150625 citynews

Toadying

Brave face

Little Lucy Lynch, who manages every day with medication, is this year’s face of Sweet ChariTea, reports KATE MEIKLE

Running hard to not be left behind JOHN GRIFFITHS

Little Lucy’s the face of experience

LUCY Lynch was only seven months old when she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition during a routine check-up.

Her mum, Cathy, was stunned that her seemingly healthy baby needed specialist care.

Two of Lucy’s three adrenal glands do not work normally, affecting her ability to produce a hormone called cortisol that helps the body retain salt and protect from illness and injury.

Paediatric endocrinologist Dr Tony Lafferty explained to Cathy that Lucy had congenital adrenal hyperplasia and would need medication to manage her condition for the rest of her life.

Now, aged eight, medication is part of Lucy’s everyday life, including visits to Paediatrics at Canberra Hospital (PatCH) every three months for ongoing tests.

“Lucy is now better at understanding her condition and is very good at knowing that she needs to take her medication three times a day,” says Cathy.

“Although there is no cure, we try not to make it a big deal.

“There have been a few times when

she had her immunisations, and when she had a fall at school and broke her arm that we have had to take her straight to hospital as her body can shut down under the stress and become

limp and lifeless, which is a dangerous situation. We are prepared for this and also have cortisol in liquid form to inject if need be.

“The doctors and nurses are wonder-

ful. They are so easy to deal with, supportive and calm – we have got to know them so well over the years and Lucy loves going to PatCH for her tests. She feels so comfortable there”.

Lucy is also the face of this year’s Sweet ChariTea high-tea fundraiser which aims to raise a record $20,000 for PatCH on Sunday, July 12.

In its third year, Sweet ChariTea promises a decadent sit-down high tea, glittering diamond raffle prizes and hot entertainment including salsa dancing, burlesque opera and fashion parades –all in support of PatCH.

Organiser Kartika Medcraft says her organising committee and army of volunteers are busily putting the finishing touches to the event.

Lucy is delighted to be the face of Sweet ChariTea, having attended the past two events with Cathy as special guests.

“She is so excited!” says Cathy. “It is wonderful for Lucy to be involved with such a special event. If you haven’t been before, I encourage you to see what it’s all about and how it helps kids like Lucy.”

Sweet ChariTea 2015, The Abbey, Gold Creek, 12.30pm-5pm, Sunday, July 12. Tickets via eventbrite.com.au, more information at facebook.com/ sweetcharitea.

Talent for animals

ASPIRING performers are invited to register for a talent quest at the RUC in Turner, from 6pm, on Tuesday, July 14 in aid of Animals Australia’s “Make it Possible” campaign. Prizes include barefoot bowling for eight or dinner for four at the RUC in Barton. Performers should email bonniebenefits@ gmail.com and entry for everyone – performers and audience – is $10. Tickets at the door.

Foster care answers

MARYMEAD is holding an information session for anyone interested in becoming a foster carer at 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah, 6pm, on Tuesday, July 7. Marymead manages all types of foster care for children and young people. Registrations to fcinfo@ marymead.org.au or call 6162 5800.

Lunch with stars

HIGHLY feted Australian cricketer Greg Ritchie is the MC and speaker at this year’s Vikings’ Sports Lunch at The Auditorium, Erindale Vikings Club, on Friday, July 17. Irish-born Gaelic Football and AFL player Tadgh Kennelly will also speak. And Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and former Vikings and Waratahs’ coach Chris Hickey are tipped to make cameo appearances. Tickets at $110 (or $1000 a table) available at the Erindale club reception or by calling 6121 2100.

Lucy Lynch, this year’s “face” of Sweet Charitea. Photo by Belle Garfath, of Belle Photography

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Those Federal pollies really give us a bad name

New revelations about his dealings when AWU leader, Shorten’s leadership looks ever more likely to be, well, shortened.

SOMETIMES I wish they’d move Parliament House to, say, Longreach; those Federal pollies really are giving us a bad name. And this week they were worse than ever.

Scott Morrison in his new sheep’s clothing as Social Services Minister proposed pension cuts that would have helped the Budget bottom line by $2.4 billion. The Labor Party opposed them, even though the most needy would have actually received an increase. But when Morrison promised the Greens’ new leader, Richard Di Natale , that the government would talk about possible changes to superannuation tax, he supported them… even when PM Tony Abbott ruled out any actual changes! Regular readers will recall that when Mr Di Natale took over from Christine Milne we feared he might take the Meg Lees route and compromise with the Coalition as she did on the GST, thus triggering the eventual suicide of the Australian Democrats. Not looking good, Richard.

THE citizenship debate was even worse. In a week celebrating the rule of law on the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, Abbott

rode roughshod over his own Cabinet to permit a minister to strip the citizenship from an Australian without any judicial proceeding.

And to top it off he “verballed” the eminent lawyer and former national security watchdog, Bret Walker SC for suggesting that he’d actually supported the idea and later changed his mind.

Mr Walker was outraged: “His position is indefensible and he should apologise,” he said. “Dual nationals should not be stripped of their citizenship without a criminal trial and conviction.”

AND there’s more. Relations with Indonesia sank to new depths with the Vice President Josef Kalla accusing Australia of “bribery” in paying people smugglers to turn back the boats.

Labor leader Bill Shorten , whose personal polling has reached new depths, led the charge in Parliament but then retreated when it was suggested that Labor, too, had spread the cash around – via ASIS – when it was in government. More importantly perhaps, the polls indicated he was on a political loser.

In fact, with former Senator Mark Arbib’s reported comments in the ABC’s wonderful “Killing Season” that Shorten “couldn’t

dose of dorin

be trusted”, and new revelations about his dealings when AWU leader, Shorten’s leadership looks ever more likely to be, well, shortened.

BY contrast, our own little patch of politics in Canberra is a model of gentility. Sure, there are problems. Administration of the

jail is a disaster, and the ACT Ambulance Service wrote off debts of $1.6 million. But our power bills are coming down by an average $80 a year. Minister Joy Burch was cleared of influence-peddling. And most welcome was Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s strong hint that our taxi service is in line for

ROBERT MACKLIN

deregulation. The catalyst was Uber and it’s good to see Mr Barr is facing the reality of a changing world. Now if only he’d appreciate that the future of car travel means that expensive light rail systems might themselves become relics of a bygone age before they’re even paid off!

THEN, of course, came that wonderful drop of rain. No wonder the Feds like coming here and despoiling our beautiful city with their rants and ravings. It hasn’t rained in Longreach for three years!

robert@robertmacklin.com

How Jayne ate her way to better health

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

PALEO isn’t all about caveman food, says Paleo Café’s newest franchisee, Jayne McLaren.

Jayne and her husband Andrew are opening Canberra’s first Paleo Café on Mort Street, Braddon; scheduled to open its doors on July 2.

The paleo lifestyle advocates eating veggies, lean meat, seafood, eggs, fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, and avoiding dairy, grains, refined sugar, legumes and preservatives – but Jayne says there’s no one-size-fits-all rule.

“It’s not a caveman diet, and it’s not all meat – it’s just good, healthy food,” she says.

Jayne says her personal journey towards paleo started around 10 years ago when she was diagnosed as prediabetic.

“I was looking for answers, I was turning 40 and I wanted to sort my health out,” she says.

“I started exercising, lost some weight and my sugar levels stabilised, so it was fine for a while but a few years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and rosacea.

“I asked the doctor what I could do, and he said ‘nothing’ – that I was basi-

cally lumbered with it. But I just felt that it wasn’t the natural human state to be unwell.”

After some Googling, Jayne decided to try going gluten-free.

“Avoiding gluten led to my thyroid markers dropping, but I really noticed a difference in my rosacea after giving up dairy and soy,” she said.

“So I moved towards paleo gradually. It wasn’t a sudden thing.”

Jayne and Andrew, who ran kids’ entertainment company the Gecko Gang for more than 20 years, say they were looking for a new venture more in line with their lives now that their children had grown up.

“As I got further into paleo, I liked the idea of providing somewhere you could go out for lunch and be able to safely eat everything on the menu,” she says.

Jayne says that as well as her health improvements, she has embraced paleo because of the effect it’s had on her energy levels.

“There are no highs and lows, no afternoon slumps,” she says.

“At the Paleo Café we are there to answer questions if needed, but not to convert anyone to anything.

“There are no set requirements about what to eat. It’s going back to a time when things were more natural, and finding out what works for you.

“We offer fresh, seasonal and nutri-

tious food and it’s great for anyone interested in healthy eating or with food allergies.

“People are starting to make the connection between health and food.”

The Paleo Café has branches all over

“My

the country, and Jayne says it offers a community atmosphere, with books, snacks and pantry items available, as well as breakfast, lunch, Elixir coffee, healthy hot chocolates, smoothies and bone broth.

home winter energy bills were really high so I contacted the free Home Energy Advice Service. It was so easy and their tips saved me money and made my home more comfortable.”

Tram plan calls for comment

CANBERRANS are invited to have their say on the draft environmental impact statement for light rail. The Environment and Planning Directorate will accept comments and feedback until July 17. Those comments and feedback will be addressed by Capital Metro in completing a final environmental impact statement. Provide feedback or view the draft EIS at planning.act.gov.au

Lots to cheer about

MORE than 300 cheerleaders from seven local clubs will be competing in CanCheer2015, a competition for ACT cheerleaders to be held at Dickson College on Sunday, June 28. Cheerleaders ranging in age from five to adults will perform stunts, dance, jumps and pyramids, big bows and glitter. For information at 0418 620772 or email info@heatcheerleading.com

Lucky Michael shares with people he hopes to help

Lorna Morris reports

FORMER paratrooper Michael Kreminski has put his money where he wants his mouth to be.

Michael is a psychology student at ANU and has donated half a $5000 travel voucher he won in the Unilodge Wanderlust Competition to the charity Soldier On.

His donation has helped Soldier On send wounded veterans to Italy to participate in this month’s Trois Etapes Giro 2015. The three-day, pro/am cycle challenge has raised $50,301 so far.

Before his studies, the 28-year-old originally from Adelaide, spent more than five years as part of the Australian Army’s airborne forces and completed tours in East Timor and Afghanistan.

“I joined the airborne infantry in July 2007,” he says.

“I was studying chemical engineering at the time and I wasn’t happy. I didn’t want to study something I didn’t enjoy so I walked down to the recruitment centre and signed my name on the dotted line,” he says.

“I was qualified as a private after my training at Kapooka and volunteered to be a paratrooper, it was quite a rush.”

Through his experience with the forces, Michael became aware that it is not necessarily the physical scars that cause the greatest pain.

Michael says: “We knew we were going to Afghanistan for a few months before, so we were prepared, but it was a very different place to Australia. The way of life was the biggest shock, going from a university environment to picking up a rifle and going into combat.

“Returning home, many suffer from depres -

sion, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. The main thing I realised after speaking to veterans was that they were carrying this huge emotional burden and mental scars, it can happen at any age.”

Founded in 2012, Soldier On supports Australian service men and women who have been wounded, physically or psychologically, in contemporary conflicts by helping with rehabilitation, organising community events, as well as helping with employment and education.

Michael says: “Soldier On does excellent work, when soldiers come out of the army, most don’t have any sets of skills. The charity helps them to establish a career so they can provide for their families, they also brief soldiers beforehand and provide counselling.

“When you get discharged and return to your life it can be very isolating, you do feel very lonely.”

Now in his final year, Michael is planning to use his psychology degree to help service men and women affected by mental illness.

“Personally, being in the airborne infantry was a positive experience for me and it has helped me grow as a human being,” he says.

“I am hoping to do my honours next year with the intent to rejoin the Australian Army as a psychologist under the AHPRA scheme (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

“Because I have had the experience of being a private in a high tempo army environment, I know the stress in both wartime and peacetime, the separation from families and going on continuous exercises, I will be able to relate to the soldiers in my care.

“More soldiers die from their own hand than from enemy fire and it is going to get a lot worse if we don’t do something about it. People aren’t aware of it, that is why it is so important to talk about it.”

Toadying government betrays trust on international trade

ALLOWING global conglomerates to interfere with governments’ control over their own policies is simply an anathema to democracy. But it is happening.

International “kangaroo courts” will be able to overrule the powers of our elected Federal, State and Territory governments. With this transfer of power is also the transfer of wealth from the least to the most powerful, from the poorest to the richest.

Under the leadership of Trade Minister Andrew Robb, our government is rushing headlong to divest its own power and facilitate the rich getting richer.

In January, Oxfam delivered a report showing that more than 50 per cent of the world’s wealth will be in the hands of just 1 per cent of the population by 2016. Providing more power to global companies exacerbates this problem.

One of the main tools facilitating this transfer of power and wealth is international trade treaties. This is why so much fuss is raised over the secretive international trade treaties such as the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

The TPPA is the largest treaty of its kind ever attempted.

A few decades ago our international treaties were about trade. The idea of removing barriers to international trade to allow a reasonably free flow of goods seemed very sensible. Not only would it open markets for Australia but it would also mean that poorer countries were no longer locked out of the markets of developed countries allowing their economies

Our government is rushing headlong to divest its own power and facilitate the rich getting richer.

The main problem is the Investor State Dispute Mechanism (ISDS), the mechanism allowing foreign “investors” to sue governments for billions of dollars of compensation by arguing a change in law or policy has “harmed” their investments.

The main argument used in favour of the ISDS is that it protects the investments from arbitrary decision in developing countries with unpredictable political situations from undermining their business. Global companies save by not using the current process of spending money on investment insurance.

ISDS does not stand up to judicial scrutiny.

Chief Justice French, of the High Court of Australia, told a conference in Darwin in July that “questions have been raised about the consistency, openness and impartiality of decisions made in ISDS arbitrations” and pointed out that the European Parliamentary Research Service had identified nine weaknesses in the system.

a decision of the Australian High Court against big tobacco.

The ISDS extends the current right of governments to sue each other to international companies (other than tobacco – where an exclusion is usually included).

In 2010 the Australian Productivity Commission recommended against the inclusion of ISDS in trade agreements on the grounds of “considerable policy and financial risks”.

Attempts to provide safeguards on the grounds of health, environment or safety have not worked. International precedents provide dire warnings explaining why countries such as Germany, France, Brazil, India, South Africa and Indonesia are reviewing their policies on ISDS.

Some disturbing examples include the French company Veolia suing the Egyptian government for increasing minimum wages as it might detract from investor profit, Eli Lilly suing the Canadian government over restricting a medicine on the grounds of more effective alternatives and the US gas mining company, Lone Pine, suing the Canadian province of Quebec over passing an environmental regulation.

contrast, modern

Some of the issues raised include: the system does not rely on precedent in the way that modern legal systems have developed; appointed arbitrators were paid by the hour with many having serious conflicts of interest; decisions are final with no appeal mechanism. Illustrative is the process being used by the government of Hong Kong to re-open the plain packaging of tobacco case attempting to overrule

To its great shame, our government has recently allowed inclusion of ISDS in trade agreements it has signed with South Korea and China. ISDS is included as part of the TPPA.

Toadying to international companies by trading off sovereign power of our electors at Federal, State and Territory level well beyond the term of the current government is a betrayal of trust.

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

Running hard to not be left behind Drug scare?

I WAS recently summonsed to have a chat with a “communications lead” from the global technology cum transport giant Uber (not to be confused with the home-grown web hosting company UberGlobal).

(In my career, this has happened twice with corporations, the first time with Apple a couple of years ago. Between Apple’s market value of $733 billion and Uber’s $40 billion, it seems I only attract the attention of the very big boys).

The main upside of the chat is that Uber is very interested in getting into the Canberra market, they’re very well attuned to the wider community’s unhappiness with current taxi arrangements, but they want to see how Andrew Barr’s taxi industry consultation process works out.

I was led to believe Uber is planning to make a humdinger of a submission some time shortly before the consultation closes on June 29.

For those who haven’t heard of Uber it is a wildly popular, but highly disruptive, transport service (they hate the word “taxi”).

Working from mobile phone apps, a customer tells their phone they want to go somewhere, nearby drivers are asked if they want the job and are dispatched.

We’re selling our car’s miles and our hours to a multinational company, thinking about renting out the spare room on AirBnB and everyone in the family who can draw a wage is working all hours.

On the phone, the customer can see where the taxi is (something Canberra Cabs have also implemented pretty well), Uber decides what the fare should be and bills the customer’s credit card cutting out arguments and payments.

The crucial final step is the customer can rate the driver, and the driver can rate the customer.

A driver who consistently upsets customers is removed from the program. Just imagine a driver who cared what you thought about their overpowering aftershave or taste in loud radio.

Customers and drivers all over the world, given a chance, have voted decisively with their feet.

Drivers keep a bigger cut of the fare, customers pay around a third less in fares. Drivers are also not locked into 12-hour shifts, they can work just the hours they want.

It’s win-win unless you’ve spent the price of

an apartment on a taxi licence, so expect some vociferous opposition from the incumbents.

Uber heavily tout the ability of drivers to work it as a second job to make some extra money.

Aside from Uber, if one watches the eddies on Facebook closely there’s already ad hoc versions of this forming.

Posts to friendship groups (which often number in the thousands) along the lines of: “Can anyone drive me around for some errands in West Belconnen this afternoon?

There’s a slab of Woodstock and Cola in it for you.”

It does, however, give one pause for thought. When did we become so impoverished as a people that we need to leverage our underutilised assets and leisure time to make ends meet?

Within living memory, a highschool graduate with reasonable punctuality could make a wage that would allow for home ownership, supporting a family, and a spouse at home, with the weekends free.

Now we’re selling our car’s miles and our hours to a multinational company, thinking about renting out the spare room on AirBnB and everyone in the family who can draw a wage is working all hours.

But we all have to keep running, otherwise we’ll be left behind.

It’s not Uber’s fault, but one has to wonder where we’re going with it all.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Saved by chook soup

I MAY be getting a little paranoid, but sickness seems to be everywhere at the moment.

We’re already deep in Canberra’s winter and everyone is coughing or sneezing. A menagerie of bugs and viruses is flying around Canberra schools and workplaces, hitching rides home with children and parents to invade our homes.

As I type this column, I have a running nose, sore throat, temperature and a big box of tissues at my elbow.

In our house we have been hit hard. Everyone in the family has been afflicted. We can’t stock up with enough tissues, paracetamol, ibuprofen, hand-sanitiser and cough syrup. All these are in constant demand.

It’s easy to feel like there’s been an outbreak of biological warfare. We’ve certainly been taking precautions. I haven’t sent our children to school with white face masks yet, but they’ve been subjected to a rigorous regime of infection control with hand washing and avoidance of obvious plague bearers high up on the list (and don’t ever read the magazines in your GP’s waiting room or let your children handle any of the kids’ books there).

We’ve been getting plenty of

I haven’t sent our children to school with white face masks yet, but they’ve been subjected to a rigorous regime of infection control.

vitamin C with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m also a great believer in good old chicken soup when you feel a cold or flu coming on – after all, generations have sworn by it. Then there is the flu shot: if you haven’t done so, get it done now. It certainly beats coming down with the flu – or worse still, pneumonia.

Despite the sniffles or that annoying, lingering cough, many of us insist on soldiering on; work still needs to be done, colleagues are depending on us, kids still need us to do the stuff we usually do for them (even if we’re on death’s door).

I sometimes wonder why, despite all my precautions, I spend much of winter sick; why that nagging head cold never quite goes away or why it takes weeks to recover from the flu?

I suspect the biggest factor is simple lack of rest. It seems there’s no getting off the treadmill of work, even when we’re home sick, and over the long winter we never give ourselves really a chance to get better.

So this season I’m going to make a conscious effort to pull up the shutters and rest, recover and get better before I tackle all the things I need to do. More chicken soup first, I think.

If my workplace thought I was bringing drugs into work and selling them to the sales team… wouldn’t you think they’d just get the police to investigate?’, writes

MARK PARTON

I GET so many calls to my radio show about drugs in the Alexander Maconochie Centre. Like me, my listeners don’t understand how it is that drugs get into the jail.

We’re told time and again that “oh, this happens at every jail right around the world...the drugs just get in”.

But how?

“They just do.”

Well, it’s not a good enough explanation.

As a journalist, I’ve been in the AMC and if I’d been carrying anything that I wasn’t supposed to be, it would have been discovered at entry point. You have to jump through a lot of hoops as a member of the public visiting the place.

So many of my radio listeners get logical about the whole thing and, with no evidence to back up their claims, blame the prison staff. I usually say they’ve been watching too many old prison movies and dramatised American TV shows. You have to give staff the benefit of the doubt.

Those same listeners have a “told-youso” look on their faces this past week.

Granted this story doesn’t involve the “Hume Hilton”, but rather the kiddies prison in Mitchell, where we discovered the finger had been pointed at detention centre staff. Indeed, some of the staff were told not to come in to work until an investigation into drug sales within the walls of Bimberi was completed.

We shouldn’t jump to conclusions because a part of this investigation is still in motion, but it doesn’t look good, does it?

We learnt that earlier this year a group of workers were accused of smuggling drugs into the detention centre and selling them to inmates.

They were stood down, with pay, as external investigators from consultancy firm KPMG looked into the accusations. The investigation was completed in May and officials said no additional AFP or ACT Policing investigation or raid took place.

Can I tell you, if my workplace thought I was bringing drugs into the building and selling them to the sales team, I don’t think they’d be engaging the services of KPMG to do the investigation (aren’t they accountants?). Wouldn’t you think they’d just get the police in?

Natalie Howson is the director-general of the Community Services Directorate and is said to be concerned by the allegations, but she points out none of the accusations have been verified.

Well that’s good Nat, but there’s a fair bit of smoke around this one. There is still one staff member who remains stood down, but nobody will tell us why.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC.

letters

Stop shoving your choices in my face

AT the probable cost of losing friends and people near and dear to me, I am at that point in my life if I never hear about marriage equality again it will be too soon.

I believe this great country has more to concern itself with than personal agendas of members of government of all persuasions; I am concerned about people living on the streets, going hungry and cold and many not of their own volition.

I am concerned that my children, their children and your children are becoming closer to losing touch with this great country’s hard-earned cultures, and values gradually being destroyed or simply pushed aside by greedy agenda-driven politicians.

I am concerned that where I currently reside, the Legoland government continually ignores its constituents and their genuine concerns treating them as second-class citizens, simpletons and idiots.

I am concerned a country, an island of only 20 million people has lost so much of its first-class world manufacturing and farming enterprise to greed and manipulation.

I am over hearing how these alternate lifestyle people are discriminated against; let me tell you everyone is discriminated against in one form or another be it by trendy little factions, government or individuals, I know damn well I am, due to my personal choices.

If a bloke or a sheila wish to hold hands and kiss in public and act out their relationship behind closed doors so be it, but for goodness sake stop shoving your choices in my face and join the end of the queue of the many, more important, discriminated-against people.

Michael Attwell, Dunlop

‘Catholic bashing’ is unhelpful

I AM a keen reader of Michael Moore’s column and I appreciate his political analysis. However, in relation to his piece on religion and marriage equality (CN, June 18) I must respectfully disagree.

Australia does have genuine separation of church and state, and always has, and the fact that some conservative Catholic MPs object to marriage equality is simply them exercising their conscience. Conscience is personal beliefs about right and wrong, and whether these beliefs are formed or held because of religion or secular experience is of no consequence. Just because you disagree with their beliefs, it does not mean their beliefs are somehow illegitimate and have no place in political discussion.

Religion is indeed a private matter, and by objecting to marriage equality many politicians are simply acting as an individual MP. The PM’s position on a conscience vote is more problematic, but Abbott is right when he

points out that the Liberal Party position is well known on this, and hardly kept a secret from the voting public.

I am a Catholic but I support marriage equality – just as the majority in Ireland did – yet to say that Australia is beholden to a Catholic lobby and in danger of becoming a theocracy is simply absurd!

Indeed, I would argue it is a healthy democracy: if the views of many Liberal MPs are well known, and if their voters seriously objected, they could and should elect new MPs with whom they agree! Sadly, “Catholic bashing” serves no purpose and does not improve debate. The will of the people is never black or white, but it is always democratically legitimate.

Ross Faulkner, Cook

Get me to the church…

I READ your article about Nick Jensen and his wife saying they will divorce if gay marriage becomes legal.

I have never married and I am not gay, but if Nick Jensen and his wife divorce because of gay marriage I will get married in Canberra, at the very church that the Jensens attend. Then I will have my wedding photos outside his house and invite the media.

That way one straight couple divorces, and another straight one marries.

Ken Thorpe, Mildura, Victoria

Listing leads to prosperity

CATHERINE Carter’s refrain (CN, June 18) about heritage inscription stifling the city mirrors Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s tiresome claim. “National Heritage listing would have a negative impact on jobs and the economy in the ACT by hitting business confidence and investment,” he has been saying.

The case for National Heritage listing draws on a wealth of environmental, historical, planning and architectural features connected with the city’s development as the nation’s capital. These heritage assets and the status of the national capital should be sources of pride, values, excellence, promotion and enhanced development opportunities. Heritage status for cities usually leads to higher aspirations and prosperity. Carter argues that “development would be at risk if wholesale heritage listing were to occur”. Her view is essentially negative. The bigger risk is that the members of her Property Council and the Chief Minister will not seek the opportunities offered by national, even world heritage listing, and along their way retard our potential as a city and national capital.

Brett Odgers, Swinger Hill

GROW A WINTER BEARD

Winter in Canberra is cold! To keep your handsome face warm you could wear a scarf or you could Grow a Winter Beard for Blood Cancer.

The Leukaemia Foundation is encouraging everyone who can to grow a winter beard to help support locals living with a blood cancer. Already got a beard, you can still get involved by growing it even longer. Funds raised will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Sign up online to get your friends to sponsor your new or existing beard – or if your Mum/partner wants to support you not to grow a beard or to shave your beard you can register for that too!

Be part of this exiting new hairy fundraising event that will bring together the local community to raise much needed funds and awareness for people living with blood cancer. This inaugural event is support by Peter Barclay and the team at King O’Malleys.

So get growing your beard until the end of August and then shave it all off for spring.

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Who: Meet American sports stars based in Canberra as well as local sports stars that enjoyed success in the US

What: Meet local sports stars

Independence

Why: It’s American Independence Day. Americans and Australians

and

or sports gear.

Where: King O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 131, City Walk, Civic

When: 11 am - 4 pm, Saturday, 4th of July

All Ages Welcome www.australianamericancanberra.com.au

Canberra Confidential

Eucalyptus mannifera... lose branches even on a hot, still day, says Cedric Bryant.

Seeing the wood for the trees

THE future of the trees on the tram-fated Northbourne Avenue has got gardening writer Cedric Bryant out of the potting shed and into the boxing ring for the second week in a row.

He says it’s worth remembering that every tree on the median strip of Northbourne Avenue will need to be felled before the light rail project can begin and that’s before we get to the tangle of relocating underground services along the strip.

The recently announced replacement species for the capital’s gateway, Eucalyptus mannifera, is “not commonly referred to as the widow maker or brittle gum for nothing,” he harrumphs.

“It is renowned for dropping branches without warning, not on windy days necessarily, but on a quiet, dead still day. It is one of the main problem trees for ACTEW with large branches falling on power lines.”

Inspired by a 1994 national seminar themed

“Urban Trees –The Challenge for Australian Cities and Towns”, Cedric learned that eucalypts require a higher level of maintenance than deciduous trees due to their characteristic of whole branches dying and dropping for no apparent reason.

“While eucalypts grow to a very old age in nature, there are very few that have survived past the age of 60 years as street trees,” he says.

“On the other hand there is a much higher proportion of exotic deciduous trees that are considerably older than 60 and still in good health.”

And what’s more, he says, eucalypts can only be planted when small, whereas exotic deciduous trees can be planted as large, advanced trees, which would reduce the timescale of growth and visual impact on the main route through Canberra.

All for nought, Cedric. The NCA won’t have a bar of deciduous trees on Northbourne Avenue.

Tagging Barr ‘out of touch’

IT was heartwarming to see the party of the silvertails taking up cudgels for the working families of Canberra against the Chief Minister’s let-them-drinksparkling-mineral-water defence of his hateful new nocturnal and weekend parking charges around the city centre.

“He’s truly out of touch with regular Canberrans and city businesses by dismissing the impact of parking fees,” bubbled the Opposition’s Brendan Smyth in a carefully phrased backhander.

The Libs accused Andrew Barr, pictured, of laughing off the impact of new parking fees by comparing the cost to a bottle of sparkling mineral water at high-end restaurants.

The “out-of-touch” theme was reprised when UnionsACT’s large-sample survey revealed the bleeding obvious, that most of the city opposes the light-rail project.

“Andrew Barr is clearly out of touch with the wishes of Canberrans,” cheerfully cooed Libs’ deputy leader Alistair Coe

Here’s the rub

WHOEVER’S doing the marketing for this citybased sandwich board ought to be toasted. What used to be “Now $59” for a VIP Thai massage is now $69. And wouldn’t you resent paying the extra $10 when the sign suggests it used to be cheaper?

Is it hot in here?

WHILE government largesse shines on Gungahlin, the sun it would seem is shining on unloved Tuggeranong. While the rest of the city shivers in the gloomy depths of winter, Tuggeranong would appear to be basking in a heatwave if the electronic sign at the Southern Cross club’s outpost is to be believed (which it’s not). Through a rain-smeared windscreen, CC was bog-eyed to discover the outside temperature was, according to the sign, 37C! It was good for morale if nothing else.

Warm, fuzzy, odd

RED noses are one thing but the eminently worthy Cerebral Palsy Alliance has trumped that with the singularly silly “Onesies for a Day”. CC, of course, wouldn’t be seen dead in one, but on July 1 the alliance is inviting people to “feel warm and fuzzy, inside and out” and wear one, presumably to work, in support of kids living with cerebral palsy. Register at everydayhero.com.au and search “Onesies”.

New Mr Memories

MARC McCreadie, pictured, is turning off his microphone at 7AD Devonport and turning on the hits and memories at 2CA as the station’s new program manager. The soon-to-be-former Tasmanian breakfast announcer seems buoyed to be back on the Big Island saying: “2CA is rating the highest it has in over a decade and it’s an exciting time to be joining the team”. Well, he won’t get too homesick, the weather in faraway Devonport is no better than Canberra’s right now.

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / the Midwinter Ball, Parliament House

WAS it the best yet Midwinter Ball? This 2015 extravaganza at Parliament House was a winter wonderland with entertainment from our very own Divine Ms M (Jessica Mauboy) and her band of talent getting the whole shebang started with an opening performance setting the bar high.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, the princess perfect of glam frocks, sparkled and she gets my gong for the most stunning with Chloe Bryce a close second showing her genetically inherited elegance with a cerise pink, fake fur stole over her black silk, asymmetrical, one-shoulder dress.

And it is about the frocks as photographers scarper together from one arrival to the next seeking the stylish and perfectly poised posing and preening in the foyer at Parliament House as it slowly fills with the unique troika of corporate sponsors, parliamentarians with selected staffers and the Canberra Press Gallery. Ostensibly, it is to raise money for charities and this year a couple of newer ones will be well funded, but it’s also like a big steam valve on the pressure cooker of this “sheltered workshop”, as unlikely companions endure each other’s company as convivially as decorum dictates, dance hoping that no one is watching and work the room. Always fascinating, and this one among the best.

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.

Kidstart Education and Activity Centre is unique to Canberra and has been in operation since 1996. Kidstart Education is an owner operated centre where, at all times we strive for excellence, dedication, service, love, care, compassion towards the members of our Kidstart family. We cater for children aged between 5 months and 5 years of age and their parents and carers.

• Led by qualified & experienced teachers

• Fun and stimulating activities that provides both enjoyment and learning

• Sessions include music, movement, dance, fine & gross motor activities as well as literacy and numeracy

• Emphasis on development of motor skills, academic and social skills

• Parent classes for children 5 mths to 2 yrs

• Independent Pre-Preschool for 3 year olds

• Preschool PLUS for 4 and over

• Providing children with the academic and social skills required for formal schooling by introducing structure and routines in a play based fun and creative atmosphere

A BABY always brings joy and excite-ment, but it’s also a big learning curve of new skills, pressures and needs.

From staying fit and healthy during pregnancy to buying maternity wear and finding clothes, shoes, toys and activities for

CLOTHES AND MORE

BRADDON’S Lellow Kids is a children’s boutique store stocking a range of clothes, shoes, toys and bedroom decor for babies and young children.

Owner, Loretta Hately, focuses on high-quality products that she knows babies will love, based on her own experience as a mum.

She’s got a new range of products that have just hit the shelves.

“We stock Newmakers rockers and rollers that come in the shape of a variety of exotic animals including tigers, zebras and pandas. The products are all hand made in the UK using high-grade beech plywood and have won design awards,” she says.

The new range of BOBUX Xplorer shoes are suitable for all children with the aim to enhance the natural development of little feet so they are free to grow and develop.

FERTILITY

ANYONE considering starting a family who has concerns about their or their partner’s fertility, ISIS Fertility is the place to go.

The clinic’s caring team of doctors, nurses, scientists, counsellors and administrative staff are there to guide patients through the journey in a stress-free environment.

Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, ISIS Fertility seeks to use natural methods to the greatest extent possible, but at the same time, recognises the need to utilise scientific methods and treatments for those who require and choose it.

ISIS Fertility is situated in Barton and offers a complete range of services including artificial (intrauterine) insemination, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection, frozen embryo transfer, and fertility preservation: embryo, sperm and egg freezing and storage, as well as open international donor sperm.

Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can be an overwhelming experience and ISIS Fertility offers caring, professional advice in the comfortable environment of the new walk-in clinic every Tuesday evening until 7pm.

ISIS Fertility, Level 2, 9 Sydney Avenue, Barton. Call 6175 9000 or visit isisfertility.com.au Enquiries to info@isisfertility.com.au

little ones, there’s always something to keep a mum (and a dad) busy.

Here’s a little know how from people who know all about managing that very special bundle of joy.

Lellow Kids aims to provide a personalised service and, says Loretta, is “passionate about providing locals and customers Australia-wide with good-quality children’s wear that is fashionable and functional.”

Lellow Kids, 129/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Call 6162 1272 or go to lellow.com.au

THROUGH a consistent investment in worldleading science and individualised care, Genea aims to provide people with a greater chance of achieving their dream of parenthood. Situated in Deakin, Genea says it has access to the latest science, technology and techniques providing all fertility services with a state-ofthe-art ultrasound suite and an onsite lab that is equipped to perform all assisted conception procedures, including egg pick-up and embryo transfer.

Scientists and embryologists use worldleading technologies for IVF, sperm function testing, genetic diagnosis including PGD and specialised IVF procedures such as ICSI, assisted hatching and embryo biopsy as well as sperm and embryo freezing and cryostorage. Genea says its fertility experts understand that when struggling to conceive naturally people can feel vulnerable and stressed, so they aim to provide the highest level of care and personalised advice to improve natural fertility before attempting IVF.

Genea, ground floor, 2 King Street, Deakin. Call 6260 3400 or visit genea.com.au

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the ‘congratulations’ fade...

DEVELOPMENT

KIDSTART

Education says it aims to provide opportunities for each child to develop socially, physically and intellectually through a sequential program full of fun and stimulating activities that provide both enjoyment and learning. Its sessions include music, movement, dance, fine and gross motor activities as well as literacy and numeracy activities.

The company says qualified teachers and assistants run all its classes in an owner-operated centre.

“We place particular importance on the development of motor skills and co-ordination, as these are critical to a child’s development and future learning,” the company says.

“Our programs provide children with the academic and social skills required for formal schooling by introducing structure and routines in a play-based, fun and creative atmosphere. Classes are available for children from five months to five years of age.

Kidstart Education, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Visit kidstart.com.au or call 0422 406622.

THE first five years of a child’s life are the most important for development and it is usually when they are the most keen to learn, says owner of GymbaROO, Kristie Ryan.

“GymbaROO is a motor-sensory program aimed to make sure the child’s senses are working together properly,” she says.

“We know the crucial importance of the correct stimulation during this period to improve a child’s development intellectually, physically and emotionally.

“Lack of these opportunities can result in motor delay and learning difficulties.”

Located in Fairbairn, parents sign up for a term and attend a class once a week, all programs are specifically designed to develop essential motor skills in children and inform parents on the importance of health, learning and behaviour.

“The classes are taught by qualified teachers,” says Kristie.

“We give parents, carers, grandparents and children ideas to help with development at home. Each term has a theme and the activities and songs are based around that, currently the theme is nursery rhymes.

Providing exceptional care and support during your fertility journey

ISIS Fertility are the experts in helping singles and couples in Canberra and the surrounding region achieve their baby dream.

The friendly, caring team at ISIS Fertility provides personalised fertility treatment including Artificial Insemination, IVF, ICSI and Frozen Embryo Transfer.

They take a holistic approach to fertility by providing recommendations to Doctors of Chinese Medicine, Naturopaths, Counsellors, Dietitians and health clubs for mental and physical wellbeing as part of your treatment.

If you have been trying to fall pregnant for 6-12 months, contact ISIS Fertility to find out how they can help.

ISIS Fertility now offers a walk-in clinic every Tuesday evening until 7pm.

International Open ID Donor Sperm is now available.

Dr Nicole Sides | Dr Sim Hom Tam

Suite 1, 9 Sydney Avenue, Barton ACT 2600

“Children improve their motor skills through different experiences and opportunities to use their bodies which impact on their development. It is amazing how much young children understand and use when given the opportunity.

“What makes GymbaROO different is that it is a research-based program and we have a permanent researcher who finds the best practices around the world.”

GymbaROO is now offering a free trial, open to everyone.

GymbaROO, 25 Richmond Avenue, Fairbairn. Call Kristie on 0422 312457 or email at kristie@gymbaroocanberra.com. Visit gymbaroocanberra.com

Lellow Kids is now stocking Newmakers Rockers and Rollers made in the UK from sustainable wood and exclusive to Lellow Kids perfect for a 1st Birthday.

If you are after something warm, try the beautiful baby blankets by D’Lux. Or maybe a soft toy from the French Moulin Roty range & Knitted dolls from Blabla.

Lellow Kids continue to stock your favourite labels and have recently introduced Nununu collection, also stocking award winning shoes for learning to walk by BOBUX.

Super Toyworld & Hobbies is one of Australia’s longest running family owned toy business entertaining generations of Aussie kids since 1924.

Come and see for yourself why Super Toyworld & Hobbies Fyshwick is Canberra’s favourite toy and

FAST NEWS FIRST

HEALTH

WOMEN’S

health and pelvic floor physiotherapists, Marita O’Shea and Margaret Hilly, provide specialised prenatal and postnatal services at Northside Physiotherapy

With a combined 50 years’ experience and recognised as leaders in women’s health physiotherapy, Marita and Margaret provide advice and treatment for women with pelvic floor and urinary issues and say that early assessment is the key to appropriate treatment.

“One in three women experience urinary issues according to the Continence Foundation of Australia,” says Marita.

“We understand that it can be hard for new mums to make time for themselves when they have a new baby and a lot of women are embarrassed to talk to medical practitioners about the problems they are experiencing.

“Some women can have incontinence, bowel dysfunction or pain during sexual intercourse, we see these problems all the time and want to make them

feel comfortable so they can talk about it.

“Many problems can be successfully treated with correct input and addressing the problem early”.

Northside Physiotherapy provides such services as assessment and management of pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency, as well as pre and postnatal care including treatment of pelvic/sacroiliac joint instability, low back pain, abdominal separation, mastitis and more.

A six-week postnatal check-up is also available for all mums and appointments can be made over the phone.

Northside Physiotherapy, Unit 4 Professional Centre, Bennetts Close, McKellar, call 6259 1067.

Visit northsidephysio.com.au

TOYS

SUPER Toyworld and Hobbies is a fourth-generation, family owned and operated store offering leading brands of toys and hobbies at competitive prices.

Situated in Fyshwick, Super Toyworld and Hobbies has provided quality service to the residents of Canberra since 1924 and offers one of the largest range of toys in the region.

Owner, Geoffrey Morton, says: “Our point of difference to other stores is our personalised service.

“Customers can turn up, park right outside on the on-site parking and the knowledgeable staff know the products and will assist you in any way they can.

“We offer a great range of games,

puzzles and soft toys, as well as early learning products and educational pre-school products for infants and older.”

Selected by its resident primary school teacher, Super Toyworld and Hobbies offers advice on the best range of products to suit a child’s learning style and development needs.

Geoffrey says: “We are a dedicated toy store with an all-year-round range. As one of the last of the family owned toy stores in Canberra, we offer that personal service and attention that customers appreciate”.

Super Toyworld and Hobbies, 5 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 7150 or visit toyworldact.com

Introducing the first non-invasive prenatal screening processed entirely in Australia.

GeneSyte gives you insight into your baby’s health by screening for a wide range of chromosome conditions such as Trisomy 13,18 and 21 with a simple and safe blood test.

Find out more information at genea.com.au/genesyte

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ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING

T HE Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo brings together the best in products, services and advice on all things from pregnancy through to preschool.

The two-day parenting event will be held at the AIS Arena on August 15-16, giving families the chance to browse, try and even buy direct from manufacturers, as well as retailers never before seen in Canberra.

Co-owner, Veronika Cox, says: “It’s a great combination of products, services and advice, from pregnancy and birth support right through to playgroups and health services.

“This year will be the second expo and we’ve had a lot of national interest. Pinky McKay will be the guest speaker, she is a gentle parenting expert who will be giving seminars on baby sleep and toddler tactics. As she is from Melbourne, it is a great opportunity for Canberra families to hear her speak.”

The Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo gathers

invaluable services where visitors can chat to midwives and breastfeeding experts and keep the children happy in a dedicated children’s space.

“There will be innovative products from all around Australia as well as local to the ACT. It

Guest speaker Pinky McKay.

will be a unique opportunity to meet the families who made the products,” says Veronika.

The Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo, August 15-16, AIS Arena. Visit canberrababyexpo.com.au

When can I return to exercise?

Why am I leaking?

Why is sex painful?

Why are my bowels a problem?

Why are my abdominal muscles still separated? Why is my mastitis recurring?

For professional postnatal advice come and see Marita O’Shea and Margaret Hilly Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists

Northside Physiotherapy Unit 4 Professional Centre

Bennetts Close McKellar Phone 6259 1067

Marita also consults at Deakin Phone 6282 2033

For more information please visit www.northsidephysio.com.au www.herphysio.com.au

www.facebook.com/canberrababyexpo

arts & entertainment review

Finnish-Swedish comedian Bianca Kronlöf in “Underdog”.

Weird love triangle for the underdog

By Helen Musa

THE second Scandinavian Film Festival is almost upon us, and with dramas, comedies and thrillers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, it’s likely to please most.

I’m talking by phone to Sweden with Finnish-Swedish comedian Bianca Kronlöf, star of “Underdog”, the debut film by Swedish tabloid journalist, Ronnie Sandahl. In impeccable English, Kronlöf tells me that a more correct translation of “Svenskjävel” would be something like “f... ing Swedes”, a reference to the influx of Swedes into Norway and the altered power balance between the two countries after Sweden’s crash of the 1990s.

She’s an unlikely choice for the role of

23-year-old Dino, who escapes to nouveauriche Oslo and finds herself in the loop of temporary jobs and bingeing until she talks herself into a job as housekeeper for an ex-tennis star (that’s a Scandinavian in-joke, Norway never had a Björn Borg or Stefan Edberg) and finds herself in a weird love triangle with the father and his teenage daughter.

The setting is contemporary, the era after Norway benefitted from the discovery of North Sea oil, and I’m slightly mystified when the film shows Norwegian yuppies asking: “Who drives the buses? Who cleans the toilets?” and answering: “The Poles, the Filipinos…and the Swedes”.

“As many as 25 per cent of your young people are out of work, so they go to Norway, but nobody helps you find work there,” Kronlöf explains.

For authenticity, the film was made in Oslo with the team all living together in the

Risky business of romping with Casanova theatre

By Mark Kilmurry, based

on the screenplay by

Russell T. Davies.

Directed by Jarrad West.

At Canberra Rep, Theatre 3, until July 4.

Reviewed by Len Power

YOU wouldn’t want to see a play about legendary lover, Casanova, unless it was sexy.

Well, in Canberra Rep’s new production there’s more sex happening on stage than you can shake a stick at.

Jarrad West’s fast-moving, furiously funny production has a wild ensemble of actors performing the life of Casanova as related to a maid by the elder Casanova, played movingly by Tony Turner. With hints of Commedia dell’arte and a jumble of various styles mixed with modern and classical music, it’s daring and it works.

same house.

Although in the early part of “Underdog” such problems are sketched so that it looks like a socially-oriented story. In her opinion it’s really a story about the power structure between the sexes.

“It’s a small universe inside a bigger one…regarding Sweden and Norway – that is just the setting, so you don’t need to know that much about current politics,” she says.

“You know, a young woman meets an older man, she is working class and she experiences a middle-class house full of expensive things and people talking about things that don’t interest you.

“What I liked about the script was that it wasn’t stereotyped. There are lots of stories about young girls having relationships with older men, but they’re usually told from a male point of view – something sexy – she’s vulnerable, he’s saving her…this script isn’t

that simple.

“She comes into a household and creates a small chaos, as an actor, that’s the most superb thing.”

Kronlöf usually plays comedy, using her own material, and says: “I was quite nervous about how the audiences would react to my doing this”.

The rest of the Scandinavian Film Festival is as eclectic as you’d expect. Other movies include the hilarious “Here Is Harold”, a Norwegian road movie about a man who sets out to kidnap the founder of Ikea, the Icelandic drama “Life In A Fish Bowl”, set in Reykjavik on the eve of the country’s 2008 economic meltdown and the Danish Nordic noir film, “The Absent One”, involving a double murder of twins.

The Second Scandinavian Film Festival, Palace Electric, NewActon, July 14-26. Bookings to palacecinemas.com.au

Using the revolving stage, the delightfully busy setting, designed by the director, provides a multitude of locations. Lighting by Kelly McGannon and sound by the director were complex, impressive and well-executed. Costumes designed by Anne Kay were colourful, quirky and fun.

Ben Russell, who plays the younger Casanova, commands the stage with a charismatic, edgy and believable performance. Steph Roberts as Edith, the maid attending the elder Casanova, projects a nicely realistic warmth and concern for the old man.

Amy Dunham as Henriette, the love of Casanova’s life, displays great vulnerability and a moving sense of the damage the relationship caused her. Riley Bell, as the younger Casanova’s best friend, and Chris Zuber, as Casanova’s nemesis, also give strong performances. The rest of the cast play multiple roles and there is stunningly vivid character work from everyone.

Jarrad West’s vision for this play was risky and he took some big chances. The result is a sexy and highly entertaining night of good theatre.

Inside a child’s head

“Inside Out” (PG)

DIRECTOR Pete Docter’s choice of theme for “Inside Out” sets out to explain the inner workings of a child’s brain.

In the first few years of life, behaviour is observable, but assessing the legacy of how it interacts with emotional and physical senses and memory needs assumptions about territory that adults have long forgotten.

In her high chair, spoon-fed Riley rejected broccoli. That’s a response from green-haired Disgust. Parental manipulation brings yellow-haired Joy to restore order. Skinny multi-toned Fear and plump blue-haired Sadness express their views. And Anger in red overalls has fun being, just, angry.

As the child grows older and better able to communicate its feelings, adults may more successfully enquire into observed behaviour but much of it remains secret in the child.

In its last third, Docter’s film jumps the tracks, an appropriate metaphor taking Riley, just into doubledigit age, on a wild train ride after losing control of her five emotional controllers.

As Riley grows older, the film’s treatment becomes increasingly focused on middle-American values. It ignores growing in a working-class environment. The story perforce stops studying early childhood issues as Riley approaches the threshold marked puberty. The closing credits remind us that the five emotions continue to influence not only adults but also our pets. The principal question that “Inside Out” poses is, how will Pixar’s skilful attempt to visually animate a topic that’s innately not visible resonate with the age cohort with which its plot and events deal? Forgive me, please, for being unable to offer a credible answer.

At Capitol 6, Dendy, Palace Electric and Hoyts

“The Nightingale” (G)

THIS Sino-French co-production was China’s nomination for best foreign language film at the 2015 Oscars. Uncontaminated by political proselytising, economical in its delivery of a charming story, director Philippe Muyl’s screenplay takes retired working-class grandfather Zhi Gen (Baotian Li) and granddaughter Ren Xing (Xin Yi Yang) on a journey from Beijing to the provincial town where Zhi Gen’s wife is buried. There’s more to it than that mere travelogue. Against a background of a gentle, credible observation of the social fabric that China has woven from the customs of past millennia and high-tech 21st century hustle, it explores a warm and affectionate relationship dealing with recognisable family issues set among peripheral

characters with whom we could be easily comfortable if there was common language.

The title comes from the caged bird that has been Zhi Gen’s only companion in widowerhood. It’s older than usual for its species. Ren Xing is scornful of it at first, hardly surprising in light of her spoiled, selfish demeanour as the only child of an internationallyknown architect and a high-profile media mother. She resents having to spend a week with Zhi Gen. Her conversion is the film’s central theme. And it’s agreeably entertaining.

The film delivers lovely images of rural China, towns that might have existed before Rome was built, man and nature in a harmony both organic and manufactured. Baotian Li is a joy to watch playing a character in whom innate wisdom and gentle determination combine to fine effect.

At Palace Electric

“Walking the Camino” (PG)

IN “The Way” (2010), Martin Sheen played a man who, after a spur-of-the-moment decision, walks 800kms from Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and its cathedral where the disciple St James is reportedly buried.

In 2013, Lydia Smith made this documentary about six people making the same pilgrimage. There’s much about it that merits praise. Its people are real. Its events are spontaneous. Although traversing the same countryside as “The Way”, it sometimes follows different pathways.

Comparing the two films is not only unnecessary, it is also fruitless. Ms Smith has filmed people whose reasons ring true each in their own way. You can’t but find delight from little Cyran who sometimes walks, sometimes rides in the perambulator pushed by his mother or her brother. Another woman makes the journey in constant pain. A Canadian widower and his friend attack it with vigour. A young woman is making the pilgrimage to rid herself of the legacy of a dissolute life.

The Camino is a tourist experience totally supported by the people who live along its paths. The film doesn’t explore the pilgrimage’s monetary arrangements. Hospitality and support are what good people provide as a matter of course to help the walkers on their way.

“Walking the Camino” can give its audiences whatever they choose to take from it. Its plot is simply progress to an end, at an extraordinarily visually cluttered cathedral that has stood for 12 centuries in Compostela’s main plaza. Does it move the viewer to make the pilgrimage? Faith is not a necessary prerequisite.

At Palace Electric

OPENS FRIDAY 26 JUNE 5.30 – 8.00. RSVP.

Aarwun is delighted to introduce three new artists to the gallery; Archibald Finalist Margarita Georgiadis, Sydney based Susie Sierra and local artist and designer Athi Lamech. Join us for an evening of cheese, wine and conversation with the artists. This collections of glowing oils on linen and charcoal works on paper will engage the mind and warm the soul. Runs till 17 July. e: aarwuncanberra@bigpond.com w: aarwungallery.com p: 02 62302055

Federation Square, Gold Creek, Nicholls.

KAY AND ASSOCIATES PRESENTS

TOUR 2015

Beanies bring heads together

By Helen Musa

THE humble beanie takes centre stage at The Street Theatre when “Head Full of Love” comes to town in early July.

Actor, translator and cultural consultant, Paula Delaney Nazarski, a Ngugi woman from North Stradbroke Island, hasn’t yet been to the famous Alice Springs Beanie Festival, but next year is the 20th anniversary and she says: “I’d like to be there”.

Craftspeople from remote areas and The Alice turn beanies into artworks, often decorated with seeds and fibres in wonderful shapes, textures, colours and patterns that have cracked the tourist market.

The play, by Alana Valentine, premiered at Darwin Festival in 2010 and has so far raised $60,000 in after-show donations to the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation’s Purple House, which runs a mobile dialysis unit.

That’s relevant and Paula tells “CityNews” of the women who come in to Alice Springs for renal care and dialysis. To pay for their expenses in the big town so far away from country and family, they sell the beanies.

“I play Tilly, a pretty feisty old girl who doesn’t suffer fools gladly,” she tells me, “but she has a few

problems” – and she’s running out of time to finish her new beanie for the competition.

Enter Nessa, played by Annie Byron (“Muriel’s Wedding”), a Sydneysider who’s run away to the Red Centre to escape her own problems.

“This tourist woman, this white lady shows up in Alice Springs and they strike up an unlikely friendship,” says Paula.

“At the beginning of the show you look at them and you ask how would they ever become friends?”

The women converse while they crochet, but as Paula points out: “What really is interesting is that we don’t talk about men, although sons do get a bit of a mention.”

But men like the play.

“On opening night, a group of men from the Men’s Shed came along because of their wives and absolutely loved it,” she says.

“The amazing thing was that they came on a Friday night, footy night.”

Best of all is her working relationship with “the incomparable Annie Byron.”

“I feel she brings me to a whole new level of being as an actor – I’m so in love with this sister,” she says.

“Head Full of Love”, Queensland Theatre Company, The Street Theatre, July 3-4, bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223. Donations directly to the Purple House at westerndesertdialysis.com/the-purple-house

Have a merry (but cold) Christmas!

IT’S the second most wonderful time of the year, Christmas is almost upon us again, but you don’t need to wait until December.

Christmas in July is a chance to celebrate with family and friends in weather more suited to a northern hemisphere yuletide.

The tradition is so well entrenched in Australia that most restaurants, cafes and clubs have menus catering for Christmas in July. Many families head to the

snowfields to celebrate by skiing and building snowmen.

The precise beginnings of the Christmas in July tradition is not very clear, although it is commonly believed that it actually started in Europe, as a way to celebrate Christmas in summer. Though it is not known when it started exactly, it is from the 1980s that the festival began to be celebrated. The earliest Christmas celebrations in July saw people throwing parties that imitate the actual festivities in December. Celebrations included other Christmas traditions such as Santa Claus, ice cream and other cold foods, and gifts.

This untimely Christmas festival is also often ascribed to a group of Irish tourists who went for a vacation in Sydney’s Blue Mountains in July, 1980. Overjoyed at the sight of snow, it’s believed they convinced the proprietor of a local hotel to hold a party called “Yulefest”.

The idea was an instant hit and the hotelier saw a golden opportunity and held a Christmas party each year in July.

Dairy

Grilled

Heading back for the buzz

I HADN’T been to Il Figaro in Kingston for yonks (as in years); if truth be told, my pizza crust was burnt on my first visit and so I didn’t return – until recently.

Why the change of heart? Of late, I’ve noticed how Il Figaro is holding its own in a highly competitive Kingston market, which has seen some long-standing restaurants shut their doors.

Second, it’s often super busy and full of people looking very happy. So I gave myself a poke and decided to give it another go. I’m glad I did, and so was my friend.

The meals were soul satisfying, the service pretty swift as well as accommodating (we didn’t have a reservation but they squeezed us in), and the place was buzzing.

Chef Nino Pagano has been whipping up what he calls traditional and authentic Italian and Mediterranean food for decades. His menu, including the specials board, is extensive.

If you need an aperitivo to get the juices flowing before you dine, and happen to be at Il Figaro Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 6.30pm, you can indulge for just $5 – perfect with an antipasti dish if you desire.

I was in the mood for pasta and that took me to the Spaghetti Puttanesca, which for the size of the serve, was great value at $17.90 (I recently wrote about a pub

seasonal vegetables.

that charges around double that for a small entrée size, albeit with a couple of prawns tossed in).

Who can go wrong with a combo of salty capers and anchovies, garlic, chilli, rich tomato sauce and complex parmigiana cheese? You can actually, if it’s badly prepared, but this dish got a big tick. I asked for, and received, extra chilli.

My friend ordered a blackboard special –homemade ricotta gnocchi served with a rich, slow-cooked, tender veal ragu, flavoured with an intense tomato sauce and lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables ($22.90). She flew straight to ragu heaven.

Il Figaro is happy to serve children, vegetarians and those who prefer gluten-free options.

The wine list averages $40 for white and around $45 for red. The place is BYO wine only.

There’s nothing flash about Il Figaro’s décor, although tables are adorned with white tablecloths.

The lights are too bright at night (for my liking). Not that I like dining with a flashlight, but a bit of softness is nice.

Will we be back? Yes, we will. Will we try the pizza? Yes, we will. Those being served to diners at tables surrounding ours looked amazing.

Dine in or take away, 17 Kennedy Street, Kingston. Call 6232 6922.

arts in the city

the ladies sing…

By Helen Musa

BUNGENDORE Wood Works Gallery goes showbiz when cabaret artists Maeve Marsden, Annaliese Szota, Fiona Pearson and Libby Wood appear in “Lady Sings It Better”. At Cafe Wood Works, Saturday, July 4, from 6pm. Bookings to 6238 1688.

ANCA Gallery’s annual exhibition of miniature wearable artworks, “sPIN”, this year features more than 200 works by more than 65 artists. At 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, until July 5.

COZMO, the Capital of Australia Mandolinata, has its annual winter concert, featuring music for mandolin by Corelli, Australians Charlton, Lalor and Kay, and traditional tango, Italian and Latin tunes at the Hellenic Club, 13 Moore Street, Civic, 4pm-5.15pm, on Sunday, June 28. Tickets at the door. Bookings to cozmo.org.au or 0421 043082.

IN a coup for the Wesley Music Foundation, celebrated soprano and patron of Art Song Canberra, Yvonne

Kenny, will conduct a free masterclass in Wesley Uniting Church, 2pm, on August 23, for advanced students of classical voice and from voicepiano duos. Up to six singers or duos will be chosen on merit. Queries to Alan Hicks at alan.hicks@canberra. edu.au and applications to info@ artsongcanberra.org by August 3. The public is welcome to attend via bookings to trybooking.com/IDGF or tickets at the door.

MEANWHILE, Art Song has baritone Chris McGee with sopranos Rosanna Boyd and Ruth Crabb and pianist Colin Forbes performing a romantic concert titled “Life, Love and Longing” at Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday June 28. Tickets at the door.

THE High Commission of Canada is hosting a screening of “John McCrae’s War: In Flanders Fields” at the Australian War Memorial’s theatre, 1pm, on July 1. It’s a documentary about McCrae, the wartime doctor who wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”. It’s open to anyone and admission is free.

SHORT+Sweet Canberra returns to the Canberra Theatre Centre in August and director Kate Gaul is on the lookout for local directors. Inquiries to kate@shortandsweet.org or visit shortandsweet.org/shortsweet-theatre/ our-festivals/canberra

Boyd… singing in “Life, Love and Longing” on June 28.

Creating Sustainable Gardens

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We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow

CYMBIDIUM

orchids have arrived! They flower for months and make a great indoor plant

TREES

Plan azalea blooms for spring

AZALEA time is rapidly approaching and, in fact, I have blooms on one azalea totally out of season, even with these severe frosts. Incidentally, I was told that early -7C frosts so early in winter are a once-in-a-15year cycle.

Of all the azalea family, I like the Gumpo azaleas best, if nothing else for their abundance of flowers. To be botanically correct azaleas are part of the rhododendron family, namely Rhododendron eriocarpum Gumpo and also known as Dwarf Indica Gumpo.

Gumpo azaleas grow to a compact 60cm tall with a 90cm bushy, dense spread and flower early to late spring. Floral displays will be more effective if they are planted in groups of threes, fives or sevens, depending on the available space. I suggest planting the same colour in each group.

Unlike most other azaleas and rhododendrons, Gumpos will tolerate full sun, are evergreen and, interestingly, bloom about two months after other azaleas, helping to provide a continuity of garden colour. Gumpos are an important part of Japanese gardens, where they have been grown for centuries.

THERE is possibly no one man who has refreshed the world more with new varieties of roses than David Austin with his English Roses. They have taken the world by storm over the years and continue to do so with new varieties every year. This week I’m featuring David Austin’s new England’s Rose.

It has blooms of deep, glowing pink that are neatly held in clusters. A weather-resistant rose, even in

periods of continual heavy rain its blooms do not ball and the petals fall away cleanly. Its fragrance is strong, warm and spicy. It grows to 1.2m x 1m wide, a compact size to suit most gardens. It blooms from mid-November right through to the end of summer.

A gardener who grew this rose for the first time wrote: “I grew this rose last year and although it is still a small bush, it is the most floriferous thing I have seen.

“After the first enormous flush of pink flowers that covered the whole bush, I started pinching out buds, as this little bush pumps out these buds with great vigour to encourage more blooms”.

And another gardener said: “I wouldn’t bother pinching out blooms, it blooms too fast for that.

“It is bomb proof, even in terrible weather, and forms a brilliant shaped shrub”.

I will have to find a space somewhere in the garden for this little beauty!

Jottings...

• Plant Ericas for early spring flowers so loved by bees.

• Move deciduous shrubs that are in the wrong spot. It doesn’t matter if all the soil falls off as they are in their dormant stage. Trim any broken roots.

• For an early crop of rhubarb, cover with pea straw or similar and cover with an upturned bucket to exclude light. Stems will be ready two to three weeks earlier than uncovered plants.

• John Bowe, of Tablelands Trees and Shrubs, will talk about alpine gardening at Parkwood Nursery, 10.30am, Wednesday, July 8. Bookings to 6254 6726.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rams are on fire mentally, as you dream up a creative scheme or solve a problem in an innovative way. The Venus/Uranus trine favours romantic escapades or falling in love very fast (which is an Aries specialty). It’s also a wonderful week to explore fresh horizons with some exciting and entrepreneurial new friends. And the midweek Full Moon charges up your career zone so professional boredom and procrastination are out; and being passionately proactive is in.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Are you stuck in a stultifying Taurus rut? This week’s stars encourage you to be a lot more adventurous as you throw off your comfy slippers and go for it. Venus (your ruling planet) hooks up with Jupiter in your domestic zone, so it’s also a fabulous time to socialise with family members or buy something beautiful for your home. Attached Bulls – find fresh ways to reinvigorate the relationship. Singles – when it comes to looking for love, expect the unexpected!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Marvellous Mercury aspects boost your gregarious Gemini side and stimulate your innate curiosity. So make sure you fill your week with plenty of social activities and exciting learning experiences. Original thoughts and creative ideas could strike at any moment so make sure you have your phone, tablet, laptop, pen and paper, paint brush or musical instrument within easy reach, and then you won’t miss a thing. No one does creative communication better than you.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

The power of imagination is on your side this week. Ideas and inspiration will come from daydreaming and creative visualisation, as you retreat into your own private inner Crab cave. But you must resist the temptation to shop up a storm, and use retail therapy as a form of entertainment. Find less expensive ways to amuse yourself! If you are attached – expect some rejuvenating romantic antics with your partner. Singles – love and work are linked.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions can seem to be brazenly bold and brave on the outside but sometimes on the inside, you feel like a much less confident kitten. This week it’s time to take a deep breath, as you talk up your creative talents and promote your accomplishments with cool confidence and plenty of chutzpah. If you don’t believe in yourself; why should anyone else? Draw inspiration from birthday great Debbie Harry: “The only person I really believe in is me.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Have you been overworking and burning the midnight oil? The stars favour taking time out to recharge your run-down batteries, as you contemplate your life and where you’re going. Avoid being overly organised – leave room for spontaneous gestures and exciting surprises. You also have a strong desire to be of service, as you find a novel new way to help others. Be inspired by Princess Diana (born on July 1, 1961): “Everyone has the potential to give something back.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

So much to learn; so little time! It’s the perfect week to channel energy into educating and expanding your mind. Your communication skills are also firing, as you extend your peer group and make exciting new connections. Family comes first midweek, as you work on building firm foundations and fostering affection at Villa Libra. Singles – with lucky Jupiter on your side, the best place to look for love at the moment is online. So start updating your profile pronto.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Don’t be shy Scorpio! Strive to promote yourself big time, as you push forward in a positive and proactive way. You have much to gain from sharing creative ideas with a compatible colleague. If you’re looking for a new job, now’s the time to strike as lucky Venus and Jupiter enhance your professional persona. And don’t waste time worrying about money. A combination of savvy business sense and trusty intuition will lead you in the right direction.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s a sensational week to shake off the mental cobwebs and stretch your creative wings in expansive new directions. You’re keen to expand your knowledge base, as you pick up ideas and inspiration from all corners of the globe. Plus fabulous opportunities could come from foreign shores, as Venus and Jupiter join up in your travel zone. Sagittarians are the cosmopolitan global citizens of the zodiac, so get connecting with your international buddies ASAP!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you experiencing problems with a partner of the romantic, business or platonic variety? Drop the “I’m right” attitude and strive to communicate in more consultative ways as you inspire others with your inclusive ideas, networking skills and community spirit. Venus and Jupiter link up in your ‘money-from-others’ zone so it’s a lucky week for finances. But expect some shenanigans on the home front, when a family member starts a brand new phase.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your bohemian side shines brightly this week, as the stars stimulate your endearingly eccentric side. Tap into the adventurous Aquarian you were born to be, as you charm others without even trying. You’re also keen to communicate creatively, so make it a priority to collaborate with like-minded souls so you can achieve a win-win result for everyone. But you’ll need some quality solo time to relax and recalibrate, as the Full Moon stimulates your solitude zone.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The Sun/Neptune trine and Full Moon encourage you to be as creatively inspired as possible. So it’s a wonderful week to channel your inner artist as you write, draw, act, sing, paint or perform music; plus see a movie, play, concert or art exhibition so you can soak up and appreciate the artistic talents of others. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Blondie singer/songwriter Debbie Harry: “I’m a culture vulture, and I just want to experience it all.”

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

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