160303 citynews

Good teaching always trumps technology

DIANE JOSEPH

When developers dictate our future

MICHAEL MOORE

‘Progress’ looms over Haig Park

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Rail’s troubled trek to Canberra

NICHOLE OVERALL

Here come the spring bulbs!

CEDRIC BRYANT

The race is on

Thoroughbred Park readies for the Black Opal

Cruise & Travel Expo

Don’t miss the greatest cruise & travel event of 2016 brought to you by Australia’s Best Travel Agency Group!

sunday, 06 march | 10Am - 4pm

NAT io NA l Co N ve NT io N Ce NT re

Free entry • $5 all-day parking • over 50 leading cruise and travel brands • heaps of great prizes to be won!

Presentations by your favourite cruise & travel brands

with expert advice on hundreds of destinations, exclusive offers and presentations on ocean and river cruising, tours, rail journeys and much more, it doesn’t matter where you’re headed next, we’ve got something for you!

win A meKong river cruise For Two vAlued AT $8,000!*

AAT Kings • APT / TrAvelmArvel • BAcK-roAds Touring co • French TrAvel connecTion • gloBus / cosmos • hollAnd AmericA line • insider Journeys • insighT vAcATions • lindBlAd exPediTions • Princess cruises • royAl cAriBBeAn inTernATionAl • scenic • silverseA cruises • smAll grouP TrAvel wiTh Peregrine, inTrePid & gecKos • The AFricA sAFAri co • The ghAn & indiAn PAciFic • TrAFAlgAr • uniworld BouTique river cruise collecTion • viKing cruises • wendy wu Tours

politics / planning

When a developer starts dictating our future

The chairman of the GWS Giants provides assurances the three-game deal will continue if the Manuka development goes ahead. Big deal!

A DEVELOPER-led redevelopment of Manuka is the last thing needed in south Canberra. A developer is attempting to dictate Canberra planning once again.

The national capital has been served well by its planners and by its developers. However, it is served best when each sticks to their own roles. In a fair process, politicians across the political spectrum should stop jumping on the bandwagon of individual developers and support planners to decide the parameters. This way, not just one, but all of the developers have a fair chance to participate.

In the 2012 Budget there was $3 million set aside to examine designs for a new hotel, cafés and shops and two new stands around Manuka Oval. The process started appropriately. The proposal was in preparation for a bid for the Twenty20 World Cup in cricket. The land swap with the Canberra Services Club, after their club was destroyed by fire, provided an additional catalyst.

Enter Australia’s largest privately owned developer –Grocon. And football – AFL style. Forget about cricket. A developer puts together a sweet deal with the risk that good planning flies out the window. No longer is it about a hotel and cafés.

Serviced and general residential apartments along with 140,000

square metres of retail and office space become part of the equation as a trade-off.

Sport as their entrée. Who needs planners? This is about greater participation in national sport. The Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL team is committed to a $23 million, 10-year deal to have just three matches a year at the Manuka Oval.

The chairman of the GWS Giants, Tony Shepherd, provides assurances the three-game deal will continue if the development goes ahead. Big deal! That just takes continuing negotiations. It does not mean selling our souls to a developer. Especially when there is a deal already in place.

Mr Shepherd is reported as being “confident the proposed upgrade would change the face of Canberra sport forever”.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr assures the community that the proposal will be subject to the strictest scrutiny. But the temptation of big money, construction jobs, ongoing rates revenue and urban renewal has a way of interfering. These are just some of the factors that form careful planning in the community interest. Barr has recognised it as a “constructive proposal”, but assured the community that it was not a “fait accompli”.

Nor should it be. Let as many developers throw as many “unsolicited” ideas as they like. Our planners should take these ideas into account and then determine what is best

for Canberra as a whole, set the parameters and put them out to tender. This process would be fairest for Canberra and fairest for all of the developers who build in this city. There are significant heritage issues around Manuka. This is an early development area established within a few years of the Old Parliament House and the surrounding public service buildings such as Treasury. The oval and the swimming pool were part of providing appropriate recreation facilities for the burgeoning national capital. The character of the area needs to be retained.

However, planning must also consider Canberra as a whole. A key planning issue is Gungahlin, which is desperate for office space. While Canberra continues to allow more and more office space in the central parts of the city, the decentralised concept of Canberra suffers and the Gungahlin town centre fails to thrive in the way

that the original planners conceived.

Had the “spy building” on Parkes Way, or the office space that was built at the airport, for example, been in Gungahlin there would have been much less justification for a light rail project. Peak hour traffic would have operated in both directions. The number of peak hour commuters heading to Civic and surrounds would have been considerably reduced. (Although, it ought to be recognised that both were Federal Government foibles rather than that of ACT planners or government). These mistakes should not be repeated in Manuka.

The redevelopment of Manuka Oval must be seen in the context of all of Canberra planning. Grocon should be thanked for its contribution – but an unsolicited proposal should not stop thoughtful planning or cut out the opportunity for other developers.

index

Arts & Entertainment 19-20

Canberra Confidential 11

Cinema 19

Dining 20

Garden 22-23

Horoscopes 21 Letters 8-9 News 3-10 Politics 3 Puzzles 21 Socials 12-13 Sport 10

Ph 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111

GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601

contacts

Since 1993: Volume 22, Number 7

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

Photographer: Andrew Finch

Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196

Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Advertising account executives: Kathy Leigh, 0400 293991; Liam Jones, 0400 092095

Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

Production manager / graphic design: Janet Ewen

Graphic designer: Paulette Leo

Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

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

Distribution: 02 6262 1900, circulation@citynews.com.au

Q hair on: 02 6257 8242

Shop 2, Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Defence plan should have us dancing in the streets

WHATEVER the Chinese government might feel about the new Defence white paper, Canberrans should be dancing in the streets.

The new spending over an extended period will provide a major contribution to our economic future. Extensions to Harman and the 1200 new jobs in areas from cyber warfare to engineering and diplomacy are just the tip of the submarine conning tower. Military recruitment and training, for example, will give a strong boost to our service and educational facilities.

WHILE the paper has been two years in the making – and has been rewritten a dozen times – it represents a big win for the little-known, semi-government think tank, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) whose director Peter Jennings worked very closely with the Defence Department in its development.

And while Beijing said it was “dissatisfied” with suggestions that Australia opposed its actions in the South China Sea, Foreign Minister Julie and our top brass briefed the Chinese leadership and kept the protests decidedly low key.

Malcolm Turnannouncement – with the impressively articulate Defence Minister Marise Payne – had the political virtue of cutting through the seem -

dose of dorin

ingly endless tax debate. Perhaps Turnbull has learned the lesson that before you start a “conversation” it’s a good idea to have something to say.

CLOSER to home the defence announcement will have gladdened the hearts of the Barr Government’s light rail proponents. The planned extension to Russell Hill

ROBERT MACKLIN

will eventually make the tram a more viable economic proposition and will encourage the Feds to make an even bigger contribution to our public transport infrastructure.

REGULAR readers will recall that last week we reported Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was undecided whether to oppose sensible government proposals to end the “gaming” of the Senate voting system by the micro-parties.

“Let’s hope [they] have the integrity to resist,” we said. Alas, despite strong pressure in the party he ran true to form. Labor will oppose the measures, which will pass the Senate anyway.

The planned extension to Russell Hill will eventually make the tram a more viable economic proposition.

THE proposed $800 million redevelopment of the Manuka Oval and village came under fire this week from the usual suspects – Emeritus Professor Ken Taylor who seems to believe that almost any new development is a blot on the pristine landscape of yesteryear; and “The Canberra Times” oracle-at-large Jack Waterford who not only divined murky financial undertones – without producing a tittle of evidence – but scorned the conscientious public servants who will oversee the development. Sad.

ANOTHER positive suggestion from outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott for a “friendly merger” with SBS. “By coming together, SBS and the ABC could still offer distinct brands under separate charters,” he told the Press Club.

“But it could be done without an entire separate back office, stand-alone buildings, studios and technology, legal, finance, HR and corporate divisions – or separate boards. We could spend more of the funding serving audiences.”

MORE happy news – Alan Alda, the much beloved Hawkeye Pierce of “M.A.S.H.”, who has become a leader in science communication, has joined with the ANU and will give a series of public lectures in Canberra next month. Unfortunately, they’re already sold out. Surely we should be able to find a bigger venue… the Convention Centre… Manuka Oval?

robert@robertmacklin.com

Helping

“ We found the assessment report very useful and without Actsmart we would not have been able to afford this upgrade. It is a great initiative and we’re happy to be a part of it ” Nick Spinocchia and George Raad, Owners Cook IGA/Friendly Grocer.

THE BOTOX AND THE FILLERS!

We have the Red Carpet Secret Come and be a celebrity with us with

Non surgical facelifts

10am till 8pm* Monday to Saturday *Later times by appointment

All aboard rail’s troubled journey to Canberra

LIGHT rail may be the hotbutton Canberra topic of the moment (or the last 25 years), but near on a century ago, Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for a train line to extend from Queanbeyan to Civic and beyond was, literally, washed away.

Griffin had always intended for trains to leave the already wellentrenched Queanbeyan Station of 1887 to progress their journey over the border, all the way into the heart of his planning masterpiece, eventually to connect with the “Great Southern Railway” at Yass. It even incorporated a 1400 foot-long tunnel and an underground station.

Unfortunately, in a foretelling of what some 40 years later was still being decried as a place where they were “building houses that leak, roads that become swamped, [and] no decent bridges”, the dream was never really to be.

By 1914, the railway line only reached as far as a forlorn shed at

the rural outpost of Kingston, and it wasn’t for anything as inconvenient as passengers; simply to transfer goods from the service hub of Queanbeyan into the Federal Territory in order to actually get on with the job of building the new capital.

That great fabulist King O’Malley imperiously declared there was “no justification for passenger services between Canberra and Queanbeyan”, though perhaps top of the prohibitionist’s mind were those NSW pubs, but it ensured people didn’t make the less than seven kilometre trip this way for almost another decade.

Within six years though, Griffin had taken it upon himself to lay tracks that might reach Civic Centre – much to the chagrin of the Commonwealth Railways Commissioner, who loudly complained about the lack of consultation – and which required the erection of a “rather flimsy” timber trestle bridge spanning the River Molonglo.

Conjecture swirled consistently around whether the line was of a “substantial character” or simply a “light railway”. Mother Nature kept putting the argument to the test; during construction, sections of the track out Queanbeyan way were washed away during flooding in two consecutive months while 100 years ago last week, the tracks were badly affected in another of those natural disasters which plague townships that sit astride watercourses.

Then, in the depths of the winter of 1922, one of the most dramatic floods in the recorded history of the region at that time (to be surpassed by the biggest in another three years), resulted

Dahlia display

THE Great Dahlia Display will be a feature at the Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, on the weekend of March 5-6.

Thought for food

THE Australian Culinary Federation and OzHarvest Canberra are holding a culinary-focused trivia night to raise funds for a second food rescue vehicle for OzHarvest Canberra. At the National Press Club, from 6pm, on Monday, March 7. Prizes include a $500 dinner voucher for Tetsuya’s Sydney. Tickets are $12 or $100 for a table of 10. Book tickets via eventbrite.com.au

Gong for Laurie

in more widespread damage, even disturbing graves in the Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery, itself virtually underneath the railway line – history repeating again on this count regularly and most famously 50-odd years later.

The raging waters also swept away the support piers of the aforementioned Molonglo Rail Bridge, leaving the tracks twisted and scarred and swinging in the wind as it were.

This pivotal, if temporary, piece of railway infrastructure that offered such promise for the future of the capital’s transport options had lasted little more than a year.

Despite voluble protests suggesting such a railway connection was “a matter of vital concern to the development of the city”, the bell had well and truly tolled for the Kingston-Civic Line: though it remained in situ until as late as the 1940s, political demurring and deferring meant there would be no Lazarus moment.

Depending on who was asked, the sorry wreck served as testament to bad planning, bad luck or bad budgeting.

Nichole Overall is a journalist and local historian based in Queanbeyan.

CANBERRA businesswoman Laurie McDonald has been recognised for her entrepreneurial efforts by being one of this year’s inductees into the national Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame. She started Canberra Furnished Accommodation in 2003, which has grown to more than 50 properties.

Garage sale

OPPORTUNITY To Do is holding its monthly Charity Garage Sale at 5 O’Grady Place, Wanniassa, 7am-noon, on Saturday, March 12. Organisers promise a huge range of baby, kids, adult and household items at affordable prices, with the proceeds going to funding projects that promote sustainability and self-reliance in poor communities to create sustainable change and better futures.

Reaching out

THE Canberra IBD Support Group meets every third Wednesday of every second month to discuss topics relating to chronic illnesses collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease. The next meeting is at the Hughes Community Centre, 7.30pm-9pm, on March 16 and sufferers of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, as well as their families and friends, are invited to attend. Tea and coffee is provided. More information at crohnsandcolitis.com.au or email canberracrohnscolitis@gmail.com

Teens may apply

THE Rotary Club of Gungahlin is sponsoring a community Interact club for Gungahlin high-schoolers aged 12 to 18. Interact is Rotary’s service club for young people. The new club will perform at least two service projects a year, focusing on the local community and international understanding. Teenage residents or students from any Gungahlin high school can get involved by emailing Sandra Mahlberg at president.rcgungahlin@gmail.com or by attending a session at Gungahlin Library, every Tuesday, 4.30pm-5.30pm.

Big day for high Stakes

CANBERRA’S big Black Opal race day on Sunday, March 6, promises plenty of activity on and off the track.

The Black Opal Stakes meeting, sponsored by Mercedes Benz, has $847,000 in total prize money over its eight races.

There will also be live entertainment, food stalls and the Myer Fashions on the Field competition, which offers more than $15,000 in prizes. Competition categories are classic ladies’ race wear, classic men’s race wear and the millinery award.

Organisers say that the official Black Opal Stakes lapel flower is the pink rose, as an insider tip for hopeful fashionistas!

“I love seeing how people interpret trends and racewear style in their own way, and then ensure they don’t just follow trends but ensure that they suit their body type and personality as well,” says Face of Canberra Racing, Kate Speldewinde, 27, who works full time as a physiotherapist and was crowned the Westfield Face of Canberra Racing last year.

“To be able to get involved in fashion and modelling has been amazing. I’ve loved working with milliner Christine Waring this year and have made some great friendships.”

Mercedes-Benz Canberra Black Opal Stakes, Sunday, March 6, Thoroughbred Park. Online tickets are available through Ticketek. Seniors are $5 and children under 18 free.

Traditional American BBQ food using an imported smoker from Texas and imported Hickory Wood.

Eat in, Take away & Catering

fb: smoquecanberra

w: smoque.com.au

Shadow of ‘progress’ looms over Haig Park

IN the last week all sorts of media outlets have played host to a variety of think pieces on Haig Park.

It’s almost as if someone were running a coordinated campaign.

As a long-term resident of the inner north, I’ll admit to having had a long-term relationship with the park.

BOOKINGS: 02 6257 2727 • SHOP 21, BAILEYS CORNER, 143 LONDON CIRCUIT, CBD

p: 02 6257 2727 coffee. gourmet takeaway. P: 02 6257 0968 F: 3DegreesCoffee

A: Shop 10, Baileys Corner, 143 London Circuit, CBD

I’ve staggered through it late at night drunkenly trying to stumble home from Civic, walked my dogs through it thousands of times, taken part in the wide variety of role playing games that have used it, enjoyed barbecues at the facilities and ridden through the magical section of bike path next to Sullivan’s Creek most of my whole adult life.

There are times when I’ve wished the ACT government would mow the grass more, but that is hardly a complaint unique to Haig Park.

So I’m always a little surprised to see it referred to as a dangerous, deserted space populated by low-lifes.

I must be one of the low-lifes to whom the great and the good refer.

It’s true the sections of park near the awful public housing flats can be sketchy. Everything surrounding those flats was sketchy and, thankfully, they’ll be gone soon.

The pundits promise a bucolic vision of what Haig Park could be. More paths, more signs, more barbecue areas will apparently make it an earthly paradise.

And then we get to the kicker. If only planning control of the park were lifted all these improvements would flow.

At this point the cynic starts to snicker, the snicker turns to laughs, and before you know it the miserable cynic has thrown their head back in full-throated guffaws.

Will these wondrous improvements, perhaps, be made by a nice developer? And will it be part of a larger development? One that might include slapping a few tower blocks of apartments on this nice, open, inner-city real estate?

It’s not that long ago we saw a similar push on Glebe Park. Glebe is, no doubt, a much more salubriously

I’m always a little surprised to see Haig Park referred to as a dangerous, deserted space populated by low-lifes. I must be one of the low-lifes to whom the great and the good refer.

appointed park. But even there we hear stories about how it is a wasted resource, ripe for something more interesting to be done with it.

The problem is that if you were to go down to Glebe Park, any time the weather is half decent, you’ll find it rather full of ordinary citizens enjoying the greenery and open spaces.

Canberra does, I’ll concede, have a lot of parks. But most of us don’t live within walking distance of the lake.

Some open, empty space to ramble along like Haig Park, where the goth girls can go and take photos of each other and the nerf gunners can shoot up imaginary zombies without troubling anyone, doesn’t seem to be harming too many people while bringing some quiet joy to the residents of the inner north. I realise I don’t stand to make further millions by bulldozing the trees and throwing up apartment towers.

If I did maybe I’d view the park as “wasted”. But aside from upping the mowing schedule, I’ll confess I quite like it just as it is.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

& Catering

Ph: 02 6247 9464

www.tree83.com.au

info@tree83.com.au

CORNER LONDON CIRCUIT CANBERRA PH 6257 8501

Baileys Arcade Canberra City

Tardy help when the net went down

I READ with a sense of incredulity the article by John Griffiths lauding the service of iiNet (“Speed comes to the slopes”, CN, February 18) last week.

This is so far removed from my experiences with iiNet since it took over Transact that I could not help but respond. Ignoring constant billing issues and the sending of invoices out on Christmas Eve with the threat (real threat) of disconnection if not paid in two weeks, it appears it has no concept of customer service. Several months ago I lost connection at the time of some demolition next door. iiNet advised that no work was being done in the Kingston district, but after purchasing a mobile hotspot I ran into a technician in the car park. He advised he was from Transact (iiNet) and they had disconnected all local premises that morning – they had just reconnected the network.

I am now in my sixth day of no network connections after losing all connections. iiNet advised that it appears an exchange or line issue. The best it can do in terms of technical assistance is have someone arrive some 7.5 days later. And this is after they “appreciate it is a business”. Heaven help the poor residential customer.

So, here I wait hoping to see a technician tomorrow – and no offer of any reduction on my bill.

Alex Gosman, via email

The mind boggles!

THE mind boggles! If the push to remove “mother” and “father” from the birth certificate (“Finding ‘justice’ in a birth certificate”, CN, February 25) succeeds, how will the police appeal for help in identifying a “gender diverse” person of interest? Ken McPhan, Spence

Okay to let go of helmets

I DON’T understand what columnist John Griffiths’ problem is with helmets (“Hard arguments around helmets”, CN, February 25). Does that level of risk averseness extend to walking, cooking or using power tools? Don’t be so scared of life and let people make these decisions for themselves. Cycling is relatively safe and if relaxing the mandatory helmet laws manages to increase riding by even a small percentage then that’s a good thing for the entire community.

opinion / technology in schools

Good teaching always trumps technology

Last week Mum in the City columnist Sonya Fladun bemoaned the cost of having to send her son to school with $1000 worth of technology in his backpack. Here ACT director-general of Education DIANE JOSEPH explains how all students have access to a school device...

I READ with interest columnist Sonya Fladun’s article on “bring your own device” (BYOD) programs in education (“The rising cost of ‘free’ education”, CN, February 25). Some of what she said resonated. Technology is a powerful influence across all areas of society. Education is no exception. We must leverage the power of technology to enhance the learning experience, but not to replace good teaching.

Whenever we change the way education is delivered and, importantly, the way learning is experienced, we need to make sure school communities are partners in that change. BYOD programs in schools are no exception. Utilising new and emerging technologies in classrooms can raise concerns for parents. There are questions that parents need answered. Importantly, in developing any new school program or utilising any new learning resources, public schools ensure equity of access for all students. This is no different for introducing the use of personal ICT devices in the curriculum.

The focus for information technologies in Canberra public schools is to ensure it is fast, simple to use and supports quality teaching and learning.

As schools elect to implement BYOD programs, it is done in close consultation with school communities so any concerns or issues can be addressed along the way. Families, in particular, must be partners in the journey.

Public schools have access to the fastest education network in Australia with gigabit fibre to every ACT school. High schools and colleges have recently received upgrades to their wireless networks. All public primary schools will be upgraded by July, 2017. This high-speed network, combined with the popular Google Apps for Education platform, means

any internet-connected device can be used as a powerful learning tool.

There are multiple ways for students to participate in engaging with device-based learning without having to purchase their own devices. Every Canberra public school is provided with annual funding for devices. The current average ratio is one device for every three students.

Where schools implement BYOD programs, public schools ensure all students have access to a device. This can mean a student can access a device in the classroom and, in many cases, take it home.

Principals are committed to ensuring the best opportunities for all students irrespective of their circumstances or their backgrounds.

Our schools are able to provide support and advice to families including financial supports available at the school level and information on government assistance for eligible families.

Learning with and through technology is a challenge for educators and parents alike in finding out what is possible, how to exploit the advantages of technology for learning, while at the same time not compromising on achieving the best for every student.

I’ve seen first-hand some of the amazing work being done in our classrooms in using the Google Apps for Education platform, which provides a suite of tools for classroom collaboration.

As always, a balanced approach is required. Quality teaching remains the core to anything that happens in a classroom.

I encourage parents and members of the wider community to visit our schools and see ICT in action in learning. The learning, and the way it is delivered in our public schools, is second to none.

Diane Joseph is directorgeneral of the ACT Education Directorate.

DIANE JOSEPH grumpy

Speaking truth to foolishness

SPEAKING truth to power is generally regarded as a career-limiting move and Nick Jensen, writing about the “Justice Legislation Amendment” Bill (CN, February 25), will probably find that speaking truth to foolishness is equally unrewarding. In this Age of Spin, it is a wonder the amendment wasn’t called a “reform”.

Likewise, deceptive titles such as “anti-bullying campaign” are given to ideological indoctrination of schoolchildren. Pigs in pokes are sold as “innovations” and if they are questioned, slanted opinion polls are run to get the required answers, while unfavourable information is suppressed. Now, the moral improvers are all about feelings, not facts. There are even commissions that tout for business from people whose feelings have been hurt and a slew of pop-up groups that try to shortcircuit representative democracy by shouting down those less enlightened than themselves. It is small wonder that children’s rights (including knowing who their parents are) take a back seat to the self-centred and self-righteous.

Glyn

Myfyr, Weston

Legalised littering?

By Mike from Monash

MY beef is the free newspaper that is randomly “delivered” around my suburb by throwing it from a car window somewhere in the general direction of the front driveway.

“No junk mail” signs are disregarded and these “newspapers” are mostly encased in a plastic wrapper that disintegrates at the slightest suggestion of moisture, blocking gutters and making a mess of footpaths. This must be surely a case of legalised littering?

Any doubts, have a look at Clive Steele Avenue in Monash. The ACT government banned the practice of sticking junk mail under windscreen wipers many years ago, but is this not the similar distribution of unsolicited junk mail?

Maybe the distributors of the unwanted newspapers could be made to retrieve their litter before subsequent deliveries.

Am I the only one who finds this practice annoying?

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated purely to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au

Word is, don’t rock boat

SOME years ago at a social gathering, I was warned by somebody involved in sport within the ACT government to be careful about publicly criticising decisions on spending by the government on sport.

The theory being that if there was public criticism of the amount of money spent on sport it would make it harder to get through the government processes, no matter the merit of the proposal.

Allocate money to areas such as education, health and roads, and it is seen as extremely worthwhile. Allocate money to sport and it is perceived to be questionable.

Of course, I took little notice and deemed it part of the cut and thrust of everyday news.

It happens on a semi-regular basis; there is often lobbying in an effort to push a story in a certain direction and this is not a process that is confined just to governments.

But what that casual conversation at the social gathering told me is that government spending on sport and sporting facilities in Canberra is a sensitive issue.

I raise the issue now as we, as a community, debate the merits of private funds utilising government land and land allocated for use by sporting organisations to finance development of sporting facilities.

The Manuka development put forward by Grocon and GWS is the latest to go down this path.

Grocon wouldn’t be doing it unless it was in its commercial interests. But the question remains; if the government doesn’t have the money to upgrade facilities what other options are there available?

Partnerships between developers and commercial operators utilising land on the site of sporting facilities has been happening for

Government spending on sport and sporting facilities in Canberra is a sensitive issue.

a while in Canberra, although not to the extent as the Manuka Oval proposal.

The Tennis Centre at Lyneham is a case in point where the partnership with Next Generation, Tennis ACT and the ACT government resulted in a major upgrade.

ACT Hockey is also looking to allow the development of childcare facilities on its sites at Lyneham and Tuggeranong as well as commercial activity at Lyneham to allow for an upgrade of the hockey playing surfaces. Both hockey and tennis were very open about their plans.

To my way of thinking, the only way the new indoor stadium in Civic will be built is through the private investment developer/government model. And, as I stated in my previous column, I can’t see this happening any time soon.

Manuka Oval is a huge development compared to hockey and tennis and perhaps has a long way to go before it passes the pub test!

Transparency is the key to acceptance of this model.

The community won’t buy it if there is a perception of secrecy.

TIM GAVEL

Canberra Confidential

Taking action to ACTION

WANT to complain about ACTION? Well, don’t bother with its website. The bus company seems to have carefully moved it and left no signposts to where a grievance can be lodged. No complaints clearly lead to better service indicators!

CC’s public transport snout was upbraided by a driver in colourful language when the bus overshot the stop in O’Connor. He accused the passenger of pressing the stop button at the last moment (untrue) and then took loud umbrage at having the oversight brought to his attention.

Aggrieved, our snout was moved to want to alert the driver’s employer to this odd approach to customer service. But nowhere to complain directly to ACTION. He took to Facebook to discover that the complaint form sits peaceful and probably undisturbed on accesscanberra.act.gov.au, the Chief Minister’s special website that’s lofty aim “is to promote good governance and provide great service, with a particular focus on helping local entrepreneurs understand and comply with the regulations needed to establish a new business or hold an event.” How this sits with having a whinge about ACTION is anyone’s guess, but the driver was reported.

Australians all let us unite…

YOU’VE gotta love them… those couple of faces in the T-shirted crowd we’ve cropped out from the amazingly well attended and shamefully under reported Gift of Life’s 10th anniversary walk around the lake are Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove, of Yarralumla.

One has to salute the Vice-Regals for walking

the talk when it comes to organ donation awareness.

The photo is by reporter Kate Meikle, who also scammed a selfie with a cheerful Lady Cosgrove during the early morning walk of 6000 people, but we’ll spare you that.

Chips (& pies) are down

IN election year, CC imagines anything goes, but are we alone in thinking that announcing lower prices for, ostensibly, junk food at Canberra Stadium is really a good use of the Chief Minister’s valuable time in governing this troublesome domain?

The price of chips (down 20 per cent) and pies (down 18 per cent) would seem to be a government matter with the Chief opining: “We know that the price of food at GIO stadium can be a restricting factor for many families coming out and supporting our local teams on a regular basis, so starting at tonight’s game between the Brumbies and the Hurricanes food prices will come down.”

And down they came and up went the Brumbies to flog the Hurricanes!

‘Times’ tops nation

“FAIRFAX Media’s ‘Canberra Times’ posted the largest decline across the Mondayto-Friday titles, with its sales down 18.7 per cent year-on-year to sit at 18,837 for the December quarter,” so intoned the national media website mumbrella.com.au reflecting a story unseen in the columns of

the Fyshwick fish wrapper. It did better by posting less-worse drops for Saturday (28,750), down 6.3 per cent and Sunday (19,700), down 8.7 per cent.

Mick and the have-nots

IN faraway Tucson, Arizona (population 980,000), junketeering Planning Minister Mick Gentleman sent home an excited press release waxing lyrical about the US city’s 10km light rail, which was opened last year and traverses the city’s university.

“It has been fantastic to see how light rail can transform a city, whilst carrying 4000 passengers every weekday,” Mick enthuses.

But then (and remember he represents the tram-deprived, southern Canberra seat of Brindabella) he makes the sort of comment that could cost him votes later this year: “There is a stark difference between areas of Tucson, Arizona, that have light rail and those that do not.” Like Tuggeranong, Mick.

Bring your own banner!

ODD or what? A collective of “ordinary citizens” from Can the Tram railing against Labor’s decision to build the tram is planning to protest outside the Assembly, in Civic Square.

Fair enough, but oddly they’re going to be there for three consecutive nights (March, 8, 9 and 10) between 4.30pm and 6pm.

“Show you care,” they say and “save our city from this unnecessary, costly and destructive project.”

But you have to bring your own placard.

Enter the plastic bollard

READER Ed Towner, feeling for last month’s victim of low bollards after she cruelly dented her car from unwittingly backing into a couple of them crouching in the John James Hospital car park, wrote to say the Cooleman Court shopping centre might hold the answer.

He says the steel shockers in the disabled-parking area have been replaced with plastic bollards on flexible bases.

“It seems that these type of bollards or a taller one that you could see might be a solution,” he writes so sensibly.

Breaking up is hard to do...

IN case you wondered, a singles website has surveyed 1900 single people and discovered the top five reasons for breaking up:

1. Partner’s lack of love and attention (61 per cent)

2. Partner’s poor sexual performance (26 per cent)

3. Fell in love with someone else (26 per cent)

4. Partner’s lack of career (15 per cent)

5. Desire to try the single life (15 per cent)

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.

•

•

•

• Memorable fan experiences

•

• Individual and group ticketing

One Stop Auto & Tyres

Family-friendly,

comprehensive service in a modern workshop featuring the latest technology and equipment

One-stop-shop care for all kinds of cars

THE dedicated, experienced team at One Stop Auto & Tyres at Fyshwick offers familyfriendly, comprehensive automotive care in a custom-designed, modern workshop featuring the latest technology and equipment.

From servicing, repairs, tyres, wheel alignment and balancing, air conditioning to roadworthy and safety inspections, One Stop Auto & Tyres is the only stop your car needs, says owner, Abdalrahman “Abdal” Hijazi.

“We are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times,” he says .

With a professional background in customer service and people management, Abdal says he has always

loved cars and remembers fondly saving up to buy his first “bomb” car as a teenager, spending all his spare time and money tinkering with it.

When he moved into the mechanical industry six years ago, he says his passion for cars and customer service became a perfect fit.

The opportunity came for Abdal to team up with his father, Ahmad, to start One Stop Auto & Tyres, moving into the new premises with an experienced team of mechanics in August last year.

Abdal is determined to give his customers a new experience in mechanical repairs.

“I think a lot of people have a perception of mechanics as a bit scruffy and they talk a lot of car jargon that you just don’t understand or want to know! I see my job as translator, giving the customer value for money and a sense of security,” he says.

The team behind the scenes in the workshop consists of mechanic, Les, who has decades of experience in the industry including factory training as a technician. Abdal says he brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Terry (“TK”) is a Korean-born and trained mechanic whose speciality is newer, modern vehicles, providing high-level troubleshooting and diagnosis. He also worked for Toyota in Australia and welcomes and helps Korean-speaking customers.

Josh is One Stop Auto & Tyres’ first year apprentice who is also an experienced tyre fitter.

Ahmad brings extensive business and administrative experience and wisdom after 43 years in senior management in the public service.

“We work as a team and rely on each other’s expertise,” says Abdal.

One Stop Auto & Tyres is open seven days a week, which provides customers with extra convenience and service. That is from 8am-5pm, Mondays to Fridays, on Saturdays from 8am-4pm and 10am-3pm on Sundays.

Its location directly opposite the Canberra Outlet Centre gives a great opportunity for customers to drop off their car for a service then enjoy the shops while

anything in between, we can offer wheels for any

they wait, or catch the bus to work or home.

As one of eight authorised Repco repairers in Canberra, One Stop Auto & Tyres gives customers the peace of mind of a national warranty, says Abdal. They are also an authorised distributor for iconic Australian tyres brand, Simmons.

“From Lancers to Landcruisers and anything in between, we can offer wheels for any application,” he says.

One Stop Auto & Tyres has partnered with the Australian Business Association to further strengthen its business and network, says Abdal.

“We are also a partner of Go2 Rewards and customers can also receive a discount on fuel, depending on how much they spend,” he says.

As a special for new customers, One Stop Auto & Tyres will give a free wheel alignment for first-time log book services.

One Stop Auto & Tyres, 4/21 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6380, visit onestopautoandtyres.com.au or find them on Facebook.

Calling all fundraisers

AS part of its commitment to the community, Abdal says One Stop Auto & Tyres is proud to offer the space in front of the shop to not-for-profits and community organisations and clubs to fundraise on the weekends. Abdal encourages anyone interested in utilising the space for a good cause to get in touch.

Catholic Schools Week, March 6-12

Time to celebrate together the

CATHOLIC Schools Week, March 6-12, involves the communities of all Catholic primary and secondary schools. Organisers say that, first and foremost, Catholic Schools Week is about celebration.

The theme for 2016 is “I Belong. You Belong. We Belong.’’, which organisers say aligns with the Catholic Church’s strong focus on supporting refugees and asylum seekers and the need for a compassionate global community.

“One of the major objectives of Catholic Schools Week is to raise public awareness of the strengths of Catholic schools and highlight the significant contribution the Catholic education sector makes to our state and nation,” says Catholic Schools NSW/ACT.

“It is an opportunity to share with the broader community the great things that take place in our schools every day.

“The week is designed to be a lively celebration for all who have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, and parishioners. It is for them to share in the joy and distinctive character of Catholic schools.”

Doing their very BEST

ROSARY Primary School in Watson was founded in 1963 by the Dominican Friars and staffed by Dominican sisters, which is an important part of the school’s history, says principal Maureen Doszpot. With 340 students and 27 staff, Maureen says their school motto is: “Together we can do our BEST”.

“The word BEST also stands for our learning principles of believe, explore, strive and triumph, which were launched last year and underpin everything that we do,”

she says.

Rosary Primary offers a range of extra activities and opportunities – from specialist teachers in Indonesian language and music for all year groups, to public speaking, tournament of minds competition, band and choir.

Maureen says she invites new families to come and see first-hand the special environment that Rosary Primary School offers.

Rosary Primary School, visit rosary. act.edu.au or call 6248 0010.

Teaching with love and passion

During Catholic Schools Week, St Mary MacKillop College will celebrate this milestone with its Opening Mass on Thursday, March 10.

The college, located across two campuses in the Tuggeranong Valley, aims to be welcoming of boys and girls in years 7 to 12 from different faiths, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

College captains Anastasia Sysengthong and Matthew Dredge say: “When we started at this

A warm welcome for every child

ST Vincent’s Primary School in Aranda is a “boutique school” with 174 students and 13 teaching staff.

New principal Lina Vigliotta says that the beauty of the school is its warm welcome for every child.

Lina says that St Vincent’s is proud to be a “Kids Matter” school, offering a program that builds the social and emotional welfare of each child.

school, our teachers made us feel welcomed. Years later, their passion and love for what they teach and the opportunities they’ve provided have helped to guide and mould us into the people we are today. ”

St Mary MacKillop College will hold its Year 7 2017 Information Night on Monday, 2 May from 6.30pm at the Wanniassa Campus.

St Mary MacKillop College, visit mackillop.act.edu.au or call 6209 0100.

Holy Trinity Primary School, ELC to Year 6 nurtures and encourages a strong senseof community.

The school has a vibrant and supportive parent community. Encourages collaboration between home, school and parish.

As a community we endeavour to live and model the Gospel values of our school motto, Faith, Hope and Love. Our curriculum is based on the

This year, the school is offering a Club4Kids sensory play class for preschoolers every Wednesday morning, to complement its preschool experience and give the children and their parents an opportunity to get to know St Vincent’s and its community. The students at St Vincent’s are marking Catholic Schools Week with a celebratory evening mass at St Vincent’s Parish, followed by a family barbecue.

Lina encourages anyone interested in the school to contact them to arrange a tour.

St Vincent’s Primary School, visit svdp.act.edu.au or call 6251 2442.

WINNER of the double pass to see “Pearl: The Janis Joplin Show” at The Street on March 5 is Ian James, of Fisher.

advertising feature

lessons of belonging

Building up to a big birthday

HOLY Trinity Primary School in Curtin is proud to be celebrating its 50th birthday this year, says principal Judy Spence.

The school is counting down until their major building project commences that will see an internal refurbishment, addition of new classrooms and the relocation of the library.

“Works will start early next term and we are hoping it will be finished by our birthday celebration on October 23,” says Judy.

Holy Trinity offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, which provides a global connection and widens the school’s network within Canberra, Australia and globally, says Judy.

“We offer an engaging, relevant and stimulating curriculum that prepares our students to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” she says.

Holy Trinity Primary School, visit holytrinity.act.edu.au or call 6281 4811.

Small school with a big heart

ST John Vianney’s Primary School at Waramanga is best described by the principal Vicky van der Sanden as “a small Catholic school with a big heart”.

“We have a warm, welcoming atmosphere that you can feel as soon as you walk in the door,” she says.

Vicky says the school is celebrating Catholic Schools Week with a swimming carnival, water fun day experience for the younger children, tennis clinics run by experts as well

as a special leadership ceremony for years 5 and 6 students.

St John Vianney’s Primary School has a particular focus on community and charity initiatives, which the students love to support, says Vicky. “The children are so generous and they enjoy being involved. They are constantly coming up with initiatives and new ideas. It’s a great community spirit,” she says.

St John Vianney’s Primary School, visit sjv.act.edu.au or call 6288 2383.

Nurturing sense of belonging

ST Thomas More’s Primary School in Campbell was established by the Sisters of the Holy Faith in 1961 and accepts children from Catholic and non-Catholic backgrounds.

“Our aim is to create a sense of belonging, to nurture the children’s growth and help create healthy self-esteem, which is so necessary for learning,” says principal Julie Wiley.

“We welcome parent involvement in their child’s education through participation in celebrations, information meetings, parent in-services, excursions, and sports carnivals, as well as through classroom assistance in a variety of areas,” she says.

The St Thomas More’s curriculum caters for academic progress and the teaching staff differentiate to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of each of their students.

St Thomas More’s Primary School, visit stmore.act.edu.au of call 6249 8869.

south coast calling advertising feature

The beauty of the south coast beckons; plan an Easter music festival get-away or an anytime luxury family retreat. Only a few hours away, it’s all waiting to be enjoyed.

Lots of room to move and relax

IDEAL for families, couples or anybody who wants to get away from it all, Lilli Pilli Sublime is a spacious, luxury beach house that accommodates up to eight guests.

Lilli Pilli Sublime caters for every member of the family – from a cot for the baby, a rumpus room with games and a snooker table for the older kids, to a newly added premium entertaining area with outdoor kitchen that grown-ups will love! Even well-mannered dogs are welcome on application.

“We are very family-friendly and very comfortable. We think when you go on holiday it’s so much easier to walk through the door with everything ready for you and you just have to simply relax,” says Lilli Pilli Sublime owner, Angela.

Musical magic in the air

WITH 80 artists, 21 events and 33 performances, the Four Winds Festival in Bermagui is set to bring six days of exquisite music to the south coast at Easter.

Held at the Four Winds site at Barragga Bay, just seven minutes drive from Bermagui, the site features the outdoor Sound Shell amphitheatre and the beautiful indoor Windsong Pavilion.

Performers include the young British violinist Jack Liebeck, founder of the Oxford May Festival; the Navarra String Quartet from London; Singapore-based Australian cellist, Li-Wei Qin and London-based Australian pianist Zubin Kanga, who specialises in contemporary music.

Organiser Marg Hansen says that the free opening night concert on Good Friday, 6pm-7pm, March 25 will be magical.

“Imagine three keyboard players, a trumpet, two clarinets, an oboe, a flute and two wordless voices interweaving different patterns of harmony, rhythm and

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

“We provide a range of baby items such as a cradle, cot, stroller, high chair, change table with baby bath and even a baby bottle steriliser – meaning fewer items to pack and unpack from home for your little ones,” she says.

Your getaway includes a fully equipped kitchen, linen, beach towels, basic toiletries, free wifi, Foxtel and air-conditioning.

Contact Lilli Pilli Sublime for special offers such as discounts for last-minute bookings. Couples can choose to indulge in a romantic package featuring wine and chocolates.

Email lillipillisublime@me.com or call

to find out more.

tone – a deeply satisfying introduction to a weekend of diverse and exciting music,” she says.

Full festival program and details of child-minding, youth workshops and the free bus service at fourwinds.com.au or call 6493 3414.

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.

Brilliant, brutal comedy

“The Lady In The Van” (M)

IN 1990, Alan Bennett, arguably the most prolific of British authors of performance material, published a slim memoir titled “The Lady In The Van”.

In Nicholas Hytner’s film, Maggie Smith plays that Lady and Alex Jennings plays Bennett. Miss Shepherd parked her clapped-out van in the Camden Town street along which many of Britain’s leading twentieth century creative people also lived. When the council made the street “no parking”, she persuaded Bennett to let her park the van permanently in his drive. She stayed for 15 years.

Miss Shepherd is a don’t-mess-with-me eccentric, making her a fun theme for performance. Smith’s having played her and Margaret Fairchild on stage and radio with Bennett, it’s no surprise that her film portrayal is pitch perfect. Bennett got to know Miss Shepherd in sometimes awkward proximity – she hadn’t had a bath for several decades and the nearest lavatory was on his first floor.

The verity of Bennett’s screenplay is close to unchallengeable, hardly surprising since he’s its real-life other principal character. The locations are exactly where the book’s events took place. If some of its moments are inventions, so what? It’s also Bennett’s story, to embellish however he wishes!

With the wit for which he is famous, Bennett writes brilliant yet brutal comedy that, in the film, doesn’t resile its in-your-face qualities. Nuns feature in Miss Shepherd’s history with scant credit. Why is somebody blackmailing her? The answer invites people of goodwill and sensitivity to weep a little just in time for a mawkishly sweet finale. The reason for calling her Margaret Fairchild is indisputable. But you’ll miss it if you blink! At Palace Electric and Dendy

“Hail, Caesar!” (PG)

INITIALLY, Hollywood studios didn’t make movies. They made money. And took themselves very seriously in an industry waxing fat making shadows on a screen to divert the public from life’s realities.

The studios have lost much of their former dominance. The rest remains unchanged.

Written, produced and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, “Hail, Caesar!” is a comedy about an imaginary working day for Eddie Mannix, MGM’s mid-1900s real-life fixer of things that could run off the rails. Josh Brolin plays Eddie with enthusiastic brio.

It’s the middle of the 20th century. Today’s major issues confronting Capital Films are who to cast for the main part in the studio’s biggie, how to conceal a star’s pregnancy when she’s unsure who dunnit, where is the star (George Clooney) of a major movie who’s suddenly gone missing, what can the studios do to combat the

menace of leftie writers wanting a share of the take, and how to conceal the gay proclivities of the boys in the chorus line (Channing Tatum may not be the world’s best ever hoofer, but he taps a mean toe).

Across all these little niggly bits strides Eddie, exercising awesome delegated power over the mini-empire within the studio’s walls, dispensing favours and other largesses if the price is right (just ask gossip columnist twins – Tilda Swinton – ready to slit each other’s throats to score the exclusive fluff that sells tomorrow’s newspapers) and behind the studio’s back doing a deal to run a TV channel.

At Capitol 6, Palace Electric, Dendy and Hoyts

“Son Of Saul” (M, plus a warning – contains passages deserving MA or even R)

ON 16 June 1944, eye-witnesses Rudolf Vrba and Alfred Wetzler reported to Allied leaders the gassing procedures at Auschwitz. Later, Arnost Rosin and Czeslaw Mordowicz described the arrival and killing there of Hungarian Jews.

These reports led Winston Churchill to write to an associate: “There is no doubt that this is probably the greatest and most horrible crime ever committed in the whole history of the world.”

On November 2 that year, SS Reichsfuhrer Heinrich Himmler issued an order forbidding “any further annihilation of Jews”. Auschwitz was itself obliterated, except one crematorium to burn bodies that died naturally and for gassing about 200 members of the remaining sonderkommando, Jewish prisoners forced to operate the equipment until they too, no longer able to work, would be killed.

Forgive me for spoiling your reading with this terrible information, but it may help to explain Hungarian writer/ director Laszlo Nemes’ film in which Geza Rohrig plays Saul, a sonderkommando who has seen his son gassed and spends the rest of the day trying to find a rabbi to say kaddish so that Saul may at least bury the boy properly.

It’s a hell of a film, terrifying in its verity, cinematically commanding using a hand-held camera to record long, violently-moving takes showing how the system worked.

In a commendable act, Palace Cinemas are screen ing “Son Of Saul” across Australia. It won this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar and the Cannes Film Festival jury prize.

says Skubij.

Hitting

By Helen Musa

IN the relentless search for the Great Australian Play, it has often been said that Australian theatre managements bypass local playwrights in favour of tried and true stories taken from novels.

Xavier Herbert’s “Capricornia” and Kate Grenville’s “The Secret River” are Australian examples.

and “1984”, both seen at The Q, Queanbeyan, over the last couple of years.

Skubij says they started out by introducing young people to Shakespeare, but soon looked to “classic stories or novels, adapting them to the stage, using them as stimuli to connect to today.”

to 30 years into the next generation with the actress playing Cathy and also her daughter.

“We don’t set it in the future or anything like that, but we inject the story with contemporary relevance and then we shake it all up,” says Skubij.

“I wanted to show the book in just two hours on stage and without the second generation you don’t get the payoff from the love story between Heathcliff and Catherine.

Then there are world classics such as “Moby Dick”, “Jane Eyre,” and now, in a show promoted by the Canberra Theatre with the words “boy, have we got a story for you”, Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights”.

At Palace Electric

The six people in the cast share with Skubij, who also performs, a fascination with the books they’ve studied at school, which is good because they get to play all the roles with the exception of Linden Wilkinson, who just plays the housekeeper Nelly Dean and Ross Balbuziente who just plays Heathcliff.

Director and adaptor of the play for Brisbane’s Shake & Stir Theatre, Nick Skubij, lives to bring the classics to life on stage.

Unlike the famous Laurence Olivier film, Skubij’s play doesn’t finish with the death of Cathy, but ranges over 25

Formed in 2005 to 2006 with two other friends, the company has made a name for itself with the stage version of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, two Roald Dahl shows and Orwell’s “Animal Farm”

“In our play, you learn about his unrelenting nature, about the way he’s been plotting his revenge over many years, but then, everyone in this play tears each other apart.”

“Wuthering Heights”, The Playhouse, March 9-12, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“QUEANY” seems like a bland name for the platypus sculpture created last year by Neil Dickinson and set in blue, water-like tiles designed by Freya Jobbins. She’ll (we assume it’s a she) be unveiled just near the Queanbeyan River Bridge, opposite the Art Society house at 11am, Tuesday, March 8.

NICCOLO Machiavelli was either a fearless genius or a broken man. You’ll find out in Spread the Wyrd theatre company’s new adaptation of his 1512 play “Mandragola”, when Peter Fock plays the great stirrer in “An Audience With Machiavelli”. Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, 7pm, March 3-12, bookings via eventbrite.com.au

OPERAS from the ANU School of Music voice program’s glory days, as filmed by the late Michael Grafton-Green, have been remastered to Blu-ray. Beginning with the 1995 “Cosi fan Tutte”, you’ll see now-famous stars such as Jaewoo Kim, Catherine Carby, Richard Anderson, Terry Den Dulk and Christopher Steele strut their stuff in “Nights at the Opera”, Wesley Music Centre, 7pm, March 8, no bookings, $5 entry.

WELCOME back to composer and conductor Stephen Leek, who’s just returned to the city of his youth, taking up the new role of general manager of the Young Music Society. For the past 30+ years he has been freelancing around Australia and the world, establishing ensembles and arts organisations around the country.

SCULPTOR Stephen Harrison is in Perth from March 4-20, at the 12th annual “Sculpture by the Sea” on Cottesloe Beach. He’s exhibiting a piece called “Barrel and Dagger (Macbeth)”, seen last year at “Sculpture in the Paddock”, and will join more than 75 artists from all around the globe. They’re expecting 250,000 visitors.

THE Sydney Consort, joined by Israeli virtuoso harpsichordist Michael Tsalka, will present “1+2+3 (Bach’s Concerti)” at Wesley Uniting Church, 3pm, Sunday, March 6, bookings via trybooking.com or at the door.

“CANBERRA Shorts” is a screening of local and nearby filmmaker talent at Debacle Bar, Braddon from 8pm, March 6, free entry.

ADELAIDE-based Australian String Quartet’s inaugural Canberra concert season begins with “Alleged Dances” at the NGA’s Gandel Hall, 2pm, Sunday, March 6. It’s a percussion quintet commissioned by the ASQ from Matthew Hindson and will be played by Claire Edwardes. Bookings to nga.gov.au or 6240 6701.

A taste of hot sauce

By Wendy Johnson

WHEN we hear “hot sauce”, we often think “burn-in-the-mouth death sauce”. Intense heat. Heat that numbs the tastebuds and stops them dead in their tracks.

It’s s-o-o-o not true. Five friends, who grew up in Canberra and have known each other for 25 years, are out educating Australia on how wonderfully versatile hot sauces can be.

Ryan Brown, Ian Nicholas, Stuart Miller, Mark Vicol, and Shannon Douglas, formed Handsome Devils Co in Bronte and are creating boutique, top-notch hot sauces. The four styles are all made without compromise: no preservatives, no additives, no colours, no thickeners (only honey used in one).

The seed for Handsome Devils Co (no doubt a fiery, hot chilli seed) was planted a couple of years ago after the friends spent time travelling in the US where they fell in love with Mexican cuisine. After returning down under, the friends decided to create sauces around the style they worshipped in Mexico but couldn’t find here.

These seriously crafted products are made in small batches with ingredients sourced from Port Macquarie and surrounding region.

“Only some of the chillies come from Mexico, because they’re not available here as they are too hard to grow in the Australian climate,” says Ryan.

Each team member has their own skill set. Ryan is the sauce creator, Ian the business genius, Stuart the eye behind the camera, Mark the wordsmith and Shannon, the only female member, the graphics whiz.

But let’s get to those sauces, which are created more about flavour than intense heat.

“The most popular is the Chipolte.

“It’s sweet and smokey and made with a dark and mysterious mix of spices,” says Ryan. “And it’s a great replacement for a barbecue sauce.”

The De Arbol, which has just rated number one Australian hot sauce by the “Australian Good Food Guide”, is more a traditional Mexican hot sauce, made with two kinds of chillies, a healthy dose of vinegar and a fistful of spices.

“With the Savina, you don’t experience any heat initially, but it slowly emerges on the palette,” says Ryan. “It’s our fruity hot sauce, combining Habanero chilli, mango and coriander.”

The Verde is truly unique.

“It’s a mouth warmer,” says Ryan. “Tangy, herby and zesty, yet very approachable. It’s even great with salads.”

Handsome Devils Co. is available online or through Canberra retailers, mostly in the inner north and south, including Essential Ingredient, Meet Gather Collect, Barrio and some IGAs. The list is at handsomedevilsco.com

MARGARET DIMOFF ART GALLERY

PREVIEW OF NEW WORKS

Largest

The festivals keep coming...

By Helen Musa

AS Canberra, slips into its most beautiful season, one wonders if it ought to be tagged “City of Festivals”, for there’s no sign of special events abating with “Noted” and “Art not Apart” coming up.

Both these festivals involve young people working at the cutting edge and in the community.

“Art not Apart” is a one-day contemporary arts festival focusing on one of Canberra’s newest urban settings, the New Acton precinct, Westside shipping container village and parts of Lake Burley Griffin, exposing its potential to be a hub of almost frenzied arts activities that give “light to the lesser heard, lesser seen”.

Last year we were treated to “beautiful and crazy experiences” – a beach party on the Acton foreshore, floating letters in the foyer of Hotel Hotel and a whirlwind tour of the arty New Acton walkways.

It’s the sixth time round for the festival. David Caffery is once again producer and he’s put together a crack team comprising performance art curator Chenoeh Miller (fresh from directing the Multicultural Fringe), violinist Michael Liu as marketing manager, Frank Madrid as music curator, Anna Trundle as Westside co-ordinator, Matt Fletcher as dance co-ordinator and – a surprise inclusion – Prof David Williams as visual arts curator.

According to Liu, the idea is simple: “This is art, no-one’s apart”.

“Noted”, in marked contrast, is a writers’ summit now in its second year, aimed largely at young people and writers lead the way.

“It’s about paying artists, engaging our community, fostering talent, diversity, innovation and social responsibility both locally and nationally, and showcasing great writing and writers,” co-directors, Lucy Nelson and Yasmin Masri say. Run in loose partnership with April’s You Are Here Festival, last year it hosted and paid more than 60 emerging and experimental writers, editors, publishers and artists. This year they’re predicting more than 100 artists in workshops, panels, art exhibitions and live events for kids and adults.

Kicking off on March 15 with Oscar Capezio’s exhibition “Cold Like Concrete”, Australian art/ text spanning 40 years, it packs the following five days with initiatives such as “Snap Stories”; “Heroes”, where “Koori Kids” write about their heroes; “Bill Poetries” where Andrew Galan and a bunch of other poets post their words up all over Canberra’s nooks and crannies; The Anything Is Valid Dance Theatre collaboration between Serena Chalker and Quindell Orton and “Boring Bits”, online mini-lectures. It sounds anything but boring.

Art not Apart, March 19; full program at artnotapart.com and Noted, around Canberra, March 15-20, details at notedfestival.com

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Tuesday night’s Solar Eclipse energises your spiritual and humanitarian zone, and urges you to reach out to someone in need (with unusual tact and sensitivity). You’ll find the more you extend your focus beyond your daily routine and comfort zone and shift into the realm of imagination, intuition, compassion, creativity and dreams, the more magical your week will be. Be inspired by birthday great Liza Minnelli: “Don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t know how to dream.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Bulls – are you bored to bits? This week’s stars urge you to stretch yourself in dynamic new directions. Keep what’s working in your life but don’t be afraid to discard people, possessions or projects that have passed their use-by date. And don’t underestimate the importance of networking – both in person and online. The Solar Eclipse, Mercury and Venus all boost sociability, as you expand your peer group and extend your social media influence into exciting new areas.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With the Piscean Solar Eclipse (and Mercury) stirring up your career/life-direction zone, are you feeling confused about the future? It’s time to think of creative options as you apply for a promotion; look for employment; take on a second job; start a course of study; accept a volunteer position or change vocation. But avoid getting lost in a quagmire of possibilities. Strive to think creatively, make firm decisions, and then follow through with plenty of patience and persistence.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

When it comes to love, powerful Pluto demands that you let go of old patterns of behaviour and find a totally new template. And the Solar Eclipse encourages you to throw outdated beliefs out the window and replace them with fabulous new dreams and aspirations. You prefer to stay all safe and secure in your cosy Crab cave but the eclipse also urges you to explore the big wide world outside your door. So start planning an exciting escape for some time soon!

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Avoid the temptation to be a drama queen and fly off the handle this week. If you try to control or manipulate others, then you’re in for an intense and tumultuous time. For some attached Lions – your lacklustre love life gets a welcome boost, as Tuesday night’s Solar Eclipse stimulates your sensuality zone. Single Cats – a physical attraction promises passion but are you seeing the person clearly? It’s time to remove your rose-coloured glasses and take a second look.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Has your relationship been stuck in a time-warp where it’s been difficult for both of you to change? The Solar Eclipse brings a shift in perspective, as you view your lover in a startling new light. Singles – have you been looking for love, and are now demoralised by the dating game? It’s time to draw on your inner reserves of strength and charge back into the singles battleground. Your Prince or Princess is waiting – but you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find them!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

The Solar Eclipse and Pluto encourage you to transform your life in creative ways. You think you’re dealing with a problem involving work, health, fitness, food or pets – but are you being diplomatic or just plain indecisive? It’s time to be clear and proactive in your approach, and don’t waste time pussyfooting around. Quit the fence-sitting and make a stand! If you avoid taking action, then you’ll just prolong the situation – and someone else will then make the decision for you.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The Sun and Pluto encourage you to remove the dead wood from your life –whether it’s a person, possession, job or outdated belief. Then the Solar Eclipse repeats this theme of breaking down old patterns of behaviour and forging a fabulous new course. Transformation is the name of the game as you leave the familiar behind, and venture into unchartered territory. So your motto for the week is from fellow Scorpio, Will Rogers: “Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may feel pulled in opposing directions, as the Solar Eclipse and Jupiter shine a spotlight on your life/work balance – or lack of balance. If you pile up your professional plate (especially on Tuesday) then loved ones will feel neglected and disappointed. Pluto also compels you to examine your life in forensic detail; keep what’s working, and change what isn’t. The trick is knowing which is which! Sunday is super for mending bridges with family and friends.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Do you secretly long to change something in your life – but it never seems to be the ‘right’ time? Stop being stubborn; digging your hooves in; and making ridiculous excuses. Grab the Goat by the horns and initiate overdue changes [especially involving family, travel or education] before someone else steps in and does it for you! Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, Simone de Beauvoir: “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The Solar Eclipse and Jupiter fire up your finance zones, so don’t let someone talk you into buying something that you really don’t need. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy then it will pay off handsomely further down the track, as you replace short-term whims with long-term strategies. Friday is fabulous for creative flights of fancy as you connect with your inner muse.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The Solar Eclipse is in your sign, and it also links up with Chiron the maverick healer, so there is the potential to experience the almost miraculous healing of a relationship, emotional problem or physical ailment. Of course the more energy, focus, forgiveness and positive intention you pour into the situation, the more successful the outcome will be. Your motto for the moment is from Hubert H. Humphrey: “The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.”

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2016 Daily astrology updates at twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

General knowledge crossword No. 538

Across

4 Which parts of speech are derived noun forms of verbs?

8 Name a TV lawyer, Horace ...

9 What might we call one who takes something back?

10 What is a support on which a lever turns in a moving body?

11 Which term implies loss of memory?

12 Name a powder which, when mixed with petrol, is used in flame throwers.

14 What are lovers’ appointments to meet at certain times and places?

18 What is a sequence of rulers from the same family or stock?

21 Which aeroplanes fly without the use of motors?

22 Name a particular cavalryman of certain.

23 Which dinner dishes are served before the main courses?

24 Having ceased eruption, as a volcano, is to be what?

Sudoku medium No. 169

Down

1 Name the designer of the original plan for the city of Canberra, Walter Burley ...

2 To fuse ore, in order to separate the metal contained, is to do what?

3 What is another name for a daily newspaper, or the like?

4 Of which nationality was Johannes Brahms?

5 Which organic substance is used in medicine, and in the making of varnishes?

6 What is an agent of retribution or punishment?

7 Damascus is the capital of which Asian republic?

13 Which ship’s flag is used in signalling, etc?

15 Name those people who practise offensive behaviour to members of other countries?

16 To continue in existence is to do what?

17 What is a young swan known as?

18 To use evasive methods, is to do what?

19 If one faints, what might one do?

20 How many different athletic events make up a heptathlon?

Gordon came to see me for advice about granny flats.

“My mother wants to enter into a granny flat arrangement with us and I need to make sure that it is going to be beneficial for us all,” he explained.

I told him I needed more details to ensure the proposed arrangements didn’t result in unexpected tax consequences.

“As you know, Gail, I own an investment property in Queensland which is worth about $450,000. It’s by the sea and has been well looked after. Mother will live there and she will pay us $147,000 for her granny flat interest with a right to live there for the rest of her life,” Gordon said.

“I have checked with Centrelink and I am told that this is fine and her paying me that amount fits neatly within Centrelink rules.”

I reminded Gordon there are differences between Centrelink and Tax Office rules that may impact on his decision.

“For instance,” I asked, “will your mother be the only person living in the house and does it satisfy the definition of a granny flat for Centrelink purposes?”

Gordon said it was and that he’d had it confirmed by Centrelink that the accommodation interest can be in the whole property and that even if he sells the property his mother has a granny flat interest.

“So we either sell it with her as the life tenant or we provide her with alternative accommodation or we return her the amount she has paid. So no matter what happens we will be providing her with lifetime accommodation.

“I must confess that I was surprised when Centrelink said that she could occupy the whole house.”

I immediately spotted a problem for Gordon. “You realise that you will still have a mortgage that you will have to service on this property, but won’t be able to claim tax deductions unless your mother pays you commercial rent?”

“Oh, dear,” said Gordon who had been expecting his mother would pay a small rent, but not as much as the commercial rent.

“If the rent is not commercial you may not be able to claim all your negative gearing deductions,” I said.

“However, I am more concerned about the right you are giving your mother to occupy the premises.

“When you make a capital gain, tax is generally only paid on half the gain as you get a 50 per cent discount. It is different when you sell the granny flat right to your mother because this transaction is subject to income tax with no 50 per cent discount.

“There may be some other options, Gordon, but the current proposal is going to be costly depending on the capital gain when you sell.”

Gordon said he’d thought there would be no tax issues having cleared the concept through Centrelink.

“I will have another family conference and come back to you. Thanks for alerting me to this otherwise we would have stumbled into a huge and unhappy tax problem.”

If you require any tax advice about retirement or any related issue contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

Stepping across the rich carpet of groundcover

IT’S all about the understory in Lorraine and Geoff Corner’s peaceful Pearce garden.

The rich carpet of green beneath magnolias, conifers and pittosporum creates a lush vibe on this large block, with the dense layer of pratia, dichondra and native violets in both the front and back accessed by stepping stones.

“We used to live in the tropics on and off and we had become used to seeing a lot of greenery,” says Geoff.

“We find tan bark a bit dry and arid looking, so we love to have a few different varieties of ‘steppables’ for a mixture of textures and foliage, with a few flowers coming through.”

Geoff and Lorraine’s cool, relaxing garden will be open to the public through Open Gardens Canberra on the weekend of March 12-13.

Geoff says they bought the house in 1984 but it wasn’t until 1997 that they landscaped and completely reshaped the garden, removing scraggly lawns and creating five separate shallow ponds, two rocky watercourses and a paved curved entertainment area which is a favourite spot for the couple to sit.

“It’s peaceful here, and calm,” Geoff says. “Most of all I like the foliage – everywhere you look there’s different foliage, and I enjoy watching it move when the wind blows.”

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Andrew Finch

The garden includes natives, with a variety of ferns and palms, kangaroo paw, lemon, shrubs, correas, acacias and lilies. There are eucalypts, banksias and callistemons. Lotus pots, camellias, clumping bamboo and Buddha heads create an Asian feel to the space.

“We wanted the garden to feel soft, with no right angles, and for it to look as though the water flows through the space, although the ponds are all separate,”

Geoff says.

“It also gives the idea of depth, with little vistas from anywhere you sit. You can’t see the whole garden from anywhere.”

Lorraine says she does the majority of the work in the garden, which is green year-round.

“It’s my relaxation and therapy, and a diversion – if there’s something else I should be doing, you can find me in the garden!” she says. .

93 Macfarland Place, Pearce, open 10am-4pm, on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. 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

THE great spring bulb planting time is about to begin; bulk bulbs will arrive at local garden centres in the next couple of weeks as catalogues arrive in the mail for online ordering.

While there are many very reputable online bulb growers, buying this way one doesn’t know the quality until the bulbs arrive. There really is nothing to replace selecting the best bulbs from a local garden centre. Here are a few suggestions for the best results when buying spring bulbs:

• Always check each bulb is firm when gently pressed between thumb and forefinger. Softness is a sign of rot.

• Make sure the bulbs are a good size, generally the bigger the better. However, bulb size can vary between cultivars.

• Always store in a cool, dry place until planting, ideally in an open net bag, such as orange bags.

• Daffodils are best planted as soon as possible to make good root growth.

• Plant bulbs at the right height. Generally ignore most of those

complicated charts showing bulbplanting depths. With most bulbs, plant the same depth or slightly more than the bulb is thick, ie if a daffodil bulb is 5cm thick (from top to bottom of bulb), then plant 5-10cm deep.

• Plant most bulbs in full sun. This can still be under deciduous trees that are bare in winter and generally still bare in spring when the bulbs flower. With only a few exceptions do not plant under evergreen trees with little sunlight to the bulbs.

• Plant in good fertile well-drained soil. In heavy or wet soils plant on raised beds. Improve the soil by digging in well-rotted compost or cow manure.

• Plant bulbs in colour groups close together to support each other in windy weather. At Floriade I notice bulbs are being planted further apart and infilled with annuals. An economic measure?

• Bulbs grow well in pots. Use premium-grade potting mix and don’t encourage root rot by putting a saucer under the pot. Place pots on terracotta feet.

• There is no need to fertilise until early spring with a good organic plant fertiliser.

GLYPHOSATE is used for killing weeds. One well-known brand is Roundup, although there are many other brands of the same product, so it’s worthwhile checking prices. The strength of glyphosate varies from 260 grams per litre to 490 grams per litre, all of which are usually diluted with water. The strength depends on whether you are simply killing grassy type weeds or environmental weedy shrubs such as privet, pyracantha or nettle tree (Celtis Australis)

Always follow the manufac-

turer’s recommendation. However, if you are killing plants such as privet with thick stems, which can be as thick as my arm, I recommend the strongest such as Yates Zero Weedkiller Glyphosate 490 grams per litre. It is vital to apply the glyphosate immediately to the cut after you have cut each shrub down. Either use a paint brush to apply undiluted or a 50/50 mix of glyphosate and water. Take care not to splash on nearby, desirable shrubs. A shrub can die from being exposed to just two per cent of glyphosate.

If you are unsure which are environmental weeds, collect the coloured brochure “Are your garden plants going bush?” from any ACT Government Shopfront.

Jottings...

• Bulbs planted in the wrong place (ie in too much shade) can be lifted and relocated at this time.

• With the risk of early autumn frosts, it might be best to leave citrus planting until late spring.

• Summer and early autumn flowering shrubs can be pruned once flowering is finished. Think the three “Ds” – remove dead, diseased and damaged branches. Then remove any crossing-over branches rubbing against each other.

• Remember, with veggies, if they’re in stock at garden centres it’s time to plant them.

CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAYTHURSDAY 17th MARCH

Happy St Patr

Everyone feels like a local

THURSDAY 17 T H MA R C H : Celebrations star t at 12 noon!

Are you willing to make the ultimate sacri ce and shave o or colour your BEARD for the World’s Greatest Shave?

FRIDAY 11TH MARCH

4 – 7.30pm: World’s Greatest Shave 2016 for the Leukaemia Foundation. Public Shave and Hair Colouring.

WEDNESDAY 16 T H MA R C H ST PRAC TICE DAY!

THURSDAY 17 T H MA R C H ST PATRICK’S DAY – 12 noon Irish dancing, face painting by the Gecko Gang and GREAT LIVE MUSIC from Fir Croi, Cassidy Ceili, Oscar, Chicago Charles and many more Irish Folk musicians.