150820 citynews

Retiring Simon gets Libs smiling MICHAEL MOORE

Not messiah, just a naughty boy

MARK PARTON

Boneheads of the political class

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Fifty shades of grey… for the garden

CEDRIC BRYANT

Well written, well read

Dr Bill Vass and the passion to be heard

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Chocolate sausages, anyone?

FROM kangaroo and beer to chocolate and chilli, former butcher David Peddle has snagged the best sausage recipes for his new book.

Originally from England, David moved to Australia and became a butcher in 1969.

“I have had a butcher’s shop in Canberra, but there comes a time when you simply cannot work for 60 or more hours a week,” he says.

“So, my passion has become my hobby.”

These days he works for the public service, but as one of Australia’s leading butchery education experts, he has collected decades of anecdotes, historical facts and professional secrets for his comprehensive, self-published guide “Sausages: History, Mystery and Mastery”.

He says making sausages is easy.

“All the recipes are simple with most just a case of measuring out ingredients, mixing them together and filling them into casings,” he says.

“I became a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) teacher in the mid-’80s and over the next 20 years I was involved in the moves from traditional apprenticeships to a competencybased system.

“I worked for the Meat Industry National Training Advisory Council and I also introduced the first workplace-based system of training for butchers’ apprentices.”

While all classic recipes are in the book, Da-

vid has developed his own unique combinations.

“In fresh sausages, pork sausages are the most popular in Britain but in Australia, beef is the most commonly used meat. Flavours can be anything from rosemary and garlic to chilli,” says David.

“Any mix of flavours can make a good sausage. I tried some chocolate with some chilli in it at Cadbury World in England and it struck me

as a good savoury flavour so I mixed it with some other flavours and made lamb with mint, chilli and chocolate. They turned out pretty well.

“The vegan sausage is the most complex and I also have a kangaroo and beer sausage made with my own home brew.”

“Sausages: History, Mystery and Mastery” ($35) will be available soon from davidpeddle.com

Start to ‘food

forest’

THE Lyneham Commons will be opened on Saturday, August 22, when TAMS Minister Shane Rattenbury will plant the first tree for the forest. There’ll be a free seed bomb workshop and a planting and mulching bee. Participants are encouraged to bring a plate of food for a shared picnic lunch at 12.30pm.

The site, behind Lyneham Primary School and adjacent to Sullivan’s Creek, will be planted with about 30 fruit and nut trees over the next few years and, once they are mature and productive, the public will be free to harvest from the trees. This makes Lyneham Commons distinct from other community gardens, which typically have private plots.

“We want it to stay public land,” said spokeswoman Margaret Clark. “We want people to come through and pick fruit and enjoy the space.”

A community-led initiative, Lyneham Commons is part of a worldwide movement to bring food production back to the suburbs. It was launched in July after two years of negotiation and public consultation that returned overwhelming support.

The “food forest” will be maintained through community working bees.

More information at lynehamcommons.wordpress.com

Since 1993: Volume 21, Number 30

Chaos rules as the blue corner lashes out

Throughout the shambles, the alternative leader Malcolm Turnbull stayed mum, even though he holds totally opposing views on all the issues canvassed.

CHAOS thy name is Anthony John Abbott . Not since the Whitlam years have we witnessed such disarray.

The former Oxford boxing blue spent the week backed into his corner of the political ring throwing wild rights at friends and foes alike as his hand-picked allies in the judges’ box departed or were hooted from the bleachers.

He began by pointedly farewelling the thoroughly unlamented

Bronwyn Bishop with a kiss. Then he tried some fancy footwork on his same-sex marriage sparring partners

that diverted them briefly, but sent the crowd into paroxysms of protest. Next came a climate-change jab that missed the target followed by a feint at a passing Syrian death cult. And he rounded the week off defending the indefensible as Royal Commissioner Dyson Heydon was outed as the main speaker at a Liberal Party fundraiser. By now even his best friends at Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited were beginning to despair.

THROUGHOUT the shambles, the alternative leader Malcolm Turnbull stayed mum, even though he holds totally opposing views on all the issues canvassed. Indeed, it’s reported that Abbott’s conservative allies want him out of the ministry. “They want his scalp,” said one Turnbull supporter. And Malcolm’s silence suggests the threat is real. But how long, one wonders, is he prepared to remain Tony’s punching bag?

ENVIRONMENT Minister Greg Hunt talked up a storm in support of the climate change

dose of dorin

policy – so much so that “7.30’s” Leigh Sales found it almost impossible to squeeze in a question. Unfortunately, Greg has yet to learn that the faster you talk the less

ROBERT MACKLIN

you’re listened to. Truth is, 63 per cent of Australians believe the government should do more and more than 70 per cent say coal should be replaced by renewables.

CANBERRANS can feel suitably smug as the retiring Environment Minister Simon Corbell opened a second wind auction designed to power up to 106,000 homes.

But here’s an oddity – a survey revealed that more women than men support wind and solar power; the chaps like the nuclear option. Ian Dunlop, a former oilman who converted to climate change activist, says: “Women are actually more conscious of the world we are heading into and the need to do something about it.” Really?

ACTUALLY, Simon got quite excited by the “enormously attractive” idea of extending a branch line of his light rail project to Russell Hill.

It would “liberate public servants exiled to the Defence precinct,” he said, “and boost the project by 30 per cent”. The cost? Ah, forget about it. That’ll be someone else’s worry.

SNOW and ice also made the headlines, the one far more desirable than the other. While snow is always fun, it turns out that ice (crystallised methamphetamine) is not quite the epidemic we thought. Another survey says only 3.5 per cent of us have tried it and many of those are stay-at-home mums. Come to think of it, that’s pretty scary.

FINALLY the good news – our women cricketers thrashed the Poms; and our own cineaste treasure Andrew Pike and his team have revived the Canberra International Film Festival. There’s a terrific line up of movies planned for November – just as our own little industry finds its feet. Well done, sir! robert@robertmacklin.com

The colonists come dancing

THE Monaro Folk Society is celebrating its 45th anniversary with an evening of elegance, grace and glamour at its annual formal Colonial Ball at the Albert Hall on September 5. Music will be by the New Currawong Bush Band featuring one of NSW’s leading dance callers, John Short. All dances will be taught and called on the night, so no experience is needed. Bookings via mfs.org.au or from 0421 814718. “CityNews” readers can access the group discounted price by entering this publication’s title in the “Comment” box for online sales.

Springtime antiques fair

THE ACT Springtime Antique and Collectables Fair, featuring 22 antique dealers from around Australia, will be held at Albert Hall from 6pm, Friday, August 21 to 4pm, Sunday, August 23. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Canberra City, proceeds will help the Snowy Hydro SouthCare medical rescue helicopter service. The fair will also feature Canberra-based Endangered Heritage, which specialises in saving valuable and sentimental items from extinction. Home-made cakes, slices and light lunches are also available. Entry is $7, concession, $5 and children under 14 free.

A view of ‘Voices’

DAWN Laing will speak about the book “Here, There and Away – Voices of the Families of those who Served” at the next lunchtime meeting of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club at Functions@Federation, Gold Creek Village, from 11.30am, on August 26. Lunch costs $30 and RSVP to 6166 2874 by midday, August 24.

Music to raise money by

“MINGUS, Monk and More” is a fundraiser to support

students, hear some new ensembles and the ANU Jazz Collective in the Big Band Room, ANU, 7.30pm, Thursday, August 27. Students and staff of the School of Music will be playing the music of Monk and Mingus and some of their own compositions. Bookings to annieoakey@gmail.com or tickets at the door.

Walk in the park

WITH the emphasis on participation, not perspiration, Parkinson’s ACT is hosting a mile-long (1.6km) fundraising “Walk in the Park” from Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park, on Sunday, August 30. There’ll be face painting for the kids, a celebration cake, sausage sizzle and lucky draw prizes. Cost is $20, $10 for kids 5-15, and $50 for a family. Registrations open at 9.30am and the walk begins at 11am or register online at parkinsonswalk.com.au

Simon’s exit gives the Libs something to smile about

JEREMY Hanson must be smiling. The Opposition Leader is aware that Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, is “the last man standing” following the announcement from Simon Corbell that he will not run at the next election.

Labor went into the 2012 election under the newly elected leadership of the very popular Katy Gallagher. Jon Stanhope had just passed her the baton of Chief Minister. She was supported by her ministerial team of Corbell, Chris Bourke, Joy Burch and Barr. The party was only able to secure eight of the 17 seats in the ACT Legislative Assembly. This is the same number secured by the Liberals. Labor governs only with the support of the single Greens member, Shane Rattenbury.

Chief Minister Barr is the face of the party for the coming election and Labor’s chances seem to be diminishing. Not too much should be read into contrasting the two quotas for then-leader Gallagher compared to one third of a quota scored by Barr and even less by Corbell. There are others within the party. The most notable was backbench Labor MLA Mary Porter scoring almost a quota on her own in the electorate of Ginninderra. Reflecting respect for her solid and constant work in the community.

Chief Minister Barr is the face of the party for the coming election and Labor’s chances seem to be diminishing.

cent it will need around 20 per cent to get elected. This makes a greater challenge especially for the Greens, independents and minor parties, whom in most Assemblies Labor and Liberal have relied on to form government.

Another reason for the smirk on the face of the Opposition Leader is the importance of profile in a Hare-Clark election. Being well known is a significant advantage. “Robson Rotation” operates on the ballot paper to ensure no preselection advantage for any member on a party ticket.

backbench member and as a minister. He is an effective political strategist. Corbell has managed many difficult portfolios including Health, Attorney General, Police, Planning, Environment and Climate Change and Education.

Jeremy will be smiling, understanding it will now be harder for Labor to win at least 13 of the 25 seats to secure majority government.

At the October, 2016, election there will be five members elected in each of the five electorates. These electorates require winning a higher proportion of the vote than the current seven-member seat of Molonglo. Instead of around 14 per

Mindful Wisdom

The Liberals team has been building its profile over the last four years.

Labor will be attempting to introduce a significant number of new faces.

Another advantage for the Liberals is described by parties as “poor party discipline”. A significant proportion of voters will shift columns on the ballot paper favouring individuals they think will be good representatives rather than parties.

The preferences, which are so essential to building a quota, slip away. Although a sensible way to vote, it is difficult for parties. The disadvantage for Labor is that preference flows will follow known personalities.

There are rumours that the straw that broke the camel’s back for Corbell was a poor pre-selection result. However, Simon well knows that once he is on a ticket his profile will bring a flow of preferences.

The Deputy Chief Minister, across six Assembly terms, has made a significant contribution to the Territory both as a

A course of 11 weekly evening sessions (2.0 hours each)

Unlike many ministers, he has rarely caused his government embarrassment. When announcing his intention to step out of politics at the next election, he identified some of his proudest achievements which include: light rail, climate change (with the progression towards 90 per cent renewable energy) and the passage of Australia’s first marriage equality legislation.

I recall during the counting of the 1998 election, which was so close that Corbell believed the preferences had tracked away from him and he had not been re-elected. He packed up his office. I said to him at the time: “You’ll be back”. I think the biggest surprise to both of us was that he was back so soon; the preferences finally favoured him and delivered the seat.

The community of the ACT has been well served by the preferences falling his way. It will be interesting to see who the 2016 election favours.

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

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It’s in the air, for sure!

There are a lot more birds tweeting in our garden, especially gorgeous superb fairywrens; tiny, beautiful, hyperactive blue wrens that inhabit our hedges and seem to be very active early this season.

HARD to believe, but spring is in the air. Sure, it actually snowed in central Canberra last week and people posted pictures of snow monkeys on Mount Ainslie, but the season really is changing.

Wattle has been blooming for some weeks now, even if it’s still covered in frost most mornings. I’ve even seen a few courageously cheerful daffodils and jonquils bobbing up their heads as they get blasted by Antarctic winds. There are a lot more birds tweeting in our garden, especially gorgeous superb fairywrens; tiny, beautiful, hyperactive blue wrens that inhabit our hedges and seem to be very active early this season. Most importantly, it’s just that bit brighter each morning.

A few weeks ago I did say in this column that Canberrans should trumpet our status as Australia’s winter capital. I do love winter, but I have to admit that since early August I have been rapidly losing my enthusiasm for cold, crisp mornings. Now I can’t wait to peel off all those layers of clothes and open the front door each morning without feeling like I am traversing the Antarctic polar ice cap to get to the car. Perhaps the winter blues did eventually catch up with me. Certainly, I haven’t had much of an opportunity to soak up any vitamin D over the past few months and the practice of frequently leaving for work and arriving back home in the dark may have contributed to some creeping gloominess and ennui. In any case, I’m really looking forward to

spring. The fact that we’re about to move house would normally fill me with dread, but in the circumstances I’ve decided to look at it as the mother of all spring cleans – an opportunity to clear out all sorts of junk and debris and start afresh. So as the days get just a bit longer and, hopefully, a bit warmer, I’m going to be packing and unpacking moving boxes and building a new nest for our family.

If there is a season to move house, spring probably is the best time. At the end of a busy day moving, one can hopefully sit outside for a moment and enjoy a glass of wine, ideally with a view of the Brindabellas in the distance.

If nothing else, the flowers will be blooming and the birds chirping, busy making their own nests. I’m not sure whether we’ll have as many fairywrens in our new Canberra garden, but I’m hopeful. They are the most cheery, beautiful things; perhaps the best, certainly the cutest, harbingers of spring in Canberra.

He’s not the messiah

IT’S fair to say a lot of Canberrans have been disappointed with Nick Kyrgios in recent months. It seems he’s not the messiah… he’s just a really, really, really, naughty boy.

Aaah, Nick. If only you would shut up and let the racquet make the racket.

The latest misdemeanour (assuming that there’s been no other viral disaster between time of writing and your reading this), was the absurdly childish sledge (“Thanasi Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend, I’m sorry to say, mate.”) of opponent Stan Wawrinka in Canada.

Seriously, Nick, is that the best you could come up with?

I’m a little surprised he was fined $10,000 because I thought it so stupid a sledge it should have just been ignored or even laughed at in a way that said: “You juvenile moron! If that is your best shot then you’ve got nothing.”

But no. We’ve had a social-media war, fines have been dished out and apologies made.

The whole theory of the sledge is to say something to your opponent that takes his focus from the task enabling you to beat him.

I played a fair bit of regional AFL and in my time kicking the footy around in WA and NSW, I heard at least 500 sledges worse than Nick’s.

I was furiously sledged every game, which I took to mean that my opponents had a higher

opinion of my game than I did.

I always tried to be a little smarter with my sledging. I remember asking number 44 from Warners Bay about his teammates bullying him. It actually struck a chord with him and he asked me how I knew.

I replied that I thought it was really cruel to give him a jumper number that he couldn’t live up to. He tried to land one on my jaw.

Best sledge? Well, it wasn’t strictly a sledge, but I’m really proud of it. I was playing back pocket for North Coffs on a dirty winter’s day at Woolgoolga. My opponent had taken a mark and was taking a set shot for goal. I was standing the mark.

This was traditional country football with cars parked around the perimeter of the ground. I’d seen my opponent arrive. As he ran in to kick the goal I shouted: “You drive an old Statesman, don’t you buddy?”

I had his attention.

As he got to the kick, I pointed to his car and said: “You’ve left your lights on… seriously.”

He missed everything and put it out on the full.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC.

Prison bleach move applauded

ACT Health has commenced the distribution of powdered bleach sachets in the Alexander Maconochie Centre. This helps address gaps in detainee access to bleach – shown to reduce the risk of hepatitis and HIV transmission, when used correctly.

This is an important step forward, for which Health Minister Corbell is to be congratulated. Illicit drugs, unregulated access to unsterile injecting equipment, and disease transmission are ongoing realities for ACT prisoners. Given that a drug-free prison has proven impossible, the safest response is to now introduce a system whereby prisoners can exchange contaminated equipment for sterile equipment.

The Government already knows this and has reiterated its commitment to a regulated needle exchange in the prison. The details of the program are still getting sorted, but as time drags on prisoners and staff continue to endure unnecessary risk.

The UN has recently issued a handbook to guide prison needle exchange. Perhaps this could help decision making locally. In the meantime, better access to bleach to help prevent prison disease transmission is a welcome development.

John Didlick, executive officer, Hepatitis ACT

Why not a peaceful death?

BEV Cains (CN, August 6) ignores the 80 per cent of our population who I understand are in favour of death-with-dignity laws, on the deleterious effect such “sabotage” would have on caring health professionals, on suicide prevention and upon “horror stories” about apparent abuses in Belgium and Holland under their liberal laws.

Nowhere does Bev present hard evidence to support her case save to (rightly) praise local palliative care services.

My argument for death with dignity is that people should not have to suffer unnecessary pain, undignified circumstances etcetera, just to satisfy the beliefs of a minority that “no one is claiming that absolutely all pain will be controlled at the end of life or that everyone will have a peaceful passing”.

But why not a peaceful death if possible? Why should we be arbitrarily punished by a painful death?

Finally, Bev, death with dignity does not have to be compulsory. Those who wish to pay a price for real or imagined sins can do so by refusing care.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Street artist making inroads peace

By Helen Musa

IT’S been two years since we last heard from former Canberra artist (and graphic designer at the ANU) Kabir Mokamel.

Kabir astonished his mates in the ACT arts community when, after many years living in Australia, decided to repatriate to his native Afghanistan, where he has become well known as the country’s top street artist.

“I am doing really well,” he told “CityNews” by email from Kabul. “I started painting on big concrete security barriers in Kabul. We started a big mural on the National Directorate of Security…

The text says: ‘I see you, corruption is not hidden from God and people’s gaze’.

Kabir says his work has received big interest within the wider public because of its capacity to reflect on the messages in his art.

According to Kabir, the work has attracted a lot of attention from international media, confirmed when we went looking and found a story on the venture at facebook.com

As well, we found that Nick Boraine, representing the Global Arts Corps, had participated in a panel discussion on the role of the arts in reconciliation and transitional justice with “renowned local Afghan street artist Kabir Mokamel (Peace Street).”

“Scriptures, symbolic slogans and graffiti on the walls in Kabul belong to the works gathering the most attention from the public…Kabir Mokamel is one of the artists who believes in street art to change how society thinks for the better,” Boraine said.

The Kabul-based agency Cetena Group has been behind the next generation of association-strong “ad slots” filled by Kabir with tank silhouettes, love hearts and butterflies conveying the idea that only a common effort, coming from within society, can bring about peace in Afghanistan.

“Kabir’s emotive work conveys so many powerful messages, prompting people to think more about educational benefits, their children’s future and questioning how to deal with the pain this extraordinary country continues to endure”, Paul Wade, chief of operations at Cetena Group said.

Pelvic-floor workshop

WOMEN of all ages are invited to attend a free pelvic-floor workshop offering information, education and self-help strategies for women who are experiencing or wishing to prevent continence problems. Presented by health professionals, the workshop is at the Belconnen Community Health Centre, 56 Lathlain Street, 1pm-4pm on September 1. Bookings are essential to 6207 9977.

Taking to the streets

THE Veterans Motorcycle Club is staging its 2015 charity poker run on October 17 in aid of the Canberra and Cooma hospitals. The run starts at the VMC clubhouse, Seiffert Oval car park, Queanbeyan, at 10am. Registrations (and breakfast) from 8am and cost $25. First card at the Bredbo pub with awards at the Aussie pub Cooma. The club has been raising funds for hospitals and causes for the last 14 years including MS, prostate cancer and Snowy Hydro SouthCare. More information via email to secretary@vmcfederal.com.au

Fashion on parade

SUPPORT group Soldier On will be the beneficiary of the CWA Canberra Evening Branch’s parade of fashion from designer Maggie T at the CWA clubrooms, 8 Barry Drive, Civic, from 1.30pm on Saturday, September 19. Tickets are $20 (including afternoon tea), bookings by September 11 to 6285 3127.

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lowbrow Despair at boneheads

ONE imagines that written on the walls of the pyramids one can find many complaints common to our era.

“The children today just don’t respect their elders.”

“Music was better in my day.”

And, of course: “Public officials aren’t what they used to be.”

While these complaints are as old as civilisation, and no doubt were grizzled around campfires for millennia before that, the current crop of public leaders do nothing to encourage more enthusiasm than their predecessors.

On the one hand, it’s tempting to say the recent scandal-ridden entitlement claims really aren’t that big a deal.

Why do we apparently care more about a $5000 helicopter ride than such things as stripping young people of unemployment benefits or indigenous disadvantage or rape and murder in immigration detention?

On the other hand, the ordinary worker, paying for the largesse, does not get to live in this custom. We can’t even get a tax deduction on the cost of getting to work, let alone have our social transport costs paid in full.

Then, last week, we had

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In an ideal world, I’d like to have a decent and honest political class. But I’d settle for competent blackhearts over these grasping idiots.

the spectacle of Dyson Heydon agreeing to speak at a Liberal Party fundraiser while presiding over an already dangerously political royal commission into trade unions.

I understand the invitation to give the Sir Garfield Barwick oration was made before the retired High Court judge took up the task of invigilating the union movement and that its fund-raising status was something of a technicality.

It remains astonishing that a man of such intellect could not have foreseen this would be a problem, or that those who had invited him would not have been able to see some considerable embarrassment was about to ensue.

As for the entitlements, I’m honestly surprised no flack in the Prime Minister’s army of spinners has ever been given the job of looking over the entitlement returns and pre-emptively applying the “sniff test”. These highly paid advisers are supposed to have back-pocket briefs to cover every eventuality.

Given that not a term of parliament passes without an entitlements scandal it’s positively bizarre they let

of the political classes

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these scandals outflank them time and time again.

What vexes me the most is not the waste, or the entitlement mentality, or even greed and mendacity.

What fills me with rage is the sheer bone-headed stupidity of these scandals and a political class that is so snout-down-in-the-trough as to be incapable of looking out for their own best interests, let alone the interests of the wider community.

The latest entitlements scandal in what is, let us remember, a very long line, was not brought on by hidden cameras, or leaked documents. That sort of

journalism is almost impossible in this country with our defamation laws.

These titans of politics are being brought down by the expense claims publicly lodged in a register, there for all to see.

In an ideal world, I’d like to have a decent and honest political class.

But I’d settle for competent blackhearts over these grasping idiots.

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

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Canberra Confidential

No business like snow business

THERE’S no business like snow business when the winter turns white in Canberra. While home-spun snappers of all sorts of persuasions blitzed our online editor John Griffiths with wow-snow! photos, the pros headed to higher ground at Mount Ainslie, clearly determined not to come down without the money shot.

Andrew Campbell filed this marvellous study of the media hard at work making something of the world’s saddest little snowperson. It snowed, but not much.

And from the Twittersphere…

THE snow also brought out this tic-tac tweeting from both sides of the Big House on the Hill. Such are the affairs of state.

Vicki’s view

LIBERAL MLA Vicki Dunne’s Belconnen address was redistributed 200 metres from Ginninderra, the electorate she represents, to plump up the numbers for the new Gungahlin seat of Yerrrabi. What to do with the ACT election looming next year? Despite being a reluctant resident of Yerrabi, she told 2CC’s “Sunday Roast” that she can still see Ginninderra from her kitchen window and would be standing for the seat again.

Stumps that go bump in the night

OUR tree-loving-hugging snout from Watson reports that the tram-inspired Northbourne Avenue urban meadow creeps ever closer with the news that the trees in the median strip with death warrants nailed to them have all been removed.

“I heard that they were chopped down at night and the stumps ground out,” he says.

“So now it is hard to see where they were!”

The paunch man cometh

GENTLY paunched dads rejoice: the “dad bod” is the latest fashion trend for men.

Dad bod? Well, according to an online tailor trying to flog stuff for Father’s Day: “It’s that cuddly, unpretentious physique sported by the likes of Hollywood heartthrobs Jason Segel and Leonardo DiCaprio, favouring a gentle paunch and cuddly torso over tree trunk arms and rippling abs.”

It gets better: “If you want your father or partner to feel good about themselves, a shirt or suit that flatters his larger physique in all the right places is a sure-fire way to make him feel like a million bucks.”

Tony Stubbs, CEO of the ACT Heart Foundation, who sees toxic fat in every gentle paunch, is well into conducting this year’s Canberra Celebrity Heart Challenge and shares these statistics: Heart disease is the single biggest killer of adults in Canberra; 64 per cent of ACT adults are overweight or obese and 50 per cent of ACT adults are not sufficiently active for health.

Perhaps dad would be better off with a track suit.

‘Preggophile’ warning

WHILE on the subject of enlarged tummies, the Australian Multiple Birth Association has joined with other international associations in issuing a “preggophile” warning about sharing photos of baby bumps on the internet.

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Free parking available

“Unfortunately, pregnancy photosharing has just taken an icky turn. And the bigger your bump, the more you seem to be a target,” the group says in warning about an online predator.

“He goes under the fake female name of ‘Afina Petrescu’ (and various others) and targets the ‘closed’ Facebook groups of multiple birth clubs and other groups to steal bump pics for a pregnancy fetish site.” Comms director Ali Mountifield says: “Photos should be shared with whom you choose… not stolen for the gratification of others. We’ve issued warnings on AMBA’s Facebook page but we wanted to raise the alert as it’s an international problem and it’s not just related to those expecting twins, triplets or more.”

Ex-Speaker’s new seat

PICTURED by a fellow passenger, who tweeted:

“Bronnie wiping down her economy class seat with hand sanitiser last night”, which CC interprets to be the former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop heading home to Sydney from Canberra after her first parliamentary week as a back bencher since jumping off the big chair.

DR Bill Vass, of Dr Vass Hearing, believes that hearing health is for everyone.

“The perception is that only older people need concern themselves with hearing health, but it’s not the case,” says Dr Vass.

“It really is for everyone, and I believe that hearing checks should be done as regularly as eye checks and visiting the dentist – the three basic things we should all keep on top of.

“There are many different causes of hearing impairment, from loud noises and prolonged use of personal devices with headphones to ageing, viruses or head trauma. Every patient is unique.”

Dr Vass has been based in his independent, private-practice rooms in the John James Medical Centre in Deakin for three years, but has spent 21 years serving the Canberra community.

“I’m a firm believer in delivering the right outcome for my patients,” he says. “My patients’ care is my first concern, not selling hearing aids and actually I believe that the most expensive hearing aids aren’t always the best option.

“Also, I believe that not everyone who needs a hearing aid is ready for one.”

With more than 35 years’ experience in audiology, Dr Vass says his work is his passion and that at his clinic, they celebrate being unique.

Part of the uniqueness is Dr Vass himself, who has a significant history within the hearing industry, and is the longest-serving private practitioner in Canberra.

He is also the first of only 20 doctors of audiology in Australia, with vast experience gained throughout his career that makes him a specialist in the field of hearing.

Dr Vass graduated in 1978 from West Virginia University with a Masters of Science

degree in Audiology, and began his first clinical practice in 1979.

Seven years later he started working for Starkey International in the US, in the technical lab and research department.

“Starkey at that time were leading the way in technology; they pioneered the ‘in-ear hearing aid’ and their research department was extensive,” says Dr Vass.

“It was during my time at Starkey that I realised how quickly the technology of hearing was moving, and the importance of education as well as keeping up with and, where possible, being ahead of the times.”

Dr Vass says it was an exciting time and a great privilege to be at the forefront of this technology.

“Starkey was changing the look of hearing

aids, they were becoming lightweight, more discreet and user-friendly, and this was so exciting,” he says.

Dr Vass moved to Canberra in 1994 and brought with him a wealth of knowledge and an enthusiasm for independent practice.

“I strongly believe that giving my patients a choice is hugely important, which is why I prefer not to be affiliated to any particular

brands,” he says. “I’m proud to offer unbiased advice and recommendations, and I have always believed in taking an individual approach with my patients.”

In 2007, Dr Vass completed his Doctorate of Audiology, in line with his belief that you can never stop learning or have too much knowledge.

A founding member and fellow of the Australian College of Audiologists (ACAud), Dr Vass is also on the executive committee and education committee of this organisation and says he is extremely active within the community of audiology.

He has guest lectured locally, at the ANU School of Medicine, and internationally – in 2014 he lectured for the Starkey Foundation on “Moving with the Times” in Las Vegas, along with Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and George W Bush.

“It’s my vision now to make people aware of the importance of regular hearing checks,” Dr Vass says.

“I want to be progressive in bringing this important aspect of our health to the forefront.”

To celebrate Hearing Awareness Week (August 23-29), Dr Bill Vass will available for a chat at the Dr Vass Hearing booth at the Hellenic Club’s public Hearing Awareness Week expo, 10am3.30pm, on August 26.

He will also give a talk on environmental noise.

Hearing Awareness Week / August 23-29

Hearing Awareness Week Expo on 26 August 2015 at the Hellenic Club, Matilda St, Phillip we invite you to the

The Proceedings: OFFICIAL OPENING at 10:30am

Welcome to Country – Ms Agnes Shea Ms Joy Burch, MLA Minister for Disability MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Pete Halsey, CEO ACT Deafness Resource Centre

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 2015

Come & talk to the Hearing Industry, our affiliates and other Community Organisations

We

Attracting attention for

HEARING Awareness Week is an annual initiative that raises awareness for the needs of Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Hosted by the members of the Deafness Forum of Australia, the week runs from August 23 to 29 and is a chance for the one-in-six Australians who are suffering from a hearing impairment, deafness or an ear disorder to share their knowledge and experiences.

A range of activities will be held by volunteer organisations and businesses throughout the country, including “silent” sports events, public exhibitions on hearing technologies and hearing safety training by employers to alert people to the issues.

One of the main consequences of hearing loss is a reduced capacity to communicate. The ability to listen and respond to speaking is reduced. This impacts on a person’s life chances to gain competitive skills and

employment and to participate in community life and personal relationships.

David Brady, chair of Deafness Forum of Australia, says: “There are a large number of people, mostly men, who don’t want to admit to having a problem.

“Hearing loss is a paradox. It is so prevalent in the community, and yet has a generally low level of awareness and understanding.

“Much needs to be done to address the level of unmanaged hearing loss in the community.

“Noisy occupations used to be the most common cause of hearing problems, but nowadays it’s also recreational loud noise, especially from personal music players and noisy clubs and concerts. That’s why hearing loss is increasingly affecting younger people.” People who are fitted with hearing aids early are likely to get more benefit from them than those who put up with hearing loss for years before seeking help.

Visit hearingawarenessweek.org.au

Hearing Week Expo heads to the Hellenic Club

IN a departure from previous years, ACT Deafness Resource Centre will be hosting the DRC Hearing Awareness Week Expo 2015 in the combined Olympus and Apollo rooms at the Hellenic Club in Woden.

Starting at 10am on Wednesday, August 26, CEO Pete Halsey, says: “Our annual DRC Hearing Awareness Week Expo gives the ACT and surrounding districts an opportunity to meet with the hearing industry under one roof on the day, alongside a number of community organisations.

“Also, our friends from Australian Hearing will be there to provide free hearing screening tests in a room opposite, booking is essential.

“We will have the pleasure of bringing to Canberra indigenous health research worker and renowned artist Norma Benger, from Darwin, as a guest speaker.

“An exhibition of Norma’s works will be available for

Giving deaf children a voice

THE Shepherd Centre has been giving deaf children a voice in NSW and the ACT since 1970.

Offering counselling, speech pathology, AVT and audiology services all under the one roof, The Shepherd Centre helps more than 400 children each year.

CEO Dr Jim Hungerford says: “We offer an early intervention program providing children with hearing loss, the tools to learn how to listen and speak.

“There is a focus on family and that’s one thing that differentiates us from other places. Additionally, we undertake research that shows 90 per cent of our graduates go on to start ‘big school’ with language and speech on par with their typical hearing counterparts.”

With five centres in NSW and the ACT, The Shepherd Centre offers a variety of group-learning programs for a child and family that aim to create “real world” situations that present more complex listening

sale in the Hellenic Club Gallery on the ground floor after an official launch the evening before.”

The Minister for Disability, Joy Burch, will open the Expo at 10.30am, followed by keynote speakers from Cochlear Limited, the ACT NDIA, Prof Peter Blamey, Norma Benger and well-known Canberra audiologist Dr William Vass.

“Whether you have a personal need to know, or you care for someone with a hearing loss, this is the event for you,” says Pete.

Hearing Awareness Week Expo, from 10am, Wednesday, August 26, in the combined Olympus & Apollo Rooms, Hellenic Club, Woden.

ACT Deafness Resource Centre Inc. Call 6287 4393 or visit actdrc.org.au. To book a hearing test, contact Australian Hearing on 6232 3200.

environments for the development of listening, speech and language skills.

In particular, “Confident Kids” that’s being rolled out across the five centres, is a group program that assists children aged three to five with using their speech and language socially.

With the support of trained professionals, the eight-week program focuses on the strategies and techniques needed to improve children’s pragmatic and social skills that can be used at home.

The Shepherd Centre are also experts with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and can help families with any questions they may have.

The Shepherd Centre, call 1800 020030 or visit shepherdcentre.org.au

Enquiries at enquiries@shepherdcentre.org.au

Did you know that children who are born deaf can listen and speak as well as anyone else? Early intervention is the key!

The Shepherd Centre has been operating in Canberra for almost 15 years and has helped hundreds of children with hearing loss.

Our team of experts will prepare your child for, and throughout, their schooling years by helping them with listening, speech, language and social skills. Our focus is on you and your family.

advertising feature

hearing awareness

Cochlear comes to the aid of Heidi

DURING Hearing Awareness Week, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) is reminding anyone struggling to hear, even with hearing aids, that a Cochlear implant could restore their hearing. Unlike hearing aids, Cochlear implants don’t just make sounds louder, they are a complex device that can mimic the hearing function of the inner ear.

RIDBC clinical operations manager, Eleanor McKendrick, says: “If you wear hearing aids, but you still struggle to hear in crowded places, find it difficult to hear on the phone or are no longer able to hear children’s voices clearly, then a Cochlear implant could be for you.”

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, a service of RIDBC, supports clients to access a range of implantable hearing devices according to their needs.

For 29-year-old Canberra resident Heidi Waddell, who works as a policy officer for the Department of Industry

Connecting clients to life

THE knowledgeable and experienced team at Connect Hearing Kingston work together to “connect people to life”.

With 11 years’ experience, clinical audiologist Barbara Cooper and her staff provide advice and treatment on hearing loss with the aim of improving quality of life. She says: “We don’t just sell hearing aids, we reconnect people with their families, loved ones and social networks.

“Suffering from hearing loss can be very isolating and can impact on not only yourself but the lives of others.” Offering an initial hearing assessment, Connect Hearing Kingston can make the relevant recommendations for hearing aids to suit different lifestyles or offer medical referrals if needed.

and Science, a Cochlear implant proved life changing.

Getting her first hearing aid at two and a half, Heidi’s hearing deteriorated with age.

After a bicycle accident in 2009, Heidi hit her head on the road. Worried she would lose her hearing, it was suggested she could get a Cochlear implant at the SCIC Cochlear Implant Program in Canberra.

“The staff were fantastic, answering the hundreds of questions my fiancé, Bill, and I had. I made the decision to go ahead with the implant, and it was fantastic,” says Heidi. “Even today, two years later, I’m still amazed by the things that I can hear now, things I had no idea I was missing out on before. I now have a lot more confidence in my hearing ability.”

For more information on the SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, call 1300 658981 or visit ridbc.org.au/scic

“Getting a hearing check up is so important, hearing loss is a disease of ageing and there is strong research linking it to dementia,” says Barbara.

Connect Hearing Kingston offers a variety of modern hearing aids, including the popular brand, Lyric.

“They are invisible, continuous-wear, hearing aids,” says Barbara. They really help to overcome the stigma attached to wearing them. We want people to be more conscious of their hearing and to do something about it.

“There is a fear of the unknown when it comes to hearing tests but there is nothing scary about it.”

Connect Hearing Kingston, The Viridian, Suite 1, 45-47 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6239 4944 or visit connecthearing.com.au

A cochlear implant could help you restore your hearing.

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants don’t just make sounds louder. They mimic the hearing function of the inner ear, giving you access to more detailed sound.

It is never too late to explore your options to improve the quality of your hearing – even if you are currently using hearing aids, you may experience a better result with a cochlear implant.

Contact SCIC Cochlear Implant Program on 1300 658 981 to find out more today.

ü Public and private clients ü Adults & children of all ages ü Our cochlear implant services typically require no out of pocket costs

Suite 2, 10 Rudd Street Civic, Canberra ACT 2601 T: (02) 6248 6492 canberraadmin@scic.org.au Do you

You would never know. Lyric is the world’s only 100% invisible 24/7 hearing aid. Worn for months at a time, it has also been scientifically proven to reduce the effects of tinnitus* for those with hearing problems.

Don’t ignore your hearing loss a moment longer. For a FREE Lyric guide and to find out about our 1 month trial offer, contact us and Start Connect Hearing Today.

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Australia Indonesia Association’s 50th anniversary

THE Australia Indonesia Association celebrated a golden anniversary after 50 years of promoting all manner of cultural and social activities, language study opportunities and good old-fashioned friendship that is the cornerstone of this association in Canberra.

The dinner was held at Thoroughbred Park with nary a neigh to be heard in the concrete surrounds of the main grandstand as ladies in varying heights of stilettos clip-clopped up down and around to find the entrance to the event; once discovered the messages went out to friends and the Indonesian ambassador just how to get in.

The mix of stunning fabrics, rich colours, beautiful batiks traditional costumes with some blingy frocks for a bit of glamour was impressive, especially as the casualisation of evening events tends to diminish spectacular photo opportunities these days. Yetti Daly’s gold-thread stole from Sumatra was probably worth its weight in that gold while popular Indonesian language teacher Yuni Ryan sparkled as a lady in red.

Association president Les Boag was the master of organisation with Merdeka, a young local band of university students, and a group of traditional dancers there to entertain. All ages attended, which augurs well for the association’s future.

*Actual View

Property Council ACT Awards Night and Gala Ball

Canberra’s property industry salutes its best

A RETIREMENT living development that proves downsizing can mean upsizing, a Canberra construction company with an innovative approach to hotel design and a precinct that represents a “paradigm shift” in public service accommodation have taken out Property Council awards.

The annual, sell-out Property Council ACT Awards Night and Gala Ball presented by Hindmarsh at the Great Hall, Parliament House, this year had a “Viva Espana!” theme.

Canberra’s largest aged-care provider, Goodwin Aged Care Services Limited, took out the ACT Development of the Year Award for its innovative approach to the Monash Green retirement living village in Tuggeranong.

According to the Property Council’s ACT executive director, Catherine Carter, Monash Green shows why downsizing to a retirement living village can mean upsizing in terms of amenity and quality of life. Doma Group, led by managing director Jure Domazet, was presented with the hotly-contested ACT Business of the Year.

ISPT National Circuit development in Barton won the inaugural ACT Innovation Award.

Jo Metcalfe, operating centre manager of ACT/ NSW Southern Region with professional services firm GHD, was presented with the 2015 Allan Wylucki ACT Property Professional of the Year Award. Another GHD employee, senior design consultant Katrina Povey, was named ACT Future Leader of the Year.

Architect George Katheklakis was presented with the 2015 Executive Director’s Award.

Monash Green takes out ACT Development of the Year Award and the Goodwin team celebrates… from left, back, Deborah Matthews, Aaron Still, Alastair McCallum, Stephen Holmes, Clive Jones, Jim Purcell, Don Capezio, Robyn Boyd and front, Warren Ahrens and Asif Hossain.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Green with envy at Monash

Canberra’s largest aged-care provider, Goodwin Aged Care Services Limited, has been presented with the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Development of the Year Award.

Goodwin, which operates four retirement living villages across the ACT, was recognised for its innovative approach to the Monash Green retirement living village in Tuggeranong.

According to Property Council ACT execu -

tive director Catherine Carter, the number of Canberrans over 65 is expected to more than double over the next 50 years – to 22.5 per cent by 2060.

“We know Canberrans want to stay in the communities they know and love – and Monash Green is a stellar showcase of why downsizing to a retirement living village can mean upsizing in terms of amenity and quality of life,” Ms Carter says.

“Monash Green provides an innovative

lifestyle alternative that enables people to ‘age in place’ within their community, and provides impressive facilities that encourage health, activity and engagement.”

Constructed over seven years, Monash Green is a predominantly low-rise village featuring a range of innovative design initiatives. Damming a dividing floodway between the original and new villages has created a lake of significant size – an attractive focal point. An extensive pedestrian path network and themed garden areas provide popular meeting places and promote health and activity.

Community facilities – including a clubhouse, mini-golf course, bowling green, café, hairdresser and other community services – are co-located for convenience. The 150 independent living units are complemented by a twostorey residential aged-care facility providing 120 beds.

Monash Green also took out the national award for Best Retirement Living Development at the national 2015 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in May.

The ACT Development of the Year is sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall.

ACT DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR

ACT INNOVATION AWARD

Workplace of the future

A DEVELOPMENT that represents a “paradigm shift” in public service accommodation has been awarded the inaugural ACT Innovation Award.

ISPT Pty Ltd’s National Circuit development in Barton is a 70,000sqm, master-planned precinct that provides an inspiring work environment for 4500 people.

“ISPT’s work at National Circuit changes the way we think about public service office accommodation”, says the Property Council’s ACT executive director Catherine Carter.

“National Circuit is more than a collection of buildings – it’s an urban village with a café, childcare centre, courtyards, plazas, retail offerings and a business centre, which combine to create a neighbourhood feeling uncommon in government office accommodation.”

The ACT Innovation Award is sponsored by Haus Holdings.

Dedicated to providing quality lifestyle choices for today’s seniors, from experience-driven retirement communities and pioneering residential aged care, to in-home care services that help seniors stay in the home they love. Quality care is at the core of everything we do.

Monash – Farrer – Ainslie – Crace

Property Council ACT Awards Night and Gala Ball advertising feature

Innovative group keeps growing

A SECOND-generation Canberra construction company with an innovative approach to development has been named the Property Council of Australia’s 2015 ACT Business of the Year.

“Doma Group may be best known for creating the exciting Realm precinct in Barton,” Ms Carter says.

“But the talented and committed team has also delivered an impressive array of building projects around Canberra, and has developed an innovative approach to hotel design that is capturing international attention.”

A significant participant in the Barton, Civic and Woden commercial property markets, Doma Group is also the largest private hotelier in the ACT. Doma’s latest hotel offering, Little National in Barton, is expected to open in September.

“The judges felt Doma Group deserved public recognition for being an inspiring example of Canberra’s entrepreneurial spirit,” says Ms Carter.

The 2015 ACT Business of the Year Award is sponsored by GHD.

Energetic Jo gets the gong

JO Metcalfe, a property industry professional with a passion for diversity issues, has been named the ACT Property Professional of the Year.

Metcalfe, operating centre manager of ACT/NSW Southern Region with professional services firm GHD, has championed the diversity agenda for many years.

“Jo has been a significant contributor to the property industry for more than a decade, and has sat on the Property Council’s ACT Division Council since 2004”, says Property Council ACT executive director Catherine Carter.

“Highly respected by government and industry, Jo is committed to leading a high-performance team, to building a strong property industry and giving back to the Canberra community.”

The Property Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Hays Construction and Property, honours the outstanding contribution of Allan Wylucki, a principal at McCann Property & Planning and the author of the “ACT Office Market Report” for 10 years. He died in 2002 after a long battle with cancer.

Rider Levett Bucknall congratulates all the winners of the 2015 Property Council of Australia ACT Awards.

We are the major sponsor of the 2015 ACT Property Development of the Year Award.

We are proud to recognise projects that exemplify creative thinking and challenge and improve our industry.

We share with the 2015 ACT Development of Year award recipient Goodwin Aged Care Services Limited, Canberra’s largest aged care provider, for its innovative approach to the Monash Green retirement living village in Tuggeranong.

The world in her hands

KATRINA Povey, senior design consultant with professional services firm GHD, has been named the property industry’s ACT Future Leader of the Year for 2015.

Ms Povey has worked in Canberra’s construction industry for seven years, progressing from a graduate interior designer to a professional design consultant on internationally-recognised projects.

“A born-and-bred Canberran, Katrina takes great pride in contributing to the growth of the nation’s capital and is now taking her skills around the world,” says Property Council ACT executive director Catherine Carter.

“The award judges were impressed with the outstanding projects on Katrina’s CV, including the Australian consul-general office in Noumea, the Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi and the refurbishment of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation office in Woden.”

A senior member of GHD’s architecture and interior design team, Ms Povey is a devoted industry volunteer, and currently chairs GHD’s Young Professionals group. The ACT Future Leader of the Year Award is sponsored by King & Wood Mallesons.

By George, a better place

AN industry leader with a long commitment to Canberra, George Katheklakis has been presented with the 2015 Executive Director’s Award.

“This award recognises a property professional who makes a contribution above and beyond the call of duty. George Katheklakis is an outstanding president making a positive difference to the local industry and helping us build jobs, prosperity and strong communities for the people of Canberra,” says the Property Council’s ACT executive director, Catherine Carter.

A registered architect, Mr Katheklakis is principal of property development company KDN Group.

Appointed president of the Property Council’s ACT Division Council in February, Mr Katheklakis was previously vice-president, 2011-2014.

Mr Katheklakis sits on the board of Canberra CBD Pty Ltd, and has served as chair of the Property Council’s Sustainable Development Committee. He has overseen the delivery of several significant commercial office and multi-unit residential developments, including the award-winning 16 Marcus Clarke Street and the recently-completed Linq Apartments in Belconnen. His most recent project has been the delivery of the ACT government’s new office building in Gungahlin.

“Great leaders inspire people to work together to perform at their peak – and we applaud George for his ability to get the best out of people so that, together, we can build a better Canberra,” says Ms Carter.

Shaped by our buildings

By Catherine Carter

WHAT do the National Portrait Gallery, the suburb of Crace and the Monash Green retirement living development in Tuggeranong have in common?

They have all been recipients of the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Development of the Year Award.

Each year, the Property Council hosts awards to recognise the contribution its industry makes to Canberra’s local economy and community.

This year, the most highly-coveted award was presented to Goodwin Aged Care Services for Monash Green, a development that shows why downsizing can mean upsizing in terms of amenity and liveability.

Monash Green joins other Canberra icons and wellkept secrets – NewActon has changed the way Australia thinks about precincts; the National Portrait Gallery and extension to the National Gallery of Australia are superb investments in our cultural capital; the RM Hope

TRANSFORMING CANBERRA’S

Building, at 2 National Circuit, has preserved an art deco delight for future generations and the suburb of Crace has reinvented the “Great Australian Dream”.

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”, Winston Churchill famously remarked. Never was this truer than for Canberra.

We can be proud of our city that frequently tops the rankings as Australia’s most liveable. We have buildings that remind us of the past and inspire us to a better future. And we have a vibrant property and construction sector that generates almost 25,000 jobs across the ACT and is the second largest employer.

The sector contributes $2.6 billion to the economy – just under 10 per cent of the Territory’s total wealth. It also more than pays its dues, contributing more tax than other industry.

Carter is ACT executive

MONASH GREEN

The design and the construction teams congratulate Goodwin on another innovative and much loved seniors living project, winner of the Property Council’s Rider Levett Bucknall ACT Development of the Year and the Property Council’s National Lend Lease Award for Best Retirement Living Development.

Haunting faces of the Snowies

By Helen Musa

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is one of the grandest engineering exercises in Australia’s history, but the human side of it is often forgotten.

Not so anymore, for as the 65th anniversary of the first blast approaches, the importance of “The Scheme” in changing the face of Australia is increasingly recognised.

I’m talking to actor and dramaturg Lex Marinos, best-known to the general public as Bruno, the “wog” son-in-law in “Kingswood Country”, as the subject of a “Who Do You Think You Are?” episode, in which he discovered convict ancestry, and for his role in the TV version of “The Slap”. Marinos proudly represents the quintessential “dago”, once the target of jokes and now at the centre of Australia’s narrative, documented in his 2014 autobiography, “Blood and Circuses”.

After a long career that began as a student in the fledgling School of Drama at the University of NSW, Marinos has now largely abandoned the conventional theatre to join forces with Scott Rankin, the director of Big hART Theatre, Australia’s leading arts and social-change company.

It’s not exactly as if he’s stepped on to the sidelines. Big hART gazumped most other theatres on the very day I spoke to Marinos by scoring $784,000 in the IMPACT Philanthropy Partnerships initiative.

“I don’t want to overblow my role in all of this, but the excellent training I got at UNSW meant that I emerged with a really good sense of dramaturgy,” Marinos tells me by phone from Cooma, where he’s rehearsing Big hART’s latest show “Ghosts in the Scheme”.

Forty-five years later he still believes that every play has its own characteristics, but he knows Rankin needs someone like him to bounce ideas off, to structure the work.

In the coming production, a Big hART, South East Arts and the Canberra Theatre and CoomaMonaro Shire Council collaboration, Marinos and Rankin were faced with a rich mine of stories from people in the Cooma area who came to Australia to work on The Scheme.

“It’s like a jigsaw prize puzzle and it’s much more interesting than a conventional play,” he says.

Together they faced the challenge of putting together all the social history research into the

Cooma community.

“Would we have one story, or would we have many? Those questions, that’s the process that I love,” Marinos says.

His fellow actors, he reports, often get “freaked out” as he and Rankin chop, change and continually ask, how do we get this to work?

Some questions are answered through the music of Canberra artist Mikel Simic of Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, others through the visuals that conjure up recollections of those ghosts in The Scheme.

Cooma is cold, but Marinos is having a good time. They’re all staying in a beautiful house with real fires, and he loves working with his daughter Sophia, the company’s creative producer, though he’s used to that. The biggest treat is that he gets to act in a “ménage a trois” plot, with his wife Anne Grigg and one of his oldest mates, the actor Bruce Myles.

They play three people locked in an eternal triangle set against the background of The Scheme. Myles plays Morgan, an ageing photographer facing retirement and Grigg plays his wife of many years. Into the equation comes Greek Tony (Marinos), but he has a terminal illness.

After lunch, Marinos says, they’ll be integrating the community actors, five or six Cooma performers ranging from old-timers to more recent arrivals selected after workshops in the town.

“I think we’re pretty close to locking off the final script,” he says. “We’ve had about 16 or 17 drafts, but we’ve had such a huge amount of input from the band and the other actors…it will keep changing.”

World premiere season of “Ghosts in the Scheme”, The Playhouse, September 2-5, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

By Helen Musa

KNOWN for its raucous mix of music, beef, and bawdry, Dirty Dick’s Theatre Restaurant is marking its 45th birthday this year, and it’s coming to Canberra Irish Club as part of the celebrations.

Local actor Joseph McGrailBateup will play mine host, Dirty Dick himself, leading a team of wenches and lads through what the company demurely calls “interactive entertainment”.

He’s been with Dirty Dick’s for 26 of the 45 years and has always enjoyed combining more serious musical theatre exploits in shows such as “War of the Worlds” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” with some fun on the side.

McGrail-Bateup will be joined by another local regular, Jeremy Brown and by a newcomer in the person of Canberra trumpeter/actor Zach Raffan as the Jovial Jester. And, yes, he will have trumpeting moments, though for the greater part Raffan will lay down the brass and pick up a guitar.

Dirty Dick’s first started in Perth during 1970, but has been touring since 1985, presenting its rollicking shows in more than 1500 clubs, hotels, function venues, resorts, restaurants and community centres to an estimated five million people.

For the sixth year running, Dirty Dick’s has been in the winner’s circle for the Best Entertainment Award of the Restaurant and Catering Association of NSW and it’s the only theatre restaurant ever to win the Gold Plate Award for food excellence. Indeed, the delights of its beef, pudding and custard have long helped the jokes go down.

Ex-Dirty Dick’s performers who have gone on to stardom include

Judi Connelli, Joan Sydney and Abigail of “Number 96” fame. Two former Canberra stage favourites, Doug and Trish Williams, also cut their teeth on Dirty Dick’s.

This year as always, the “wondrous wenches, lively lads and merry minstrels” will settle the audience into the spirit of the evening, after which we are solemnly assured there will be “a host of historical stage characters”.

It never does to take any of this too seriously. The newest show, “A Rollicking Night in the Royal Court” sees the heir-apparent Prince Percy, the Merry Minstrel, Master Dirty Dick and the Head Wench, Fanny Farquhar perform songs, comedy and jokes of a vaguely medieval kind while we sing and clap-along.

Given the propensity of Dirty Dick and his team for double entendre, it’s not surprising that they’re billing it as “A Game of Thrones with a Twist”.

Dirty Dick’s Theatre Restaurant, Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston, August 29, September 5, 19; October 17, 31; November 21, 28; and December 5, 12, 19. Tickets include show and three-course dinner. Bookings to 6288 5088 or office@irishclub.com.au

arts in the city

Botanical artist gets London gong

CONGRATULATIONS to Canberra botanical artist Halina Steele, who has won a gold medal and had her works judged Best Botanical Art Exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society exhibition in London. As well, the RHS has purchased one of her six paintings, “Eucalyptus recurva” for its permanent collection. It pictures a critically endangered plant, only a few of which are left in the wild, some near Braidwood.

THE Canberra Dance Development Centre is celebrating 30 years in dance with three performances of a new production, “Crossing Ahead”, on August 28 and 29 at the Canberra Theatre. CDDC’s director Jackie Hallahan has lured back four of her former students – Daniel Riley, Paul Knobloch, Sarah Black and James Shannon – to choreograph the new work. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

IN “SKIN,” Canberra Youth Theatre presents a performance installation of four hours at the National Portrait Gallery in response to the NPG exhibition “Bare: Degrees of Undress”. Devised by CYT’s 2015 Actors Ensemble and co-directed by Katie Cawthorne and Alison Plevey, it will be performed continuously August 27-30, between 11am and 3pm, restarting at the top of each hour and roving throughout the exhibition.

review

Halina Steele’s painting “Eucalyptus recurva”... purchased by the Royal Horticultural Society.

M16 Artspace has chosen recent ANU School of Art honours graduate Anja Loughhead as its

HELEN MUSA

emerging writer-in-residence. She is a practising artist who spans photography and installation, fronts an “edgy” band and founded the Canberra online arts magazine “Topical Ointment”.

COMMUNITY choir The Gospel Folk and pianist Suzanne Eggins will perform in the Wesley Wednesday Lunchtime Live series, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 12.40pm-1.20pm, on August 26. More than 50 singers regularly attend the choir’s weekly practices. Entry by paper note, concession $5. No bookings required. Tickets at the door.

THE eighth annual Queanbeyan Art Society Charity Art Show will be held during Floriade in City Walk, Civic, September 19-27, with proceeds going to Solider On. Entries close on Friday, September 11, and are open to all artists. Five works can be entered. Inquiries to 0439 392709.

THE three-day DANscienCE Festival 2015 is running at the Queensland University of Technology from August 21-23. The very positive Canberra connection is that DANscienCE, founded by Canberra choreographer Liz Lea in 2013, evolved from a residency at the CSIRO Discovery Centre. Details at danscience.com.au

“THE 26-Storey Treehouse” has been adapted from Andy Griffiths’ book by playwright and author Richard Tulloch, and it’s coming to The Q, August 25-28. It’s a follow-up to the hit “The 13-Storey Treehouse” and sees Andy and Terry encountering the 78-flavour ice-cream dispensing robot, the self-inflating underpants and a pirate with a really bad pirate accent. Recommended for ages 6-12 and their adults. Bookings to 6285 6290 ortheq.net.au

Thinking ink in a new light

visual arts

“Ink Remix”

At the Canberra Museum and Gallery, until October 18. Reviewed by Johnny Milner

FOR thousands of years, ink has been the primary medium of painting and calligraphy in China.

Currently showing at CMAG is “Ink Remix”, an exhibition featuring contemporary and historical ink-based works by 14 different artists from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The exhibition, as curator Sophie McIntyre suggests, “offers different ways of thinking about ink as a multi-faceted and dynamic form of visual expression”.

The work combines, synthesises and remixes ink with various other forms and materials – computergame imagery, rice paper, tofu,

Chen Shaoxiong’s audio-visual piece “Ink History”... chronicles key events spanning the 20th century.

Coca-Cola and high heels all feature. Some of the work is conceptual, some outright gimmicky, some sharply symbolic.

In the case of Charwei Tsai’s “Bonsai Series” lithographs, we also encounter work that is incredibly elegant. However, particularly striking are the audiovisual pieces. Chen Shaoxiong’s “Ink History”, for instance, chronicles key events spanning the 20th century.

Complementing the animated sequence is an

evocative soundtrack, featuring Chinese operatic music, revolutionary music, propaganda speeches and children’s voices.

Another impressive work is Yang Yongliang’s digital landscape installation “Rising Mist”, a vision of a Shanghai dystopia. From a distance, the image looks serene, motionless – but close-up we can see mining trucks and other machinery hard at work transporting the earth’s natural resources.

“Ink Remix” demonstrates the innovative and sometimes subversive ways in which contemporary artists from various backgrounds are dealing with the ink medium.

JOAN BAEZ

Your chance to see America’s legendary singer and songwriter live in concert !

ROYAL THEATRE • THU 17 SEPTEMBER

Tickets available 7 days at Songland Records, Cooleman Crt, Weston • ticketek.com.au • 132 849

SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2015 AT 7.30PM LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Tickets from Ticketek or at Box Office – fees may apply to transactions Adults $30.00: Concessions $18.00: Students $11.50: Famly $80.00 Season and Subscription Tickets available – see website ALSO SCHOOL, OPEN THEMATIC AND AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS FULL DETAILS: www.nationaleisteddfod.org.au Friday 21 August 9.45am – 5.00pm • Saturday 22 August 11.00am – 5.00pm Enquiries: 6161 1730 or 0473 430 174

a documentary portrait of Iris Apfel, then aged 93, known for her genius for bringing ordinary artefacts into the light and showing their beauty.

Comedy’s many storeys

“5 Levels Up” (PG)

RICHARD Loncraine was in his 70th year when he directed this delightful comedy starring delectable Diane Keaton who’s close to his age, opposite Morgan Freeman, nine years his senior. That trio of distinguished career experience tells the story that Charlie Peters adapted from Jill Ciment’s novel “Heroic Measures”, both in their mid-sixties.

The troupe of seniors tells what happens when artist Alex and Ruth, 40 years married, no kids, one geriatric dog, decided that selling their apartment – lovely location, great river views, no elevator in the building – would be sensible while they still could climb five flights of stairs. They have engaged estate agent Lily (Cynthia Nixon) to find a buyer.

Finding a buyer is only half the exercise. Unless they plan to live under a bridge or become grey nomads in a mobile home, sellers must become buyers. Secondary plots involve a fuel tanker accident blocking traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, city-wide panic when TV shows the clean-shaven driver wearing a white skullcap –terrorist alert – and a five-digit veterinary bill for a dog in great pain.

Its strong seniors focus doesn’t detract from the ability of “5 Levels Up” to satisfy all adult ages. The dialogue-based comedy is clever. The tensions are sweetly credible. The three principal characters are played to perfection. In particular, Morgan Freeman shines, a beautiful man blessed with a chocolate ice-cream baritone voice and a superb gravitas that fits comedy perfectly.

At Capitol 6

“Iris” (PG)

FEW Australians, unless they have experienced the New York art scene, will have heard of Iris Apfel. The final work by documentarist Alfred Maysles can change that.

Why bother? Because Maysles’s portrait of a woman then aged 93, with an innate genius for bringing ordinary artefacts – clothes, furnishings, costume jewellery – into the light and showing their beauty, is, quite simply, 80 minutes of visual delight.

Iris as a young woman was attractive but not beautiful in the conventional sense. Her beauty lies in her talent for seeing what goes with which, turning

cygnets into peacocks. Her passion is for style, not fashion. Her achievements bring what people wear or hang over their windows into a limelight transcending often humble origins.

Unconstrained by a structured plot, Maysles’s film simply accompanies Iris and photographer husband Carl, himself no less a character than her, in their journey through life via what we might today call op-shops. The pair owns several houses, most of which are nothing more than repositories for what Iris has collected. Individually, the pieces are interesting. Collectively, they turn into delectable visions.

At Palace Electric

“Girlhood” (M)

FRENCH filmmaker Céline Sciamma’s third feature, observing black teenaged girls living in deprived social, intellectual and emotional circumstances, is not an easy film to get one’s head around.

Here’s how notes about it for Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival summarise it: “Oppressed by her family setting, dead-end school prospects and the boys’ law in the neighbourhood, Marieme starts a new life after meeting a group of three free-spirited girls. She changes her name, her dress code and quits school to be accepted in the gang, hoping that this will be a way to freedom.”

That may seem straightforward, but by the time it’s over, you might be feeling a bit emotionally wrung out. Which is no bad way to leave a film, merely unexpected. Expectations of a happy outcome don’t last long. Early in the film, Marieme (Karidja Touré) changes her name to Vic and joins Lady (Assa Sylla), Adiatou (Lindsay Karamoh) and Fily (Mariétou Touré) in an aimless odyssey among other black adolescents. Lives spiral downward. How bad can it get before some kind of epiphany comes to their rescue?

That’s about it. The youngsters are all beautiful. It is their existences that are ugly. That’s why “Girlhood” warrants seeing. Optimism is an outcome worth yearning for.

At Palace Electric

The best and getting better

Paddock-to-plate is not just a phrase here, as it is in many dining establishments. It’s the lifeblood of the operation.

IT’S no surprise that Pialligo Estate Farmhouse is getting rave reviews all round and picked up the “Best Restaurant” gong at the July 2015 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards.

This is a super special spot set on picturesque 35 hectares with a Molonglo River frontage and uninterrupted views of the Brindabellas, Parliament House, Duntroon and Black Mountain.

It features a fabulous, rustic-style fitout by internationally recognised architectural firm Grounds Kent, complete with recycled timber, natural stones, high ceilings, multiple fireplaces and wrought-iron chandeliers.

It operates an olive grove, market gardens, a vineyard and the famous Pialligo Estate Smokehouse, which has won close to 60 national food awards since 2013, including for best artisan bacon and smoked salmon. The beautiful landscaping is by acclaimed designer Paul Bangay (more than 12,000 plants on site).

Is there anything else to say? Yes, there is.

The Pialligo Estate Farmhouse has a passionate, experienced culinary team that worships food and wine and a serving team that worships a premium dining experience.

The restaurant is headed by chef de cuisine Brendan Walsh, who has worked at Michelinstarred restaurants overseas and in Melbourne, and sous chef Brian Logan, who honed his experience at Tetsuya’s in Sydney. Culinary director Jan Gundlach is on deck.

The Farmhouse Restaurant has a menu and wine list to die for and one that changes daily depending on what is hand-picked from the market garden, fruit orchard and olive grove, and sourced seasonally through reputable Australian producers.

Paddock-to-plate is not just a phrase here, as it is in many dining establishments. It’s the lifeblood of the operation.

The Tumut rainbow trout, with cucumber, heirloom cauliflower, kohlrabi, brown butter and natural roe, couldn’t be faulted. Nor could the cipollini onions, chorizo, nashi pear, elk mustard and

Pialligo Estate Farmhouse… rustic-style fitout complete with recycled timber, natural stones, high ceilings, multiple fireplaces and wrought-iron chandeliers.

Mooloolaba bug tails. And that was just for starters.

We were a group of five and all agreed the experience was exceptional on all fronts. That includes the mains, which featured Arcadia Farm saltbush-fed lamb, which melted in the mouth and was served with an intriguing black truffle broth. The full-blood Wagyu from David Blackmore was up there with the best Australia offers, marrying well with parsnips, new-season rainbow chard and smoked eel.

Do order the side dishes which, on our visit, included new-crop Kipfler potatoes with smoked miso butter, the best cabbage and celeriac coleslaw I’ve ever had and decadent brussels sprouts with spiced pork fat.

The wine list celebrates regional and other top picks. The desserts were a perfect ending.

Remember, the Farmhouse is only eight minutes from the city and a stone’s throw to the airport. More casual dining, in open but climatecontrolled pavilions, is scheduled to open in a couple of months.

Two courses is $65; three $80 and the sixcourse chef’s tasting menu $110.

18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, 6247 6060. Fully licensed. Book to avoid disappointment.

Valuable journey into interactive theatre

AN event like “Best Festival Ever” reminds us of how anachronistic our theatres and so much theatrical performance have become. This interactive journey takes the audience into a systems model where they get to create a festival. Through games involving chance and problematic situations, the audience strives to achieve an outcome that is not disastrous. As the opening-night audience discovered, the outcome is not set in the script and happy endings are not guaranteed.

The analogy is with our climate and our choices regarding how we engage with changes.

theatre

“Best Festival Ever: How to Manage a Disaster”

Boho Interactive + Applespiel

At The Street Theatre until August 22

Reviewed by Joe Woodward

Boho and Applespiel’s presentational theatre is high-quality engagement.

The Street 2 provides the perfect setting. The audience, seated at a large table, becomes like a focus group. Actors and audience interact and

the line between the performer and the audience is blurred. The actors are more presenters in a game than traditional performers. There are no characters, only roles to play and each plays the role with certainty and conviction meshed with humour. But it is all serious and the audience is enrolled to play the game as if for real.

To bring the whole event into the contemporary world, free drinks are provided after the presentation game and a guest scientist is invited to take questions and discuss the relevance of the simulated model for real-earth imperatives. A most valuable and entertaining night’s theatre!

gardening Fifty shades of grey, sort of

RED, orange and yellow flowering plants are out; pinks, whites, mauves and purples are definitely in with contrasting silver or grey foliage.

That’s the feedback I get from designing planting schemes and public talks.

Some gardeners still want to repeat Vita Sackville-West’s famous White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in England.

I am often asked to design using a combination of white and blue flowers with contrasting grey foliage. Or grey foliage with yellow flowers seems also to be acceptable, as does lavender with its grey foliage and purple flowers.

I’m told that the last thing householders want to look at on summer days are the hot colours of red and orange.

So, here are a few suggestions for grey-foliage plants, some semi-prostrate and others more of a small shrub, but all suitable for the smaller garden: • Artemisia “Powis Castle” (dwarf wormwood) grows to about 60cm high with a metre-wide spread.

• Lavenders, with the French lavenders the first to flower in early spring such as Lavandula “Perfume Princess”.

• Two of the most popular summer-flowering lavenders are the English lavenders, Lavandula “Hidcote”, growing to about a metre or the lower-growing more compact L. “Munstead”. If you want to make fragrant potpourri for lavender bags to discourage silver fish in drawers or to put under the pillow to help with a relaxing sleep, these two varieties are ideal. It is recommended to cut the English lavender just as the flowers start to open in early summer when the fragrance is at its best for drying, not in autumn when they have almost finished flowering.

• Stachys lanata commonly known as Lamb’s Ears with soft, light-grey foliage.

• Cistus “Sunset” or Rock Rose (not actually related to roses) with grey foliage and pink flowers, growing to 60cm x 60cm.

• Phlomis fruticosa or Jerusalem Sage has grey foliage contacting with its tall, strange-looking yellow flowers in clusters along the stems. It grows

“Silver Box” is a new, grey-leafed plant with grey foliage and blue flowers.

Growing to 60cm tall x 50cm wide, it is suitable for the smaller garden. I suspect this is going to become very popular for borders as an alternative low hedge to box hedging. Yes, there are many alternatives to Buxus sempervirens or box that can be clipped to shape with the advantage of flowers. Although some may be surprised to learn that box plants do have flowers, although so insignificant they are easily missed.

• Let’s not forget some of our wattles in their low prostrate form, such as Acacia baileyana prostrate, are ideal for training over rocks or stone walls.

• Convolvulus cneorum with its silver-grey foliage and white flowers is a hardy Mediterranean plant growing to about 40-50cm and is also an ideal container plant.

Jottings...

• When the oak tree comes into leaf before the ash we are guaranteed a fine, mainly dry summer.

• Plant garlic and spring onions.

• For citrus growing in containers, remove a few centimetres of soil and add sieved compost.

• Leave the foliage of frost-affected plants to protect the soft, new growth underneath; we still have plenty of frosts to come.

• Dig Seamungus seaweed and chook poo certified organic fertiliser into the vegetable bed and turn over every couple of weeks before planting spring veggies.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rambunctious Rams are ready to rock-and-roll, as the Sun/Jupiter conjunction boosts your stamina and energy levels. So all forms of physical exercise are favoured this week – the more exciting and challenging, the better. You’re also full of fiery enthusiasm about a work project or domestic matter, but don’t jump to half-baked conclusions – take the time to seek out the facts first. Impulsive behaviour now could just lead to unforeseen problems further down the track.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

With Venus reversing through your domestic zone, you need to do more to create harmony and happiness at Casa Taurus. And with Saturn sauntering through your relationship zone, it’s time to re-assess a rickety romance or fractured friendship. Lay your cards on the table, as you talk through difficult issues and work towards a practical solution that suits you both. You may decide to demonstrate more commitment or bite the bullet and walk away.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

You’re in a flirtatious mood, as you dazzle others with your Gemini generosity and geniality. But with Venus reversing through your communication zone [until September 6] pick the people you flirt with carefully. Encouraging a family member to achieve their personal best sees you take on the role of mentor or teacher. But is a work colleague or close friend being 100% truthful and giving you all the facts? Check the details thoroughly before you make a move.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

You’ll be tempted to make vague promises this week, but don’t commit to future projects unless you’re sure you have the time and energy to follow through on your well-meant intentions. Mercury moves into your family zone on Thursday, so Friday through to Sunday is the time to get talking (really talking) with your nearest and dearest, as you explain your motives and clarify your expectations. You’ll find clear communication is the key to domestic harmony.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Proud Lions love to pounce! But this week’s stars encourage you to get the balance right between thinking things through carefully, and grabbing opportunities when they come along. The Sun joins up with prosperity planet Jupiter, so good fortune is on your side. But Venus is still reversing through your sign so lucky opportunities may take a while to manifest. Be patient! With mighty Mars also in Leo, there’s a fine line between being proactive and just plain pushy.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Jupiter is moving through Virgo (until September 2016) so make the most of the energy boost it provides. It’s also your luckiest week of the year, as the Sun and Jupiter join up in your sign. But in order to attract good fortune into your world, you have to be braver and bolder than usual. So your motto for the moment is from Swedish movie star Ingrid Bergman (born on August 29, 1917): “I don’t regret a thing I’ve done. I only regret the things I didn’t do.’

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Librans can be indecisive – especially this week, with Venus retro and Mercury moving into your sign. But if you avoid issues they’ll be taken out of your hands and other people will end up making decisions for you. Which will leave you feeling powerless and paralysed. The weekend Full Moon highlights health, diet and exercise plus emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Issues from the past could also arise, as unresolved matters demand to be addressed.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With Jupiter in your hopes and wishes zone, be proactive about creating your preferred future. Positive changes are coming that see you take on a leadership role, as you focus on projects that make your Scorpio heart sing. But make sure you do all the behind-the-scenes research that is required. Expect a creative and chaotic weekend, especially involving children, teenagers or friends. Draw up a to-do list –and then be flexible enough to tweak it as the weekend develops.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week sunny Sagittarians are ready to shine! Your ruling planet Jupiter joins up with the Sun in your public zone, so there’s much to look forward to as you attract good luck, acknowledge a success or celebrate a major milestone. The weekend Full Moon lights up your domestic zone which stirs the Master Chef within, as you play gracious host or hostess to family or friends. It’s also a good time to focus on a troubled loved one who needs your emotional support.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

What’s the hurry? Others are rushing around but you don’t feel the need for speed. The Mercury/Saturn sextile helps you concentrate on mental tasks; correct mistakes; finalise projects; and micro-manage to the max – all in a thorough and fastidious way. You’re a cautious Capricorn, so a slow and steady pace suits you just fine! The weekend Full Moon is a fabulous time to network with international friends and colleagues, plus develop a creative new social media strategy.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The stars shine a spotlight on your current career or future job prospects. Don’t sell yourself short, show others that you can handle stressful situations and extra responsibilities with plenty of Aquarian aplomb. The weekend Full Moon stimulates your money zones, so it’s not a good time to go on a shopping spree or lend cash to others. You’re liable to make financial decisions based purely on your emotions, which are fluctuating wildly under the full moonbeams.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A close relationship improves mid-week, as the Sun/Jupiter conjunction boosts goodwill and positive feelings between the two of you. But you can too easily procrastinate; fret over the past; or waste time worrying about the future. This weekend’s Full Moon encourages you to focus your energy and talents on the here and now. Be inspired by birthday great Mother Teresa: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

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

General knowledge crossword No. 514

HEALTHY LIVING Kirra Rankin with

Juggling exercise, work and fatigue

Across

4 Name the Australian triple world champion racing car driver, Sir Jack ...

8 Which great circle of the earth is equidistant from the North and South poles?

9 What do we call one who gives a formal opinion?

10 The term “occidental” refers to what?

11 What is a post-secondary school?

12 Ag is the symbol for which metallic element?

14 What is a building for the confinement of criminials, etc?

18 Name one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Roger ...

21 What is the white of an egg?

22 Which striped badge is worn on the sleeve by police officers, etc?

23 Name an alternative term for a train of attendants.

24 To be worthy of recompense is to do what?

Down

1 What are magpie larks also known as?

2 Name a small bag for carrying money.

3 What is a lofty tower attached to a church, or the like?

4 What is a local operating division of a company?

5 Which heavy iron block is used by blacksmiths?

6 What do we call a woman who entertains guests?

7 Which code consists of dots and dashes?

13 Name another term for boarders.

15 What is larceny also known as?

16 What do we call children’s nurses?

17 In which country did Henri de Toulouse Lautrec work?

18 To have confronted, is to have done what?

19 To be more uncommon, is to be what?

20 What is a master of ceremonies more readily known as?

Sudoku medium No. 157

Does your energy plummet halfway through the day? Do you turn to coffee for a “pick me up”?

Energy Drinks? Chocolate?

Turning to these types of drinks or foods only gives you temporary energy. These foods create a massive surge in cortisol which, in the long run, further depletes your ability to manage work stress.

The adrenal glands are small walnut-sized glands that are located just above the kidneys and release hormones (cortisol) in response to stress. Many of our modern disease patterns are heavily related to the stress in our lives and how we manage it.

Common disorders:

• obesity, diabetes, heart disease.

• auto-immune disorders like celiac disease, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis.

• gut disorders, eg: irritable bowel syndrome.

What you can do to restore your energy (adrenal health):

1. Choose nutrient-dense foods that give energy to your cells and supply your body with the power it needs to control/manage inflammation. Eat fresh produce; leafy greens (dark green), nuts and seeds.

2. A warm glass of water with fresh lemon a day (first thing in the morning) will help to cleanse your body to help curb inflammation and gently detoxify the body.

3. Strategically eliminate stress - write down your “daily stressors” and make to plan to deal with them.

4. Schedule a walk/yoga or hydrotherapy every day for at least 30 mins. Gentle flowing movement is the best for stress management.

How do you manage your fatigue?