Street home.

The Hamlet is the place if you’re in the mood for a quick, inexpensive bite to eat.

Property developer Nick Bulum has created an intriguing communal food and retail space with something for everyone.

I popped by the bright-red BrodDog’s van and perched on an elevated bar stool chair overlooking all The Hamlet happenings.

Gourmet hot dogs and veggie dogs, there are nine varieties on the menu. Meat lovers choose the breed of dog (Vienna frankfurt, spicy Kransky or pork-free), then the size (big dog or puppy dog) and then the style, depending on your preference for toppings. Sides are $4.50 to $6, and feature chilli chips, cheesy chips and even cheesy chilli chips, all of which are a moment on the lips and a lifetime on the hips.

I went for the puppy size American dog and it was bloody good with its straightforward range of toppings – pickles, onions, corn relish, ketchup and mustard ($5.50). My side of fries was great, too.

BrodDog doesn’t ignore vegetarians. “Forget the Dog” is loaded with corn relish, fried chips, coleslaw, ketchup topped with gruyere cheese and sweet potato ribbons ($8 large, $5.50 small). The “Veggie Dog” is packed with fried popcorn cauliflower and eggplant, fondue cheese, sweet potato ribbons and gruyere cheese ($9 large, $5.50 small).

Other food vans include Mr Papa’s Peruvian street food, Chasing Mr Morris’ coffee and donuts, and 10-inch Custom Pizzeria, which lets you custom-make you own pizza. Binny’s mobile kitchen offers Indian cuisine.

The Spit Shack is on deck, with lamb and pork prepared on the spit daily and produce sourced from local farmers. Native herbs are used as is house-made gravy. This operation is no longer associated with the one just off the highway heading to Batemans Bay, which I’ve been to. I only hope Braddon’s shack is much better.

After grabbing your food, settle in at a communal table or one of the smaller eating zones, like the sweet set-up near Chasing Mr Morris – brightly painted aluminum chairs nestled around tables.

The Hamlet also has interesting retail shops. Wink Jewellery’s Marissa Christian has opened her first shopfront. Marissa is a founder of the Canberra Night Markets and is planning new night markets at The Hamlet, too. Wildwood’s Sara Wurcker has re-located from the former Lonsdale Street Traders and boyandgirlco, with their re-used wooden

Musical Jo likes to walk the… music

By Helen Musa

IT’S a fair bet that many readers will have listened to the exquisite “Songs of the Auvergne” without knowing where the Auvergne is.

Now local musician Jo Cresswell is offering a chance to get to know the forest walks, markets, patisseries and the Romanesque churches of France’s Auvergne/Massif Central region in an unusual walking tour that combines culture and yoga.

To people in the arts community Cresswell is best known as the former deputy director of the National Folk Festival when it was putting down permanent roots in Canberra.

Cresswell is a whiz with a concertina and speaks fluent French, useful attributes for someone who has been taking culture lovers to France for eight years now.

Before that, she’d travelled the world, living in France and befriending the locals, including a shepherd who accompanies her on the walking trip and who has been known to whip out a musical instrument mid-journey.

Facebook.com/Zierholz at UC

Saturday April 18 DJ Felixx | 12pm-4pm Sunday April 19

Poppins: a big spoonful of success musical

theatre

“Mary Poppins” Director, Stephen Colyer; musical director, Ian McLean At Canberra Theatre til March 29. Reviewed by Bill Stephens

YOU won’t need a spoonful of sugar to make this merry musical go down, it’s “practically perfect in every way”. Director Stephen Colyer has drawn exceptional performances from his cast.

pallet furniture, have also opened their first shopfront. Jewellery story KIN gallery and Craft ACT’s pop-up space have also reopened.

The Hamlet is only temporary with a major redevelopment coming, but that’s not for at least three years.

The Hamlet, 16 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

For the first time, she has engaged her friend, local yoga instructor Karen Westlake and former publicist for Jigsaw Theatre, to create classes suitable for all participants.

The age range of applicants so far is from 49 to 65 and the aim is not to stress participants out – on the contrary, she predicts it will be “12 days of walks, yoga, wine and laughter… it’s about being a peasant.”

Walking in Auvergne, September 5-17, details at francewalks.com, inquiries to jo@jocresswell.com or 0420 769449. Jo Cresswell… “Twelve days of walks.”

Alinta Chidzey gives a Broadway quality performance as Mary Poppins. Her character has just the right level of astringency. Just as impressive is Shaun Rennie as Bert. Rennie matches Chidzey’s flair with excellent singing and dancing, while heightening the air of magic and mystery which pervades the production.

Chidzey and Rennie are excellently supported by the strong local cast who rise to the occasion with well-judged character performances. Among them, Colin Milner, who finds an unexpected complexity in his curmudgeonly banker, George Banks, which makes his eventual redemption quite moving. Christine Wallace is also excellent as his ditzy wife, Winnifred.

The tightly-drilled production numbers, choreographed by Jacquelyn Richards, are sensational, especially the brilliantly performed “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious“, the wonderful park scene with its dancing statues, and the marvellous “Step in Time” with its stage full of tap-dancing chimney sweeps, all performed with admirable style and panache, and buoyed on by Ian McLean’s classy orchestra.

SINCE the introduction of pay parking at the Parliamentary Triangle in October and the ever changing petrol prices, many Canberrans have made the money-conscious decision to switch from four wheels to two.

As well as the addition of more, free, motorbike and scooter parking spaces and with the intricate network of cycle paths and off-road trails that Canberra offers, the route to work can become a scenic and inexpensive ride.

SCOOTERS

MOTORCYCLES & MORE

MOTO Central, which has a full service motorcycle workshop, a wide range of oils, parts and accessories and lots of tyres for on the road and off, specialises in learner-legal motorcycles and scooters.

Based in Mitchell, Moto Central has trained technicians to service most modern motorcycles and scooters.

Owner, Don Murray says: “We have seen an increase in people doing their learner course since the introduction of pay parking and getting their first motorbike to save on costs. Some are then converted and buy bigger bikes. They realise that they’re having fun and they get hooked on riding.”

Moto Central specialises in such brands as Kymco, Daelim, TGB and CFMoto.

Moto Central, 12 Sandford Street, Mitchell, call 6162 2660 or visit sales@motocentral.com.au

MOTORINI Scooters is Canberra’s only scooter specialist. Situated in Phillip, Italian premium brands Vespa, Piaggio, Gilera and Taiwanese and Korean brands SYM and Daelim are available and supported with a quality back-up service.

Owner Nico Wright says: “We have customers of all ages, ranging from 19 to 90. Scooters are about getting around easily, you can drive to work and be able to pick up groceries.

“They’re easier and cheaper than motorcycles which are performance based, scooters are automatic and stylish, they have cheap rego and cheaper fuel.”

DESIGN the perfect bicycle at On the Rivet Cycles. The bicycle shop, based in Phillip and Tuggeranong, offers a “Project One” service with more than 55,000 combinations to choose from to customise and personalise the bike of your dreams.

Owner Scott Main says: “Canberra is great because there is low traffic and a great infrastructure of bike paths. I cycle up to 500km a week as well as compete in racing, I enjoy getting up early and seeing the sunset on my bike, it’s a chance to see things other people don’t get to see.”

On the Rivet Cycles offers repair services and professional fitting for recreational riders, amateur racers and children. Staff are trained on skeletal and muscular courses to fit customers to the right bikes.

“The aim is to get people feeling comfortable on their bikes,” says Scott.

For over 15 years Motorini Scooters has used its extensive wealth of knowledge to provide scooters to Canberra.

Fully trained staff are available in-store for repairs, servicing and advice.

Nico says: “We really do know our stuff. I have always preferred two wheels and scooters are better than motorcycles, it’s my niche.

“We have had a number of customers say that pay parking was a factor that made them want to buy a scooter. It is overall, more cost effective.”

Motorini Scooters, 10 Botany Street, Phillip, call 6282 6882 or visit motorini.scootersales.com.au

“It is more cost effective to buy a bike and to cycle to work rather than pay for parking. The health benefits outweigh the cost, from Phillip to Parliament House you can burn up to 800 calories.”

The shop, which has been in Canberra for 20 years, is offering a free bike rack worth $70 over the next two months and a new range of advanced lights that use LED technology that are controlled with the touch of a button and are the brightest lights for daytime use.

On the Rivet Cycles, Shop 3, Phillip Marketplace, Botany Street, Phillip. Call 6260 4200 or visit ontherivetcycles.com.au

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – March 23-29, 2015

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rash Rams are raring to go! The fiery Aries Sun activates your adventurous and ambitious side, but slow down before you come a cropper. You’re keen to get started on a project that excites you, but don’t get carried away and go over budget. If you are creatively focused and financially frugal, you’ll get more bang for your buck. Steady Saturn encourages you to back up enthusiastic ideas with tangible goals and a practical plan.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Some Bulls are ready to express the self-indulgent hedonist within, while others get uncharacteristically caught up in an exquisite dream or fantasy – only to be brought back down to earth by financial considerations, or a well-meaning family member. Don’t waste time brooding. With Venus vamping through your sign, if you turn up the charm factor then you’ll get what you want via the gentle art of persuasion.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus all activating your social media and networking zones, you’re keen to connect with a wide range of people from a variety of places as you talk, text, tweet, post or publish. Many Geminis are natural writers and comedians (like Mike Myers, Joan Rivers, Hugh Laurie and Russell Brand) so start writing that blog, book, report or essay – or just amuse others with your witty observations and zingy one-liners!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Teamwork and networking will get you where you want to go but you must be realistic about what you and other people can bring to the table. Fabulous professional and/or financial opportunities are around but work out the perfect time to strike and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Avoid getting half-baked financial information from a flaky friend. Look to a successful colleague for some astute business advice.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions appear to be confident creatures but, beneath the showy bravado, there often lies a sensitive soul full of self-doubt and fears. This week Saturn puts some steel in your spine, so you can face the world with a steady gaze and a strong, self-sufficient spirit. With Jupiter moving through your sign, it’s time to value and appreciate your own worth. As birthday great, singer Pearl Bailey observed: “No one can figure out your worth but you.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

The more intently you focus your mind, the better the week will be as you crunch numbers, power through paperwork, do research or fine-tune details of an important project. When it comes to a family matter, avoid quick fixes. Strive to be patient and persistent. Your eagle eye will spot flaws in others’ work, but is it really up to you to bring it to their attention? Concentrate on individual projects and your own mistakes.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Venus and Jupiter link up, which boosts your hedonistic side as you enjoy things like good food, fine wine, flowers, chocolates, beauty treatments and let’s not forget your number one passion – shopping. Style-conscious Librans are the fashionistas of the zodiac, and you love to shop up a storm. So your motto for the moment is from Sarah Jessica Parker: “I like my money right where I can see it … hanging in my closet.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Just because things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. When it comes to finances and work, a disciplined and strategic approach leads to long-term benefits. Attached Scorpios – Venus encourages you to rev up the romance factor. Singles – you won’t meet your soul mate if you’re mooching around at home. So find creative ways to connect, circulate, socialise and advertise.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Don’t be a flash-in-the-pan Sagittarius! While it’s a wonderful week to start projects, make sure your promises and good intentions can last the distance and finish what you begin. You’re also keen to assist someone in need but don’t offer more help or money than you can deliver. The positive side of Saturn transiting your sign is that it helps you define your capabilities and be realistic about how much you can do.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Many serious and ambitious Goats get their rocks off by climbing the career mountain until they reach the summit of success, accolades and riches. The danger is that you sacrifice joy and spontaneity along the way. This week the fiery Sun puts a pep in your step and a smile on your dial, as you enjoy in the moment. As fellow Capricorn Kahlil Gibran wrote: “Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Are you in a hurry to travel, or to achieve a major goal or dream? Circumstances are changing quickly so don’t make any firm plans until you have more solid information at hand. It’s a super week to spruce up your domestic abode and entertain at home, as you enjoy fine food and convivial company. When dealing with a fractious family member, you’ll find a little sugar-coating helps convey your message in a more positive way.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Venus and Neptune rev up your flirtatious side and your powers of persuasion are firing, so it’s a wonderful week to pitch an idea or ask for a favour. There is also much satisfaction to be gained via contributing your creative talents within your local community. Spending sprees are a danger though, as your wish list dwarfs your current bank balance. Saturn cautions you to avoid using credit, and learn to live within your means.

General knowledge crossword No. 493

Across

1 In which sport did Rod Laver excel?

7 Name a suicidal member of the Japanese air force in WWII

8 Geronimo was the chief of which Indian tribe?

9 Name the cavities at the upper ends of the human windpipes

10 Which term did Ali Baba use to open the door of the robbers’ den, Open ...?

11 Name an expression descriptive of fawning flattery

14 What is a penalty imposed on a convicted person by a court?

18 Name another word for a pill

19 Which marine creature has the form of a star?

21 What, in the Royal Australian Navy, do we call a particular petty officer?

22 Name a term applicable to one’s wages

23 The Sydney Western Suburbs NRL team is known as the West ...?

Solution next week Down

1 What is another term for crossbars?

2 Which fruit juice is said to be the drink of the gods?

3 Name the bony framework of a vertebrate animal

4 Who starred in Doctor Zhivago, … Sharif?

5 To be lean or emaciated is to be what?

6 Who were the Indian people once dominant in Central Mexico?

12 Name a crystallised violet quartz used in jewellery

13 Which cocktails consist largely of gin with a little dry vermouth?

15 What, in cricket, are byes, wides and sundries known as?

16 Name the chair occupied by a sovereign

17 Which type of figure is in the form of a rectangle?

20 What are electrically charged atoms called?

JOAN’S mother is finding it too hard to live alone and, with fading health, wants to move into an aged-care facility.

“Alan and I think it would be a good idea as she won’t be alone all the time,” said Joan when she and Alan came to see me for advice as to what they may not have thought of.

“Friends tell us that their parents have moved into these facilities and really enjoy it. We think that mum will be classified as a ‘low means’ resident and we can top up payments as necessary.

I told them there are some unexpected issues in the legislation, which can lead to surprising results.

“Firstly, has mum had an aged-care assessment yet?” I asked.

“Yes, that was done a couple of weeks ago and we have found a suitable facility,” said Alan.

“They explained to us about ‘low-means’ care. We have also looked at the Department of Social Services site and feel that, with her assets and pension, a ‘low-means’ assessment is about right for her.” I told them that if mum was a low-means care resident, there are a couple of things they needed to know.

“Firstly, you need to complete a ‘combined assets and income assessment’ form from the Department of Human Services,” I said. “Then I need to have a look at it just to confirm your mother’s situation. If mum is assessed as being low means she will not have to pay a ‘refundable accommodation deposit’ (RAD). She will also be charged a lower ‘daily accommodation payment’. “However, one of the downsides is that the facility then determines the type of room allocated to her. I even heard of a situation where a low-means-tested resident was offered a shared room with a stranger. The legislation also states that once mum has been classified as low means you cannot pay the money for the RAD. “I also heard of a case where a low-means-tested resident was charged more than another resident because of the way that the means-tested rates are calculated.

“So, it is important that mum’s position is clear before the form is handed in. It may be better for you to help mum out now.

If you are providing money to mum to assist with the facility, I recommend that you consult a solicitor to draw up a loan agreement or similar so that your rights are protected.

“I would also suggest that you do this sooner rather than later. As you know, I am a great believer in making sure that everything is properly documented.

“It is probably a good time to make sure that you both have up-to-date wills and enduring powers of attorney as well as nominated beneficiaries in your superannuation funds and check up on mum’s as well.”

Joan was clearly surprised. “I thought it was all so easy,” she said. “I had no idea that there could be these sorts of traps. Thanks so much, Gail.”

If you have any queries on aged care or estate planning contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping

The Canberra region’s largest range of locally-grown plants – grown on site for local conditions.

• growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants

• new garden creations and garden makeovers

• sustainable garden design and advice

• providing a value for money solution

NURSERY OPEN: 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm Weekends

314 Plummers Rd, Burra NSW (20 minutes from Queanbeyan) Ph. 0402 024 204 – 0408 119 160

glenbog@skymesh.com.au Like us on Facebook

We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow

u

u

gardening Passion to grow new plants

IT’S always exciting to see new plants appearing in garden centres.

Often it’s not strictly a new plant, but a combination of crosses of existing plants that have been around for many years until a botanist or plant breeder sees the potential in developing something new.

An enormous amount of time and effort (and failures) go into the attempt to produce new plants.

To give a few examples, when Bob Cherry released his “Paradise” range of sasanqua camellias from his nursery near Gosford, he spent many weeks in China looking for rare specimens. Then began his lifetime work of crossing 25,000 plants to find the perfect specimens.

Likewise, David Austin with his English roses. He saw the potential in crossing modern roses (which flower for an extended period, but often with no fragrance) with centuries-old roses (which flower only for a short time, but with stunning fragrances).

After many years of breeding, his first rose released to the public was Rosa “Constance Spry” in 1963. With more than 800 varieties on offer and sold around the world, his passion never stops with his son, also David, continuing the tradition.

The breeding glasshouses are completely sealed so no bees can get in to upset the pollination process and house more than 50,000 roses being assessed.

IT is not only large shrubs that have huge breeding programs.

Herbs, perennials and annuals are all assessed for their potential by breeders who can register the name and marketing rights.

One of the largest centres for

assessment of plants takes place in the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley in England.

Each plant submitted for appraisal is assessed, often over several years, by a committee for each variety of plant before they can be named.

For example, this year’s trials include sweet peas, catmint, lavenders, poppies and potentilla along with several hundred other plants at any one time. This gives us the benefit that we can plant these with the full confidence that they will perform well.

Naturally, it is up to us to do the right thing in ground preparation, feeding and watering. You may say: “What have trials in Britain got to do with us here?” The answer is “everything” because many of our plants start off being developed and assessed in Britain.

One example of this is the work of Robin White with his breeding of daphnes. The Englishman’s work has resulted in dozens of new varieties of daphne, with many now available in Australia. They include the crossing of two hardy Mediterranean daphne resulting

in Daphne x transatlantica “Eternal Fragrance”. Bred by White in 1993, it was first sold in 2005 in the UK and four years ago in Australia. White says it is the best daphne he has grown in the last decade and is propagated under licence by Plant Growers Australia. White’s book “Daphnes: A Practical Guide for Gardeners” (Timber Press) lists more than 200 varieties of daphne and is recognised world-wide as the standard reference.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners at the recent Horticultural Society flower show and all the non-winners who contributed to the universal comment: “Wow what a stunning display”.

Meanwhile, the Australian Native Plant Society will be holding its annual plant sale at the Botanic Gardens, 8.30am-1.30pm, on Saturday, March 21. It’s an ideal opportunity to buy plants propagated by Canberra members at ridiculous prices. Be early and bring your own boxes or bags.

Jottings...

• Bulbs have arrived in the garden centres. Support your local garden centre rather than buying online.

• Do not over water your plants. I am seeing more and more plants dying from over watering just because the hot weather continues. If you are using a drip system, 60 to 90 minutes once a week is sufficient for most plants.

• Remove any fallen or mummified fruit still on the trees of stone fruit. Bag and bin

feature

Where great gardens prosper

PIALLIGO is a wonderful spot for home gardeners to pick up new plants or garden decor, or just a beautiful place to enjoy a stroll through gorgeous nursery gardens.

The name Pialligo has been used for the area since at least 1820, and is likely of

Make the most of manure

THE Hayshed is a family owned equestrian centre that aims to provide a unique agistment for the horse and rider.

Situated at 7 Beltana Road, Pialligo, The Hayshed also promotes the benefits of horse manure, which it provides to greenfingered Canberrans passionate about their gardens.

Using aged-composted horse manure releases nutrients as it is very fibrous and rots down quickly, by adding the manure to soil it will improve water retention and aeration.

Horse manure is not as strong as other manures and therefore should not burn plants, but as with all manures it should be well composted before use and should never be allowed to touch the trunk of the plants.

At The Hayshed, the manure has aged for at least nine months before it is sold to the public. During the ageing process, the manure is moved to three separate pits for three months at a time in order to aerate.

There are numerous ways the manure can be used in the garden, as well as being placed directly into the garden bed, it can be made into a “manure tea” for the plants.

The Hayshed sells the aged horse manure by the bag (pick up) or by the trailer or ute load (customers need to phone ahead for this option), as well as delivery, which can be arranged by the truck load (once again with a phone call).

The Hayshed, 7 Beltana Road, Pialligo, call Ivan on 0413 949900 or visit thehayshed.com.au

Aboriginal origin. Streets in Pialligo are named with Aboriginal words.

Pialligo is Canberra’s own “country village” – a rural suburb built along Beltana Road that includes nurseries, garden and landscaping supplies, and a restaurant.

Changing with the seasons

AS the seasons change, so does Living Simply.

The specialist courtyard garden, gift and homeware store offers the widest range of indoor plants in Canberra.

Owner, Graham Holbrook, says: “We’re not your average, urban garden centre. We have a lot of hard-to-find, unique items that are continually changing.

“Customers come back because they find something different each time, no year will ever be the same.”

With nearly 30 years of experience, Living Simply originally began as an indoor plant hire company and developed into a full-service company, offering home and gardenware, and specialising in indoor balcony courtyard plants.

“The variety of stock we offer is grown ourselves in our own growing facilities, our plant species are handpicked for contained living,” Graham says.

The complete consultation and design service team of experienced innovators in urban design, plantscaping, professional builders and horticulturists are on hand to help gardeners build a welcoming yet practical garden.

Living Simply, 10A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6349 1552 or visit livingsimply.net.au

Aged Composted Horse Manure

There are many benefits of using aged composted horse manure in your garden

Horse manure is very fibrous and rots down quickly releasing nutrients.

• It is regarded as useful in clay and sandy soils by adding organic material that breaks down and improves the soil.

• By adding horse manure to your soil, it will improve the water retention and aeration of the soil.

• Horse manure is not as strong as other manures and therefore should not burn plants, but as with all manures, it should be well composted before use and it should never be allowed to touch the trunk of plants.

The manure should be dry and crumbly to touch, light tan or brown in colour and have a nice sweet composty smell. Manure that has not been composted correctly will be green in colour and have a strong smell. By ensuring that the manure is composted correctly, it becomes a rich source of nitrogen.

At The Hayshed Pialligo, our manure has aged for at least 9 months before it is sold to the public. Our procedure for aging the manure is as follows:-

• The fresh manure is moved from the stables directly into the first pit. It stays there for three months.

• After three months, the manure is moved into the second pit. During this process the manure is turned to aerate it. It then spends three months in this pit

before moving to the third pit where the process is repeated.

• After it has spent three months in the third pit, the manure is moved to the front paddock where it is ready for sale.

There are numerous ways in which to use horse manure in your garden:-

• Dig the composed manure directly into your garden beds.

• Use it as a mulch about 5cm think on your garden beds and around plants (remembering to keep it away from the trunk of the plant).

• Make a “manure tea” for your plants. This is then diluted and used to water your plants.

• Manure can be added to your existing compost heap before adding to your garden.

• If your neighbours garden is thriving and you are wondering why – they have probably been to visit us at The Hayshed and purchased some of our aged horse manure. We sell the manure by the bag (pickup), by the trailer or ute load (you will need to phone ahead to organize this) or we can arrange for it to be delivered by the truck load (once again you will need to phone us to organize this).