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Gay law change may force us to divorce

NICK JENSEN’s wife Sarah is the only woman he’s ever loved; but the couple is prepared to divorce in protest against any change to the law to accommodate same-sex marriage

wife and I just celebrated our 10-year anniversary. But later this year, we may be getting a divorce.

The reason has nothing to do with the state of our marriage. We were married at 21 after being high-school sweethearts for several years before that.

In fact, my wife is the only woman I have ever loved, the mother of our children, my perfect match.

So, the decision to divorce is not one we’ve taken lightly.

And certainly, it’s not one that many will readily understand. And that’s because it’s not a traditional divorce.

You see, after our divorce, we’ll continue to live together, hopefully for another 50 years. And, God willing, we’ll have more children.

We’ll also continue to refer to each other as “husband” and “wife” and consider ourselves married by the Church and before God.

So why do this? It will certainly complicate our lives as we try to explain our marital status on the sidelines during Saturday sport.

The reason, however, is that, as Christians, we believe marriage is not a human invention.

Our view is that marriage is a fundamental order of creation.

Part of God’s intimate story for human history. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman before a community in the sight of God.

And the marriage of any couple is important to God regardless of whether that couple recognises God’s involvement or authority in it.

My wife and I, as a matter of conscience, refuse to recognise the government’s regulation of marriage if its definition includes the solemnisation of same sex couples.

The State (initially England) only got involved in marriage laws in 1753. For the 600 years before that in Europe, the Church acted as the official witness.

Before the church had this role,

marriage was simply a cultural norm ensuring children had the best possible upbringing.

In Wales, for example, a couple would jump over a broomstick in the doorway of their new home to be married, and jump back across it to divorce.

In fact, the main reason the State got involved at all was to address financial problems with property and inheritance law.

This otherwise odd move of the State into marriage was ultimately permitted as long as it was seen as upholding a pre-existing societal good.

Families, as the basic building block of communities, benefitted from the support and security of formal legislation.

If our federal parliament votes to change the timeless and organic definition of marriage later on this year, it will have moved against the fundamental and foundational building block of Australian society and, indeed, human culture everywhere.

Indeed, it raises a red flag when a government decides it is not content only having sovereignty over land, taxes and the military – but “words” themselves.

This is why we are willing to divorce. By changing the definition of marriage, “marriage” will, in years to come, have an altogether different sense and purpose.

It will not be about the mystery of difference in sexual unity, as children come from gendered dissimilarity. It will not be about building and securing communities into the future.

When we signed that official-looking marriage certificate 10 years ago at Tuggeranong Baptist Church, we understood that the state was endorsing marriage, as currently defined, as the fundamental social institution – with all that this implied.

But if this is no longer the case, then we no longer wish to be associated with this new definition.

Marriage is sacred and what is truly “marriage” will only ever be what it has always been.

It’s worth saying that our decision is not as extreme as it may seem. We will still benefit from the same tax and legal provisions of the state’s “de facto” laws.

However, what is significant is this issue will echo the growing shift from state education to private religious institutions.

This shift is no doubt because the majority of Australians, who are people of faith, believe their children are better served there.

If the federal government pursues a change to the definition of marriage it will further alienate and divide the community.

My wife and I, as a matter of conscience, refuse to recognise the government’s regulation of marriage if its definition includes the solemnisation of same-sex couples.

For example, there are many Christian denominations that will simply stop officiating for any civil marriages rather than go along with the government on this.

Many Christians, like my wife and me, as well as people of other faiths, will simply reject the need for the State to recognise their marriage. Instead they will look to the authority of their church, mosque or temple.

But there are broader implications for everyone, not just people of faith, to consider on this issue; for example, children’s rights, religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the broader fundamental rights of conscience and association.

With our media’s relentless push to get this “over the line”, these issues have barely been noticed so far in the national debate.

This has been a big decision for my wife and me.

Some will accuse us of being bigoted or too hateful to share. But this couldn’t be further from our intentions.

The truth is, “marriage” is simply too important. It is a sacred institution, ordained by God.

It has always been understood to be that exclusive relationship where one man and one woman become “one flesh”.

Any attempt to change the definition of marriage by law is not something in which we are able to partake.

Here we stand, we can do no other, and I know we are not alone.

Nick Jensen is the director of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, which helps develop leaders in public policy (lmi.org.au)

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seven days

Jeremy says ‘I do’, Zed’s still ‘I don’t’

SOCIAL policy took centre stage this week with marriage equality in the spotlight throughout.

First it was Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s attempt to pull on a vote in the House of Reps. Then our Senators Zed Seselja and Katy Gallagher went hammer and tongs with Katy pro and Zed con.

Poor Zed – suddenly local Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson converted to the “yes” side. Jeremy said he’d been “somewhat conflicted” by the issue, but “gay friends and family” had provided him with his Damascene moment. And there was Zed looking like the bridegroom left at the altar.

THEN came the announcement of the visit this week of Philip Nitschke, the euthanasia advocate whom the Fairfax headline writers insist on calling “Dr Death”. This is not only cheap but unnecessarily insulting. Truth is, a considerable majority of Canberrans favour the right to decide when they’ve suffered enough. All of us who have sat at the bedside of friends and relatives in those final hopeless weeks know that Nitschke and his cause deserve better.

Suddenly local Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson converted to the “yes” side. And there was Zed Seselja looking like the bridegroom left at the altar.

THE right to judicial process before our citizenship could be removed also had its turn centre stage. Clearly the federal Cabinet is split on the issue with someone leaking chapter and verse of their blow-up. Great guessing game among the chattering classes on the identity of the leaker – my bet’s on an ambitious NSW minister seeking to remake his image as a sharing, caring guy who was currying favour with the Fairfax journo, Peter Hartcher, who broke the story.

Typically Bill Shorten ducked the issue calling it “a question mark”. Pathetic. The real question mark is why his colleagues persist with a puppet, instead of a real live politician such as Anthony “Albo” Albanese

SPEAKING of bets, delighted to see we were spot on last week with the wager that the then newly re-elected

Sepp Blatter would be forced out when the FBI got to work on his indicted FIFA colleagues. The question now is whether our own soccer bosses can survive charges that they paid bribes in the quest to host the World Cup… and only received a single vote in return. I suspect a gracious “retirement” is in the wind.

CHIEF Minister Andrew Barr’s Budget was a real anti-climax since most of it had been released before the day. The remainder felt like he was trying to recast himself as the Incredible Shrinking Man. He even called himself the Mayor of Canberra. There’s no such post Andrew; we voted for a Territory leader.

YOU could never accuse former PM Kevin Rudd of underselling himself as the ABC introduced its tell-all series

ROBERT MACKLIN

on the Rudd-Gillard imbroglio. As his biographer I quickly learned that Kevin’s ambitions knew few bounds.

I was shocked when he told me his Labor hero (apart from Gough Whitlam) was HV “Doc” Evatt , an erratic character who led the party to one defeat after another. But Kevin “revered” him.

“Why?” For his presidency of the UN, and the Ruddster still harbours the desire to emulate him as secretarygeneral. Moreover, if his close friend Hilary Clinton wins the White House next year, he has a fair to middling chance to pull it off. And you read it here first!

robert@robertmacklin.com

Sharing skills that can save lives

HIGH mortality rates of mums and babies at birth in remote parts of Indonesia are what motivates obstetrician Peter Scott and midwife Ann-Maree Parker to volunteer to share their skills around managing emergencies in birth.

The couple will travel in July to the Eastern Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), West Timor, to help upskill the local health staff through formal teaching and clinical mentoring. It’s Peter’s 16th trip, and Ann-Maree’s second.

“What we teach is actually very simple stuff, but in that context it makes a huge difference,” says Peter. “We show them hands-on ways to respond quickly to emergencies.”

Ann-Maree, a midwife at Calvary Birth Suite, says they teach “handson training in midwifery, including neonatal resuscitation, postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia and breech births”.

Peter says that while the local health workers’ academic knowledge is good, they’re not trained in overcoming fear in emergencies.

“We teach techniques such as bimanual compression and how to estimate blood loss, which can help save women in postpartum haemorrhage,” he says.

“We train midwives to be very handson and give very practical training, such as ways to resuscitate flat babies. They also don’t have ultrasounds so breech births are undiagnosed.

“Some emergencies aren’t common,

like shoulder dystocia where the baby’s shoulders become stuck, and there isn’t time to go and look in a book.”

The couple work through Adelaidebased charity organisation Flinders Overseas Health Group (FOHG), which has worked to support the region, where people live in poverty and suffer from malnutrition, for many years.

Peter, staff specialist obstetrician at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, says he heard about the program through a “life-changing phone call” at lunch one day, where an acquaintance called and asked if he would go to West Timor on a clinical trip.

“That first trip changed my attitude as a doctor,” he says.

“Being Australian is an absurd privilege – I studied medicine in 1976 and it was free, a world-class education like that. It gave me a sense of privilege to have been given these skills that can make a difference to people.

“After that first trip, I could see why people go and be Mother Teresa; the rewards are way beyond any money you could make.

“There’s nothing better than seeing someone you’ve taught, showing someone else the same thing the next day. The people take up, skillfully, what we’ve taught them.

“Clinical work is valuable, and you really help the people you see, but teaching has more value in a lot of ways and is more sustainable.”

Ann-Maree agrees. “Coming back from my first trip and seeing the brand-new Centenary Hospital in Canberra was tough for me, and I had to be reminded that women deserve the care they get here, and they do.

“It just makes it all the more special to go to NTT and share our skills.”

Volunteers for trees

PLANETARK, which this year is celebrating 20 years of planting trees, is looking for volunteers for National Tree Day on Sunday, July 26 and Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 24. The environmental organisation is looking for site co-ordinators from councils, schools, national parks, Guides, Scouts, nature-care organisations and faith and sporting groups who would like help to plant trees and shrubs and care for their local area. More about National Tree Day at treeday.planetark.org or call 1300 885000.

Family film fundraiser

LIFELINE Canberra is hosting a movie night featuring the new, fun, family movie “Inside Out”, about growing up and dealing with emotions. Funds raised will go to Lifeline’s suicide prevention service. Tickets are $16 and it’s at Dendy Cinemas, Civic, 6pm, on Monday, June 22. Tickets from trybooking.com

Gallipoli challenges

JANE Gallagher, director of the Nursing Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will be speaking about assisting the veterans at this year’s Anzac Service in Gallipoli at the July 7 lunchtime meeting of the Weston Creek View Club. The club welcomes interested ladies and new members to the Southern Cross Club, Corinna Street, Woden, 11am -2.30pm. Lunch is $24. RSVPs to 6281 3110 by Friday, July 3.

politics Sensible Fiona finds favour

Fiona Patten may represent the Sex Party – but it is looking much more like a genuine liberal party than the current party of that name.

SEX Party leader Fiona Patten, who was recently elected to the Victorian Upper House for the electorate of Northern Metropolitan, has been positioning herself and her party for further seats in Australian parliaments.

It must be embarrassing for her colleagues to have a party with such a confronting name taking a sensible middle path on a number of social issues while they are constrained in a number of ways.

Fiona Patten MLC is no stranger to the ACT where she grew up and was educated including a degree from the University of Canberra. She was first a candidate with Craig Duby’s Hare-Clark Independent Party in the second ACT election in 1992.

Her interest in having a political voice and her persistence in running a political party, election after election, finally paid a dividend. Many Canberrans will remember Fiona working with Robbie Swan as lobbyists for the adult industry and the Eros Association.

In the first two ACT Assemblies the issue of X-rated videos remained a hotly contested issue through many debates. In the end, the industry was able to remain operating in Canberra only to eventually be sidelined by modern technology and the wide availability of pornography on the internet.

However, Fiona was much more involved. She represented women who worked in the sex industry effectively as an industrial officer for WISE (Workers in Sex Employment). Following legalisation of the sex industry in the ACT in 1992 she was keen to work with others to ensure that the rights of workers who chose that industry would

Victorian Parliament reflected her sense of humour and her openness: “I may be the first former sex worker to be elected to a parliament anywhere in this country, although no doubt the clients of sex workers have been elected in much greater numbers before me.”

She has been providing a measured voice across a range of social issues. When the issue of methamphetamines (or “ice”) was being blown out of proportion, she suggested a calm approach recognising the inadequacy of policing as the main manner of dealing with the issue.

She also encouraged a rethink of prohibitionist policies that put the illicit drugs in the hands of criminals.

It is worth recognising some of the runs on the board of what we now recognise as the Australian Sex Party. When the ACT moved to reduce the R-rated movie industry to a minimum through taxation it was Robbie Swan and Fiona Patten who pursued the issue right through to the High Court of Australia.

The result was a finding by the High Court that states and territories didn’t have the power to impose this type of duty not just on these prod -

ucts, but on other large money spinners such as alcohol and tobacco. The federal government of the time had to intervene to collect the taxes on behalf of the other jurisdictions. Some will argue it was one of a series of catalysts leading to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Although the general community may well see the Sex Party as a “bit naughty”, there’s no doubt that the experience of the political lobbyist with the AIDS Action Council, with sex workers and with the Eros Association has given Ms Patten a level of political astuteness that may be costly for her political colleagues to underestimate.

Ominously for them, she told Gay Alcorn of “The Guardian” that, not for the first time, a parliamentary colleague told her: “I agree with every one of your policies but I couldn’t vote for you because of your (party) name”.

The make-up of the Upper House in Victoria gives her real power. Personal sexual choices leads the list of her goals with the foremost being abortion rights. She has been forthright about the need for sensible laws in other social areas as an outspoken advocate of voluntary active euthanasia and drug law reform.

Fiona Patten may represent the Sex Party – but it is looking much more like a genuine liberal party than the current party of that name.

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Time for renewal, bring on the wrecking ball!

The ACT Government’s urban renewal agenda is essential to enhancing the vibrancy and vitality of our city.

While heritage experts may not like the ACT Government’s decision to demolish these buildings, they must ask themselves: would they want to live there?

Last week it submitted three development applications to demolish 1288 outdated public housing units, including the majority of the buildings in the Northbourne Housing Precinct and the Bega and Allawah Flats on the east of the city. A development application has also been submitted for the redevelopment of the Currong and Allawah apartments.

letters

This is the most significant redevelopment of public housing in the history of Canberra.

The property industry agrees with the Chief Minister that these sites are “an eyesore”. They are also unhealthy.

Constructed at a time when little thought was given to energy efficiency or indoor environment quality, many of these buildings are riddled with mould and asbestos. They need a small fortune spent to upgrade them to meet contemporary building standards.

The property industry is committed to preserving our prized heritage buildings. We do not, however, support spending money

CATHERINE CARTER

Harassed by rate

MY sincere apologies if this sounds rude, but I speak on behalf of the entire ACT community who is devastated and shocked by the continuous increases in rates well above the CPI.

Rates must decrease not increase as they are a complete waste of money for ACT residents. Infrastructure projects like light rail, while essential, should not be funded by an additional burden on already struggling families.

I would like to point out that residents are willing to pay stamp duty as it is one off while ridiculous rates are a constant harassment. Labor will push the ACT into recession due to ridiculous increases in parking, rego and licences in addition to rates.

My family and friends were ACT Labor supporters but will never vote for them again and will always vote for the ACT Liberals due to nonsense rates.

Sue Jones, via email

Hands off our shops!

IN June, 2011, the ACT government floated a proposal for redevelopment at the Curtin shopping centre. The possible demolition of some shops and the construction of residential units with commercial premises was suggested.

A public meeting on June 25, 2011 at the Curtin shops attracted more than 200 local residents who expressed strong opposition. The 2012 ACT Planning Strategy continued to specifically identify Curtin as an area for future “urban intensification” (housing in-fill).

Now, in 2015, the Environment and Planning Directorate is at it again, under the guise of the need for a “master plan” for the Curtin shopping centre. Why? Their reasoning is “because there isn’t one”.

According to the directorate, the proposed master plan would lead to a variation to the Territory Plan to introduce a new “precinct code” for the shopping centre. Such a plan would address such vital issues as parking, but would also cover new building heights, urban intensification, higher night-time use and the need for a “visual identity”.

The 5000-plus residents of Curtin would probably settle for improved parking facilities

rises

and a sign saying: “Curtin Shopping Centre” in preference to a costly makeover at ratepayers’ expense and inconvenience.

Public comments closed on June 10.

M McGregor, Curtin

ACT economy ‘ruined’

PUBLIC servants have had 0% raise in two years, yet insane ACT Labor has loaded them with an unbelievable 10 per cent rates increase.

This defies all logic and understanding of problems of ACT residents.

Many of my friends and I earn around $2000 a month and will have to sell our houses as we can’t waste a month’s salary on rubbish and pathetic rates.

Please vote against ACT Labor who have already ruined the ACT economy.

Mark Taylor, via email

Widen those paths

IN his column last week, Robert Macklin mentioned the Barr Government’s decision to allocate $23 million for bike and walking paths.

A good decision but, please, make them wide enough to cater for all users!!

Regularly on weekends there are “near misses” in terms of accidents between walkers and cyclists using the pathway from Commonwealth Bridge, through Yarralumla to Westbourne Woods.

The pathway does have a white line to separate the two-way traffic but the path simply is not wide enough. Please don’t replicate this narrow width in any new paths constructed and, if funds permit, widen this popular pathway as a matter of urgency.

Bill Bowron, via e-mail

Write to us

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601.

on buildings that are well past their use-by date when we could be spending it on places that meet the needs of Canberrans in the 21st century.

While heritage experts may not like the ACT Government’s decision to demolish these buildings, they must ask themselves: would they want to live there? The answer, I suspect, is no.

What may provide some comfort though is that the government will work with the Gallery of Australian Design to record the area’s heritage with the ground floor of Lyneham Tower expected to house a new heritage museum for the area – a move that many in our community would likely applaud.

We have an opportunity to invest in new public housing that improves the quality of life of our most vulnerable citizens, while

also renewing areas of our inner city that desperately need a facelift.

Writing in the “Financial Times” recently, global trendsetter and publisher of “Monocle” magazine, Tyler Brûlé, observed that our CBD currently leaves a lot to be desired. “With seemingly every other shopfront available for lease, a lack of proper landscaping and no shortage of well-paid civil servants and diplomats, a smart developer should seize on a stretch of streetfront and kick off an urban renewal initiative,” he said.

The ACT Government’s agenda supports the construction of better public housing and kick-starting revitalisation efforts that get our city’s heart beating once more.

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

No bad ideas here, comrades

THANKS to you all for coming; let’s get into it.

As you know, Shane’s not going to compromise on his power-sharing deal so we’re stuck with this bloody train, but I really don’t know how we’re going to pay for it.

I’ve racked my brain thinking of fundraising ideas, but I’m out of them. I need your help. I need to deliver this Budget in less than a week and it’s not looking good at the moment.

So, no idea is a bad idea, government members; I’m looking for creative ways to raise revenue to pay for this train… come on. Simon’s ready at the

MARK PARTON channels the chief minister in a pre-Budget whiteboard brainstorm that might or might not have happened (probably not)

whiteboard for them.

Yes, Yvette?

A motorists’ levy on use of indicators? A dollar each time? When was the last time you drove the Parkway, Yvette? That’d only raise a few hundred dollars a week across the whole city?

Anything else? Simon, yes?

Tripling rates? Nah, we’ve done that already. No, we’ve already sold ACTTAB. Joy, concentrate… please stay with us. What else? Yes, Chris?

You reckon charge the punters for parking in the city till 11 o’clock at night and a levy on Ricky Stuart dummy spits?

Excellent ideas. I think they’ve both got merit. I probably lean more towards the Ricky Stuart idea. Plenty of photo oppor-

tunities at sporting grounds. Underline that one please Simon if you could. I think there might be a backlash over paid parking at night time Chris, but as I said, no idea is a bad idea in here… keep them coming.

Surely there’s a way we can squeeze more money out of restaurateurs and small businesses because they’re doing well aren’t they?

No, Mick, we will not be imposing a tax on discarded shipping containers. Enough from you, thanks. Are you getting these Simon, a yoga tax, a woodfire levy and soy latte tax… these are great.

Oh, hang on Shane’s just sent me an SMS. He says: “Why not hold a big community barbecue as a fundraiser. Kangaroo steaks after the cull.” I’m not sure if he’s serious or not.

Order of Australia awards

Helen of the arts gets a gong

HELEN Musa, the “CityNews” arts editor, is among those local residents recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia awards.

Helen was awarded an OAM in recognition of her service to the performing and visual arts as a critic and magazine editor.

She has been arts editor of “CityNews” since 2009. And arts editor for “The Canberra Times” (1996-2007), editor, “Muse” arts magazine, 1990-1996. She is also the founder and convenor, Canberra Critics Circle.

Basketball player for the Canberra Capitals, Lauren Jackson, was awarded an AO for her services to basketball.

Other local recipients include:

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Ms Sarah Jane HALTON PSM , Parkes: For distinguished service to public administration, particularly to the health and aged care sectors, through the development and implementation of public policy, and to professional national and international organisations.

Ms Lauren Elizabeth JACKSON , NSW: For distinguished service to basketball as an athlete at the national and international level, as a mentor for women in sport, and as a supporter of a range of cultural and social welfare groups.

The Hon Gary Roy NAIRN, Jerrabomberra, NSW: For distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to the communities of New South Wales and the Northern Territory, to the surveying and spatial sciences, and to disability support groups.

Mr Finn Axel PRATT PSM , Chapman: For distinguished service to public administration, to social policy development and government service delivery reform, and to care and support for people with a disability, their families and carers.

Emeritus Professor Peter James TAYLOR, Turner: For distinguished service to education, and to youth, particularly through the development of mathematical competitions and challenges for students, as an academic, and to professional learning associations.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mrs Marion Anne BURGESS, Campbell: For significant service to science in the field of acoustics, particularly noise management, and to professional scientific organisations.

Professor Brij Vilash LAL , Aranda: For significant service to education, through the preservation and teaching of Pacific history, as a scholar, author and commentator.

Mr Michael John OCKWELL , Griffith: For significant service to conservation and the environment, particularly in the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area.

Ms Anne-Marie Lucienne SCHWIRTLICH , Deakin West: For significant service to the library and archives sector through leadership roles at state and national level, and to professional information management organisations.

Dr William Hugh SMITH , Deakin: For significant service to higher education as an academic and researcher in the field of military sociology, and to the community.

Mr Denis William STRANGMAN, Fraser: For significant service to community health through advocacy, public policy, and support organisations for people with brain tumours.

Mr David John TONGWAY, Weetangera: For significant service to science and research in the

area of land management through the development of Landscape Function Analysis.

Mr John Albert TURNER , Isaacs: For significant service to the community through policy direction and reform in public administration, and the social welfare sector, and to cricket.

Mr Graham Francis WALKER , Curtin: For significant service to veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam, and their families as a researcher, author and spokesperson.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Rear Admiral Mark Gerard CAMPBELL CSC

RAN, ACT: For exceptional service as head, Navy Capability and as a senior leader in the Royal Australian Navy aviation community.

Commodore Adam Lloyd GRUNSELL CSC RAN , ACT: For exceptional performance of duty in the field of Navy warship maintenance and support.

Brig. Wayne Gregory BUDD CSC , ACT: For exceptional service as director general Headquarters Joint Operations Command Project and commander of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force.

Brig. Peter Campbell GATES CSM , ACT: For exceptional performance of duty as director general Defence Education and Training, Director General Defence Learning Branch, and commandant Australian Command and Staff College.

Brig. Darren Scott NAUMANN, ACT: For exceptional service as director general Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Infrastructure Division, Defence Support and Reform Group, Department of Defence.

Group Capt. Fiona Dorothy DOWSE CSC , ACT: For exceptional service to the RAAF in senior personnel management and international engagement.

Air Vice Marshal William Francis HENMAN OAM , ACT: For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in coalition planning, command and control of joint air operations, and strategic capability development.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Stephen Paul BROWN PSM , Forrest: For service to the Catholic Church in Australia, and to the community of the ACT.

Mrs Beryl Ethel CONNAH, Holder: For service to aged-care, and to midwifery education in developing countries.

Mrs Patricia M COOPER , Farrer: For service to primary education in the ACT.

Dr Nickless Hugh CRAFT, Lyons: For service to public administration, and to the community, particularly in relation to the Commonwealth of Nations.

Mr David Sidney EVANS MVO RFD RD, Chapman: For service to Australian-American relations, and to the veteran community.

Dr John FALZON, Canberra: For service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Mr Noel Maurice HAMEY, Kaleen: For service to surveying and mapping, and to education.

Dr Gillian McFEAT LIN , Chapman: For service to the community of the ACT.

Mr James Bernard MOONEY, O’Connor: For service to the broadcast media as a radio presenter, and to the community.

Ms Helen Margaret MUSA , Queanbeyan, NSW: For service to the performing and visual arts as a critic and magazine editor.

Dr Tuck Meng SOO, Ainslie: For service to the community of the ACT as a medical practitioner.

Mr David George WHEEN, Torrens: For service to the international community through volunteer roles in Rwanda.

Mrs Helen Amanda WHEEN, Torrens: For service to the international community through volunteer roles in Rwanda.

Mr Barry Colin WILLIAMS BEM , Evatt: For service to the community, particularly through support for families.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

WO Class One Brian James HEENAN, ACT: For meritorious service as regimental sergeant major of the 1st Armoured Regiment, and as the career advisor Royal Australian Armoured Corps, Directorate of Soldier Career Management-Army.

Lt-Col Gordon Ross LAMBIE CSM, ACT: For meritorious performance of duty as the inaugural commanding officer of the Australian Army Band, the Director of Music – Army and the commanding officer of the Defence Force School of Music.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL

Canberra Commonwealth public servants awardees include:

Ms Mary Elizabeth BALZARY, Campbell: For outstanding public service in leading the delivery of G20 meetings.

Ms Katrina Roslyn FANNING , Farrer: For outstanding public service in indigenous affairs.

Mr Matthew Richard HALL , Fadden: For outstanding public service as executive director of the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce.

Mr Thomas Michael HOWE QC , Turner: For outstanding public service through Commonwealth litigation.

Mr William Leslie LAWRENCE , Conder: For outstanding public service in electronic warfare protection systems.

Ms Frances Mary LISSON, Campbell: For outstanding public service in the establishment of free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea.

Dr Heather Joy SMITH: For outstanding public service as Australia’s “sherpa” for the G20, 2014.

Ms Judith Anne ZIELKE , Florey: For outstanding public service in leading the Joint Agency Coordination Centre to support the Australian Government’s response to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

ExEcutivE Education

Canberra Workshops

conferences and training Meeting the yearning

Here is a guide to some venues and organisations around Canberra that facilitate trading in knowledge, the most important commodity of all.

Seminar centre of the south

The Magical touch

WITH a focus on leadership, Magical Leaders offers a range of personal development and competency programs to teach employees the skills to become world class.

Evaluation for Public SEctor ManagErS 22 - 23 July 2015

Course leaders: Dr George Argyrous and

o o o EconoMicS for Public SEctor ManagErS 11 - 12 August 2015

bird rate applies Prof Patricia Rogers

Course leader: Prof Ross Guest

influEncing: coMMunication, StratEgy and lEadErShi P 7 - 8 September 2015

Course leader: Peter Thompson

Enquiries

Executive Education

T +61 3 8344 1984 executive.education@anzsog.edu.au

Register at anzsog.edu.au

FOR seminars, conferences and conventions in the Tuggeranong Valley, the Vikings Club has a state-of-the-art venue in Erindale, simply named The Auditorium.

“The Auditorium is perfect for seminars, conferences or conventions, capable of holding up to 700 delegates in theatre-style, over 300 in classroom style and up to 700 for a cocktail launch,” says Vikings Club events manager Joe Teixeira. “We can also offer expo facilities on negotiation.”

The self-contained venue features high-quality lighting, sound and video projection equipment with hearing-aid loops and an elevated audiovisual control room at the back, as well as three large motorised screens to ensure everyone can see what’s happening up on the big, raised stage, which is 15m wide and 8m deep.

The Auditorium also has 8m-high ceilings, a purpose-built green room with kitchen facilities, comfortable lounges, catering by award-winning chefs and free parking for up to 600 cars.

A new events package is available online that offers a combination of conference packages in one.

The Auditorium, 6 Ricardo Street, Wanniassa. Call 6121 2131 or go to vikings.com.au/erindale/functions

Are you leading a team who’s struggling with change?

Wasting countless hours dealing with ‘people issues’instead of the job at hand?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Join us for our groundbreaking program, Lead Without A Title

Discover proven strategies and techniques to help you and your team succeed in challenging times.

Director of Learning, Danette Fenton-Menzies, says: “We help teams to go from average to high performing. We focus on language and teach them not to make excuses, to avoid distractions, to wow customers and to embrace change.”

Magical Leaders teach these skills to employees from all sectors including public service, private sector and not-for-profit organisations.

The “Lead Without a Title” program created by leadership guru, author and entrepreneur coach, Robin Sharma, helps build lasting habits, boosting productivity and innovation.

The program is delivered by globally-certified master facilitators using a blended learning approach and consists of a pre-work assessment, four days’ face-to-face training, eight online modules, coaching calls, group and individual mentoring for 12 months and post-program activities to further deepen the learning.

Danette says: “The program helps organisations in terms of profitability, recruitment, retention, productivity and customer service.

“Employees become more confident and more responsible. They develop good attitudes and are able to improve the quality of their work whilst looking after themselves and their health”. Magical Leaders. Visit magicalleaders.com or call 6944 8200. Enquiries, email: lead@magicalleaders.com

Our next program commences in Canberra on Tuesday 16 June 2015.

Places are strictly limited, so act fast. And remember: you can make progress or you can make excusesbut you can’t do both.

Contact us on 02 6944 8200 or lead@magicalleaders.com for more information

learning

THE Canberra Rex Hotel Conference and Events Centre offers 900 square metres of innovative conference and event facilities, which can be easily configured to accommodate a variety of different-sized events. For training seminars, board meetings, conferences, gala dinners, weddings and exhibitions, the versatile event spaces can host anything from 16 to 650 guests.

The Great Room can seat 500 delegates theatre-style or 400 for a stylish dinner, and divides into five separate spaces for breakout sessions. The Grand Ballroom seats 260 theatre-style or 220 dinner guests and can split into two areas, each with natural light and access to a private bar, entrance and foyer.

“Capturing and maintaining the attention of your audience is one of the key ingredients to a successful event,” advises the hotel’s assistant manager, Jackie Gregory.

“At the Canberra Rex Hotel, you have access to a comprehensive range of audio visual equipment, all available in-house, which enables last-minute requests to be arranged efficiently.

“Our team of exceptional chefs will ensure all guests are catered for and our menus offer a variety of gourmet items, from fresh and healthy options to sweet treats.

“We specialise in tailoring packages that are bespoke to each event.”

Canberra Rex Hotel Conference and Events Centre, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon. Call 6248 5311 or go to canberrarexhotel.com.au

Top public-sector training

REGARDED as a world-class institution for the provision of public sector executive education, the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) delivers tailored learning opportunities for public-sector managers.

Three specialised and practical workshops from ANZSOG are being brought to Canberra in coming months and will offer public-sector leaders fresh ideas and perspectives, strategic insights and the skills to achieve better outcomes.

On July 22- 23, two of Australia’s leading evaluation “thinkers”, Dr George Argyrous (ANZSOG/UNSW) and Prof Patricia Rogers (RMIT) explore the conceptual and practical issues involved in evaluating public policies and programs in the “Evaluation for Public Sector Managers” workshop. Participants will learn how to design and assess evaluations and how to outsource evaluations without

losing control.

The “Economics for Public Sector Managers” workshop will be held on August 11-12. Griffith University’s economics professor, Ross Guest, will talk about the role of and need for government activity in the market and the economic approach to evaluating public sector activity.

“Influencing: Communication, strategy and leadership” will investigate how leadership, strategy and communication work in a public-sector context and how effective executives tap front and back channels of influence. Broadcaster, educator and author Peter Thompson leads this workshop on September 7-8.

ANZSOG. Call (03) 8344 1984 or visit anzsog.edu.au Email enquiries to executive.education@anzsog.edu.au

“AKIBA offers a function experience as unique as we are,” says business development manager, Marta Przybylinska.

“AKIBA and its function spaces are all about the experience and interaction with extreme emphasis on what we do the best – food and beverage offerings.

“The main concept is to steer away from your usual and expect the unexpected.”

AKIBA offers two function spaces with the capacity of up to 284 guests located in the ActewAGL building on the corner of Mort and Bunda Streets.

“The state-of-the-art foyer has a breathtaking art installation of light-filled shapes – Ossolites,” says Marta.

“Our second function space is a private room located right behind the installation, where you can hold a meeting, working luncheons or dinners.”

AKIBA. Call 6162 0602, visit akiba.com.au. For enquiries, email: events@akiba.com.au

Canberra Confidential

Loincloths

at the ready

WELL, here’s a shock to hipster heaven Braddon, a caveman cafe!

Well maybe not that, but the Paleo Café Canberra is opening in Mort Street on June 25.

What’s paleo food, CC wondered? And Wikipedia told us:

“The paleolithic diet, also known as the paleo diet or caveman diet, is a diet based on the food humans’ ancient ancestors might likely have eaten, such as meat, nuts and berries, and excludes food to which they likely wouldn’t have had access, like dairy.”

Owner Jayne McLaren says she discovered the paleo lifestyle after 10 years of health issues.

After being diagnosed with prediabetes, increasing her exercise and later turning to a vegetarian and a high raw diet, her thoughts were constantly on food.

She was later diagnosed with two auto-immune conditions and eventually discovered paleo.

After experiencing the benefits, she wants to encourage those around her to make some changes as well and opening Paleo Café was a natural progression.

Cold comfort of the Canadian Arctic

AS winter’s cold breath blows across our city, there couldn’t be a better time for the Canadian High Commission to stage a free exhibition of contemporary photographs of the Canadian Arctic.

“Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving” is drawn from “Canadian Geographic Magazine” and gives a glimpse into the lives and environment of these distant northerners. It’s at the High Court, until July 2.

Deadly digital warnings

PALLIATIVE Care Australia has launched its “Guide to a Social Media Afterlife”, which explains how to manage online and social accounts so your data is preserved, memorialised or deactivated when you trip off this mortal coil.

Describing something like digital graverobbing, PCA CEO Liz Callaghan says: “There are stories of people’s pages having their personal data stolen after they have passed away or people breaking into accounts.

“Some websites will send mail to friends and family after you have died, others will continue to post to your Facebook accounts. There are a range of weird and wonderful elements you can bring to a social media account. But making sure you are protected is the most important.”

So, it’s noted

IN a largely agreeable ACT government response to the recommendations of the Disability and Community Services Commission’s report “Developing an ACT crisis response to women with disabilities who experience domestic violence and/or sexual assault” the bureaucrats were not to be hurried.

In Recommendation 1, that the government, in accordance with s87 of the Human Rights Commission Act 2005, respond to the recommendations within three months of its being tabled in the Legislative Assembly,

responds with “Noted. The Government notes the timeframe recommended by the Commission”. The report was delivered to the Attorney-General on June 27, 2014 the response took until May 21.

Hands across the world

WHO would have thought riding a push bike would give you unhappy hands? Canberra’s BMX gift to the world, the very successful and seriously athletic Caroline Buchanan, has tweeted this photo of a blistered hand at the gym with a droll three words that say: “Hard work hands”.

Mama mia!

CANBERRA’S iconic daily paper buried deep into the fag end of its Friday publication an advertising-challenged feature marking the big Italian national day, the Festa della Repubblica, ahem, three days after local and international celebrations on June 2 had passed.

The parenting event of the year whether you are planning, expecting, or in the midst of your family.

www.facebook.com/canberrababyexpo

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Australian of the Year Rosie Batty at the National Press Club

ROSIE Batty has been thrust into the spotlight for diametrically opposed reasons; the murder of her son Luke by his father and her inspirational decision to face the media onslaught with honesty, integrity and heartbreaking determination.

And then, as she was chosen to be our 2015 Australian of the Year, accepted gracefully on that sunny Australia Day on Capitol Hill from Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

She is now a spokesperson for us all with a sensible and well articulated resolve to make a difference in this her year of living a dream after an unimaginable nightmare.

Her address to the National Press Club will long be remembered as one of the best and it cemented her position in public life, if she chooses, to be that calm, cool-headed advocate who chooses her words well and does not resile from telling it as it is.

Domestic “terrorism” is where she will make a difference as she continues to niggle away at government to fund programs as two women are being murdered every week, others suffer in silence and children experience collateral damage.

Rosie Batty is a beautiful woman with a winning smile; her address a breath of fresh air in this arena so often one of posturing and pandering.

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.

Russia Day / June 12 Day that celebrates a nation’s new start

RUSSIA Day, a holiday celebrated on June 12, marks the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the USSR.

The holiday was officially established in 1992. Initially, it was named Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian

Federation, but on February 1, 2002 it was officially renamed Russia Day.

The First Congress of People’s Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic on June 12, 1990.

The idea of the declaration was born in the Democratic Russia movement, in which proponents of evolutionary market reform and

Catherine’s great artworks heading to Melbourne

MASTERWORKS from the personal collection of Russian Empress Catherine the Great will go on show at the National Gallery of Victoria from July 31 to November 8 as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition series.

Exclusive exhibition “Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great” will feature more than 400 works, including paintings by Rembrandt, Velasquez, Rubens, Titian, Van Dyck and the finest group of Dutch and Flemish art.

Catherine the Great’s reign from 1762 to 1796 was known as the golden age and is remembered for her exceptional patronage of the arts, literature and education.

She founded The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg in 1764, one of the largest, oldest and most visited museums in the world.

Catherine the Great’s collection reflects the finest contemporary art of the 18th century as well as the world’s best old masters of the time, with great works by French, German, Chinese, British, Dutch and Flemish artists.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to immerse themselves in Catherine the Great’s world evoking a sensory experience of a visit to the Hermitage Museum.

The exhibition design will have rich treatments of architectural details, interior furnishings,

wallpapers and a colour palette directly inspired by the Hermitage’s gallery spaces.

Enveloping multimedia elements will give visitors a sense of being inside the Hermitage, evoking the lush and opulent interiors.

TWO magnificent ballets in one season – the St Petersburg Ballet brings the world’s most famous Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” and the most enchanting “Giselle” to Melbourne and Perth for the first time this month.

The Saint Petersburg Ballet, founded in 1994, is famous for its professional and beautiful dancers and also for its stunning, grand performances.

The 55-member company of the ballet continues to collect reviews around the world and thrill audiences with impressive scenery and splendid costumes.

strong statehood based on Russia’s national interests started opposing the Communist monopoly on power.

The creation of the post of the President of the Russian Federation and the adoption of the new Russian Constitution to reflect the new political reality, along with the national flag, anthem and emblem of the Russian Federation, were major landmarks in the consolidation of Russian statehood.

The country’s new name – the Russian Federation (Russia) – was adopted on December 25, 1991.

The day when the declaration was adopted – June 12 – was proclaimed as a national holiday by Supreme Soviet of Russia in 1992.

Fast Facts:

Chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (since May 7, 2012).

Head of government: Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev (since May 8, 2012).

Land area: 17,075,400 sq km.

Population: 142,467,651 (est.)

Major cities – population: Moscow (capital) 12.197 million; St Petersburg 4.8 million; Novosibirsk 1.425 million; Yekaterinburg 1.344 million; Nizhny Novgorod 1.267 million.

Big night for Moscow’s museums

EACH year, in May, famous Moscow museums, galleries, exhibition halls and even historical mansions that now house foreign embassies open their doors to the public from the evening until midnight or even early morning.

The custom originated as an extension of Cultural Heritage Day and is also known as International Museum Day. Last month marked the ninth time that the Russian capital celebrated the event.

Museum Night is an annual project to raise the level of interest in art mostly for young people. The first festival was held in Berlin in 1997 and then took place in Paris and other European cities. Moscow joined the initiative in 2007.

The most popular destinations are, of course, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum as well as their branches. Other museums and galleries, for example Winzavod and ArtPlay – two of Moscow’s major contemporary art venues – usually prepare special installations for this event.

Dialogue aims to keep the channels open

THE Australia Russia Dialogue is a new association formed with the support of the Australian and Russian Governments, by a consortium of industry, the professions, government and academia with its key objective being to increase all levels of engagement between Australia and Russia.

The objectives of the Australia Russia Dialogue are:

• to develop and promote links between Australia and Russia, including governmental, business, educational, technical, tourist and cultural links;

• provide a forum for members who are interested in those links to discuss and progress public policy issues of relevance to Australia and Russia and advance those issues in a spirit of mutual understanding;

• organise events for members and other interested parties to promote links between Australia and Russia and educate and foster public awareness of the relationships between the countries.

Since its establishment in 2011 ARD has built a substantial membership base and engaged in a number of bilateral activities including seminars, briefings, ecetera.

An ARD delegation plans to attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum this month, where each year more than 5000 political and business leaders, leading scientists, public figures and members of the media from all over the world gather at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation to discuss the most pressing issues facing Russia and the world.

This year the 19th SPIEF will take place on June 18–20 and bring together heads of states and governments, political leaders, CEOs and senior executives of major Russian and international companies, leading experts, and representatives of Russian federal and regional authorities. The theme of this year’s forum will be “Time to Act: Shared Paths to Stability and Growth”.

The discussions will cover four main topics: global economy: new challenges and shifting horizons; Russia: seizing the opportunities; human capital and expertise; disruptors: trends and technologies.

New heights for Fedor

RUSSIAN adventurer Fedor F Konyukhov, who reached the shores of Queensland after a solo voyage from Chile in the rowing boat “Tourgoyak” a year ago, was back in Mooloolaba recently to attend the opening ceremony of a commemorative plinth dedicated to his trip.

The opening of the plinth was the final touch in the transpacific expedition and Konyukhov was grateful for the honour and warm welcome.

He has announced that he intends to be back soon in a quest to fly solo around the world on a Roziere (a helium/hot-air) balloon. He plans to beat the record (14 days, 19 hours and 51 minutes by Steve Fossett in 2002) and attempt to circumnavigate the world faster than 13 days.

The flight is scheduled to start in Australia between July and August. Starting the journey in winter eliminates the risk of being caught in tropical storms or cyclones.

Singing the praises of star’s forgotten tour

TASS correspondent Nikolai Gorbunov has written a new book revealing lesser known facts about the opera singer Fyodor Shalyapin.

When the great Russian singer left Russia in 1922, his first long tour was to the southern hemisphere where, in just three months, he gave 25 critically acclaimed performances.

In his new book, “Fyodor Shalyapin in Australia and New Zealand”, Nikolai Gorbunov discusses the performances that the Kazan-born singer gave in those countries with TASS saying: “Not much research has been done on Shalyapin’s tour to Australia and NZ… concerts that began his legendary tour across the world and brought him global fame.

“Shalyapin was the first person

to bring high Russian culture, art and music to Australia and NZ.

Although he toured intensively, he never cancelled a concert, giving performances in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington and Oakland.” His concerts included work by composers from different countries, which he sang in their original language, but his primary concern was to introduce Russian music to opera fans in Australia and NZ.

According to Gorbunov: “The audiences welcomed the famous ’Song of the Volga Boatmen’ most of all.” Shalyapin’s tour was almost forgotten, but 87 years later, in April 2013, the residents of Christchurch arranged an evening commemorating the great singer, and since then his admirers have started to meet at a local Russian cultural centre.

ROLFE CLASSIC BMW CONGRATULATES THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY.

Rolfe Classic BMW has been proudly associated with the Embassy of the Russian Federation for over 20 years and we celebrate with them on their National Day.

Warm and looking wonderful

KEEPING warm while looking stylish can be a hard feat when you just want to wrap up and wear slippers to work.

Experts are tipping minimalist monochrome and bold coloured patterns as the popular trends for this season. While being polar opposites, the key is to mix-andmatch different styles and patterns to create outfits that suit your individual style.

Bold patterns will range from florals, checks, geometric, Aztec, fun graphics and animal-inspired prints.

Warm shoes

“COLD winters are what we love at Escala, it’s an opportunity for us to put great boots on people’s feet and to wrap them up in our beautiful, warm scarves,” says Gail Lubbock, owner of Escala in Manuka.

Gail says that ankle boots are just as popular as ever, the winter wardrobe must looks perfect when paired with thick tights with a geometric pattern and a pencil skirt.

“Fur-lined boots are always lovely and nice to wear if you’re going down to the mountains this winter,” says Gail.

Warm clothes

ONE of the newest retailers to join the Canberra Outlet Centre, Miss Rose Fashion, has a collection of clothes and accessories that is getting bigger by the day.

“We cater to women of all demographics, age and size. Miss Rose Fashion is a boutique style store but without the boutique vibe. We cater to everyone,” says owner, Trinity Ummarino.

Miss Rose Fashion specialises in women’s day and night wear as well as accessories and an exclusive range of Italian jewellery.

“We have a beautiful A-line skirt with a blurred street light print on it, it’s very eye-catching and is a perfect length for this weather,” she says.

“Our patterned jumpers have been very popular so far, we have Aztec tribal jumpers as well as hound tooth jumpers. These are ideal for winter.”

Miss Rose Fashion, Shop 144, Canberra Outlet Centre, enquiries to missrosefashion@icloud.com

As well as Achille Pinto printed reversible scarves and wraps, Escala also offers a range of Caridei Italian leather gloves lined with cashmere, available in red, taupe, blue, purple, orange, black and green.

“We have a lovely range of knit wear, cashmere cardigans, scarves and gloves to help you to keep snuggly this winter.”

Escala, Shop 1, 21 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 7666.

Warm colours

“WINTER is the perfect time to give your home a fashion makeover,” says Hou Leong, owner of The Silk Road.

“Try adding a splash of colour with a wall hanging, some flowers from your garden and simple but elegant ceramics. Decorative furniture can give you a double benefit, adding both a sense of the exotic and some practical storage space.”

Hou Leong has provided the region with practical, antique furniture at The Silk Road since 1993.

“To create your makeover, why not take a photo of your space into the Silk Road Gallery in Kingston, where the philosophy is ‘all homes deserve a treasure’. The friendly staff will help you find the perfect treasure to give your home a lift, from a delicate teacup to an eye-catching side table. “We even have a wide range of beautiful scarves, to keep you both warm and stylish,” he says.

The Silk Road, 19 Kennedy Street, Kingston. Call 6295 0192 or 0413 843308. Visit silkroadgallery.com.au

arts & entertainment

Dance emerges from shocks and shakes

By Helen Musa

TWO horrendous earthquakes have formed the inspiration for an Australia-NZ-China collaborative dance work that we’ll see at The Playhouse very soon.

“Fault Lines”, inspired by the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2011 and Sichuan, China in 2008, had its world premiere at the Melbourne Festival in 2012, followed by a season at the Christchurch Arts Festival and will enjoy a reprise season in Sydney and Canberra.

NZ choreographer Sara Brodie is looking forward to meeting the dancers from Sichuan province-based Leshan Song and Dance Troupe again after more than a year apart.

“The earthquake was still fresh in my memory when I created this work,” Brodie tells me by phone from Wellington.

“It was still very present.”

Brodie was in Christchurch with her parents when the quake struck.

“All sorts of little things happen to you physically and emotionally… you lose your balance because the after-shock takes away your equilibrium,” she says.

“After the Christchurch earthquake I was just stumbling around in the street.”

Flashback to 2011; the then-director of the Melbourne Arts Festival, Brett Sheehy, was touring China checking out potential work,

arts in the city

“Fault Lines”... “Everyone in the company had experienced the quake and some had lost family, so they were all affected by it,” says choreographer Sara Brodie.

when he spotted a seven-minute dance work about the Sichuan earthquake.

Improbably, most of the company’s work was done in variety style, with a lot of tinsel and glitter, but their facility in reflecting the culture of Sichuan got Sheehy wondering how they might go with a Western choreographer working on the earthquake theme.

He put in a call to Brodie, who was on a plane to Sichuan by November 2011 with fellow-choreographer Ross McCormack.

“I’d been to Hong Kong before, but never to mainland China”, Brodie tells me. She threw herself into workshops with the dancers in Sichuan province, looking at their work and their training.

“I was really interested in how to put these two countries’ dance language together, how to choreograph their intrinsic movements,” she says.

But what emerged was the sharing of stories about their respective earthquakes in

Films of food, fashion and feeling

FILM, food, fashion and feeling are the themes chosen by film critic and director Simon Weaving for his third “Winter Film Series” at the NGA on Wednesdays at 6.30pm until July 8. The films are all about art and culture, as in “National Gallery”, Frederick Wiseman’s documentary depiction of a great London institution. Bookings and details of all films at online.nga.gov.au/ screenings or tickets at the front desk.

THE annual family-friendly, free celebration, “Fête de la Musique”, runs from 6.30pm on June 19 with an open stage concert, each group performing for 20 minutes until 10pm, followed by the band Two4six from 10pm11pm. Alliance Française de Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, all welcome.

THE Glassworks is celebrating 100 years of its home at Kingston Power House with an open day, 4pm-11pm, on Saturday, June 20. There’ll be glass market stalls, live music, interactive glass making workshops, viewings, a lighting installation, the “winter glow garden”, a silent auction, lucky dip and door prizes. Meantime, at 6pm on June 17 at the Glassworks, poet Andrew Galan will open director Magda Keaney’s “New Glass 2015: Archaeology, Excavation & the Arcane”.

“THE Devil’s Intern”, by Canberra-based Donna Hosie, has just won a 2015 Westchester Fiction Award in the US, given to authors who contribute exemplary literature to the young adult community.

SUPERSTAR Steven Isserlis, who turns cello playing into high drama, will be in town for Musica Viva, with Canadian pianist Connie Shih. Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, Thursday, June 18, bookings to 1800 688482 or musicaviva.com.au/Isserlis

CANBERRA filmmaker Sotiris Dounoukos’ 19-minute drama “A Single Body” has been awarded Best Short Film at the St Kilda Film Festival. Dounoukos, currently directing “Joe Cinque’s Consolation” here, won $10,000 and qualification for consideration in the Oscars’ short film category.

MUSICAL identity Judith Clingan had a huge response from overseas for her coming “Jubilate!” music event at the Orana Steiner School, with 76 children, teenagers and adults due to arrive on July 4 from China, Taiwan and Japan. Now she needs Canberra families to billet them until Saturday, August 1. Willing hosts should email her at judithclingan@me.com

UC Chorale, now directed by Alan Hicks, is soon to stage “Dian Dreaming”, a concert of choral, vocal and violin works by women composers, including Fanny Hensel (Mendelssohn), Lili Boulanger, Mary Hudson, Ethel Smyth, Vittoria Aleotti and Canberra’s Sally Greenaway. Soloists will be Christina Wilson and Barbara Jane Gilby. Belconnen Arts Centre, 2pm, on Sunday, June 14.

SIX-foot tattooed diva Storm Large, the front for US group Pink Martini and star in the TV show “Rockstar Supernova”, will be at The Playhouse on June 17 with her band Le Bonheur, en route home from the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.

HELEN MUSA OAM

tears and laughter.

“Everyone in the company had experienced the quake and some had lost family, so they were all affected by it,” Brodie says, so much so that they performed a work about that at the precinct of the quake.

While there are no dancers from NZ, the score was created especially for the work by NZ composer Gareth Farr, who went to Sichuan, wrote 10 pieces of music in nine days, then rushed home to record it with the

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Farr had already written a celebrated piece Brodie wanted to use, “Nor’West Arch” in response to Christchurch’s quake and she also wanted “Questioning the Mountain” written in response to the Sichuan earthquake, by Prof Gao Ping, who was teaching in Christchurch at the time of its quake.

Brodie and McCormack found that most of the dancers had been trained in Chinese classical dance, but their dance about the earthquake was done in an unfamiliar, strident style.

“It was all so different… putting together the dance styles in the choreography, which ended up with some very strong Chinese influences, was a journey for both of us.”

“Fault Lines” is “a theatrical experience rather than pure contemporary dance”, Brodie insists. Its story is set in a world where people are not connected with each other. Then, as we see, catastrophe hits them and all that changes.

“I interviewed the dancers about the positive things resulting from the earthquake and the loss of so many loved ones – the way it brought people much closer together in a sort of camaraderie of thought and experience,” she says.

“Fault Lines”, The Playhouse, June 15-16, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“Aloha” (PG) OF writer/director Cameron Crowe, we may say without rancour or insult that it’s okay to be idiosyncratic. And eccentric. So long as people buy a ticket to his movie, who cares?

With those effervescent qualities in its lineage, “Aloha” is kinda fun. Former US Air Force hotshot Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper), a major contributor to the space defence program, now a civilian contractor, arrives in Hawaii to oversee the construction of a new gate between the base and the mountain enclave where a small community of purebred Hawaiians live as a sovereign state led by Dennis Kanahele playing himself.

If that’s not idiosyncratic or eccentric enough for you, check out the Air Force captain assigned to be his local minder, Allison Ng (Emma Stone), very blonde, very pretty, a hotshot aviator, of very mixed race – 50 per cent Swedish, 25 per cent Hawaiian, 25 per cent not specified. On the tarmac, Tracy (Rachel McAdams) greets Gilcrest as if, before he left Hawaii 13 years earlier, they’d been best buddies. Tracy’s husband (John Krasinski) doesn’t say much whenever he gets home from flying.

delivering a performance as good as any in the film. General Dixon (Alec Baldwin) arrives to deliver platitudes at the launch.

Cooleman Court Weston Creek | 6293 4677 www.songland.com.au | OPEN 7

Rotary’s major contribution to the world will be the eradication of polio. With your assistance, we hope to rid the world of this life-threatening disease by 2018. In Canberra and the surrounding area there are 20 Rotary Clubs who get together on a regular basis to help others in their community. It’s life changing. It’s exciting. It’s knowing you can make a difference.

Rotary clubs meet in Bungendore, Canberra City, Goulbourn, Holt, Lyneham, MacKellar, Macquarie, Narrabundah, Parkes, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Weston, Woden, Yarralumla, Yass and one Club meets online.

Squillionaire Welch (Bill Murray) has funded a space research craft about to launch, a technical marvel

So who’s the bad guy among this lot? And how’s Gilcrest going to deal with two delectable women who wish to loom large in his life? For answers to those important questions, spend 105 minutes

escaping from reality while gazing at a simplistic plot and having a few laughs. And deciding, for the boys, which of Stone and McAdams is the more delectable and, for the girls, whether Krasinski or Cooper offers the best package.

At all cinemas

“Marshland” (MA)

IN the late 1980s, adolescent girls are missing from a rural community in southern Spain. Detectives Juan (Javier Gutierrez) and Pedro (Raul Arevalo) have the task of catching a serial killer.

confidence. The sub-titles are well done. And the film ensures that the intelligence of its audience gets the respect it deserves.

At Palace Electric

“Entourage” (MA)

THIS is the second film by writer/ director Doug Ellin to deliver a snapshot of a quartet of young New Yorkers enjoying being corrupted by Hollywood’s ambience and its moral environment. The film’s genealogy originates in a TV series that ran from 2004 to 2011. Forgive me for not having seen it if it ever ran in Australia. I’ve better things to do with my life.

All the elements that comprise writer/director Alberto Rodriguez’s film come together in a satisfying harmony while delivering uncompromising directness and frankness in portraying victims of rape, torture and murder with a verity seldom seen in films in this genre.

How the girls met awful, brutal deaths is never far from the focus of the film’s dramatic structure. But its principal claim on the filmgoer’s attention is the interaction between two detectives who don’t greatly like each other, who have differing approaches to their work, and whom the villagers don’t feel inclined to accept.

Complicating the murder investigations are an industrial dispute between farm workers and land-owners, blood in the urine of one of the detectives portending underlying pain apprehending an uncertain future, and the slow revelation of how the girls, desperate to escape to the glitter of city life, have fallen prey to sophisticated, unscrupulous older men.

Rodriguez stages the action sequences with brio and

Former agent now studio head Ari (Jeremy Piven) has bankrolled the movie of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde that Vince (Adrian Grenier) is making. The $100m budget has blown out and Ari asks Texas squillionaire McCredie (Billy Bob Thornton) for a top-up. Yes, but young Travis McCredie will supervise how Vince spends it and exercise control over the finished product.

It’s hard to separate the lifestyle antics of Hollywood wannabes from the business finagling arising from the production of Vince’s film. The former scatters hedonism of every kind across the film’s landscape and anybody with half a brain will quickly realise that Ellin is enjoying directing characters not over-blessed with cultural sensitivity or social grace. The latter builds up a dismaying picture of the cut and thrust of power, its accretion, risks and selfishness.

At all cinemas

Pop-up and pretty fabulous

IT’S insightful to hear a chef from Sydney, with a respectable pedigree and international experience, talking about working in Canberra.

Renowned chef Griff Pamment is dishing up some pretty fabulous food at the pop-up restaurant at The Loft at Duxton.

Here’s my advice. Make a booking now. And you’d be wise to just put your meal in Pamment’s hands by ordering the Chef’s Selection ($55 per person), a sharing-style banquet designed for the whole table.

While Pamment is only here until the end of June (he returns to Sydney for personal reasons), the restaurant has a strong team that has been gaining traction since it opened. So it looks like it’s going to stay open until at least the end of July.

Pamment has been around the traps. He has worked as creative and culinary director at Bill’s Restaurants International. He’s chopped his way through Sydney’s Rockpool and Billy Kwong.

So what does Pamment think of the capital’s food scene?

“In Sydney and elsewhere ‘seasonal’ and ‘regional produce’ are often buzzwords, but it’s rewarding to apply discipline in buying fish from Bermagui, local truffles or even fresh peppers from a grower just up the street,” says the chef.

“It brought me back to the joy of cooking.”

Pamment says restaurants here should play to Canberra strengths: “Some emulate what is happening overseas, but there is a ‘Canberra style’. Be proud of what you can put on plates here.”

Upstairs at The Loft we discovered a warm, cosy bar and a restaurant complete with white tablecloths. The service is excellent. The staff highly knowledgeable. The wine list great. And the food superb.

The sautéed heirloom peppers, sourced from a grower just up from the restaurant (you can’t get fresher than that), were sensational with goat’s cheese and crunchy walnuts ($14). The spiced parsnip soup ($12) was a comforting winter warmer. The brussels sprouts Caesar salad with poached egg and bacon bits ($14) was delightfully different – a nice twist on a classic dish, and why not?

The fish pie (with the pastry on top shaped into fish scales) was sensational as was its accompanying pea mash. If you love top-notch beef, order the Trinity, grass-fed scotch steak with the best-ever roasted marrow

You’d be wise to just put your meal in Pamment’s hands by ordering the Chef’s Selection, a sharing-style banquet designed for the whole table.

bones. Decadent.

And as for the chilli chocolate ganache with salted peanut brittle and mulled wine pears, and the blue cheese bavarois with rye crisps and chilled grapes (each $12)? We soared straight to heaven.

The Loft is highly accommodating with the kitchen happy to adjust for dietary requirements.

O’Connor shops, open Wednesday-Friday for lunch and Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Be patient when booking. If no one answers 6247 7330 you get an annoying: “We can’t take your message. Try again later”. Isn’t this the hospitality business?

Creating Sustainable Gardens

Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping

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

• growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants

• new garden creations and garden makeovers

• sustainable garden design and advice

• providing a value for money solution

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

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

We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow glenbog@skymesh.com.au Like us on Facebook

ORCHIDS

Gold medals for Gallipoli rose

AMONG the roses on sale this winter is the new Gallipoli Centenary Rose, bred to commemorate the Anzac Gallipoli Centenary.

This gold-medal winner is a strong-growing, deep-red rose with an amazingly long-flowering period and delicious fragrance. It grows to 1.2 metres with bushy growth and disease-resistant foliage.

The Horticultural Society of Canberra planted it in its trial gardens in Bruce last year and it was still flowering in late autumn.

I picked a bunch and, even with the ducted heating on at home, the blooms lasted for nearly two weeks.

ERICAS and Callunas, nowadays referred to as heaths or heathers, can’t be beaten for winter colour. Even without flowers in summer they provide an attractive small, tight-leafed shrub. They will be coming into flower in garden centres now, an ideal time for colour selection.

They are acid-loving plants and ideal planted in front of azaleas and

rhododendrons. Keep in mind the universal advice to plant in groups of the same colour, ideally with three, five or seven in each colour and variety, depending on the size of the garden. Ericas also make great pot specimens.

FOR winter-flowering, climbing plants go no further than these two clematis.

First, Clematis Napaulensis, which is green in winter and loses its leaves in summer. It has

cup-shaped, creamy-yellow petals with prominent purple or reddish stamens. I had it growing over an arch together with the climbing, apricot-coloured Rosa “Crepuscule”, which flowered all summer and the clematis all winter.

Second, the evergreen, winterflowering Clematis Cirrhosa, which I planted just 12 months ago over an arch. It is now more than 2 metres high and a mass of yellowish-white flowers, 4-6 centimetres across. The flowers are followed by silky seed heads in late winter/spring.

DRIED seaweed has been used as a fertiliser for centuries. In the 1940s UK scientist Dr Reginald Milton started experimenting with the liquid extract from seaweed. In 1950 he joined forces with a Tony Stephenson and started manufacturing Maxicrop, initially sold in England and now worldwide.

Dr. Milton was one of the first scientists to prove that plants could accept foods through the leaves as well as promoting root growth. On our farm in England we used Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient and I have been using it in our gardens here for more than 50 years.

THE next free talk in the popular series at The Garden Nursery, Parkwood, is at 10.30am, Wednesday, June 24 when Don Franklin will discuss the care and pruning of fruit trees to maximise fruit production. All talks are held indoors. Book a place on 6254 6726. Paul Tyerman, a member of the Orchid Society, will talk about the growing and maintenance of cymbidium orchids on July 1.

I HAVE had inquiries asking if there is a cactus society in Canberra and, indeed, there is. The very vibrant Cactus and Succulent Society of the ACT meets in Room 3 at the Hughes Community Centre on the third Sunday of the month at 10.30am. Its website is at cactusact.org.au

Jottings...

• Now’s the ideal opportunity to clean out the garden shed and get rid of out-of-date garden chemicals. Or even all chemical fertilisers and sprays, and take the pledge to only use organic products for the benefit of the environment.

• It’s also a good time to remove dead branches on the Japanese maples. Shape them now rather than in spring when the sap is flowing.

• Salvias can be cut to ground level and it is also a good time to divide to fill vacant, sunny spots in the garden.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You relish your independence and freedom but don’t be a lone Ram this week! The New Moon encourages you to find fresh ways to connect with others – both in your local neighbourhood and within your online community. You’ll also have plenty of fun fraternising with family and friends, but avoid butting in and offering well-intentioned advice. Sometimes loved ones have to make their own mistakes, in their own highly individual way.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

The New Moon’s in Gemini, and you have much to learn from your zodiac neighbour. Like being more flexible and open to change. It’s a wonderful week to take stock of your current financial situation and find novel ways to boost cash flow. The more proactive you are, the better. With Venus visiting your home zone (until July 19) do all you can to bypass domestic dramas and repair family friction. It’s time for smart Bulls to sit down and smoke the pipe of peace!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Mars all in Gemini, the world will get a quadruple-dose of your quick-witted quips this week. Just make sure your playful chatter doesn’t denigrate into gratuitous gossip. It’s the best time of the year to refresh your physical appearance; update your wardrobe; review your personal beliefs; plus launch a website, blog, book or social media account. Use your considerable communication skills to motivate and inspire others.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

You’re keen to retreat into your cosy Crab cave as the New Moon moves through your contemplation zone. So solo activities like yoga, meditation, reading and journal writing are favoured. But has an old friendship finally run out of steam? Or is a fair-weather friend criticising your behaviour and holding you back? Saturn urges you to review your peer group, discard negative influences, and surround yourself with positive people who support your dreams.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions love talking about grandiose goals, divine dreams and spectacular schemes. Now’s the time to walk your talk, as you put those plans into productive action. Don’t just dream about it – get out there and do it! Networking is also favoured, as you expand your local and international connections. But there’s more to a domestic situation than meets the eye, so strive to keep your Cat curiosity under control. Caution, discretion and discipline are what’s needed at the moment.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos are certainly clever and capable. The question is, are you confident enough for big time success? The New Moon’s charging up your career zone, but you won’t get ahead if you waste time making massive mountains out of tiny molehills. A wonderful opportunity for paid or volunteer work is heading in your direction, however you’ll have to be proactive and grab it when it appears or it will pass you by. So stop over-thinking things and start doing!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Money matters are on your mind. With thrifty Saturn back in your money zone, avoid buying things on credit – stick to cash. The more disciplined and frugal you are with your finances, the better the outcome will be. Don’t expect any overnight miracles though! The New Moon activates your travel zone so a budget holiday is likely sometime over the coming year. Plus take a good long look at your aspirations for the future – are they ambitious enough?

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Saturn reverses back into your sign, until September 18. So problems you encountered when Saturn was last in Scorpio (from October 2012 until December 2014) are likely to resurface again. Lust and loot loom large, as you work through issues involving intimacy or shared resources. When it comes to managing joint finances, be proactive and have a flexible plan. Singles – you could be attracted to a colleague, client, customer, or someone else you meet through work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Under the blessings of the New Moon, it’s the best week of the year to start a romance, propose, get married, renew your wedding vows, reboot a rickety relationship or launch a joint venture. Attached Archers – talk through potential problems with your spouse. Singles – look beyond the exterior package that a potential partner presents. Killer curves or bulging biceps may seem enticing but if the two of you can’t communicate well, then it’s just not going to last.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

This week’s New Moon encourages you to adjust your home/work ratio so that it’s more balanced and much more family-friendly. Saturn (your ruling planet) reverses into your hopes and wishes zone, so a cherished dream may seem to be stalled. Be patient, and have faith that your dreams will take flight when the time is right. But a friend or colleague may test your limited patience. The best way to react? With plenty of classy Capricorn cool.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The New Moon urges you to build bridges with a child or teenager, initiate a friendship, start a challenging sport, or take up a hobby you’ve always been interested in. Plus peace-maker Venus encourages you to patch up a lingering problem with a loved one. You relish your freedom but clear communication, constant connection and shared interests are the keys to satisfying relationships at the moment. Singles – love, travel and learning are linked in lucky ways.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With the New Moon, Mercury and Mars all highlighting your domestic zone, it’s a fabulous time to entertain family and friends at home with an impromptu Piscean meal. Convivial conversation is a bonus. Being of service to others with kindness, compassion and style – also brings much joy and satisfaction. So your motto for the week is from birthday boy Prince William: “My guiding principles in life are to be honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring.”

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

General

4 Name a festival that is held annually in Melbourne, Victoria

7 Which term means “in the open air”?

8 Historically, what were administrative officers of towns or districts?

9 What are high-sounding and often insincere words?

11 What are loud noises, as from explosions?

13 Name a mathematical art that uses letters and symbols

15 Who was Erich Weiss better known as?

17 What is a football club’s second team called?

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

23 Who, in the US, is in charge of a prison?

24 Which dish consists of beaten eggs, often served folded, round other ingredients?

25 What is another term for a rivulet or brook?

1 Name the highest male voice

2 What relates to the highest part in harmonised music?

3 Who was the Egyptian goddess of fertility and nature?

4 Which code is used in telegraphy?

5 Name a spotted, leopard-like cat

6 What is the cry of a sheep?

9 Which amphibious rodent is noted for its ingenuity in damming streams?

10 What is an alternative name for the windpipe?

12 Which Russian Union was formerly established in 1922, and was dissolved in 1991?

14 Which parish officer has various subordinate duties?

16 Name a bush bread made from a flour and water dough, cooked in a camp oven

18 To be strictly correct, is to be what?

19 Name the poisonous fluid secreted by certain snakes and spiders

21 To cook food by simmering, is to do what to it?

22 What do we call a short informal letter?

My client Erik was really on the ball.

He greeted me with: “It’s almost the end of the financial year, Gail” and the determined desire to know if there was anything he needed to do before the end of this financial year.

“Nice to see you, Erik,” I said. “There are some important things to remember. Firstly, you have to complete the payment summaries and give them to your staff before July 14.

“The copies of the payment summaries or your computer file need to be sent to the Australian Taxation Office before August 14 and you need to make sure that the figures shown in your payroll records agree with the amounts paid to the ATO, as shown in your general ledger and in your business activity statements.

“Next, you have to pay the superannuation for your employees by July 28, remembering that you and your partner Linda are regarded as employees.

“If you do not pay your superannuation by the due date you have to pay the superannuation guarantee charge. That is you have to pay the outstanding superannuation and interest on the outstanding amount as well as a charge for every employee each quarter that payments are made late. In addition, all the payments that you make are not tax deductible!”

For employees who earn more than $197,720, the maximum superannuation payable is $18,783, that is $4696 per quarter. This figure increases in the 2016 year to $4827 per quarter.

Erik reminded me that I had offered to prepare Linda’s tax return this year.

“Of course,” I replied. “But we have just been advised by the ATO that in view of all the scams around, we should check the identity of all new clients, preferably by checking photo id, so please remind Linda to bring that with her. In addition, we will need her bank account details because now the ATO does not issue refund cheques and will only pay credits to bank accounts.

“The account should be in either Linda’s name or your joint names and cannot be a credit card account.

“We also have to put spouse information into both returns because the private health insurance rebate, the Medicare levy surcharge and any net medical expenses claims are all subject to income testing.

“And lastly, Erik, ASIC’s annual review fee will increase from $243 to $246 from July 1 and penalties for late lodgement have also increased. So you will need to remember to pay this fee on time.”

If you need assistance with your loans or any other businessrelated matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.