151015 citynews

North South &

She’s from the north, he’s from the south. She’s Labor; he’s Liberal. Among the newest members of the Assembly, with precisely a year to the next election, how do they see the future of Canberra?

Expansive alpine views Endless opportunities

Arts & Entertainment 21-24

Canberra Confidential 16

Cinema 22

Dining 24

Gardening 26-27

Horoscopes 25

News 3-11

Politics 8

Puzzles 25

Socials 13-15

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalists: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au

Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196

Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Advertising account executives: Utpal Kelovkar 0426 560200; Kathy Leigh 0400 293991

Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

Production manager / graphic design: Janet Ewen

Graphic designer: Paulette Leo

Photographer: Andrew Finch

Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Distribution: richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPo Box 2448, Canberra 2601

From the shocking to the whacky

tErrorISM both national and international dominated the headlines this past week.

We were all shocked by the attack on the Parramatta police station – and the killing of the much-respected Curtis Cheng – by high school student Farhad Jabar

And it was little comfort that the NSW police arrested a group of men who they believe urged the 15-yearold to carry out his attack. But the police can only act once a crime has been committed, even if it’s consorting with terrorist intent. Clearly, our security agencies need more people inside the Islamist movement so they can act before people are killed.

It was gratifying to see the calm response from PM Malcolm Turnbull who sought to embrace the whole community, rather than inflaming the situation with cries of “death cults” coming after “all Australians”. however, there is no complete answer to the problem, at least until the Abrahamist religions go the way of the dodo. radical Islam has terrorised the world for centuries, with outbreaks in Asia, Europe, Africa or the Middle East. ISIS is but the latest incarnation of the virus, albeit the most virulent strain so far. And it feeds on first world intervention.

As

for Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury’s taskforce taking ‘a year to conclude its strategy on free needles for prisoners’, you have to wonder what universe he occupies.

thIS was never more apparent than in Afghanistan and Syria; the taliban takeover of the strategic northern Afghan city of Kunduz was stark testimony to the futility of the allied intervention. And the American bombing of an allied hospital was icing on the cake. only the Afghans can decide their own future.

Forty-one Australian soldiers have been killed and 256 wounded… and for what? War supporters such as Canberra’s own Andrew Leigh MP might like to think again.

thE Syrian theatre was even more ludicrous with our government’s about face – supported by Labor – that puts us fairly on the side of yesterday’s “butcher”, President Bashar alAssad t he russians are bombing the American-backed “moderates” while we and the Americans (and others) are

bombing ISIS positions… we hope. And now to cap it off, we’re joined by russian boots on the ground! Ah, boys and their toys.

BY comparison, our own little political contretemps are a model of civilised behaviour, at least now that the last of the Abbott holdovers – viz Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane – has departed the scene.

BUt that doesn’t mean we’re quite free of wacky ideas. t his decision to release the detainees to wander around Nauru – and to process 600 asylum claims in a week – simply boggles the mind.

And for Minister Peter Dutton to graciously permit them to stay there for the next 10 years – or apply to resettle in Cambodia now – is beyond laughable.

ROBERT MACKLIN

hard to know why turnbull didn’t sack him when he had the chance.

AND as for Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury’s taskforce taking “a year to conclude its strategy on free needles for prisoners”, you have to wonder what universe he occupies. how long does it take to say: “Forget it – jail is the perfect place to kick the habit”?

At least we had a week of great rugby to bring back a little sanity. But wait a minute… Japan beat South Africa, romania beat Canada and the Brits are history! What’s next, water on Mars? o h, right.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Problems Challenges

With more than 50 highly experienced consultants from a variety of disciplines, we have the flexibility to assemble a team that can confidently respond to any challenge from any organisation. Experience the difference with Callida.

Unexpected riesling strikes bronze

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

SMALL, local winery Murrora Estate won a bronze medal for its 2015 riesling at last month’s Murrumbateman Australian Cool Climate Wine Show and the Canberra Region Wine Show.

It’s run by Josh and Jo Murray. Josh says that considering the high calibre of rieslings in the Canberra region, and that this is their first time entering, they are thrilled with the result.

When the family moved to the 16.8-hectare Wallaroo property in 2009, there was a one-hectare vineyard already there, planted with half riesling and half cabernet sauvignon.

“I used to do a home-brew beer but beyond that we had no experience in making wine and the vineyard wasn’t a factor of the purchase,” says Josh.

“With the vines it was a case of either get rid of them, because with no attention they would go crazy, or try to work with them.

working full time.

Josh invested in fermentation tanks, crushers and presses, and says that Google was his friend in the early stages.

“In 2012 we got a consultant in, Mark Verheyden, from Vine Locum Services, who restructured the vineyard, looking at the way the vines were growing and how to prune to increase yield and produce better quality fruit. Mark still prunes for us every year.”

In 2013 they started their first commercial vintage.

“We produce 1000 bottles of riesling per year, but that’s gradually increasing because our yield is increasing,” Josh says.

“We’ve found there is a great sense of community among the local vineyards and have had a lot of advice and support from Bill Crowe, from Four Winds Vineyard, and Hamish Young and Andrew Ferrell, from Eden Road Wines,” he says.

Old and new

t he ANU Music Society o rchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble is holding its biannual concert at the ANU School of Music, 3pm, on Sunday, o ctober 18. With the theme “o ld and New” it will be a program of well-known pieces including the “William tell o verture” and “ t he Barber of Seville”, as well as modern jazzy tunes. t ickets via email to anumusicsociety@gmail.com

Twilight fair

thE 2015 Country twilight Fair at Wanniassa hills Primary School, on Langdon Avenue, will be held, 3pm-7pm, on Friday, o ctober 23. t here will be rides, an art show, music, pony rides, showbags, a book stall, a kids’ corner and a range of food.

‘Big bargains’

WhAt happens when a bunch of people who have downsized hold a fete? t he answer is “big bargains”, according to the organisers of the Kangara Waters retirement Village’s annual fete, 9am-2pm, at 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, on Saturday, o ctober 24.

Annual plant sale

“Our initial plan was to sell the grapes, as the previous owners had done, but we thought, why don’t we work with the grapes and turn water into wine.”

As well as the vineyard, Josh says they now have white dorper sheep, miniature belted galloways, an alpaca and chooks.

Josh says that when it comes to harvest time, the whole family is involved.

The family moved to the property as a lifestyle change and to have some acreage for the family and kids.

The couple says there was a steep learning curve in terms of the vineyard over the first couple of years while they were both

“One of the highlights of the year for us is when our family and friends come together and help us harvest and crush the grapes,” he says.

Visit wine.murrora.com.au

GrEENING Australia will open its Aranda nursery for an afternoon of community festivities and its annual plant sale. t here will be a range of trees, shrubs and wildflowers on sale, including eucalypt species, she-oaks, tea trees, wattles as well as local wildflowers available in $20 trays of 20 forestry tubes. t here will be tours of the site, presentations by experts in revegetation and environmental management, seed displays and native plant information. It will at 1 Kubura Place, Aranda, 1pm-4pm, on Saturday, o ctober 24.

lowbrow

No phone, no keys, no wallet

It was Sunday night on a dirt track out to the west of Wagga.

t he Juicy Carrots had plugged their wheelie-bin-mounted speaker set into the rat Patrol’s party bike and generator. t he lasers were twirling through the Matong State Forest and a crowd, grown bored of bogan karaoke at the Dirty Birds, came in for the DJ set while fire twirlers span and a beer keg was set up.

It was the back end of a long Burning Seed festival and all completely unplanned.

When arty types drone on about emergent art they’re dreaming of something like this happening.

So I survived six days and five nights as a burner and lived to tell the tale.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Burning Man festival started in San Francisco in 1986. In the US it has grown into a vast and sprawling affair with nearly 70,000 participants in the Nevada desert.

Unlike other festivals there are no headline acts or any planned entertainment at all put on by the organisers. t he only thing for sale is ice for eskies, the only services

It was bliss to spend six days without anyone trying to sell me anything or being subjected to brand marketing attacking my brain like an assassin’s ice pick.

toilets and a water truck keeping the dust down (with a permanent crowd running behind it getting a quick shower). Everything else the participants have to bring themselves.

When I heard about it something twigged. t he best part of most music festivals isn’t being in a big crowd passively consuming a band you’ve barely heard of, it’s mostly meeting new people and hanging out.

Burning Seed here in Australia (what is known as a regional burn) is a much smaller affair than its US cousin with 3500 tickets sold.

t he sense I got was that this smaller size harkens back to the best early days of Burning Man and the fact many Nevada burners make time for the local event would seem to bear it out.

Aside from the joys of a glittering succession of parties and being in a crowd that had largely been self-selected to exclude knob-ends, there are a number of pleasures to a burn that surprised me.

With no commerce or branding allowed on site, it was bliss to spend six days without anyone trying to sell me anything or being subjected to brand marketing attacking my brain like an assassin’s ice pick.

t he gift economy was another joy. I brought food and tools to make 30 meals a day.

I’d been worried that such a right-on crowd might all be vegetarians but in fact hot, smoked, beef rolls went like hot cakes.

It was a big job the first time, but as the surrounding burners figured out what was going on many hands piled in to make light work.

t he most satisfying moments, in my experience of the festival, were when others were appreciating what I’d brought to give, rather than in gratefully receiving anything else (for all that was usually very pleasant, too).

o n arrival, mobile reception crapped out so I turned the phone off. For six days I didn’t need phone, keys or wallet.

radical self-reliance, inclusion and gifting might seem to be a strange basis for a society, but in the US libertarian oligarchs are famously as keen on the concept as are socialists.

Conversations about real estate were, in my experience, non-existent. What you’ve done in the rest of your life seems to matter much less than what you do and contribute at the event.

I don’t know if it’s possible to live our lives this way all the time. But I’d like to try. And I’ll be going back as soon as I can.

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

your business want to save money and be environmentally responsible?

Actsmart offers a FREE, 10‑step program for ACT and Queanbeyan businesses. Green accreditation is easy and helps you:

reduce costs

recycle waste

help the environment

More than 700 businesses have already signed up to Actsmart Business Recycling.

Wor

Super &

Civil

Greed the big loser in cancer-gene ruling

thE high Court decision prohibiting patenting of the breast-cancer gene BrCA1 is a major step forward for Australia and for humanity.

t he court unanimously ruled that the cancer gene cannot be patented. t his ended a five-year battle through the courts, which was described by Paul Grogan, of the Cancer Council Australia, as a “David and Goliath battle” where a vulnerable individual had the courage to take on the industry.

It is a victory for common sense and finally confronts the notion that industry, the dollar and greed should dictate human behaviour and human health.

t he argument put by Queensland cancer survivor Yvonne D’Arcy and her lawyers was that mutations in the so-called “breast-cancer gene” BrCA1 were a naturally occurring component of the human body that had been discovered, rather than an invention that could be patented.

For decades, capital and wealth has become more and more concentrated in the hands of the very few. It is no surprise that the issue had been so hotly contested.

t he high Court unanimously overturned an earlier decision of the Federal Court to prevent Myriad Genetics, a US company that had licensed it for use in Australia by a company called Genetic technologies, from holding the patent. Interestingly, the US Supreme Court set a precedent ruling that naturally occurring DNA was a product of nature and not patentable.

t here are those who argue that there are broader ramifications for the biotechnology industry that will be undermined by the decision. however, claims that this will restrict the opportunity for further innovation are simply unfounded. researchers can now share not just the BrCA1 gene information, but can pursue other genetic material in the knowledge that its discovery will assist general well-being.

t his ruling comes at a time when companies have been scrambling to patent new biologics drugs at an average cost of around twenty to thirty thousand a year extending in a small number of cases to costing consumers over $400,000 a year.

In the past, Myriad Genetics/Genetic technologies attempted to enforce its patent in Australia and prevent women from being tested for the indicator gene that identifies when someone is susceptible to breast cancer.

t his is a decision that not only provides certainty to other people who needed genetic testing regarding breast cancer, but opens a range of possibilities for ordinary people across a series of other genetic vulnerabilities. Intellectual property restrictions have now

The High Court has unanimously ruled in favour of common sense and the ordinary person. More importantly, it has ruled against greed and selfinterest.

been seriously challenged and researchers in this field will not feel threatened by possible litigation. It is an important decision. h owever, the possibility that the decision could be tested under the Investor State Dispute Mechanism (ISDS) remains a concern. to his great credit, it seems that trade Minister Andrew robb has remained firm in protecting Australia from the proposal to extend intellectual property barriers in favour of international pharmaceutical companies beyond the current five years.

t he tPP also specifically excluded tobacco from the ISDS. Additionally, robb has sought to exclude health and the environment from this dispute mechanism. however, it is not so clear whether carving out exemptions for health and environment will work. It would not be surprising if the lawyers for Myriad Genetics/Genetic technologies, having failed in the high Court, look to challenge whether this case can claim an exemption on the grounds of being a health issue. t he operation of an ISDS tribunal in this case would mean there would be one appointee by the Australian government, one by the company and if the two could not agree on the third – a person appointed by the World trade o rganisation. t he tribunal would not be bound by any precedent and members appointed could have close association with the company or the industry. this is certainly not the way we would expect a justice system to operate, especially when the unanimous decision of the high Court of Australia was being challenged.

t he

unanimously ruled in favour of common sense and the ordinary person.

More importantly, it has ruled against greed and self-interest.

The ugly face of careless cycling

THE other morning, one of my colleagues suffered a hit and run.

It wasn’t on the road. Walking on the footpath near Civic she only had time to hear the words “get out of my way” before a large, adult, male cyclist riding at full speed clipped her with his bike. Despite the impact, which was considerable, he didn’t stop and sped off down the street. My friend was left reeling with blood running down her arm from a gash on her elbow. Fortunately, the collision was witnessed by a security guard in the nearby building. Recognising that she was in shock he took her inside and bandaged her up with his first aid kit. A visit to the doctor was also required.

I’m a great fan of cycling. It’s a great form of exercise. It’s environmentally friendly. The introduction of bike paths and bike lanes on our roads has been a great thing. The more people riding to work, school, to the shops or just for recreation the better.

As a motorist, I am always on the lookout for people on bikes. This has been especially the case in recent years when we’ve been living in a suburb with a higher-than-average number of very serious, I won’t say obsessive, cyclists taking advantage of the roads towards Mt Stromlo and beyond for training. I’m a great fan of flashing bike lights, high-viz vests and lots of reflectors.

I know that plenty of cyclists have concerns about the behaviour of motorists and we need more work in improving the awareness of drivers to the safety needs of cyclists.

That said, the incident involving my friend isn’t an isolated one.

Over recent years I’ve seen plenty of aggressive and anti-social

There does seem to be an increasing element of testosterone-charged, lycraclad belligerence that’s a menace on both roads and footpaths – especially to the elderly and young children.

behaviour by predominantly male cyclists riding with little or no care for the safety of pedestrians. My kids have had near misses from speeding cyclists and I’ve seen elderly pedestrians startled and effectively shoved out of the way.

There does seem to be an increasing element of testosterone-charged, lycra-clad belligerence that’s a menace on both roads and footpaths – especially to the elderly and young children.

Although the incidence of collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians that result in serious injury still appears pretty low, it’s likely to rise with an ageing population and efforts by government and politicians to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally responsible activity.

Cyclists in the ACT are permitted to ride on footpaths. I think sharing this space is pretty sensible as the risks to cyclists in heavy or speeding traffic can’t be denied. But there needs to be rather more emphasis on getting cyclists to give way to pedestrians, as they are required to do, and to cutting down their speed.

Pedestrians ought to be able to stroll on the footpath without looking over their shoulder for fear of being hit by a cyclist.

Motorists are required to stop after an accident. A hit and run on the footpath is just as unconscionable.

All this is common sense, though one should never presume that is in oversupply, and there certainly seems to be a shortage between the ears of some of our lycra-clad speedsters.

Josh pedals on for grandad

Kate Meikle reports

SEVENTEEN-year-old Josh Goyne is cycling more than 2200 kilometres from Canberra to the Sunshine Coast over the next fortnight to raise funds and awareness for stroke victims.

It’s the third long-distance ride Josh has undertaken in honour of his grandfather, Barry, who suffered six debilitating strokes before his death last year.

Josh was just completing his year 10 exams at the time of Barry’s first stroke, and dropped everything to be with his muchloved grandfather, who lived on a farm on the Sunshine Coast.

“My grandfather was a self-

reliant and strong person. Seeing him helpless really hit home and I became depressed,” says Josh.

Josh started riding a bike around the farm as an outlet to cope with his depression and the stress of nursing his frail grandfather. This experience inspired him to do his first charity ride from Canberra to Sydney in 2013.

“When I told my grandfather the idea, he shed a tear. We had such a special connection,” says Josh.

Last year, Josh cycled to Melbourne, and has raised a total of $20,000 for the National Stroke Foundation.

Josh has now started his own charity, Stroke Support & Awareness Australia, which will direct funds to purchase equipment for the Canberra Hospital Stroke Unit, support rehabilitation in the home programs and counsel-

ling for stroke victims and their families.

“Funds from Stroke Support & Awareness Australia will be used to help in a very practical way,” Josh says.

“And, most importantly, it will go to raise awareness of stroke and of the vital first signs that are critical to know to save lives.”

This week’s ride will see Josh pedal 2200kms – his longest journey to date – to Barry’s farm at Peachester on the Sunshine Coast.

Along the route, Josh and his team of volunteers will stop to collect donations.

“It’s pretty ambitious for a 17-year-old, but I’ll get there,” says Josh.

To donate, text “Josh” at 0437 371371 to receive a link to the online donation page.

Sweet Apple

FOR ALL OF YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME NEEDS!

• Halloween decorations

• Zombie make-up and costumes

Open Monday – Saturday Phone 6280 9117

Shop 2, 79-81 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick, ACT 2609 COSTUME HIRE

opinion

Bad calls and how to make them

THERE’S an ad on the telly for one of those betting agencies, I can’t remember which one, but it’s based on the premise that to be a real man you have to make a decision… and make it fast.

It got me thinking about some of the strong, bold decisions that I’ve made. Early decisions that had proven to be totally incorrect.

In 2008, I remember having a tech expert in my radio studio to showcase the new iPhone. My little Nokia phone had a camera, but I’d never used it and it had internet capability, but I’d not ever connected.

This device geek showed me all of the wonderful things that the new iPhone could do. I rejected it instantly… loudly and publicly. I stated on radio that I would never

ever get one of these devices: “Phones are for calling people. If I want to get online, I’ll sit down at my computer”. That may have been a bad early call.

I PROGRAMMED radio stations back in the day when it was done by gut feel. As a music director, you would receive a bunch of records in the mail, listen to them and decide which ones should be played on your station.

I clearly remember previewing a new single from a well-known artist and laughing out loud at how bad it was. This song was apparently attached to some movie that I’d never heard of. I called in a couple of the other announcers so they could hear how this singer had “murdered” an old Dolly Parton song. I then tossed it in the reject bin.

A month or so later, I went scrambling back through the bin to try to find Whitney Houston’s version of “I’ll Always Love You”.

Bad early call.

AND I did an outside broadcast ahead of one of those big Australia Day concerts

property

Oh Happy Day is an events fair bringing together the region’s premier event planners, wedding specialists, caterers, florists, stylists, photographers, designers and all things ‘party’.

Presented in conjunction with the National Portrait Gallery and Trippas White Group, this event is designed for anyone who wants to plan the most stylish, on-trend and memorable celebration their guests have ever experienced.

1-5pm Events Fair (Free entry) Oh-happy-day.com.au

Shake it up and take a chance

IS fear of failure stopping us from shaking things up in Civic?

Glenn Keys, chairman of the Canberra Business Chamber, doesn’t think so.

Speaking to a packed room at the recent “ transforming Canberra’s CBD” forum, he reminded us that the “acres of concrete in Garema Place” were evidence that “we’re not afraid of failure and we should give it another go until we get it right”.

So, what would we do to Civic if we weren’t afraid to fail?

Let’s start by imagining the merry-go-round in Glebe Park. A long-forgotten corner of our CBD, it would be a wonderful place for the relocated carousel to delight a new generation of kids.

Ponder the possibilities for new pocket parks and urban playgrounds or picture fields of flowers throughout Civic as a reinvented Floriade breathes new life into the city centre each spring. tourists would be able to linger at cafes and bars, shop ‘til they drop and give traders a much-needed boost. think about thousands of new residents moving about the city each weekend – frequenting gyms, lounging in cafes or sprawled out in parks – if we put new life into our ageing offices.

o r consider opening City Walk to traffic once more –transforming it into a shareway like Bunda Street. Would it reinvigorate the saddest stretch in our city centre? Maybe. there are many legitimate views about how we should transform Civic. however, as we work through the possibilities for our vast and desolate city centre, all these ideas are worth exploring.

We already know what failure looks like – so let’s take some risks and shake things up.

on the lawns of Parliament House. The promoter was popping by our broadcast point at regular intervals with some of the artists in tow for us to interview.

I remember interviewing Tania Doko, from Bachelor Girl, who was a riot. The afternoon progressed and more and more artists came through. I looked around at one stage and the promoter was there with a dark-haired gentleman standing 10 metres or so away from us.

“Who’s this ?” I asked.

“That’s Gotye.”

“Who?”

“Goat-tee-ay.”

“What sort of a name is Gotye ?” I said.

The promoter explained to me that his name was Wally De Backer.

I put my hand up and said: “No, I think we’ll pass on the ‘goat man’ at this stage.”

The goat man, of course, went on to become only the fifth Australian act to have a number one single on the US Billboard chart.

And, thanks to my short-sighted decision, he’s not even somebody that I used to know.

Bad early call.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC

Slip, sliding away

By Kate Meikle

UP to 1000 women and teens are expected to run the second annual Miss Muddy obstacle course event at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday, November 22.

Offering participants mud, colour, foam, climbing, crawling, slipping and sliding, Miss Muddy is a 5km, female-only, obstacle challenge event, encouraging women of all ages and fitness levels to have fun and get muddy.

“It has been great to see the rise in participation in obstacle events,” says Miss Muddy owner, Adam McDonald.

“Obstacle racing is a great way to get people motivated and excited about exercise. It is fun, social and adventurous and, with any luck, hopefully the rise in events being held nationally will help to address

the alarming inactivity rates in Australia.”

Fitness expert Jenna Douros is heading up a team from Gold’s Gym to take on the challenge. She encourages participants to let their hair down and have a laugh.

“Miss Muddy is all about releasing your inner child!” she says.

“The obstacles include walls, nets, ice baths, foam, and a huge slippery slide. It really is a lot of fun.”

Jenna says there is still time to prepare by implementing a fitness routine, which includes practising swinging, rolling and diving at playgrounds and Jenna encourages first-time obstacle runners to give every obstacle a try during the untimed course.

Miss Muddy Obstacle Challenge, Sunday, November, 22, Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham. Register at missmuddy.com.au

The view from the outer north and south

She’s a Labor member for our northernmost suburbs and he’s a Liberal member for our southernmost suburbs. One of them will likely be a minister in the next government. But first they have to get re-elected.

Precisely one year from the ninth ACT election (October 15, 2016), “CityNews” put questions to two of the newest members of the Assembly looking at how they see the immediate and the long-term future...

Q:You face the voters in a year, as a member from an outer electorate, what issues do you think will drive success for you at the election?

WALL: Local services and maintenance of local facilities will be the key for Tuggeranong residents. Tuggeranong has been neglected for too long and the plan to build light rail illustrates that.

My focus will be on highlighting the need to better care for our established suburbs, by better maintaining parks and footpaths as well as the need to attract more employment opportunities to Tuggeranong.

Currently many businesses in the town centre area are doing it tough and there is a real need to tidy the place up, build business confidence and create more jobs.

Tuggeranong

has been neglected for too long and the plan to build light rail illustrates that.”

– Andrew Wall

FITZHARRIS: That people feel I understand their experiences, will hear them out and advocate for them. I can’t and won’t be all things to all people, but I know what it’s like to juggle work and family commitments and to live and commute from the city’s fastest-growing region, Gungahlin.

Every electorate has shared interests across Canberra as well as local issues. Yerrabi is a diverse electorate with suburbs that are new, 50 years old and everything in between. But people still want to know that our economy is growing and innovating, that they can get and progress in a job, get excellent health care, a world-class education and move around the city.

Labor is building a new hospital in Belconnen, a new school in North Gungahlin, building new roads and making major investments in transport through stage one of Capital Metro light rail from Gungahlin to Civic. These are important.

Q:You are new to the Assembly, what frustrates you most about it?

FITZHARRIS: That we don’t treat each other a little more kindly more often. I hold firm Labor values. For me this means a society and economy that delivers opportunity, growth and fairness. There are many ways to make this happen and I think Labor understands and delivers these more than any other party. But I don’t necessarily disagree with something just because

ANDREW Wall, at 31, is the youngest member of the Assembly. He has represented the outer, southern electorate of Brindabella as a Liberal since 2012 and plans to stand for the redistributed seat at the 2016 election. He was born in Canberra, raised in Wanniassa and attended Marist College. He is married with one child. Before the Assembly, he worked in the construction industry, managing a patio business.

another party or person suggests it.

MEEGAN Fitzharris, 43, is the newest member of the ALP Assembly team. She has represented Molonglo since January, having won the count back to fill the seat vacated by Katy Gallagher. She will seek to represent the new, outer-northern seat of Yerrabi at the next election. Fitzharris was born in Wellington, NZ. She is married with three children.

She was a candidate at the 2012 election. When she didn’t win a seat, she became chief of staff and senior adviser for then Minister, later Chief Minister, Andrew Barr.

WALL: With youth comes a fresh perspective, I understand how difficult it is to buy a house, how hard it can be to make ends meet and the challenges of modern parenting because that is what I am living through every day.

Growing up I watched my parents struggle with the challenges of running the family business in the hope they could give my sister and me the best start in life. I started working at McDonald’s at 15 and learnt firsthand what hard work is all about.

Having grown up in Canberra and seeing how hard it can be to get a job, run a business or buy a house it frustrates me that the government fails to truly understand or recognise these challenges.

Q:What will characterise your campaigning style and priorities over the next 12 months?

WALL: The success to my election in 2012 was knocking on over 6000 doors and my style hasn’t changed. It’s all about listening; listening to what is important to an individual, and the best way to find out is to knock on their door and ask.

In 2012, Tuggeranong voted overwhelmingly for a Liberal government that would deliver better local services. In 2016 my focus will be on how we can do this by highlighting the need to properly maintain our local shops, roads and parks, keep Tuggeranong a family friendly place to live and better support local business.

FITZHARRIS: My style will always be optimistic and accessible. I like talking to people about what they think. I’ll hear people out, put a case for why I believe in something, and be willing to advocate for change.

My priorities will be local and whole of Canberra. Yerrabi is a great new electorate with many interests. I want to make sure Gungahlin’s infrastructure and services keep pace with its development and that Belconnen’s infrastructure is revitalised.

I’m also keen to advocate for new ways of connecting people, whether it’s through education, technology or collaboration. And I’ll look for opportunities to bring public, private and community sectors together to achieve social outcomes.

Q:Why will your party win government in October 2016?

FITZHARRIS: Because Labor can offer a future to Canberra that builds on our strengths. We will speak to the best in people and of our community – a community that is smart, bighearted and compassionate.

Our future depends on all of us contributing to make sure Canberra stays the most liveable city in the world. In our second century we’re coming into our own as a city driven by innovation, technology and community. We need to explain how Labor will help shape this change and provide opportunity, growth and fairness to more people.

I know what it’s like to juggle work and family commitments and to live and commute from the city’s fastest-growing

region, Gungahlin.”

– Meegan Fitzharris

WALL: I believe the Canberra Liberals will represent all Canberrans; we have done the hard yards of opposition and are in touch with the challenges, concerns and aspirations of Canberrans. We will deliver a government that supports families, encourages business and investment and creates opportunities that everyone can afford.

Q:You are at the start of your political career, how do you imagine Canberra will look at the end of it?

WALL: Canberra is a growing city and it’s important that we don’t lose our character as we grow up. When people mention Canberra I want them to think that it’s a great place to live, a great place to do business and a city that has something to offer everyone. I hope that our town centres become the hubs of activity that they were envisaged to be, while the character and open space of our suburbs that really define Canberra are maintained.

I want Canberra to be the best place, not just to start a business but the best place to run a business. Most importantly, I want Canberra to be a city that is safe and clean and that offers a future for my daughter as she grows up.

FITZHARRIS: Canberra will still, at its core, be a smart and generous city where we lead the nation on innovation, opportunity and compassion. Our city will be denser, but still eminently liveable. People will be able to study at the country’s best schools and universities, get worldclass healthcare, move easily around the city and live active, connected lives where everyone has an opportunity to pitch in.

Advance your career with a postgraduate qualification from Australia’s top university.

Whether you are an experienced professional looking for a career change, or just finished your degree and thinking about further study, come and explore your study options.

Postgraduate Information Evening

Thursday 15 October 4-7pm, University House

Thursday 22 October 4-7pm, Facebook chat

Register to attend a session anu.edu.au/study/events/postgraduate-information-evening

scene / around canberra

Social event of the week / Chartering of the Soroptimists International ACT Monaro club

SOROPTIMISTS are business and professional women and members of an international network of clubs across 130 countries intent on making a difference in the lives of women and girls.

In Canberra the chartering of a new club for our district was celebrated at Beaver Galleries, Deakin, with members of the established Canberra club joining international and interstate guests from Soroptimist International to participate in the establishment of SI AC t Monaro.

President of the club is Jane Grey who brings years of SI experience to her role, including a stint as the president of the first Canberra club. that club was established in 1955 at the hotel Civic with Dame Pattie Menzies as its honorary member. Among the guests was president of the NSW region Lesley Lawson, president of Soroptimists International of South West Pacific Carolyn Hudson and from NZ Laurie Swift who oversees membership of the federation. And showing their support, the contingent of seven from SI Brisbane Waters, which is on the Central Coast and nowhere near Brisbane, came for a fun Canberra weekend as well as the main event.

What these Soroptimists do is important and their current focus is on domestic violence and support for victims.

Sadly, it’s a growing need in our community, but the challenge is in good hands.

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

• Chronic persistent pain

• Rehabilitation – reconditioning after injury, surgery and neurological conditions

• Medical Pain and Rehabilitation

Procedures such as blocks, neurotomy, discography, stimulators, Botulinum toxin injections all to the highest International Standards

• Diagnostic and therapeutic injections seen rapidly with GP referral

2015 DINING CALENDAR

Taste it All

Thursday September 24

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Please

SUNDAY ROAST

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

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities. Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

Canberra Confidential

Milk and money

thEY clearly take tea breaks very seriously at the treasury Building, in Parkes.

o ne of CC’s snouts was sniffing through the Austender website and spotted this gem: a call for the delivery of 255 litres of milk a week to the building. Unlike the rest of us, who’d just call, say, Canberra Milk, and haggle a deal over the phone, the parsimonious department is extolling potential milkpersons to wade through a 10-page “ response to Approach to Market” form (replete with handy hints about conflicts of interest and the like) and an eight-page explanatory document and have everything back to them by o ctober 20.

Just as interesting is the delivery schedule: 40 litres of full-cream milk on Mondays and Wednesdays, but 35 on Fridays, and 45 litres of reduced fat on Mondays and Wednesdays, 40 on Fridays.

Skim milk, alas, has few fans among the treasury mandarins, with only four litres needed on Mondays and, worse still, three on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fourth row in a win?

RUSSELL Lutton, publicity officer of the Burley Griffin Canoe Club, says the flatwater marathon contingent of the 20-year-old-club will compete in the final round of the 2015 NSW marathon series on Saturday.

“ to everyone’s amazement, and to the consternation of the big Sydney-based kayaking clubs, BGCC first won the series back in 2012 and, remarkably, won the series trophy again in 2013 and 2014, despite the efforts of the large Sydney kayak clubs to steal the trophy back from us,” he says.

“And BGCC goes into the 10th and last 2015 race at Burrill Lake on o ctober 17 with a club points lead hoping to make it four wins in a row.”

Alex puts obstacles into his research

ANU honours student Alex Mackerras is leading a study that compares the ability of beginner and experienced drivers to spot obstacles on the road.

Using a recently acquired driving simulator, the study will also look at whether a driver’s ability to spot obstacles improves or gets worse, when not in control of the vehicle.

he’s seeking P-Platers in their first 12 months of driving and experienced drivers with at least 10 years’ experience and under the age of 40 to take part.

“ t here’s a huge difference between novice drivers and experienced drivers in accident statistics. Novice drivers are at much higher risk,” Mackerras says.

“o ne of the theories is that because they are still learning to operate the car, they can’t pay as much attention to the road. It’s a bit too much for them to handle.”

Interested participants should contact u4841882@anu.edu.au

Indigenous aspirants

SECrE tArY of the AC t ALP Indigenous Labor Network, Tjanara Goreng Goreng, has written wondering if her candidacy and that of ILN co-convenor, Jo Chivers, as two Aboriginal women seeking preselection for next year’s AC t election, is a first?

t janara is looking to be on the Labor ticket for the new centre seat of Kurrajong as a non-aligned, rank and file ALP member and Jo is an aspirant from the left for the new Woden/Weston Creek seat of Murrumbidgee.

Christmas bleatings

CBD Limited’s website, in a shameless spruik of the return of its “Christmas in the City” festivities as “Australia’s biggest celebration of the festive season”, concludes with: “From the board and staff at Canberra CBD Limited, we wish you safe, happy and thoughtful Christmas celebrations.” And the same to them.

Loathed roads

thE Barton highway has been identified at eighth in the 10 worst roads in NSW this year and the second most-loathed in the AC t topping the AC t was Gungahlin’s Gundaroo Drive and horse Park Drive at number three.

Walking the talk

CANBErrA talk station 2CC punched way above its weight at the commercial radio annual awards, the ACrAs, at the Gold Coast last weekend. Breakfast host Mark Parton, picutured, took out Best talk Presenter and Best Current Affairs presenter in the provincial category, as did the station’s Phil Small for Best Sports Presenter. Eddie Williams was recognised for his work on 2CC’s drive program “Canberra Live” bagging the award for Best Show Producer (non-metropolitan).

• Quality custom designed chairs, sofas and bedheads

• Re-upholstery of dining chairs, sofas, chairs and ottomans

• Window seat cushions, outdoor cushions and scatter cushions

• Upholstered wall panels for warmth, peace & quiet

• Free consultation with an experienced designer in store

• A local business that has been in Canberra for 30 years

6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick Phone: 6280 4464 www.dreamdesignfurniture.com.au

Motorcycle Awareness Week / October

Spot Joe rider and you could be flying high

“SORRY Mate, I didn’t see you” is a phrase motorcycle riders hear all too often after motorists have either hit them or had a near miss, says ACT Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) president, Jen Woods.

to bring attention to this issue and increase the public’s visibility of motorcycle and scooter riders on Canberra streets, the Mr A celebrates Motorcycle Awareness Week annually.

From o ctober 24, its main awareness campaign, “Joe rider”, will start for a week with riders wearing vests with “JoE” written on their backs.

“We ask all road users to look out for Joe who can be on the road any time of the day or night,” says Jen.

Sightings of Joe can be logged by emailing: joe.rider@internode.on.net to go into the draw to win a hot-air-balloon experience.

“Joe is any scooter rider or motorcyclist. If you see Joe, you have seen a rider,” says Jen.

t he Mr A has been active in Canberra for more than 30 years and works with government to raise the profile and advocate for motorcyclists.

Events planned for the week include the Bikers Breakfast where all riders are welcome to meet up in front of o ld Parliament house and a riders’ forum event, “What About the Cotter?”, on Wednesday, o ctober 28.

“During this week and every day, we ask people to look out for motorcyclists on our roads, be aware and drive accordingly,” says Jen.

“We also remind riders that it’s their responsibility to be visible and take responsibility for their safety.

“ riding is a great way to clear your head and see the country. o ur riding community is close-knit, non-judgemental and community minded.”

Events

Pink Ribbon Ride, 9.30am, Saturday, October 24, registration at o ld Parliament house, 11am depart for Bungendore. raising funds for Breast Cancer Network. Cost $20 including barbecue lunch provided by the volunteer Bungendore Bushfire Service with awards for best-dressed rider and best decorated bike.

Bikers Breakfast, 7am, Friday, October 30. In front of the fountain on King Edward terrace, in front of o ld Parliament house.

And next month…

First Aid for Motorcyclists, 8.30am-12.30pm, Saturday, November 14 t he harmonie German Club, Narrabundah. t his is a highly specialised, fast-paced, half-day training course developed specifically for riders. It teaches the vital skills and knowledge needed to provide immediate roadside first aid and effectively manage the accident scene until emergency services arrive.

For more information about the MRA and upcoming events, visit mraact.org.au

Anders’ art, music and motorcycles

ANDEr S Mykkeltvedt, owner of Eurotune Motorcycles dealership and gallery in Queanbeyan, says his shop is a great little Aussie bike shop where motorcycles, art, music and lifestyle matter.

Customers will expect something different when arriving at his dealership and art gallery, which is part of next month’s Queanbeyan Arts trail.

“We have an interesting range of bikes, which are outside the norm,” says Anders.

“My art studio is set up in the shop, as well as a display of glassworks, ceramics and clothing.”

Anders has recently invested in a “direct-to-garment” printing machine to give customers the opportunity to create a high-quality customised t-shirt from any image they would like, or to choose from Anders’ original designs, some of which include artworks of classic motorbikes.

“Motorcyclists love having pictures of their bikes on display so they can give me a photo of their bike to have printed on a t-shirt,” says Anders.

“We take a lot of care with printing to produce the highest quality of image reproduction to create really special t-shirts.”

Eurotune Motorcycles, 144 Uriarra Road, Queanbeyan. Contact 6297 8636 or more information at eurotunemotorcycles.com

Bruce knows his bikes

BrUCE Edlington, owner of Bruce’s Motorcycles, has been servicing and repairing bikes for 28 years.

Specialising in Japanese motorcycles and European dirt bikes, Bruce and his qualified team will service and repair all aspects of on-road and dirt bikes including tuning, suspension, tyres, engine rebuilding, brakes and electrical repairs.

“We are qualified motorcycle mechanics,” says Bruce. “We will typically service your bike within one day.”

o pen from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, Bruce has found that customers take advantage of the later closing time to drop their bikes off in the evening.

Bruce’s Motorcycle Repairs. Shop 3, 44-46 Grimwade Street, Mitchell, call 6241 1175.

Decade of pride and rider safety

roLFE Classic BMW Motorrad is 2014 Metro Dealer of the Year and sells premium BMW motorcycles, rider wear, accessories, and servicing.

For 10 years, the team has lived and breathed BMW motorcycles and takes pride in having specialised knowledge of their product, but also understanding their customers, too.

Joe Rider will set off on Saturday 24th October to ride for the week for rider awareness.

Week 24th to 30th October It’s everyone’s responsibility to Share the Road! Spot Joe Rider during Motorcycle Awareness Week

Entries close Sunday 1st November. email joe.rider@internode.on.net to register your sighting to go in the draw for a prize. Riders Forum: “What about the Cotter?” Eastlake Football Club, 6pm-8pm, Wed 28th Oct

Join riders at the Bikers Breakfast, East Lawns, King Edward Tce on Ride to Work Day, Friday 30 Oct • Pink Ribbon Ride is Saturday 24th Oct 2015 Contact: committee@mraact.org.au

o n November 26, they will be holding their inaugural Show ‘n’ Shine event – an opportunity to bring their customers together as a community to meet other riders, see the new range, meet the team and receive training and demonstration to best utilise the cuttingedge safety technology of BMW motorbikes. More information about the event is available on the rolfe Classic BMW Facebook page.

BMW’s “Safety 360°” commitment puts the rider’s safety at the forefront with the very highest quality and functional rider equipment, a program of qualified rider training courses and pioneering in innovative safety technologies in our motorcycles, says client adviser, Josh Edwards.

“BMW was the first to put ABS technology on a motorbike, which has now become standard,” says Josh.

“We have now developed cornering ABS, which will be a feature on our top range of 2016 bikes.”

Rolfe Classic BMW Motorrad Centre, 2 Botany Street, Phillip. Contact 6208 4133, rolfeclassicmotorcycles.bmw. com.au or facebook.com/rolfeclassicbmw

Don specialises in learner-legal bikes

Moto Central, which has a full-service motorcycle workshop, a wide range of oils, parts and accessories and lots of tyres for on the road and off, specialises in learner-legal motorcycles and scooters.

Based in Mitchell, Moto Central has trained technicians to service most modern motorcycles and scooters.

o wner Don Murray says: “We have seen an increase in people doing their learner course since the introduction of pay parking and getting their first motorbike to save on costs.

“Some are then converted and buy bigger bikes. t hey realise that they’re having fun and they get hooked on riding.”

Moto Central specialises in such brands as Aprilia, Benelli, Kymco, Sherco and CFMoto.

Moto Central, 12 Sandford Street, Mitchell, call 6162 2660 or visit sales@motocentral.com.au

Now’s the time to book a break at the Bay south coast calling

Now’s the right time to book a Batemans Bay getaway. Enjoy some time out in the sun, with lots of swimming and siestas! Only two hours’ drive away, you’ll feel the comfort of feeling perfectly at home and the thrill of being away from home at the same time.

Lilli Pilli Sublime Coachhouse

LILLI Pilli Sublime is a spacious, four bedroom luxury beach house nestled in the Lilli Pilli Beach Estate on the outskirts of Batemans Bay.

Every member of the family is catered for – from a cot for the baby, a rumpus room with games and a snooker table for older kids, to a newly added premium entertaining area with outdoor kitchen that grown-ups will love! Even four-legged members of the family are welcome, and the relaxing, Balinese-style garden is secure and dog-friendly. o nly 300 metres from the beach, this modern property sleeps up to eight guests and overlooks beautiful bushland. It is only minutes from Mogo township where visitors can explore the Mogo Zoo, cafes and speciality shops. Birdland Animal Park is also nearby where visitors can enjoy wildlife, ride on small steam train and meet native animals.

Broulee Surf School and skate parks are also nearby for older children.

Lilli Pilli Sublime is currently running a spring special – for bookings for two nights, guests will get the third night for half price. Four-night bookings get the fifth for free. rates are $200-$500+ depending on the season.

romantic and special occasions can be made even more memorable with surprise goodies on arrival that can be arranged when making a booking. Linen and towels are provided.

Call Angela on 0412 800857, email lillipillisublime@me.com or visit lillipillisublime.com.au

Marina Resort

thE Coachhouse Marina resort is a beautiful, relaxing waterfront property located in Batemans Bay on the banks of the Clyde river and the Pacific o cean, says general manager Clayton Birss.

Just a two-hour drive from Canberra, the resort is an easy walk to the town centre, but is set in 6.6 hectares of lush landscaped gardens.

“We have 89 fully self-contained villas, which are perfect for accommodating families, single travellers, groups, conferences, weddings and special events,” says Clayton.

“For those looking for extra luxury, the resort also has available a range of villas with waterfront views and spas.” t here is a 20-metre swimming pool, full-sized tennis court, children’s playground and barbeque areas on site, and with only a 10-minute walk to Corrigans swimming beach and boat ramp, the resort has something to offer everyone.

The Coachhouse Marina Resort, 49 Beach Road, Batemans Bay. Call 4472 4392, email bookings@ coachhouse.com.au or visit coachhouse.com.au

a superb, one-of-a

Lilli Pilli Sublime is a destination unlike any other. We offer holiday accommodation in a spacious, delightfully decorated 4 bedroom house with rumpus/games room, and a Moroccan themed outdoor kitchen area with BBQ. LPS is nestled in the stunning surrounds of Lilli Pilli Beach Estate in an idyllic position overlooking natural bush land on the outskirts of Batemans Bay, NSW. For families, couples, executives or anybody who needs to get away from it all, relax and wind down, LPS offers something special. We provide WiFi, Foxtel with all channels, playstation with games, Nespresso Coffee Machine, linen including beach towels and baby items. We accept our guests well mannered dogs on application.

The LPS vibe is very much a tropical one with its hot and cold private outdoor shower. Its Bali inspired garden adds a touch of paradise and is pleasantly styled with Asian stone sculptures, fountains and bamboo. Guests can enjoy the many beaches in the area; Lilli Pilli Beach is just a 300 m walk. Take in the fresh ocean air and sounds of the wildlife.

Luxury comfort and style - these are the three principles upon which the hosts have built the LPSublime experiences.

arts & entertainment

Kate’s across the ‘Universe’

By Helen Musa

“SILVER hairs among the gold”, “every cloud has a silver lining” and “by the light of the silvery moon” – there was no shortage of metaphors for Tuggeranong Arts Centre to choose from in naming their 25th anniversary celebrations.

In the end they settled on two such sayings, with the year-long “Silver Linings” program leading directly into the free Silvery Moon Festival, coming up at the lakeside on November 7.

the concept is that of theatre director and now creative producer, Julian hobba, and the mighty steel frame works representing the twin orbs sun and moon are the work of sculptor tony Steel, but it seems fitting that the adornment of the galaxy is in the hands of a star artist who once studied theatre at the arts centre.

Film and set designer Kate Llewellyn, working with Queanbeyan-

Llewellyn.

based textile artist and designer Polly Crowden, is on the rise. In 2013 artsAC t awarded her a grant to work as an artist-in-residence in schools. Early this year she designed the set for the premiere production by honest Puck theatre.

t his month Llewellyn and Crowden have been conducting creative community workshops at the centre to cast and produce the 50 masks that will embellish the sun, wriggly sea creatures to inhabit the oceans, and all manner of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial artworks for a “Universe” that visitors can walk through.

t he “Universe Alight” art installation, conceived by h obba and Llewellyn after endless hours of discussion, settled on a huge illuminated sculpture of the sun, three metres in diameter, and a smaller moon with a myriad of individual sculptures and artworks created by the community around them, representing the past, present and future, on and off this planet.

Llewellyn and Crowden encouraged the use of recycled materials – metal, kitchen utensils, cardboard, paper – anything. And they encouraged families to do it at home if they wanted.

o n the big day, hung outside and enhanced by “nice theatrical lighting”, the “Universe” will be there in mist and smoke for everyone to view or touch.

But if there are clouds to obscure the silver linings?

“Whatever the weather is, that’s what’s going to happen,” Llewellyn says philosophically.

The Silvery Moon Festival, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway, 1pm-9.30pm, Saturday, November 7, details at tuggeranongarts.com, bookings via trybooking.com

Rhonda Burchmore… audiences are in for plenty of entertainment and a few wicked surprises, too.

Rhonda back for more

By Helen Musa

BILLED as Australia’s queen of cabaret and musical theatre, Rhonda Burchmore soon returns to Canberra for a cabaret performance of her show, “Broadway Baby”.

She’s been in musicals such as “Guys and Dolls”, “Mamma Mia!”, “ t hey’re Playing o ur Song” and “Mame”, as well as more operatic shows – “Iolanthe”, “ ruddigore” and “Die Fledermaus” for the Victorian o pera – as well as her own cabaret shows, notably “Legs 11”, also the name of her 2010 autobiography.

After studying theatre at the University of New England, Burchmore’s first big Australian theatre breakthrough was a role opposite Garry McDonald in the 1988 production of “Sugar Babies”, a role she repeated opposite Mickey rooney and Ann Miller in the West End, where she also starred in “Stop the World – I Want to Get o ff”.

In 1997 she gave the opening performance at Crown Casino in Melbourne with her cabaret, “ red hot & rhonda”,

Russians dancing over the border

By Helen Musa

“SWAN Lake” is coming to Queanbeyan and excitement is mounting as locals boast this will be an event that’s bound to entice Canberrans across the border.

Just one night in a 45-town tour of “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” to Australia and NZ by the russian National Ballet t heatre, it will be a chance for older dance lovers to revisit memories and for young fans to see a full-length ballet, not just extracts, performed by more than 50 dancers. the company was founded with the idea of creating “promising young theatre with high creative potential”, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture in the russian Federation.

“Swan Lake” is quintessentially a tale of good and evil –o dette, the white swan, versus o dile, the black swan – and is probably the most loved of all works in the ballet repertory. With the music of tchaikovsky, this production by Evgeny Amosov evokes the russian Imperial world and the haunting moonlit lakeside where the human and spirit worlds collide.

“Swan Lake”, The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Thursday, October 29. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

later the same year hitting Broadway in Irving Berlin’s “Easter Parade” then Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”.

In Australia, she has released four albums, featured on “ hey hey It’s Saturday” and performed a role written for her in David Atkins’s tap extravaganza “ hot Shoe Shuffle”.

A voluble raconteur, she has appeared before at teatro Vivaldi, the popular restaurant on the ANU campus, flirting outrageously with critics (male) and regular patrons alike while taking a trip down memory lane with tales of rock eisteddfods, forgetting song lyrics, studying in Armidale and, of course, her rapid ascent into the showbiz stratosphere.

Burchmore’s “Legs 11” opened with the classic “Lullaby to Broadway” followed by Sondheim’s “Broadway Baby”, luring the audience into the world of showbiz. You can fairly bet audiences at teatro Vivaldi are in for plenty of the same and a few wicked surprises, too.

Rhonda Burchmore, “Broadway Baby”, Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant, October 23-24, dinner and show or show only available, bookings and details to 6257 2718 or vivaldirestaurant.com.au

WINNERS of the double passes to see the Russian National Ballet Theatre perform at The Q are: Christine Phillips, of Queanbeyan West; Laraine Cleaves, Florey and Libby Cass, Higgins.

Would you like to watch those old family videos once again, or listen to your favourite records on CD?

We can take your vinyl records or cassette tapes and put them onto CD and we transfer VHS tapes onto DVD.

Cooleman Court Weston Creek | 6293 4677 www.songland.com.au | OPEN 7 DAYS

Classes for all: Junior & Adult Classes @ Isabella Plains

Social Dancing Friday @ Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

Phone: 02 6296 4009

Mobile: 0407 066 110

Email: dale_harris@bigpond.com

Web: www.dalesballroomdancing.com.au

Principal: Dale Harris

SANDRA HENDY

ASTRID

MICHAEL PARKER

TRACEY CREIGHTON

JIM VAN GEET

OPENS SAT 17 OCT 2.00 pm

Join us at Gold Creek on Saturday afternoon to enjoy a rich variety of artworks. Champagne, refreshments & talks from the artists. RSVP. Untill Nov 20. 02 62302055. aarwungallery.com

arts & entertainment

Lessons of the desert

“Putuparri and the Rainmakers” (M)

EVErYBoDY in Australia, of whatever ethnicity, can learn from Nicole Ma’s feature documentary filmed over a decade in WA’s Great Sandy Desert, the town of Fitzroy Crossing and during a two-year roadshow of the giant canvas painted by the Aboriginal group to which tom Lawford, a leading force in a claim for ownership of lands of major significance, belongs.

tom’s Aboriginal name is Putuparri. his grandparents “Spider” and Dolly Snell in their final years provide Ma’s film with the link to the past that drives the film’s narrative. his grandson Buster, a delightful little boy who adds a wistful note to the film’s sociology, may well follow tom in energising the community’s spiritual future.

t he film provides a handsome look at the desert landscape that eyes raised with white-fella perceptions might consider sere, barren, of little value, and home to declining populations of native fauna and feral camels. It takes us through a catalogue of Aboriginal culture explained in language that so-minded whites can understand.

t he film doesn’t linger on explanations of elements that make autonomous sense to Aboriginal people but which urban people need to ponder. Spirituality focuses on Kurtal, the desert waterhole where Putuparri and his people perform rain-making ceremonies. t here’s a poignant logic about our last look at Kurtal’s dry bed.

Tom Lawford in “Putuparri and the Rainmakers”.

extended family inside out.

Watching the dancers, bedecked with stuff gathered from the surrounding bush, against a background of parked Land Cruisers, I couldn’t help pondering the incongruity between the two cultures and the folly of us white fellas’ expectations that we can resolve the issues facing our Aboriginals by throwing money at them. It’s simply not that simple!

For toni Collette, Milly provides intensity of dramatic demands matching “Lillian’s Story” (1996) or “Japanese Story” (2006). t he core issue in Banks’ screenplay is a double mastectomy. Milly is not the only woman to endure such a dreadful predicament. In her decline from a bright career woman, something of a playgirl, into a patient in a hospice after it metastasises to the brain, Collette gives a bravura performance. two women entering the cinema at the same moment wondered why I, of unmistakably male appearance, was coming to watch a film that boded to be an unmitigated chick flick. Now they understand.

At Capitol 6

At all cinemas

“Miss You Already” (M)

Who can foretell the future? Guys, go with the beloved woman in your life to watch a film that scarified my emotions by confronting me with reflections of events in my own life.

Morwenna Banks wrote a screenplay that invites laughter and tears in equal doses. Catherine hardwicke has directed it with no-punches-pulled gusto and delicate sympathy. Drew Barrymore plays Jess, the alarm on her biological clock ringing with increasing intensity. And toni Collette is Milly, mother of one of each, lifelong besty of Jess, about to confront and endure a predicament that will turn her well-ordered

“Learning” (M)

PAtrICIA Clarkson’s acting chops glow in any role. As Wendy, she plays a character that Sarah Kernochan’s screenplay confronts with a litany of difficulties and other obstacles as she recovers from her husband’s infidelity by learning to drive.

In Isabel Coixet’s film, Wendy is no shrinking violet. She’d even be prepared to take her husband back. But he’s too entangled with his young hotsy-totsy to accept the invite.

In New York, public transport or a partner who drives covers most travel exigencies. Wendy’s daughter lives in rural upstate New York with no commercial transport conveniently located. to visit her, Wendy perforce must get a licence.

Kernochan constructs a neat arrangement whereby Wendy engages Sikh cab-driver Darwan to teach her how to drive. In 1982, Ben Kingsley played Mahatma Gandhi and won an oscar for it. here, he plays a refugee with US citizenship, earning a modest living driving a cab. t he film takes Darwan and Wendy through an improbable friendship until she gets the coveted licence and he marries a handsome widow whom he first sees outside Immigration at the airport. t he film isn’t free of niggly little moments that might have been better handled, but what low-budget movie is perfect. Neither Clarkson nor Kingsley lets the niggles put them off their stride in an agreeable-enough film.

At Capitol 6 and Palace Electric

Kingston

Stars gather for love and marriage

EVErYMAN t heatre and t he Q are staging Stephen Sondheim’s “Company”, the admired musical about “love, marriage and everything in between”. It’s an all-star line-up on and off stage,with direction by Jordan Best, musical direction by t imothy hansen and choreography by James Batchelor. At the Q, o ctober 16-24, bookings to theq@net.au or 6285 6290.

“ thE Art of teaching Nothing”, written by Kirsty Budding, the brains behind several short-play programs in Canberra, takes the stage soon for Free rain theatre, with Cate Clelland directing and assisted by Sarah hull. A young teacher hopes to make a difference in her new school, but soon discovers the staffroom is worse than the classroom. At the Courtyard Studio, Canberra t heatre, o ctober 22-25, bookings to canberraticketing.com. au or 6275 2700.

SIMoN Gallaher’s pop-rock revision of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic operetta “ the Pirates of Penzance” is Canberra Philharmonic’s springtime venture. At the Erindale theatre, McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa, october 22-November 7, bookings to ticketing@philo.org.au

thIrt Y sculptures will adorn the riverbank, in front of the riverbank Café, in Queanbeyan’s second Clearwater Sculpture Prize. Part of the Queanbeyan river Festival, awards of $5000 and $1000 will be announced on the main stage at noon, on Saturday, o ctober 17. t he exhibition runs o ctober 16 to 18. thIS year’s Japanese Film Festival is at Capitol Cinemas, Manuka,

until Sunday, o ctober 18. Full program at japanesefilmfestival.net and tickets at the door.

DAr AMALAN College is gearing up for “Clone”, a surreal show with a “rock-concert feel”. At Daramalan t heatre, o ctober 21-24. Bookings via trybooking.com or 6245 6351. hUSBAND-and-wife duo mezzosoprano Christina Wilson and pianist Alan hicks perform “Love and harmony Combine”, a look at musical masterpieces born of creative relationships, for Art Song Canberra. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday o ctober 18. t ickets only at the door.

thE NGA’s Gerard Vaughan will launch the “Up, Up and Away”, the Cranleigh-Capital Chemist Art Show, Starke Street, h olt, on Friday, o ctober 16. A feature will be work produced by honours students from the ANU School of Art. Proceeds will go to equip the new outdoor learning space and sensory garden.

CUBAN music, dancing and the Latin DJ “Paisa” will feature at the Latin Fiesta planned to celebrate Cuba’s National Day of Culture. Proceeds will go to a hospital in Cuba for patients with special needs. At St James Church hall, 40 Gillies Street, Curtin, 6.30pm, Saturday, o tickets at the door.

HELEN MUSA

Baileys Arcade Canberra City Ph: 02 6247 9464 www.tree83.com.au info@tree83.com.au

Cracking the code to catering

Make sure your caterer conducts a site visit. Ask how many wait staff will be available and how they manage crowds so everyone gets fed.

thE horses will be smashing through the gates for Melbourne Cup in less than a month. t hen the silly season starts. Party after party. Event after event.

So what to do if you need to cater for an event?

Mark Santos, who has owned teatro Vivaldi for 11 years, says it can be confusing to figure out what to order, how to order and how much to order, but following basic tips will make your event as easy as pie.

Mark and Chef Marko Ahonen have catered for cocktail parties, graduations, launches, weddings, wakes, sit-down dinners, and special evenings on a party boat on the lake (serving whole lobsters). t hey’ve catered for small groups to crowds of 780. While each event is unique, there are common elements.

“People aren’t as keen on deep-fried or heavily spiced foods,” says Mark. “ t he fresher the food the better, with hot and cold options. It’s wise to have a vegetarian and

gluten-free option. And people aren’t so much into sandwiches anymore.”

But what about pricing and quantities so guests don’t starve?

Many catering companies have a formula, charging, say, $1.40 up to $3.50 per piece, per person. You

determine how many pieces per hour, per person, whip out the calculator and do the maths. t hen you work out drinks. Back to the calculator for more maths. And don’t forget to account for the type of event – people eat more at a launch than at a wake, for example.

Another option, and an easier one in my mind, is a set-price package. With teatro Vivaldi, this is $20 per person for one hour for eight types of canapes ($30 for two hours and $40 for three). the drink and food package, at $38 per person, includes your food, alcohol (red/white wine, champagne, light/ regular beer), mineral water and juices. Both packages come with waiting staff, a liquor license permit, and setting and cleaning up.

If you need help on where to hold your event, ask. Most caterers happily provide advice and ideas. Make sure your caterer conducts a site visit. Ask how many wait staff will be available and how they

manage crowds so everyone gets fed. Mark’s staff are trained to carry trays so they can move through the bottlenecks created when guests get wind of where food is making its grand entrance. For large events, ask to sample food. With events of more than 100 people, teatro Vivaldi invites clients into the restaurant to taste test.

Teatro Vivaldi, University Avenue. 6257 2718 vivaldirestaurant.com.au

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

rams need to roam free and keep active. With Venus, Mars and Jupiter all visiting your wellbeing zone, learn to love the things in life that are good for you. Like nutritious meals, regular exercise and spending time in nature. If you blurt out the first thing on your mind on thursday or Friday, then you’ll spend the rest of the week patching up the problems you’ve created. So strive to be more strategic; think before you speak; and avoid raising sensitive subjects.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

When dealing with others, being kind of heart and offering sensible advice is a winning double. the Venus/Pluto trine encourages deep emotions, intense connections and plenty of passion. So make sure you get up-close-and-personal with someone special this week. on Friday, you have much to learn from a child, teenager or friend; whereas the weekend is the time to watch a movie, go to a concert, see an exhibition or curl up with a book for a rollicking good read.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

research projects and paying close attention to details are highlighted, as Mercury and Pluto activate your study gene. Your fickle attention span will also be tested, when a project demands that you concentrate for more than 60 seconds. If you focus your mind and deepen your thinking, you’ll get the job done. When it comes to a close relationship – are you pulling your weight? Saturn is restricting your freedom, but perhaps it’s also giving you the structure you need?

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are you having romantic rumbles or platonic partnership problems? the more emotionally stubborn you are, the more frustrating the week will be. Strive to be extra cooperative, and have the confidence to speak from the heart and say what’s really on your mind. o thers may not agree with your comments, but they will respect you for being open, honest and authentic. on Friday, expect some welcome good news via a friend, neighbour or social networking contact.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

With Venus, Mars and Jupiter all jumping through your wealth zone, tap into the abundance that is all around you – and not just on a financial level. It’s time to combine your outer creativity with your inner strength, so that you shine brightly for all the world to see. It’s your Leo birthright! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, the stage actress Sarah Bernhardt: “Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Many Virgos will be alarmingly charming as you make those around you feel extra special. Venus stimulates your love of the good things in life, as you enjoy convivial company, beautiful surroundings, the arts, fine food or delicious dining. But avoid the tendency to worry and obsess about something that is totally out of your control. heed the wise words of Mary Engelbreit: “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Avoid procrastinating, dithering, and sitting on the side-lines! With Saturn in your social media zone, you have to work extra hard to get your message out to the world so push yourself to post and publish; socialise and circulate; converse and communicate. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Pablo Picasso: “Action is the foundational key to all success.” on Friday, don’t be dazzled by outer appearances – look beneath the surface to discover a person’s true value.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Are you being obsessively private? Scorpios can be very secretive, mysterious and enigmatic but avoid being a lone wolf or should that be a lone Scorpion? Just remember that what you hide from others, you can also hide from yourself! So strive to be more open and honest in the way you communicate – especially from Friday onwards. If you nurture close relationships, network with colleagues and combine creative ideas with friends, then its win-win for everyone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Expect an entertaining and rollicking ride, as your emotions go up and down in rapid succession. Is a friend, colleague or acquaintance being incredibly demanding? Don’t be too hard on them, they have a lot on their plate. Friday is fabulous for financial matters and taking care of business but you’ll feel a bit stir-crazy on the weekend. try channelling all that fiery energy and ambition into challenging projects and physical pursuits, rather than being bossy with others.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you obsessed about a personal or professional issue? Avoid being short-sighted and making uncharacteristically impulsive moves. A calm, considered approach (with a view to the long term) is the sensible way for clever Capricorns to go. the best way to expand your world at the moment is through exciting new friendships and international contacts. You’re keen to link up with like-minded people from fabulous foreign places, as you exchange ideas and share knowledge.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

have you got a problem that’s bothering you? Worrying about it will get you nowhere. Friday is a fabulous day to slow down and look within, as you meditate and contemplate. Listen to the wisdom of your inner voice – your intuition will point you in the right direction. Do you love your work and does your job stimulate your creativity? on the weekend, take the time to re-evaluate your professional position, as the Sun moves through your career zone until November 22.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

When it comes to plans for the future, you’re full of innovative ideas and creative schemes. But can you tell the difference between a delicious daydream and a dodgy delusion? Pluto demands that you dig deep and set substantial goals that are worthy of your talents. And strive to get the balance right between being impulsive, and taking thoughtful action. Spontaneity works sometimes. At other times, perceptive Pisceans learn to adopt a more measured approach.

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

General knowledge crossword No. 522

HEALTHY LIVING Kirra Rankin with

Ralking is the Best Medicine

Do you have ralking/walking meetings? Who ralks/walks briskly on a regular basis? When is best to ralk? Morning? Lunch? After dinner?

4 Which great religious teacher was called “The Enlightened One”?

7 What is a little cupid?

8 What do we call those who resist any authority or control?

9 Which insect appendages are also called feelers?

11 Which NRL team won the 2006 grand final, defeating the Melbourne Storm?

13 What do we call a mean, sneaking coward?

15 What are lodestones?

17 The Dole is also known as what?

20 What is the surname of an Australian rock singer, Angry ...?

23 To have whirled at variance with the main current, is to have done what?

24 What are the letters of a language in their customary order?

25 What is a devout petition to God? Down

1 Which expression is used after a prayer?

2 What is an earlier name for silver?

3 Name a British boys’ school, founded in 1440 by Henry VI.

4 Which insect burrows into trees, fruits, etc?

5 To make fun of, especially by parody, is to do what?

6 Name a common telephone greeting.

9 Who is the second son of Elizabeth II of Britain?

10 Which part of the body lies between the thorax and the pelvis?

12 What is one of the four periods of the year?

14 What is a crude representation of a person, made as an expression of hatred?

16 Oslo is the capital of which European kingdom?

18 Which term is descriptive of one’s senior?

19 Name a means of determining the presence and location of an object.

21 What, informally, do we call any drug?

22 What is a prophetic sign?

Walking, gentle running or “Ralking” (combination of running and walking) is a natural mood elevator & kick starts your circulatory system. Walking rejuvenates, revitalises the body’s cell network & releases muscular tension.

Walking statistics according to Exercise Right: BRAIN: Just 2 hours of walking a week can reduce risk of stroke by 30%.

MOOD: 30 minutes a day can reduce symptoms of depression by 36%.

WEIGHT: A daily 1 hour walk can cut your risk of obesity in half.

BONES: 4 hours a week can reduce risk of hip fracture by up to 43%.

HEART: 30-60 minutes most days a week drastically lowers your risk of heart disease.

Releasing Relaxation Hormones

Walking decreases stress hormones and increases betaendorphins (or relaxation hormones), which elevates your mood, increases your sense of well being & sense of self.

When to Ralk/Walk?

In today’s infuriatingly fast paced world, constant text messages, regular email beep-offs, facebook updates and mindless Twitter flashes you deprive your self of the much needed space in your mind. So when is best to clear your mind with a ralk? Morning? Lunch? After dinner? Any time is better than no time. However, it is better to ralk during early hours of morning because the environment is considered to be fresh, clean and less polluted. The air that you intake during the morning is more likely to be free of polluted gaseous matters and has low level of carbon dioxide.

How to get started?

• Have good foot wear, to prevent injuries. Go to your local Athletes Foot and get your foot analysed.

• Have your shoes and exercise kit ready to go in the morning.

• Choose a variety of loops for your ralk.

• Avoid busy roads. You need fresh air with green & clean surroundings. There are plenty of mountains to ralk around in Canberra. Mt Painter is my favourite.

• Once you get fitter – add some surges. Hard for 30 sec, easy for 30 sec.

• Schedule recovery days – stretching, yoga, pilates and Hydrotherapy are great active recovery activities.

If not now, when?

Ralking is the best medicine.

open garden

An invitation to relax

WITH a vast blue timber pergola drenched in purple wisteria, Els Wynen’s garden welcomes visitors straight away with an inviting place to relax.

t he slate deck surrounds the house and steps down to the mainly native garden and pond area.

“I like natives but I’ll include non-natives if I can’t find one that offers the solution I want,” Els says.

“For example, we wanted something over the pergola that gave us shade in summer but sun in winter and the best solution to me was wisteria. I couldn’t find a native that would withstand the frost and was deciduous.

“ t he most important thing to me is that a plant is useful and I like it.”

Els’ inviting garden in Flynn will be open for the first time on the weekend of o ctober 31-November 1 as part of o pen Gardens Canberra.

Els’ philosophy of utilising plants to solve her garden’s issues have included a fast-growing Chinese jasmine to screen the neighbour’s shed, and a feijoa tree that barely fruits but offers cooling shade in summer to a favourite seating area.

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Andrew Finch

“o ne of the things I love is that we have created so many places to sit,” Els says. “We use them all at different times of the year.”

As an agronomist, Els says her main interest had always been organic vegetables and her orchard includes nectarines, persimmons, grapes, figs and lemons.

With a mix of native and exotic plants, the garden features flowering grevilleas, banksias, callistemons and hakeas.

“ t here’s so much flowering at this time of year and we use all our different seating areas, including the new deck off the guest room in the front,” Els says.

“We sit much more outside than in.”

3 Ramage Place, Flynn, open 10am-4pm, over the weekend of October 31 and November 1. Admission $8; free to under-18s and Open Gardens Canberra members.

It costs $25 to join for free entry to all open gardens until August 31. More information at opengardenscanberra. org.au/join

gardening

Steps in the right direction

STRUCTURE is the most important first stage of a garden.

o ften, when I am discussing a new garden, people immediately start giving me long plant lists.

But it’s not possible to start planting until hard structures and the layout of garden beds have been decided on.

t he planting area will be reduced by lawns, an essential feature if you have small children. t hen there’s the effect of play equipment, a garden shed or, maybe, a chook pen on further constraining the planting area.

Until the hard landscaping is in place, the planting area may be a quarter of the size planned for plants.

o n sloping blocks, retaining walls and steps will almost certainly be needed. It’s important to get these details right as it can be expensive to change them later.

STEPS

So often steps may look ornamental, but are often impractical and sometimes downright dangerous. It is always advisable to make steps at least 1.5m wide so that two people can walk side by side. t his may be to assist a relative or friend who has walking difficulties.

t he tread of steps needs to be a minimum of 340mm or the width of a brick and a half. Each step or riser should be no higher than 180mm.

t he photo of brick steps illustrates all of these points. Also, I designed the steps with the wings retaining soil spread outwards. t his gives the impression of outstretched arms saying: “Welcome to our home”. o ften we use Bink’s concrete pavers, in this instance the sandstone finish, which fits in with most landscaping.

PATHS

Paths should always lead somewhere, linking the various elements of the garden, ie to the clothes line or the garden shed.

With small children, it’s an idea to connect the paths to form a circular track for tricycles etcetera. Make it at least one metre wide. As a garden matures, there is nothing worse than losing half the load off the wheelbarrow pushing it through the shrubbery.

It seems standard practice with builders, particularly on spec-built homes, to lay concrete paths right next to the home.

t hey may be practical but concrete paths are the most uninspiring. In some instances, they can be made more pleasing to the eye with clay pavers laid as a “header course” each side of the path. header course is landscaper jargon for laying the pavers next to each other rather than end to end. For an existing narrow path this

immediately increases the width by 460mm. It’s always best to have a paved area for an outdoor table and chairs. A six-seater setting will require a paved area not less than three metres wide to allow for chairs to be pushed back without going into the garden. o nce again, Bink’s concrete pavers, which are available in a variety of colours, offer an ideal size at 400mm x 400mm.

J OTTINGS…

• Continue to apply snail and slug killer to strawberry beds.

• If there’s space, plant Kiwi fruit, which grow well in this climate.

• Check the use-by date on seed packets, it’s as important as when buying food.

• Clean dust off the leaves of indoor plants with a damp cloth. this prevents the plant breathing.