150709 citynews

Alex’s safe-sex fix for the love of cats

YOU can’t teach cats about safe sex, says Alexandra Craig, so she has turned her attention to fundraising in her spare time to offer subsidised cat desexing to the community.

“A lot of people think that desexing their cat isn’t important because it’s only one cat and can’t make that much of an impact,” Alexandra says.

“However, when you factor in that one cat can have up to three litters a year, with up to eight kittens per litter, that’s potentially 24 kittens. Then if those 24 kittens go on to be responsible for 24 kittens each... and the cycle continues.”

Alexandra started the Canberra Cat Fix in March to help with the issue of unwanted cats in Canberra.

Applications for the first round of desexing closed at the end of June, with Alexandra now going through the 200-plus applications before the actual operations start in July.

“It’s not easy to determine who deserves the service, but we have specified that those with a Healthcare card will receive priority, then it’s first come first served,” she says.

“We’re processing the applications in

batches to make sure we have enough funding. And once this round is done, as long as we continue to raise more money we’ll definitely open again for round two.”

Fundraising is through gofundme, and so far Alexandra has raised close to $3500, including $1000 from the government’s Community Support Fund.

She says that with this money, Canberra Cat Fix is able to provide a more affordable desexing service, charging as little as $45 for females and $35 for males for those with a Healthcare or Pension card, as opposed to around $400-plus for females and $350 for males.

Jana Stevenson, veterinary surgeon at Curtin Vet Clinic who’s participating in the Canberra Cat Fix, says it’s best to get cats desexed early.

“The age of the cat causes a problem, as well as the cost,” she says. “Cats are spontaneous ovulators so they’re always fertile, and they mature quickly – by four to five months they can be on heat.

“All rescue groups desex at eight to 10 weeks, as long as the cats are healthy.

“Many vets advise to do it at six months but the only way to prevent pregnancy is to desex early – the earlier the better.

“We’re the capital but we’re behind on this compared to other states. We need to start with the basics.”

had a donation from a session of No Lights No Lycra (where they ran an animal-themed playlist) to raise money.

She also emailed vets around Canberra to explain what she was trying to do and, so far, has Kippax Veterinary Hospital and Curtin Vet Clinic on board.

“It’s not just for young cats – we’re also concerned for cats who have had litters already and, of course, it’s more urgent for outdoor cats,” she says.

Alexandra says it’s estimated that more than 150,000 cats are put down every year in Australia.

“The over-breeding stems from the high cost of desexing, vaccinations and microchipping,” she says.

She says that Canberra has a lot of stray cats, but that the problem is exacerbated by the fact that many cat owners just can’t afford the high vet fees for the procedure.

“Cats are beautiful animals, lowmaintenance and with different personalities. They can be valuable for companionship and I wouldn’t want to deny anyone the right to have a pet,” she says.

Alexandra says she rescues unwanted cats being offered online – including Robinson, who she rescued from a buy-swap-sell page and ended up keeping – and has volunteered for cat rescue groups around Canberra, so she was keen to get to the source of the problem.

“Cat containment is a good thing, but it doesn’t go far enough,” she says.

“We need to reduce the amount of cats roaming the streets at night, which will protect native wildlife, reduce the amount of unwanted kittens and the risk of the spread of disease.”

Alexandra said she started crowdfunding, running barbecues and even

“But we don’t want them to have eight kittens!”

Donations for Canberra Cat Fix can be made at gofundme.com/canberracatfix, 100 per cent of all donations go directly to desexing. More information at canberracatfix.wix.com/canberracatfix

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seven days

Hard to forgive the basher-in-chief

THOSE Mr Fluffy addresses sent shockwaves through the community but Canberrans generally handled the revelations with the maturity and good sense we’ve come to expect.

However, it’s hard to forgive Canberra’s basher-in-chief, PM Tony Abbott, for the miserly response of a $1 billion loan when the tragedy occurred on the Federal Government’s watch. And you do have to wonder about the lack of fire in the belly from our own leaders, Katy Gallagher and particularly Treasurer-cum-Chief Minister Andrew Barr

At the first volley of political buckshot they seem to have cut and run; and Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson should have provided them with a united front.

THE other big expense in prospect is that light rail down Northbourne Avenue. Surely the time has come for our own “Q&A” on the subject. My techo advisers say it’s easy to organise; companies do it all the time with their annual meetings. And the cost would be minimal.

It could be held at, say, Albert Hall and streamed to our computers in real time. All it needs is a sponsor, a moderator and (non-political) spokespersons from both sides. There’d certainly be no shortage of questions.

You have to wonder about the lack of fire in the belly from our own leaders, Katy Gallagher and Andrew Barr. At the first volley of political buckshot they seem to have cut and run.

EASY to criticise the nearly $9 million renovations to The Lodge, up from the original $3.2 million estimate. But at least it preserves the historic site as the official prime ministerial residence.

Perhaps they could schedule some open days during winter so we can see what we paid for. We may be sure the current incumbent and family will have departed for the warmer climes of Kirribilli.

THE new convention centre concept on display looked very exciting. The collaboration between Guida Moseley Brown and Massimiliano Fuksas will cost $700 million, which sounds a lot but (unlike the tram) is a gamechanging investment. What is it, I wonder, that attracts all those Italian architects to our fair city? Can’t be the winter weather.

SPEAKING of Italians, the two-part

ABC “Four Corners”-Fairfax investigation into Mafia donations to the NSW Liberal Party promised much. But it merely highlighted the absurdity of private contributions to all political parties. And we knew that anyway.

Former Liberal Leader John Hewson wants to ban all business and union donations. He would immediately disclose all others. But why not make a clean sweep and bring a little integrity back into the system?

THE movement for marriage equality in Australia now seems unstoppable, except to Tony Abbott and his band of brothers – not least his Leader of the Government in the Senate Eric Abetz . The Tasmanian lawyer called the recent US Supreme Court decision in favour “bizarre” and asked: “How many Asian countries have redefined marriage?”

That’s the clincher, Eric! Oh, if only

ROBERT MACKLIN

you’d spoken up before the justices ruled.

CONTROVERSY erupted over the proposed referendum on Aboriginal recognition in the Constitution with advocates on both sides fearing a poor result. Unfortunately, most Australians have no idea of the historical horrors visited on the Aboriginal people as British settlers appropriated their lands. And the consequences are still with us today.

Truth is, until we have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to reveal the whole story, simply fiddling with the Constitution is meaningless.

robert@robertmacklin.com

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Cops and cowardly robbers

THE ACT is in the midst of an armed-robbery epidemic, with cowardly thugs choosing soft targets in our suburbs at will.

Police are hunting down violent, armed offenders who have threatened and intimidated staff working in small businesses right across the capital.

No shift worker deserves to have a machete, syringe or a knife waved in their face while they are working late at night or early in the morning –yet it keeps happening.

Apart from the emotional and mental anguish suffered by victims of these crimes, small-business owners can be financially wrecked by an armed robbery. These crims aren’t dumb, either – why knock off a bank with all the alarms in place when you can pick on the local corner store, or petrol station?

These smaller supermarkets, servos and bottle shops often have a decent amount of money in store and usually are staffed by young people or others working a second job to earn some extra income.

ACT Victims of Crime commissioner, John Hinchey, told me that workers involved in the robberies are often left psychologically scarred – with long-term effects including depression, anxiety and, in some cases, post-traumatic stress.

When pressed on the issue, Police Minister Joy Burch admitted it’s “very concerning” and had

mum in the city

No shift worker deserves to have a machete, syringe or a knife waved in their face while they are working – yet it keeps happening.

every confidence ACT Police were working to bring these thugs to justice.

Authorities have also urged small businesses to better protect themselves with CCTV and, of course, the standard line of: “It’s far better to comply with a violent offender’s demands and hand over the money”.

However, this can only do so much. For instance, take the CCTV footage released by police of the aggravated robbery in Bonython where a man, wearing the coward’s garb of a hoodie and facial coverings, burst into the Spar supermarket on Hurtle Avenue armed with a knife.

I hope we never get to the point where corner stores or petrol stations resemble the US, where staff are behind protective glass with weapons of their own placed under the counter ready to defend themselves.

Police believe the recent spate of violent offences are linked and I’m told it’s only a matter of time before the law catches up with a couple of organised criminal groups, of whom evidence is being gathered.

My main hope is that when they are caught and the usual excuses of drug addiction are offered up our magistrates bear in mind that Canberra has had enough.

I also hope they are caught before someone is critically injured or worse.

Marcus Paul is the host of “Canberra Live”, 3pm-6pm, weekdays on 2CC.

MARCUS PAUL

Surviving winter in the cold-weather capital

BRRR! It’s another classic winter – morning fogs clearing to brilliant, sunny days but biting cold, real brass-monkey weather.

After more than 25 years in the national capital I’ve pretty much adapted to Canberra winters. It was a struggle at first after living in Adelaide and then Brisbane.

hand-printed textiles designer knitwear felted wraps and jewellery screen printed leggings hand blocked tea towels galore

I don’t think we really take winter seriously enough. Recently, I’ve been struck by the number of foreign-born friends, colleagues and acquaintances who have remarked to me how cold they find Canberra.

I’m talking not about folk from the subtropics, rather Brits, Canadians and even Russians. Some Canadian friends recently told me that they had never experienced a colder winter than here.

I was disbelieving. After all, Ottawa’s winters are pretty severe. They have snow for about 120 days and in January the average daily maximum is minus 6C, while at night the mercury plunges to minus 15C.

But my friends had a point. Canadian winters are freezing, but Canadians deal with it. Their homes are well protected, double glazed with efficient heating. Shopping precincts are entirely enclosed and schools and university campuses are similarly designed.

Not so in Canberra. Our Canadian friends were shivering inside as much as out.

Many Canberra homes are poorly designed for our winters, especially older ones. We don’t take heating and insulation seriously enough. Many of our schools are well designed for the summer heat, but our kids get pretty chilled in the winter months.

Our city’s commercial and entertainment precincts also leave a lot to be desired when the temperature starts to drop.

Some Canadian friends recently told me that they had never experienced a colder winter than here.

It’s not for nothing that the Skate in the City ice rink, presently operating in Civic, stays frozen with little effort from its refrigeration plant.

And there’s plenty of evidence of cold-climate denial – ill-clad, half-frozen joggers pounding through the morning mist are a common sight. I’m not sure how many end up with pneumonia, but I reckon quite a few do.

Often we drive with no regard for the winter weather. Travelling on the Tuggeranong Parkway in the early morning last week, I couldn’t help but be struck by the propensity of folk to speed in what was a pea-soup fog.

Things may eventually warm up with climate change, but in the meantime maybe we ought to make a bid for the Winter Olympic Institute of Australia to relocate from Melbourne to here – colocation with the Australian Institute of Sport would make a lot of sense, especially with our morning frosts.

Canberra is Australia’s coldweather capital and maybe we ought to really embrace that.

Make a night of it

THE Canberra volunteer branch of Make-A-Wish is holding a formal Winter Wonderland Gala Dinner at the Hellenic Club Woden, Saturday, July 18. Tickets, at $135 (tables of eight and 10), include a three-course meal, a bottle of red and white wine per table, auctions, lucky door prizes, raffles and live entertainment. Bookings to stickytickets.com.au/25655

Warm clothes sale

WARM winter clothing for all ages, blankets, doonas, towels and linen, and shoes and boots will be on sale at the St Ninian’s clothing sale at the corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.

St George cares

YOUTHCARE Canberra, previously Open Family ACT, has been granted $50,000 from the St George Foundation to help fund outreach worker Zack Byers, who is providing assurance, assistance and mentoring for the estimated 700 young people, aged between 12 and 25, who are officially homeless every night in Canberra. Some of these young people are “couch-surfing” or camping in empty office blocks; others find shelter in the bushland around the city, often in below freezing temperatures.

Ball for tiny hearts

THE Tiny Hearts Winter Ball, a fundraising ball in aid of Heartkids NSW/ACT, will be held at Canberra Rex Hotel on Saturday, August 8. Heartkids supports local families impacted by congenital heart disease, as well as raising money for research into the causes and to improve treatment. Ball tickets are $140 and include a threecourse meal, drinks and music. Tickets via trybooking.com

Abbott won’t escape same-sex marriage

THE conservatives in the Liberal Party are pushing hard to ensure that their colleagues have no room to move on legislation to allow marriage equality. If they succeed this time, the best they can hope for is to delay the inevitable.

Tasmania provides a great case study of this type of political battle. In 1997 it was the last state to remove criminal sanctions for homosexuality. That was less than 20 years ago and even then the legislation only went through the Upper House by one vote. In 1988, one third of Tasmanians supported the reform with the support rising to 60 per cent when the legislation finally passed. In this context it’s unsurprising that the very conservative Tasmanian, Senator Eric Abetz, has been leading the charge within the Liberal Party to retain a consolidated policy rather than allowing a conscience vote. He came out blasting the Australian media for being “obsessed by a slim majority activist US Supreme Court” and failing to give equal attention to the Austrian Parliamentary vote of 110-26 against gay marriage. He argued in an opinion piece in “The Sydney Morning Herald” that the dissenting Justice Antonin Scalia had put the arguments against gay marriage very soundly.

In his 1994 “inaugural speech”, long before Tasmania had even legalised homosexuality, Abetz declared: “Ours is a philosophy of dealing with individuals and assisting them to develop their personal skills for the nation’s good, as opposed to the dogma that all individuals need to conform, be brought to the lowest common denominator and succumb to the requirements of what the powerbrokers perceive to be the national good.

“Ours is a philosophy of standing positively for the free person, their initiative, individuality and acceptance of responsibility”. And yet now, when the philosophy is different from his own, the “individuality” seems to have slipped into the background.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott can use the support of people such as Abetz. There is a quiet revolution going on in Abbott’s backbench, where some Liberals are actually behaving like liberals rather than conservatives. They believe in the importance of personal responsibility and, unlike the Abetz-style conservatives, extend this belief to social policies as well as economic and financial issues.

There are certain issues on which some of the more moderate Liberal Party members will stand up to the leader. Former MP Mal Washer and some of his

How cities make us sick

By Catherine Carter

PLANNING policies of the 20th century have left our cities with low-density suburbs and disconnected streets, segregated land use and limited local employment, congested roads and inadequate public transport.

Statements from Senator Abetz are nonsense arguments. In what century does Abetz live?

colleagues warned Abbott that their votes would never be used to stop Labor’s plain packaging of tobacco laws. Abbott, as the then-Leader of the Opposition, had to choose between party solidarity and opposing the legislation. Solidarity won.

However, the issue of marriage equality is far more divisive, not just for the elected members but for the rank and file of a party that is a mixture of liberals and conservatives.

Although supportive of the Prime Minister, statements coming from Senator Abetz such as “legalising gay marriage would lead to polyamory” and that “Australia should not legalise gay marriage because no Asian country has adopted marriage equality” are untenable. They are nonsense arguments. In what century does Senator Abetz live? Polyamory is hardly restricted to gay people – high proportions of heterosexuals live together, change partners and have extra-marital liaisons, as do many married couples.

A cross-party attempt to get the legislation through the parliament reveals the issue of marriage equality as one that does not have to be party political. It just requires Abbott to allow a conscience vote. However, with the Prime Minister retaining a strong oppositional stance, he knows that this would be akin to allowing the legislation to pass.

Not all the Liberals will accept this type of bullying on what really ought to be a conscience vote.

Abbott’s wish that the marriage equality issue for the Liberal Party remains “subterranean” is simply a pipedream. But his wish is understandable and it explains one of the reasons it is pursued so vigorously within his party and by other political forces. This issue, more than any other, illustrates the extent to which his party is a conserva tive one rather than being genuinely liberal.

We’ve created what the Heart Foundation calls an “obesogenic environment” and the results are there for everyone to see: eight out of 10 Australians don’t meet the national guidelines for physical activity, and 63 per cent are overweight or obese. In fact, our rate of obesity is climbing faster than anywhere else in the world, and three quarters of us will be overweight or obese by 2025.

The Heart Foundation’s latest “Blueprint for an active Australia” says we need to transform from low-density suburbs, in which the car is king, to higher-density, walkable neighbourhoods.

We need:

• mixed-use buildings that add character and convenience to our streets;

• more local jobs so people can walk or cycle to work;

• lots of green space and attractive streetscapes that make walking a charm, not a chore;

• secure neighbourhoods that encourage older residents to “age in place” and inspire young people to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

Reshaping our communities and cities is a big task – one that requires leadership from government, support from business and commitment from the community. But ultimately, each of us has a personal responsibility to reprioritise our health and fitness

– we can’t blame everything on a busy life, a shortage of time or a lack of a bus stop at the end of the street.

That’s why I’m taking the “Canberra Celebrity Heart Challenge” by joining a group of politicians and business leaders who have accepted the challenge to raise funds for the Heart Foundation’s life-saving work, reduce our risk of heart disease, and inspire other busy Canberrans to take time out for themselves. Join me! Find out more at canberrahearts.org.au

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

Century of power to the people

When you stack our electricity provider up against all those around the country, ActewAGL comes out in front on virtually every measure, including price.

I STRUGGLE to imagine what this town looked like 100 years ago. Not much that’s here now existed back in July of 1915, but the old Kingston Power Station was standing proudly.

ActewAGL celebrated its centenary this month, or at least the 100th anniversary of the day the power was turned on in Canberra. We’re going back to a time long before Lake Burley Griffin. Parliament House was still a decade away and this place was just a tiny village with visions of future capital grandeur.

And there was this dirty great concrete structure in the middle of nowhere, getting ahead of the game and preparing for what was to come.

Canberrans gathered in great numbers at the Fitters’ Workshop to signal the centenary. It was a celebration of Canberra’s history, but also the celebration of an organisation that has been a cornerstone of this city since its inception.

ActewAGL hasn’t been perfect over those 100 years. It’s made mistakes and let some people down, but it has done much more right than wrong. Those who’ve grown up in Canberra are a little spoilt by ActewAGL. If you’ve lived here all your life, you just assume that electricity providers are the same everywhere.

They’re not.

When you stack our electricity provider up against all those around the country, ActewAGL comes out

in front on virtually every measure, including price. People will always whinge and complain, but it’s hard to get away from the fact that this local company has served us really well. It is a part of the fabric of the town and it’s reflected every day by the commitment of staff and ActewAGL’s insane community sponsorships.

I say insane, because as a monopoly provider for so long, there was no need for it to spread the goodwill around. But it did and I’m sure it’s one of

the reasons that, despite the market now being open to competition, it still holds around 95 per cent share.

At the centenary shindig Michael Costello, the ActewAGL chief, continued to refer to that nasty regulator’s decision to cut power prices. He has pain for the staff that have been let go as a consequence and of the possible effect that it may have on service. But based on what we’ve seen for the last 100 years, if there’s a way for it to continue at the same level, it’ll find it.

Congrats to ActewAGL for the ton. The applause is well deserved.

A pal in need is a PayPal, indeed

Modernity arrived in the form of credit card pre-payment to the great relief of delivery drivers, and also to slobs like me.

MAYBE once every couple of weeks

I’ll get home, light the fire, pour a glass of red and order a pizza online.

There comes a point for most of us where we want comfort food and don’t want to leave the house.

In days gone by we’d have to have enough cash on hand to pay for the pizza, and the delivery kid lived in fear someone was going to clonk him on the head to steal the float (and probably the pizza, too) having been lured to an address devoid of streetlights.

Some years ago modernity arrived in the form of credit card pre-payment to the great relief of delivery drivers, and also to slobs like me who’d managed to go home without enough cash on hand to pay for a pizza.

Around the same time, PayPal turned up as a payment option on websites and most people said: “Why do I need that?”

If you ran a business and only had PayPal as an option you would be deluged by complainants who didn’t want to use it to make payment.

I resented places that made me use it, despite being involved in a business that relied on it ourselves.

a bit of an issue as even low-level crims turn their thoughts from beating up pizza delivery drivers (who no longer carry cash and increasingly carry cameras) to credit card fraud and identity theft.

We trust a few big companies with our credit card details. Apple, Google, Amazon come leaping to mind.

But the local pizza store or some artist who makes a cool T-shirt that will totally have all the other hipsters in the cafe green with irony-induced envy? Even if I trust their personal integrity, do I trust them to keep the digital wolves from the door forever?

With PayPal you give them all your credit card details, trust them to keep them safe, and then they arrange payment when you decide you want to buy something on the internet from a company with a valuation less than a billion dollars.

Intriguingly, the local pizza shops are increasingly (just in the last few weeks) really pushing the PayPal option. One suspects they don’t want the responsibility of managing your payment information either.

For those blissfully unfamiliar, the basic premise is that to make a purchase on the internet one needs to provide credit card information to the website one wants to buy from.

Everything needed to made a debit on the card has to be sent.

Account name, credit card number, security number, and expiry date.

Anyone else with this information can also take money from you.

So keeping it secure becomes

This is all well and good until the data thieves snaffle your PayPal password over free wifi, or through social engineering.

If you got a phone call out of the blue from someone asking what your mother’s maiden name is would you hang up or answer them? The desire to helpfully answer questions is a deep one for human beings.

Mercifully, so far, PayPal is pretty good at looking after their customers.

A friend of mine had more than $7000 of unauthorised payments made when some lowlife got hold of her PayPal password. Thankfully, I can report they were helpful, supportive and, best of all, gave her the money back.

I’m not thrilled that there’s a new middle-man taking a percentage of every e-commerce dollar, but if I can get that pizza delivered without having to change out of my ugg boots, I suppose I’ll put up with it.

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

Referendum needed on trade pact

WE read the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) revelations by Michael Moore in his column “Toadying government betrays trust on trade” (CN, June 25) with great concern.

If Michael’s remarks about the proposed TPPA are correct, it seems likely that the agreement would create an overarching international jurisdiction based on commercial values, which would prevail over the civil and constitutional rights of Australian citizens.

We have seen numerous reports of so-called trade agreements being used to stop government action that reduces corporate profits. The worst example we know of is when Mexico, for the health of its citizens, put restrictions on high fructose corn syrup, three US corporations sued the Mexican government under NAFTA and won! Mexico had to pay $169.18 million compensation.

It is most distressing to think that our Federal Government would consciously take Australia down such a path!

The Greek Prime Minister, Mr Tsipras, despite accusations of betrayal, decided to refer the European Union’s proposals for resolving Greece’s debt to his people in a referendum. Good for Mr Tsipras who has resolved to govern Greece for the Greeks, not to serve outside interests.

In Australia, we must now look to our elected leaders to govern Australia for Australians, not for the interests

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

Help dementia research

ANU researcher Dr Moyra Mortby wants to talk to anyone caring for someone with dementia. Her study aims to help understanding of interactions between carers, the care-community and people with dementia. Interested participants should call 6125 9599 or email besyde@anu.edu.au

of international trade conglomerates.

We call on the Abbott Government to make the TPPA proposals fully open for scrutiny and discussion by the people; and if the proposed terms are as bad as Michael Moore has represented, there should be a referendum on whether a TPPA should be signed.

Mary Martin and Pete West, Queanbeyan

Driving and drugs

AGAINST the background of a court hearing (“Canberra Times”, June 29, “Motorbike rider not at fault in crash charged after cannabis trace found”), Civil Liberties Australia vice-president, Tim Vines, recommended that “people should really be looking at what level of impairment is actually a risk to public safety, and then the tests and the thresholds should be based around that”.

Four years ago I sought confirmation (written or oral) from Australian health and police authorities that driving with a blood alcohol reading of between 0.01gms and 0.049gms /100mls was safe. All said “no”. This means there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when driving. So, what hope illegal drugs?

The AMA website records that cannabis use has short-term effects on cognitive and perceptual functioning that can present risks to the safety of users and others.

Its intoxicating effects occur within minutes, with short-term effects of larger doses including loss of consciousness, panic reactions, hallucinations and changed perceptions of time, sound, colour, distance, touch and other sensation reactions. Just the state to be in when driving.

Colliss Parrett, Drug Advisory Council Australia, Barton

Fun and games

THE Cancer Council is staging a day of fun and games at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, 10am-4pm, on Sunday, August 9. Entry, at $10, entitles participants to play for so long as they like games such as mah jong, Scrabble, cards, chess, cribbage will all funds raised going to the council for research into a cure for cancer. There will also be a raffle as well as jams, pickles and

children’s dress-up clothes for sale. More information at 6288 7752 or lrdrabsch@gmail.com

Happy birthday!

THE Gungahlin Day View Club is celebrating its 16th birthday with a lunch-time party at Functions@ Federation in the Gold Creek Village, on Wednesday, July 22. Lunch and a slice of birthday cake is $30. RSVP to 62557450 before noon, July 20.

FREE KIDS’ PETTING ZOO

MON 6 - SUN 12 JULY

KIDS WILL LOVE GETTING UP CLOSE TO THE ANIMALS AT OUR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PETTING ZOO, OPEN 10AM-3PM EACH DAY JUST OUTSIDE BIG W. 10AM - 3PM DAILY

New accounting team eager to add value

CHARTERED accountants James

Watt and Thomas Boyd have joined forces with accountancy veteran and chartered accountant Kim

Hanna to open the new firm Vivid Accounting on Rudd Street in Civic.

The team say that, by bringing together three experienced accountants, their clients get the extra benefit of a broader support base and experience, with high-quality service and advice as needed.

“Our vision is to make our clients’ lives better through creating value and utilising the new technology on the market,” says James.

He says the team predominantly uses Xero accounting software, which is a wholly online software solution.

“Xero has been embraced by many of our clients for its simplicity, especially by those clients who prepare the bookkeeping for their business themselves, but do not have accounting backgrounds,” he says.

“It gives our clients back time they would spend on data entry and allows them to concentrate on other elements of their business and spend time with their family. It also allows us to work more closely and proactively with our clients.”

Thomas and James say they have always wanted to own their own business.

“My goal was always to set up a practice at some point, and the opportunity arose about a year ago” Thomas says.

“I already knew James, as we had played rugby league together, and it was the right time for both of us to start a new business.”

Thomas and James say they are keen to create a business where they add value to their clients’ businesses.

“We’re not here to bill people for every interaction we have with them – we want to be trusted advisers to our clients, so they won’t hesitate to contact us when it comes to making key business decisions,” James says.

Thomas and James say that bringing Kim

on board was part of the planning process.

“James was bringing on more clients than me and we wanted to start with a similar-size client base, so we went about finding an accountant in Canberra willing to come on board,” says Thomas.

Vivid Accounting offers business and taxation services, including tax, financial reporting, wealth planning and creation, self-managed super funds, bookkeeping, accounting systems, business improvements, cashflow, business evaluation, setting up a new business and advice on asset protection.

Thomas and James have clients across all industries, including trade and construction, medical and professional services.

“It’s so important to take the time to get to know them, find out what motivates them, their long-term goals and aspirations.

Our vision is to make our clients’ lives better through creating value and utilising the new technology on the market.

“It’s about trust and forming a relationship, so we can understand our clients’ businesses and how to help them,” James says.

Setting up the new office has been a real team effort, with the staff involved every step of the way.

James’ wife Lauren is helping out, bringing her experience in marketing and communications to the table, and Thomas’ wife Katharine took on the design and fitout in her spare time.

With clean lines, black and white elements and wood used to create warmth, the office is contemporary and stylish.

“Katharine designed the fitout, approved artwork, chose the chairs and the furniture,” says Thomas.

“It’s not your average boring accountancy office. The fitout is modern, fresh and up to date with technology.

“We wanted to create a positive, new work environment where our staff would be excited to come and work.

“We think it’s so important that they enjoy coming here.”

Thomas, Kim and James say they value their staff, most of whom have previously worked with James.

“Without a doubt, this is the best group of people I’ve ever worked with,” says James.

“We get fantastic feedback from clients, that they do what they say they will do.

“They’ve all been helpful with the office and have jumped at the chance to help out.”

“We want to work with them towards those goals, making sure they are set up for the future and their assets are protected.

“We want them to know we’re here, we’re on their side. We also think it’s really important to be available for them – it’s frustrating not being able to get hold of your accountant for days.

“We’re always contactable – our clients come first.”

The team includes chartered accountants Andrew Nesbitt, who has 12 years’ experience, and Neil Dawson, accountants Jess Spence and Saad Chowdhery (who has just completed his final exam) and practice manager Tamara Mitchell.

“Ongoing professional development is required to maintain the chartered accountant qualification, which all ties into quality service,” says James.

Thomas, James and Kim say they are grateful for their supportive client base.

“They have become friends over the years, and we value the relationships we have with them,” they say.

Principal Kim Hanna

KIM is bringing clients to Vivid from his accountancy firm Houston and Hanna, which will continue to run as an auditing business in Turner. With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Kim prides himself in looking after people’s queries quickly and offers a face-to-face personal service. “It’s a very good fit for me here at Vivid, it’s not a large firm and the team is young, vibrant and keen,” says Kim.

Partner Thomas Boyd

THOMAS has eight years’ experience in the industry, including three as a financial controller in a large, Canberra-based business. He says that having worked on the “other side” has opened his eyes to what’s important, that is increasing profit, improving cashflow and making sure the business has enough work. “Some accountants become too focused on the tax return, but if they look closer they can provide real value to their clients.”

With clean lines, black and white elements and wood used to create warmth, the office is contemporary and stylish.

PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS, INCLUDING:

• TAX ADVICE

• WEALTH PLANNING AND CREATION

• BUSINESS PROFITABILITY AND STRUCTURE

• SELF MANAGED SUPER FUNDS

• SETTING UP A NEW BUSINESS

… AND A RANGE

Partner James Watt

WITH 11 years’ experience in tax accounting, James works with small businesses, particularly medical professionals and professional service businesses. “I believe an accountant should be an integral part of a client’s business, in the forefront of their decision-making processes,” he says. “I’m really excited about this opportunity to build a successful business and work in partnership with a great team.”

FYSHWICK’S streets are named after Australia’s industrial towns and regions, which is probably a good indicator of the suburb’s reputation as a thriving hub of industry and retail.

The suburb itself is named after Sir Philip Fysh, a Tasmanian politician who assisted in bringing about Australia’s Federation, and the Old English suffix “wick” means “dwelling place” – and, by extension, “village” or “district”.

‘Personable’ people to deal with

AS “Canberra’s most personable accountants”, Freewater Accountants is a small, highly professional accounting firm that offers a range of taxation and accounting services.

that can allow them to retire comfortably and not rely on their superannuation wholly.

“Many people aren’t aware of certain government policies that they can take advantage of, so we create a tax-effective plan for our clients to provide an asset base to meet retirement needs which is achievable in a 10-year period.”

Fyshwick offers just about everything under the sun, with speciality shops and wholesalers sitting side by side with gyms, child care centres, cafes and more. So, whatever you need, you’ll find it in Fyshwick...

Whether the clients are salaried employees or business owners, senior accountant David Muir provides advice on property, finance and corporate management, as well as bookkeeping, SMSF and taxation services, all with a focus on getting clients to self-fund their retirement.

He says: “We are a one-stop-shop at Freewater Accountants, we have a team of qualified accountants, registered tax agents and property and finance experts who can help with the entire financial affairs of our clients.

“We are really interested in small businesses and organising funding in order to help them grow, we get quite involved.

“Our aim is to help people to achieve retirement outcomes and build a net asset position

Accountants with the Addvantage

COMPRISED of qualified accountants, registered tax agents and licensed financial planners, Addvantage Accountants is a contemporary accounting firm that specialises in modern solutions to traditional accounting practices.

With a focus on small-to-medium businesses, Addvantage Accountants provides services in accounting, taxation, business advice and financial planning.

Director, Andrew Fernance, says: “I have worked for some of Canberra’s leading firms and have helped clients with their business and taxation matters.

“I have over 20 years’ experience with self managed superannuation funds and have been a facilitator with the Institute of Chartered Accountants for the CA program, in taxation law and management accounting.”

Addvantage Accountants uses modern and up-to-date technology that is in-house and cloud-based, which provides an efficient and professional service.

“Our aim as an accounting practice

is to provide a personalised service to Canberra and the surrounding regions,” says Andrew.

“A lot of accounting practices outwork their information, but we use modern technology that allows us to provide a quicker service.”

Addvantage Accountants will customise a solution for a client’s business accounting needs and agree on a fixed quote.

Addvantage Accountants, Level 1, 1 Cessnock Street. Call 6218 9320 or visit addvantageaccountants.com.au Enquiries at business@ addvantageaccountants.com.au

Freewater Accountants can also help clients with lodging tax returns, corporate compliance, asset management, payroll management and business activity statements.

David says: “Freewater Accountants’ practice has been running for 25 years, we provide services to 220 companies and 900 individuals. Our customers are very loyal.”

Freewater Accountants, 38/59-61 Wollongong Street. Call 6280 4866 or visit facebook.com/ FreewaterAccountants or freewateraccountants. simplybook.me

A warm view of windows

CREATING energy-efficient and sustainable homes is the passion of Solace Creations.

Recently moved to a new mega store on Townsville Street, Solace Creations has new displays of uPVC double-glazed windows and doors, as well as standard and thermally broken aluminium windows and doors.

Owner Karen Porter says: “I can’t understand why we have a code in place that says we must insulate our walls and ceiling, yet there is no rule to insulate our windows or doors.

“Windows and doors make up about 30 per cent of our wall space and putting in a single piece of glass does not provide any insulation value”.

Solace Creations won the 2014 ACT Telstra Micro Business Award and was rated in the top eight Australian Micro Businesses.

“If you incorporate double glazing into your design, the investment that you make upfront will be about $450 a year in mortgage repayments on a standard home,” she says.

“Your energy savings will be about $1400, which provides an annual savings of $950 from the first year”.

Solace Creations also offers a full replacement service for homeowners who would like a more comfortable home and to save money. The company works with more than six preferred suppliers from Melbourne and all its products are Australian-made and tested.

Solace Creations, 17 Townsville Street. Call 6260 1621 or visit solacecreations.com.au

advertising feature

Legal team with a love for commercial law

A BACKHOUSE & Associates offers competitive pricing and a highly qualified and experienced team to assist with legal requirements of individuals and business owners.

With a focus on providing a range of services to clients, Principal Angela Backhouse and her team aim to assist in matters of litigation, debt collection, insolvency, wills and estates, banking and finance, employment law, as well as property matters including conveyancing and commercial leasing.

“Our aim is to be a leading commercial and property law

firm for small businesses and their employees in Fyshwick and the surrounding areas and to provide new and existing clients with exceptional, cost effective and reliable services,” says Angela.

“The work is extremely interesting, especially with commercial law. There is such a variety of work in this area of law and I look forward to coming into work every day to take on new challenges.”

A Backhouse & Associates, Suite 1, Paragon Mall, corner of Kembla and Gladstone Streets. Call 6280 8899 or visit abackhouse.com.au Angela Backhouse.

Secure and useful self storage units

SELF STORAGE units are super useful in a variety of situations that call for a private, secure and affordable space, and can also be very helpful as an ongoing solution to space issues.

“Self storage can be really useful for small businesses, especially businesses that are operated from home and expanding, but not yet ready to commit to a long-term lease on a property somewhere,” says Paul Marshall, manager of locally owned business Fyshwick Self Storage.

“They can virtually work out of self storage or use it as a base for receiving and dispatching things. It’s a great place to get a container load of stock delivered.”

In a similar way, he says, local representatives for wholesalers often work out of storage units, taking advantage of the lower, long-term rates.

Feel comfort with…

Fyshwick Self Storage has more than 900 units in a well-lit, architecturally designed building that meets the most stringent fire regulations, and has all the boxes, bags and packing materials on hand at reasonable rates.

“The level of security here is very good; every unit is individually alarmed and we have CCTV monitoring running throughout the facility 24 hours a day,” Paul says.

“We’re the only facility in Fyshwick that has a resident manager, so we have someone on site 24 hours a day, which is great for customers coming in after hours.”

The units come in a vast range of sizes, too, from small lockers up to 70 square metres.

Fyshwick Self Storage, 64-68 Collie Street. Call 6162 0040 or go to fyshwickselfstorage.com.au

We are not your regular accounting firm at Freewater Accountants. We don’t just prepare your tax return and send it back to you.

We “go the extra mile” by helping you form sound business strategies to help sustain your business growth into the future.

Our team of accountants are highly trained, specialising in all aspects of Australian taxation and retirement income; sharing this knowledge to small business owners and individuals who want to build their wealth for a stable financial future.

have time to take control of your future… Speak to one of our knowledgeable team.

Find it in Fyshwick

Store full of memories

TAKE a trip Down Memory Lane and find the unique and unusual items from the past.

Situated on Geelong Street, Down Memory Lane is a family owned and run collectables store that has been selling jewellery, furniture and everything in between for 17 years.

Owner Christine Lund says: “We specialise in secondhand antiques that are usable as well as beautiful and unique, from the early 1900s to around the 1970s.

“People come in looking for vintage cutlery, glassware and china for a special dinner party, wedding or birthday.

“There are so many one-off pieces, if someone is redecorating their house they can find a great shabby-chic suitcase or trunk or the perfect lamp. Our store is an interior designer’s delight.”

All sourced from Canberra, Down Memory Lane also stocks a range of vintage clothing and shoes,

books and toys, cameras and radios as well as lamps and shades, linen and kitchenalia.

Christine says the store has recently undergone a renovation, which has made way for new stock.

“I have grown up with antiques, it’s in my blood. What most people like about the store is that you can’t get the items anywhere else,” she says.

Down Memory Lane, 34 Geelong Street. Call 6228 1048 or visit downmemorylane.net.au

Making the right business decisions matter

FIGURES Matter is a local and professional bookkeeping firm that provides up-to-date financial information allowing clients to focus on making the right decisions for their businesses.

With more than 20 years’ experience, the Figures Matter team is backed by a qualified accountant and registered BAS agent, with the aim to provide service that is value for money, professional and hassle free.

FAST NEWS FIRST

Co-owner, Jennie Smith says: “We are really all about helping the client and making sure they know we have got them covered.

“Our clients are small-to-medium business owners that include hospitality, retail, tradies and more.

“We exclusively use Xero, the latest real-time, cloud accounting software. This means there is no

time-consuming software updates or compatibility problems.

“With Xero Accounting Software’s flexible platform and ecosystem of powerful add-ons for every industry, you can streamline your business processes and start reaping the rewards.”

Figures Matter offers business advice and provides services such as payroll, superannuation, general processing, inventory, training and software, reconciliation and more.

A free initial consultation meeting is available at the client’s premises or at the Figures Matter office.

Figures Matter, 1st floor, 2 Kembla Street. Call 6232 4944 or 0413 535373. Visit figuresmatter.com.au, enquiries to accounts@figuresmatter.com.au

Gym offers the best of everything

Open 24/7, SNAP Fitness Fyshwick is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, with Digital TV and SNAP Video Channel installed on all of the machines.

Offering a two-week free membership for anyone joining in July, SNAP Fitness members have access to a full range of pin-loaded machines, dumbbells up to 45kg, power rack, Smith machine and a multi-station cable machine, as well as flat, incline and decline benches.

Director, Paul D. Patti says: “We are the only gym in Fyshwick offering complimentary group general personal training sessions four times a week for all new members and their guests.

“Our qualified personal trainers work for you, keeping you on track, motivated and dedicated to reach your fitness goal.”

Membership includes a gym induction, guest privileges and access to Facebook updates on nutrition, what is on and member-of-the-month prizes.

SNAP Fitness Fyshwick has an opengroup fitness area used for boxing, boot camps and one-on-one training as well as a large, outdoor covered training area.

SNAP Fitness Fyshwick, 17 Iron Knob Street. Call 6112 8556 or visit snapfitness.com.au/fyshwick

advertising feature

150 gelato flavours every day

FROM flavours such as Toblerone and Ferrero Rocher to tiramisu and pistachio, Garry Bertoldo creates quality artisan gelato at Bertoldo’s Gelato Mio.

The store, which is located in the Canberra Outlet Centre Food Court, offers 150 different flavours of gelato made on-site each day.

“Most gelato is commercially, mass produced in Sydney, but we make our own,” says Garry.

“We also do fruit-based sorbets and gluten-free gelato, as well as keeping sugar levels low. We focus on allergies and use separate scoops to make sure there is no crosscontamination of nuts or gluten.

“We want our customers to come

in with confidence that they are not going to have an allergic reaction.”

With an Italian background and 30 years’ experience as a pastry chef, Garry also supplies gelato to restaurants in the region.

He says: “With my experience in hospitality, I can understand when restaurants want to do something wacky or different.”

Bertoldo’s Gelato Mio has also started offering pastries, pasta lunch meals as well as coffee and frozen yoghurt.

Bertoldo’s Gelato Mio, Canberra Outlet Centre Food Court. Call 0404 853793 or visit facebook.com/ bertoldosgelatomio

Office furniture at budget prices

EX-GOVERNMENT Furniture stocks

a wide range of quality surplus government office furniture at budget prices.

Open seven days a week, the store, which has a workshop and storage facility on-site, moved from Barrier Street and is now based on Yallourn Street.

Manager James Fullerton says:

“We have an eclectic mix of furniture from chairs, tables, desks, bookcases, filing solutions and more.

“We receive two shipments a week from ex-government and business institutions, the furniture is mostly high quality, but if it needs refurbish-

ing we can do that in the workshop.”

“We frequently have original designer pieces that come through, and a lot of vintage shops come through frequently to snap up stock for their own stores at cheap prices,” he says.

Ex-Government Furniture also provides a free removal service for customers downsizing, reorganising or moving out of an office.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street. Call 6239 1826 or visit ex-governmentfurniture.com.au. Enquiries to sales@ex-government. com.au

Making dressing up easy and fun

BE it a party, birthday, anniversary or festival, there’s always an excuse to dress up and with the growing collection of costumes at Sweet Apple Costume Hire, it’ll be easier than ever to transform yourself.

Owner, Sue Knight, says: “We have got all sorts of costumes to rent and sell for all ages.

“Customers can come in with a theme in mind and we can show them what we have in store, we have a book with the pictures of the costumes to make it easier to choose”.

Sweet Apple Costume Hire has operated in Canberra for more than 30 years and has settled in Fyshwick.

“Our customers are very loyal and love coming in to find costumes. The collection has grown over the years and has got quite big,” says Sue.

“We also sell a wide range of accessories including make-up, hats, wigs, fake blood, jewellery, stage props and more, as well as party balloons.

“Our most popular themes are 1920s, 1970s and halloween. We also have a lot of pirate accessories, zombies and Disney.”

Sweet Apple Costume Hire, 79-81 Gladstone Street. Call 6280 9117 or visit facebook.com/ thesweetapplecostumehire

A

that sells a wide range of packing boxes and supplies

International chef with a passion for pastry

ROYCE Rajapakshe is a chef with a passion for pastry and a lot of stories to tell.

Owner and pastry chef of Chris’s Patisserie and Bakehouse in Weston Creek, which opened last month, Royce and his family offer a selection of cakes, pastries, specialty breads and drinks, as well as cakes for special occasions.

“Baking is my passion and it has always been my dream to open my own cafe,” he says. “The first week we opened was very busy.

“As well as a variety of cakes, pastries and coffee, we do breakfast and lunch. We can make any type of cake the customer wants, including special-occasion cakes for weddings or birthdays and even croquembouche.

“I love making wedding and novelty cakes. It is great to be able to see how the cakes please people on their special days.”

Originally from Sri Lanka, Royce moved to Dubai where he worked as a pastry chef for 28 years in the Hilton, Sheraton, World Trade Centre and the Madinat Jumeriah hotels.

“I am experienced in all facets of hospitality and trained in cold and hot kitchen as well as pastries,” Royce says.

“At the Dubai Hilton Hotel, I also did outside catering for the British and American embassies.

“In 2001, I was also a part of a world record for the longest cake, which was three kilometres long!

“It took all night to make the cake, which was made with a date filling and icing.

“We made it in the hotel and put it together on the street outside. Other hotels were involved and it was fun.”

Royce’s passion for pastry has won him a number of awards throughout his career from the most successful cake and pastry competitor at the National Baking Competition in 2008 to grand champion NSW at the National Baking Industry Association Show, also in 2008.

“When I was in the Dubai United Arab Emirates, I received a silver medal for a saloon culinary themed birthday cake which was in the design of a swimmingpool,” he says.

“The water was made from a gel and the fence was created with cookies with the children in the pool made from marzipan.

“It took all day for me to create the cake and it was very intricate work, but I loved doing it.”

Royce and his family moved to Australia in 2005 for the quality of lifestyle and culture, with the dream of opening a cafe.

“My wife, Chitra, and I wanted to provide better opportunities and a better future for our children Chris and Christine,” he says.

“We came to Australia for the culture, environment and the lifestyle. I named the patisserie after my

children.”

At Chris’s Patisserie and Bakehouse, Royce is planning to extend the business to provide outside catering and creating cakes for occasions such as the Melbourne Cup, Christmas and high tea.

Royce’s son, Chris, says: “Very soon we will be open in the evenings from 6pm to 10pm. We will provide coffee and will have a buffet table of food in the corner of the cafe.

“A lot of people come to Weston Creek to have dinner, we can offer a variety of delicious desserts and coffee for them in a relaxing environment.”

Chris’s Patisserie and Bakehouse is offering a coffee

Rajapakshe… “Soon we will be open in the evenings from 6pm to 10pm.”

and cake deal on Wednesdays and Thursdays where customers can receive a half-price coffee when they buy a slice of cake.

“Customers can have a caramel swiss roll, chocolate mousse cake, caramel cheese cake or a hazelnut praline,” says Royce.

“I really enjoy being a pastry chef and owning my own business, it is my passion. We are very family oriented and we hope to build the business up because our main aim is to make people happy.”

Chris’s Patisserie & Bakehouse, 47 Brierly Street, Weston Creek. Call 0418 104870 or visit chrispatisserie.com.au

Handmade with love advertising feature

The clever, the crafty and the unique

CANBERRA is full of clever crafty types who put passion and personality into their unique creations.

From stylish antique furniture and digital artwork to hands-on art classes and creating delicate glass jewellery, here’s a handy look at all things local and hand made.

Beauty, quality and lots of love

“QUALITY comes from considered production, from beautiful materials and in products handmade with love,” says Louisa de Haas, owner of Louisarose and Co.

From earrings and necklaces to brooches and bracelets, Louisarose and Co creates distinct, bespoke jewellery using unique materials such as gemstones and cattle bone.

“They can be a real conversation starter, people come up to you and ask about the jewellery. It’s a nice vibe,” says Louisa.

“I use natural stones and highquality Sterling silver, it’s about making a statement and being authentic.”

The former primary school teacher decided to create her own jewellery after being sick of wearing chain-store jewellery.

She says: “I was bored of wearing mass-produced jewellery that was bad quality and would cause a rash on my arm, I wanted to create high-

quality pieces at accessible prices.

“All my work has a common theme of energy, tactility and animation that comes from avoiding the dull symmetry often found in beaded jewellery.

“The lava stone necklaces are very popular, they’re chunky but light and easy to wear. The cattle bone animal brooches are popular, too. I find that people are drawn to certain animals such as horses or butterflies and get a pretty cool collection going.

Louisarose and Co also creates jewellery based on the customer’s design.

Louisarose and Co, visit louisaroseandco. com.au or facebook.com/louisaroseandco

Preserving charm and integrity of Chinese furniture

“WE specialise in rescuing old pieces of Chinese furniture, preserving their charm and integrity while ensuring they fit modern Australian lifestyles,” says Hou Leong, owner of the Silk Road Gallery, Kingston.

Since 1993, the Canberra artist and his friendly staff have provided the region with practical, antique furniture to give homes a lift.

“Winter is the perfect time to give your home a fashion makeover. Try adding a splash of colour with a wall hanging, some flowers from your garden and simple but elegant ceramics,” says Hou.

“Decorative furniture can give you a double benefit, adding both a sense of the exotic and some practical storage space.”

With the philosophy “all homes deserve a treasure”, Hou and his team of skilled craftsmen and women rescue furniture that was hand made more than 100 years ago.

“We also have a lovely range of high-quality porcelain, bronzes, wooden sculptures, blanc de Chine and other decorative items, both antiques and modern reproductions,” he says.

“For architects and designers, we have spectacular architectural pieces, from huge city gates through to carved decorative posts and screens.”

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

handmade with love

“PUT yourself in our hands and you will be sure to experience complete care, individual attendance and develop your art skills to a level that will progress you positively forwards to whatever life next has in store for your creative hands to explore,” says Elita Mackay, of Lavender Art Studios.

A student in the Lavender Art Studios adult art program, Harriet Mitchell, has recently won first prize in the 18-21 years Mosman Youth Art Prize.

Margaret thrives on the artistic touch

MARGARET Hadfield has been a resident artist in the Canberra region for the past 25 years and has opened a gallery dedicated to providing artists with a space to exhibit their work.

Artistic Vision Gallery, at 61 Colbee Court, Phillip, opened on June 28 and has since showcased a plethora of work by local and young artists.

“The artist gallery is for developing artists, regional artists and resale art,” says Margaret.

“It is well known that people don’t instantly become artists, so this gives people who don’t have gallery space the chance to exhibit their work.”

For the last 25 years, Margaret has painted in all mediums and her landscapes and portraits have featured in numerous art awards.

Women such as Helen Reddy, Geraldine Cox and Prof Fiona Wood have all sat for portraits, which Margaret painted for the book “Inspiring Australian Women” by Dr Kathryn Spurling.

“My work is a variety of different things, but I specialise in local landscapes such as gum trees and branches to snowy mountains,” she says.

As well as showcasing her work in her own gallery at 53 Colbee Court, Margaret also offers art classes and

“Harriet began her involvement with Lavender Studios when she was only six years of age initially attending various holiday art workshops,” says Elita.

“At that very early stage in her life Harriet totally embraced Greg DevennyMackay’s art teaching; confidently creating numerous pictures and working hard to learn the art techniques and applications from Greg.

“Soon after, Harriet joined the regular term art classes for young people and

artist supplies.

Her highly successful four x 2.5-hour class, “Absolute Beginners Course”, has enabled many to develop their own artistic pastimes and careers.

The course instructs colour mixing, brush and palette knife techniques and the development of individual styles. Margaret’s classes are open to adults and high school students.

Margaret Hadfield, 53 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 3886 or visit hadfieldgallery.com

Artistic Vision Gallery, 61 Colbee Court, Phillip. Visit facebook.com/artisticvisiongallery

now teaches alongside of Greg in the Saturday young people’s program.” Visit the website for more information on the Lavender Art Studios’ classes, high-quality discounted framing and art supplies, fine art reproduction print service, as well as specialised art and yoga workshops.

Lavender Art Studios, First Floor, 42 Townshend Street. Call 6292 6339 or vist lavenderartstudios.com.au

“IN our business we are selling happiness and experience,” says Erwin Tanaja, who runs three Gelatissimo franchises in Canberra, as well as one in Wagga Wagga.

Since 2002, Gelatissimo’s awardwinning gelato has been made fresh daily in store to an authentic family recipe.

With a focus on celebration, Erwin says that gelato can be enjoyed in the home as well as in store.

“People always come to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, but we are saying that it can be enjoyed at home for a movie night in with family,” he says.

“Part of what we want to do is to challenge people to take some gelato home from Gelatissimo and to use it to make something exciting, they can have fun with our recipes, such as Sushi Gelato.”

With two variations, people can create their own Sushi Gelato using pannacotta (or vanilla) gelato, caramel sauce insert and chocolate sprinkles on the outside or, for the chocoholic, it can be made with a chocolate sorbet, cherry sauce insert and shredded external coating.

“Another fun dessert option is our All About Chocolate, which is made using chocolate crumbs, raspberry coulis, one chocolate brownie, two dark-chocolate honeycombs, two white-chocolate clusters, a chocolate-mousse scoop, chocolate truffle served in a tart shell with hot nutella, melted chocolate and crushed nuts.”

Gelatissimo, Canberra Centre, Manuka and Belconnen. Visit gelatissimo.com.au or enquiries at info@gelatissimo.com.au

Colourful Toni loves her beads

EVERY piece of jewellery that Toni McIntyre makes at Love My Beads is a “pop of colour” she says.

Using high-quality materials such as resin and glass, Toni creates bright, statement jewellery.

“I make individual styles based on whatever takes my fancy, my designs are always changing,” she says.

“I love bright colours and get a lot of inspiration from the colours in my garden. I often think of combinations that most people say they would never have thought of.”

Toni, who has been making jewellery for more than 25 years, sells necklaces, earrings, bracelets and can even custom-make anything from the customer’s requirements.

“If someone wants a certain piece to go with an outfit, I can match the colour shade to suit. I tell people that if they like something but want it in a different colour, I can do that,” says Toni.

“My necklaces are very popular because of their versatility, they can be worn as a collar or at a longer length for a more casual look. They are perfect as a focal piece for an outfit that can make a statement.”

Toni offers Australia-wide free postage to all customers and frequently sells at the Bus Depot Markets.

Love My Beads. Visit lovemybeads.com.au, enquiries at info@lovemybeads.com.au

Versatile side to Mick’s digital artwork

MICK Ashley, at Leafy Sea Dragon Artwork, creates series of digital artwork that shows off Canberra and its quirks.

Developed over time using the new technologies of the tablet’s digital pen and vector art techniques, Mick created a new art style called “digital lino”, which he uses to make art that is unique, quirky and vibrant.

He says: “I have created a variety of artwork of different places from Sydney and Melbourne to Canberra.

“The art shows the lifestyle of Canberrans, as well as a different side that many don’t get to see. It is ordinary things made unique, such as the Braddon coffee shops or cockatoos hanging from streetlights, people relate to them.

“It is a way to promote Canberra the way I see it and I think this is the perfect vehicle for that. There is a sense of nostalgia in the artwork and people like to buy them as gifts.

“I also do a humorous calendar which is sort of a parody of Canberra and the quirky things that happen here. It is very playful and colourful.”

The digital element of Mick’s artwork allows him to transfer his designs on to various fabrics from paper and card to coffee mugs, tea towels, calico bags and magnets.

“This form of art is very versatile and I can resize or reshape the designs without it losing its quality. I do limited editions as well as commission pieces where I use people’s photos,” he says.

“I am hoping to extend my work to providing fitouts for display homes, creating unique pieces of work for homebuyers as well as using my work for gift packages for corporate events.”

Leafy Sea Dragon Art Work. Visit mickashley.com.au or email leafyseadragonartwork@gmail.com

Hobby turns to a scented sensation

THE Little Flame Co. creates a variety of soy candles and melts that are the ultimate indulgence.

Since 2012, Cheyenne Heath and her husband have created soy candles, beeswax candles, melts, tealights, pillar candles, diffusers and more after their hobby turned into a business.

“The soy candles are environmentally friendly, sustainable and are healthier to burn, there are no chemicals or nasties in them. Apart from beeswax, it’s all natural ingredients,” says Cheyenne.

“My family are quite crafty and I started to create and decorate candles as presents for special occasions, my hobby just turned into a business. What I like about the candles is that they are quite easy to use and make. They are a great carrier wax for different scents, very versatile and eco-friendly.”

Popular scents include champagne and strawberry, vanilla, french pear and green tea and lemongrass.

The Little Flame Co. also offers seasonal and custommade scents.

“We have quite a range of scents and have 10 favourite scents, but they are always changing,” she says.

“I can custom make them if a customer wants a certain scent and I offer free shipping on all orders.”

The Little Flame Co. Call 0419 164265 or visit thelittleflameco.bigcartel.com

Enquiries to thelittleflameco@hotmail.com

The art of making glass beads

GLASS bead artist and international teacher, Carole Griffiths, says that creating wearable glass art is relaxing, addictive and anyone can do it.

Offering one-off classes at her studio at the Gorman House Art Centre, Carole teaches how to create glass beads by melting glass at a temperature of 2000C.

She says: “The thing I love about it, is that you are creating art from the moment you pick up the glass rod.

“The finished product always comes out different, but you end up with something unique and beautiful. It is a meditative form of creativity that can be relaxing and mesmerising.”

Suitable for anyone over the age of 16, the one-off classes last for three hours and include all materials and tuition.

“Anyone can create glass art, it’s a great chance to grab a group of your friends and come and have a play.”

Carole Griffiths, visit handmadeglassbeads.com.au or email carole@handmadeglassbeads.com.au

Canberra Confidential

Returning the lurve

IN his role of year co-ordinator to a group of 186 graduating students at Campbell High School, teacher Jimmy Mackenzie did something wonderful last year.

For three years the students’ favourite song was “Walking On Me” by Aussie singer Jordan Millar

“We used it for each video in assembly, started our dance floor at our Year 10 formal with it and played it on every bus trip,” says Jimmy.

For the graduation assembly, Jimmy had the idea of writing to Millar and asking for a video message for the occasion. But the singer had other ideas. No stranger to Channel 7’s “Sunrise” show, he rose at 3am and drove from Surry Hills in Sydney to be at the school’s 9.30am farewell assembly.

“Three girls cried so much they claim they missed the performance. We have a staff boyband called No Direction that performed, but he stole the show!” says Jimmy.

“Anyway, call it karma, but I feel it’s my job to pay him back.”

Jimmy wants us to let you know that Millar is performing with Jack Carty at The Street Theatre in a show called “Intimate by Request” on August 7.

“If you feel like returning the love, or just want to see a couple of Aussie independent musicians absolutely killing it, maybe head along,” Jimmy says.

Tickets from thestreet.org.au

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Sign of anticipation

OUR Griffith snout writes: “As the minor works at the Griffith Shops meander on, flapping on the cyclone fencing surrounding the high-cost, minor adjustment to a disability parking-bay gradient that began recently is an original notice outlining the planned work, and finishing with the flourish: ‘These works are anticipated to be completed by end April, 2015.’

“This should give great heart to those desperately wishing to believe that similar ineptitude might limit the fiscal damage to be inflicted on the territory by activity surrounding the light rail nightmare.”

The art of jargon

“HONESTLY, have you ever read such jargonistic tripe?” writes one of our arts snouts lamenting the all-singing-all-dancing, new ACT Arts Policy launched by Arts Minister Joy Burch last week, citing this for example: “The vision for the new policy is to make the arts in Canberra a diverse and dynamic ecology which is valued locally, nationally and globally. It encourages participation and access to the arts and strives to build Canberra’s reputation as a city with great art and great artists.”

And this: “In addition, the new policy prioritises the vitality of the Canberra Region arts ecology, and seeks to develop our city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture so that it is celebrated, represented and embedded in our arts sector.”

Lulu’s out there

WHAT a woman! Lulu, the star of an impending exhibition at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre foyer, can be lighthearted and soulful, contemplative and mysterious. Apparently, she’s always able to find the magic in everyday things and, dedicated to making the world a happier place, she lives her dreams fearlessly.

Lulu is the creation of Antoinette Karsten, an autobiographical response to the artist’s “love of travel, nature and adventure, of silence and music, and of living authentically”.

Lulu’s world will be on display in “Free Spirit”, a series of mixed-media paintings layered with old dressmaking patterns, sheet music and hand-carved block stamps from India.

“Lulu is where the spiritual and the ordinary meet, where life is treasured and celebrated, and where we are all free to sing our heart song.”

Heart songs can be sung from July 18 until August 8.

Where the hell are you?

CHAPMAN’s John Milne wonders what Dunlop letter-writer Michael Attwell (CN, June 25) meant when he wrote saying he resides in “a country, an island of only 20 million people”.

Ex-Tasmanian Milne sniffs: “I’d be interested to know where he lives.”

Down but not out

NATIONAL Capital Private Hospital sent out a press release announcing that it had performed an Asia Pacific first, a minimally invasive prostate surgery with new UroLift Instrumentation that happily relieves symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate while preserving sexual function.

Urological surgeon Dr Hodo Haxhimolla is reassuringly quoted as saying: “Patients recover from the procedure quickly and return to their normal routines with minimal downtime”.

Glad all over

IN one of the biggest marketing boo-boos since Coke tried to reinvent its taste, cling-film behemoth Glad Wrap inexplicably moved the critical cutter bar of its boxes from the base to the side and in one fell swoop irritated an entire nation of happy customers (one of whom CC knows has discovered the Aldi alternative and ain’t coming back).

Conceding national consumer outrage (which is probably code for falling profit), you’ll be unsurprised to know that the cutter bar has returned to the bottom of the box and, says marketing manager Megan Francis, they “have received an outpouring of positivity from consumers when we shared this great news and we can’t wait for people to reunite with the Glad Wrap and cutter bar they know and love”. Get a grip Megan, it’s only cling wrap.

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Independence Day celebrations, US embassy

THERE are absolutes for the US Independence Day celebrations at the ambassador’s residence in Canberra: it will be cold and most unlikely to be actually held on July 4, and all will be decked out in the appropriate bunting and balloons.

The roses will be pruned to within a bud of their life, not a leaf out of place and the Ghirardelli hot chocolate, or something a little stronger, awaiting cold hands.

Ambassador John Berry and partner Curtis Yee mingled among familiar faces as the embassy staff and spouses also contributed to the good old hospitality that this event

This year Alex Sloan and her merry band of 666 ABC producers presented her afternoon show from a tent near the rose garden, while sportier types entered the field of baseball dreams that arrives every year in the bottom garden. And then along came PM Tony Abbott for the formalities with the accompanying media onslaught.

Ambassador Berry happily following along as push came to shove and all and sundry tried to get in on the meet and greet – and the selfie.

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.

World of ceramics celebrates

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA’S craft artists are preparing to welcome the nation’s edgiest creators as well as ceramics stars from Canada, France, India, Taiwan, the UK and the US.

For the second time, the ACT will host the Australian Ceramics Triennial, but the three-day event for specialists, the first since the ‘80s, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Titled “Stepping Up”, the triennial will unleash an avalanche of ceramics and a oneday market at the National Gallery on Sunday, 11am-4pm, on July 12, where ceramicists will present high-end works.

Some of the big-name ceramicists there will be Janet DeBoos, DeMaine Pottery, Mollie Bosworth and Sandra Bowkett.

Elsewhere, the triennial features:

• At the visitor centre gallery in the Australian National Botanic Gardens until July 12 is “Yangupala Tjuta Waakarinyi: Ceramics from Ernabella”, new work in from a select group of award-winning and emerging Ernabella artists.

• Local ceramic artist and owner of Mawson Gallery, Monika Leone, has initiated Canberra’s first “Capital Teapot Show”, where more than 20 ceramic artists from the region and around Australia will display more than 75 teapots, tea sets and other tea-themed works at 63 Wilkins Street, Mawson until July 19.

• Until July 22, The Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan, presents works by ceramic artists who are current or former residents of Queanbeyan – Hiroe Swen, Anita McIntyre, Maxine Price and Christopher Harman.

• Nancy Sever Gallery, 4/6 Kennedy Street, Kingston, presents “Luminous Landscapes, New Ceramics by Greg Daly”. Head of the ceramics workshop at the ANU, Daly has been at the top of his game for 40 years, says curator Peter Haynes.

• At M16 Artspace in Griffith, SA artists Ebony Heindenreich, Wayne Mcara, Sophia Nuske, Maria Parmenter, Sophia Phillips, Alison Smiles, Ulrica Trulsson and George Zacharoyannis will showcase work in a show curated by Rayleen Forester, who will speak on Sunday, July 12, at 2pm. All welcome.

• Claybodies, a Canberra ceramics collective led

by Jo Victoria and Linda Davy, has created a ceramic installation, “Homing”, based on the idea of pigeons circling over suburban rooftops. At the Front Gallery & Cafe until July 12.

• At ANCA Gallery, Dickson, is “Cross-Casting”, an exhibition by innovative artists Verney Burness and Charles Walker that runs until July 26. The show features a dialogue in ceramics, glass stone and metal, between the two artists. They are giving an artists’ talk from 12.30pm on July 12. All welcome.

• Showing in the Craft ACT Crucible Showcase, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, is the unusual work by Anita McIntyre, “Blue Print for a Capital (Vessel Series)”.

• We’ve left the most unusual title till last – Craft ACT: Craft and Design’s show “Stomping Ground”, which curator Mel George says refers to frequented or favourite locations and links the artists to the earth and the clay that they throw. Artists Gail Nichols, Anita McIntyre, Ian Jones, Bev Hogg, Cathy Franzi, Linda Davy, Sarit Cohen, Margaret Brown and Avi Amesbury will exhibit their work in the ACT Legislative Assembly Gallery, Civic Square, until July 16.

Fruit Flies get under the bed

By Helen Musa

THE national youth circus, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, will perform at the Canberra Theatre Centre, July 16-18, with a show that’s flying overseas, too.

After we see them, the 17 young regional artists, aged from nine to 19, based in AlburyWodonga, head for the Australia in Turkey Festival at Istanbul’s state-of-the-art new Zorlu Centre and later take part in community workshops with schools and young people – a most unusual Gallipoli Year venture.

In “Circus Under My Bed”, nominated as Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production at the 2014 Helpmann Awards, the company is in classic storytelling mode. A young girl, Celeste, is pictured spending a final night in her bedroom before moving away and dreaming up a circus world of weird and wonderful characters to help her face her fears.

Needless to say, these imaginary characters can tumble, make you laugh and cry and, in short, entertain. The old circus routines are given new life

as a mad chef spins plates while hungry children look on in alarm. Acrobats perform all of the stories Celeste has ever read, and their costumes come to life, too. As they stretch out their arms, the pages of books unfold from the inside of their elbows, more pages unfold from behind their knees. And, in the time-honoured tradition of

vaudeville artists reaching for something they can’t get, the brilliantly-coloured chairs are piled up in pursuit of an unattainable balloon.

“Circus Under My Bed”, Flying Fruit Fly Circus, at Canberra Theatre Centre, July 16-18, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

The finals call to operatic Eleanor

GOOD news that Canberra mezzo-soprano Eleanor Greenwood has secured a place in the Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Operatic Aria, with the finals coming up on July 19.

ELIZABETH Dalman’s show “L” (the Roman numeral for 50, signifying 50 years of the Australian Dance Theatre) is at The Q, Queanbeyan, 10.30am and 7.30pm, on July 15, before travelling to the Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide, where Dalman will be joined on stage by current ADT dancers. Bookings to theQ.net.au

TEMPO Theatre’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” director Bob Morris is still looking for a couple of likely male murderers – almost everybody in the play is a serial killer! Inquiries to 0450 261694.

MEANTIME, the more wholesome Child Players ACT is staging Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant), directed by BJ Anyos. Forty children aged between 10 and 16 perform at theatre@bcs, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, until July 18. Bookings to canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950 or at the door.

CANBERRA Glassworks’ “Winter Glow Garden” recently saw 100 glass garden works selling for $100 each – 95 were sold on the opening night of a commemorative celebration marking 100 years for the Kingston Powerhouse. Kirstie Rea, who thought up the “garden” idea, was very appropriately named Creative Fellow for 2016.

describes the three Canberra poets, Keith Harrison, Lesley Lebkowicz and Paul Hetherington, who will be highlighted in Poetry at The Gods at the ANU Arts Centre, on Tuesday, July 14. Bookings to thegodscafe@ gmail.com or 6248 5538.

“PROPHETS from your own country” is how Geoff Page

ASOC, the venerable Artists’ Society of Canberra, and Steve Brown, of Bespoke Framing and Photography, have teamed up to provide a shopfront for the sales of paintings by ASOC members. I’ll be launching the centre at 8 Townsend Street, Phillip (formerly Pepe’s), 3pm on Saturday, July 18, with music, drinks, canapés and works for sale.

FORMER ASOC president Tim Hardy’s first solo exhibition, “Encounters”, opens in the Old School House Gallery, Sweet Copper Cafe in Gold Creek, 3pm, on Sunday, July 12. It runs to August 23.

BELCONNEN Arts Centre has a winter school holiday program for children aged 5 to 12 running from July 14 to 17. There’ll be cartooning classes, drumming workshops and quirky sculpture workshops. Bookings via belconnenartscentre. com.au

HELEN MUSA

arts & entertainment / dining cinema

Thanksgiving Salad – Smoqued chicken, quinoa, pumpkin, toasted pecans, red onion, goat’s cheese, spinach, herbs with a lemon vinaigrette.

Photo by Andrew Finch

Where

the food’s cooked first

WHEN Smoque first opened in 2012, dishing up southern American barbecue food in Civic, Canberrans were happy to line up down the street and around the corner to get a spot for lunch or dinner.

It was a success story, such that Smoque eventually opened another outlet in Woden, where it forms part of the Abode Hotel.

At Smoque in Woden, you order at the counter, grab a number and find a seat. The outdoor deck area is massive and gets a good hit of sun during the day, making it a cosy place to sit in winter.

Smoque serves up fast because all the hard work is done before service

Meats are rubbed in a spice mix and smoked over hickory chips at 85 degrees for 16

hours, so don’t confuse the method with grilling. The smoke brings out the clean flavours of the meat and gives it a pinkish colour, which some mistakenly equate with being underdone.

Everything is prepared from scratch in the kitchen, so the food is free from added preservatives (big plus).

Although there is a heavy focus on meat, Smoque offers an interesting line-up of meal-size salads ($9.90 to $15.90). Sandwiches and burgers are also available ($11.90 to $19.90) as are combo platters (including the Smoque Ultimate that serves up to six for $99).

We were lunching and my friend ordered the brisket chilli with corn chips and sour cream ($14.90). We asked if it was “hot” or “hot hot” and were told that the notion “hot” is an individual thing. Tell us something we don’t know, I thought. So we rephrased the question and asked if it was hot enough to create a burning sensation. The answer was “no”. It should have been “yes”, so much so that the dish wasn’t finished. I tucked into a bit to test

for myself. I love heat and the dish was up there on the Richter scale.

My Thanksgiving Salad, on the other hand, was a little underwhelming with taste. I give it full marks for being a generous size and loaded with goodies, such as chicken, quinoa, pumpkin, toasted pecans, red onion, goat’s cheese, heaps of spinach and fresh herbs.

It was tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette. It’s a super-duper healthy option if big racks or stacks of protein aren’t your thing, but I wasn’t delighted with the gristle.

I want to go back for the famous sloppy Joe sandwich – meat smothered with chilli and cheese ($14.90). My mum used to make sloppy Joes for us when we were kids as a treat.

And speaking of mums, Smoque has a kids’ menu. All meals ($9.90) include a soft drink and ice cream.

Smoque, 10 Bowes Street, Phillip. Open Monday to Sunday, 7am-10pm. Call 6260 4621.

Sex, drugs and sad, befuddled Amy

“Amy” (MA)

RUNNING for 128 minutes, London-born filmmaker

Asif Kapadia’s documentary about jazz singer

Amy Winehouse is a collage of interviews with family and people involved in her life and career and movie images from her family archives and, not surprisingly, the media scavenging that no celebrity can avoid.

That intro, stating the bleeding obvious, should surprise nobody. Kapadia punctuates interviews, conversations, performances and still pix with an eclectic catalogue of moving images made of and around this young woman of Jewish extraction that should, rightly, have ended up in the editing suite trash can.

Backed by noisy music (percussion, plucked strings, voice – Amy insisted she never wanted strings backing her) those punctuations deliver visual interventions that are any or all of unfocused, badly lit, with content uncomposed or irrelevant. They drove me to the border of nausea.

Kapadia obviously had reasons for this invasion of an otherwise intelligent film that invites the filmgoer to take their minds beyond what’s on the screen and ask “why?” and “how?”. I interpret them as metaphors for the mental befuddlement that alcohol, party drugs, physical fatigue from a demanding profession and exhausting professional and personal relationships that blighted Amy’s life and took more from her than they gave back.

Amy wrote the lyrics of most of a repertoire that exposed her emotional turmoil. Helpfully, the texts accompany them on the screen. Hearing them with eyes closed often does not make them clear.

Kapadia’s construction of the film’s denouement is a masterly compendium of unhappy portents rising to the inevitable crescendo on the footpath outside her London house. The film makes no reference to the disposal of her estate. It provides the filmgoer with a sorrowful coda. Throughout, it does scant credit to the media, the music industry, her family or her lovers, who all exploited her.

With one exception. Near the end, an all-tooshort passage during which Amy and Tony Bennett rehearse a duet is beautiful. And Bennett is in no doubt, as those moments confirm, that Amy was a jazz singer equal to those greats Ella and Billie.

At Palace Electric

“Terminator Genisys” (M)

NOW that Arnold Schwarzenegger has retired from gubernatorial duties, the best description for the timeline in the screenplay that Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier confected to wring more juice from the Terminator franchise is “crazy”.

Arnie once again plays the android Guardian sent in the first Terminator film to kill Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and who, after a change of heart, becomes Sarah’s protector. Australian Jai Courtney plays Kyle, sent back to 1982 by John Connor (Queensland-born Jason Clarke) to save his mother who is at risk of being destroyed when Skynet in 2017 is about to destroy humanity before climate change does so.

If you think that’s confusing, don’t be alarmed or distressed. You’ve chosen to watch “Terminator Genisys” because either you are a “Terminator” fan from way back or you’re bored and need a mindless diversion. From out there beyond the known universe in a time that has yet to arrive, a society of antagonistic animal or mechanical beings is sending its colonisers to dispossess us puny earthlings from our home turf and prepare it for occupation.

That plot became rancid long ago. What it now says to us mere earthlings is: “Buy a ticket to see the new impossibilities we’ve created for your entertainment”.

The film’s best moments are when 68-year-old Arnie smiles. He knows what it’s about. The Guardian’s builders programmed it to arrange its face just so when it wants to display pleasure. It’s a satire on Arnold Schwarzenegger. And very funny self mockery. Well done, big fella.

At all cinemas

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gardening

The busy time to get planting

JULY is a busy time for planting, from bare-rooted fruit and ornamental trees to shrubs and the huge range of berry plants.

It’s important with many fruits to have two trees that flower at the same time for cross pollination by the bees.

Years ago in Canberra and Queanbeyan, when it seemed that every gardener grew a selection of fruit trees, it was almost certain that neighbours would have trees to share the pollination.

While most fruit trees have gone from gardens as lifestyles change, for those who still want to grow their own fruit there has never been a greater variety available.

Don’t stress about cross pollination; your local garden centre will advise you how to care for fruit trees, including evergreens such as Loquats and Feijoa, both excellent for jam and jelly making.

I was involved in the initial release of ballerina apple trees some years ago in England. Suitable for very small gardens, they grow in a columnar shape, tall and slender like a ballerina, to 3.5m tall x 0.6m wide.

These delicious apples include varieties such as Charlotte or Crimson Crisp.

ORGANIC gardening is vitally important for the environment. Undissolved chemical fertilisers wash off gardens into stormwater drains and, ultimately, into the city’s lakes. This is a contributing factor in blue green algae.

Benefits of organic gardening include healthier plants and fruit and vegetables, saving bees and ladybirds, not to mention soil health. Soil contains a complex mix of microbes (bacteria and fungi) and mesofauna (worms and predatory mites) that play a vital role in recycling material to keep plants healthy.

Banks Street, Weston Park, Yarralumla • 6281 7373 heritagenursery.com.au /TheHeritageNursery

Synthetic chemical fertilisers and non-organic products kill off this biological diversity and can build up salts in the soil. This can harm plant roots and physical structure of the soil.

Organic Crop Protectants is a company that specialises in certified organic products that are available at most garden centres. One important product in its range is Eco-Aminogro, a certified organic fertiliser made from a blend of amino acids, vitamins and essential bio-nutrients that improves growth through larger flowers and more fruit, and doesn’t affect soil organisms. It is safe for all plants, from natives to veggies. There’s a full range of OCP certified garden products at ecoorganicgarden.com.au

WHILE it’s easy to get carried away with planting spring bulbs, let’s not forget the summerflowering bulbs, corms and tubers.

I always say that anyone can have a spring garden, but the secret is to have an equally floriferous garden in summer and autumn. Bearded iris are always unpredictable and can flounce into flower unexpectedly in late winter, although the main flowering time is mid-spring.

I will not even attempt to mention any specific varieties, but with coloured labels it is easy to work out a colour scheme. Gladioli are back in vogue.

Rather than planting the corms all in one go, plant a few each week. This will result in flowers over a long period. Lilliums are a florist’s favourite, as they can be picked when in bud and brought into the home, quietly opening over a week or more. If you are planting agapanthus try to find the sterile varieties. The ordinary agapanthus produce an enormous quantity of

seeds, which spread easily into bushland and are starting to cause environmental problems. In some areas they are classified as a weed, such as in the Blue Mountains National Park. Local garden centres will have summer flowering bulbs in stock for planting now.

Events…

• THE Canberra Horticultural Society is demonstrating rose pruning at 1 Spence Place, Hughes, 1pm-3pm, on Saturday, July 18. And rose and fruit-tree pruning at its trial gardens, corner of Braybrooke Street and Battye Streets, Bruce, 1pm-3pm, on Sunday, July 19. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

• CEDRIC Bryant will give an illustrated talk on daphnes at the next meeting of the Horticultural Society at the Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm, on Monday, July 20. The meeting is open to the public.

• SOIL testing and how easy it is will be the subject of the next talk at The Garden Parkwood Nursery, 10.30am, Wednesday, July 22. Bookings to 6254 6726.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Uranus stirs up your reckless side early in the week, as you surprise – or even shock others with an unpredictable move that comes right out of left field. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater though! Avoid being bossy mid-week, as you strive to be assertive rather than aggressive. When dealing with a family issue, resist the urge to be hot-headed and jump to hasty conclusions. Cool down and recalibrate Rams, otherwise you’ll end up exhausted by the end of the week.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Close relationships will be difficult early in the week, when Saturn pours cold water on communication, cooperation and displays of affection. Then the New Moon highlights your neighbourhood zone, so get out and about in your local community and contribute your Taurean talents ASAP. Enjoying good times and delicious meals with loved ones is highlighted on the weekend. But don’t be dismayed if a relative divulges something that would be better left unsaid.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

The New Moon shines a spotlight on money matters. Resist the urge to be flash with cash and careless with credit. If your finances are in a mess, then you need to develop some fiscal skills, with the guidance of a professional. Expect plenty of phone calls, emails, snail mail, texts and tweets. You’re hungry for news, gossip and up-to-the-minute information, so phone a friend and have a good long chat. Don’t be too superficial though, they may have serious issues to discuss.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

You love to feel comfy, and sudden changes can catapult you into a state of catatonia. This week the planets shake up and then pulverise your Crab comfort zone – especially involving work matters or relationship issues. With mighty Mars in your sign (until August 9) you need to tune into your bold and daring side – it’s hiding there somewhere! Be inspired by Harrison Ford (born on July 13, 1942): “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.”

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions are feeling mighty restless! Some Cats start the week with a bang, as you cause commotion behind the scenes; while others stir things up in a very public way. But is that really such a smart idea? Disruptive, selfish behaviour will just alienate you from others. By all means do your own thing, but don’t disregard the needs of family, friends and colleagues in the process. Far better for you to channel your fiery energy into fabulous dreams and flamboyant schemes.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

The week starts well, when the creative gods are on your side and you seem to intuitively know what others require. Enjoy the phase while it lasts. Then you’ll feel extremely unsettled mid-week, as trivial matters irritate you – and more important issues get your blood boiling. If you dwell on things too much and shift into megaworry-wart-mode, you’ll just make giant mountains out of tiny molehills. So calm down Virgo, before you blow a veritable fuse!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

You pride yourself on your well-rounded personality but it will be difficult to balance head and heart this week, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Loved ones or colleagues will try to throw you off balance; scramble your logic; and press your emotional buttons. But it’s up to you to deflect their efforts with lashings of Libran style. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Nelson Mandela: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Power struggles and disagreements are likely mid-week, unless you can keep your Scorpio need to be in control under control. So swallow your pride and strive to sort out a problem that’s developed between you and a loved one. Plus let others make their own decisions and their own mistakes. Your carefully planned weekend is set to be turned upside down, as Uranus upsets plans and throws some surprises into the mix. The more adaptable you are, the better.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are the gung-ho gamblers of the zodiac. But this week, with unpredictable Uranus stirring things up, the odds aren’t in your favour. If you succumb to the urge to bet, buy, spend, splurge and speculate; then you could end up being a big financial loser. You’re also keen to help others, and your intentions are certainly well meaning. But check people actually require your assistance before you jump in and don’t promise more than you can actually deliver.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’ll have trouble coping with any restrictions that are placed on you by loved ones, so family relationships are likely to be unpredictable. The more you try to assert your authority and independence, the more woeful the week will be. But shake-ups needn’t necessarily lead to breakups! Just remember – you can’t be the boss all the time. Calm down and recalibrate Capricorn. If you are more consultative and democratic, then partnerships will gradually improve.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re keen to converse with a wide audience, but are you communicating with the right people? Be careful how you convey your message, especially online, as the Sun and Uranus throw a fiery hand grenade into the social media mix. Take extra care when driving too, as you’re more accident prone than usual. Resist the temptation to spark things up by being contrary and rocking the relationship boat on the weekend. Find less disruptive ways to add drama to your world.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Monday is the perfect day for some personal pampering, as you nurture your body with a special treat like a professional pedicure, an indulgent massage or a long and luxurious aromatherapy bath. Are you worried about money matters? Look for innovative ways to improve your cash flow and boost your bank balance. But avoid discussing finances with a tearaway teenager or a fractious friend. If you do, then expect some heated words as common sense flies out the window.

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

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colours? 10 Which large sea wave is caused by an underwater earthquake?

11 Name a unit of sound

12 What is the cavity at the upper end of the human windpipe, containing the vocal cords?

14 Which local government land areas are usually larger than municipalities?

18 What is a small object of beauty, curiosity, or rarity?

21 Which saint was the founder of Christian monasticism?

22 That which is the most extensive, is said to be the what?

23 What, informally, could we call a revolutionist?

24 Name another term for replies

Down

1 What is a cold, dry, northerly wind, common in southern France?

2 Who, in Greek legend, was the giant with a hundred eyes?

3 Which figure has six angles and six sides?

4 Name the organic compounds which include fats and sugars

5 What is a surviving memorial of something past?

6 Name the eighth month of the early Roman year

7 To abide as a permanent resident, is to do what?

13 Who painted “Bailed Up”, Tom ...?

15 What, broadly, is another term for milliners?

16 Name a term applicable to some timber cutters

17 What is the relative social position of an individual or group?

18 Name an extremely light wood

19 What do we call a lord, entitled to allegiance and service?

20 Which hand-held computer device controls the cursor?