150903 citynews

Well written, well read

Why don’t women want gongs?

JON STANHOPE

Periscope up, but no secrets to be seen

MICHAEL MOORE

Boys really are different to girls!

SONYA FLADUN

Unsprung, but spring’s here!

CEDRIC BRYANT

MASTER RING

Review your past. Refocus your present. Rebuild your future.

Baker Deane and Nutt has provided legal services to Canberra, Queanbeyan and the surrounding region since 1861 BDN has the experience, skill and reputation.

For sensible and practical solutions to your legal needs, call our offices

1-13 University Ave

www.health.act.gov.au/suicideprevention

Public servants in line for a tax-cut whacking

ONCE again, Canberra’s beleaguered public servants are under hostile fire from the Abbott Government.

Employment Minister, Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz , signalled that they were preparing to “save” $25 million on the service to compensate for the tax cuts foreshadowed by Treasurer Joe Hockey

And while the Tasmanian Tiger “ruled out” another crackdown on hiring staff, two days later the Public Service Commissioner, John Lloyd , announced plans to make it easier for bosses in the bureaucracy to sack “underperformers”.

Just what represents an underperformer he didn’t say, but you have to wonder where it will end. If the Libs win the next ACT election, will it be repeated in the local public service? Time, perhaps, for leader Jeremy Hanson to make his position plain.

THOSE tax cuts, Hockey explained, were to right the injustice of “bracket creep”, which he assured us was really hurting the middle-income earners. Trouble is, the economists tell us that bracket creep is “the lowest since the official wage price index began in 1997”.

MAYBE Joe was diverted by his commitment to a much higher cause: the Republic. The announcement that he is joining our own Senator Katy Gallagher as parliamentary sponsor of this most worthy aim delighted republicans everywhere.

And despite the naysayers, there’s a real upsurge of grassroots support in the making. Indeed, when your columnist gave a speech on it to a packed house at the Melbourne Writers Festival there was a rousing positive response, even among the grey beards.

CONSTITUTIONAL recognition of our Aboriginal compatriots also plays into the republic issue since it provides an opportunity to draw a line under the British colonial policies that devastated the original Australians.

Aboriginal leader Les Malezer worried that the separate indigenous conferences, newly approved by Tony Abbott , “may wind back the process” by developing a “them-and-us” approach.

In fact, we’re told that some senior Aboriginal women want the issue revisited.

If the Libs win the next ACT election, will it be repeated in the local public service? Time for Jeremy Hanson to make his position plain.

SPEAKING of Tony, it was fascinating to watch him keeping a straight face all week when asserting that it was President Obama who pleaded with him to bomb ISIS in Syria not the other way around. No one in the defence establishment believes it. Yet if Tony has his way we will soon be supporting the egregious President Assad, whose planes have bombed to death more than 7500 of his own people.

IF so, will Opposition Leader Bill Shorten take a stand? The “Four Corners” program on his rise up the Trade Union ladder to parliamentary leadership suggested he wouldn’t recognise a moral principle if it leapt up and bit him. Sadly, it almost feels like he and Tony deserve each other.

THREE cheers to the Melburnians for the way they rebelled against the Border Force plan to randomly intercept citizens in the CBD for visa checks. What was Immigration Minister Peter Dutton thinking? Well, he is a former Queensland copper…

ON a much happier note, at the Melbourne Writers Festival we found an Australian novel to delight readers of both sexes and most ages: “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty a serious undercurrent but triggers more belly laughs than “Catch 22”! You’ll love it.

robert@robertmacklin.com

ROBERT MACKLIN

Barrister Jack doesn’t pull

ROD HENSHAW goes a couple of rounds with Jack Pappas, the tough barrister who puts his money where his mouth is to help kids box their way out of bother

“BOXING is just show business with blood!”

So said former English, world heavyweight champion Franklin (“Frank”) Bruno.

Let’s combine another analogy about courtrooms also being a form of theatre, where bewigged barristers play out their roles before a judge and jury, and we could well set the scene for this story.

Imagine, if you will, a barrister with a second life devoted to the art of boxing. A bit of a stretch? Well, not really. Respected Canberra criminal barrister Jack Pappas was boxing well before he embarked on a career in law.

Today, he spends a great deal of his time encouraging young people to take up boxing as a form of self discipline, in the firm belief that boxing keeps them out of trouble. A couple of years ago, he decided to put this philosophy into practice.

Fit to Fight gymnasium is tucked away in Joseland Street, Tuggeranong, and from 5.30 most weekday afternoons it’s bustling with young people gloving up and working off their excess energy, frustrations – or simply enjoying a competitive sport – under the watchful eye of Pappas and his business partner Craig Genter.

For Jack it’s not a quantum leap from the courtroom to the boxing ring.

“I came from the wrong side of the railway tracks in Orange, NSW,” he says.

“I grew up in a pretty tough area. I went to a public school. I fought my way through lower school and high school, literally.

“That’s my background. If you got punched on the nose, you didn’t go to the police station –you went to the fellow’s house and punched him back.”

He regards his early boxing prowess as something of a saviour that kept him on the straight and narrow.

“That’s just something ingrained in me,” he says. “I didn’t end up in jail. [Instead] I studied law and made a success of law as a career.”

It wasn’t the case for some of his mates back then.

Jack recalls his best friend, who lived just two doors away in Orange and who has spent “a large slab of his life” in jail for cocaine trafficking.

“I’ve acted for some horrendous criminals who have very good characteristics, but they’ve never been brought out,” he says.

“I firmly believe you can bring those things out.”

Jack was able to call on friends and business associates to help him turn his philosophy into reality, no doubt infected by his unbridled enthusiasm and his unwavering beliefs.

His good mate – and property developer –Dino Nikias and his son Dimitri helped out with an “unused hole in the wall” in Joseland Street on a generous rental arrangement.

Jack’s gym partner Craig Genter runs an earthmoving business. He just happens to be a Taekwondo expert and the holder of the 2014 Australian Masters Super Heavyweight Boxing Championship.

“Craig has a heart like a marshmallow,” says Jack. “When Craig speaks, those kids pay attention.”

Add to the mix head coach, Stacey Fletcher, who started boxing 15 years ago, took out a bronze in the Arafura Games and competed in two national championships before retiring to take up coaching.

You suddenly get the picture of a very profes -

sional outfit here in the backblocks of Tuggeranong.

The Australian Institute of Sport has recently given the imprimatur for the gym to use a newly developed program that, according to Stacey, has provided an even higher level of training and development.

“That’s the reason you do it. To see kids coming in, looking at the ground and without much confidence. Within a month, they feel they belong somewhere. They’re getting proper discipline and not thuggery,” she says.

The “Fit to Fight” venture can undoubtedly attribute its success to the personal commitment – financial and physical – that Jack and Craig have willingly committed to ensure its future sustainability.

“Our aim is not to make money. If we can cover our overheads and provide this facility, we’ll be the happiest blokes in Canberra,” says Jack.

And that’s where Jack Pappas, eminent barrister, rests his case.

Periscope up, no secrets to be seen

THE ACT Cabinet opened the cabinet process to live streaming with the social media tool Periscope this week.

While it takes up to 20 years before all cabinet documents are made public, the secrecy of the cabinet process is anything but open. The biggest step toward open government would be adopting a fiveyear rule for release of cabinet papers. Periscope and other media tools have a growing place in our community. They facilitate communication. This particular social media tool allowed Twitter followers to watch a live streamed video of Cabinet and to make comments via Twitter.

The Barr government has recognised the importance of social media and it is working hard to make it play a constructive role.

However, this should not be confused with open government. It does not get around the secrecy of government decisions.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr is keen on social media. As pointed out in this column in May, @ABarrMLA had nearly 8000 followers – it is now closer to 8800.

At the time he explained: “Social media is an incredibly important tool in communicating with a broad range of constituents, particularly younger people and the growing number who do not engage with traditional media.”

As a consultation process Monday’s “Periscope cabinet” was not about open cabinet.

Cabinet ‘pop up’ consultation processes in town centres should not be confused with open government. It does not get around the secrecy of government decisions.

Credit is due to the Labor government that has taken some steps to opening the decisions of Cabinet. In July, 2011, the decision was made to publish the “Summary of Cabinet Outcomes”. These can easily be found via a Google search.

Publishing an oversight of the decisions is an important step forward – but there are considerable limitations. According to the Cabinet website the decisions “are not intended to be a detailed set of minutes and do not cover all matters considered by Cabinet.

“Among the matters not covered are materials considered in the formation of the ACT Budget, commercial and industrial matters under negotiation as well as matters that would impact personal privacy, security and the ACT economy.”

Protecting Budget decisions and personal privacy are reasonable. The same applies to consideration of commercial matters that are, for example, part of a tender process. However, other commercial, security and economic matters

are the very things that usually interest the community.

For the July 21 cabinet meeting, for example we know the Cabinet did consider and endorse widening of Majura Road, noted some issues the Chief Minister would take to the COAG retreat (without identifying the actual positions), considered the “Spring 2015 Legislative Program” (without identifying what was in it) and endorsed the government’s response to Assembly Committee reports (without indicating what the responses might be). They also approved a series of appointments including acting judges for the Supreme Court (without identifying who they might be).

Real openness would be providing genuine access to cabinet documents.

Currently section 7.4 of the “Cabinet Hand book (2013)” facilitates “the public release of Cabinet papers 10 years after they have been considered by Cabinet”. However the Cabinet Secretariat can restrict accessible executive documents.

Open access may actually take 20 years!

Section 7.5 “creates a general right of access to directorate records, including documents of the ACT executive, after 20 years”. Freedom of Information legislation is applicable – but “cabinetin-confidence” is a standard reason for denying access.

It is positive that the Barr government was using Periscope to open its consultation process with regard to the cabinet. As a member of the Legislative Assembly, I unsuccessfully proposed creating a much more accountable and open government by making the cabinet papers available after five years. I cannot remember a single cabinet document where this would have created a problem. The community is still waiting.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative

Keep

THE hilarious weekly parody of one-eyed support for failed Labor policies served up by Robert Macklin mined fertile new ground when he feigned amnesia (“Chaos rules as the blue corner lashes out”, CN, August 20) about the near-verbatim, blow-by-blow accounts of how the Gillard government lurched towards its alleged Malaysian solution on asylum seekers or its knee-jerk devastation of Australia’s live cattle exports to Indonesia, in order to claim that recent cabinet differences have been more alarming than at any time since the heady days of the Whitlam government.

May Robert keep up these sterling inventive efforts to effect a rewriting of history, so that we can continue to savour our regular belly-laugh.

Albert Gerber,

Griffith

Change you can bank on

I’VE been on this planet for nearly 50 years and in that time banking has changed dramatically.

My first bank account was a student’s passbook. Back then, we used to do the banking at school where you’d get that groovy little stamp in your passbook. If you needed money out, you took the passbook to the bank, but you never needed to get money out. As a kid in the ‘70s, banks weren’t for withdrawing money. All you did was put money in.

When I got my first paid job, which was packing boxes at the local supermarket, I was paid cash in a little yellow envelope. I think my first envelope had $17 and some cents in it and I can remember ripping it open at one of the local cafes on my way home. I bought a can of Fanta and a Flake chocolate bar – the best-tasting Flake and Fanta feast I ever had.

I remember when Bankcard was introduced. The banks sent them out to people, and there was the revolution in access to cash when the automatic teller machine arrived.

How amazing was it when they started depositing pays directly into bank accounts? It seemed straight out of the Jetsons. It also seemed unreal not being able to touch and smell the money, but we got over it. Now, we’re told, banking is about to come full circle. The Reserve Bank says ATMs are on the decline. This country, in particular this town, is full of people who rarely touch money. They do everything either online or with a card, which for the most part they tap and go. So why would you need an ATM?

This country, in particular this town, is full of people who rarely touch money. They do everything either online or with a card, which for the most part they tap and go.

We have 31,000 ATMs in Australia. The banks and other owners of these devices are getting diminishing returns as they’re used less and less. In the last six years withdrawals at the ATM have fallen by around 20 per cent.

I reckon part of the reason for that is that pesky $2 fee they impose at the moment that you’re about to get the cash. It’s a bit rude, isn’t it?

While we’re on the subject of ATMs in Canberra, can somebody please explain the Bitcoin ATM to me? On second thoughts, don’t bother; I really don’t care.

Mark Parton is the breakfst announcer on 2CC

Why don’t women seek gongs?

I RECENTLY attended a ceremony at Government House at which a number of Canberra citizens, who have embraced the notion of good citizenship and live it in their day-to-day lives, were appropriately recognised under the Australian Honours System.

My sense is that the Order of Australia in its intent and operation has the overwhelming support of Australians. I have no doubt it is regarded as relevant and important and that awards made under it are viewed as genuinely prestigious. I am unambiguously supportive of the Order. But there are clearly some serious issues about the Order of Australia that require attention.

For instance, of the 519 recipients in the Queen’s Birthday honours in June there were twice as many men as women. To be precise 349 or 67 per cent of the awardees were men and 170 or 33 per cent, one third, were women. Men also substantially outnumbered women in the number nominated by 523 or 70 per cent to 225 or 30 per cent of all nominees.

Interestingly, in a previous career I was the secretary of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs that in 1992 delivered a major report on the status of women in Australia.

The committee identified the under-representation of women in the Order as an issue deserving of dedicated attention and

Are awards and public recognition simply more important to men than women and men actively seek opportunities to be nominated?

made recommendations to that effect. The recommendations were not pursued. The report, written 23 years ago, was concerned that only one quarter of awards were being made to women.

A common response at that time (and still today) to the concern about the under-representation of women in the Order of Australia is that since far fewer women than men are nominated the hands of the Order are effectively tied. There is nothing it can do.

And it can indeed be argued that in the Queen’s Birthday honours, this year, while 33 per cent of the awards went to women, of the women nominated 76 per cent received an award and that of the men nominated only 67 per cent received an award.

This suggests that if equal numbers of men and women were nominated that more women than men would be recognised.

These outcomes of themselves are worthy of some analysis but the underlying issue of the gender disparity in the overall number of awards demands greater attention.

In the 25 years since I was first involved in a detailed way in considering this matter the outcomes

from the Queen’s Birthday awards in June suggest that there has been little apparent progress.

In relation to the stubborn gender gap in the Order of Australia the issue that seems to demand attention is to discover why relatively few women are nominated.

How can this be explained? Is it that most nominations are made by men and that men are inclined to nominate other men?

If so why is that?

Is it that women are less inclined to engage in the nomination process because they are less mindful of awards and personal recognition than men and don’t see the pursuit of recognition as a priority in a busy life? Do women have a different perspective than men about which activities or actions or behaviour is praiseworthy?

Is it, heaven forbid, about differences between the male and female ego? Are awards and public recognition simply more important to men than women and men actively seek opportunities to be nominated?

I don’t know the answer to any of these sorts of questions. My fear, however, is that there is a

collective (if perhaps unconscious) predisposition in society to not value the work and role of women to the same extent or in the same way that society values the things men do.

Since the inauguration of the Australian Honours System in 1975 about 31,000 Australians have been recognised in the Order of Australia. In that time, my understanding is that about 10,000 more men than women have received an Order of Australia. That is not fair and the discrimination against women in the Order of Australia should be addressed.

Jon Stanhope was Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Ginninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only Chief Minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly. He was appointed an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia for his service to the ACT ‘’through leadership roles, to the advancement of human rights and social justice, and to economic development’’ in January, 2014.

Keep people on side, it really helps!

THE ABC show, “Utopia”, is having another cracking season, but in its portrayal of Canberra’s malevolence it slightly misses the mark.

It’s easy to sympathise with the heroic everymen (and women) of the Nation Building Authority as they try and get something done in the face of the HR department, health and safety inspectors, ministerial advisers and, worst of all, the media teams.

I love the show but, to date, it’s failed to explain why the impediments to progress exist.

Health and safety exams certainly feel like a waste of time and oxygen, but the data is pretty clear that they save lives and an enormous amount of money.

Last week’s episode mocked the bureaucrats for wanting to figure out a name for a piece of tunnelling machinery. Why would a borer need a name? For its Facebook page, of course! We can all laugh.

JON STANHOPE

No country for old men

By Catherine Carter

WHILE not every older Canberran wants to live in a retirement living village, they do offer a housing choice.

Around one in 10 Canberrans are currently aged 65 years or older – and this figure is expected to double by 2025.

While five per cent of senior Australians live in retirement villages now, the forecast demand is expected to double by 2025.

At the current rate of development, there simply won’t be enough retirement communities to meet demand. This will prevent people from “downsizing”, will place pressure on the ACT Budget and ultimately mean higher aged-care costs.

A new report, “The 5 A’s of Retirement Living – towards proactive planning policy”, finds retirement villages generate $2.16 billion of savings each year by delaying entry of residents to aged-care facilities, ensuring fewer and shorter hospital stays, fewer GP visits and savings through improved social wellbeing.

The report, commissioned by the Property Council of Australia, finds villages also take a load off local infrastructure. Small household sizes require less provision of sewerage and water; fewer cars reduce traffic and carpark demands; and

the onsite amenities at retirement villages often reduce the demand for ratepayerfunded libraries, community centres and sports facilities.

Sadly, the report scores the ACT “low” on five indicators of retirement living policy effectiveness: awareness, accessibility, affordability, adaptability and attitude.

Land-use policy is the single most important lever that governments have to support the development of more retirement villages.

Thoughtfully-located, retirement-living developments in existing suburbs can offer older Canberrans the opportunity to “age in place” in their own community, while vacating larger homes to enable demand to better match supply.

The ACT Government must adjust its land-release program to accommodate retirement villages.

All state and territory governments face the question of the need for future planning for an ageing population. The answer? More choice so that every individual can make the best decisions to stay active, happy and independent for as long as possible.

However, the reality of politics is that, assuming a reasonably competent government, the best option for important works will usually be chosen. There is room for quibbling about priorities (some may ask why the ACT government has been investing in horse-parking facilities at the arboretum while homeless people sleep rough) but, generally speaking, intelligent people who spend months working on a problem will figure something reasonable out.

The problem with adversarial politics is that somewhere out there is a poorly thought out alternative that will cost much more, and deliver much less, to the benefit of some particular player.

That player will fill the opposition’s ear with all sorts of semi-lucid explanations as to why the crap option is the one best pursued. Sadly, very few oppositions have the courage to support good government.

Even more sadly, very few journalists have the knowledge to handle the issues without simply letting both sides have their say.

The public rarely has time to get deeply across the issues. Which means if a government is serious about getting a major project up, and completed over many years, they have no choice but to try and bring the public along for the ride. Therefore the tunnel-boring machine needs a name, and a Facebook page, and a big launch with a troupe of Spanish dancers and 15 shovels.

The modern danger is that project teams seek out easily measured metrics (Twitter numbers) that bear almost no resemblance to general community opinion.

So there’s a balance to be found. When governments seek to spend billions of public money there’s a case for making sure the public is across the project and in support of it, and that public support once gained will keep the project on course in the face of rent-seekers and minority nuts.

The alternative is the fiasco we’ve seen in Melbourne, and that’s threatened here with the light rail, where new governments break contracts at vast expense to pursue terrible options they’ve come to identify with.

All the while the preferred contractors of the previous government bank their contract break fees and retire to a yacht to soak their feet in buckets of Pol Roger, and the public slogs on with nothing ever getting done.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Boys really are different to girls!

BOYS and girls are really different. I know that’s stating the obvious, but it never fails to amaze me that at every stage of my children’s development they manage to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Nowhere is this more the case than with the whole business of growing up.

My son, the older of my pigeon pair, really isn’t in a hurry. He might be on the cusp of being a teenager and will soon be much taller than me, but he’s very happy just being a boy. He has a growing sense of what is and definitely isn’t “cool” in fashion and he does spend much more time enclosed in the capsule he has made of his room. But he still likes a regular cuddle. He doesn’t spend time mooning over girls. He likes rockets, planes and sitting outside in the evening with his telescope looking at the planets and stars. If he’s not getting frostbite, he’s curled up on the couch with the cocker spaniel watching a “Mythbusters” marathon. High school might be starting next year, but as far as he’s concerned that’s a long way off. He’s in no rush to embark on

I’m struck by the contrast between my boy who is happily drifting towards adulthood and my girl who thinks she should already be there.

that one-way trip into adulthood.

My daughter, on the other hand, just can’t wait to be grown up, the faster the better. At times it’s exhausting trying to hold the little dynamo back. Most of the time she’s acting way older than she is. She is only nine but seems more like a very small 40-year-old with a high-pitched voice.

She’s had a “boyfriend” at school since she was about six. She really likes him, though she wonders if he’s thinking enough about his career path. She has everything planned. Or at least she thinks she does. She knows the kind of house she wants. She wants to be a lawyer and then a judge. She thinks she’s settled on the university she wants to go to.

She is constantly planning. She has to do lists everywhere. They have endless rows of tick boxes. She’s happiest when organising family activities with the aid of

a clipboard. Everything has to proceed with clockwork precision. If we’re going grocery shopping she always knows what groceries we’re running out of, what route we need to take, and can recite to her brother my “no chocolate Tim Tams this week” speech word perfect.

She keeps her eye on everything – whether her brother has done his homework, and where dad has left the car keys. She likes adult clothes best, would kill for really high heels, and doesn’t like leaving home without her handbag with her lippy (just lip balm). She loves homework! She wants a big whiteboard for her tenth birthday.

I know my little grown up is not alone. Many of her friends are similarly mature for their ages. Television may be part of it. When my generation was growing up we

were watching Warner Brothers’ cartoons with the Road Runner and Wile E Coyote. Now our kids are watching sitcoms that tend to expose them to adult, or at least teenage, behaviour pretty early. Our girl also does a lot of sport, which sees her engage happily with much older kids.

Still, I’m struck by the contrast between my boy who is happily drifting towards adulthood and my girl who thinks she should already be there.

Is she growing up too quickly? Maybe, I don’t know. Of course the wheel will turn and after a few decades she’ll be just as keen to pretend to be younger than she is.

More speed cameras

MOBILE speed cameras will operate at more locations following a change in regulations to support the use of mobile cameras on any Canberra road. Previously mobile speed cameras could only be used at select locations. Locations of the ACT’s fixed and mobile cameras are published at justice.act.gov.au

Housing plan restrained

THE ACT Government has abandoned its widely unpopular redevelopment of the land around the Yarralumla Brickworks, replacing it with a more restrained plan that’s been cautiously welcomed by the Yarralumla Residents Association. The Government has scaled back the redevelopment from 1180 new residences to a new maximum of 340 and reduced the maximum height of dwellings from eight storeys to three, which no longer contravenes the government’s own planning rules.

When art meets wine

A LADIES’ art and wine class, which started in Bonner in February, meets every second week and welcomes all ladies to share in its creative adventures. “We paint, draw, print, stamp and play our way toward more freedom and more confidence! All materials provided and all levels welcome,” says organiser Antoinette Karsten. More details at antoinettekarsten@hotmail.com or visit antoinettekarstenart.weebly.com

Tour ancient worlds

VOLUNTARY guides will give a free, hour-long tour of the ANU Classics Museum at 12.30pm on Friday, September 11. The museum, established in 1962, displays a range of 600 items that give insights into the cultural practices of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. It is located in the AD Hope Building, Ellery Crescent, ANU, Acton. Tours are held on the second Friday of each month. Bookings not required. More information at slll.anu.edu.au/classics-museum

Canberra Confidential

Ruby and the power of love

“WE can’t cure cancer, but we can stop people from committing suicide simply with love, acceptance and support,” says year 12 student Ruby Sykes , of St Clare’s College.

Ruby is very passionate about mental health awareness. So much so, she’s organising R U OK? Day at the school on September 10, as she has since 2013.

“When I was about 14, I experienced some of my own mental health issues and I felt very alone, I didn’t want to be alive and I want people to understand that mental illness is a real issue and we need to start talking about it,” she says.

“Being supported and understood by my wonderful school, family, friends and partner has made me realise that it is okay to have a mental illness and has made me a lot happier and I am now coping a lot better with life!

“I want others with mental health issues to be accepted and get the help they need before it’s too late.

“Because mental illness is such a big issue for many teenagers, St Clare’s aims to raise awareness for R U OK? Day and organisations like Lifeline, especially in a high-school environment.

“When you feel vulnerable, it is very important to be supportive of each other and talk to others about how they are feeling and how you are feeling if you aren’t okay!

“This year we are having a Lifeline speaker, girls talking about their own experiences, a bake sale, yellow ribbons, trying to break a world record for hopping or head patting, stress-less tea and a drawing wall where girls colour-in nice messages to promote mental-health awareness.”

Tuggers, is apolitical.

“This is the biggest spend in the Territory’s future, yet our autocratic government have shunned and alienated voters and in doing so brought utter shame on themselves which will likely cost government at the next election,” Russ thunders.

Meanwhile, the shameless Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell continues to spruik the miraculous benefits of the tram, telling a Heart Foundation seminar on active living that walking to the tram stop puts light rail on the front line in the battle against obesity.

“The ACT Government’s commitment to active transport initiatives, including the delivery of a city-wide light rail network, will ensure the continued health and wellbeing of our city,” he opines.

March of the boxes

On a radical track

“THE huge community backlash and significant sums of money being spent as every day passes without the authority of the voting public, means we need to do something and do something radical now!” trumpets Russ Morison, in the recent newsletter of anti-tram group the Canberra Public Transport Alliance. Something radical? Chairman Russ is mount-

ing a petition for a moratorium on light rail and a guarantee that no contracts are signed until after the 2016 ACT election.

While Russ has buckleys of derailing the government, he notes that over the past 27 years only seven per cent of Canberrans have used ACTION buses and “even that service cost us annually a whopping $100m of our money”. He says the group, which recently held a public meeting in Calwell, deep in anti-tram

SORE FEET?

We can help with:

• Diabetic foot care

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AS we discover the ad-free freedom of cheaper, streamed television services such as Netflix, subscription TV broadcaster Foxtel would seem to be feeling the effects locally.

A southern snout, surrendering his pay-TV box, reports from the Tuggeranong post office that he was told by staff that the number of daily returns of boxes has been “unbelieveable”.

“The PO lady said she had also cancelled hers and described the

• Range of comfort & orthotic fitting shoes available

• A.R.C laser treatment for fungal toenails

same weird phone call I had with Foxtel when I cancelled,” writes our streaming snout.

“They have obviously been trained to do anything to keep you on the line and trick you into staying with them, to the point where, after 15 minutes, I had to say: ‘I know you’re just doing your job, but please, I’m begging you, just cancel my account – this is getting really awkward’.”

Shirley wants you!

Shirley Pipitone, founding president of Open Gardens Canberra, says the newly incorporated group will be opening at least 10 gardens to the public this season, the first later this month.

Open Gardens Canberra has been formed by local garden lovers to fill the gap left when Open Gardens Australia decided suddenly to bury itself earlier this year.

“As a new not-for-profit organisation, Open Gardens Canberra needs members now to cover basic costs such as printing signs to direct visitors to open gardens,” says Shirley. So, for $25 members will enjoy free entry to all open gardens for a season, while public visitors are up for $8 for each garden.

More information at opengardenscanberra.org.au or contact Shirley on info@opengardenscanberra.org.au

The team at Canberra Podiatry is delighted to introduce our new EMS Swiss DolorClast –the latest in technology for radial shock wave therapy.

Effective for a range of soft tissue conditions and injuries, pneumatically generated shockwaves are transmitted into the area of pain to provide relief and promote healing to ensure a quick recovery.

Some of most common conditions we treat include, but are not limited to: plantar fasciitis (heel spur/pain), arch pain, Achilles tendonitis, lower limb and foot cramping, shin splints and patellofemoral syndrome (runners knee).

Principal Podiatrist

Michelle Prophet-Pearson Podiatrists Jake Foley & Jessica Laws

scene / around canberra

THE Indigenous Literacy Foundation is doing what governments and education departments should be doing for our first Australians.

It takes books, lots of books, and resources to remote communities to provide the magic and mystery of stories to kids who need them. Books that will improve the lives and literacy of kids who are at a disadvantage and outside the mainstream of opportunity.

It’s a not-for-profit charity working with the Australian Publishers Association, the Australian Booksellers Association and the Australian Association of Authors. And some special ambassadors including my favourite “Play School” star, Justine Clarke. Clarke came to town to promote the work and success of the foundation at a wine, whisky and beer tasting with pizza and pies and an auction at King O’Malley’s to raise funds leading up to the September 2 Indigenous Literacy Day where, in Sydney, Jessica Mauboy, ILF’s newest ambassador, will entertain and encourage involvement from what’s expected to be a big audience.

We take books for granted; they’re accessible, essential and pleasurable. That our remote indigenous communities don’t have the kind of reading resources we have, is something to rectify.

To help support this initiative go to indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Specialist

Medical, Physical and Psychological Services

Dr Geoffrey Speldewinde and Dr Keith T Chan, specialist pain and rehabilitation physicians, along with our multidisciplinary team provide the highest level of service for:

• Chronic persistent pain

• Rehabilitation – reconditioning after injury, surgery and neurological conditions

• Medical Pain and Rehabilitation Procedures such as blocks, neurotomy, discography, stimulators, Botulinum toxin injections all to the highest International Standards

• Diagnostic and therapeutic injections seen rapidly with GP referral

Take advantage of our experienced multidisciplinary team for all your needs with no referral required for:

• Physiotherapy

• Exercise Therapy

• Hydrotherapy

• Gym

• Acupuncture and Massage

• Dru Yoga

• Pain Education

• Psychology, Counselling and Hypnotherapy

• Diet and Nutrition

• Mindfulness Course

• STEPS one day pain management Workshop

Free parking available

New adult and child patients welcome

General and cosmetic dentistry, including:

• Smile makeovers

• Braces

• Complex restorative dental work

• Minor oral surgery

• Teeth whitening

• Implants

• Root canal therapy

• Single-visit crowns

• Teeth cleaning

YES... We accept Hi–Caps and participate in the Child Dental Benefits Scheme

“For a comfortable and caring experience” call 6295 9460

Come and see us at 188/15 Coranderrk Street, Civic or visit glebeparkdental.com.au • Email: reception@glebeparkdental.com.au

SUNDAY ROAST

Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

Social club for seniors

• Pick up & drop off

• Hot lunch and morning tea

• Social group outings

• Light and fun exercise

• BBQs, Picnics, games, shows

• Respectful, caring environment

First stop the bus depot, then on to a new, secret venue

THE largest fashion and food event in Canberra is back – and it’s bigger than ever!

Hustle&Scout and The Forage present their largest line-up of vendors at the Old Bus Depot, Kingston, on Saturday, September 12, after holding three successful events at Fairbairn.

Visitors can expect 100 indoor and outdoor stalls, showcasing a range of fashion makers and designers from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and regional NSW, as well as street food trucks, local restaurants, cafes, breweries and wineries.

Founders Tegan McAuley and Belinda Neame will be welcoming 26 new fashion designers and eight of the designers who showcased at Fashfest this year will be bringing their latest collections to the event.

Tegan says: “This is my first event back in Canberra since the successful realisation of the first interstate Hustle&Scout, which was held in Hobart during the Dark Mofo festival in June. By the end of the year, I will have presented four Hustle&Scout markets, all at different venues.

“We will be showcasing some new ranges we have never before included at the market,” she says.

“This includes our first childrenswear label, Little Flexi, body products by Meraki Body and The Mister Brand, a swimwear label by Solar Bare and more.”

Tegan and Belinda have been on the hunt for a temporary venue in the lead-up to announcing their new, secret home for their December 5 event.

“We spent a lot of time meeting with the government to assist us in finding a unique location that would suit our brand and aesthetic”, says Tegan.

Experience.

The Old Bus Depot Building will continue to allow for free parking, lots of space and better public transport access for visitors, however, Belinda and Tegan have been working to find a long-term venue that is fresh and pushes the boundaries for conventional market venues.

Tegan says: “There is a lack of big, well-maintained indoor venues with character in Canberra, but we’re really happy with the Old Bus Depot Building as a pit-stop before moving to our exciting new venue in December”.

The Forage will be hosting a ticketed cheese and beer-tasting session, a first-time collaboration between Sydney’s The Cheesesmith and Canberra’s Bentspoke Brewery. Staying true to their mission to provide people with an “immersive experience” unlike traditional markets, visitors can expect an entertainment program that showcases a colourful mix of local creative businesses.

Kick back in the live music lounge with local bands The Burley Griffin, Lavers and Tuchasoul, or attend a

workshop by The Makers’ Collective. Enjoy roaming contemporary dance performances by Subsdance, stand back and watch live art unfold by local street artists JRB Illustration and HOUL, or get the hips shaking with interactive hula hoop demos by Hoopbeat.

As for the new secret location, it will be held in a space never before used for an event in Canberra and will be revealed in the coming months.

Hustle & Scout and The Forage, Old Bus Depot Building, Kingston. Held from 2pm-7pm on Saturday, September 12. Contact Tegan McAuley on 0439 316009 and info@hustleandscout.com.au

More information at hustleandscout. com.au and facebook.com/hustleandscout twitter.com/hustleandscout

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Gems of Queanbeyan Thriving neighbour with a lot

THE word Queanbeyan is the anglicised form of “quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”.

More than just Canberra’s nearest neighbour, Queanbeyan is a thriving city in its own right. Over the four next pages “CityNews” reveals some of its business gems.

Royal rules the traditional pubs

“ONE thing that’s missing from Canberra is a traditional pub, but The Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, has it covered,” says general manager, Damon Townsend.

The site was first built in 1850 then rebuilt and opened as the Royal Hotel in 1926. This historic pub has won awards (Best Redeveloped Country Hotel in NSW and Australia) after its refurbishment in 2012. It is renowned for its beautiful and comfortable fit-out, huge bar selection including cocktails and quality food.

“We have live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, and really easy-listening artists on Sunday afternoons. Our broad menu appeals to just about everyone, from kids to mums and dads, and often the grandparents, too,” says Damon.

“It was recently complimented by a local tour operator, that our hotel was easily the standard you would expect to find in Sydney or Melbourne!

“The kitchen, led by head chef Kelly Kim, is committed to excellence in service, quality and value. Most of our meals’ ingredients are made from scratch by our team of chefs, ensuring delivery of the freshest and highestquality meals.

“Our most recent new offering of the Sunday roast for two is a big hit for the traditionalists – only on Sundays, and specials are offered weekly, based on seasonal ingredients.

“The Royal kitchen is open every day from midday through to 9pm, but we are very excited to now be opening for weekend breakfasts from 7.30am to 11am on Saturday and Sunday, serving generous and delicious breakfasts, and great new coffee from Red Brick Espresso.”

The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street. Call 6297 1444 or visit theroyalqbn.com.au

Comedy of life, love and… footy

A COMEDY about life, love and… footy, “Reserved Seating Only” will be showing at The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5.

The critically-acclaimed play focuses on an unlikely pair in the reserved section of a major football stadium.

The action-packed play features real-life husband-and-wife team David Ross Paterson as a loud, burly football fan and Cecelia Specht as a recently divorced football widow, who has claimed her ex-husband’s

tickets as part of a messy divorce settlement. As a footy “conscientious objector” she is blissfully immune to the attraction of the game and instantly locks horns with her ex-husband’s footy mate who becomes her reluctant companion over four eventful quarters.

The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street. “Reserved Seating Only”, 8pm, Friday, September 4 and 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, September 5. Bookings to 6285 6290 or theq.net.au

Service first for independent tyre shop

TRANSTATE Tyre and Suspension Services aims to provide an “old-fashioned service” that customers can trust.

Serving Queanbeyan and the surrounding regions for 21 years, the established company recently returned to independent status.

Owner, Steve Rowland, says: “We were formerly a part of a large franchise group and I am pleased that, as of around 14 months ago, we returned to being an independent company.

“Nothing has changed, you can still expect the same happy and friendly faces!”.

With a team of eight, highly qualified, local people, Transtate Tyre and Suspension Services provides automotive repair services ranging from tyres, wheels and rims, suspensions, brakes, alignment and

balancing. It stocks a range of reputable tyre brands including Pirelli and Dunlop. Steve says: “We have a big clientele who are all very loyal to us and we like to look after them.

Transtate Tyre and Suspension Services, 141-143 Uriarra Road. Call 6299 6747 or visit transtate.com.au. Enquiries to queanbeyan@transtate.com.au

advertising feature

to offer shoppers

Builder with a passion for getting it right

STEVE Milutinovic started his cabinet-making business in 1983 and, 32 years on, the company has grown into specialising in home renovations, extensions and new homes.

Bordeaux specialises in commercial fitouts and joinery and are also fully licensed builders in NSW and ACT.

“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” Steve says.

“Our prices are competitive and we work with you to achieve your desired outcome.

“We offer full trade co-ordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project. Our custom-built, cabinetmaking workshop can also build joinery items to suit your needs whether for home or office.

“We also recently received an MBA commendation award for ‘Special Care’ residence as we specialise in housing needs for the aged.”

A popular taste of Chinese dining

A FAMILY-run business that’s been in the same location since 1977, Canton Chinese restaurant offers popular signature dishes that locals know and love, says owner Vanessa See Toh.

“We specialise in good, flavoursome laksas, stirfries, curries and noodles, and our most popular menu item is the rock salt chilli squid,” she says. The restaurant was run by Vanessa’s parents and she used to help out when she was younger. She took over in 2000 with her husband Charles.

The couple has a young family, so they trade for five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch is noon-2.30pm, and dinner, 5pm-10pm.

“We open on Sundays, on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day only, so we will be open on September 6 for lunch and dinner, with takeaway available as well,” she says.

Canton Chinese Restaurant, 232 Crawford Street. Call 6297 5246.

Bordeaux Construction and Bordeaux Kitchens offer obligation-free quotes.

Bordeaux Construction, 8 Aurora Place, call 6299 4642. Visit bordeauxbcm.com.au or facebook.com/BordeauxBCM

Home-away-from-home for pets

“PETS have become very important in people’s lives and we like to create a home-away-from-home for them,” says Canberra Pet Care’s Jenny Greentree.

A family-owned business for 25 years, Canberra Pet Care offers an exclusive concept in animal care through pet-boarding services.

The centre provides a selection of temporary boarding ranging from a pet motel with comfortable beds to luxury suites with TVs and air-conditioning, as well as the option for daily activities such as bush walks, “play time” and “cuddle time”.

“We focus on creating a comfortable and caring atmosphere that the pet and owner are happy with,” Jenny says.

“We understand that there is an element of doubt when people are leaving their pets, but we invite them to come and see us before they book to meet the team and get a feel for the place. We want our customers to walk in and get that warm, fuzzy feeling.”

With free pick up and delivery available, all pet accommodation at the centre has monitored alarm security, fire and smoke detection, as well as veterinary services if required.

Jenny says: “When we take the pets out for their activities, we post photos of them so the owners can see that their pets are enjoying themselves.

“We are all animal enthusiasts here and we know that we aren’t just looking after your pet, we are looking after your family member.”

Canberra Pet Care, 143 Wickerslack Lane, call 6298 1555. Visit canberrapetcare.com.au Enquiries to info@canberrapetcare.com.au

BORDEAUX KITCHENS

(Associated with Capital Cabinetmaking)

Specialise in custom-built design and joinery

• Kitchens • Vanity and laundry units

Commercial Joinery

• Shop/office • Home office

• Experienced tradesmen and full trade co-ordination available

BORDEAUX BATHROOMS

• Designed with you with your budget in mind

• High standard of workmanship

• High quality finish

• Completed on time, every time

BORDEAUX CONSTRUCTION & MANAGEMENT PTY LTD

Total design consultancy

• Home

Office

Shop

• Commercial premises

• Extend or Renovate existing homes

• Build your new dream home

Beautiful Gifting

Looking for that perfect gift?

We make gift buying easy with our stylish and sophisticated selection that covers all occasions. Our unique range includes:

• Baby items

• Selected European items

• Scented products • Homeware

• Kitchenware

• much more to tempt you! A treasure trove of gift ideas right here in Queanbeyan with helpful advice available.

Phone Deborah on 0419 627 210 84 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan

Gems of Queanbeyan

Colourful kitchen glass and more

GLASS kitchen splashbacks are a stylish, easy-to-clean option, say Matt and Erin Ryan, owners of Toscan Glass.

The specialty glass manufacturer makes decorative and functional colour, back-painted glass products, including splashbacks, door panels and bathroom and shower walls, and floors and screens.

“We have more than 500 colour samples when measuring and quoting to ensure you get the right result, and we can colour-match any existing colour scheme,” says Erin.

“We also offer a specialised range of patterns and textures you can’t get anywhere else.”

“We have been doing a lot more hand painting and transferring digital images to the tiles,” says Erin.

“We can transfer any image. The client supplies us with the artwork and we can transfer it on to tile or glass through a digital-printing technique.”

Toscan Glass, 5 Chapman Street. Call 6284 2255 or visit toscanglass.com.au

Where car care is a family affair

LANGE’S Auto Centre has been operating in Queanbeyan for more than 40 years and counting.

Founded by owners Dean and Johnny Lange’s father in 1974, the brothers and their staff are all local and are available to help.

Known then as Queanbeyan Brake and Muffler Centre, Mr Lange senior moved the operation to its present site at 44 Yass Road in 1984 and in 1998, the business changed name to Lange’s Auto Centre.

Family and their love of cars drew the brothers into the business and now, both qualified mechanics and fully RTA authorised, Dean and Johnny bought their father out in 2009.

The company now offers full auto electrical and vehicle air conditioning services as well as a complete rego and greenslip service, with the highest QBE Insurance greenslip sales in NSW.

Lange’s Auto Centre, 44 Yass Road. Call 6297 6969 or visit langesauto.com.au

Treasure trove of special gifts

“WORDS express, gifts deliver” is the slogan of Beautiful Gifting, a store that provides a treasure trove of Australian-made gifts for all occasions.

Beautiful Gifting also offers a range of French glassware, ceramics, keepsake greeting cards and pottery by Robert Gordon.

Owner Deborah Keenan says: “We are introducing new products for spring, in particular, a beautiful collection of Louenhide handbags in a range of colours and styles.”

Not just for women, there is a gift for everyone as Beautiful Gifting offers something a little different with its collection of Man Candles created by L’ascari.

“We have candles that are designed for men, it is something totally different.

“We have six different scents, which are beautifully presented. Perfect for a Father’s Day gift,” Deborah says.

Beautiful Gifting, 84 Monaro Street. Call 0419 627210 or email beautifulgifting@gmail.com

advertising feature

Queanbeyan Players’ party celebrates 50 fabulous years

THE Queanbeyan Players is celebrating 50 years of theatre in the region.

To mark the achievement, QP is holding a free, two-week exhibition at The Q, the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, starting with a public exhibition launch party on Monday, September 14 from 6pm.

Vice president of Queanbeyan Players, Janet Tweedie, says: “We are together for two hours of celebration, including live performances, food and drink, and the sharing of stories from Queanbeyan Players young and old!

“Come along and hear the ‘Mikado’ cast perform some of the wonderful music from this classic G&S show, along with Eliza and her Cockney mates performing ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’ from our most recent sell-out production, ‘My Fair Lady’. There will also be songs from past productions.

“We have also been amassing an amazing array of costumes, props, photos, posters, programs and paraphernalia from past shows – 1965 to

Beauty salon celebrates its first decade

NEXT month marks the 10th anniversary of Elements Face and Body.

Focusing on individualising the services to suit the particular needs of her clients, owner Deborah Olde says: “At Elements Face and Beauty I have sourced the products to suit the Queanbeyan and Canberra environment by tailoring the product lines to cater for the harsh, dry local weather and its effects on a healthy skincare regime.

“Elements has always placed client satisfaction as an absolute priority, a sentiment that is reflected in the long-term success and large base of long-term return customers.”

Elements will celebrate throughout October with events including a “Body Beautiful Class”, 11am-1pm, on Tuesday, October 6 and a “Master Make-up Class”, 6pm-8pm, on Tuesday, October 20.

Elements Face and Body, 9/251 Crawford Street, call 6298 1226 or visit elementsfaceandbody.com.au

2015. The display is going to be fantastic.”

Both the launch party and exhibition are open to the public, with no invitations needed.

Queanbeyan Players’ exhibition launch party at The Q , Exhibition Space, 6pm-8pm, Monday, September 14.

Exhibition open from Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 25, 10am-4pm and 10am-2pm on Saturday. Visit qp.org.au

certain of a perfect smile

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

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

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

With 20 years’ experience, Karabar Private Dental Surgery has developed a friendly, approachable service that helps relieve the anxiety of visiting the dentist.

Karabar Private Dental Surgery, Karabar Shopping Mall, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 3760 or visit karabarprivatedental.com.au

Passion to preserve the personal past

FOR more than 50 years, Tauntons Mobile Auto Electrical has provided a convenient, reliable and professional service when attending to the electrical needs of customers’ cars.

Taunton’s Mobile Auto Electrical provides electrical repairs for problems with batteries, starting and charging, brakes, electric windows and fuses as well as engine repairs for ignition systems, starter motors and alternators.

A team of trained and qualified technicians are at hand to provide complete auto-electrical repair and installation both in-store and through a 24-hour roadside service to anywhere in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Owner, Peter Rossister, says: “We are a one-stopshop for auto electrical and mechanical services. We also stock batteries for small or large cars, trucks, 4WD vehicles and motorcycles as well as lighting systems and automotive air conditioning services”.

Tauntons Mobile Auto Electrical, 46 Yass Road. Call 1800 069005, 6297 2180 or visit tauntons.com.au Enquiries to office@tauntonsautoelec.com.au

“IT’S so important to preserve precious items such as photos and documents for future generations,” says Lara Montebello, owner of Family Keepsakes.

“I’m passionate about helping the community preserve their memories and stories,” she says. “Even if they can’t see a reason now, in 50 or 100 years their memories might be really important to a family member or the community.”

Lara has been running Family Keepsakes for three years and, with a background in fine art and working at the National Museum of Australia, is well placed to help people with their archiving and preservation.

“Part of the business is retail, with archivalquality folders, photo albums and boxes for sale, but I also mend old documents like birth, death and marriage certificates,” she says.

“This year I have introduced a custom pictureframing service, which is very exciting.”

Family Keepsakes, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street. Call 6299 1118.

and boxes. We also offer: Repair and archival lamination service of fragile documents and digital restoration of damaged photos. Preserving your family history collection today… guarantees that future generations will thank you.

Cassidys Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan Phone 6299 1118 • Family

Something about Susan

By Helen Musa

IRISH singer Susan McFadden is in Denmark on the last leg of a three-week European tour when we speak by phone, and it’s way after midnight when I ask what makes a Celtic Woman.

“Well, we are all very different, individual. Máiréad [Carlin] plays the fiddle and the three of us who sing differ in our vocal styles completely… David Downes, who created Celtic Woman, directs to allow us our individuality.”

As McFadden warms to her subject, she thinks of another great Irish characteristic – “we don’t shut up”.

The sister of former “Australia’s Got Talent” judge Brian McFadden, Susan is better known in Dublin and London (where she lived for eight years) as the star of American musicals. In fact, she was playing Elle in “Legally Blonde” when she got a call from Celtic Woman.

“It was a big departure,” she says.

“I was always playing a character in the Broadway musicals and this was the first time that I could be myself.”

She’ll be here on September 19 with her co-stars and an equally Celtic ensemble that includes a band, bagpipers, Irish dancers and the Celtic Tenors. Her mum comes from a very musical family in

Tipperary and is one of 11 siblings. Her dad comes from Donegal and is one of 12.

“When one person starts singing, the rest follow on; we’re singing all the time,” she says.

“My aunty’s favourite song was ‘Caledonia’ and lo and behold, my solo is the very same song, so I rang aunty and said: ‘You’ll never guess what I’m singing’, and she came to see me in Dublin.”

Naturally, there’ll be some famous pieces such as “Danny Boy”, which people love to hear because they feel it’s typically Irish, Celtic and traditional. Purists may point out that it’s actually quite a modern song, but no matter, it’s the perception that counts and she’s sure that it’s one that will move audiences.

Another modern one is “You Raise Me Up” – “always very stirring” – and the song “Téir Abhaile Riú”, which roughly means “The Home”. This is always performed interactively by the singers and sees McFadden sitting on the lap of an audience member.

“There’s a bit of banter and a bit of craic in the show… I pick the person who looks like they’re up for it,” she says.

While the theatricality of the show, full of magical dancing and lighting effects, is justly praised, it is really the music that counts.

Celtic Woman 10th Anniversary World Tour, Royal Theatre on Saturday, September 19, bookings to ticketek.com.au

musical theatre

“Into the Woods”

Words and music by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Richard Block At Gungahlin College Community Theatre, until September 12.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

STEPHEN Sondheim’s brilliant musical, exploring beyond the “happily ever after” of favourite fairytale characters to uncover lives that don’t necessarily have a happy ending, places considerable demands on the actors playing those characters, as well as the audience.

As with all Sondheim musicals, it demands good vocal technique and excellent enunciation from the actors. It says much for the success of Richard Block’s impressive production that most of his cast meet these demands, with enthusiastic, well-delineated characterisations that not only allow the audience to savour Sondheim’s brilliant lyrics, but capture the humour as well as the darkness inherent in the intriguing, convoluted storyline.

Among the strong ensemble cast, Veronica Thwaites-Brown as the Baker’s Wife, Sian Harrington as Little Red Riding Hood, Phillipa Murphy as Cinderella, and Alexander Clubb as Cinderella’s Prince, who was “bred to be charming, not sincere”, all give strong performances.

Kelly Roberts is outstanding as The Witch, both before and after her transformation, making every line of her dialogue count, and singing her difficult songs superbly. Colourful costumes and props, together with an impressive set, courtesy of Victorian Opera, add sheen to the production. Full marks also to musical director, Damien Slingsby, who accomplishes an excellent balance between the singers and orchestra. An added bonus is the opportunity to sample Gungahlin College’s cosy new community theatre.

Joseph Kesselring

arts & entertainment

Sharp barbs of a mazing art

By Helen Musa

IF you were offered your own private excursion into a barbed wire maze with no-one else allowed, you’d go for it – right?

That’s one of the enticing prizes being offered by Canberra artists Denise Higgins and Gary Smith as they gear up for the upcoming poetic exhibition at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, “The Barbed Maze”.

The title gives the theme away, but here’s the catch, the barbed wire and mirrors they need cost money and these two trail-blazers need the public’s help with crowd-funding for this show. Together, they hope to raise $7000 to help defray the costs and it’s going well, so far.

Their backgrounds are in 2D and 3D work, but as Higgins and Smith say, they share a compulsion to collaborate on large-scale installations every couple of years.

A “suspended maze” will be made from barbed-wire partitions and mirrored chambers –“a confounding and thorny puzzle”.

Indeed, their maze will not be safe as gallery-goers will be herded and displaced while being subjected to confinement, interrogation and surveillance via sound, video, holographic images, tableaux and objects. Smith and Higgins say their installation will be site-specific and naturally won’t coalesce until it is installed over four days and exhibited over five weeks.

In reality, the CCAS space at Gorman Arts Centre is about 140sqm, but the pair plans to transform it into a maze-scape that is “perceptually” 4000sqm, as lights, cameras and PA systems are used to disrupt the comfortable sense of “this is a gallery”.

arts in the city

The funding target is to buy at least 70 of the 100 sheets of 3mm acrylic mirror needed to completely “re-skin” the gallery walls. The materials will cost around $20,000 in all, the larger part

of which will be self-funded.

“There are no pictures of it as yet because the bits don’t come together until we spend the four days in the gallery installing the work.”

The “Barbed Maze” crowd-funding project runs at pozible.com/project/196660 until 10.01pm, Sepember 6.

Cathy frames up first prize

CANBERRA framer Cathy Webster has won first prize in the Australian and NZ framing competition at the Art and Framing Trade Show in Sydney. Webster, a co-owner of Framing Matters, Manuka, is a regular frontrunner in this key industry event.

THE Griffyn Ensemble will head to Aberdeen, in far-north Scotland, next month to perform the suite, “Southern Sky,” premiered during 2013 in the ruins of Mt Stromlo.

THE Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter is hosting four Australian architects to present their work Wednesday evenings through September at the National Gallery. Speakers are from Charles Wright Architects, MAKE Architecture, Elenberg Fraser and Tribe Studio. Bookings to nga.gov. au/architects

Champion Canberra framer Cathy Webster.

“THE Distant Warriors: Ka Maumahara (We Will Remember) Let Us Not Be Forgotten” is an exhibition at Canberra Glassworks inspired by the stories of indigenous Australian and Maori soldiers. The curator is Kelli Cole and ACT artists Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, Lyndy Delian, Joyce Graham, Allison Hoolihan, Hayley Hoolihan, Lyn Talbot and Jenny Dries will join Victoria’s Treahna Hamm and Maori weavers Ruth Port and Mandy Sunlight to create a formidable statement. September 9-November 19.

BEST known as part of the ‘80s group The Warumpi Band and for

writing the classic Aussie song of the tropics, “My Island Home”, singer-songwriter Neil Murray will be at The Street on Saturday, September 12, featuring his latest album, “Bring Thunder and Rain”. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

THE annual exhibition of the Embroiderers’ Guild ACT will be held at the Albert Hall, 10am-4pm, September 11-13. It features a special story board on the making of Princess Charlotte’s blanket. There’ll also be recycled items, sewing gadgets, café, vintage and recycle shop, and gift shop.

THE Canberra Comedy Festival returns for its fourth year in March and organisers want Canberrans to be a part of it. Applications are open until September 18 to canberracomedyfestival.com.au

WOMEN’S vocal ensemble, Polifemy, will perform Renaissance music for the next concert in the High Court, 1.30pm, on Sunday, September 6. Polifemy will be joined by the male vocal ensemble The Renaissance Men and the concert will include a performance of Britten’s “Advance Democracy”. Free entry, but bookings essential to hcourt.gov.au/about/concerts

HELEN MUSA

isabsolutely hilarious...hilarious andmoving...one unexpectedlaugh a eranother”

MAGGIE GERRAND PRESENTS

EVENING WITH

JOAN BAEZ

“She’s Funny That Way” (M)

WHEN movies learned to speak and TV sitcoms learned how to find common cause in stupidity, farce rather lost its honoured place at the pinnacle of American comedy. But Peter Bogdanovich’s new film rather lays that notion to rest.

It follows the shenanigans attending a bunch of theatricals preparing to cast a new play, a teenage callgirl with acting aspirations, a judge obsessed with the young woman’s innocent freshness and the play’s director (whose wife thinks he loves only her).

Then there’s an author who’s having a thing with the psychiatrist who’s treating the judge’s obsession, a private eye who’s also the dramatist’s father and whom the judge has engaged to tail the pretty girl and a media star who once dallied with the director’s wife and wants to do it again.

These are some of the main characters in a long list that make this movie a lotta fun.

audience’s expectations on edge with twists, shifting perspectives and moral ambiguity. The conflict is essentially uncomplicated and the tensions develop at an unhurried pace. Resolution of the core issue takes place without brouhaha. The musical score is often obtrusive. But overall, it’s an impressive debut.

At all cinemas

“Ricki and the Flash” (M)

THE underpinnings of this family drama include some notable award winners – three Oscars to Meryl Streep, one to writer Diablo Cody, one to director Jonathan Demme.

Together, what they deliver in “Ricki and the Flash” may not match the heights of their past fame and glory, but the idea of acting royalty Streep playing an ageing rock musician does invite a tad of curiosity.

Streep plays Linda, divorced from Pete (Kevin Kline) who’s now married to Maureen who brought up Linda’s two sons and daughter in the two and more decades since Linda left home, changed her name to Ricki, and formed a band and a relationship with guitarist Greg (Rick Springfield).

Bringing life to plot and characters is a cast led by Owen Wilson as the wayward husband, Imogen Poots as the pretty girl, Jennifer Aniston as the hysterical psychiatrist, Rhys Ifans as the media star, Austin Pendleton as the judge and Kathryn Hahn as the wife who’s not above playing away. They and the supporting cast never miss a beat in a film that does honour to a theatrical genre that for six centuries has evaluated society’s foibles with laughter, which really is a great medicine.

At Palace Electric

“The Gift” (MA)

COMPANY executive Simon (Jason Bateman) and wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) have just moved to California and bought a new home. Gordo (Joel Edgerton) bumps into them and reminds Simon that they once were classmates.

This apparently-innocent encounter is the foundation for actor Edgerton’s writing and directing debut, a melodrama exploring a history of schoolyard bullying and revenge served cold.

Gordo wants to be a close friend. His behaviour becomes increasingly insistent, to the point of Robyn believing that he is stalking her. After several failures, she becomes pregnant. Tensions begin to pervade the marriage. Little anonymous gifts conveying messages begin arriving at the house.

Slow to develop but never dull, “The Gift” explores a premise that starts simple and becomes intricate. The screenplay flouts genre conventions and keeps the

The Flash is popular with the regulars at a neighbourhood tavern, but big-time fame has never called them. They may have a regular gig but Ricki works as a checkout chick to pay the bills.

Ricki goes to Indianapolis to sort out the major emotional issues arising after her son-in-law abandons her daughter Julie (played by Streep’s real-life daughter Mamie Gummer).

The film’s meaty-enough plot explores domestic turmoil exacerbated by Ricki’s strongly individualistic attitudes combined with lack of domestic skills and the resentments still festering among the family she abandoned.

There’s more to it than just those elements. One of her sons is gay. The other is engaged but keeping it secret. Julie is a bundle of anxieties. Demme and Cody depict the complexities of those elements with sensitivity combined with a well-balanced view of American social classes.

“Ricki and the Flash” presents yet another side of Streep’s multifaceted performance skills. That lady rocks. The songs are infectious.

At all cinemas

arts & entertainment / dining

No ordinary Joe’s, this bar

I’ve been to Joe’s twice now. The service is fantastic and the staff highly knowledgeable. Joe’s is definitely an inner-south destination.

THERE’S something special about Joe’s Bar. Very special.

The fitout is unique. For example, check out the concrete curtain, light fitting made of Sambuca bottles (local designer), colourful glassware and rock-salt candle holders.

The relaxing atmosphere is conducive to good conversation at a normal volume (you don’t have to screech at the top of your lungs over loud doof-doof music to be heard) and the food is bloody good.

Chef Francesco Balestrieri, originally from Rome, works with his team behind a 10-metre, open-concept bar with a granite top that has a leather finish and an awesome texture.

Flavours are primarily Italian, in honour of the Bisa family’s heritage and the place named after owners Dion and Dan’s father.

Joe’s is at the East Hotel. I’m obsessed by the polenta chips with sea salt and rosemary, served stacked on a slate plate with creamy gorgonzola sauce. When I say obsessed, I mean it. So, too, are others – the first time I visited they had run out, having prepared 45 serves the night before. The kitchen was playing catch up since the chips require special prep time.

The menu is designed around sharing and all food is made in-house and cooked with an Italian heart.

Antipasti plates ($16 to $24) are pretty on the plate. But it’s the small delicacy dishes I’m most passionate about, such as the mouth-

watering grappa and basil-cured Tasmanian ocean trout with watercress and goat’s whipped cheese, served with tiny edible flowers ($14). It’s exquisite.

The pasture-fed Cape Grim beef meatballs are the best I’ve had in yonks. They’re bathed in vine-ripened tomato sauce. Joe’s meatballs aren’t greasy and they don’t leave a terrible after-taste with your stomach wondering “why, why, why” you ordered them. The slow-cooked sauce is packed with flavour ($22).

For a treat, top off with minicannoli filled with whisky-spiced ricotta and candied pistachio ($14) or the vanilla-cream gelato sandwiched between crunchy Sicilian pistachio cookies ($8). Delizioso.

Wine lovers will find the extensive list a fascinating read and wonder to explore. Local options feature, but the concentration is on Italian varieties. Everything can be poured by the glass because Joe’s has invested in a state-of-the-art wine preservation system.

I’ve been to Joe’s twice now. The service is fantastic and the staff highly knowledgeable. The first visit had its shaky moments – for example, one wine was out of stock and another not chilled enough to be served. But enough of that. Joe’s is definitely an inner-south destination.

gardening Unsprung,

WHILE it’s September, so far as the weather is concerned, most gardeners don’t consider spring’s sprung until October.

However, nature presses on with bulbs and it’s just over a week until the start of Floriade. But when will the new site for Floriade be announced? This is the last year for the event in Commonwealth Park. Will all be revealed at the launch next week?

BULBS may only provide a short burst of colour with nothing left when they die down, but rhododendrons, azaleas, daphne, camellias, pieris and many other eastern treasures will provide endless pleasure for years to come.

All of these are acid-loving plants that grew originally mainly in forest areas with a constant food supply of rotting, fallen leaves. And yet many gardeners have failures through not understanding the plants’ basic requirements. Here are a few hints to help:

• For most acid loving plants (including many of our Australian plants, which I will deal with in a later column) a position with filtered shade is a must. They can be planted under deciduous trees, which allow the winter sun and provide shade in summer. Too dense a shade will inhibit full flowering.

• It is vital that they are protected from desiccating, hot, summer winds. This may mean that, unless a purpose-built shade house is built, I wouldn’t recommend growing them in new suburbs where there may be no shade from trees for many years.

underneath. Mulching needs to be 75mm thick to be effective. The best way of watering is with drip irrigation which, providing it is installed correctly, will give the plants a perfect watering regime. Drip irrigation is always laid on top of the soil and under mulch to reduce evaporation to a minimum.

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• Good drainage is vital and with our common clay soil this needs to be fixed before planting. Alternatively, plant on a mound of soil to which plenty of compost, rotted leaves and/or cow manure has been added. A light crumbly soil is the ideal. To deal with heavy clay rather than gypsum I have used, with spectacular results, Multicrop Liquid Clay Breaker.

MULCHING is possibly the most important job in any garden at this time before the heat of summer. I used to send gardeners to the pine forests for pine needles, especially if you scrape the loose needles on top and collect the decomposing needles

AT planting time, water in several times with Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient. This specifically promotes strong new root growth. Once well-established apply Neutrog Seamungus, a combination of seaweed and chook poo. Pruning is usually not necessary except for dead-heading flowers or removing any broken/ damaged branches. It the leaves are turning yellow this is usually a sign of magnesium deficiency and can be rectified with a heaped tablespoon full of Epsom Salts dissolved in nine litres of water ie a watering can.

THE spectacular Horticultural Society Spring Bulb and Camellia Show will be held at the Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, after judging, noon-5pm, Saturday, September 12 and 11.30am-3.45pm, Sunday, September 13. There will be a plant stall, a range of camellias for sale and refreshments will be available.

Jottings…

• Rather than giving a long list of vegetables to be planted, go see what seedlings are in stock at your local garden centre.

• In the interests of promoting the joy of gardening, I am taking bookings to give free garden talks to any organisation, not only garden clubs. Call 6241 8752.

• To encourage birds into your garden install nesting boxes with the access holes to suit the bird, perfect for the littlies such as finches.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Mars/Uranus trine boosts your independent streak and fires up your desire for freedom, adventure and adrenalin-pumping shenanigans. But it also stirs up your brusque and bossy side, so strive to be a diplomatic daredevil! Pay close attention to your health and fitness on the weekend. A regular exercise routine will lead to more energy, and the Solar Eclipse in Virgo favours making healthy food choices. Spinach smoothies and vegan cupcakes anyone?

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Thank goodness Venus is now direct, which favours family relationships and financial matters. You’re also feeling super generous, and are ready to lend a helping hand to someone who’s in need of your practical approach and compassionate care. The Solar Eclipse energises your entertainment/hobby zone, so aim to do more of what you love. This weekend is the time to get physical, creative, musical or sporty (whatever you prefer) and enjoy yourself to the max.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week’s stars suit reading, writing, public speaking, social networking, short trips, friendships and having fun. On Wednesday and Thursday it’s time to slow down; concentrate; focus on the facts; and do the research that’s required. Skip over minor details at your peril and avoid changing your mind every five minutes! You need to be well-prepared because a group, club or organisation you’re involved with is about to ricochet off in an exciting new direction.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Money matters finally get back on track again, as Venus powers through your finance zone. But a loved one or work colleague may continue to criticise your efforts, as hidden tensions bubble to the surface. Your Crab claws are out and you’re ready to retaliate but the Solar Eclipse is in Virgo; so when it comes to communicating with others, being discreet and demure is the smart way to go. Save your clever and caustic comeback lines for a more appropriate time!

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Have you been wasting your wonderful talents? This week the planets (principally Mars and Uranus) urge you to live in the realm of proactive possibility. Which means you must visualise your preferred fabulous future and then do all you can to make it happen. It will take plenty of passion, patience and persistence, but you can do it! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, the writer D. H. Lawrence: “I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Many Virgos are fabulous with facts, and finicky with figures and minor details –which means you are the one to call if people want a practical job done properly and on time. But, if you overdo your perfectionist streak and swing into obsessive, worry-wart mode, then it will be a long and exhausting week. Try to relax, and resist the compelling urge to criticise. The weekend Solar Eclipse (in your sign) is a terrific time to turf bad habits and initiate important changes in your life.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Your communication skills are firing, as you bring someone around to your point of view with a convincing argument and a winning smile. But don’t be deceived by glossy appearances. You can be dazzled by obvious outer beauty but you need to look beneath the surface to evaluate a person’s true worth; plus do your best to find inspiration from the mysterious. Your motto is from birthday great Roald Dahl: “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Expect intense encounters with others, as Pluto brings jealous or manipulative behaviour to the surface. You’re feeling vulnerable and emotionally raw but, if you’re a sulky Scorpio, then it will just drive others away. Aim to be passionately involved but still maintain a sense of perspective. The weekend Solar Eclipse shines a spotlight on your goals for the future. The Sun encourages you to go for gold, while the Moon helps you follow through with purpose and persistence.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Relations with children, teenagers, friends or overseas contacts will be lively and unpredictable. When it comes to an exciting project at school, college, university or work, strive to strike a happy medium between being spontaneous and being slapdash. If you skip over short-term minor matters, then long-term success could be compromised. This week the devil is definitely in the detail, so smart Sagittarius will knuckle down and focus on the basic fundamentals.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Expect the unexpected, as emotions are unusually erratic. Pluto increases compulsions and obsessions so you’ll experience some intense communication – in person and online. Don’t push yourself too hard, and avoid antagonising others. Keep a cool head on your sensible shoulders! And watch out for being too stubborn within a school or work situation. You may not be seeing the full picture so don’t assume you have all the information. Strive to be more flexible.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The Mars/Uranus trine shakes up your crazy-brave streak, and your unpredictable side runs wild! But stirring others up for your own amusement will get you nowhere fast. You’re ready to take some exciting risks, so strive to make smart snap decisions – rather than ridiculously reckless ones that you later regret.

Attached Aquarians – do something romantic with your partner. Singles – a platonic friendship could suddenly take a surprisingly passionate turn.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

We all know you’re fabulously creative but have you got a serious plan for the future? It’s a good week to take a long look at your goals and dreams, plus get cracking on practical projects that point you in a positive new direction. No procrastinating Pisces! The Solar Eclipse stimulates your partnership zone on the weekend, so love is in the air. But successful relationships don’t just happen magically – they require long-term hard work and constant commitment.

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

General knowledge crossword No. 516

Canberra’s unique hearing clinic

4 Name a renowned tennis champion, Lleyton ...

7 Which compound is used in toothpaste?

8 What are go-betweens called?

9 Name the bottle from which wine is served at the table.

11 What is a salary also known as?

13 Which term is indicative of an ostensible reason?

15 Which vehicles are designed to carry oil, etc, in bulk?

17 What is the aquatic larva of frogs?

20 What, in law, is a particular bar or impediment?

23 To go off in an oblique direction, is to do what?

24 Name a more common term for patellas.

25 What are one’s father’s brothers? Down

1 What is the smoke passage in a chimney?

2 Name the Australian soldier, court-martialled and executed during the Boer war, Breaker ...

3 Name a term descriptive of an authoritative decree or order.

4 Which muscular organ keeps the blood in circulation throughout the body?

5 What are the young of dogs known as?

6 Name the largest satellite of the planet Saturn.

9 To expel someone from a country, is to do what?

10 What are pieces of landed property?

12 Name a particular fuel oil.

14 What relates to the backbone?

16 Which Russian monetary unit is a hundredth part of a rouble?

18 Who was known as the Boy from Oz, Peter ...?

19 Which plants are the national emblems of Wales?

21 What is a layer, or a level?

22 To see at a distance, is to do what?

Mrs Lawson* was having difficulty with her hearing. She was 44 and working in a busy office. While Mrs Lawson thought she wasn’t doing “too bad” with her hearing, her daughter, husband and sometimes even her workmates would comment that Mrs Lawson was misunderstanding some conversations. When Mrs Lawson was in a noisy restaurant the problem was even worse. She would turn up the TV volume but that only made things louder, not clearer. Mrs Lawson often thought “if only people didn’t mumble” or “why don’t people look at me or speak more slowly?”

What Mrs Lawson was experiencing was an undiagnosed hearing loss that had been getting slowly worse over many years. She had put in place “coping strategies” such as turning up the TV volume control or asking people to repeat their message. These coping strategies work for a while but eventually people realize the strategies are not working and it’s time to do something about their hearing.

The time had come for Mrs Lawson to seek help. She contacted her GP who referred her to me for an assessment. It was discovered that Mrs Lawson had a moderate high-frequency hearing loss. The high frequencies are important to the clarity of speech because they are responsible for the consonants so a “p” might sound like a “b” to Mrs Lawson. I discussed the results of the assessment and talked about Mrs Lawson’s wants and needs when it came to her hearing. I recommended the trial of hearing aids. The hearing aids were fitted a short time later and Mrs Lawson began her 30 trail of the hearing aids. Immediately, Mrs Lawson was hearing sounds she hadn’t heard for years. Within a short time she had adapted to the hearing aids and was wearing them all the time. She told me that it was much easier to hear her daughter and husband and that they were no longer having to repeat themselves. Mrs Lawson was more confident at work and began to understand speech in many restaurants.

While individual results vary, most people do well with hearing aids but not until they are ready. It’s a mistake to try to force someone to do something about their hearing loss, but it is also a mistake to ignore hearing loss for too long.

* Name changed to protect identity.