THERE was only one game in town this past week – the ascension of Malcolm Turnbull to The Lodge with his promise of a return to “the sensible centre”.
In an extraordinary 24 hours, he restored the Coalition to equality in the polls; ushered the reactionary rump of his party – and the shock jocks – to the margins; and wiped the self-satisfied grin off Opposition Leader Bill Shorten
THE Canning by-election gave the Liberals a solid win with a swing just over six per cent to Labor, much better than the 10 per cent polling under Abbott. But it does mean new PM has a job ahead of him.
THE first Turnbull ministry returned the government to the mainstream despite the warning from our own Senator Zed Seselja that the Libs were “a predominantly conservative party”. Turnbull’s response – the elevation of three more women into Cabinet and a broadly centrist outer ministry – put Zed firmly in his place.
TONY Abbott had offered to “throw Joe Hockey under a bus” according to new Treasurer Scott Morrison. Then he partied
In an extraordinary 24 hours, Malcolm Turnbull restored the Coalition to equality in the polls and wiped the self-satisfied grin off Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
when all expected him to make a gracious farewell. His valedictory after a rough night inspired no one to recall the Shakespearean exemplar that: “Nothing in his (political) life became him like the leaving of it”. Blaming the media was the easy way out. “The Saturday Paper” hit back with a blistering editorial, ending: “He will not be missed. He should not be praised. He was a failure selfishly wishing that the world would fail with him. We can only hope his like will not be seen again.”
THE media were stumped about Abbott’s future with breathless revelations that he would “stay in Parliament”. He’s written his book – “Battlelines” – and no one wants another political memoir; he’s no businessman; and he can forget journalism. Our suggestion last week of a return to his native land as High Commissioner
is probably the best option available. And Malcolm would love to have him on the other side of the world.
UNDER its new Rudd rules, Labor will stick with Shorten, so talk of his departure is wildly premature. However, when he loses the next election, Albo and Tanya will fight it out, with Tanya the current favourite.
ANOTHER big loser will be the Japanese as Turnbull drops the “understanding” Abbott had with PM Shinzo Abe to build the next generation of Australian submarines. Suddenly the French and the Germans who will do most of the work in SA are top of the list. And there will be no more talk of Japan as “our best friend in Asia” while the China Free Trade Agreement passes through Parliament.
ROBERT MACKLIN
ON the winning side is the ABC, which will no longer be under the Abbott gun. And we must acknowledge a mighty job during the coup from reporters Greg Jennett , Chris Uhlmann, Sabra Lane and Leigh Sales
THERE was one non-political event we attended that cannot go unremarked –Friday’s Order of Australia investiture of 50 recipients (including “CityNews” arts editor Helen Musa) by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove. Astonishingly, the G-G recalled the background of every single recipient as he presented the award! Sir, we tips our lid.
robert@robertmacklin.com
“My home winter energy bills were really high so I contacted the free Home Energy Advice Service. It was so easy and their tips saved me money and made my home more comfortable.”
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
Cover: Chelsea Marolt models a spring outfit from the Sovata collection. Story Page 6-7. Photo by Andrew Campbell
politics Conservative Zed won’t budge on cuts
If Turnbull’s consultative approach results in the same level of conservatism that Seselja would like to see implemented, the party will inexorably slip back in the polls. What then?
THE failure of the federal government’s Department of Social Services (DSS) tendering process in 2014 has been slammed by a Senate Committee, but defended by the proudly ultra-conservative Senator, Zed Seselja.
The ACT Senator defends the government in a dissenting report on the grounds of the “partisan, self-serving nature of the committee’s interim and final reports”.
As Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull works to present his new government as moving its emphasis from conservative to liberal, a dissenting report like the one written by Seselja clarifies that a small scratch in the façade will
Senator on ABC 666 that the party remained overwhelmingly conservative.
The Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs found the tendering process deployed by the DSS in 2014 was “poorly planned, hurriedly implemented, and resulted in a loss of services”. It further identified the extent of the cuts of $270 million over four years meant that many people who were vulnerable and in need were left without critical support and services around the country.
Seselja may support the cuts and the process but Cassandra Goldie, the CEO of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) tweeted: “Report confirms the Cth tendering process of community services ‘was the worst of its kind in living memory’”.
The view of ACOSS supports the comments of the committee chair, WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: “The committee has concerns that the government’s express goals of innovative service delivery and improved outcomes for service users have actually been hindered as a result of the way
that the tendering process was designed and executed.”
However, Seselja still defends the government. It raises the questions about whether his
attitude, and that of the other reactionaries like him, is really going to change under the new leadership of Turnbull.
Similarly, is the change about putting up with Malcolm as they could see an electoral disaster looming? The latter will tarnish the reputation of the new Prime Minister as we have already seen as he buckled on climate change and marriage equality.
Unfortunately, the conservative nature of the government has meant it has not provided the needed assistance to those who help the needy “community service organisations should not always be reliant on enduring government funding to maintain the stability of the sector”. Although “the government is committed to a continuing grants program that supports community organisations in providing necessary services”, Senators Seselja supports slashing sector by $250 million.
Labor argues that the loss of Tony Abbott will have little impact. The Leader of the Opposition asked the first question on the Wednesday after the new Prime Minister was sworn in.
It frames the picture created by Senator Seselja and his conservative colleagues. The question was: “Given that, just in the last 24 hours, the Prime Minister has sold out on climate change, marriage equality, renewable energy and the Murray-Darling, what other government policy is the Prime Minister willing to sell out to appease his personal ambition?”
It remains to be seen if Turnbull will be able to stand up to the unpopular agenda of the ultra-conservatives within his party.
If Turnbull’s consultative approach results in the same level of conservatism that Seselja would like to see implemented, the party will inexorably slip back in the polls. What then?
Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
Parking a problem when honesty fails
We all know what’s the right thing to do – that is, fess up, leave your details and take responsibility.
MANY of us have been there... rushing to the shops before the kids get home, long day at work, meeting running late, delayed by traffic snarls and you’re in a hurry to just nip into Woolies. Then, bang!
You open your car door on to the vehicle next to yours.
After a few choice words, you inspect the damage, hoping it’s nothing much at all. Grrrr, a dent and it’s noticeable!
And this is where the dilemma begins: what to do? Leave a note or slide back into your own car and slip away pretending it never happened?
“Well, what did they expect, they
parked too damn close, some people just can’t drive!” That’s one excuse or: “It’s happened to me before and no-one left me a note or took responsibility, and I still have that dent in my car!”
Or: “Surely car parks are getting too small – how am I meant to fit in that space?” Actually, there is truth to this. People are buying more SUVs than any other vehicles on the market – our cars are getting bigger and car parking spaces seem smaller! Still, it’s not a defence that’ll stand up.
We all know what’s the right thing to do – that is, fess up, leave your details and take responsibility.
And there is always someone watching. Either in person or via CCTV. What you consider just a little bump, could well end you up in court facing a real headache.
So, I’m coming out of the shopping centre in Dickson when two young blokes in a NSW-registered ute pull into a carpark and accidentally reverse into a Range Rover. The bang is so loud people standing at the bakery some 30 metres away can hear it. There are witnesses.
The newly scratched bonnet of the Range Rover damaged in the Dickson shops carpark.
The blokes inspect the damage – which I’d estimate as around two grand (at least, it’s a Range Rover). Surely, they’ll leave a note? No. They mosey over to the bakery, grab a pie for smoko, hop back into their ute without the slightest concern and drive away. No note, no responsibility, nothing! So, people mill around the damaged car – and we get to talking. “I’ll report it to the police” says one. “I’ve got pictures and the rego numbers” pipes in another. We have the photographic evidence, including the NSW registration plate. What do you think should be done?
MARCUS PAUL
Marcus Paul is the drive announcer on 2CC.
Beyond buses
“IS there more to life than buses?” asks COTA, which is hosting a free forum at Hughes Community Centre Hall, Wisdom Street, 11am-1pm, on Wednesday, October 7. The forum aims to promote the debate around public transport solutions for people who don’t drive (especially seniors). Five organisations – including Uber, NICTA and Capital Metro – will explain how they can help meet future public transport needs. A light lunch is provided. To assist with catering RSVP to jthomson@cotaact.org.au or call 6282 3777.
Poems for refugees
THREE Canberra poets, Hazel Hall, Moya Pacey and Sandra Renew are writing poems to raise money and awareness for refugees at Tilley’s Café, Lyneham, 8am-3pm, Saturday, September 26. All donations (in person or or donate via canberrapoetathon. wordpress.com) go to actrefugee.org.au
Decades of care
PALLIATIVE Care ACT, a local charity providing support services to people with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers, marks its 30th anniversary with a dinner at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, on Thursday, October 1. Tickets at $60, which include a two-course dinner and a selection of wines on the table, can be booked at 6255 5771.
Sweet charity
THE annual Sweet ChariTea high tea event, at The Abbey in July, raised $23,462.78 for the Canberra Hospital Foundation. The money will provide 30 adjustable breastfeeding chairs for the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
Revealed: the key to fixing tired, old Civic
By Catherine Carter
TWO industries hold the key to revitalising Civic, says futurist and economist Brian
Haratsis.
And neither of them are the public service.
Haratsis, a strategic advisor for the property sector through his business MacroPlan Australia, was one of the speakers at the recent “Transforming Canberra’s CBD” forum, which explored breathing new life into our tired city centre.
He said Canberra could no longer rely on the public sector to drive growth and that two realms of jobs would create the best opportunities to revitalise Civic: tourism and international students.
“For every tourism job you create and for every international student job, you create three more jobs – which is why it’s so significant that Canberra gets into these export markets,” Haratsis explained.
Tourism is an “entrepreneurial and democratic sector” that creates jobs of all levels and provides many opportunities for small businesses, but “Canberra’s international tourism is not growing” and interstate visitor traffic has waned.
“We need to understand Canberra’s “tourism narrative”, Brian said. “Why do Asian tourists want to come to Canberra?
“In Melbourne, we know Chinese tourists come for the Queen Victoria Markets, Federation Square and the Crown Casino,” Haratsis said, adding that Chinese tourism was capital city-centric.
“If these tourists came to
Canberra, what would they do when they got here?”
Brian encouraged the audience to “set a target” to boost tourism from 170,000 to 340,000 people a year and to consider what we’d need to do to from a “place-making perspective” to make this happen.
The other big opportunity was to capture a larger slice of the $15.6 billion international student market.
The ANU was now ranked in the top 20 institutions around the world – only four spots behind Yale.
Haratsis urged all Canberrans to consider how we could help the ANU by making our city more attractive to international students.
We have natural, cultural and educational assets that are found nowhere else in Australia. All of these are underpinned by the property sector, which provides the buildings, spaces and precincts for these activities. Let’s work together to share our story.
Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia.
Votes wanted
NOMINATIONS for the community awards of the 2015 Queanbeyan Business Excellence Awards – Customer Service Award, Disability Employer of the Year and Workplace Placement Employer of the Year – have been extended until Friday, October 9. The awards night will be held at The Q, on Friday, October 30. Nomination forms are available at the Riverside Plaza, Jerrabomberra Shopping Centre, Karabar Shopping Centre and via qbea.com.au
Family dance
ALL ages are invited to celebrate Children’s Week at a family dance at Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland Street, Hackett, 2pm-4pm, Sunday, October 25. Dances from a variety of countries will be taught and a plate of food to share for afternoon tea would be appreciated.
Cost is $5 or $10 a family. More information from 0420 524412 or email folkdancecanberra@gmail.com
WIN TICKETS
TO the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s performance of “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” at The Q, Thursday, October 29. Waiting to be won at…
Brian Haratsis.
Orange Kate Twist hat, green mesh wide-leg pants and basic black top.
Designer Jade Sargent, right, adjusts model Chelsea Marolt’s outfit of Antich Twist hat, caped orange T-shirt and Hannah elastic skirt.
cover story
spring colour pop
By Kathryn Vukovljak
COMBINING high-vis orange, turquoise-green, lime yellow and rich dark purple isn’t for the faint-hearted, but fashion designer and milliner Jade Sargent’s latest line for her label Sovata is bold, colourful and just the way she likes it.
“I love bright, popping colours, and while I hadn’t intended this collection to be so bright, the colours just worked,” she says.
“Teaming the bright shades with black and white makes them look even brighter.
“It sounds crazy but in the amounts used and with the right contrasting colour, they really work together.”
Jade says that when she graduated from CIT in 2012, she had been interested in using the methods of millinery to create clothing.
“Gradually, millinery became the focal point and the driving force for me, and now I want to create clothes that ultimately show off the headwear,” she says.
All Jade’s designs are zero waste in the way they’re constructed, and she says that figuring out how not to waste fabric is like a puzzle.
“I play with rectangles and triangles and the lines created when you put them together, and then use contrasting binding to make a focal point of the unusual shapes,” she says.
This is Jade’s fourth collection, and by far the boldest and most high impact she’s done, she says.
“I naturally really like colour, it’s a big thing for me – and I always like to include some green somewhere, as it’s my name,” she says.
“I want the clothes to be wearable, comfortable, flattering, interesting and sustainable.
“For me, these clothes are also 3D wearable art for the body. The viewer appreciates it as much as the wearer.”
Visit Sovata.com.au or facebook. com/SovataFashion to contact Jade for custom orders for spring racing. Sovata has a limited millinery range available at ShopHandmade in City Walk, 20 Allara Street, Civic CREDITS
Photos: Andrew Campbell
Model: Chelsea Marolt, HAUS Models
Make-up artist: Ali Price
Fashion by Sovata
Chelsea Mohawk, Emily elastic singlet and bubble shorts Akari.
Many of us hope to find a life partner, have a fulfilling work and home life, maintain good health, acquire property and perhaps have children. For a great many of us, some, if not all of these things are achieved and we go through life dealing with the ups and downs and challenges that it presents. For some of us, however, we achieve the first part, but then after a period of years, our relationship breaks down.
As well as dealing with the emotional challenges of relationship breakdown, the regret and sometimes, guilt, there are practical issues that also need to be dealt with: Who gets the house? Who do the children live with? When will the other parent see the children? What happens to superannuation? How do I extricate myself financially from my former partner? All of these and more are issues that may need to be dealt with when you are still dealing with the emotional trauma of the relationship breakdown.
There can be a tendency to think many of these issues are “too hard” and that you will deal with them later. To let things drift and stumble along based on the advice and information offered by family and friends is often tempting.
The Family Law Act prescribes the rights of parties following relationship breakdown - divorce - how property is divided - the criteria for making decisions in the best interests of children and how workable arrangements can be made for your children going forward. It is important to get advice about your rights, entitlements and obligations so that you can make the best decisions for your future and in some cases, especially, for the future of your children.
At Robinson + McGuinness we are committed to providing information and advice that will assist you to navigate through the sometimes difficult and fraught process of making decisions for you and your family following a relationship breakdown. To find out more visit our website at rmfamilylaw.com.au or telephone (02) 6225 7040 to make an appointment with Kevin Robinson or Sally McGuinness.
Mindfulness over matters...
By Kathryn Vukovljak
MINDFULNESS is about paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity, according to psychologist Dr Paul Atkins.
“Regular mindfulness practice can change both the structure and function of the brain in the direction of positive emotions and less focus on the self,” he says.
“There is evidence that it can improve physical and emotional well being, communication, creativity, resilience and performance at work.”
Paul has created an eight-week course, “Mindfulness for Living Well”, that will run in Turner from October 15, and says it’s unique because it’s his own blend of two well-known practices; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
“ACT was designed help people accept what’s out of their control, and then commit to improving their lives while moving towards their values; while MBSR was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and has formed the basis of many mindfulness training courses since then,” he says.
Paul says he became interested in mindfulness when he wanted to “get out of his own head” as a younger man.
“I’ve always been interested in the mind and how it works,” he says.
“For my part, regular mindfulness practice and meditation have made me a nicer person – I’m now more confident, and far less selfish and concerned about furthering myself.”
Paul says he has also published research on mindfulness and meditation regarding the effects of mindfulness training on wellbeing, relationships and health.
He says the program he’s running has
been extensively tested and validated at the ANU.
“Thought is language and the key thing that mindfulness can help with is knowing that we have to plan when we need to, but stop ruminating when we’re not going anywhere on things like regret, comparisons or imagining disastrous futures,” he says.
“Through mindfulness we can tune into the body and mind, and ask is this helpful to me?”
Paul says the course is for anyone who wants to live with more vitality, engagement and authenticity, but that they have to be at the point where they’re willing to
commit and practice regularly.
“We can’t control our emotional side or suppress it, but with mindfulness we can learn to be in the presence of what already is,” he says.
“Then we can move in the direction of what’s important.”
Mindfulness for Living Well, October 15-December 10, Turner. It costs $790, including an all-day silent retreat. There is a free information session on October 1, 7-8pm. To book into the program call Northside Psychology on 6255 3008. Spaces are limited so book early.
Dr Paul Atkins.... “I’ve always been interested in the mind and how it works.”
Photo by Andrew Finch
News cycle goes for a 3600-second spin
FORGET the 24-hour news cycle, that was the kinder, gentler media of yesteryear.
Last week in the leadership spill what we saw was the 3600-second (one hour) media cycle.
Allow me to walk you through how things worked back in the day.
The Press Gallery in Parliament House has a notice board and a buzzer. The challenger’s staff would walk up to the notice board, pin up details of a media conference and ring the bell. Office juniors clutching notepads would walk down and transcribe the details, returning to their office with the news.
Journalists and camera crews would assemble at the appointed place, make some phone calls for reaction, and the next day’s news stories and that night’s TV bulletins would inform the public, who would in turn respond via talk radio and letters to the editor.
A bit over a decade ago Sky News changed the game with its insatiable need for content and the day of a challenge became a stream of press conferences watched by anyone with access to Foxtel or the parliamentary TV feed (many public service departments have this access as well as pretty much anyone in Parliament House).
Today we have ABC News 24 accessible via mobile phones and we have Twitter.
“Turnbull is challenging” it cracked, very literally around the world, faster than the speed of sound, faster than any bullet ever made.
Within minutes the sports betting agencies had formed their markets, dutifully pimped around Twitter, and the Prime Minister was doomed.
In past challenges, I’d have stayed in the newsroom all night waiting to hear the Prime Minister’s response to Turnbull. It was at first announced for 5pm. Through force of habit I stayed in the office. And then it dawned on me, I have a mount on my bicycle for my phone.
So I cycled home with ABC News24 on the handset, informed up to the minute and missing nothing while riding my bike home.
Once home I had to walk the dogs, but Newsradio
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got me through that, and then nothing was getting me off the couch as I kept citynews.com.au up to date through the dramatic evening.
The next day a truly profound thing happened.
Watching Tony Abbott make his lonely, graceless and self-pitying concession speech on News24 (on my phone so I could keep working on my workstation), I noticed the journalists actually in the Prime Minister’s courtyard were tweeting laments.
Due to the news helicopter overhead (security review, anyone?), the journalists actually in the Prime Minister’s courtyard couldn’t hear a word he was saying.
Whereas sitting in the “CityNews” office watching on my phone, I had the benefit of the lectern microphones to bring me every word being said, not to mention the meta-analysis of thousands of comedians and journalists on Twitter.
It used to be there was no substitute for being there in person.
Fifteen years ago there was no substitute to being in Parliament House.
But now? Now you can be exactly as engaged as you want to be, from wherever you want to be.
When I got home on the night of the challenge I bumped into my neighbour and enthused: “It’s so exciting!”.
“What is?” she asked.
“Turnbull is challenging Abbott!”
“Oh, is he? I suppose that is exciting…”
Not everyone wants to be so involved. But the world is startlingly changed.
(Incidentally a couple of years ago I had, by chance, dinner with Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull and “The Chaser’s” Chas Licciardello. No doubt more memorable for me than the other three, but if the new PM fancies catching up I stand, as ever, ready to serve.)
John Griffiths is the online editor for citynews.com.au
Email: cw@dvcs.org.au (8am to 11pm
Paul takes a big swing at helping Olympics
Paul has emerged as one of Canberra’s ‘go-to’ people when charities need help… tapping into almost any sphere of our community with little pretension and enormous success.
PAUL Powderly had aspirations when growing up in Young, NSW, of being a professional golfer. He had the talent, having secured a scholarship to the University of Hawaii.
In the end though, the prospect of being away from home for long periods at such a young age proved insurmountable and set the path, almost 30 years ago, to where he is today.
Along the way, he had a stint in banking before joining Colliers Commercial Real Estate around 27 years ago. As well as being Colliers state chief executive, he is also the president of the Australian Property Institute. It is seen by many as a given when you work in a commercial enterprise, such as real estate, that you are involved in the community, but Paul goes well beyond those
He says he is prepared to listen to any good idea when it comes to helping out.
In fact, Paul has emerged as one of Canberra’s
“go-to” people when charities need help. He has the ability to tap into almost any sphere of our community with little pretension and enormous success.
A case in point is his effort in helping raise $3 million (so far) for the Boundless All Abilities play park by the lake. There have been other roles in raising funds for causes, such as the Cancerians and JDRF.
He is also heading into his fourth year on the board of the Raiders. With Paul, Terry Weber, Dennis Richardson, John Mackay and Alan Hawke, the board has developed into one of the most formidable in Canberra.
He says with a stable dynamic board the hope is that Ricky Stuart will be a long-term coach of the Raiders.
Given his passion for sport, growing up in Young and then in Canberra, it comes as no surprise that his next challenge is the Olympics.
As the newly appointed chair of the ACT Olympic Council’s fundraising committee Paul has set himself a lofty target as part of the campaign to send the Australian team to Rio.
The Australian Olympic Committee needs to raise $20 million to send the team of 500-plus athletes to Rio; $12 million through sponsors and $8 million through fund-raising.
As the chair of the Canberra fund-raising effort, Paul
TIM GAVEL
has set himself a goal of raising between $500,000 and $1 million between now and August next year.
He says the Sydney Olympics gave him an insight into what the Olympics means to the community, the high involvement of volunteers and the sense of positivity created by the Games.
To raise $1 million in less than 12 months in Canberra is not an easy task.
He wants to be a conduit between the Olympic movement and the business community, but it’s not just about big business.
To engage the human element, he is seeking to involve Olympians past and present in his fund raising. If anybody is capable of uniting the Canberra community in raising such a large amount of money, it’s Paul Powderly.
Chair of the ACT Olympic Council’s fundraising committee Paul Powderly… chasing $1 million for the Olympic team.
Photo by Andrew Finch
scene / around canberra
Social event of the week / Karinya House launch, NewActon
GUEST of honour Annabel Crabb brought a delicious slice of humour to the machinations of the pollies in a week that was bound to end with tears even if we didn’t know who was crying.
We were laughing at her stories at the official launch of Karinya House’s new development to expand and continue the work they do with mothers and babies, and new partnerships are being sought to fulfil their financial needs into the future
Crabb is a mum, a writer, a passionate cook, a journalist and the insider with the power to invade the homes and kitchens of federal politicians in her “Kitchen Cabinet” TV series. She is currently filming “Al Desko”, where she invites herself into the pollies’ offices to share their desk dining. Crabb’s aside about the peanut-butter sandwich with white bread of one local politician and the stress-beating munching of another, as he spoon feeds himself Milo straight from the can, questions those exorbitant entitlements.
But for those who need help in the mothering stakes, when stress and the inability to see a way out of the mire, Karinya is a haven. “Home. Hope. Horizon.” is the three-word slogan its marketing and has the support of the ACT Government to extend this unique facility.
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Allan Williams, Janice Abdoo, Llewella Jago and Paul Donohoe
Jess Salvage, Belinda Kenyon, Diana Ryan and Jane Brown
Annabel Crabb with Anthony Toms and Chief Minister Andrew Barr
Dave Burnet and Frances Corkhill Joseph Corkhill with Christine and Stuart Saunders and Dorothy Barclay
Kim Marshall and Mary Laughlin
Lorraine Johnson and Mignon Kriegel Angie Drake and Adina Cirson
Sean Trenoweth, Sally Wright and Simon Bromham
Jason Hirt and Michael Aichholzer
Linda Young and Polly Aconley Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Anthony Tom Vivien Mitchell and Darren Skene
Allan Williams and Chris Bourke MLA Andrew Wall MLA and Martin Fisk Adam Kercher and Lyndon Melville
Gemma Lawrence and Brendan Cockerill
Karen Loutin, Sonia Owens and Vicki Marsh
Rachel Evagelou and Tijana Ruzic
Michael Battenally, Louise Hanlon and A/Sgt Troy Roberts
Mike and Robyn Sainsbery
Steve Leicester, Rauny Worm and Alicia Doherty
Sean Smith, Andrew Sanchez, Andrew Clark and Nick Georgalis
Ken Wilson, Mark Robson and Paul Slone
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Travis and Sarah Doherty Jonathan and Rachel Marsh with Sarah Flanagan and Sean Long
Cath and Richard Gough with Donna Parsons Matt and Nikki Varley with Annie and Andrew Mitchell
Kim Richardson, Ben McCarthy, Scott Noack and Tony Li Jenny Cartwright, Hilda Sirec and Matt Wiley
Sarah Small and Leanne Spencer
Theresa Blandon, Susan Kingsford and Maddie Casenas
Margaret Steele and Judi Lilley
Rob Johnson and Shannon Corrigan
Cheryl and Phil Hodges
Prue Ramsey and Mel Connor
Carmen Barker, Michelle Simon, Georgie Pepper, Catherine Asciak and Fiona Moore
Jill Mail, Don Saville and Wendy Atoniak
Mirei Churton, Sachiko Inuzuka and Tegan Napoli
Magdalena Dickinson and Cornella Buchen-Osmond
Vincent Thomson, Catherine Brimage and Catherine Proctor
Jenny Toyer, Bethany Wagg, Kirstin Hoyes and Janine Vlok
Karen Duthie, Jane Shunwah, Elise Jordaan and Jacinta Evans Joy Goodman, Meredith Whitten and Maria Ryan
Canberra Confidential
Memorial gets war wrong
THE War Memorial’s daily tweet “On this day...” featured a wonderful howler on September 16 when the esteemed national centre for Australia’s war history asserted that “On this day: 1943 Australian attack on Hindenburg Line”.
It caught the sharp eye of the militarily-savvy John Griffiths, citynews.com.au editor, who knew it was the wrong war and tweeted back: “Do you perhaps mean 1917?”.
John was wrong, it was 1918, but he was 24 years closer than the people who are paid to know these things!
The neighs have it
ASSEMBLY Deputy Speaker Mary Porter and husband Ian De Landelles are part of a syndicate that owns the racehorse Fell Swoop, which has scored eight wins from 10 starts including a win in the listed Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.
“Regrettably, from a punting point of view, he has been favourite at every start,” says Ian.
“The only time I backed him was when he ran second at Wagga at his first start, although that has not stopped some of the professionals having a red hot go at him.”
When the horse, locally trained by Matt Dale , raced at Randwick at his last Sydney start, it was attracting bets of up to $50,000, despite the odds.
“That day he was the heaviest backed horse anywhere in Australia,” says Ian. “Regardless of the price, it’s been a great ride thus far. Hope it can continue.”
Right or wrong?
CC’s love of cocked-up municipal signage has been in abeyance lately. but here’s a corker that one of our dedicated, senior snouts spotted on Callum Street, leading to the Launceston Street intersection, in Woden, telling drivers they must turn right with a sign below telling them they mustn’t! How does that work, Shane?
• Send your parcel to a participating Post Office or 24/7 Parcel Locker* near home or work
• Receive email and SMS notifications when your parcel arrives
• It’s a better way to shop online
Set up your free account today at auspost.com.au/mypost
What women want
WHEN conserving energy in the post-oil crisis ‘80s ran to leg warmers and chunky jumpers, the “ANU Reporter” of July, 1982, did a full-page spread reflecting staff views on saving energy in the face of escalating costs, which had “made conservation a topical issue on campus,” the paper reported.
Among the suggestions from staff members, the paper quoted thendirector of the ANU Health Service Dr Bryan Furness as saying: ”Fashion is a factor that can lead staff to sitting over heaters, which is perhaps the greatest waste of electricity.”
Dr Furness is then paraphrased as saying women should know that they look just as sexy in a chunky jumper and leg warmers as they do in a skimpy pullover and fine stockings.
Saved by Cedric!
WITH the news that Chinese visitors to the ACT are on the rise, ever-helpful gardening writer Cedric Bryant bumped into a small group of them looking for directions in Civic the other day. He wasn’t sure where they wanted to go and a look at their Canberra map revealed it to be all in Chinese. Unfazed, Cedric said: “Follow me” and led the group straight into Mr Wei’s Chinese duck and dumpling restaurant on London Circuit.
Backbencher with message
ADVERTISING in the digital age. Look at how the website newmatilda.com was, until last week, cajoling clients into taking space. Somehow a backbencher in Speedos doesn’t have the same cache.
Winterwear arrives
JUST as the footy season mercifully grinds to a close and the sun begins to lift spirits away from the cold of winter, CC is bewildered by the timing of the arrival of the Scongo, some sort of multipurpose tube of seamless polyester aimed at keeping rugby fans warm. Available in Raiders’ colours, it can apparently be worn at least six ways – from beanie to pirate style to headscarf to wristband. Scongos cost $24.99 and probably will next year when it might be useful!
‘We are trusted IT advisers and we don’t take that lightly;
Happiness is... a computer
BLUEPACKETS is a local IT service provider with a focus on the long term rather than a quick fix, says managing director Andrew Donehue.
He says its long-term approach to IT solutions has created a low customer turnover.
“IT is my thing – I have a busy mind and I enjoy building things that last,” Andrew says. “Nothing makes me happier than a system that is still working well four or five years later.
“That’s our focus – we take a long-term view when quoting and providing service to our customers, because one of our key goals is customer retention.
“We would prefer a long-term relationship over a quick sale.”
It’s not just the customers that stick around – Andrew says the staff of the eight-year-old company do, too.
“We try to be flexible and understanding, and we know that everyone has families and a life outside work,” Andrew says.
“I think it creates a less stressful environment when there is a bit of give and take, and we have a team of honest, reliable staff who enjoy coming to work as much as possible.”
BluePackets’ services include complete IT servicing, documentation and reporting, network and system audits, backup and data protection solutions, onsite and remote servicing, VPN solutions, managed maintenance, network monitoring, system integration, security services, VoIP telephony, high-speed data and internet connectivity, hosting solutions, hardware procurement, cloud and hybrid cloud, and disaster recovery.
“We own and operate our equipment, making recalling data from the cloud much quicker,”
says Andrew. “Backups are done in Canberra and everything is locally stored.”
All the staff at BluePackets are highly skilled, says Andrew, and thanks to their highly effective tracking system, if ever a member of staff is away, he says it’s straightforward for a colleague to pick up where they left off.
“We think it’s really important that all our staff are capable of helping our customers, not just their specific point of contact, so that our clients can fully rely on us at any time,” he says.
“We are passionate about knowledge sharing; it’s just part of the culture here. We place importance on documentation and are transparent about it with the customer and across our staff base; we all can retrieve relevant information easily and keep on working.”
Andrew says that while a company may rely on its IT working efficiently, it can also be easy to forget how important it is.
“IT systems need to be fast, efficient and stable,” he says. “Ensuring that is the case is an investment in a primary tool for the business. It costs business owners money if everyone’s machine takes 15 minutes to boot up.”
The company has just moved into its new offices on Tennant Street, Fyshwick, and Andrew says it’s great to now have a large space with room to grow.
Andrew says that BluePackets has grown slowly, starting with just him in 2007, to a team of 10 employees.
“We’ve doubled our staff numbers every couple of years,” says Andrew. “I’m happy that we have grown at this slow pace, because it has been organic and it’s all built on what we’ve done before.
“It has given us time to look at what we’re doing, work out the best way and not rush down
the wrong path.
“We’ve now built up a wide which means that there is small number of large clients, All our customers are treated of high service for that reason.”
BluePackets’ clients are businesses, and Andrew says itself on providing a high-quality focuses on customers’ specific
“We can tailor a package business’ needs, from complete plementing and complementing IT services, and make sure most out of their IT resources,”
“We strive to provide satisfaction, security and usability so our confident in their IT systems.
“We have a good understanding requirements, not just IT servicing cations.”
Andrew says that BluePackets approach to risk management
“We care, we take ownership find the solution that fits,” approach of ‘look in the mirror check ourselves and ask what differently.
“We are trusted IT advisers that lightly; our customers
“And it is a lot more work to crash and burn.
“We run regular checks, in advance to give the assurance are there.
“We like to be able to sleep BluePackets, 2/5 Tennant Street, Call 1300 664262.
Managing director Andrew Donehue… “We are passionate about knowledge sharing; it’s just part of the culture here.”
lightly; our customers rely on us… We like to be able to sleep at night!’
wide range of clients; no dependence on a clients, or a single customer.
treated with the same level reason.”
small to medium-sized says the company prides high-quality service that specific needs.
package to meet any individual complete IT support to supcomplementing existing in-house our customers get the resources,” he says. satisfaction, stability, our customers can feel systems. understanding of all business servicing and communi -
BluePackets takes a proactive management and maintenance.
ownership and we try to he says. “We take the mirror first’ – we always what we could have done
advisers and we don’t take rely on us. work if you wait for things fixes and maintenance assurance that the fail-safes sleep at night!”
Street, Fyshwick.
Operations manager Justin Richards, managing director Andrew Donehue and account manager Peter Black.
At Capon and Hubert Lawyers, your family’s situation is more than just the task at hand to us – people matter. We understand your situation is different and may require a unique, specialist approach. We endeavour to resolve issues without going to Court if at all possible, via mediation, negotiation, collaboration and assistance.
The right legal advice leading lawyers
CLIENTS in crisis need advice from lawyers with cool heads and experience to get them through their issues with dignity and justice. But where to turn for sound, expert legal advice?
Here “CityNews” showcases some of the most passionate and professional practitioners of Canberra, and their particular specialities.
Specialists in personal injury law
“WE act for the injured person who doesn’t understand their rights and who needs support against an organisation,” says Deborah Rolfe, a partner at Maliganis Edwards Johnson.
The firm has protected the rights of injured Canberrans for 30 years.
“We deal with the insurers so the client can concentrate on getting better and receiving the treatment or assistance they require,” she says.
Working on a “no win, no fee” basis, Maliganis Edwards Johnson specialises in personal injury law, in particular getting compensation for motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, constructions site accidents, medical negligence, wrongful death and public liability.
“Over 30 years we have obtained some excellent results for people with short-term injuries and long-term disabilities.
“No amount of money can give back your health, but it does give you the treatment to enable you to go back to work or to look after your family,” she says.
Maliganis Edwards Johnson, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6257 2999 or visit mej.com.au
Firm likes to stay ahead of the game
CAMPBELL & Co. Lawyers has served Canberra and the surrounding regions for the past 15 years.
The dedicated team of mature, experienced lawyers and two paralegals are passionate about ensuring that clients receive professional, empathetic and expeditious service.
Director and principal Barb Campbell ensures that all staff remain up to date with the latest legal developments in both areas of law.
She says: “Being ahead of the game so that we can serve our clients by knowing the law as it affects their matter, means continuing to study, reading the latest case law and supporting my team as they increase their qualifications.
“This means an LLM in Estate Law for me last year, Family
Law Accreditation some years ago and supporting my staff, with one becoming accredited in family law next year and another working through an LLM in family law.
“Our caseload is often heavy, from the straightforward family law and probate matters to multi-million dollar complex matters in both family and estate law. All clients receive the same attention.
“With most settling at mediation, settlement of all matters with the least trauma and cost to client is at the forefront of our case management.”
Campbell & Co Lawyers, suite 1/1 Phipps Close, Deakin. Call 6288 8852 or visit familylawyer.com.au
from the right lawyer advertising feature
Offering a clear direction
“I WORK with each client to create a lasting solution that fits their unique set of circumstances,” says Holly Gunn, associate of Mazengarb Family Lawyers.
Situated on London Circuit, the family law specialists focus on negotiation, mediation and court proceedings as well as property settlement, parenting, domestic violence, divorce and more.
“As a family law solicitor, each day I meet people who are confronted with personal and financial challenges,” says Holly, who has worked alongside principal solicitor, Geoffrey Mazengarb, since 2008.
“Most people who come to my office are seeking guidance as to how to divide property or clarify parenting arrangements with their former spouse following separation.
“Others come to me for help in situations of family violence or when Care and Protection services have intervened. I aim to listen to each person’s story, provide them with clear direction and then help them to move forward, often by being their voice.”
With a focus on alternative dispute resolution, Holly believes there are clear benefits to settling outside of court, which include saving time, money and energy. She says: “Over the years, I have found that in the vast majority of matters, the best solution is found through alternative dispute resolution.
“That is, through negotiation, mediation and roundtable conferences. Most people want the opportunity to have their say and to be heard and mediation allows them to do just that.
“I take pride that I have assisted my clients in navigating – the often complicated family law process in the
Holly Gunn... “Each day I meet people who are confronted with personal and financial challenges.”
most simple, quick and cost effective way possible.”
Mazengarb Lawyers, 11 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6230 0199 or visit mfamilylawyers.com.au
leading lawyers
Firm expands to criminal law
THIS month, Alliance Family Law expanded its services to accommodate criminal law, a decision that allows the firm to provide a “one-stop-shop service” says criminal lawyer, Amanda Pickles.
“I have dealt with a whole range of criminal matters including traffic offences, robbery and murder trials and have spent a lot of time in court.
“It can be very scary to find yourself in this position in front of the courts. I help people to understand the situation and try to make it a lot less traumatic for them.”
Prioritising a conflict-free future for its clients, the experienced team at the firm in Deakin offers advice on divorce, domestic violence, parenting orders, same sex couples, pre-nups and more.
With a particular interest in collaborative practice, managing director, Cristina Huesch aims to achieve outcomes based on the interests of all parties as opposed to a traditional “positional” based approach.
“We are a part of the cloud which allows us to work anywhere at any time and are almost completely paperless,” she says.
“This means that clients are playing for legal advice rather than admin.”
Alliance Family Law, 5/17 Napier Close, Deakin. Call 6223 2400 or visit familylawincanberra.com.au
Skilled advice for all situations
BAKER, Deane & Nutt (BDN) has a reputation for providing skilled legal advice with accessible and personal attention.
An expert in the area of family law, partner Tanya Nadin prioritises her clients’ needs above all else. By helping to ease any concerns they may have, Tanya provides individualised advice and service to suit their personal situation.
She says: “At BDN, we work together with you to obtain the best possible outcome. We can assist you in negotiating an amicable settlement. However, if that is not possible then we are not afraid to go to court.
“We are prepared to fight for the best outcome where settlement and negotiations have been exhausted.”
As one of the oldest firms in
Australia, BDN has provided legal services to Canberra, Queanbeyan and the surrounding regions for more than 150 years.
With a team of experienced practitioners available at offices in Canberra and Queanbeyan, clients can seek professional advice with such legal matters as personal injury, conveyancing, wills and estates, property law, commercial law, family law, migration law and criminal law.
“We provide services for both the ACT and NSW. We assist with all legal needs, we are a fullservice firm and we get results in a cost-effective manner,” says Tanya.
Baker, Deane & Nutt. Call the Canberra office on 6230 1999 or Queanbeyan, on 6299 3999.
Visit bdn.com.au
Caring firm offers expert advice
FOCUSED on giving honest and expert advice at all times, the staff at Capon & Hubert take pride in knowing that respect, courtesy and good judgement will always take priority with their clients.
Based in Phillip, Capon & Hubert is a general practice that provides services in family matters, children’s matters, mediation, dispute resolution, commercial and criminal law, wills and estate planning, conveyancing and more.
“Why do we do this work? Because we care,” says
Campbell & Co.
financial director, Rhonda Hubert.
“We deal with everything from buying and selling a house to wrapping up a loved one’s estate after they have died, to dealing with family breakdowns. This includes mediation, negotiation and assistance resolving issues without going to court, if at all possible.”
• Do you have an up-to-date Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney?
• Are in in dispute about the contents of a Will?
• Do you know who will receive your Superannuation when you die?
• Is your Estate Planning up to date?
• Are you in dispute with your spouse or partner about a property settlement?
• Are you separating and wish to settle matters with your partner and parent of your children?
• Are you seeing your children enough?
• Do you wish to protect your property and never go through the
IF SO, WE CAN HELP YOU WITH:
• Our mature experienced team of lawyers with over 60 years’ experience;
• Saving you legal fees by only charging by the minute, not six-minute units or with a set fee arrangement;
• Free parking at our DEAKIN offices;
• Highly qualified lawyers who continually update their skills with Accreditation and Masters’ Degrees;
• Drafting the right documents;
• Ensuring all our clients receive the same careful attention: from multi-million dollar matters to straightforward Family
Tanya Nadin... “We are prepared to fight for the best outcome.”
Amanda Pickles.
advertising feature
Breaking up is never easy
WITH family break-ups, not many sail smoothly when it comes to settlement.
Debra Parker, a partner at Watts McCray and a nationally accredited mediator, says breaking up is never easy, but with the right process and legal firm in place, matters aren’t so choppy.
Watts McCray, Australia’s largest dedicated family law firm, has been supporting clients for more than 35 years, with divorce, child support, child custody and property and financial services.
“Our aim is to avoid court,” says Debra.
“We work with clients to resolve matters before a judge gets involved, as quickly and cost-effectively as possible so clients can get on with life.”
Having spent nearly a decade as registrar at the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court before returning to private practice, Debra has been
“on both sides of the bench” and has a broad perspective. She’s also a collaborative law expert.
After mediating thousands of sessions as registrar, Debra knows family law inside and out and has strong mediation and dispute resolution skills. She has deep insight into what could happen in court, she says: “It is better if parties agree out of court.
“When clients go to court, they’re asking someone else to make decisions for them. They lose control over the outcome and take their chances because the judge decides what will happen.
“We prefer clients to work towards a solution all parties can live with. It’s less expensive that way, too.”
Watts McCray, 7/40 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6257 6347 or visit wattsmccray.com.au
Sound advice at the right price
SINCE its establishment in 1996, the highly qualified and experienced team at A. Backhouse & Associates has provided sound legal advice that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Taking pride in their ability to present clear and logical solutions to their clients, principal Angela Backhouse and her team offer cost-effective and professional legal advice to individuals and business owners.
A. Backhouse Associates assist in matters of litigation, debt collection, insolvency, wills and estates, banking and finance, employment law, as well as property matters including conveyancing and commercial leasing.
“Our aim is to be a leading commercial and property law firm for small businesses and their employees in Fyshwick and the surrounding areas and to provide new and existing clients with exceptional, cost-effective and reliable services,” says Angela.
A. Backhouse & Associates, Suite 1, Paragon Mall, corner of Kembla and Gladstone Streets, Fyshwick. Call 6280 8899 or visit abackhouse.com.au
Debra Parker... “Our aim is to avoid court.”
The team at A. Backhouse & Associates.
Kwiz that brings out the wiz
By arts editor Helen Musa
WHEN Brian Nankervis took a waiting job in 1985 at Melbourne theatre restaurant
The Last Laugh, he little thought he’d end up as the “Rock Brain” on one of TV’s most popular shows.
Nowadays everyone knows that Nankervis keeps track of the scores on “RocKwiz” and selects panellists who can answer questions such as: “Who said ‘Gay icons usually have some tragedy in their lives, but I’ve only had tragic haircuts and outfits’?” (Kylie Minogue).
That’s before “Queen of the Kwiz” and co-creator Julia Zemiro comes on stage joined by the Human Scoreboard Dugald and the RocKwiz Orkestra – James Black, Peter Luscombe and Mark Ferrie.
We’ll see them all, joined by guitarist Ashley Naylor with Vika and Linda Bull and secret guests, at Llewellyn Hall on September 30 when “RocKwiz Live” pays tribute to the Australian Recording Industry Association’s Aria Hall Of Fame – 73 artists so far.
To seasoned performers such as Nankervis and Zemiro, it’s not difficult to take a TV show to the stage and they’ve been doing it for years. They even premiered their 30-stop 2010 touring show in Canberra with Peter Garrett cutting the ribbon.
“We started doing the TV show in 2004,” Nankervis tells “CityNews”.
“A couple of years later we were asked to do a show celebrating 50 years of the Myer Music Bowl in front of 10,000 people and it was a massive success… it felt much looser than TV.”
He says they normally have three or four guests, but in the Bowl show they had eight or 10. There’ll only be four when we see them, following the format of the TV show.
“We all started off as live performers, especially in live, stand-up comedy, so it feels really liberating to get on to a stage,” he says.
“I get 24 audience members up on stage and they have four rounds – the best four go into the show… it’s a sort of audience reality show for the first part of the night.”
So, who will the star guests be this time, given that it’s a celebration of the Arias? Look at 1988 when Dame Joan Sutherland, Johnny O’Keefe, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Vanda & Young and AC/DC were all inducted. Surely, they’re spoilt for choice?
My question is a cheeky one, because one of the key moments of each show occurs when Zemiro works the
Brian Nankervis and Julia Zemiro… “I get 24 audience members up on stage and the have four rounds –the best four go into the show,” says Brian.
audience up to a frenzy with the words: “Who can it be now?” before introducing the surprise guest.
Sometimes they have a bit of exceptional luck.
Once, Nankervis tells me, they had an audience member on stage who’d written a Ph.D. on Tina Arena’s “Sorrento Moon” and guess who was just behind the curtain?
In saluting the Arias and also the democratic nature of rock, he explains, they always use a mixture of wellknown and newer artists, about half and half.
“There are a few artists we’ve been chasing for live
shows,” he says, “but by now, most of the people in the Aria Hall of Fame have been on the show, people like Russell Morris, Paul Kelly, Joe Camilleri and Daryl Braithwaite… they like the fact that we treat them well and make sure that the music sounds fabulous.
“But I can’t tell you anything, you’ll just have to wait until Julia asks the question.”
“RocKwiz Live! Salutes the Aria Hall of Fame”, Wednesday, September 30, Llewellyn Hall. Bookings to ticketek.com.au or 132 849.
music
At Royal Theatre, Thursday, September 17. Reviewed by Judith Crispin
JOAN Baez’s songs, and that iconic vibrato, have become the soundtrack of activism –the gentle voice of conscience that haunts us more than 50 years after her first recordings.
Striding on to the Royal Theatre stage, red scarf around her neck and a radiant smile, was the same Joan Baez who marched with Martin Luther King and who stood beside Mandela on his 90th birthday. She presented Bob Dylan to the world in ’63 and inspired Václav Havel to stir up the Velvet Revolution.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was that Baez, at 74 years old, has a truly magnificent voice. Gone is the soprano tremolo of earlier years, the girlish folk timbres. Baez in 2015 is the very definition of soul. With her classic songs transposed down, her voice is controlled and secure. Characterised by striking cedar timbres, Baez’s voice is thick with emotions that a younger singer couldn’t even approach.
Baez was joined on stage by multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, virtuoso banjo player, mandolinist, pianist, guitarist, singer and diatonic button accordionist, and her son, percussionist Gabe Harris.
It is rare for a performer to be so revered during their lifetime, and the audience’s affection for Baez was particularly evident during her stunning performance of the 1974 “Diamonds and Rust” about the end of her relationship with Bob Dylan.
Urging Australia and the US to increase their refugee intakes, Baez gave us the 1961 Woody Guthrie song “Deportees”, following this with her own “Jerusalem” (2005), a prayer for peace in Palestine.
One of the evening’s highlights was Baez’s performance of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, the song she once used to wake Martin Luther King, who had overslept in Mississippi – “I believe I hear the voice of an angel” he commented on waking. And I could see his point – standing alone in a single red spotlight, Baez’s voice was reverent and full of conviction, angelic as King had said. You could’ve heard a pin drop as her last phrase rang out – words generously changed to “comin’ for to carry me, everybody, you, us, home. Amen.”
Joan Baez
Italian film festival review
Finding a funny side to jihad
By Helen Musa
PIZZA and dates – this doesn’t sound like the perfect culinary combination, but in the hands of Kurdish Iranian film director Fariborz Kamkari, it becomes a metaphor for East meeting West in his black farce of the same name, about to be screened a part of the 16th Italian Film Festival at Palace Electric.
The movie, backed with music from the Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio, is set around the idea of multiculturalism in gloriously cinematic Venice, where Kamkari first glimpsed Europe. After a mosque is turned into a ladies’ hairdressing salon by the landlord, a community of Muslims in Venice seek a new location. A young Afghan Imam named Saladin is called to help. You wouldn’t think of jihad as being the subject for comedy, but in “Pizza and Dates”, the cultural clash is depicted in a hilarious light as sex appeal meets sharia and the community is thrown into chaos. I caught up with Kamkari by phone to Rome, where he now lives, and asked why he left Iran.
only way to talk about radicalisation and fanaticism was to make it a
“It’s so complicated, but I was fed up, it’s hard to make a film when you’re a Kurd in Iran,” he says.
“There is very strict film censorship there and it looked impossible… my films are about my world.”
Describing himself as “a child of the war between Iran and Iraq,” the director, trained in theatre and film in Tehran and Amsterdam, says that writing in another language gave him freedom.
“I like it very much, it liberates me, I read a lot, I write a lot in Italian and possibly it’s not as good as my Persian or Kurdish, my mother language, but I can express myself better – it is very strange,” he says.
But why Italy? As a child, he got hooked on a Fellini movie dubbed inaccurately into Farsi to clean up the story.
“At age eight or nine, I saw only half of the real film, but it was so strong. I understood it, and I was in love with cinema,” he says.
Kamkari never looked back.
After getting involved in university theatre, he burst on to the film scene in 2002 with his first feature, “Black Tape: A Tehran Diary – the Videotape Fariborz Kamkari Found in the Garbage”, a fictional work
told from the point of view of a young Kurdish enslaved by a former general. The film won the top jury prize at Cinequest Film Festival.
But “Black Tape” was banned in his home country, and after ventures such as the detective movie, “The Forbidden Chapter”, he made the move to Italy.
Undaunted by the prospect of making a comedy in another language, he says: “Comedy was the only way to talk about this argument, otherwise I would have made a very, very dark film.
“The film tries to show religious people that there isn’t only one way to translate your beliefs into action – there are many ways to be a Muslim or a Christian.
“The only way to talk about radicalisation and fanaticism was to make it a comedy.
“There’s a scene in my film where the men try to stone a woman who abandoned her husband… comedy made it possible for me to talk about that.”
His choice of Venice was obvious.
“It’s a magic city, it’s a mixture of East and West, sometimes you feel as if you are walking in Casablanca or Istanbul,” he says.
“And it’s also a perfect example of the future of immigration, how to mix cultures.”
“Pizza and Dates” (Pitza e Datteri), 1.30pm Thursday, October 1, at 16th Italian Film Festival, Palace Electric Cinema until October 11. Bookings to palacecinemas.com.au/festivals/
Aloofness crimps ‘Ado’s’ high spirits
THIS is a play about hot blood and high spirits.
In this Canberra Rep production the high spirits are amply provided by Jim Adamik’s gorgeous oversize Benedick, but rather than hot blood it has an aloof languor drawn from its uninspired Gatsby-era setting.
Beatrice (Lainie Hart) and Benedick (Jim Adamik) are constantly at each other’s throats trading gibes and insults, so of course their friends think they should form a love match and set about manipulating the unlucky pair into each other’s arms.
The goofy Benedick is overjoyed when deluded into thinking that Beatrice loves him, bursting into convincing childlike exultation.
Laine Hart’s Beatrice is much icier, more sardonic than merry. The script calls for her conversion to the love of Benedick, but her change of heart is too abrupt to be plausible.
This is the first production I have seen where there was a strong suggestion that Beatrice might be cynically manipulating Benedick’s ardour so he will fight a duel on her behalf.
Rather than riotous celebration, this performance has the tone of a formal garden party. Tony Turner’s Leonato often seems bored and disengaged,
theatre
“Much Ado About Nothing” By William Shakespeare, directed by Cate Clelland At Theatre 3, Acton until October 3.
Reviewed by John Lombard
even at those moments when he should be in a fury of passion. In the second act, what should be intense confrontation is reduced to petty sniping that strips the heroes of their dignity, with Ben Russell’s Don Pedro in particular coming across as unusually callow. While this performance falls short of the best productions of “Much Ado About Nothing”, Adamik’s Benedick is not to be missed.
From left, Vivek Sharma, Ben Russell and Jim Adamik.
“Pizza and Dates”... the cultural clash is depicted in a hilarious light as sex appeal meets sharia.
Kurdish Iranian film director Fariborz Kamkari… “The
comedy.”
Chapter one begins
SO what’s the story with Muse, recently opened in the East Hotel?
The opening chapter starts with Paul Eldon living in Beijing and falling in love with The Bookworm, a café/ bookshop with more than 16,100 book titles (how impressive is that?).
The Bookworm now has five locations in China. Paul wanted to replicate the idea in Australia and asked about franchising. Chuffed, the owner generously encouraged Paul to go forth and open his own place (using a different name, of course), which is exactly what he and his partner Dan Sanderson have done.
Timeless tunes of the Buckleys
Helen Musa arts in the city
“THE music of Jeff and Tim Buckley is timeless and gracefully transcendental,” says New York guitarist/ composer and musical director Gary Lucas, who worked and co-composed with Jeff. “A State of Grace”, a celebration of the music by father and son legends, is at Canberra Theatre, Wednesday, September 30 performed by Martha Wainwright, Steve Kilbey, Willy Mason, Casper Clausen and Camille O’Sullivan. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
I applaud Muse for its service. Staff don’t pester you and, respectfully, wait until everyone is finished before clearing dishes.
Muse is a labour of love. It’s a café, wine bar and bookstore rolled into one – a place to enjoy food, wine and conversation.
Let’s start with the books. Muse will eventually stack around 2000 titles (new and used), with Dan hand picking each one. I was at the cash register in a flash with “Prick with a Fork: The World’s Worst Waitress Spills the Beans” by Larissa Dubecki. I’m a sucker for books, not that I get time to read all the ones I buy, but I have started this one. It’s hilarious.
The bookstore is in the lower section and the café and wine bar up a few stairs. It features big windows. A piano is tucked in one corner – for open-mic nights and the outdoor dining areas will be specky in warmer weather.
The drinks list is impressive – in-
deed, Muse understands from a spirit rep that they are one of a few places across the country that offer only Australian wines, beers and spirits. On a brunch visit, we were mightily impressed with the Surveyor’s Hill Rose 2013 (from Hall, NSW).
A friend was intrigued by the breakfast brown rice, with sprouts, avo, crispy beef tapa, fried egg and chilli jam. Instead, she gave “The Vegetarian” a go. It was pretty on the plate and she loved every bite ($20). The dish is a yummy combo of crispy eggplant bacon, haloumi, tomato, cavolo nero, mushroom and grilled polenta.
I was hankering for chilli and ordered the pan-fried tiger prawns with garlic, lemon beurre blanc, which came with three thickish slices of baguette ($24). I wasn’t in the mood to build a sandwich, so munched on elements separately.
The tender, tasty prawns were bloody good.
On another occasion we’ve enjoyed a well-presented charcuterie plate. We were keen to get stuck into our triple brie cheese, but it was firm, not room-temperature, and so not the oozy texture we were expecting.
I applaud Muse for its service. Staff don’t pester you and, respectfully, wait until everyone is finished before clearing dishes. So many eateries indulge in this rude behaviour. Muse has more class.
On the décor, I would say Muse, while very orderly, lacks a bit of warmth upstairs. Perhaps finishing touches are coming.
Muse, East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston, call 6178 0024. Open seven days, breakfast, lunch, dinner, limited menu mid-afternoon and brunch on weekends.
AUSTRIAN actress Maxi Blaha takes the stage as the pacifist, writer and lecturer Bertha von Suttner in Susanne F. Wolf’s play “Soul of Fire”, coming to The Street, October 2-4. The first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, she is commemorated on the Austrian two Euro coin. There’s a German language performance on Sunday, October 4, at 4pm. Bookings to 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au
MAGDA Szubanski speaks about her new memoir, “Reckoning”, over dinner on Friday, October 2 at The Hall in University House. Tickets include a glass of wine and dinner. Bookings via anu.edu.au/events or 6125 4144.
THE Llewellyn Choir joins forces with sister choir Les Alizés, from New Caledonia, in a program featuring Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man”, originally dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. RMC Chapel, 7.30pm, Saturday, October 3. Tickets at the door, or bookings via trybooking.com
PHOTOACCESS has two new shows, “Antarctica” by nature photographer and former director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Tony Fleming, and its final members’ exhibition for 2015, “PhotoACTIVISM”. Both run until October 18.
ANTARCTICA has also been on the mind of painter Isla Patterson, whose watercolour show “Australia & the Antarctic” opens in the Yarralumla Gallery, Weston Park, 3pm on Sunday, September 27 and runs until October 25. The paintings from come from a trip she took to Antarctica in 2013.
ARGENTINE-Australian pianist Marcela Fiorillo plans to give a lecture at the piano called “Piazzolla & Nuevo Tango” in the ANU’s Manning Clark Theatre 2, 7pm, on October 1 Thursday. It’s a free event.
JO Hollier’s next solo exhibition “Transfer” follows a productive artist’s residency in Thailand. Her works are drawn from the story of Elizabeth Gould, illustrator for her ornithologist husband John Gould. At the Belconnen Arts Centre until Sunday, October 18.
Pan-fried tiger prawns, chilli, garlic, lemon beurre blanc and baguette.
Photo Andrew Finch
Canberra International Riesling Challenge 2015 advertising feature
Develop a taste for world’s best Rieslings
THE Canberra International Riesling Challenge (CIRC) was created in Canberra to highlight the grape that defines white wine, Riesling.
Now in its 16th year, the CIRC, October 12-17, attracts competing wines from Rieslingproducing countries around the world and is the most significant event of its type in the southern hemisphere, says Ken Helm, chairman of CIRC.
“The event is not just about judging wines, but the promotion of the Riesling styles to the consumer, winemakers and sommeliers through seminars, master classes, food matching and a massive consumer tasting,” he says.
“Two key features of this year’s challenge are the Seminar on Riesling Excellence and the Riesling Masterclass, both taking place on Friday, October 16.
“Through these events, participants will be guided through the world of Riesling to learn more about this unique variety. They are being held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
“Judging will be held at the Albert Hall between Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 15. At the CIRC it is conducted on a regional basis and is designed to promote and explore the regional differences that Riesling expresses.
“This year, judging will be under the chairmanship of John Belsham, from NZ, and assisted
nationally recognised 100-point judging system, which was initiated in 2012 and brings the CIRC into alignment with other major International wine events.
Lot to learn and enjoy
The CIRC presents five opportunities for enthusiasts of Riesling to build their knowledge and enjoy tasting the world’s best Rieslings among leading experts from Australia, NZ and the US.
1. The Wine Intervention: “Can business be done smarter?” The seminar will focus on the emerging Chinese market for Australian wine, with presentations by a StarTrack small business specialist on how to utilise e-commerce to gain a foothold in the market and Graeme Shaw, chief winemaker from Shaw Vineyard Estate, on moving wine into China from a winemaker’s perspective.
Friday, October 16, 8 .30am-10.30am, Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Hosted by StarTrack. Tickets $50*, bookings required.
2. Seminar on Riesling Excellence: Leading wine experts will tell of the latest developments in winemaking and the wine industry, with a focus on the Clare Valley wine region. The seminar will conclude with an interactive panel discussion.
Friday, October 16, 10.30am-12.30pm, Hyatt Hotel Canberra (light lunch included). Convened by the National Wine & Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Tickets $70*, bookings required.
“This year’s Riesling Challenge has again attracted strong interest in the associate judging positions, demonstrating the popularity and success of the initiative introduced in 2008 as a way of training up-and-coming judges in the appreciation of the world of Rieslings.
“Judging will be conducted against the inter-
“Judges are only given the vintage and the sugar levels of the wines. Regions with large numbers of entries in a particular class are broken up into small judging groups between the two panels to further hide their identity. Regions are only revealed in the results catalogue.
“We will judge 484 entries from seven countries – close to our 494 entries last year. It includes 15 entries from Canberra district wineries.”
Ken says the quality of Riesling has improved markedly over the last 15 years along with increased understanding of the wide range of Riesling styles. This is reflected in the growing popularity of Riesling by Australian consumers.
“Interestingly, the 2015 National Wine Grape Vintage Report from the Winemakers Federation of Australia shows strong profitability in cooler-climate wine-growing areas, which are key Riesling-growing areas,” he said. “This is very encouraging and augurs well for the future of Riesling.”
The official launch of the 2015 CIRC will be at Albert Hall, 12.30pm, on Tuesday, October 13, by Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell.
More information at rieslingchallenge.com
3. Riesling Masterclass: Featuring internationally recognised Riesling experts who will guide participants through a range of Rieslings from around the world and across styles, some of which money cannot buy. Friday October, 16, 1pm-3pm, Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Convenor Ken Helm, Helm Wines. Tickets $90*, bookings required.
*Book at the same time to attend two Seminars and the Masterclass for $195 or book at the same time for the Seminar on Riesling Excellence and the Masterclass for $150.
4. Awards Presentation and Celebration of Riesling: Taste the 2015 award-winning wines and others from a museum collection matched with food selected by the Hyatt Hotel Canberra’s executive chef. Friday, October 16, 6.30pm, Hyatt Hotel Canberra. A limited number of tickets are available at $85, bookings required.
5. Riedel Trade & Consumer Tasting: Taste the entries for yourself. Tickets are $45 and include a souvenir Riedel tasting glass and a copy of the official CIRC results catalogue. Bookings are not required. A number of the judges from the 2015 judging panel will be on hand at the tasting to answer questions on Riesling.
Saturday, October 17, 11am-3pm, Albert Hall Canberra (trade representatives and exhibitors from 10am).
Bookings and enquiries for these events to info@rieslingchallenge. com or call 6286 7515. Booking forms at rieslingchallenge.com
by Romana Echensperger, from Germany; Jim Trezise, from the US; and Trent Mannell, Peter Munro, Sophie Otton and Kerri Thompson from Australia.
Judge Kerri Thompson at work in Albert Hall.
Ken Helm.
Consumer tasting in Albert Hall last year.
HAMILTON ISLAND
Cool drama on the summit’s icy slopes
“Everest” (M)
ICELAND-born Baltasar Kormákur’s film that accompanies risk-takers with varying levels of experience, skills and motivations up and down the highest hill on the planet is exciting, often stunningly beautiful, compelling our admiration and amazing us that anybody in their right mind would want to do it for fun.
The film reports that the body of Kiwi mountaineer Rob Hall still lies on a narrow shelf not far below the summit he had climbed five times. Hall had built a thriving business, Adventure Consultants, from the challenge. Played cheerfully by Jason Clarke, born in Winton, about as low, flat and unlikely ever to experience snow as anywhere on Earth, Hall is the film’s principal hero.
The screenplay by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy identifies Hall as driven by responsibility to his clients, a man who would stand by a postman whose compulsion to reach the summit on his third attempt exceeded his ability to defeat the rigours of the descent. The death of Doug (John Hawkes) in the film’s main melodramatic passage as Hall struggled to get his incapacitated client safely down, even though he knew the task was impossible, is writer’s conjecture.
If the film has a bad guy, it’s Texan Beck (Josh Brolin), brash, bumptious, selfish, undisciplined, ambitious beyond his capabilities, a danger to himself and his companions, concealing a known eye condition that rendered him unfit to climb. Beck survived the frostbite sustained during the unexpected storm that developed into a blizzard on the night of May 10, 1996, but he can’t smell the roses any more and has to be hand fed.
“Everest” runs for close to two hours before its valedictions and closing credits begin. The first hour is a well-developed background of preparatory mountain and climbing passages shot in Nepal interspersed with family moments. The summit sequences were filmed in the Italian Alps and at Cinecitta Studios for the close-ups during the descent.
Is reaching the summit worth the risk and expense?
The Sherpas who carry logistic support up the hill and install climbing ropes on the difficult stages and chains of ladders across the crevasses
see it as a living.
Is the vertiginousness, physical discomforts and re-created grim reality of “Everest” depressing? No. Its rewarding, exciting and beautiful values more than outweigh those characteristics.
At all cinemas
“Oddball” (G)
MAREMMA dogs, in Australia since 1982, are working dogs that farmers use to protect alpaca and sheep flocks against foxes and feral dogs.
Handsome, friendly to their people and efficient against maleficent intruders, they usually live 24/7 in the same paddocks as the animals they guard.
Maremmas now guard the population of Little Penguins for whom Middle Island, just off the coast from Warrnambool, is the only rookery. It wasn’t always thus.
Director Stuart McDonald and writer Peter Ivans have confected this agreeable little movie telling how it came to be. The four-year-old girl sitting with her dad a few seats along the row watched it intently with scarcely a squeak of delight or concern.
Shane Jacobsen plays “Swampy” Marsh, one of the film’s assistant producers, delivering eggs to the local market, owner of Oddball the maremma. Swampy’s elder daughter Emily (Sarah Snook) works for the local council, protecting the remaining few birds on the island. If the bird count falls below 10, the island will lose its conservation status and its value as a tourism attraction. Two brothers want that to happen so they may convert the island to a base for whale watching. It’s not quite clear whether Olivia (Coco Jack Gillies) is Swampy’s daughter from his late wife or Emily’s child. No matter. Olivia is the apple of Swampy’s eye, his companion in defying council’s dog-catcher (Frank Woodley) who has banned Oddball from town limits. Bradley (Alan Tudyk), a Yank trying to create a permanent artificial tourism attraction for the town, is hot for Emily but hopes that the remaining birds will fall prey to predators, an attitude that the Mayor (Deborah Mailman) doesn’t share.
“Oddball” isn’t great cinema. Within the attention span of a four-year-old, it’s predictable, not totally free of clichés. But it also offers rewards for grown-ups.
At all cinemas
Wharfies take quickly to Turnbull
OPENING the night after Malcolm Turnbull took the leadership of the Liberal Party from Tony Abbott, The Wharf Revue had a particularly vibrant resonance with its Canberra audience.
The attack on the political subject matter and the clarity of each scene made the comedy satire sparkle with dazzling speed and incredible skill.
Jonathan Biggins, Amanda Bishop, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott are simply the best in the business. With some material written less than 24 hours before performance, the sharpness of the musical harmonies, the timing of the delivery and the ease of charac-
comedy
“Celebrating 15 Years”, The Wharf Revue.
Written by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott.
At The Playhouse until September 26.
Reviewed by Joe Woodward
terisation was simply stunning. While the whole production was very snappy, there were some stand-out moments – Scott performing a ballet in a tutu and then playing “excellent” art on a grand piano as George Brandis; Forsythe and Biggins as Hawke and Keating in a nursing home and Bishop and
Scott as Gillard and Rudd in “Phantom of the Opera” mode were delightful satirical scenes. The extraordinary skill of the company though was probably best demonstrated by the visual demonstration of Turnbull’s ascendency to the prime ministership. The art of revue is in very sure hands with this team. It is no wonder the production is able to draw full houses while celebrating 15 years of presentations.
Phil Scott as George Brandis.
Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Are you being insensitive? With the Sun and retrograde Mercury linking up in your relationship zone, concentrate on the needs of loved ones for a change! Slow down and take the time to walk a mile in their shoes. Then you’ll have some small insight into what they’re going through. Rams love taking risks but be aware that all is not as it seems next weekend. Communication will be confusing and your gut instinct may be way off the mark, so proceed with plenty of caution.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Attached Bulls – this week, romance and adventure are an intoxicating mix. Are you searching for your soul mate? Don’t look for love in the same old places – make sure you cast your net wide. And are you carrying some extra pounds (or kilos)? With Mercury reversing through your wellbeing zone, it’s a suitable time to revise your dietary habits and fitness levels, as you read up on healthy recipes and try new exercise routines. Zucchini muffins and Zumba classes anyone?
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
When it comes to a child, teenager or friend, make sure you have all the relevant information before you make a decision. Geminis love to be completely up-to-date with the latest fashion trends but, if you chop and change too much, you’ll never achieve your own signature look. Enjoy experimenting, but learn to keep what’s working as well. Be inspired by birthday great, the writer Gore Vidal: “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Casa Cancer is the place to be but, with Mercury reversing through your domestic zone, there’s a backlog of chores to do around the home. And expect complications with a family member, as you exchange complex information. (Don’t get your wires crossed in the process!) You may be able to lend your Crab charisma to an important cause, whereby you become a spokesperson within your local community. Don’t waste the opportunity to make a satisfying contribution.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Communication and conversation are the buzz words as you share opinions, learn a new skill or pass on valuable information to someone else. But expect some mix-ups along the way. With Mercury still in retrograde mode, the challenge is to stop talking long enough to really listen to others; and to accomplish routine daily tasks with lots of Leo grace and good humour. Heed the advice of birthday great, the writer Truman Capote: “A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue.”
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
In the run-up to Mercury turning direct, the pressure’s building and it may feel as if everything’s getting on top of you. The big lesson to learn is how to delegate. No one (not even a Virgo) is indispensable. When dealing with other people, have your wits about you. They will say one thing – but may mean something completely different. If in doubt, then double-check. Money matters look messy too, so hold off making important financial decisions until after October 9.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
With Mercury still retrograding through your sign (until October 9) the universe is urging you to be more prudent and patient. Close relationships are in a state of creative flux so the more adaptable you are, the better the end result will be. Pace yourself and don’t get caught up in other people’s agendas. When approaching tasks, have a practical plan and rehearse ideas in your mind before you launch them in the outside world. This week, good things come to laid-back Librans who wait!
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Are you confused about an emotional issue? Sleep on it, and let a fresh perspective emerge. Be diligent when dealing with finances – there may be less in the kitty than you think. Saturn encourages you to become more financially literate, as you study and learn more about money matters. Thorough research will also help you find the solution to a personal problem that’s been bugging you. So don your detective cap and look beneath the surface to discover what’s really going on.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Get ready to overdo everything, as Venus highlights your inner hedonist. You’re feeling optimistic about your abilities, but don’t take on more than you can happily handle. You’re frustrated by some people’s lack of speed and motivation, but it’s not the time to push buttons. Be proactive and strive to anticipate problems before they happen. When it comes to social media, double-check before you post anything online. Otherwise there could be some embarrassing mix-ups!
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Are you portraying the public persona you think you are? Or are others misinterpreting your true motives? With Mercury reversing through your public/reputation zone (until October 9) the image you’re conveying may be at odds with the real you. So be extra careful in the way you communicate with others this week Capricorn. Otherwise your confidence could be misinterpreted as cockiness – and your calm approach mistaken for coldness. Don’t forget the personal touch.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You’re keen to dream big dreams, take action and change the status quo. Avoid jumping in and being too impulsive through, as it will just upset those around you. You also feel like indulging your passion for sport, travel or adventure, but doublecheck all the details, otherwise there’ll be mix-ups and delays. If you can’t indulge your restless side, then try escaping in your mind via books, music and movies. With the power of your Aquarian imagination, you can go anywhere.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Fish are in for an unsettling week, as retro Mercury and nebulous Neptune confuse communication and muddle emotional issues. You’ve got a lot on your plate BUT don’t imagine things are worse than they actually are. A spot of delicious daydreaming is fine but don’t let it slip into the realm of dangerous delusions. Keep your ideas and expectations grounded in reality. With the right attitude and a pinch of patience, you’ll sail through any temporary turbulence.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2015 Daily astrology updates at twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore
General knowledge crossword No. 519
Across
1 Name one of Australia’s most highly venomous snakes.
8 What was the given name for Scrooge, in “A Christmas Carol”?
9 Name a microscopic, one-celled animal.
10 Which communication has been all but taken over by email or the fax?
11 What do we call a person who is confined in a prison?
12 To which figure does the Roman numeral IX refer?
13 Name another term for hell.
16 What, colloquially, is a swarming brood of progeny?
19 Which alternative word designates a mausoleum?
21 Which nut is grown in warm temperate regions?
22 Name a renowned prison at Princetown, England.
23 What are the sounds made by a bell, rung slowly for a funeral?
24 What is a sobriquet?
25 Which term describes a place frequented by holiday-makers?
Down
2 Name a pungent gas which is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen.
3 What is an introductory explanation to a book?
4 To tidy something up, is to do what to it?
5 What are auxiliary buildings, situated near larger ones?
6 Name the wife of a Russian emperor.
7 Which imaginary gnomelike creature was a source of trouble to aircraft in WWII?
13 Erich Weiss was better known as whom?
14 What is a device for lifting and moving heavy weights?
15 What are the pollen-bearing organs of flowers?
17 Name the protuberant parts at the front and top of saddles.
18 Who played the role of The Fonz, Henry ...?
20 Which of the Two Ronnies starred in “Porridge” and “Open All Hours”?
Kevin came to see me concerned that his superannuation fund had asked him about making a new binding nomination.
“Binding nominations are quite complex,” I told him.
“Superannuation law allows you to make a binding nomination to a dependant. However, the definition of dependant in the Tax Act is different to that in the Superannuation Act.
“A dependant for superannuation purposes is a spouse by marriage or a de facto partner, including same-sex partners, a child of any age including a disabled child and any person who had an interdependent relationship with you where you provided financial or domestic support and personal care. The definition also includes special rules for payment of a pension to a child.
“This is quite different to the income tax law, which refers to a ‘deathbenefit dependant’. A death-benefit dependant is defined to be your spouse or a de facto partner, including a same-sex partner. It also includes a former spouse, a child under the age of 18 or any person who is financially dependant on you.
“So let’s look at some of the people you told me you would like to leave your superannuation to:
Person Super dependant Death-benefit dependant
Former spouse, Lorna 25% No Yes
Brother, Max 25% No No Current spouse, Amelia 25% Yes Yes Daughter age 37, Jenna 25% Yes No
Just to make it even more confusing, how tax was calculated depended on whether dependents were paid as a lump sum or as a pension, I advised.
“If a lump sum is paid to a death-benefit dependant, the lump sum will be totally tax free,” I said.
“However, if the benefit is paid to anyone else, the tax-free component is tax free, but the remainder is taxed at 15 per cent plus Medicare levy, currently 2 per cent. The tax treatment of pensions is much more complex and is unlikely to apply to you.
“Both Max and Jenna will have to pay tax on their shares of the lump sum. Max is not classified as a superannuation dependant, so he cannot receive money by way of a nomination from your superannuation fund. “He can receive money that comes from your estate via your will, but it will not be concessionally taxed.
“Lorna is also not a superannuation dependant so if her share is left via your will when she receives it, there will be no tax.
“Jenna will receive the tax-free component free of tax, but she will have to pay 17 per cent on the taxable component and Amelia will be tax free on the lot.
“If I could suggest that your binding nomination simply states ‘in accordance with the terms of my will’ and you ask your solicitor to ensure that the will is drafted to meet your wishes.”
Kevin was grateful and said he was amazed that Jenna would have to pay some tax on her payment while Lorna doesn’t.
“But I am so glad that you explained this to me and now I have certainty moving forward,” he said.
If you need information on binding nominations or the tax position with your estate contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
Sudoku hard No. 159
Active ways to make the most of holidays school holiday activities
KEEP your child active for the school holidays with fitness activities and mountain biking or get their creative juices flowing with a drama program at the theatre.
“CityNews” has the school holidays covered with inspiration to ensure the kids are never bored.
City location. 9am-5pm. Education and fun in theatre for ages 9-16! Play games, learn new skills and create a theatrical show in a supportive environment.
Only $200 for four day program, $170 for three days or $60 per single day.
7.30am early drop off option available. Limited places.
Behind-the-scenes tours of beautiful gardens and courtyards
An exhibition of stunning gifts presented to the Parliament Spring Tea in one of the picturesque courtyards
Fun, challenging and outdoors
FROM abseiling and archery to caving and camping, Mountain Trails Adventure School provides outdoor programs that are fun, challenging and significant in the education of young people.
Based in Wee Jasper in NSW, the not-for-profit, interdenominational Christian organisation is devoted to providing an environment that encourages growth physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
Marketing and communications co-ordinator Taryn Saunders says: “There is a range of activities to do in a beautiful environment of up to 8000 acres.
“A lot of the kids just love getting out and trying the activities, we are cut off from mobile signal most of the time, which is great because the kids can interact face-to-face with one another rather than with a device.”
Mountain Trails Adventure School offers a variety of adventure
camps for the school holidays for upper primary, middle school and lower secondary children, as well as a dirt-bike program and a family weekend.
The different camps will run until October 9 and will last up to either four or five days.
Taryn says: “There will be a NSW Camp for years four to eight, a junior camp for years four and six, a senior camp for years seven to 10 and a dirt-bike camp for years seven to 12.
“The children will do everything including horse riding, hiking, high ropes and more.
“There is a combination of staff and volunteers who are there to give the kids a good time. The room leaders are with them through all the activities and make sure they are not on their own.
Bookings: canberraticketing.com.au or ☎ (02) 6275 2700 aph.gov.au/visitparliament Photographs
advertising feature
All sorts of active sports
ACTIVE Leisure Centre is offering a school holiday sports camp for children to take part in a variety of sportsbased activities in a fun, safe and positive environment.
Coached by qualified staff, participants aged five to 12 years old will have the chance to take part in sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, squash, badminton, netball, swimming and more.
Health and fitness manager Simon Williams says: “The kids will enjoy the variety of activities available, as well as the different facilities on offer. They can go swimming daily at the pool and be able to try sports that they have probably never been exposed to before.”
Held from Tuesday, September 29 to Friday, October 9 the full-day program will run from 8am to 6pm and the children will have the option to participate for up to six days or more.
Active Leisure Centre members and intensive swim lesson students receive a 10 per cent discount.
“The program also includes a short daily education session on healthy lifestyle and nutrition, as well as recovery sessions,” says Simon.
“This year, there will be smaller-sized groups for the sports camp, which allows the kids to receive better coaching and more opportunities to participate in all of the sports.”
Other activities will be available at the Active Leisure Centre, including swimming lessons for infants up to competitive squads and Les Mills’ “Born to Move” style children’s fitness classes.
Due to limited places available for the school holiday sports camp, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Active Leisure Centre, McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa, visit activelc.com.au. For more information and bookings call 6142 2944.
Budding actors step into the spotlight
TAUGHT by an experienced teacher and award-winning playwright, Budding Theatre offers a variety of holiday programs for the young actor or actress interested in learning everything there is about theatre.
Open to children aged nine to 15, participants will receive mentoring, guidance and the tools to create their own show for parents and friends.
Kirsty Budding, company producer and tutor of the holiday program, says: “We devise and stage a production together, and along the way we play improvisation games and have fun.
“Participants devise their own story and characters, and make creative choices like sound, lighting and set design.
“The program is ideally suited to creative thinkers, performers, and children and teenagers who love
organising and planning.”
Running from 9am to 5pm, participants can choose how many days they take part between Tuesday, September 29 and Friday, October 2, with an option for an early drop off and late pick up from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Kirsty is known for winning the 2014 Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Award for Best Original Work for her children’s play “The Fairytale Channel”.
Participants in the holiday program will automatically be offered a place in her next children’s show, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” running at Teatro Vivaldi, December 21-23.
Budding Theatre, Performing Arts Services Hub, Suite 301, 20 Allara Street. Visit buddingtheatre.com or email submissions@buddingtheatre.com
ADVENTURE CAMP
Sports Include: Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Netball, Volleyball, Cricket, Swimming, Touch Football, Hockey, Team Games and Activities.
The program also includes a short daily education session on healthy lifestyle and nutrition and a recovery sessions.
open garden Garden program opens to natives and colour
WITH a wide, private front garden thanks to an awkward, fan-shaped block, Carolan Marstin’s garden welcomes visitors with a Buddha and a bright red gate leading to brick paths through natives, shrubs and trees offering pops of red, pink and purple flowers.
Burrimul, in Weetangera, is the first garden to kick off the new Open Gardens Canberra season, and will be open this weekend – September 26-27.
“I’m very happy to be kicking off the brand-new season of open gardens,” Carolan says.
Words: Kathryn Vukovljak
Photos: Andrew Finch
“The garden is colourful year-round, but there is a lot to see in spring, including the clematis, which will be flowering then.”
The garden previously opened as part of Open Gardens Australia in 2012, but Carolan says there have been a lot of changes since then.
“There are new beds, the removal of gum trees and a lot of general renewal,” she says.
“There are also a few more little animals to find!”
Carolan says the garden is well structured, yet the plants keep their own form, and hidden around the place are statues of various native and exotic animals, with a particular focus on emus.
“The emu is my totem, and Burrimul, the name we gave the garden, is one of the Aboriginal words for
emu,” she says.
Carolan has a particular fondness for native plants and says the garden is about two-thirds native at this stage.
“When we built the house in 1972, natives were all the rage and people would talk about no-fuss gardens, which is rubbish as natives still require work,” says Carolan.
“So I decided to treat them properly and while there was a lot of learning required, I’ve now got to the stage where I know what works.”
Carolan says the front garden, with its winding paths, traditional Japanese torii gate offering Buddhist blessings to all who pass under it, and year-round colour and contrast, is her favourite part of the garden.
“It reflects my commitment to natives,” she says. “I like the paths, and I like being out here and walking
through the garden.”
Carolan says she’s carted every tonne of soil herself and, as a woodworker, made the many wooden fences and screens, too.
“I like design and landscaping – I didn’t have a clue about gardening when I started and learned through trial and error,” she says.
“I enjoy gardening; I like the hard work, the sweeping, the pruning – it’s not a chore to me.”
Burrimul, 14 Harcourt Street, Weetangera, open 10am-4pm, on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.
Admission $8; free to under-18s and Open Gardens Canberra members. It costs $25 to join for free entry to all open gardens for the year (until August 31). More information at opengardenscanberra.org.au/join
Open Gardens Canberra president Shirley Pipitone, right, with garden owner Carolan Marstin... “I’m very happy to be kicking off the brand-new season of open gardens,” says Carolan.
LIVING mulches are perfect for small areas and cottagestyle gardens because they don’t need renewing every few years and can be divided to provide more plants.
Living mulches can also provide colour all year.
A good example is the groundhugging carpet thyme, also known as creeping thyme, of which there are many varieties including, Thymus “Annie Doone”, T. “Doon Valley”, T. ”Pink Chintz” and T. “Magic Carpet”.
The flower colours range from white to pink or purple. Some have attractive variegated green and gold leaves.
These creeping thymes only grow to about 5cm high, with the advantage of very dense growth, which reduces weed growth to almost nil and can be walked on, or used as an alternative lawn for small areas with low foot traffic. If you are growing carpet thyme between pavers, one important point: the gap between pavers needs to be not less than 5cm-8cm. While this may seem wide and not the look you’re after, with a narrower gap the heat from the pavers will cook the thyme to a shrivelling brown tangle. Secondly, pavers absorb a great deal of water, drying the surrounding ground and robbing the soil of moisture.
OTHER ground covers that can add colour
in a variety of pastel colours, it has a long flowering period from spring to late summer, providing it receives an occasional feed. It blooms equally well in full sun or semi-shade.
The bright-blue flowers of Parahebe “Baby Blue” or P. “Oxford Blue” flower in winter and, at this time, is already in flower.
Convolvulus mauritanicus
“Moroccan Beauty” with its summer-long, pale-blue flowers is a toughie. Originating in the desert areas of North Africa, it looks particularly spectacular spilling over rock retaining walls, as illustrated here. It is also available with white flowers.
LET’S not forget great native ground covers.
For a large area to be covered Myoporum parvifolium has a mass of white flowers over a long period. One small plant within a couple of years will
easily cover an area 2m x 2m. M.p.
“Purpureum” has attractive purple leaves. Brachyscomb “Break O’Day”, commonly called Swan River Daisy due to its WA origins, has masses of tiny blue flowers.
While not technically a ground cover, growing in clumps about 30cm x 30cm, it is most attractive when planted in groups of five or seven.
NOW is the time to core lawns. Coring machines can be hired, although they are not easy to handle (I know horror stories of very heavy coring machines running out of control into garden beds). Alternatively, call an expert. Paul Howard has been coring lawns in Canberra for more than 20 years and has the latest coring/dethatching machinery. Paul’s on 6231 2920.
Jottings…
• Give azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants a last feed before full flowering.
• Also, if leaves on the above plants and especially daphne plants are turning yellow with just the dark veins showing, they need a dose of Epsom salts, a heaped tablespoonful to a watering can of water.
• Check the mower blades for the season ahead. Change the oil on four-stroke mowers and touch up rusting paintwork.
WINNERS...
Winners of the keenly-sought double passes to “Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games” at Canberra Theatre on October 6 are Karen O’Callaghan, of Wanniassa;
and
Convolvulus mauritanicus adds interest to a stone wall.
Carpet thyme softens a path combined with Dianthus
