150326 citynews

Can hot air save Floriade?

MARK PARTON

Ending the chance to make things right

NICK JENSEN

The cold reality: winter is coming!

SONYA FLADUN

Farewell John Bell, man of many parts

HELEN MUSA

Well written, well read

DeaTH-DefyInG aCTS. PUlSInG mUSIC. CIrCUS aT ITS BeST!

one week only from 6 may

• 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.

Superheroes needed to save the big day

CALLING all would-be superheroes; next month more than 2000 are needed to cape up in the challenge to break the Guinness World Record for the most superheroes dressed in one place.

Capes 4 Kids Australia is hoping to break the record, which is currently held by the US and stands at 1580, at its Superhero Fun Day on Saturday, April 11, at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds.

This year will be Australia’s second attempt, after Melbourne claimed the title in 2010.

Launched in June, Capes 4 Kids Australia provides handmade capes to children in hospital who are facing long-term illnesses, painful operations and treatments to help them feel as safe and brave as possible.

Founder, 36-year-old Heather Foggett, says: “It is an American concept that I had been following and I realised that there was nothing like it in Australia. I sent emails to hospitals and received positive feedback.

“The capes are given to the children with a card and a poem telling them what the cape can bring: courage, warmth, protection and with a little

imagination superhero powers.

“They wear them before a scary operation or place them over their faces if they’re getting an injection. It is something so simple that helps the children and allows the parents to see their child smiling.”

The mum of two has watched the charity grow to gain 150 volunteers across the country and provide up

to 3500 capes overall. “This roughly works out as 16.5 capes every hour since the launch,” says Heather.

“Hospitals get a lot of requests from charities who want to provide for the children, so it is a privilege that we are allowed into the hospital and on to the ward to help.

“It is also a privilege for the Capes 4 Kids family who see the capes they

have made making a child happy. It is so rewarding.”

Entry to the Superhero Fun Day is by gold coin donation and will begin at 10.30am. It will feature market stalls, entertainment and amusements.

The world record attempt will be at noon in the main arena where anyone can join in and register on the day.

Heather says: “People from all over

ROYALLA ROUNDUP

Country Living Fair

Fundraising by the Royalla Common S355 Committee and the Royalla Community Association for the development of the Royalla Common Hall and Facilities

• Hobbies and crafts

• Car Boot Sale

• Community Interest Groups

• Entertainment

• Equine Display

• Small farm Machinery, Tools & Equipment

• Hobby Farm Displays

• Kids Activities

• Animals

• Garden supplies, services, tools

• Car show and shine display

• Food and Drink Stalls

10am-3pm Sunday 29th March, 2015

Royalla Common, 317 Royalla Drive, Royalla

Australia are coming to the Fun Day, it is bringing people together to have a great time. It is a cost-effective family day out. People can arrive dressed normally and get changed there; think outside the square.

“There are no villains and as long as we can identify who you are you can join in. We’re using Hulk as an example. He is an easy choice because you can just paint yourself green and wear a ripped T-shirt”.

The day is a chance to raise awareness for Capes 4 Kids with the highlight of taking part in a world-record attempt.

“We are a down-to-earth, easy going charity and we have had amazing support from volunteers and families while making so many friends across the country,” Heather says.

“It is all about the kids, they are our future generation and we want to make them feel safe when going through a trauma and make sure they are happy. When mum and dad see their little one smiling it’s all worthwhile.

“Let’s fill the showgrounds with fun for Australia to take on the world record. It’s your chance to be a part of it.”

Superhero Fun Day, Queanbeyan Showgrounds, 10.30am, Saturday, April 11. Visit capes4kidsaustralia.com.au or Capes 4 Kids Australia Inc on Facebook. Capes 4 Kids Australia also accepts donations of material, cotton and velcro.

Cover: Capes 4 Kids superheroes, clockwise, top Hannah Foggett, 13, and Anna Armstrong, 7, Zach Armstrong, 7. Story Page 3. Photo by Holly Treadaway.

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalists: Lorna Morris, lorna@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au

Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196

Senior advertising account executives: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999

Advertising account executives: Lucie Dann, 6262 9100

Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

Production manager / graphic design: Janet Ewen

Graphic designer: Paulette Leo

Photographers: Holly Treadaway and Andrew Finch

Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Distribution: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111

GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601

Emergency call among the ambos

WHO would have thought it –under that wonderfully helpful exterior, those lovely people, the ambos, are at each other’s throats.

This past week we learned that the whole ACT ambulance system is in the grip of “bullying, blame, distrust verging on paranoia and poor, ad-hoc and erratic management”.

It’s not only the ACT; similar charges have been levelled at the NSW branch. Surely this has to affect their performance on the job? The report, by O2C Solutions, is a clear warning to the Government. And if it can’t be released in full for legal reasons then Minister Joy Burch should order an open judicial inquiry. Something must be done before it leads to a tragedy in the field.

LOOKS like it’s practically a done deal – we’re going to get the Gungahlin light rail (with a branch line to Russell Hill) whether we like it or not. News that construction is down to two bidders – both international consortia – means that contracts will almost certainly be let before the next election.

The Libs will be giving it everything they’ve got in the campaign, but it

Surely Katy Gallagher won’t be pocketing that $30,600 ‘resettlement’ package for moving from the Chief Minister’s office to the Senate.

does look like the horseless carriage has bolted.

UP on the Hill our pugilistic PM Tony Abbott found two more targets for sideswipes this week – the Jews and the Irish. The St Patrick’s Day message was just embarrassing, but to compare Bill Shorten to Joseph Goebbels was a genuine low blow. And I think he knew it the moment it landed.

Actually the PM showed himself a pretty dab hand at the propaganda arts himself when he told us that “Labor’s debt and deficit emergency” was now a thing of the past. Last year’s Budget had fixed it despite the “feral” senators voting down $30 billion in savings.

And we didn’t even notice.

TERRIFIC idea from fellow “CityNews” columnist Tim Gavel for our own unique Canberra Games each year. He

had some excellent suggestions for the events such as canoe/kayaking on the lake. Another possibility, I reckon, is ping pong. It’s a fantastic sport for all ages and great for spectators, especially if we were able to get top players from the region (especially China) to compete. That would certainly complement the Barr Government’s push to China.

WHAT an awful gob-full of newspeak

Chief Minister Andrew Barr delivered in his attack on “concessions” for seniors.

“We must ensure our concessions system is financially sustainable in the long term, while providing the best support for those most in need,” he burbled.

It was worthy of Joe Hockey at his most dissimulating. Seems that at the hint of a Budget squeeze, first to get the chop is the old and the poor…

anything but raising taxes from the top end of town.

SPEAKING of the more privileged, surely Katy Gallagher won’t be pocketing that $30,600 “resettlement” package for moving from the Chief Minister’s office to the Senate. Sounds like a perfect sum for donating to a worthy cause – such as the “resettlement” of a few Vanuatuans perhaps.

THE publicity hounds at the NGA scraped the bottom of the barrel this week with their “naked tours” of an April exhibition. Forget the art; the exhibitionists would all be looking at each other!

robert@robertmacklin.com

ROBERT MACKLIN

POWER PANEL

Kate’s the winning face that fits

By Lorna Morris

WEARING a check peplum cut top, oxblood leather skirt and a custom-made headpiece to match, Kate Speldewinde was crowned this year’s Face of Canberra Racing.

The 26-year-old physiotherapist from Nicholls beat 18 other finalists to the top spot.

“It felt awesome to win, it was a bit of a shock because the calibre of entrants was so high and everybody stepped up their game, but I am so happy,” she says.

“I have really fallen in love with racewear fashion, it is a nice blend of placid and sexy whilst being modest with kneelength skirts. It is nothing too showy, it is all about elegance”.

The competition, which was this year sponsored by Westfield, has two stages, in which women aged 18 and 35 are tested on their ability to create the perfect racewear ensembles and offers a prize package worth $10,000 including $1000 cash, a modelling portfolio,

opinion

modelling training and a crystal vase trophy.

Marketing manager of Thoroughbred Park, Briony Young, says of the entrants: “They have to have an understanding of classic race fashion rules and guidelines, they have to be able to speak to the media and carry themselves well, an overall good ambassador.

“The entrants surprise us every year and are all eager to be a part of the whole competition. We are very happy with the judges’ decision”.

This is the sixth year of the annual competition, which brings the “spotlight on to racing in the ACT” says Peter Stubbs, Thoroughbred Park’s CEO.

“It creates an opportunity for people, especially young people and women, to be exposed to racing and to enjoy it,” he says.

“They come to more events in the future and even become participants. It is a chance to have a good time and to get dressed up.”

As her first duty, Kate judged the Fashions on the Field competition at Marymead Ladies Day at Thoroughbred Park.

Can hot air save Floriade?

THE Balloon Festival was spectacular! But it was also a spectacular missed opportunity for Canberra.

I’d like to see it at least join Floriade as a signature tourism event for our town because Floriade is either close to its use-by date or way past it.

I support the event and always will because I love this city and I want to help generate those tourist numbers, but let’s face reality –everything that can be done with the flower festival has been. There are no new ideas.

Those who attend, admittedly in their thousands, are seeing pretty much the same flower beds they saw last year, just a wee bit smaller. Yes, we’ve got Nightfest, but

Imagine if we had a serious go at promoting the Balloon Festival?

everything else has been rehashed time and again for years. Floriade’s long history will ensure that it keeps on attracting a crowd, but it doesn’t excite me anymore.

But, wow, those hot-air balloons; dozens of them rising over the city centre at dawn, then drifting across the lake and into the suburbs. This is truly surreal.

It helps when there are some “out there” balloons such as Yoda, the soccer ball, the Angry Bird and the Dodo. I think Events ACT did a fine job on the morning with entertainment and catering… but I say, make it bigger still.

Imagine if we had a serious go at promoting it. This could be huge.

Where else can you see dozens of hot air balloons rising up over a city centre?

Our Balloon Festival is a superstar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The social-media groundwork has already been done organically. It’s time to ramp it up through traditional, mainstream media and make sure all roads lead to Canberra when the balloons are on.

And how about running a night spectacular like they used to years ago? I can remember seeing the balloons at the start of the festival one night tethered at Manuka Oval.

I’d even be happy to see the Skywhale return, I think.

Parton

the

Fashfest tickets

TICKETS for this year’s Fashfest will be on sale from Saturday, March 28. The annual fashion event will be staged for the first time at the Convention Centre, May 13-16. Seated tickets range from $70-$170 and will be available through fashfest.com.au

Refugee stories

CANBERRA’S arts community is getting behind the Refugee Action Committee’s Palm Sunday rally in Garema Place, 1pm, on March 29. It will feature a short theatre work based on real refugee stories to be performed by Camilla Blunden, Raoul Craemer and Jim Nguyen. Another group has designed a banner for the day.

Dancing and singing

PARKINSON’S ACT is hosting an all singing, all dancing celebration of World Parkinson’s Day on the lawns of the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla, 11.30am, on Saturday, April 11. President Michael Dwyer says it’s an opportunity to learn about the activities available to people living with Parkinson’s, a degenerative neurological condition that can cause the body to shake, slow or freeze.

Apology to Jeremy Hanson

IN Seven Days last week, columnist Robert Macklin congratulated ACT Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson for proposing a bipartisan approach to confronting domestic violence. He went on to chide Mr Hanson for his choice of words in recent criticism of Health Minister Joy Burch. In formatting the column there was typographical emphasis that, Mr Hanson says, inaccurately suggests he condones domestic violence. This was not the sub-editorial intention in highlighting the paragraph and “CityNews” apologises to Mr Hanson for any hurt or embarrassment this might have caused him.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT BRUCE AND CANBERRA

As part of a national infrastructure sharing project Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade existing telecommunications facilities at:

a) Canberra Institute of Technology, Bruce Campus, Eade Street, Bruce, Australian Captial Territory, 2617; and b) 161 London Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2600.

1. Proposed works include upgrades to the existing service capacity of the sites. Works include upgrades to existing and new on-site technologies to the local area and associated ancillary works.

2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as either a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 or exempt development under Schedule 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations of 2008, Division 1.3.2.1 (Exempt Structures) Subdivision 1.60 Masts and Antennas based on the description above.

3. Further information can be obtained from Ben Davies, (02) 9300 1716, bend@cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference numbers a) 2617003 and b) 2601002.

4. Written submissions should be sent to: Vodafone c/o CPS Global, Level 5, 55 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, 2022 by 5pm, Friday, 10th April 2015

Facing the cold reality... winter is coming, ready or not

By Sonya Fladun

AUTUMN in Canberra is just beautiful.

We might be the bush capital, but nothing beats the display of European colour as the leaves turn gold, crimson and maroon before falling and covering the ground with a crunchy, brown carpet.

Then there are those amazing autumn days when the sun has lost its summer sting but the skies are clear, brilliant blue and enormous. It’s also the time that Canberrans seem to be out and about. The Enlighten Festival was wonderful and it’s a joy to see the balloons in

Dr Gavin Carney

Dr Zain Qadri

Dr Tasnim Zirapury

I absolutely hate cold mornings and want nothing other than to pull the doona over my head and hope that it will all go away.

the morning sky – though I really missed our beautiful Skywhale.

In a blink of an eye Easter will be here –a favourite time for chocoholics like me.

Yet I always get the blues in autumn.

As the days get shorter it gets harder to get up early. This seems especially so with our kids, one of whom is on the cusp of his teens and already wakes like a bear disturbed

Dr Shahadat Hossain Renal Medicine in the ACT and Southern NSW

• Continuity of care by a Consultant Nephrologist

• Consultations within 1 month of referral

• Practices in Canberra, Bega, Moruya, Batehaven and Tumut

• Renal medicine and Renal Biopsy

• Hypertension

• Dialysis

• Renal Transplantation (in conjunction with Royal North Shore Hospital)

• Metabolic medicine

• Bone medicine

Ph: 02 62854298 Fax: 02 62817300

email: dr52998@bigpond.net.au Visit our website www.accessnephrology.com.au

from hibernation.

But that’s nothing; I absolutely hate cold mornings and want nothing other than to pull the doona over my head and hope that it will all go away.

There’s no getting around the fact that autumn means winter is not far away.

Of course, winter isn’t all cold and bleak. It’s just that it’s harder.

For parents, it is harder to motivate themselves, much less get recalcitrant children to do things.

Venturing out to early morning sports training becomes a mammoth effort. Last year we were up at 6am for a 7am start in temperatures that were around minus 5C – and one morning it was minus 7C! – with a big wind-chill factor.

I’m already stocking up on a new inventory of double-lined gloves, coats, woollen hats, snow boots and a bum warmer that you can pop in the microwave and get a good two hours of warmth from.

My husband wants to buy a Canadian

beaver fur coat and hat over the internet, but we have to draw the line somewhere. It may get cold, but I couldn’t have the deaths of a beaver family on our conscience.

I reckon it’s time to buy a new doona, extra thick, fleecy pyjamas and fluffy slippers. In the kitchen I’m already stocking up on ingredients for soups.

I guess we’re just like cuddly critters looking to make their hollow log just that bit warmer and comfortable for the long haul until spring.

But there is a grim reality that can’t be avoided: winter is coming…

lowbrow property

Big beasts weaning us off the tablets

Rather than face the Google returns rigmarole, footloose, fancy free and off contract, I went down to my telco’s shop and said: ‘I’ll have an iPhone 6 plus, please’.

REGULAR readers will know that last year I reached an “end-of-history” moment with mobile phones.

I was happy with my Google Nexus 5 phone, so even though I was off contract and could pick up a new phone, I didn’t feel the motivation to do so.

Then the Android operating system was upgraded and the microphone died, again.

I had walked this path before. A phone call to what was either a strange human or a not-quite-there computer (when dealing with Google who can say?), a replacement phone was shipped to me. I missed the courier and spent an afternoon traipsing around Toll depots waiting for people to find my package and going through page after page of paperwork to ship the dud phone back to Hong Kong.

At issue, as far as I can tell, is that even in a given model of phone the sub-components, such as the microphone for phone calls, will vary and can be incompatible with different software upgrades.

At the same time, since Apple last year went big with its phones a lot of people I respect have been toting the big iPhone 6 plus.

Rather than face the Google returns rigmarole, footloose, fancy free and off contract, I went down to my telco’s shop in the Canberra Centre and said: “I’ll have an iPhone 6 plus, please”.

The contract was more expensive than what I was on, but offered more data and a nicer $10 a gigabyte excess charge if I go over my limit.

It’s a big beast of a phone. It’s so wide I worry sometimes it’s going to catch the wind and fly out of my hand like a small, expensive and fragile kite.

But it still fits in my pocket, and I can still

hold it in one hand and work it with that hand’s thumb.

I don’t feel stupid holding it to my head to talk like I would with an iPad.

But, oh, the joy of using it. Everything slick, and fast. A battery so capacious that I don’t have to worry about it crapping out on me halfway through the day.

While some things are less sophisticated than Android, the iPhone still has that old Apple magic of “everything just works”.

When held sideways the keyboard even has cursor keys and buttons for cutting and pasting; a game changer for doing real work.

In fact the first draft of this column was written entirely on the phone!

A phone that serious writing can be done on is a big step forward.

Also, with the large screen, I can work it while walking, which I grant is a mixed blessing, but the dogs seem to enjoy the more protracted rambles.

It’s still not quite there for doing serious work, but the iPad isn’t quite there, either.

Web research companies have noticed that since the iPhone 6 came out those users have reduced their iPad use enormously. My own experience matches this.

The iPad for me now is largely for watching videos in bed with the headphones on.

Six-inch phones seem to be where it’s at right now, one struggles to see pockets coping with much bigger. Laptops as well as tablets might be on the way out.

But when I really need to write, I’m still going to want a full-size keyboard and a big display.

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

It’s the people who power exciting cities

By Catherine Carter

THE most exciting element of any city is people, says Prof Rob Adams, who has spent the last 30 years transforming Melbourne’s CBD from a series of windswept streets into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

“Design the street and you design the city”, he told this month’s Green Cities sustainable building conference in Melbourne.

When Adams set out, Melburnians had left what “The Age” called an “empty, useless city centre” for the suburbs. Outside the nine-tofive working week, the streets were silent. The city had just two sidewalk cafés. Today there are more than 500.

Adams “stole away” asphalt and introduced bluestone paving throughout the city. This provides a consistent and attractive walking surface, and a pleasant place for cafés to spread out their tables and chairs, and for people to watch the world go by.

Laneways have been brought to life, trees have been planted, there’s more public space on streets and in squares, and a flood of students lounge along the steps of the state library or sit chatting in coffee shops.

Street-level building facades are now thoughtfully designed – no concrete cubes on corners anymore. In fact, 75 per cent of street frontage must be “active”, encouraging not just vibrant and diverse retail, but sculpture and murals, water features, flower stalls as well as convenient seating and shade.

JOHN GRIFFITHS

More than 65,000 pedestrians now walk along Swanston Street between 10am and 6pm each day. Nighttime pedestrian traffic throughout the city has increased exponentially, reflecting the growth of bars and cafés and a safer, more welcoming environment. And the city is buzzing 24/7.

People want to live in Melbourne’s CBD, which saw an 830 per cent increase in residents in just a decade.

In Canberra, we need to look at what other cities are doing to make great places for people, but we also need to start asking: what do we need to do to make our city better?

Adams argues that “none of this is a mystery, none of this is difficult” – we just need to get on with it.

When the big end gets a better go than families

WHY do Australian families have to “shoulder the burden” of taxation, funding cuts and job losses while our ultra-conservative government continues to look after the big end of town?

The government tells Australians our country is in dire financial circumstances, but looks after its mates in big business. Blazing out from the Liberal’s own website is the proud claim: “The Coalition will cut the company tax rate by 1.5 per cent from 1 July, 2015. Businesses will benefit from a new rate of 28.5 per cent from 1 July, 2015”.

The claim is that a “company tax cut will encourage investment in Australian businesses and jobs” and that “our fully funded tax cut will restore confidence in the management of Australia’s economy, boost job creation, and help workers across all sectors of our economy”. So, if it is a fully funded tax cut for corporates, who is actually funding it?

The theory supports a “trickle-down effect”; such tax breaks encourage investment, increase profits, create jobs and improve the economy. In the past week President Barack Obama scotched this myth, saying: “Reality has rendered its judgement: trickle-down economics does not work, and middle-class economics does”.

The idea of 28.5 per cent taxation is a façade, of course. A report by the Tax Justice Network – an international group focused on investigating tax avoidance – and the United Voice union says almost a third of companies listed on the ASX 200 pay 10 per cent or less in corporate tax. They also argue “57 per cent of all ASX 200 companies have subsidiaries in tax havens”.

The huge international mining companies are not funding the break for the corporates. Oh, dear! The poor mining companies. Reality has hit. The boom of the last decade has receded to the norm. The big mining companies are always looking for a tax break. Their prime goal is profit for their (often international) investors – and certainly not for the public resources to be used to assist ordinary Australians.

Remember the strong support the mining industry had from the conservatives when Labor PM Kevin Rudd attempted to introduce a small additional tax on the huge profits they were making?

The Resource Super Profits Tax was a key factor in toppling him. An attempt to have an increased tax of 30 per cent limited to the incredible profits of the boom

Surely it is time for a Royal Commission to examine the relationships between government, political parties and the big end of town.

times – earned from Australia’s shared natural resources – was defeated with the support of the Liberals.

The most recent effort by the conservatives is the most laughable of all. According to Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, there will be “real safety concerns” if the $100 million+ companies publish tax information. He told the Liberal Party room that more than 1600 companies with a turnover of more than $100m should be exempt from the public disclosure law.

The big end of town hates regulation. Despite all the concerns over contaminated berries and tuna, the government has proposed to remove regulations requiring product makers and sellers to report food-related deaths and disease outbreaks to the consumer watchdog.

Small Business Minister Bruce Billson argues that “state and territory laws required hospitals and doctors to report food-linked illness and death, and that this was enough”. The same government that favours “personal responsibility” for families wants to unburden the big end of town of their responsibility.

The government cries poor at the same time as it provides financial breaks for the big end of town. Something is awry. Surely it is time for a Royal Commission to examine the relationships between government, political parties and the big end of town, to examine the economic realities and consider what is happening to the distribu tion of wealth in this “lucky country”.

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

Canberra Confidential

Kenneth proves a prize catch

“WE miss each other every day. I should have done it sooner,” bekilted romantic Kenneth Grogan confessed to “CityNews” reporter Lorna Morris

The 38-year-old Scot had just proposed publicly, down on one knee, to Deborah Brownlie at Thoroughbred Park’s Ladies’ Day meeting.

When Deborah stepped up to the podium to draw a raffle prize she had no idea her boyfriend had planned the surprise of her life.

Kenneth, who works in Queensland, says: “I was shaking like a leaf, trying to make sure everything went to plan. I asked Thoroughbred Park if I could do the proposal here and they organised it in two days, they were amazing.

“We had the idea of doing a raffle, so we placed 12 pieces of paper in a tombola which all said ‘Will you marry me? Love Kenny’ on them and we had our favourite song playing in the background. I was so nervous, I just wanted to make sure she got on stage.”

Deborah, who works in children’s daycare in Gungahlin, couldn’t believe it when Kenneth got down on one knee.

The 34-year-old says: “I am so happy. I was so shaken, I really didn’t expect it. I genuinely thought it was a raffle”.

The happy couple, who met five years ago in Scotland at a friend’s wedding, plan to move in together in Canberra, in June.

Hmmms….

DOUBTLESS to the chagrin of ratepaying furniture shops across the Territory, Chief Minister Andrew Barr found time to “inspect the progress” of IKEA’s building in Majura Park. The store doesn’t open until year’s end.

DEPUTY Chief Minister Simon Corbell’s media announcement was headed: “More than 75 new car spaces for Weston Creek Group Centre”. And that would be right: they’re building 76.

THE McDonalds? CC followed a little Beemer with the personalised numberplate: “EIEIO”.

SOMEONE at ANU Classics got a bit carried away with the tweet: “We are proud to have Audrey Fagan in our student cohort.” Fagan was, of course, the much-loved ACT police chief who committed suicide in 2007. They were really saluting Audrey Dargan, an 86-year-old Latin student.

OUR food reviewer Wendy Johnson loved her visit to Tang Dynasty at Kingston Foreshore, but reported with measured restraint that the byo corkage is “a whopping $18 a bottle”.

COUPLE of road safety signs

Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

spotted in India recently by the tireless wanderer Greg Cornwell, of Yarralumla: “Beer and petrol don’t mix well. Don’t drink and drive” and “A tree only hits in self-defense. Don’t drink and drive”.

COMMERCIAL snapper Hilary Wardhaugh’s email signature block diligently lists her achievements: ACT Portrait Photographer of the Year 2010 and runner-up 2011 and 2012; multi-year ACT Wedding Photographer of the Year and finishes with this flourish: “Awarded Best Mum in the Whole Wide World by Henry”.

WHAT a bargain… “CityNews” reader Geoff spotted this intriguing offer on the Hawker Woolworths clearance shelves. At least it isn’t more expensive!

How does this work?

HOLIDAYS for teachers are inclusive of any public holidays that might fall over a school break. So, no days in lieu for, say, Easter, as in the impending NSW break. Over the border, the NSW school system sensibly breaks from Thursday, April 2 until Sunday, April 19 – a total of 17 days including Easter and weekends. Unhelpfully, in the ACT public schools stop for Easter (April 3-6), then return for four days before heading off again on Friday, April 10 until Sunday, April 26. Which make a total of 20 days for the month.

Apart from limiting family Easter breaks and driving parents with kids in transborder schools nuts, the taxpayer gets clobbered another three days in wages when some careful attention to the dates may have avoided it.

Discount Times

LAWYERS for Treasurer Joe Hockey told the Federal Court that if he wins his defamation case against Fairfax Media he should be entitled to around $1 million in damages.

Hockey is suing over a series of articles, posters and tweets published in May and his brief told the court that the “Herald” and “Age” should pay damages at the “high end of the range” while “The Canberra Times” should be entitled to a discount based on its smaller readership.

autumn/winter fashion advertising feature

Getting wrapped in cold weather

DOUBLE-sided cashmere wraps and capes are replacing last year’s turtle necks as a strong look for 2015 autumn and winter.

According to “Vogue Australia”, midi skirts are a perfect choice for the transition into autumn as they can be worn when it’s not cold enough to wear tights.

This year, the autumnal style is taking inspiration from the ‘70s with leather and suede fringing, floral-patterned fabrics and bohemian influences.

The changing season also brings back some stylish shoe favourites that can be used to complete a flawless autumnal ensemble.

Lorraine Eckermann, manager of Escala Shoes in Manuka, says: “The brogue is so versatile and popular during this time. You can wear it with

This year, the autumnal style is taking inspiration from the ‘70s with leather and suede fringing, floralpatterned fabrics and bohemian influences.

jeans on a weekend or with a tailored skirt and textured stocking and even a smart pant suit during the week.

“The ankle boot is always a strong look which can suit a dressy outfit or a causal one. Texture

is important this year, and lamb-fur lined boots are popular for the cold weather, as well as mocassins.

“Multi-coloured patent is fashionable in a combination of black, blue and burgundy”.

While 2014 saw a trend in masculine/feminine footwear, with loafers, chelsea boots and knee-high boots, this year welcomes a comeback for the kitten heel which provides an elegant element to any look, while still being practical.

The typical autumnal colours such as burgundy, olive and browns work together to create a warm look and are statement colours for the season.

“Olive and burgundy are always strong colours but I have seen a lot of navy lately, which hasn’t been around for a long time,” Lorraine says.

SPEND AN HOUR OR SPEND THE DAY

There’ s something for everyone at the Canberra Outlet Centre

Shop at Canberra Outlet Centre and be inspired by our budget-friendly range of Autumn fashion, homewares, home décor and much more.

Villeroy & Boch

Bose

Cue

Oxford

Puma

Bonds Outlet

Williams-Sonoma

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

West Elm

Cnr of Newcastle St & Canberra Ave Fyshwick

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Gallipoli conference reception, Turkish embassy

“GALLIPOLI 1915: A Century On” is the topic of an international conference being held in conjunction with the ANU and the AWM in Canberra.

The welcome reception at the Embassy of Turkey brought together academics, historians, journalists and researchers for a night of Turkish hospitality. The food was delicious, the dancing by the Austolian Dance Academy from Sydney energetic and the speeches eloquent.

The imposing and impressive photograph of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at the entrance to the Lalezar Hall at the Embassy of Turkey is a reminder of so much about the Gallipoli campaign, and its significance for Australia. Some of the truth is lost in the mists and myths of time but this conference aims to bring together speakers to all aspects of the story and eventually to publish their findings.

Ambassador Reha Keskintepe spoke of this event being held on the eve of the centenary of the Canakkale Sea and Land Battles that would be for Turkey the beginning of their commemorations, and of the words of comfort by Ataturk for the Anzac mothers of the fallen in Turkey that are emotive and enduring.

At the ACT Young Lawyers’ Casino Royale Ball, National Museum

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.

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

At Journée internationale de la Francophonie VIP reception, CMAG

Paint the town ...

With Canberra’s largest permanent computer controlled light sculpture, as a tenant, you can do just that*. In the years to come, Neon House will be one of Canberra’s most recognizable icons and currently presents an amazing opportunity for businesses and investors alike. Located in Canberra’s premier business and legal district, Neon House is minutes walk from all necessary amenities, including the ANU, Law Courts, and the GPO as well as being surrounded by cafés, restaurants and retail. All of this with an eye catching and unmissable identity. Your business or investment will have an iconic, light filled premises, already with a strong tenancy profile including leading Australian and multi-national firms & government bodies. Investors can expect almost 8% net returns compared with a standard 3% for residential investment. This amazing opportunity will not be repeated and is being offered well below market value.

Contact our agents for further details or visit neonhouse.com.au

• Further your business or investment potential.

• Save thousands by buying not renting.

• Make almost 8% net return as an investor!

• Complete refurbishment inside and out.

• Over $3.6million already spent in capital works.

EASTER MEET THE BUNNY

Located in the food court 12PM – 3PM at Canberra Outlet Centre

Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April

Cnr of Newcastle St & Canberra Ave Fyshwick

Cutting short the chance of making things right

PLATO, the ancient Greek philosopher, encouraged people to think about death at least once a day.

My guess is that he thought wisdom would come once we consider our limited time, the fragility of our own bodies, the nature of the soul and the deeper questions of life after death.

Many of us have been in this situation over many weeks with our almost daily reminder of the impending executions of Australian citizens Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

One of the fundamental reasons why this story has caught so much of our attention is that we seem to have a deep discomfort with the idea of a state using its sword for capital punishment. The very definition of any state involves the monopoly of violent force. This may seem questionable to some, but there are situations in our own country where statesanctioned officials (police) can legally kill a citizen. However, in Australia we expect our

I can honestly say that I have done worse acts in my life than the crimes that Chan and Sukumaran are being put to death for.

government to wield this power only in extreme and unavoidable circumstances – of which these executions appear to meet neither criterion.

It is compelling that this situation continues to build around Easter, the story of the most famous execution in all of history. In fact, I believe the reasons we find the executions of Chan and Sukumaran so unacceptable are actually reflected in this death of Jesus almost 2000 years ago. The first reason is that Easter is a message of life. The death on Good Friday gives way to the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. We, therefore, have deeply rooted in our culture a notion that every individual life is somehow sacred and of worth. If one destroys a statue or a building, it can always be rebuilt. But how can one rebuild the image of God? This swift and brutal picture of our neighbours having their lives destroyed, no matter what their crime, strikes us to our core due to our high view of the goodness

HOLY WEEK EASTER SERVICES &

Maundy Thursday

WESLEY UNITING CHURCH

22 National Cct, Forrest.

Good Friday 9.30am

Easter Sunday 9.00am and 10.30am

ST AIDAN’S CHURCH

Brockman St, Narrabundah.

Easter Sunday 9.00am

St Paul’s Anglican Church

Cnr Canberra Ave & Captain Cook Cres, Manuka

8:00am Eucharist with hymns

9:30am Solemn High Mass

The second reason is around justice. I don’t want to speak for anyone else, but I

can honestly say that I have done worse acts in my life than the crimes that Chan and Sukumaran are being put to death for. If all my deeds were laid bare before judgement, then perhaps my true “justice” would be far worse.

On the one hand, we could say that these men don’t deserve this punishment, but on the other, perhaps we all do and this is deeply convicting. Lastly, we question the need for these deaths because we believe in the opportunity for redemption.

From what I understand both these men have had significant turnarounds in their Indonesian prison. Andrew Chan has even been ordained as a pastor for his work with other prisoners. There is a value in our society that seems to suggest that no matter how bad a person is, how much evil they have done, redemption is never impossible.

Execution cuts short the opportunity to make things right.

The story of Easter is centred around hope, a hope that begins in our everyday lives and goes beyond all we can see.

In the biblical story, as the end draws near for Jesus, a

NICK JENSEN

Celebrating Easter since 1841

ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Maundy Thursday

7.30 pm Foot Washing and Eucharist of the Last Supper

Good Friday

8 am Good Friday Liturgy

10 am Contemporary Liturgy

2 pm Organ Recital J S Bach Passion music

Easter Day

6 am Lighting of New Fire and Eucharist

8 am Sung Eucharist

9.30 am Family Eucharist

11.15 am Choral Eucharist 1662 Prayer Book

6 pm stjohns@6

6248 8399

www.stjohnscanberra.org

45 Constitution Avenue, Reid

conversation is recorded with two other men on either side of him. They were both found guilty of a crime, but both had very different reactions. One spent his last moments in hatred and fear, while the other was more meditative: “Don’t you fear God,” he said to the other criminal, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. – Luke 23 As we consider death once more today, and indeed how we live our own lives, we can come to it with fear or faith. Please pray for these men and their families, but even more for a world of mercy and redemption.

Nick Jensen is a director of the ACT Australian Christian Lobby

Holy Week: Monday March 30 – Wednesday April 1

7pm Eucharist

Wednesday, April 1

10am Eucharist

Maundy Thursday, April 2 (with incense)

7pm Eucharist – with washing of feet and vigil (until 9pm)

Good Friday, April 3

9am Good Friday Liturgy – with Proclamation of the Cross and Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament

Easter Eve, April 4 (with incense)

7.30pm Eucharist – Lighting of the New Fire. Lighting of the Paschal Candle and renewal of Baptismal vows

Easter Day, Sunday, April 5

7am Eucharist – The Book of Common Prayer

8am Eucharist

10am Sung Eucharist

St David’s Anglican Church

Fortitude Street, Red Hill

Maundy Thursday, April 2

10am Eucharist Good Friday, April 3

8.30am Good Friday Liturgy

Mosaic

Easter Day, Sunday, April 5 8.30am Eucharist

Baptist Church

Friday Services Belconnen 8:45am & 10:30am, Mitchell 9:30am

Sunday Sunrise Service 7:00am, Diddams Close, Lake Ginninderra

Services Belconnen 8:45am, 10:30am & 6:00pm, Mitchell 9:30am

Celebrating the art of Italian engineering

CELEBRATING its 30th birthday this year, Auto Italia Canberra will once again showcase the beauty of Italian vehicles on the lawns of Old Parliament House on Sunday, March 29.

Based on previous years, an estimated 15,000 people will be there to see up to 300 vehicles, including motorbikes and scooters, from all Italian car manufacturers, including Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia.

Up to 30 trophies will be awarded on the day, where the exotic vehicles will be judged on a number of criteria.

The president of Auto Italia Canberra, Tony Hanrahan, says: “There are many millions of dollars worth of exotic vehicles at the event. It is a good opportunity, not only for car enthusiasts but the general public, to view some really nice cars.

“Italian cars are very different and have a certain panache and style. Over the years, the event has got more and more popular, our opinion is that it is the biggest display of Italian machinery in the southern hemisphere”.

For this year’s event, instead of one, there will be five featured marques thanks to car clubs who have nominated a car, keen to celebrate Auto Italia Canberra’s 30th birthday.

The display is from 10am to 2pm. As well as the vehicles, there will be various food and coffee vendors.

Entry to Auto Italia Canberra is free to spectators. Car entrants pay $10 and motorbike and scooter entrants pay $5, which contributes to prizes and the cost of the event.

Visit autoitaliacanberra.com

MASERATI GHIBLI. THE ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE OF ORDINARY. STARTING FROM $157,000 DRIVE AWAY.^

THE NEW MASERATI GHIBLI IS POWERED BY A RANGE OF ADVANCED TURBO V6 ENGINES INCLUDING A V6 TURBODIESEL ENGINE AND WITH AN ALL-NEW 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ONCE YOU’VE TAKEN A TEST DRIVE AND SEEN IT FIRST HAND, YOU’LL AGREE THE SPORTY NEW GHIBLI COMMANDS ATTENTION WHEREVER YOU TAKE IT. NOW AT FERRARI MASERATI SYDNEY. BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY!

GHIBLI S | GHIBLI | GHIBLI DIESEL

MASERATI has entered the second century of its legendary history with the release of the Maserati Ghibli, which will be showcased at Auto Italia Canberra.

With its own distinctly unique style, the Ghibli, starting at $138,900, can reach 100 kmh in five seconds and has a top speed of 285 kph.

The car’s cabin features include a WiFi WLAN hotspot, up to 15 speakers and an 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control screen.

Public relations manager at Ferrari Maserati Sydney, Edward Rowe, says: “With its price,

the Ghibli makes Maserati more accessible.

Last year’s centenary saw a raft of new products in Australia and around the world, over the last three years we have seen unprecedented levels and an increase in sales fourfold. The Ghibli is the main driving force of this growth”.

The Ghibli is the second model (after the Quattroporte) to be manufactured to new benchmark quality standards in Maserati’s refurbished facility in Grugliasco, Italy.

“There is excitement across the scale with the changing Maserati and the Ghibli is at the

pinnacle. Auto Italia Canberra is a great event with a wonderful car history, the Italians have really set a benchmark,” Edward says.

“Canberra provides a beautiful backdrop, the vehicles are displayed so well. The passion of the Italians can be seen in owning, maintaining and displaying the cars.

“After 100 years of legendary history and with the market on the rise, Maserati has entered their second century with brio”.

Ferrari Maserati Sydney, call 8577 8100 or visit ferrarimaseratisydney.com.au

Servicing needs of European cars

LATIN Motors has provided mechanical repairs and servicing to the Canberra region since 1979. The long-established workshop specialises in European makes and models, with a qualified, factory trained and awarded technician.

Owner Damian Jones, who took over the business in 2009, says: “We offer a personalised service, we do mechanical repairs specialising in European cars. We are affordable and prices depend on what you need.”

Open Monday to Friday from 8am5pm, Latin Motors offers services such as maintenance, diagnostics, general servicing, inspections and repairs.

It also offers a five per cent discount voucher for an oil and filter service that can be printed off on its website.

“All work is carried out to the highest of standards. Customers can be assured that they will be notified of all additional work identified prior to it being carried out. Only the highest quality Valvoline products are used,” Damian says.

Latin Motors, 56 Townsville Street, Fyshwick, call 6280 5586 or visit latinmotors.com.au

Auto Italia Canberra advertising feature

Hotly anticipated Alfa coupe to make its

GULSON Fiat and Alfa Romeo Fyshwick will showcase the hotly anticipated Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe at this year’s Auto Italia Canberra.

Having been in production for the last three years, prices range from $89,000 for the standard model to $109,000 for the launch edition.

General manager Jason Pugh says: “The vehicle exists in competition in the greater marketplace, but has its own unique styling, characteristics that separate it vastly from the run-of-the-mill car, it has its own Italian flavour and panache.”

Gulson is one of the major sponsors for Auto Italia Canberra and will be the only dealer at the event with a full range of Fiat and Alfa Romeo, showcasing eight of their cars.

The car dealership, which has introduced generations of locals to the wonders of European cars since the 1960s, will also award the Ray Gulson Trophy to an exhibitor who demonstrates, through choice of vehicles, personality or presentation, a similar passion to their founder Ray Gulson.

“The award is named after Ray because of his racing heritage. Our

Canberra debut

company has been the longestserving business supporting Auto Italia. The event brings together the best of the Italian motoring district. It is an opportunity to see vehicles seldom seen day to day in the life of Canberrans,” Jason says.

Gulson Fiat and Alfa Romeo, 92 Newcastle St, Fyshwick, call 6280 4440.

Italian specialists with experience

WITH more than 49 years’ experience in motor mechanics, Moro Motors offers servicing, maintenance and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

The family owned business specialises in Italian models such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat and more.

As an official sponsor for Auto Italia Canberra, Moro Motors will be present to talk about the services it can provide.

Owner Fernando Moro, says: “I have been working in cars for up to 50 years and completed my

apprenticeship in Italy.

“I like talking to new people and new customers about my company.” Open Monday to Saturday and based in Mitchell, Moro Motors has a team of knowledgeable and friendly professionals at hand and, the company says, “understands the importance of utilising modern tools to ensure that repairing your car is a smooth and effortless process”.

Moro Motors, 1/160 Lysaght Street, Mitchell, call 6241 4912.

FAST NEWS FIRST

mighty mitchell

Where Mitchell

SUPPORTED by Gungahlin’s newer surrounding suburbs, Mitchell has more to offer than ever before.

Named in honour of Maj. Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, surveyor-general and explorer of NSW, all the suburb’s streets are named after Australian industrialists.

“CityNews” looks at some of the top businesses operating out of the northside’s commercial hub.

A flair for tiles and more

TILEFLAIR has been supplying high-quality tiles to Canberra’s builders, architects, interior designers and home renovators for more than 10 years, and owner Peter Bonelli has brought in new lines for 2015.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve really prided ourselves in delivering the best customer satisfaction that we could and we’d really like to thank all our customers for their support,” Peter says.

“We’re a family-owned, local business, and we have a great range of floor and wall tiles, including ceramics, porcelains, stones and glass. We are conscious of the changing trends and work towards suiting the customer’s individual needs”.

Peter has worked in the local industry for more than 20 years and deals with Canberra’s leading tilers, architects, builders, and interior designers. He says the spacious, modern showroom is open seven days a week so that busy, do-it-yourself renovators can find their own little pieces of “affordable elegance”.

Tileflair, 22 Essington Street, Mitchell, call 6162 3080 or visit tileflair.com.au

Active dance classes and Italian classics

HOME to the Emeralds Cheerleaders, MG Dance Studio also offers a diverse range of classes from burlesque/fusion to hip hop and swing.

Opened in February last year, the family run business is combined with La Guitar Cafe and is a good spot for parents to relax while waiting for a class to finish.

Melissa Gelonese, the proprietor of both businesses, says:

“At the dance studio we teach classes for age 3 and upwards.

We teach cheerleading and not your run-of-the-mill dance classes that are fun and cannot be found elsewhere.

“Most classes are for all levels and we provide a fun and nonthreatening environment where you can meet new people and get the benefits of a gym session at the same time”.

As well as providing classes, MG Dance Studio also hires out rehearsal spaces to entrepreneurs and groups looking to teach a class.

“The main thing I noticed in Canberra was the shortage of rehearsal spaces, we have allocated spots at our beautiful studio that are not exclusive to our classes,” Melissa says.

La Guitar Cafe, which is run by Melissa’s husband Vince, specialises in Italian cuisine and with a full kitchen it provides pasta and pizza dishes as well as coffee and snacks.

“It is the best pizza anyone can try and the best coffee in the area. We also have a selection of natural and whole foods,” Melissa says.

La Guitar Cafe is open from 6.30am to 2.30pm and open most evenings at 5pm.

MG Dance Studio offers morning classes and evening classes from 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

La Guitar Cafe/MG Dance Studio, 12B Sanford Street, Mitchell, call 0405 380015 or visit mgdancestudio.com.au

The ups and down of quilts

THERMA Quilts is a family-run business that specialises in making and servicing feather and down products from quilts to pillows, cushions and anything made from feather and down.

Using quality textiles that are made in Germany, the seamstresses at Therma Quilts hand-make every item and can accommodate special requirements.

Owner Jennifer Kusa says: “Sometimes people want something a bit different, like a different shaped or extra-long quilt. For example, we made a love heart quilt for one customer. The seamstresses tailor to your needs and special requirements, whatever they may be”.

With their unique cleaning process, in which the feather and down are cleaned separately from the

casing using a specialised eight-metre machine that steams and washes, Therma Quilts services feather and down products as well as silk, polyester, cotton and wool quilt underlays.

“If your quilt is not warm enough or too warm, we are able to adjust it to your requirements and the same for pillows and cushions, we can make them firmer or softer. Feather and down is a natural product and can last a lifetime, there is no need to throw away old quilts, pillows or cushions when you can rejuvenate and restore them,” Jennifer says.

Therma Quilts is open 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.

Therma Quilts, 10-12 Kemble Court, Mitchell, call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au

• The Home of the Emeralds professional & Junior cheer-leading squads (Raiders)

• Junior Classes in Cheer, Hip-hop, Musical theatre, Music, gym n fit & Show pony (Jazz/tap/ballet)

• Senior classes in Burlesque, dance fit, hip hop & cheer

• Taking term 2 enrolments now!

at the front of MG Dance

• Grab a quick snack or yummy lunch

•

Entertainment on selected evenings.

Fine coffee with a conscience

SINCE October, Wagonga EspressoBar has been serving high-quality, affordable, Fair Trade products.

The environmentally conscious cafe at Winchcombe Court serves coffee, food and a selection of retail packs of various coffee blends.

Co-owner Adam Fitzsimons, pictured, says: “All our coffees are 100 per cent Fair Trade, so the money goes back into the community. The vast majority of our products are sourced locally and our plates are made from bamboo pulp, it is all recyclable.

“We have been a company since 2000 and our main sales points have been farmers markets, we had an idea to create a quick, takeaway cafe. Since the opening, we have been very busy, the people here are lovely and down to earth, it’s a pleasant place to work”.

With 17 years of barista experience, Adam says: “It is definitely my passion. We are the most inexpensive and best coffee around the area”.

Wagonga EspressoBar is open 6am-2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Showcasing a huge range of modern tiles

FOR 30 years, Rivoland Tiles has supplied tiles of all styles and budgets to help create dream homes.

Situated on Darling Street, Mitchell, the Rivoland Tiles showroom is open six days a week and showcases an extensive range of tiles sourced from overseas.

General manager James Hibberson says: “Our Mitchell showroom has been around for four years, part of 30 years of service.

“It is a great addition to the company and it has been very successful in providing service to that side of the region. It is an easier option for customers who don’t want to travel to our Queanbeyan showroom.

“Our comprehensive service provides a great knowledge of tiles, we have the latest products sourced from overseas. We are conscious of the ever-changing styles”.

With an experienced, reliable team, Rivoland Tiles also provides fixing materials, tools and technical advice to achieve the best-possible outcome, whether it be for a project home, boutique development or a large-scale development.

Behind the showroom is a trade centre where customers, tilers and builders can buy associated products.

Rivoland Tiles, 55-57 Darling Street, Mitchell, call 6241 1557 or visit rivoland.com.au

Wagonga EspressoBar, 26 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell, visit wagongacoffee.com.au

ANYONE looking for a school uniform in the ACT should: “Come on, think Savvy!”

THAT’S what the staff at Savvy Schoolwear say. It’s a family owned business that started with one small store in Erindale and has grown to have stores in Tuggeranong, Queanbeyan and now, Mitchell.

The Savvy staff pride themselves on being a one-stop-shop for school uniforms, with all the staff offering advice and service.

Retail manager Jeff Pollard says: “We invite everyone to check out our Mitchell store in Lysaght Street, just minutes from Gungahlin with free parking at the door, and yes, great coffee just up the road when you have finished”.

Savvy Schoolwear specialises in just about everything in the way of uniforms for school, including school shirts, polos, shorts, trousers, tracksuits and trackpants, dresses and pinafores, polar fleece, bags, ties, hats, jumpers, jackets and skirts, library bags, gloves and shoes.

“We service most of Canberra’s schools and with winter fast approaching, beat the rush and the cold, and come and see one of our friendly and expert staff for your winter school uniform requirements now,” Jeff says.

“Think uniforms, think Savvy. Come on, get Savvy.”

Savvy Schoolwear, 5/83 Lysaght Street, Mitchell. Call 6162 1032.

advertising feature

Here’s cheers for fit and healthy fun

WITH a focus on values and creating a fun, friendly atmosphere, Sirens Cheerleaders teach recreational and competitive classes to people of any age and gender.

Sirens Cheerleaders took off in Canberra in 2011 and has since expanded and they now own a fully equipped gym.

Coach Rianna Macdougall says: “We are a competitive cheerleading program with 200 athletes aged 1-50+, boys and girls. At one stage we had the oldest and youngest cheerleaders in Australia. We teach American stunts, tumbles, jumps and pyramids”.

With a mix between dance and gymnastics, the cheerleaders learn a routine that works their whole body as well as being part of a team.

“We compete in national competitions and we have recently returned from a competition in the US, which was the first international trip overseas,” Rianna says.

“It’s a team sport, it builds confidence and friendships. The kids love to perform.”

Sirens Cheerleaders are taking on entrants to their recreational classes, but are not taking on any more people for competitive classes this time of year.

Sirens Cheerleaders, sign up at cheerleadersaustralia.com.au

arts & entertainment Farewell to the man of many parts

IN a superb piece of theatrical calculation, Australia’s most celebrated Shakespearean actor plans to make his exit from the company he founded with the most famous speech ever written about the theatre.

“All the world’s a stage,” sometimes called “The Seven Ages of Man”, pronounced by the gloomy Jacques in “As You Like It” may be marginally less celebrated than “To be or not to be”, but only just. And it’s the only Shakespearean role John Bell can think of where the character is known just for one speech.

Had it not been for an unfortunate night in Moonee Ponds eight years ago, when he had to stand in as Jacques when an actor fell ill, we could have said that he was exiting Bell Shakespeare in a role he’s never played before.

Bell exemplifies the principle that “one man in his time plays many parts”, but it certainly is the first time he’s actually studied the role of the melancholic courtier who, whether living in the forest of art or the big city, just doesn’t want to fit in.

Melancholic? Yes, it’s that Elizabethan pop psychological concept that saw all human personalities divided into the so-called “four humours” – a bit like modern day astrology – and the “humour” everybody loves to hate is the melancholic man, the grump, the misanthrope.

“Because the role is so small, I’ve had to invent a lot of what sort of a person Jacques would be,” Bell tells me. “So I’ve

John Bell is exiting the company he founded performing the most famous speech ever written about the theatre. He talks with arts editor HELEN MUSA

combined a number of grumps... Patrick White is one of them and a now-deceased theatre critic and people from academia I won’t mention because they’re still alive... I put them all together and I found Jacques.”

Bell is pretty sure that Shakespeare was doing exactly the same thing, having a go at fellow playwrights John Marston and Ben Jonson, both savage public moralists with dubious private lives.

“You yourself have been a libertine,” the Duke tells Jacques in “As You Like It” – and as Bell observes: “There’s nothing worse than a reformed libertine”.

The play, of course, is a comedy, with the other characters romping around the Forest of Arden cross-dressing, falling in and out of love and generally misbehaving themselves.

“Jacques is a parody of the Hamlet type, one of those people who likes to look grave, serious and dour, but the melancholic personality is a fairly widespread concept, a mixture of bitterness and sadness and anger, it has various shades,” says Bell.

It’s quite a meaty role for an actor and that’s surprising, when you consider how small the part is, says Bell: “I spend most of the time sitting backstage, I don’t have to

‘Wax is as splendidly rude, brash, acerbic and outré as you’d expect, but also surprisingly tender, self-deprecating and serious’ THE GUARDIAN

work my socks off and I don’t have to lead the charge as I have so often done, so I’m having quite a good time”.

Better still, with a lot of wryly amusing one-liners, he gets to “add a squeeze of lemon to all the sweetness and light”.

I point out to Bell that in the program notes for Peter Evans’ “kind of ‘50s retro-setting” production that we’ll see at The Playhouse soon, the plot description entirely omits any mention of Jacques. Fair enough, he says, “it’s Rosalind [played by Zahra Newman] who dominates the action and carries the show, but his pithy speeches are a corrective”.

As for Bell’s future plans, once he has pronounced the words: Last scene of all

That ends this strange eventful history and let go the reins of Bell Shakespeare, he won’t be sitting by the fireside.

He’s contracted to do a play at Belvoir before Christmas and he’ll be staging a new “Carmen” for Opera Australia next year.

“I’ll do less, but I’ll do some cherry picking,” he says.

“As You Like It”, The Playhouse, April 7-18, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

John Bell, who plays the gloomy Jacques in “As You Like It”… “I don’t have to work my socks off and I don’t have to lead the charge as I have so often done, so I’m having quite a good time.”

Labours of the much loved

TO mark its 15th year, Gold Creek’s Aarwun Gallery has invited 15 of its longest-standing and best-loved artists to exhibit five pieces each in a celebratory exhibition called “5x15”.

“360 ALLSTARS” is a physical performance group that looks at all forms of rotation. With a cast of champion athletes, dancers and musicians, the production boasts that it connects “the street with the elite”. Think break-dancers, basketball freestylers and BMX flatlanders. At The Q March 31-April 2, bookings to theq.net.au

THE popular “As I See It...” exhibition is running again. Organiser Dr Roger Meischke tells us that the exhibitors are watercolourist Carla Begbie, from Rossi, inspiring young Year 9 Campbell High student and photographer Sam Chapman and former Parliament House photographer Howard Moffat. Thursdays to Sundays at Cork Street Café in Gundaroo, until April 21.

LOCAL artist Barak Zelig’s

Helen Musa arts in the

city

work, showing in the protestthemed exhibition at M16, marks the 100-year anniversary of Marcel Duchamp’s “readymade sculptures” and the publication of “Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka – most apt considering his concerns about the state of the world. At M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5pm, until April 12.

EXCITING young pianist Aaron Chew, one of Larry Sitsky’s star graduates, will join mezzosoprano Veronica Thwaites-Brown on April 1 for a strange journey through songs from Schumann’s “Frauenliebe und -leben” and by Rodgers and Hammerstein as part of the Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Live Series, 12.40pm1.20pm. “The Moment I Saw Him”, at Wesley, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, entry $5 minimum, concession $2. No bookings required. Tickets at the door.

Ailie’s new track for ancient harp

By Helen Musa

AS Easter and the National Folk Festival draw near, that perennial debate swings into action: just how closely is our idea of folk music tied to Celtic traditions?

With more than 200 international and national artists across 18 venues, artistic director Pam Merrigan has put together a cross-cultural feast of real-life art by everyone from Finnish tango king Pekka Mikkola to the Djaadjawan Dancers from the far south coast of NSW.

And yet it’s a fair bet that the first thing anyone hitting Exhibition Park will hear will probably be Irish or Scottish fiddling.

I’m talking by phone to New York with Ailie Robertson, harpist for one of the top Celtic acts in the world, The Outside Track, which is one of the international headline acts at the festival.

Ailie started piano when she was eight and the clarsach or harp when she was 11.

“Harp normally has a beautiful, heavenly connotation, but our band is completely different – it’s almost like rock at times,” she says.

“Our music is very lively, very energising, not the old Irish drinking songs or the classics, we are interested in finding much rarer modern expressions.”

To that end, she is completing a Ph.D. at Trinity in London on the modalities of the harp, fitting it in with a gruelling tour of the US, Canada, Germany, Denmark, the UK, South Korea and Australia, dashing back to her home base in Edinburgh whenever she can. South Korea? Surely there the group won’t be inundated with people who claim Irish heritage, the way she found during an earlier visit to Melbourne and Tasmania? She expects not. But she doesn’t mind the fact that Scots and Irish heritage is so far reaching. “It’s always interesting to hear the stories,” she says.

The Outside Track is playing at the National Folk Festival, Exhibition Park, April 3, 4 and 6; full program at folkfestival.org.au

Perils of the sweet spot

Dougal Macdonald

“That Sugar Film” (PG)

TO assemble the data for this documentary examining the effect of sugar, more specifically, fructose, on human health, writer/director/principal player Damon Gameau offered himself as the guinea pig for trials partly monitored by qualified health professionals but mostly devised by Gameau himself.

It’s a delightful film brimming with information, humour and visual delights. But it sent me away uncomfortable about two aspects.

To express his theses in terms easy and comfortable to comprehend, Gameau uses the teaspoon as his standard measure. I did a little experiment. Three teaspoons, with big, medium and little bowls. Filled using a method similar to Gameau’s in his film. Weighed on an electronic scale of one gram sensitivity. Five, four and three grams respectively. How long is a piece of string?

I praise Gameau for his film’s intentions. Scientists explain how sugar works and what it does in the human body. We should learn, inwardly digest and remember this. The film postulates that the role of fats in weight gain is less than that of fructose. It explains the differences between natural and processed food, between subcutaneous and visceral fat. And much more.

The film runs for 90 minutes. People may stagger under its considerable information load, a defect that makes taking many documentaries on board a burden. Gameau uses imaginative techniques to ease that difficulty, particularly laughter that rather overwhelms what was on the screen immediately before. That’s regrettable because, notwithstanding the two defects that I’ve mentioned, we ignore his message at our peril. At Palace Electric and Capitol 6

“Infinitely Polar Bear” (M)

IN the city of Cambridge north of Boston in 1982, life is not going well for the Stewart family – Cameron (Mark Ruffalo) and Maggie (Zoe Saldana), daughters Amelia (Imogene Wolodarsky) approaching puberty and Faith (Ashley Aufderheide) somewhat younger.

Suffering with bipolar disorder, Cameron is unemployable. The money has run out. Maggie, unable to get a job, enrols in an MBA course at a university in New York. Because Cameron and the girls don’t want to relocate, she undertakes to come home every weekend. In a warm, gentle, affectionate and optimistic debut film about this family coping with adversity, writer/director Maya Forbes, Imogene’s real-life mother, delivers a strong verity. Amelia is indeed Maya as a child. The plot deals on its surface with life in a cramped apartment where the family has relocated, dependant on Maggie’s family for support. Behind that veil, its strongest issue is Cam’s coping as primary caregiver for two spirited, intelligent, vulnerable little girls – domestic chores; mood swings; major emotional and familial strains. Forbes’ screenplay blends gentle humour and optimism with pervasive love persevering among serious hazards and hassles. Concupiscence adds a special poignancy. Maggie feels this is no time for carnality, leaving Cam’s testosterone with nowhere to go. Outstanding performances from Ruffalo and the two youngsters bringing delightful maturity to demanding roles make the film also one to savour for the authentic flavour of its human drama, people making hard choices and confronting and facing down the risks with which the story confronts them.

At Dendy and Palace

Dougal’s

Dynasty returns to Kingston

IT has to be at least a decade ago when the Tang Dynasty restaurant in Kingston closed down. I used to love going there. I found it a mysterious and intriguing place.

To the delight of many of its former customers, Tang Dynasty has re-opened at the Kingston Foreshore. Two large horses once again grace the entrance. And, once again, the restaurant’s fitout is about sophistication, beauty and comfort, including gold, plush chairs. It seems no expense has been spared.

The great Tang Dynasty (618 to 907) has been described as “the most glistening period in China’s history”. According to the restaurant’s website, Emperor Taizong loved horses and, during his reign, they became a respected symbol. The horse motif is even applied to the restaurant’s bone-white china.

A group of us had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tang Dynasty “Take 2”, and landed on its doorstep soon after opening day.

If you’re looking for cheap or even moderately priced Chinese this isn’t the place, especially given the portion size of some of the dishes we tried. But if you hit the right dishes, the food at fine-dining Tang Dynasty is worth every bite.

Entrees include three spring rolls for $15.20 and two steamed scallops for $19.20. Pork dishes sit at $29.20; beef dishes range from $31.20 to $36.20; grilled lamb chops with salad costs $36.70. Get the price picture?

We were craving duck pancakes and discovered they only come with the Beijing banquet duck. This is a two-course dish, with the pancakes accompanied by a duck salad ($56.80 for four). We loved both elements, but strongly recommend that Tang Dynasty

revisit its decision to not offer the pancakes as a stand-alone option.

The chilli king prawns were one of the top two fave items, and it’s no surprise this is a chef’s special ($34.20). It had a lovely hint of chilli and the prawns were plump, tender and cooked perfectly. We’d go back for this dish anytime. We’d also go back for the tender Gong Bao chicken, full of wonderful stir-fried flavours ($28.80) and an excellent sweet-spicy combination.

The beef steak with black peppercorn ($36.20), although not in the top two, was tender. We agreed the scallops with ginger and shallots were a bit underwhelming ($37.30) and the light-fried seasonal vegetables hardly memorable ($21.60).

With 80 dishes to choose from and obvious winners on our first date, we will revisit Tang Dynasty for sure and we appreciated the attentive service. However, we’ll choose where to sit carefully. The front door doesn’t close properly and, in cooler weather, it’s chilly and breezy if you’re too close, not to mention a tad annoying.

Tang Dynasty, Kingston Foreshore, open seven days, lunch and dinner. Byo is a whopping $18 a bottle. Call 6232 6997.

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping

•

•

•

•

NURSERY

for money solution

9am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm Weekends

glenbog@skymesh.com.au Like us on Facebook

We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow

gardening Gosh, wow,

WITH an amazing apricot fragrance and apricot-coloured flowers, Osmanthus aurantiacus is a “gosh, wow” plant and certainly one to tickle noses.

I haven’t found a common name for it, but this small tree is coming into flower right now providing autumn colour to the garden.

Usually hard to find (I don’t know why), I did see some recently at Heritage Nursery, Yarralumla.

Another Osmanthus of special interest is Osmanthus “Heaven Sent”. Flowering from late winter into spring, this compact shrub grows to two metres, although can be clipped to keep it smaller.

An evergreen, it can either be used for a hedge or as a stand-alone shrub. Its white tubular flowers, set against the dark green leaves, have an amazing perfume.

fragrance!

The third variety Osmanthus fragrans can be grown as a tall shrub or small tree.

First introduced to the west in 1771, it is one of the most popular garden plants grown in China for the delicious perfume of its clusters of tiny white flowers. The Chinese use the flowers as pot pourri and for flavouring tea and wine. Grown in China for more than a thousand years, it is known as the “gui” flower, meaning noble.

Osmanthus fragrans is also a symbol of literary merit and an emblem of studious pursuits.

TO complement the special fragrance of the various Osmanthus shrubs one should consider Sarcococca ruscifolia or “Sweet Box”(no relation to Buxus, as used in box hedging).

With its dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers, it is an ideal companion to grow at the base of or in front of Osmanthus. “Sweet Box” is relatively slow growing to about half to one metre tall with a one metre spread.

is normally only possible to dig to about a spade’s depth and it won’t penetrate the soil either deeper or sideways.

Batemans Bay is holding an Easter fair and giant plant sale, 10am-4pm, on Easter Saturday. More information at erbg.org.au

A better solution is Multicrop’s “Clay Breaker”, a solution that’s mixed with water. It soaks deep into the soil and, if applying to a planting hole, will spread sideways through the clay soil. Apply a bucketful to a planting hole and wait until it has drained completely which may take a few hours or a day to drain depending on the density of the clay.

break up the clay. The problem with gypsum is that it

An additional advantage is if existing shrubs are not doing well in clay soil, gypsum can’t be applied later. Whereas Clay Breaker can be applied by making a small bank around the drip line of the shrub.

It is available from most garden centres or DIY centres.

THE Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens at

Jottings…

• In my continuous recommendations of organic fertilisers, there’s Healthy Earth with an NPK of 7:3:8.5. The low phosphorus is ideal for natives and especially for flowering and fruiting plants with its high potassium.

• Plant seedlings of Asian greens, onions and chives.

• Plant bulbs and more bulbs... throw them up in the air and plant where they land!

• Plant garlic, but only Australian garlic. Chinese garlic is treated with chemicals and will not grow. The best selection of Australian-grown garlic is available at the Farmers Market at Epic.

Obligation free

conference (no cost if you don’t proceed) • Fixed price services available

• Follow our blog for the latest

• Follow us on Facebook

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars – March 30-April 5, 2015

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Get set for a bumper week Rams! Mercury moves into your sign so you’re in the mood to mix and mingle; network and communicate; socialise and circulate. Then Mars shifts into Taurus, which helps stabilise your fiery energy, so you can turn your creative ideas into tangible projects. The late week Lunar Eclipse stirs up your temperamental side. If you tackle challenging tasks, then you’ll feel less inclined to be disruptive and demanding.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Sometimes Taureans can get stuck in a ‘same-old’ mindset, where you stubbornly reinforce negative behavioural patterns and continually replay a long list of reasons why life can’t change or improve. This week mighty Mars charges into your sign (until May 12) and motivates you to throw out the old template and kick-start a bold new plan for the next two years. So the buzz words for Bulls are – create, initiate, activate.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With your boss planet Mercury moving into your networking zone, it’s the perfect time to participate in group activities and communicate your ideas to the world via social media. Avoid taking short cuts Twins. A slap-dash attitude will only mean you have to do things twice. The Mercury/Saturn trine favours focusing on details and meticulous research, which are not natural strong points. Do your best to concentrate.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

When it comes to work, business and finance, the planets align in a positive way this week. Are you going to capitalise on this good luck Crabs? If you balance being proactive with being productive, then you’ll have a winning double. On Friday and Saturday the focus is firmly on domestic matters as you talk things over with a relative, or clean and de-clutter. But the stars also stir up your crabby side so pace yourself.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Are you ready to put on a razzle dazzle show? Gung-ho Mars marches into your career zone, which boosts motivation and galvanises ambition. Then the Sun trines Jupiter, so you’ll feel compelled to make some bold moves and dream big dreams. Don’t hold back Leo! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, the writer Emile Zola: “If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Your Virgo powers of observation and attention to detail are enhanced mid-week, when Mercury and Saturn fine-tune your mercurial mind. Research, study and education are favoured as you dig up information that others have missed. Then the Lunar Eclipse, Mercury and Uranus spotlight on the way you manage money. It’s time to concentrate on budgeting rather than borrowing and saving rather than spending.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

With the Lunar Eclipse in your sign, your appreciation of beauty and the arts is heightened and it’s a wonderful week to visit a garden, catch a concert, see an art exhibition or do something else that inspires the creative and cultural muse within. Librans have a sweet tooth so be careful you don’t overdo the hot cross buns and chocolate eggs this Easter. As always, the lesson for Librans to master is moderation.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Career opportunities are buzzing as you make promising links with prominent people. When it comes to a professional issue or a financial matter, ensure you have a solid, strategic plan. If you work through things in a logical and patient way, then success will follow. Attached Scorps – your partner could be more assertive than usual, so factor that into your approach. Singles – look for love with someone who is diplomatic and motivated.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The mid-week Mercury/Saturn trine helps improve communication with a friend or family member, as you reach deep within and come up with some surprisingly mature and wonderfully wise advice! Then the Sun/Jupiter trine ignites a creative idea or brings good news from afar. The late-week Lunar Eclipse fires up your friendship zone, so those around you can look forward to some amusing antics and manic moments.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns are often preoccupied with professional concerns and financial matters. This week’s stars encourage you to appreciate the other riches in your life – family and friends. The Lunar Eclipse shakes things up on the home front, so prepare for some upheaval. If you’ve been stuck in a rut it might be just what the doctor ordered, as you play gracious Easter host to unexpected guests or steer through a domestic drama.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week’s stars favour short trips, education, public speaking, social media and community connections. But taskmaster Saturn continues to move slowly through your hopes and wishes zone, making your dreams seem a long way away. Don’t despair – the more challenging the goal, the more exciting the journey. Be inspired by feisty film star Bette Davis: “The key to life is accepting challenges.”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Have you been binge shopping and maxing out your credit card? Have you overlooked a major expense? The Lunar Eclipse brings financial matters to a head via a timely wake-up call. Saturn and Jupiter encourage you to accept responsibility for educating yourself about fiscal matters. Don’t bury your head in the sand and hope someone else will magically fix your money problems. Smart Pisceans – knowledge is power.

General

3 Which secret expression is necessary to obtain access to the Internet?

7 Which colour has the components of both red and blue?

8 What is the skill in making witty replies?

9 What are exact replicas?

10 Name the commemorative inscriptions on tombs

11 Which abilities come from knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc?

14 What is a rubber also called?

17 Which term designates the magnitude of an electrical current?

18 To slander, or speak ill of someone, is to do what?

19 What is an assembly of hearers or spectators?

20 Where was Edvard Grieg born?

21 What was the profession of Charles Lamb?

1 What is another name for an ox?

2 Which dog has a long silky coat and drooping ears?

3 Who, in Greek Legend, slew the gorgon, Medusa?

4 What do we call a competitor who begins in a race, etc?

5 Which sea creature has eight tentacles?

6 What do we call a kitchen sideboard?

11 What is the act of saturating?

12 When one obstructs or hinders, one does what?

13 What is the offence of stealing?

14 What is a component or constituent part of a whole?

15 Name another term for those who go fishing

16 Which word describes puzzling or inexplicable things?

Have you ever wondered why your elderly cat is suddenly not grooming herself as much, at times misses the litter tray when toileting and is sleeping a lot more? Your cat could be suffering from arthritis. This condition commonly seen in older dogs is also quite widespread in the senior cat. However, the clinical signs in cats are subtle and can be difficult to recognise thus arthritis has therefore become one of the least diagnosed syndromes in cats. Often, cat owners simply think their senior cat is “slowing down” because of age. In fact, these cats may very well be less active because of the joint pain they are experiencing.

What is Feline Arthritis and How does it Affect Cats?

Arthritis is degenerative joint disease. Frequently seen in middle aged to older cats, arthritis can cause a great deal of pain however cats rarely show any signs of this. While it is possible to see an arthritic dog limping, this is not the typical presentation of arthritis in cats. Cats usually will mask the signs of arthritis. Symptoms associated with arthritis in cats may be:

• lower level of activity

• sleeping more often

• interacting less often with human family members and other pets

• reluctance to jump onto surfaces at heights which were once readily accessible

• urinating and/or defecating outside of the litter box, particularly if the litter box has high sides which the arthritic cat has difficulty climbing over

• reluctance to cover faeces or urine in the litter box

• grooming less

• hissing when getting up

• lack of appetite

How is Feline Arthritis Diagnosed in Cats?

Symptoms seen with arthritis are often mild and subtle and during a vet health check, areas of pain and discomfort can often be palpated. The symptoms described may mimic those seen with other feline diseases common in middle-aged and senior cats and therefore it may be necessary to run various diagnostic tests to determine whether a cat is suffering from feline arthritis. Radiographs are the most commonly used and often the most useful diagnostic test. Routine blood tests including the thyroid are often carried out to help rule out other diseases. They are also helpful in determining which medications may be safe for the arthritic cat.

Although arthritis can’t be cured, it can be managed:

• Dietary supplements which decrease inflammation. Common examples include glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids and green lipped mussel

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications.

• Acupuncture

If your cat is displaying any of the above symptoms this coming winter, it may be worthwhile getting your cat checked thoroughly.

If there are any readers who’d like specific topics written about, please email Dr Jana with suggestions – jana@curtinvet.com.au