150423 citynews

Mixed feelings over Anzac gesture

MICHAEL MOORE

Vaccination: the choice is no choice

SONYA FLADUN

Doing time at the terminus

JOHN GRIFFITHS

How the Libs would fix the Brickworks

STEVE DOSZPOT

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THE SMARTER LIFESTYLE CHOICE

‘Elegant’ outcome for fashion collaboration

It sounds like a small thing, but I saw designers surrounded by their models last year and thought, I want that to be me. This time round, it will be.”

PROVING that Canberra can pull off resort-style glamour, a fashion and photography collaboration between locals has graced the cover of California-based “Elegant” magazine’s March edition.

The shoot, featuring swimwear by CIT fashion graduate Erin Spain and photos by Canberra-based international photographer Robert Coppa, also used local models Ilana Davies from HAUS Models and Emily Dibden from Victoria’s Models.

Fashion, beauty and conceptual art magazine “Elegant” professes to provide a gateway for artists, whether amateur, professional or anywhere in between, if their work “deserves recognition”, and Robert says this wholly local collaboration is a real coup for Canberra.

Italian-born Robert says he was drawn to Erin’s bold designs because they were innovative and unique.

“I wanted to do a pool shoot and I had access to a beautiful pool at a neighbour’s house, so I put out a call for bikini designers,” he says.

“A mutual contact suggested Erin apply to me and I was immediately struck by her designs.

“Erin’s swimwear is glamorous and figure-hugging, but it defines a very

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

different shape.

“I hadn’t seen anything like it before and I was really attracted to that.”

Erin says she knew of Robert’s extensive work before the collaboration and was thrilled to be able to work together on such an exciting project.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to do anything like this before, so it was a real highlight for me,” she says.

Erin graduated in Fashion Design from CIT at the end of 2014, and says her swimwear label Ziyah blurs the lines between generic swimwear and something with a bit more of a “bang”.

“The style and aesthetic of Ziyah is inspired by a fusion of sport, high fashion and resort wear. Making what I like to call beach couture chic,” she says.

“This collection uses a predominantly monochrome palette with pops of colour, using a combination of traditional and non-traditional materials and ideas.”

Many of the Ziyah items are made from neoprene, a fabric that Erin says she loves for its structure and thickness.

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“I like working with neoprene, the neat, clean edges, sleek finish and a nice form and hold,” she says.

“I think most things are better in neoprene!”

Erin will be debuting her range at the third annual Fashfest next month, where she will show 14 models, including Ilana from the “Elegant” shoot.

“I’m the first designer up on the Wednesday, I’m excited, nervous!” she says. “Last year I was part of the CIT group show, but this is totally different.

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“With 14 models you can do so much, create variations on each design.

“And this year Fashfest is at the National Convention Centre, so it will be heated, which is good news for the models!

“It’s my dream to be standing in a circle with all the models wearing my label and looking identical – it sounds like a small thing, but I saw designers surrounded by their models last year and thought, I want that to be me. This time round, it will be.”

Cover credits

Photography: Robert Coppa

Model: Ilana Davies, HAUS Models

Make-up: Jolina O’Hair

Designer: Erin Spain, Ziyah

Assist: Jessica, HAUS Models Fashfest, National Convention Centre, May 13-16, more at fashfest.com.au

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seven days

It was all rather embarrassing, really

EMBARRASSMENT was the keynote of the week, not least for poor Alistair Coe who felt the back of PM Tony Abbott’s hand when he said that if the ACT Libs won the local election next year they’d repudiate any light rail contract signed by Labor.

The former Oxford boxing blue pulled no punches: “All contracts should be honoured,” he said. Opposition deputy leader Coe looked stunned. “No contracts have been signed,” he said, which only encouraged Transport Minister Simon Corbell to whip out his ballpoint. “We plan to sign early next year,” he chortled.

ABBOTT was red-faced himself the following day when the much respected Fairfax writer John Garnaut revealed the PM’s response to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s inquiry about what drives his China policy. “Fear and greed,” he said. If words are bullets in the world of international diplomacy, Mr Abbott can’t have many toes left. Indeed, the Australian polity once again this week marked his disapproval rate at 60 per cent.

If words are bullets in the world of international diplomacy, Mr Abbott can’t have many toes left.

BUT Labor leader Bill Shorten could only be excruciatingly embarrassed by that other important figure in the Fairfax poll: his own approval rating was minus two! Not surprising; he comes across as about as authentic as 59-year-old Defence Minister Kevin Andrews’ curly black locks.

SPEAKING of Mr Andrews, surely he too had to be embarrassed when he couldn’t even name the leader of ISIS, the actual enemy he was sending another 300 Australian soldiers off to fight (as trainers, you understand, not actual combatants). Actually, on the same day the “New York Times” declared: “The current, woeful state of the Iraqi military raises the question not so much of whether the Americans left too soon, but whether a new round of deployments for training will have any more effect than the last.”

EVEN WA Premier Colin Barnett looked slightly embarrassed when

taken to task after berating Victoria for not supporting his claim for a bigger share of the GST after he’d donated to their Black Saturday bushfire appeal.

AND what about Woolworths – those fresh food people – jumping on the khaki bandwagon with their Gallipoli ad claiming it was “fresh” in our memory. Its ad agency was so embarrassed they all hid under their desks and hoped the phones would stop ringing.

SOCIAL Services Minister Scott Morrison is much harder to discombobulate, though even he took days to come clean about his decision to make Christian Scientists the only group permitted to endanger the community by refusing to have their kids vaccinated. I wonder how they’d go if they were called Muslim Scientists.

ONE doesn’t like to belabour the point, but just when we planned to

ROBERT MACKLIN

set course for Ona Coffee in distant Fyshwick to sample the work of Sasa Sestic , newly crowned the best barista in the world, he’d resigned. “My coffee competition chapter is over,” he declared. “I need to quit my job.”

SO too, one suspects, should the ubiquitous Dr Karl who had been trumpeting the virtues of the Abbott Government’s climate change-free Intergenerational Report for weeks before he noticed the omission. He said he’d now donate his fee to charity; but the campaign rolled on regardless.

Some weeks you just wish you’d stayed in bed.

robert@robertmacklin.com

POWER PANEL

Mixed feelings over Zed’s Anzac gesture

When I stand at the Anzac Dawn Service with my sons and their mates, as they wear their service medals along with those of our ancestors, the emotions are overwhelming.

I HAVE mixed feelings about the effort Senator Zed Seselja has taken with a letterboxed leaflet to bring Anzac Day to Canberrans.

On the one hand, for the first time, households, businesses and visitors across the Territory have important information about the when and where Anzac events are going to be held. On the other, the information comes clearly branded with a delightful photo of the ACT senator and his contact number.

Compare this approach to the commercialisation of Anzac Day, which can carry some hefty fines.

and even uploading a picture to social media. More outrageous was the way the site worked to brand such images with the Woolworths logo and the tagline, “Fresh in Our Memories”. No-one could miss the similarity with the Woolworths slogan “The Fresh Food People”.

Woolworths claimed it was not a marketing campaign. However, as military historian, Jo Hawkins, pointed out in an opinion piece in “The Age”: “It is likely that Woolworths aspired to tap into public sentiment before Anzac Day – with the aim of generating likes, brand engagement and a strong emotional connection with consumers.”

Would Zed be trying to do the same? Surely not. Why would any politician seek a way to “tap into public sentiment” in this manner? Woolworths was providing a service and, at the same time, seeking to be strongly associated with this very Australian sentiment. The senator was doing exactly the same. Woolworths hopes to sell more of its products. A politician’s “product” is being

known, being seen as part of the community and tapping into such emotion.

When I stand at the Anzac Dawn Service with my sons and their mates, as they wear their service medals along with those of our ancestors, the emotions are overwhelming. They returned to Australia safely. However, as the dawn breaks and the bugle sounds, the time for remembering those who did not return evokes the strongest feelings of appreciation, gratitude and sorrow whether for those who served so long ago in the Boer War to more recent times in Afghanistan. Woolworths is not the first to attempt to use Anzac Day for commercial purposes.

The sale of mass-produced

Anzac biscuits has been around for many years. In 2013, the now Governor-General even fronted a program to “raise a glass of Victoria Bitter”. A deal was struck with the brewer to also “raise” almost $5 million for the RSL and Legacy. This is at a time when Defence is attempting to modify the drinking culture within the armed forces. This year’s tasteless website even features a picture of a war memorial branded across the front with a large VB brand surrounded by smaller RSL and Legacy logos.

The VB site illustrates clearly why there are mixed feelings.

The opening screen proclaims: “Most men tremble when faced with death. The 16th Battalion AIF sang a song. It was just one of many heroic acts exhibited by those at Gallipoli 100 years ago. Which is one reason why,

lowbrow

Doing time at

A few weeks ago I was taken prisoner by ACTION.

It started innocently enough, I had a ticket to see the English folk-punk Frank Turner at Belconnen’s Basement.

Boozy rock shows are not conducive to driving home so I planned to catch the bus and get a taxi home.

If, like me, years can pass between the times you darken a bus door it’s worth knowing that Google Maps’ public transport route mapping is a thing of technological wonder.

Tell it where you want to go and it tells you when you need to start walking, where the bus stop is, what bus you need to catch and when it will be there, where to change buses and where to get off, all the while tracking where you’re at on the map as the journey progresses.

Where I came a cropper was that the number 3 bus from O’Connor terminated pretty much on the front doorstep of The Basement.

My previous experience with public transport led me to naively believe that at a terminating stop a bus would come to a stop and the doors would open.

Instead the bus whipped past the venue, the stop, and dived headlong into the bus depot.

At this point I hit the stop button, stood up, and the bus driver exclaimed his surprise to discover there was still a passenger on the bus.

But now it was too late, we were in the depot, where Health and Safety rules.

I could not simply be let off the bus to walk out of the facility. I was not wearing a high-visibility vest.

at Victoria Bitter, we’re proud to be among Australia’s biggest contributors to veteran welfare, having donated nearly $7 million to the RSL and Legacy since the appeal began in 2009.”

Victoria Bitter has not only meant a huge contribution to the RSL and Legacy. The site is also helpful in providing an opportunity for beer drinkers, their friends and others who go to the “raise the glass” site to make a donation. They also have an interactive tab to help people find their dawn service. In this aspect of being helpful, the process seems very close to that of Zed Seselja.

Politicians, as community leaders, have invariably had leadership roles in Anzac Day, whether laying wreaths or speaking at the local war memorial. A case could be made that they participate to improve their chance at the next election. Senator Seselja has used a series of tasteful messages from the Australian War Memorial and, similar to presenting a wreath, it may be argued he is simply playing his part as a community leader.

The senator’s leaflet might not be seen as electioneering as the government is about mid-cycle. Perhaps next year, closer to an election, the process could be bipartisan. The message could be circulated with branding shared with the three other ACT federal politicians – similar to bi-partisan laying of wreaths. And there would be no mixed feelings.

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

the terminus

Instead I had to traipse behind the driver through the depot as he went through his end-of-shift procedures and then sought higher guidance.

That guidance suggested he escort me from the depot, but which meant further end-of-shift procedures before, eventually, I could be driven to the gates of the depot.

I suppose I could have made a run for freedom, but I didn’t actually want to get anyone in trouble.

It would be easy enough to put it down to “Health and Safety gone mad” and to laugh at health and safety rules.

The chances of me falling off a chair while changing a light bulb are very low, but spread that risk across a population of millions and it’s a lot of people filling up the emergency wards and graveyards.

In the Bureau of Statistics’ latest (2013) data for causes-of-death places, accidental falls in 18th place with 1920 fatalities a year. “Intentional self harm” is in 14th, with 2520.

Blokes wearing black running around unfamiliar bus depots at night might think they’re a low risk of ending up under a bus, but if enough of us were doing it there would be some gruesome incidents.

So, this is not a criticism of a worthy health and safety focus, rather a celebration of it.

But perhaps, just perhaps, a tweaking of procedure could be considered for the liberation of passengers who find themselves whisked into the depot.

In the event that I wandered under a bus my driver would be in an enormous amount of trouble as he explained to me while giving every impression this difficult situation was entirely my fault.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Cancel the tram and still be ahead

ALISTAIR Coe has committed to cancel the Capital Metro project if the Liberals are elected in 2016.

The Victorian Government will pay about $340 million for cancelling the $10 billion East West Link project. That’s about three per cent. The cost might have been lower but for the outgoing Government’s “side letter” that guaranteed compensation if the project was scrapped. Three per cent of Canberra’s $800 million light rail project would be $24 million.

At the 2012 ACT election, Labor “committed to establish Canberra’s first large-scale, private-sector partnership to plan, finance and develop the first stage of a light rail network starting from Gungahlin to the city.”

It costs a lot more to “deliver” a project than to merely “establish” a

partnership to “develop” that project.

But Simon Corbell (citynews. com.au, April 16) now says: “A light rail line from city to Gungahlin delivered as a public private partnership was an election commitment by ACT Labor during the last election” and that cancelling the project would cost “potentially hundreds of millions of dollars”.

According to the cost-benefit analysis results published in the ACT government’s 2012 submission to Infrastructure Australia, a busway will generate $238 million more net benefits than light rail.

This implies that any decision to cancel the light rail project in favour of a busway will provide net benefits to the ACT, unless the cancellation cost exceeds $238 million.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Don’t blame the roos

CANBERRA is the bush capital of Australia. Animals live in the bush. Humans live in suburbs and estates that take away the bush from the animals.

When humans need more room for themselves they decide there are too many animals and they have to go. They come up with all sorts of reasons why this is necessary (eg conservation cull), which makes us feel better about what we are doing. The animals, plants and

indigenous people were here in Australia well before white occupation and they and nature sorted it out for centuries.

It’s man who creates the problems we have today, not the kangaroos or whales that will be one day eradicated. When will there come a time when humans, animals and the environment live in harmony, I wonder?

M Crowe, via email

Puffed up pollies

I FIND most MPs are already self-inflated to the point where the tribunal that decides their salaries should be unnecessary.

In July, 2002, MPs were paid $98,800 annually, which increased to $190,550 by July, 2012. This last sum was helped along by a one-off $44,000 rise in 2012, followed by a further boost of $5500 three

months later.

Over almost the identical period, the average Australian salary moved from $44,512 to $70,230. In my view, the system should be changed to grant MPs an increase in accordance with the CPI or inflation – whichever is the lower.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Time for a lunch and a chat

COUNCIL on the Ageing is inviting Weston and Ainslie residents to separate lunches to talk about making their local areas better places to live. The forums will be held at 11am-1pm, on Saturday, May 2 at the Uniting Church Hall, Parkinson Street, Weston and Saturday, May 23 at the All Saints Anglican Church, Cowper Street,

THE INVITATION FOR FREE BREAST SCREENING

Ainslie. COTA will ask participants for ideas about how people who live and work in the local area – residents, community organisations, businesses and government – could work together to make it the best possible place to live. RSVP, for catering purposes, to 6282 3777 or jthomson@ cotaact.org.au

The invitation for free breast screening has been expanded to include women aged 70-74. Early detection saves lives. If you’re aged 50-74 you should be screened every two years. If you’re over 75, talk to your GP or health professional to find out if breast screening is right for you. For more information visit the website.

How the Libs would fix Brickworks

LAST week I hosted a well-attended community forum at the Canberra Deakin Football Club with my colleague Alistair Coe, the Opposition Planning spokesman, to outline to interested residents the approach a future ACT Liberal government would take to redeveloping the Canberra Brickworks and environs. It provided a timely opportunity for a number of groups to come together to share their views and to hear, first hand, how the Canberra Liberals would approach redevelopment of this area.

It was widely acknowledged that Yarralumla is a special suburb of local and national significance. It is steeped in early Canberra history with sites such as the Brickworks, where bricks for Canberra’s first suburbs were produced and the Yarralumla nursery, where for many decades trees for all Canberra suburbs were germinated and grown.

It was home for many years to CSIRO’s Division of Forestry and there remains today the nationally significant Westbourne Woods. It is also the address of the GovernorGeneral’s official residence.

The Canberra Liberals have fought the ACT government on legislation such as unnecessarily fast-tracking the Symonston mental health facility, the Project Facilitation Bill and the Capital Metro and

We need to get the planning decisions right… What happens in Yarralumla could be a dangerous precedent for elsewhere in our bush capital.

University of Canberra Bills. Each of these pieces of legislation has locked the community out from having their fair say on the direction of their city. And Yarralumla is just the latest example of this piecemeal community consultation process.

We need to get the planning decisions right, not just for Yarralumla and Deakin residents, but for all residents in Canberra. What happens in Yarralumla could be a dangerous precedent for elsewhere in our bush capital.

Unfortunately, the Government’s disingenuous consultation has, for years, left many residents with a sour taste in their mouths.

With the Brickworks and Environs Master Plan, the government’s chopping and changing regarding the size, number of units, building heights and overall scale of the development has been ignorant at best and deceptive at worst.

The Canberra Liberals are not and never will be opposed to development in Canberra. However, we would like development

that is in character, or complementary, and to a scale that is reasonable.

Therefore, a Canberra Liberals Government would restart the planning consultation process and our draft plan would:

• Develop a much smaller section, with a mixture of dwelling types, including townhouses with courtyards and perhaps aged care accommodation. We are particularly sceptical about the need for apartments in this area.

• Support retention of the existing alignment of Cotter Road, Dudley Street and Dunrossil Drive and would propose development within those boundaries.

• Initially develop a relatively small parcel of land as the first stage and undertake genuine consultation and assessment of the success of that development.

• Concurrent to the development, we would undertake restoration work

to the Brickworks and quarry.

• Regarding the planning of the site, rather than excavating to facilitate a grid road network, we would seek to follow the topography of the land with crescents, which is far more consistent with the area and provides a more interesting streetscape.

• Finally, while we would plan for the whole area, we would only seek to do a Territory Plan variation for the first stage, as an assurance to people that a future Liberal government would not go beyond the initial development without assessing what has been done. The Canberra Liberals are committed to fair planning and proper consultation. It is important that the community is engaged in important decisions such as the redevelopment of Yarralumla.

Steve Doszpot is a Liberal MLA for Molonglo and a resident of Yarralumla.

STEVE DOSZPOT

briefly

Charity garage sale

BARGAINS are promised at Opportunity To Do’s charity garage sale at 5 O’Grady Place, Wanniassa, 7am-1pm, on Saturday, May 9. Goods for sale include baby/kids’ clothes for $1; books, $1; kids’ books, four for $2 and DVDs, $2 each. Completely volunteer run, all proceeds go towards projects that promote sustainability and self-reliance in poor communities. Since October, 2013, the charity has raised $35,000 and funded projects in Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi, and supported emergency appeals for the ebola crisis and Cyclone Pam.

Hotel wins award

THE restoration of the iconic Tourist Hotel’s art-deco building in Monaro Street has been awarded a Queanbeyan City Council Heritage Award. Mayor Tim Overall said: “It’s great to see attention being shown to some of the significant buildings in the CBD. The restoration of the Tourist Hotel has been fantastic and follows on from the work done at the Royal Hotel, which also won a Heritage Award for its restoration in 2012.”

Supporting refugees

THE Queanbeyan and district branch of Rural Australians for Refugees which meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Uniting Church Hall, Queanbeyan, at 2pm, is open to anyone who shares its concerns. Convenor Gerardina Melssen says RARQ is concerned about the current harsh treatment of asylum seekers and it takes a non-partisan approach to improving the current policy. More information from 0426 284 399 or email rarqueanbeyan@gmail.com

Vaccination: The choice is no choice

Sonya Fladun reports

I LEAN a bit toward alternative therapies. When I have, say, a sore throat, I try to rest, take honey-and-lemon drinks and gargle with saltwater before I head to our family doctor for a prescription for antibiotics.

We are really lucky to have so many options these days. Sore back? Try chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, exercise and so on and, if all else fails, bring out the big guns and go down a more serious medical path.

But along with choice comes responsibility and, of course, one thing about parenting is that your choice can have implications not only for your own kids but someone else’s baby or child as well.

One choice that I really have problems with is the no-vaccination lobby. I get being nervous about vaccinations, I really do; the idea of someone injecting a foreign substance into the beautiful body of my little bundle of joy always gave me the heebie-jeebies. I cried much more than my tiny son when he had his first vaccination.

Like many new mums, I’d heard and read that vaccination could give my boy high temperatures, that it could contribute to ADHD, that it could ruin his developing immune system and cause asthma, that it is linked to autism and even SIDS. I was sure he was going to get a bad batch, poor fellow. It all seemed pretty scary.

I related my fears to my elderly mum, a retired pharmacist who told me about some of the things that happened to children when she was young – grim stories about polio, measles and whooping cough.

Yes, she said, there are risks involved in vaccination but they are vanishingly small. Everything in life involves risk. Doing something involves risk. Not doing something also involves risk, and in the case of vaccination not doing something involves significantly higher risk, not only for your own kids but for other children as well.

So I was pretty pleased when I heard that the Federal government announced a new campaign to improve childhood vaccination rates. Both sides of politics are supporting this, which is a very good thing.

I know there will be arguments about the “no jab, no pay” policy of denying childcare benefits to parents who do not have their children vaccinated, but there needs to be a big push to raise vaccination rates that have fallen significantly and pose a public health risk. This requires a serious education campaign to set out the facts and counter some of the misinformation generated by the tiny but vocal anti-vaccination lobby.

There’s no shortage of highly reliable vaccination information available from doctors, from health departments and other authoritative sources like the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But a new effort to engage parents and families would be pretty timely. I understand the emotional hesitation some parents have about vaccination, but this is one area of parenting where science and clear thinking need to prevail – not only for our own families but for all our kids.

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Manteena / Australian Memorial, Wellington

‘The key challenge for Manteena was to deliver the project to

Canberra skills build

THE Australian Memorial in Wellington, NZ, was opened at a dedication ceremony attended by dignitaries headed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the NZ Prime Minister, John Key, on Monday, April 20.

It was built and managed from Canberra by local construction firm, Manteena.

The $5 million memorial is a reciprocal gesture by the Australian government to the “basket handles” of the NZ Memorial (which Manteena also built in 2001) that stands to each side of Anzac Parade in Canberra. The Wellington memorial commemorates the long and close relationship between the people of Australia and NZ and, in particular, our shared Anzac experience of war.

It sits directly opposite NZ’s National War Memorial and Carillon in the new Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

The Australian Memorial was designed by Sydney architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and features 15 columns of rugged red sandstone blocks, symbolic of the “red centre” of Australia, set in sandstone and basalt paving representing the close ties of the two nations.

The columns are six metres high and are each made up of 10 rough-hewn sandstone blocks. In total, the Australian Memorial comprises about 300 tonnes of stone and is set among Red Flowering Yellow Gums, Eucalyptus leucoxylon “Rosea”.

Inset to these columns are panels of reflective black granite. The panel in the central column is inscribed with the word “Anzac”. Seven more columns bear the names of the principal theatres and operations in which Australian and NZ forces served alongside one another.

The remaining seven columns feature granite panels carved with artwork of the first peoples of Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from the Balarinji Designs Studio; and Maori art by NZ artist Jacob Scott.

The Maori artworks are a way of connecting the Australian Memorial to the site, place and people of NZ. These are balanced by the indigenous Australian works carrying cultural messages about rituals and artefacts. Each column stands on a band of the same red sandstone, extending the stance of the column outward into the landscape. Between these red bands

are bands of grey stone, symbolising the NZ landscape: the interweaving is a perpetual reminder of the united destiny of the two nations.

Project director Simon Agnello says: “Manteena was appointed the construction contractor in July, 2013, and assembled a team of highly skilled contractors and artisans to undertake the specialist tasks required to complete the works.

“Construction commenced on site, in Wellington, on October 20, 2014, however the sourcing and selection of stone for the project began in 2013.

“The key challenge for Manteena was to deliver the project on or ahead of a tight program to coincide with the 100 Year Anzac Day commemorations.

“The team successfully co-ordinated the works and managed delivery of materials and products being procured from all around the world.

coincide with the 100 Year Anzac Day commemorations’

an Anzac memorial

“Pacific Stone provided precision stone work. It was responsible for the processing of the Red Sandstone column, plinth and pedestal blocks in Australia together with the installation of Red Sandstone in NZ; plus, CNC machining of artwork and lettering to Adelaide Black Granite interpretation panels.”

The stone work was processed in Canberra and transported to NZ by the RAAF, who were commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to transport 60 tonnes of stone and granite to Wellington on board two Boeing C17 Globemaster aircraft.

“On site in Wellington, Manteena’s biggest challenge, outside of the unpredictable NZ weather, was working within a greater site; the National War Memorial Park being constructed by the Memorial Park Alliance”, says Simon.

“The site was bounded on three of the four sides by the Memorial Park Alliance meaning collaboration at a site level was critical.”

Manteena has produced other highquality memorial works on Anzac Parade including the Australia NZ Memorial, the National Memorial to Australian Service Nurses and the Australian Korean War Memorial.

Materials and products used include:

• Red Sandstone

• Dark Grey Basalt

• Adelaide Black Granite

• HESS Columnar Light Poles

• WIBRE Inground Uplights

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Many great ways of getting gorgeous

EVERYONE can be beautiful inside and out, and now with the “CityNews” guide to some of the best beauty treatments in Canberra, getting gorgeous has never been easier. From fun fitness classes and healing massages to dental treatments to get those perfect pearly whites, the following pages have it sorted. Whether you want a change with a fresh new hairstyle and professional make-up or enjoy a relaxing spa day with a friend, why not get pampered and show off the beautiful you...

Where glamour is for you

AT ZAIJA they say: “Glamour is for everyone, it’s all about you… beautiful you”.

At its “Urban Retreat”, the salon in Westfield at Woden is a place where busy guests can be pampered with beauty treatments ranging from hair, make-up, massage, facials, body wraps, waxing and more, all in “five-star style”.

Owner and co-founder, Anita Gambrill, says: “ZAIJA’s vision is to create Urban Retreats where busy guests can access all of their beauty needs in one luxurious location, and at the same time be pampered and made to feel special.

“We create spaces where people are engaged in five-star style, where they can access services when they need them, and where they feel completely comfortable and welcome.”

As well as hen packages, ZAIJA offers crafted, cost-effective membership packages for regular guests to access the services that are important to them, in a timeframe that fits their schedule.

Not just for women, ZAIJA provides a range of specialised treatments for men who care about their image and wellbeing.

ZAIJA is open seven days with late nights on Thursday and Friday and after hours (early or late) by appointment.

ZAIJA, Westfield, Woden. Call 6281 1027 or visit zaija.com.au

Beauty with a retro touch

“BE.YOU.TIFUL therapy is a retro-inspired beauty parlour, taking you back in time to when visiting the beauty parlour was a social experience,” says owner Sommer Deaves.

With vintage style furniture and a friendly feel, the Fyshwick beauty parlour offers express facial and massage treatments as well as specialising in eyebrow and eyelash enhancement treatments and sugaring hair removal.

“Being a working mum, I know how hard it is spending time on you. We have created services that are perfect for the mummy on the move or a busy business lady during her lunch break. For example, we have just introduced 30-minute massage and facials,” she says.

Be.you.tiful therapy has a professional nail technician in the salon twice a week, and offers manicures and pedicures, spray tanning, make-up, waxing and hair extensions as well as “Perfect Pamper Packages” to release your inner Marilyn Monroe.

“In the ‘50s, getting your hair or nails done was a real social event, where people would come and have a chat and stay all morning,” she says.

“We’re aiming to bring that back, encouraging our clients to socialise in a glamorous, girly space.”

Be.you.tiful Therapy, 2/107 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 336342 or visit beyoutifultherapy.net

Hairdresser joins the tanning team

Wellbeing for the mind, body and soul

REPLENISH, reignite, refine and relax; it’s about the overall experience at mudd The Spa.

experience. It is a sanctuary”.

THERE’S a change in the air, Tantric Tanning now has hair. Specialising in tanning, the Mawson salon also provides beauty treatments such as nails, eyelash extensions and now offers a full hairdressing service.

“Our hairdresser has 16 years’ experience and specialises in ombre and updos for weddings and formal occasions. She also styles men’s hair as well, not just women,” says owner Lilian Michalis.

“We provide a really personable service, we are very casual and super friendly. It’s because of this that we have so many repeat customers, we are like a little community”.

Tantric Tanning offers manicures and pedicures, as well as gel, shellac and acrylic at reasonable prices, but it is tanning that’s the main passion.

Whether it be a full body or half body tanning session, the salon offers a range of options as well as tanning products and advice on how to care for and maintain your tan.

Tantric Tanning is open six days a week including late nights and until 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Tantric Tanning, Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson. Call 6286 7826 or visit tantrictanning.com.au

Offering a wide range of highquality treatments, the spa unites contemporary design with ancient healing traditions to enhance the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul. Guests can indulge in facials, massages, body beauty and have full access to enjoy the wet areas of Evo Health Club, including a 25-metre indoor lap pool, hydrotherapy spa, sauna and steam room.

Owner, Erin Barry, says: “We set ourselves apart from other spas in Canberra. It is a five-star style service where people can come to relax and forget the pressure of daily lives. All of our treatments have a signature ‘mudd’ touch and we do everything our way.

“All of our therapists are skilled and highly trained with years of

To celebrate autumn’s arrival, mudd The Spa is offering a two-hour “Autumn Energise” promotion, available until May 31.

For $225, the promotion starts with a vichy shower where waterlily Australasia lemongrass infused salt glow is massaged into the body to provide a complete exfoliation and enrich the skin’s appearance before a light rain Vichy Shower is steamed over the entire body and a hydrating balm is applied to restore complete outer radiance.

After this, the guest will enjoy a mini facial, mini manicure and pedicure and a choice of herbal or fruit tea, chilled juice or champagne and chocolates.

mudd The Spa, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6162 1808 or visit mudd.com.au

All about feeling relaxed and rejuvenated

SIBU Beauty aims for the highest quality service so customers can leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and happy.

With two salons, situated at Nicholls shops and Crace Central, the therapists at Sibu Beauty specialise in a range of treatments, from dermalogica facial treatments, pure Fiji body treatments, hot stone massage and spa manicures and pedicures to bio sculpture gel nails, waxing, professional make-up, eyelash extensions and spray tanning.

Salon owner Elissa Michel says: “Our Dermalogica facial treatments are very popular. Our products are amazing and the customers love the treatment because they get to lie down and relax.

“The Bio Sculpture gel nails are popular, too, the gel is good for your nails and provides nutrients preventing breaks and drying. The gel is non-chip and all of the gel

THE mission of Top to Toe Hair and Beauty Studio is to provide clients with the highest degree of customer service in a professional and unique setting.

Owner, Lea Dunn, says: “We at Top to Toe Hair and Beauty Studio constantly strive to improve ourselves in the education of the ever changing world of hairdressing, all staff attend education both within the salon setting and external hair and beauty community”.

Top to Toe Hair and Beauty Studio’s management team consistently searches the market for the newest technology and finest hair-care products to provide clients with the best hair and beauty care experience. The studio is celebrating a “Happy Mothers’ Month” and is offering a mother and daughter buy-one-get-

nail therapists are fully qualified”.

Sibu Beauty will introduce a new Dermalogica BioSurface Peel, which will decrease surface roughness, treat acne, reduce fine lines and which the salon says will be “an efficacious system that produces visible results without triggering the adverse side effects of aggressive chemical peels”.

Elissa says: “Our therapists are very carefully picked and fully trained, we try to give our customers the best experience we can.

“We aim to provide the highest quality service and treatment at all times and for Sibu Beauty to be one of the most well known and respected salons in Canberra”.

Sibu Beauty, call Nicholls salon at 6241 4115 and Crace salon at 6162 0397 or visit sibubeauty.com.au

one-half-price package.

Available only when booked together, customers can purchase any in-salon hair service and get another hair service for half price (to equal or lesser value).

The offer expires on June 1 and hair extensions and chemical straightening is excluded.

“Our mums deserve more than just one day to celebrate how incredible they are. When was the last time you got to spend quality time with your mum getting your hair done?” says Lea.

“If you are in need of the ultimate pampering experience, come in and let us look after you from Top to Toe”.

Top to Toe Hair and Beauty Studio, 2/3 Sidney Nolan Street, Conder. Call 6294 0377.

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Beauty treatments with a touch of privacy

FOR peaceful privacy, Canberra Hair and Beauty offers a diverse range of treatments in a “beautiful atmosphere”.

Situated in the heart of Belconnen, the salon has been open for five weeks and has a team of experienced and approachable staff on hand to suit your hair and beauty needs.

Fiona Mckenzie, who owns the salon with her daughter Rosie, says that Canberra Hair and Beauty has something different to other salons: “We have separate rooms for private treatments, which have been very popular.

“This is for people who want a private experience when they are having their hair done. For example, women who wear veils or have gone through cancer treatment.

Dancing for fun and fitness

DANCE yourself fit at the Canberra Dance Development Centre at Spence.

The centre runs recreational and elite dance classes as well as new dance fitness classes for people aged over 16.

Director, Jackie Hallahan, says: “The winter months are a great time to get involved in the dance fitness classes and to experience the joy of dance.

“It is a great chance to dance in a social environment whilst getting a great workout.”

“We have double rooms for couples and we have mothers and daughters come in to have facials together. We also offer child minding and free parking”. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, Canberra Hair and Beauty provides a wide range of hair treatments for men, women and children as well as unique beauty options.

“Waxing is always very popular, as well as skin care, eyelash extensions and spray tanning. We also offer cosmetic tattoos for eyebrows, lips and we have a specialist for nipple and areola creation for post-reconstruction surgery,” Fiona says.

Canberra Hair and Beauty, Rae Street, Belconnen. Call 6156 2486 or visitcanberrahairandbeauty.com.au

Service with a perfect smile

THE perfect smile is possible with the help of Karabar Private Dental Surgery.

Located on the ground floor of Karabar Shopping Mall in Queanbeyan, the surgery is open for emergencies seven days and holidays (by appointment) to provide a full range of dentistry treatments, both general and cosmetic.

time... they are addictive! 2015 is the year to spoil yourself! You deserve it!

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The classes, which begin on Monday, April 27, involve “Jazz Funk for Fitness”, “Ballet for Fitness” and “Tap for Fitness” and are suited to people of all abilities.

“We invite everyone to come along and try one of the classes and if they want, they can sign up for the 10 weeks or they can also pay by the lesson,” Jackie says.

“Canberra Dance Development Centre celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are a community of people who enjoy dance.”

Canberra Dance Development Centre, Crofts Crescent, Spence. Call 6259 1550 or visit dancedevelopment.com.au

Oral health therapist and hygienist, Koko Clarke, says: “We offer bleaching and whitening for $450, where the customer can come in, we clean and freshen their teeth and they go home with a kit which is very easy to use. They can have perfect teeth in a non-harmful way and not spend a fortune”.

With 20 years of experience, Karabar Private Dental Surgery has developed a friendly, approachable service that helps relieve the anxiety of a visit to the dentist. The surgery also offers anti-wrinkle injections.

Karabar Private Dental Surgery, Karabar Shopping Mall, Queanbeyan. Visit karabarprivatedental.com.au or call 6297 3760.

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Holistic approach to movement

EXPLORE and educate yourself about your body at Body Intelligence.

Whether it’s long hours spent at a computer or simply the need to frequently lift and carry young children, many aspects of modern lifestyles harm our posture and can cause muscle imbalances and misalignment leading to stiffness, immobility, pain and, in some cases, to injury.

Owner of Body Intelligence, Erin Driscoll, says that: “Apart from its application in a rehabilitation setting, Pilates can also offer enormous benefit to people who are otherwise fit (including elite athletes and dancers), due to its emphasis on muscle balance and the functionality of the whole body together with its awareness of breath – thereby providing both physical, physiological as well as psychological benefits”.

Ms Driscoll is celebrating her first

year in the studio’s new spacious and light-filled premises in Dickson (having relocated from Braddon where the studio ran for seven years).

“What I consider that sets us apart is our holistic approach to movement and movement therapy. We run a range of Pilates matwork classes at all levels (including pre- and post-natal) together with private and semi-private sessions and even a circuit class using traditional Pilates equipment,” she says.

The studio also houses a therapy room which is the home to three massage therapists and an exercise physiologist.

Enrolments for term two classes, which commence from April 27, are now being taken.

Body Intelligence. Call 6257 7515 or visit bodyintel.com.au

Retreat of pure natural bliss

CHEWA Sense Thai Massage in Kingston offers a “little retreat of pure natural bliss for the body, mind and soul”.

Owner, Cholly Sattanusorn, says: “We do traditional Thai, foot reflexology, relaxing oil, deeptissue massages, as well as our own Chewa signature massage.

Calm and caring

CARM Therapies (Corrective, Alternative and Relaxation Massage) is a remedial massage and movement clinic that offers a variety of massage therapy options and stretching classes. Located at Scullin shops, the multi-disciplinary allied health clinic maintains a friendly and relaxed environment.

Founder and principal therapist, Emily Worsnop, says: “We offer remedial massage as well as relaxation, pregnancy, sports and deep-tissue massages”.

With more than 12 years’ clinical experience working with physiotherapists, exercise psychologists, pilates practitioners, personal trainers, as well as various sporting organisations, athletes and even politicians, Emily has gained valuable insight into the treatment and management of soft-tissue injuries, muscular imbalances and chronic pain states.

“Massages are good for blood and oxygen circulation, to loosen muscle tissue, improve flexibility, relieve stress and pressure points as well as being beneficial for physical problems, including sports injuries and chronic pain.”

Open seven days a week, from 102pm, Monday to Wednesday, guests can enjoy a 60-minute, $70 relaxing oil massage or $99 for 90 minutes and a 60-minute, $80 deep-tissue massage or $109 for 90 minutes.

Chewa Sense Thai Massage, 23 Eyre Street, Kingston. Call 6295 6969 or visit chewasensethaimassage.com

CARM’s philosophy is simple – to help people to get the most out of their bodies by improving functional movement and reducing pain. Remedial massage has great results for musculoskeletal imbalances, chronic pain, neck and back pain, headaches and overuse injuries, to name a few. The clinic is open for massage treatments Monday to Saturday. Gift vouchers are also available.

CARM Therapies, Scullin Place, Scullin. Visit carmtherapies.com.au or call 6162 1800.

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / ArtSound’s ‘60s night, Eastlake Football Club

ARTSOUND’S ‘60s night was a good example for those who love to reminisce; do it with like-minded people.

And the ‘60s is where today’s baby boomers find in their longterm memory bank an almost mystical place worth a nostalgic visit for the good, the bad and the OMG of the decade that foisted momentous change on a generation.

Gathering at the Eastlake Football Club with the décor of album covers from the vinyl era on the walls and some patrons dressing in clobber of the era, the jukebox playlist was a source of many a sigh, cheers and plenty of singing to songs where we remembered the lyrics.

It was, of course, the era when mini-skirts, flares, Mary Quant, long hair and hippies were what distinguished us from the ‘50s. Sadly, most ‘60s bodies haven’t maintained that youthful look, except in our memories, but as ageing hippies they are a generation gone but not forgotten.

John Fanning, of ArtSound, in conversation and reminiscing about his years as a roadie to the British ‘60s stars, was a wonderful interlude to the harmonising of Credo, a band of blokes who remember the era and know the songs. A great night!

At Lucky’s Speakeasy first birthday, QT Canberra

At Sasa Sestic’s homecoming party, Manuka

Canberra Confidential

Don’t panic, just gargle!

AS conscientious queues form in chemist shops all over town for a shot of the latest influenza vaccine (this year packed with protection against three new strains of misery), CC’s steel heart was touched by this poignant illustration of primary school children from a time when gargling against the flu was all you had.

It was appended to an announcement of educator and author Stuart Braga’s upcoming Australian National Museum of Education’s annual “Historical Perspectives on Education Lecture” at UC’s Inspire Centre, 5.30pm-7pm, on Friday, May 1.

Titled “Influenza 1919 – How did schools cope with this overwhelming disaster?”, Dr Braga will talk about the year Australia followed in the wake of a worldwide influenza epidemic.

In NSW alone almost 40 per cent of Sydney’s total population was laid low with the flu and about 6000 people died from it. And this was before bacterially virulent child-care centres!

RSVPs to ANME@canberra.edu.au will need to be quick.

Vale big Victor

CANBERRA’S king of barbecue ribs, Victor Kimble, pictured, has died of prostate cancer. The larger-than-life, Alabamaborn chef opened his Soul Food Kitchen in Erindale in 2013, serving up southern American dishes. Often, without warning, he would delight diners by marching into his restaurant playing his trombone. The restaurant lives on with Victor’s blessing, repainted and rebranded Rockin’ Ribs, run by former employees Rebecca West and Alissa Whybrow

Cut! Critics get chop

THE “Canberra Times” continues to surrender its local voice to the network joys of Fairfax Sydney and Melbourne. CC hears that the services of local cinema reviewers are about to be terminated and reviews from the “Sydney Morning Herald” and “The Age” will suffice for Canberra. Which leaves “CityNews” with absolutely, inarguably and indubitably the most experienced movie reviewer in Canberra, if not the world! Dougal Macdonald’s latest column is on Page 20.

Transformative tosh

AN incomprehensible tweet from the overpaid spinners at rail-less Capital Metro: “Today is rail @ruokday! Transform a workmate’s journey by asking #ruok #railruokday2015 @TrackSAFE”

Dope through the post

A NICE, little Jiffy bag arrived at CC’s desk purporting to be from the Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury, who has been campaigning over recent months for the introduction of legislatively controlled medical marijuana to help people in terminal or incurable pain.

Labelled “sample for testing and documents”, inside was a sticky, small bottle of what appears to be the stuff, albeit empty.

The giveaway was the two annotated Dilbert cartoons. The point of all this remains a mystery, with the only certainty – it didn’t come from Shane.

Tuggers’ new TAG team

A GINGER group in tram-free and politically unsexy Tuggeranong has been formed with the aim of getting locals “more actively involved in the decisions affecting their community”.

All nicely timed before next year’s Territory election, spokesman Adrian Brown – in calling for volunteers to plan and lead the cause – says TAG will advocate for improvements to services and “ensure that Tuggeranong receives a fair go in decisions affecting the area”.

Brown says TAG is looking forward to working with other local groups, including the Tuggeranong Community Council, though CC fears the Gungahlin horse has already long bolted.

Volunteer TAGgers can line up at tuggactiongroup@gmail.com or call 0418 295698.

Saved by a welcome mat?

COLUMNIST Catherine Carter has been “waxing eloquent regarding the poor appearance of Civic, of which I totally agree,” writes “CityNews” Mr Gardens, Cedric Bryant , who thinks the answer might be in Bendigo.

He sent CC the illustration below and explains: “Bendigo is a real tourist city and goes to great lengths to promote this by making visitors feel welcome.

“Nearly every business in the city has these signs in their entrances. Perhaps an idea to promote here?”

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.

arts & entertainment

Spanish in the reel world

By Helen Musa

FEELING Spanish comes easily to the Spanish Film Festival’s producer Genevieve Kelly.

She’s an Aussie, but she has a Peruvian mum and a grandma who doesn’t speak English so, as she says: “Speaking Spanish is quite a natural thing”.

That’s handy, because if there’s one thing Australia’s 18-year-old Spanish Film Festival treasures, it’s the Spanish language.

Much of the publicity has been directed to the opening-night film, “Spanish Affair”, the biggest Spanish box office hit ever, but “CityNews” wanted to get to the heart of this event, so we looked at three wildly different films ahead of the event – “Tango Glories”, “Lasa & Zabala” and “Easy Sex, Sad Movies”.

“Lasa & Zabala” is a hard-hitting movie based on a real-life case where ETA terrorists are tortured and killed by Andalusian police.

“It’s an extremely sensitive issue,” says Kelly, choosing her words carefully.

“Those boys did undergo that interrogation as alleged terrorists, but then again they did, allegedly anyway, commit crimes against the Spanish… It’s a great film in that it does not take sides.”

Oddly, “Spanish Affair” deals with much the same issue in comedy, showing a young southerner striving to win the heart of a Basque girl.

The festival is not just confined to

films made on the Iberian Peninsula.

My own favourite, “Tango Glories,” is made in Argentina, although its ageing star, Héctor Alterio, lived in Spain for more than a decade. Replete with masculinity, but with a strong female character, it shows a disturbed former tango dancer who speaks and thinks only in tango songs.

The last of my three, “Easy Sex, Sad Movies”, is a collaboration between Spain, Argentina and France.

A Buenos Aires screenwriter (played by Hector’s son, Ernesto Alterio) is hired to write a new romantic comedy, but art becomes life.

“It starts out looking like a fluffy romance and ends up on quite a realistic arc,” Kelly says approvingly.

But with 38 films on show, there’s more. For kids, there’s the animation “Dixie and the Zombie Rebellion” and the presence of the late Generalissimo Francisco Franco still bears down in “Marshland”, a web of murders set in 1980 in a backwater town where Franco’s attitudes are still entrenched.

Kelly’s favourite of all is the closing-night film, ArgentineSpanish black comedy “Wild Tales”, nominated for an Oscar and winner of one of Spain’s principal national film awards, the Goya, for Best Spanish Language Foreign Film.

“It’s about everyday people pushed to the absolute limit and it’s about revenge… so topical,” she says.

Spanish Film Festival, Palace Electric Cinema, April 23-May 6, full program spanishfilmfestival.com

Up close and muscular thrills

By Helen Musa

MATHIEU Laplante now calls Florida home, but as resident director for “Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque”, he gets around.

The main part of his job is to cast the best circus artists from around the world, whether America, South America, Bulgaria, the UK, Russia, Mexico, Europe and here in Australia.

I’m talking to him by phone to the Lyric Theatre in Sydney where he’s overseeing the Sydney opening.

“I always go ahead with 15 designers and plan accordingly,” Laplante tells “CityNews”.

Originally from Canada, he’s been a gymnast

Soleil from age 16 for around 12 years, performing in shows such as “Saltimbanco” in Tokyo and “O” in Las Vegas, so he’s seen it all.

But Canberra, it turns out, will be something different, as the theatre is rejigged to create a traditional circus 360° configuration, with the audience very close to the stage. Audiences will have the choice of sitting at cocktail tables or raked seating on-stage in addition to the traditional ringside and reserve seating of the Canberra Theatre.

“Performers will get to see the smiles on the faces as audiences see the difficulties in the act,” he predicts.

“People will ask, ‘how do you do that?’ – it’ll be close enough to see all the muscles.”

Colour is at the forefront in “Le Noir”, which

from pure white through to the passion of red and finally the darkness of le noir.

“We’re bringing a little sensuousness to circus,” he boasts.

“The amazing costumes are very sexy and the actors are all pretty – very different from traditional circus. We explore the human being, we really look to the person.”

Mind you, “Le Noir” stays true to circus in fact, with a DJ, showgirl costumes, contemporary music, death-defying acts such as the Colombian Wheel of Death, and an entirely new act for Australia, The Aerial Cradle, performed by Chilly and Fly.

The aesthetic of the show was devised by Simon Painter, but Laplante has done the casting and is also charged with carrying the ideas to their artistic conclusion and ensuring that it’s not going too slowly.

While the publicity says that many of the performers come from Cirque du Soleil, most, now at the very peak aged 23, 24 or 25, were only at Cirque, for a year or so, now choosing to take “a step into the 21st century,” as he puts it.

In traditional circus, he elaborates, many performers keep going until their 60s, but his performers know you have to keep in shape. “All our artists are very keen about their health,” he tells me, “taking care of health and safety – they can’t party.”

The casting process is a continuous one for Laplante, who contacts artists from around the world by emailed music, phone and video, but as he says, “of course you can’t audition a trapeze artist by email” and once he gets a short list, naturally he sees them personally.

Despite its name, Laplante is at pains to assure Canberra audiences, “Le Noir” is not black. “On the contrary,” he says, “it’s pretty colourful”. “Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque”, Canberra Theatre, May 6-10. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au, 6275 2700 or ticketek.com.au

arts & entertainment / cinema reviews

In the grip of guilty good looks

“The Age of Adaline” (M)

AT age 33 Adaline Bowman, born on the first day of the 20th century, now a widow with a daughter, experiences a unique set of circumstances that suspends the ageing process in her.

For more than seven decades she keeps this secret, fearful that the FBI will find her (and not smart enough to work out that the FBI has long since lost interest in her).

Adaline changes her identity every 10 years. Her only apparent pleasure is lead-footedness until the day a highway patrol officer checks her licence. Now, in the second decade of our century, a wealthy and handsome man wants to court her. Having made his pile in IT and retired before 40, Ellis (Michiel Huisman) now does philanthropic cultural stuff. Ellis takes Adaline to meet his oldies on their 40th wedding anniversary. To tell what happens next would unjustifiably spoil a film that’s by no means the worst you might see in the love-story genre, even if a little flaccid as fantasy.

Director Lee Toland Krieger’s filming of the screenplay by Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz is adequately effective. Blake Lively plays the attractive 33-year-old centenarian. Ellen Burstyn is her septuagenarian daughter. Kathy Baker plays Ellis’ mother. And Harrison Ford gives a subdued, albeit satisfying, performance

as Ellis’ father.

But throughout the film, you might be forgiven for being just a tad sceptical about how Adaline got to be how she is and her reasons for accepting the solitude, celibacy and emotional discomfort that it inflicts on her.

At Capitol 6, Palace Electric, Hoyts Belconnen and Dendy

“The Gunman” (MA)

actioner that moves around several countries en route to resolution as Jim tries to find who’s trying to get him and why. It’s exciting, with powerful tensions, agreeably complex conflicts and a top cast including Ray Winstone as Jim’s best pal, Mark Rylance as Cox (who, from our first meeting with him, smells a bit suss) and, under-utilised as the man from InterPol, Idris Elba whose presence in any film is reason enough to see it.

IN his short (1942-1995) life, critically-acclaimed French crime novelist Jean-Patrick Manchette wrote what would become 25 films or TV series.

“The Gunman”, the first filmed after his death, probably owes as much to Pierre Morel’s direction of Don MacPherson’s adaptation as to Manchette’s original plot.

In 2006, mercenary Jim (Sean Penn, one of the film’s numerous producers) shoots the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister for Minerals. We don’t yet know why. Jim’s having a thing with Annie (Jasmine Trinca), who works with a welfare NGO. His colleague Felix (Javier Bardem) promises to look after Annie after Jim leaves the country in a hurry. Eight years later, he’s back, drilling water wells when a gang shoots the place up.

That’s the dramatic mise-en-scene to a vigorous

Through violence, blood and betrayal, a reason slowly emerges – multinational companies exploiting underdeveloped countries, not a new theme but here getting purpose through its emphasis on the plight of children. The continuity occasionally shows imperfections, but so vigorous is the pace that those moments don’t have time to detract from the film’s excellent escapism buttressed by moral verity.

At Hoyts

“IT Follows” (MA)

SHORTLY after Easter I received an email touting the Australian release of “David Robert Mitchell’s independent horror feature ‘IT Follows’ ’’, asserting that “IT” had “stormed the US speciality box office over its opening weekend (March 13-15) recording the highest screen average of any film release in 2015 with $40,000. ($160,089 total gross off four prints)”.

That box-office performance strikes me as a publicist trying to drum up excitement about a film that is as scary as a bowl of custard. Jay (Maika Monroe) thinks somebody, something, is stalking her with malicious intent. If IT touches her, IT will transfer IT’s nasty powers to her and so on along in a kind of pass-the-parcel game.

The teens waiting for something unpleasant to strike aren’t the sharpest pencils in anybody’s box. A major sequence involves them arranging turnedon electric devices around a swimming pool, ready to hurl into the water when the pursuing nemesis jumps in. This forebodes a presumption that the electrical arrangements in the pool building have no fuses or circuit breakers. Yikes!!

The Disasterpeace soundtrack effectively conveys the notion of horrible without musicality or apparent concern for whether or not it reflects the moment’s action. Many sequences use Francois Truffaut’s theme for his 1973 Oscar-winning film “Day For Night” satirising the effect of a filter over the lens to give a scene shot in daylight the effect of being at night.

There is a market for horror films. “IT Follows” does not bring cinematic quality to it. And measuring a film’s intrinsic merit by its box-office performance is to my mind unprofessional.

At Palace Electric

Scott’s bravura performance for debut play

theatre

“Underneath the Lintel” By Glen Berger, directed by John Concannon, Honest Puck Theatre

At CADA Theatre, Fyshwick, until April 26. Reviewed by Len Power

“UNDERNEATH the Lintel” comes to us with quite a track record, having played off-Broadway in New York in 2001 for more than 450 performances and winning a swag of awards. It’s an impressive play.

An obsessed Dutch librarian investigates why a library book has suddenly been returned over a century since being borrowed. We are drawn into his obsession, too, and are soon on the edge of our seats wanting to know the answer.

The librarian – the only character in the play – is played by James Scott in a bravura performance that is funny, quirky, intense and ultimately moving. Addressing and involving the audience throughout the play, Scott gives a reality to this character that is quite remarkable.

The set, designed by Kate Llewellyn, is a wonderful jumble of a living room that seems exactly what you’d expect for such an obsessive person. The lighting and sound design by Ryan Pemberton is exceptional, especially a moment where the librarian’s hands need to be accurately lit.

The witty, literate script by Glen Berger is a feast for the ears and entertains us from start to finish. How quickly we become obsessed by the mystery is all due to his masterful writing. He knows how to grip an audience and not let go.

John Concannon, the director, has done excellent work in all aspects of this production.

Honest Puck Theatre is Canberra’s newest professional theatre company and “Underneath the Lintel” is an excellent choice for a first show.

A capsule exhibition in honour of our soldiers at Gallipoli 24th-30th April

Sitting at the Dock of the bay...

I’M not one for hanging out at dedicated sporting venues, but have found myself at The Dock, Kingston Foreshore, a few times in the last couple of months.

On Giles Street, The Dock’s claim to fame is that it is the only sporting venue on the lake (called “the entertainment precinct, don’t you know”. This is undeniable).

I’ve never gone to The Dock to watch a game of any kind. I usually go to hang out with friends or grab a quick meal. It has a massive outdoor area close to the water, with large communal tables and tall barrels with stools. My latest venture to The Dock was just as the seasons were changing so the menu may have changed since my visit. It was lunch. We arrived 10 minutes before noon and were told we would have to wait to place our order since the kitchen wasn’t quite open. I never get that. Why not just take the order and explain it will be 10 minutes before it’s placed? But to make the customer go up to the bar twice is, well, silly. So much for that moan.

The menu is divided into light meals, salads and pub faves, which is great if you’re keen on something lighter and healthier than deep-fried fare.

Light meals include barramundi (grilled or fried) with chips

or salad ($19.50), nachos ($18) and sliders, times three, with pulled pork, cheddar cheese and vegetable slaw stacked in fresh sourdough bread.

My friend opted for the sliders and was delighted. It’s a generous serve, particularly with the fries, and they were super. Great taste and points given for presentation.

Equally well presented was my salad ($17.50). It was loaded with heaps of healthy elements, which combined well. The dish featured loads of flavours, loads of colour and nice crunch. The grilled haloumi was lovely and salty, contrasting with finely sliced red onion, orange

segments, walnuts, grape tomatoes, fennel and peppery rocket. The honey vinaigrette was fresh and light.

The Dock also serves a calamari salad ($18.50) and a spiced quinoa salad ($16). Lots of gluten-free options and several for celiacs. Pub faves include hearty ribs ($34), the usual burger ($22) and schnitzel ($23).

In line with its name and position on the water, The Dock’s design has adopted a navy theme. Lots of blue and white and seafaring elements, including heavy sisal ropes and pier posts. It works well.

As with all places along the “entertainment precinct”, things can get tough when the wind decides to blow a gale. But that’s life on the water.

The Dock, open lunch and dinner, seven days. Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore, call 6239 6333.

arts in the city

Romantic twilight serenades in the south

“BOHEMIAN Serenade” is the romantic title of a night featuring Czech music planned by pianist Wendy Lorenz for Tuggeranong Arts Centre. She’ll be joined by violinist Andrew Lorenz, cellist David Pereira, violist Michelle Higgs and several young artists for a night of “glorious melodic lines and catchy dance rhythms”, not the least in Dvorak’s “Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major”. Classical Twilight Concert Series at TAC, 5pm-7pm, April 26, bookings to tuggeranongarts.com or 6293 1443.

GO-GETTING director Kirsty Budding has taken over the co-ordination of Crash Test Drama Canberra, where new 10-minute plays are cast, rehearsed and performed script-in-hand in front of an audience and guest judges. The first Crash Test for 2015 will be at Theatre 3 on directors scripts. Script submissions are due by midnight, May 13 to crashtestdrama@ buddingtheatre.com and all info is at buddingtheatre.com/crashtestdrama

A CHORUS of Women are almost ready with their mighty choral work, “A Passion for Peace,” commissioned from local composer Glenda Cloughley in memory of the 1300 women who attended the 1915 International Congress of Women in the same week as the Gallipoli landing. Conducted by Johanna McBride, the

dramatic oratorio is being staged for the Festival for Peace, at Albert Hall, April 28-May 2 at Albert Hall. Tickets at the door.

HELEN MUSA

CLASSICAL guitarist Stephanie Jones, who was named Young Virtuoso of the Year in the 2014 Fine Music Network National Competition, will perform work by composers Isaac Albéniz, Fernando Sor and Luis de Nárvaez in the Wesley’s Lunchtime Live series, 12.40pm-1.20pm, on Wednesday, April 29. Entry $5 minimum, concession $2, tickets at the door.

“IN the Slow Lane” sounds like a leisurely title for an exhibition, but you can bet Maxine Price and Kate Hine’s exhibition of ceramic figurative sculptures and work on paper will be anything but that.

At Form Studio and Gallery, 1/30 Aurora Avenue, Queanbeyan, until May 10.

Weekdays 3 - 6pm @CanberraLive2CC 2cc.net.au

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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

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

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We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow

gardening The mighty bee battles sprays

BEES are vital to the environment and a third of the food we eat is pollinated by bees.

The value of insects pollinating crops and plants is estimated to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, but the increased use of chemical sprays is having a dramatic effect on bees.

In particular, the inclusion of neonicotinoids in sprays is having a disastrous effect on beneficial insects in general. Home gardeners may wonder why some of their fruit trees now bear no fruit. Maybe it is due to chemical sprays. Even if you’re not using them, maybe your neighbours are, thus killing bees at blossom time.

With the ever-decreasing size of gardens, there are fewer flowering plants for bees to pollinate – not only fruit trees, but other plants and vegetables.

THE use of chemicals is also affecting farmers who have had their farms classified for producing organic foods. There was a case featured on the ABC’s “Australian Story” recently where an organic farmer in WA lost his organic status due to contamination from neighbouring properties. It was thought that bees could travel only a few hundred metres,

them several kilometres in search of flowers and pollen.

PEACH, nectarine, apricots, apples and pears, with the odd exception, all require two or more trees of different varieties to flower at the same time for the bees to pollinate.

of autumn colours.

Although strictly for the larger garden, parks and street trees, Liquidambar styraciflua, to give it its correct name, is possibly the most popular variety of this tree.

Hernández’s manuscripts record the resin was used to relieve headaches and induce sleep. British explorer Mark Catesby found the natives used the gum as a teeth preservative.

European knowledge of the liquidambar began with the Spanish conquest of Central and South America.

research has shown that little wings can carry

To attract bees to your garden and assist in this pollination here are just a few of a possible 100 bee-loving plants: chives, lavender, lemon balm, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage and salvias, and asters and sunflowers. Even the smallest garden can find room for some or all of these plants.

LIQUIDAMBARS immediately bring to mind a magnificent collage

Besides looking for gold, explorer Francisco Hernández (1514-1587) was also seeking medicinal plants in his travels to New Mexico. He named the sweet resin on a tree liquidambar due to its colour. The natives used the resin to bind together feathers for ceremonial head dresses. The resin was also used for medicinal purposes and incense.

Another group of smallergrowing liquidambars, known as the Monticolo group, are from China, Taiwan and Japan and are available at some garden centres.

Jottings…

• Don’t delay in buying autumn trees before leaf fall.

• Don’t turn the dripper systems off yet. Despite Canberra receiving more than 50mm of rain at Easter, depending on your soil it only penetrated to about 10cm.

• Wear gloves when handling Hyacinth bulbs as they can cause severe skin irritations.

• Place netting over fish ponds to stop the autumn leaves that, as they rot, can kill fish.

• Balconies on high-rise units are ideal for growing bulbs in pots for a

Joanne Madeline Moore your week

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Sun and Mars are both moving through earthy Taurus, which helps stabilise your restless Ram energy. So it’s the ideal week to take ambitious ideas and turn them into practical reality. And with Mercury and Venus visiting your community zone, there is much enjoyment to be found within your local neighbourhood but make sure you’re not imposing your ideas on those around you. Take the time to really listen to what others have to say.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

The stars encourage you to venture beyond the safe and sensible, as you dream dreams that are truly inspirational. With the Sun and Mars both in your sign, you’ve got a double dose of Taurean tenacity. You’re in stubborn, slow-moving mode so good luck to anyone who tries to speed up your schedule! As actor Glenn Ford (born on May 1) declared: “If they try to rush me I tell them I’ve only got one other speed, and that’s slower.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Gregarious Geminis love nothing better than a good old chin-wag and you’re certainly in the mood for gossip and indiscreet chatter, as Mercury shifts into your sign. Fortunately, the weekend Mercury/Saturn opposition will help you to do something completely out of character – put the brakes on and think before you act and speak. If you find yourself compelled to spread precious secrets, just zip your lips ASAP!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are your dreams big enough? With so many planets activating your aspirations zones, make your plans for the future as big and beautiful and creative as possible. There will also be opportunities to share your hopes and dreams with like-minded souls this week. When it comes to a problem with a friend, child or colleague there are no quick fixes Crabs. It’s a case of one step forward and two steps backward (or sideways) but you’ll eventually make progress.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

It’s the perfect week to set gigantic goals and dream big dreams for the future and don’t make them too practical and pedestrian! It’s time for cautious Cats and languid Lions to go for gold as the Sun (your ruler) aspects Neptune, giving you a sensational shot of creative confidence. On the weekend, be careful how you communicate with a child, teenager or friend as they may interpret your comments as unfair criticism.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos love to learn! Mercury moves into your career zone so it’s a terrific time for a new professional skill. It’s also a wonderful week to share a creative project with someone special; but avoid making mountains out of molehills as Saturn puts you in worrywart mode. A family member is looking to you for smart ideas and sensible advice, not critical comments and stern lecturing. Adjust your approach accordingly.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Librans are creative creatures, but sometimes you are too easily side-tracked on the road to success. This week’s stars encourage you to be more practical, as you turn your abstract dreams into concrete reality. With Venus in your adventure and study zone, the more energy you put into travel and education, the happier you’ll be. But be extra careful when emailing, texting or tweeting, as it will be very easy to send the wrong message to the wrong person.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

When it comes to money matters, be careful and cautious. Buy practical things you need, rather than expensive trifles that you’ll later regret. But, when it comes to education, community work or professional opportunities, keep learning and exploring with a curious mind and an open heart. Your motto for the week is from birthday great Jerry Seinfeld (born on April 29): “If life boils down to one thing, it’s movement. To live is to keep moving.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’ve got a lot on your plate but don’t expect too much support from others this week, at home and work. You’ll have to be your own cheer squad, as you tackle tasks in solo Sagittarian style. Attached Archers – it’s time for you and your spouse to take the plunge and talk about serious, long-term issues that you’d normally avoid like the plague. Singles – steer clear of superficial types. Instead, look for a partner who is thoughtful and mature.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns are capable organisers, supreme strategists and marvellous managers. But this week, aim to be more careful in the way you communicate, otherwise a colleague or family member may misunderstand you and refuse to cooperate. Over the next few months, some lucky Goats will benefit financially from a gift, freebie, pay rise, bonus, marriage settlement, superannuation pay-out, inheritance or bumper tax return.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Exciting personal projects are calling but a challenging situation with a friend or family member will take up much of your time and energy this week. Avoid taking shortcuts Aquarius. If you are slap-dash, there could be consequences later on so just put your head down and work through issues one logical step at a time. Plus take a long hard look at your goals and aspirations for the future. Perhaps they require some serious tweaking?

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re keen to gossip and catch up with the current affairs of family and friends but don’t be too frivolous (and salacious) as loved ones have seriously important issues to discuss. Do allow yourself plenty of time to get to meetings and appointments, as the Mercury/Saturn opposition can make travel and communication tricky. Neptune encourages you to get involved in charitable work with a global reach, or help someone closer to home.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2015 Daily astrology updates at twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

No. 497

1 What is a national song of patriotism?

8 Which mythological animals have a single, long horn?

9 Which musical compositions embody specific technical exercises?

10 What is another term for corpses?

11 Name the US state that was purchased from Russia in 1867

13 Which government department has the control of public revenue?

16 Which rare green varieties of beryl are highly valued as gems?

19 To be of foreign origin is to be what?

22 Which means of communication is being replaced by the fax or email?

24 The term ‘racial’ is also known as what?

25 Name a local government elected representative

26 What is a prolonged outburst of denunciation?

2 Which term relates to birth?

3 In which subterranean abode did Pluto rule?

Solution next week

4 Name a type of grape that is in the dried form as of a raisin

5 Who was Australia’s first woman commercial pilot, Nancy ...?

6 Which wild carnivores belong to the lupine family?

7 What do we call a person who suffers from sleep-apnoea?

12 Which term is descriptive of a poker stake?

14 What is a right, held by one person, to make use of the land of another?

15 What is an organised body of soldiers which is a subdivision of a larger body?

17 To act in an unduly submissive way is to act how?

18 What are bailiffs or their like?

20 Name a word that implies what is different from the one mentioned

21 Which epic poem describes the siege of Troy?

23 Name the SE Queensland town, noted as an agricultural centre, and for its natural gas fields

“Not a problem, Ken,” I said, “but have you had any retirement advice to help with the choices you need to make?”

Ken said he hadn’t. “But it is very simple,” he said. “As I understand it, I can take it all as a pension and after my death about 60 per cent of it passes to my partner, Elaine.”

I told him he was on the right track, but asked if Elaine received any pension.

“No, but she does have some money that she will use to live on over the next few years and after my death she will get my PSS pension,” he said.

I told him that one of the confusing things is that superannuation does not come under the terms of a will, the trustees of a superannuation fund determine who receives it.

“Is your former wife entitled to any share of your superannuation?” I asked. “Have you provided for your children in your will or does it all go to Elaine?”

Ken said his former wife got all his superannuation at the time of their divorce and he hadn’t expressly provided for his children in his will.

“I just assumed that Elaine would give them half of the value of the house between them and she will keep the pension,” he said. I told him that, while I’m not a lawyer and can’t give legal advice, I had read of situations where former spouses and children had been successful in convincing superannuation fund trustees that they were not adequately provided for in the original divorce settlement.

“These have resulted in the superannuation monies not being disbursed in the manner expected,” I said.

“There are some other options. For example, taking 50 per cent as a pension and 50 per cent as a lump sum. After your death, as you say, about 60 per cent of your pension will be paid to your surviving spouse for her lifetime, but if she predeceases you and you take 100 per cent pension, the balance in your superannuation fund will die with you.

“The 50 per cent you take as a lump sum could be put into a superannuation fund and used to pay Elaine a pension. That pension will be tax free for Elaine, whereas your PSS pension will be taxable at normal rates with a 10 per cent offset to your tax. So you pay slightly less tax than usual.

“Using this option and providing for your children through your will may give you a better outcome than taking 100 per cent pension.

“There are many other issues to take into account and your life expectancy will determine the final outcome. However, it will give you some security in knowing that your intentions will be complied with.”

Ken said: “Wow, Gail, you’ve blown my mind. I thought this would be easy, I didn’t realise that I had to take all these other things into account. I would like to think about everything that you have said and make some decisions after that.

“I’ll come back next week and we can do some calculations then.”

If you need advice on your superannuation, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.