160317 citynews

Housing and the cost of fairness

JON STANHOPE

MARCH 17, 2016

HANDS MAGIC of

It’s July 2 and here’s why...

MICHAEL MOORE

Flavours of a land far away WENDY JOHNSON

Miriam Lieberman and the art of playing the ancient African kora

briefly

Women dancing the weight away

WITH 29 Australian women dying every day from heart disease, the Heart Foundation is appealing to women to “live lighter” and prevent heart disease by leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

Its “LiveLighter” campaign is a healthy weight education program that aims to tackle the shocking statistic that 64 per cent of Canberran adults are obese.

“Heart disease is the single biggest killer of women and men in the ACT. With increased weight, comes an increased risk of heart disease,” says Jennifer Ramsay, LiveLighter ACT campaign manager.

“The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. Leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease. Being active every day and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are two ways you can reduce your risk,” she says.

“At least 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise each day is recommended, and you start experiencing the benefits straight away.”

For two women, their journeys back to good health and fitness came in the form of dance classes. Tia Pettingill, 26, always had a love for dance in high school, but a series of knee injuries slowed her down and for five years after she finished school she stopped exercising completely.

“I was never a sporty or gym person, so when I stopped dancing I lost my only avenue for health. Keeping healthy just went out the door,” she says.

“I was overweight, unhappy and was stuck in a routine of going to work, having dinner, watching TV and then going to bed. There wasn’t much else going on in my life,” she says.

Tia says that it was her mum who finally convinced her to return to her childhood passion and to try adult dance classes at Dance Central studio in Phillip.

“The first time I tried the class, I was expecting pain but I was surprised

Tia Pettingill… “I am happier and stronger, I feel more resilient and able to face new challenges, mentally and physically!”

when I had no issues,” says Tia.

“The teachers were so supportive and helped me build up my strength, with an emphasis on safety,” she says.

Tia now dances every day of the week and says she’s never looked back.

“I am happier and stronger, I feel more resilient and able to face new challenges, mentally and physically!”

Mum of two, Lisa Tonna, 44, was a tap and jazz ballet dancer in her school years and was inspired to give dance another try after enrolling her young daughters in youth classes two years ago.

“The class brought back happy memories and I started doing weekly tap-dancing classes,” she says.

“One of the great things about dance is that you’re exercising but you don’t

realise it, it’s fun and entirely different to sweating at a gym.”

Lisa says she’s noticed a definite improvement in her fitness.

Julie Scheer, founder and director of Dance Central, says that their “new-todance” classes are proving popular to women who want to explore or reignite their passion for dance – as well as restore their life balance.

“As women, we are often torn in different directions; our classes are designed to help restore the balance, and inject some fun into our lives as well.

“When we learn to put ourselves first, we create much better experiences, happier lives and happier families,” she says.

“Dance is a fun way to get active and improve our overall wellbeing.”

LiveLighter’s Jennifer Ramsay says that it’s important to do a physical activity that you enjoy and that dancing can bring extra benefits.

“People who are depressed and socially isolated have a higher risk of heart disease, so dance classes that are regular and sociable help address this risk, too,” she says.

Lisa couldn’t agree more! She says one of the biggest improvements is to her mental health by getting out of her comfort zone, learning a new skill and she’s made new friends.

“It’s good for your mind just to get away for an hour or so, away from the kids and do something you enjoy,” says Lisa.

More information at livelighter.com.au

Legacy looks for wards

THE Legacy Club of Canberra is keen to host a function for former wards and junior gegatees to re-establish their association with Legacy, says president Paul Stevens. Originally, dependants of widows cared for by Legacy were called wards of Legacy, but are now called junior legatees.

Former wards and junior legatees now living in Canberra should call 6285 1800 or email executive@canberralegacy.com.au by March 24.

‘Monstrous’ fair

THERE’S a “monstrous” fair promised at Wesley Uniting Church with a white elephant stall, collectables, books, clothing, jewellery, craft and toys. It’s at 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest, 9am-2pm, Saturday, March 19.

Mr Music talks

MUSIC man David Kilby is the Weston Creek VIEW Club’s guest speaker at its next lunch meeting at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, 11.30am-2.30pm, on Tuesday, April 5. The club welcomes interested ladies and new members. RSVP to 6288 7625 by Thursday, March 31.

Trivia night

MEANWHILE, the Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club will hold a trivia night for its March dinner meeting at the Vikings Club, Greenway, from 6.30pm, on March 23. The cost is $26 and enquiries to 6291 7716 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Pelvic floor workshop

WOMEN of all ages are invited to attend a free pelvic floor workshop presented by health professionals from the ACT Health Directorate at Belconnen Community Health Centre, 1pm-4pm, on Tuesday, April 12. The workshop will provide information, education and self-help strategies for women who are experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them. Bookings are essential to 6207 9977.

Gossip and silence on the rough ‘Road to Ruin’

Spare a thought for the spouses, Brian Loughnane and Margie Abbott. All week their public silence spoke volumes.

THE fallout from Niki Savva’s “The Road to Ruin” detailing the fiercely intense relationship between Tony Abbott and his COS Peta Credlin dominated the airwaves this past week.

Credlin denied any “romantic” involvement; Abbott merely brushed the idea off as “scurrilous gossip”. Savva was attacked for not putting the charges from political allies and staffers to the principals before publication.

This past week she responded: “Abbott rang around staff to find out who was talking to me for my book. Say I had submitted [their] on-the-record accounts to Abbott and [Credlin] for comment. How long do you think it would have taken for them to be called and convinced to retreat or retract?”

Fair point.

But spare a thought for the spouses, Brian Loughnane and Margie Abbott. All week their public silence spoke volumes.

FOR PM Malcolm Turnbull it was yet another distraction from an election now apparently scheduled for “the latter half” of the year; or is it the much-touted double dissolution immediately after the May 10 Budget? He’s still undecided, it seems.

Surely it’s time the Feds set a four-year fixed term like other more advanced polities. Giving the PM the right

ROBERT MACKLIN

Problems Challenges

to choose an election date is simply undemocratic. But either way, it will be a fascinating fight – especially now that Tony Windsor has Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce under the gun.

THE stationing of US B1 bombers in the NT will probably not be an election issue since Bill Shorten’s Labor Opposition seems afraid to take a different stand on anything labelled “national security”. Unfortunately, the racist fears of old still lurk beneath Anglo-Australian attitudes, despite China now being our biggest trading

and tourist partner and third biggest migrant source. Radio shock jock Alan Jones made wildly irrational charges about Chinese investment in Australian agribusiness on “Q&A”. No surprises there. But Aunty herself then ran news promos warning of China’s “expected 20 per cent increase in defence spending” after the actual figure had been revealed as a mere six per cent – with a 300,000 reduction in Army personnel – the previous week.

GOOD to see the GWS Giants footy club has not been deterred by our anti-development troglodytes from their proposed $800 million investment in Manuka Oval and village.

Its chief of operations Richard Griffiths is relocating to Canberra to oversee the next phase. The proposal will have to pass muster with government regulators – and competitive bids by other parties – but the sooner the better.

SPORT leapt to the fore with Maria Sharapova’s admission that she’d been taking banned drugs. Sponsors departed. Long-suffering tennis watchers consoled themselves that her screams each time she struck the ball would be no more.

And our own Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios gave perfect imitations of spoiled brats as we crashed out of yet another Davis Cup. Alas, the Cup has had its day. International tennis is now just another sporting business like golf or T20 cricket.

FINALLY, an inside tip. Great fun to watch Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, giving her Press Club speech while busting to tell the big story of the Turnbull election pitch yet to be announced: Childcare will be front and centre! See if we’re right.

robert@robertmacklin.com

opinion / housing and homelessness Housing and the rising cost of fairness

THERE has been, just recently, an interesting and coincidental confluence of reports about housing and land supply in the ACT and nationally.

This included the release by the ACT Housing and Homelessness Policy Consortium of a report on the results of detailed research into housing supply, demand and affordability in the ACT. That report details the extent of housing stress in the ACT and reveals that almost 20,000 households experience significant stress in meeting rent or mortgage payments.

Of those households 6600 of them, in the 40 per cent of households with lowest income, found rent or mortgage payments quite or very difficult to pay.

More than 7000 households in the same income grouping compromised or went without food or delayed or compromised on health care and visits to the doctor, in order to pay their rent or mortgage.

The Housing and Homelessness Policy Consortium report was published shortly after the release by First Point of the ACT data for January 2016 of the number of families and individuals waiting for homelessness accommodation.

A question that warrants investigation is the land production cost for Throsby and the extent of the profit the government is reaping from the sale of single, greenfield housing blocks.

First Point reports that at the end of January, in what is understood to be a record high for the number of people seeking homelessness accommodation in the ACT, there were a total of 745 people on the waiting list, 404 of whom were described by First Point as “vulnerable families, individuals or couples”.

These two reports paint a worrying picture of the state of the housing market in the ACT and by extension our commitment to fairness and a socially just society.

It was surely a coincidence that in the week after the release of the Policy Consortium report that 800 Canberra families turned up for the auction of 106 single blocks of land being sold by the LDA in Throsby. Throsby is in Gungahlin, about 12 kilometres from Civic, and is positioned on the outer urban edge of Canberra between Horse Park Drive and the NSW border.

The lucky 106 who secured a block

paid a total of $48 million or an average of $453,000 per block.

The 106 blocks ranged in size from 315 to 1035 square metres. It is assumed that the LDA chose, with an eye to affordability, to offer a range of block sizes to ensure as wide a cross section of Canberrans as possible might seek to purchase land to build their dream home. Accordingly of the 106 blocks 62, or 58 per cent, were small blocks of 450 square metres or less and a total of 79, or 74 per cent, were 500 square metres or less including nine blocks of only 315 square metres.

Of the blocks 450 square metres or less, designed presumably for first home buyers or people on lower incomes, the average size was 408 square metres and the average price paid was $408,300 or exactly $1000 per square metre. The nine small blocks of 315 square metres sold

for an average of $351,278 or $1115 per square metre, which made them the most expensive purchases on a square-metre basis in the sale. Three of the 315 square metre blocks sold for $365,000 each or for $1159 per square metre.

Aquestion that warrants investigation is the land production cost for Throsby and the extent of the profit the government is reaping from the sale of single, greenfield housing blocks. The question that needs then to be asked is: what effect is the method or rate of release of land for detached houses having on the affordability of detached housing and on the ACT economy?

Having regard to the location of Throsby and the existing infrastructure (it is adjacent to existing suburbs and roads) and to recently available cost data and the published reserve prices for the 106 blocks, it is possible the government has made a profit of up to $30 million from the sale of these 106 blocks. The reserve price alone was exceeded by an average of

$107,000 per block for a windfall of $11 million. I invite the LDA to correct me if I am wrong.

Following the sale a spokesperson for the LDA’s selling agent said: “You can just tell from these numbers people see the real value of being in Throsby.”

There are, with respect, more credible if less palatable explanations for these staggering block prices than the undeniable charm of Throsby.

Jon Stanhope was Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Ginninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

“ We found the assessment report very useful

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

Actsmart Business Energy and Water program

Up to $5,000 to install more efficient equipment identified in the action report

$5,000 REBATE Conditions

Growing young members

By Kate Meikle ROTARY district governor

Monica Garrett is poised to launch a “satellite club”, within Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise, as a new program aimed at increasing and retaining Rotary’s membership with people over 30.

“We are keen to capture people once they have turned 30 and have them come into Rotary,” she says.

“The satellite club will appeal to the younger members and provide them with the experience in Rotary and serving the community that is congenial to them and suits their arrangements better.

“Like many organisations we are eager to increase of membership, particularly young people.”

As district governor of the region’s Rotary clubs, Monica has just completed her official tour of all the 47 clubs that stretch from the south coast to the Southern Highlands and the Tumut region, including 17 clubs in the Canberra region.

And she’s given them all a

gold star!

Monica says she was impressed by the good work being carried out and the impressive and creative fundraising projects being held from trash and treasure markets to a billy cart derby.

“Our clubs respond to the needs in the community, with funds going back into their community,” she says.

Monica’s family was a recipient of the generosity of Rotary when her son was selected and sponsored to go to Switzerland as part of Rotary’s youth exchange program in the 1990s.

“It amazed me that Rotary was prepared to do so much for

my family, and didn’t ask for anything in return,” she says.

“The club made it clear that I was most welcome to join, but at the time I had a busy job and my children were here at home.

“I joined in 2001 when I was looking at taking an early retirement and wanted to start transitioning from my demanding job.”

Monica says she enjoys the camaraderie of Rotary and the opportunity to work with likeminded people to do good in the world.

Rotary’s international eradication of polio campaign has been a huge humanitarian success and, Monica says, the latest report shows that now only two countries in the world – Pakistan and Afghanistan – are classified by the World Health Organization to still have the polio virus epidemic.

“This past year, there were only 53 cases of polio in Pakistan, down from 306 in 2014. In Afghanistan, there were 19 cases down from 28 cases in 2014.

“Nigeria was declared poliofree this year and removed from the polio epidemic list, which is a huge milestone,” she says.

NORTHSIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD (Pre-Kindergarten – Year 2)

Saturday 19 March 2016, 9:30am – 11:30am 33 Blamey Crescent, Campbell ACT 2612

SOUTHSIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD (Pre-School – Year 2)

Saturday 2 April 2016, 9:30am – 11:30am 15 Alexander Street, Red Hill ACT 2603

It’s going to be on July 2 and here’s why...

SECOND-guessing the timing and manner of the next Federal election is one of the favourite political games in town.

It may be the Prime Minister’s call, but every other boffin is also having a go. Malcolm Turnbull will have to balance a wide range of issues, political judgement and historical lessons.

He cannot make the mistake of former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman in appearing to be “tricky” – but he will certainly be looking for a time when the conservatives have their best chance at winning.

Recent polls showing a steady slide from the heady days of the early Turnbull government will also be playing on the PM’s mind.

A recent Newspoll showed, on a two-party preferred basis, both the major parties in a neck-and-neck contest. However, it also showed Turnbull’s popularity slipping from a high rating and Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, on the improve – albeit from a very Senior ministers have been dropping early Budget and the possibility of a double dissolution

2. This is no accident. They allow the LiberalNational coalition to test the waters and to determine public reaction. They are trying to see if the gamble of a double dissolution election will, at least temporarily, remove the troublesome smaller parties that were elected on preference deals.

Under the new voting system in the Senate, the preference deals that until last election had favoured the major parties will be replaced with an optional preferential system of above and below-the-line voting. This means that voters’ preferences will count rather than preferences negotiated in secret backroom deals between both large and small parties. This system only became a problem when Glenn Druery (“the preference whisperer”) showed the minor parties how to take advantage of the system rather than the manipulation being left in the hands of the major party power brokers.

July

An election fought on union corruption will suit the conservatives. They have done the groundwork by appointing a Royal Commission under Commissioner John Dyson Heydon. They have used the process to expose weaknesses in union management and to prepare anti-union legislation. With only about one in 10 workers in the private sector and around a third in the public sector being union members, and overwhelmingly

baked-on Labor voters, it makes political sense for the conservatives to launch such an attack.

The government already has a trigger with the twice rejected Bill on registered organisations. However, credibility for a double-dissolution early election would favour the government seeking yet again to push the legislation to establish an Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC)

with widespread powers to handle “union corruption”.

The idea was recently floated by AttorneyGeneral George Brandis, who told Sky News the government still had the ABCC legislation “up its sleeve” as a trigger.

Others have been testing the waters. Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer has thrown the possibility of an early Budget into the mix. Her careful floating of the idea to table the Budget a week early cannot be seen to be an accident.

She is more astute than to allow such a slip.

After her initial comment, she went on to

tell ABC Radio: “I’m not aware that there is any different election timetable”.

A slightly earlier Budget would allow the government more time to sell a “good news” election Budget and avoid it being confused with the election being proclaimed.

Keeping all possibilities on the table, the Minister for Employment and Women, Michaelia Cash, told the National Press Club she considered Budget night to be Budget night and was specific about the May 10 date.

An early Budget would also provide appropriate time to go through the doubledissolution process before an election on July 2 or 9. A double-dissolution election cannot be called in the six-month period before the last date for an election and, therefore, the appropriate process would require proclamation by May 11, the day after the Budget is brought down and before the Opposition Leader having the traditional right of reply.

Rather than believing Turnbull has made up his mind on an early election, it seems much more likely that he is using carefully orchestrated interventions to test the waters.

He is watching the public response and gathering as much intelligence on the reaction of the electorate before plunging into the deep end of the election pool.

With all of this in mind, this boffin is predicting a double-dissolution election on Saturday, July 2.

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

The many flavours of fitness

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

A NEW fitness concept is being rolled out in Canberra, where members can pay a weekly fee then attend a variety of fitness studios or leisure centres, says Sakthi Navaneetharaja, founder of Yaama Fitness.

After working for 15 years in the tech sector, Sakthi says he wanted to start a venture that was more relevant to society.

“I got the idea for Yaama when I was working as a travelling consultant and moving around a lot, and I found it difficult to keep up with my fitness,” he says.

“I thought, what if it was possible for a traveller to attend any fitness studio in a new city that they were visiting?”

Sakthi says he also wanted to create something that would tap into the desire to try something new.

“Of course, as a member of a gym you can use other gyms in that chain,” he says.

“When you first join, you’re excited and turn up every other day, then after three months you’re bored with

and go to new places.

“With Yaama, you can try something totally different, like crossfit, rock climbing or yoga, if you wanted to.”

Yaama Fitness costs $49.95 a week for a pass with unlimited classes.

Sri Lankan-born Sakthi moved to Melbourne when he was 14 with his parents and six siblings, but he and his young family chose to settle in Canberra in 2013.

He says that within a few months Yaama, which means “hello” in an Aboriginal dialect, is aiming to have 10-12 partnerships available in Canberra, including crossfit studios, gyms, boxing, personal trainers, bootcamps, leisure centres, fitness studios and yoga.

“I think it has the potential to have fitness providers in every city,” he says.

Sakthi says Yaama will use efficient location-based technology so the member can just show up, without having to sign anything, and that the fitness provider gets paid straight away.

Reach for a new Floriade

Reader MICHAEL MOWAT has an idea for relocating Floriade that doesn’t include the “logistical nightmare” of Glebe Park...

PLEASE, don’t move Floriade to Glebe Park.

The park is too small, surrounding streets would have to close to facilitate increased pedestrian traffic and where do we park all the visitors’ cars? It would be a logistical nightmare.

Instead, let’s develop the Yarramundi

Reach area for a permanent garden display that incorporates the month-long Floriade festival.

Garden. Even the extensive parking at the Arboretum could be utilised.

The Cultural Centre building could be added to providing additional toilet facilities, a café, retail space, visitor areas and a Floriade office.

This arrangement would link the Australian National Botanic Gardens to the Arboretum and the National Rock Garden.

going to the same place all the time. It’s the same people, the same classes.

“Our surveys have shown that motivation drops without variety, and it’s better if you can meet new people

“We want this to be as low maintenance as possible for our members,” he says.

Yaama Fitness costs $49.95 per week for a pass with unlimited classes. Visit yaama.com.au for more information

BluePackets Outgoing VoIP Phone Service

Suitable for businesses, not-for-profit, and government customers spending over $500/month on calls

• Digital line replacement – keep the quality, save on costs.

• No contract service, month to month.

• Considerable savings on local, national, mobile and international call costs.

• Outgoing calls only, so minimal or no change to your existing phone system.

• Keep your existing lines for incoming calls and fail-over redundancy for outgoing calls.

• Keep your existing caller-id on outgoing calls.

Contact BluePackets to see if you are eligible for a trial

– first week of calls free (limited up to $500)

See www.bluepackets.com.au/voip-tc/ for terms and conditions.

The area is currently undeveloped, has beautiful sloping vistas to the lake and is adjacent to the National Arboretum and the National Rock Garden.

The area would easily accommodate a parking area to the east of the ATSIC Cultural Centre with the gardens on the west side adjacent to the National Rock

Let us also consider expanding the Floriade night festival, NightFest, to four weeks, incorporating additional retail outlets, a night food feast and a special light show on the land and the lake. The setting would just be magical. If interstate cities can do it, why can’t Canberra not only be up there with the best, but be the best?

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

lowbrow Femmes fascinate for all

THE ageing American punk band the Violent Femmes played the ANU bar in Canberra last week and it was a fascinating show for all the wrong reasons.

In the late 1980s it was rare for a disgusting teenage party to not conclude in the cold light of day (as the last of the discarded bottles of booze-cabinet-raided liquor were found to be distressingly empty or full of cigarette butts) with someone putting a grubby bootlegged cassette into the parents’ stereo for a final blast of “Blister in the Sun”, before a vaguely sober person could be awakened to drive everyone to McDonald’s for breakfast in mum’s Camry.

So it was with a nostalgic burst of excitement that I snapped up tickets when word arrived that the legendary party band was back on the road nearly three decades after their heyday, and coming to town.

Approaching the venue one thing really struck us: “Holy crap, this crowd is old”.

Sure I wasn’t expecting a jamboree of undergraduate excess, but the crowd looked more like what I would have expected for the Rolling Stones; heck, the Lou Reed crowd a few years

ago looked younger.

And oh, dear god, what were they wearing? Smart casual? Yes, actual smart casual.

Chinos and polo shirts, and oh, dear god, you came straight from your office in your suit.

Had it really been so many years since leaving high school that they’d forgotten the correct dress for a rock show is a T-shirt and jeans?

Did they no longer even own T-shirts bearing the logos of cool bands? Had the jeans all gone for cleaning rags? You can pick up a decent pair of jeans at Rivers for $15.

Things took a darker turn inside the venue.

As I have done hundreds of times before I grabbed some drinks from the bar and headed back to the front of stage to watch the support band.

A security guard stepped out in front of me and pointed to a sign: “No Beverage to be taken beyond this point – ORS Regulations”.

Given that the Office of Regulatory Services doesn’t even exist any more I was somewhat sceptical of the sign’s authority. It cited no acts, bore no seals, was issued by order of no-one.

But it wasn’t the poor security guard’s fault, he’d just been given the worst job in Canberra that night.

Talking to the bar staff it seems when more than 700 tickets have been sold they have to forbid beverages from the main refectory.

Banning glass I can understand, but no plastic or

JOHN GRIFFITHS

cans is not exactly rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a very, very far cry from rock ‘n’ roll.

We found a seat where we could observe the train wreck. On they came with hope in their eyes and a strung out decades-old song in their hearts.

“Sorry, mate,” the guard would intone pointing at the forlorn sign before returning to Facebook on his mobile phone.

The victims would then progress through the seven stages of grief in around 30 seconds.

Shock, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance. Boom.

Does your business want to save money and be environmentally responsible?

Making the scene even more poignant, the band’s T-shirts on sale on the night sported the words across the back: “We Can Do Anything”.

Given the sorry state of the crowd “We could have done anything” seemed more appropriate.

But with the crowd management in place, “We can’t even take our drink to watch the band” was more the order of the day.

The band sounded great from the bar, at least.

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

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

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

Commentator Chad calls it as he sees it

“By the end of the day I was starting to think that, at 23 years of age, this young man could be anything in this caper.

I’VE been a sports commentator for nearly 30 years and it takes something extraordinary to surprise me in this game.

It can be an inward-looking profession with constant pressure to perform and sometimes it takes something unexpected to inspire you to lift to another level.

That moment of mild astonishment came during the ACT Track and Field titles at the AIS last month. I was asked to commentate on the track events, in particular the sprints. I was also told that I would be assigned an expert commentator, to provide “colour”, who

still study before I have to perform. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a midseason Brumbies’ or Raiders’ game, I still need to really work at getting the names right and get myself into the right mindset before the day.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the commentary box on the day of the track and field titles to discover my co-commentator was a visionimpaired athlete with only five to eight per cent sight. I have found it hard enough over the years with 100 per cent vision!

Be part of the solution

I TOTALLY agree with “Grumpy” Colin Dalton of Harrison (CN, March 10) about Canberrans’ lack of pride in their city. The evidence is everywhere and we seem to be accepting it as normal. Everyone is responsible for this problem and we all need to be part of the solution. Let’s work together and start respecting our remarkable home, Canberra.

A. Medcalf, Cook

Not just Canberra

He was the world silver medalist in the 200 metres for vision-impaired athletes, Chad Perris. Chad was born with albinism, which affects his vision.

commentateven after 30 years, I

So, I arrive at the commentary box and Chad is reading the program at point blank range with a magnifying glass and a light. Chad had also never attempted live commentary before. I thought, this is going to turn out well! I did the first couple of races before

TIM GAVEL

Chad took over. To say I was blown away is a massive understatement.

Chad put the binoculars up to his glasses, which were so thick I wondered how anybody could see out of them, and called it as if he’d been calling all his life. It was extraordinary and akin to discovering a champion racehorse at a country meeting.

In fact, I felt quite inferior and felt as though I had to lift my game to match him, such was the quality of his performance. Chad has since told me that he has always wanted to be a sports commentator and this was his first opportunity.

Although he has trouble seeing the numbers on the athletes, he analyses body movement and memorises what the athletes are wearing. By the end of the day I was starting to think that, at 23 years of age, this young man could be anything in this caper.

We have been in regular contact since with me offering advice where I can. He has made it clear he wants to become a sports commentator and not simply known as a vision-impaired sports commentator.

As I stated earlier, sometimes you need a shakeup, and Chad has provided it for me.

I WOULD like Christina Faulk, who wrote “Grow up, you complainers and whiners” (letters, CN, March 10) to know that it is not restricted to Canberra people. My sister lives in Port Stephens just north of Newcastle which is a country area. When the area was expanded and Sydney people moved up there, a number complained that cows should not be allowed on the road as the cow pats made a mess of their cars. What did they expect in a farming community!

Vi Evans, via email

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Write to us

end2end Event Party Management advertising

and get inspired by the colour and creativity of our new studio!’

Party planners with

for stylish events ‘Come

EGYPTIAN-born Marwa Rida grew up surrounded by parties, inspired by the mother’s love of hosting high teas, birthdays and special occasions.

“Egyptians love to socialise and party!” she says.

Marwa put her love of events to work by opening her own business –end2end Event Party Management, a company of event experts, with a passion for creating stylish, memorable experiences.

She has recently relocated the business, opening a new studio in Fyshwick to provide clients with an opportunity to see, feel and experience some of the creative theming and decorations that Marwa can create.

The opening event of the new studio at Townsville Street was an intimate gathering, with the carpark transformed into an Arabian-style tent. Guests were treated to uniquely themed high teas to showcase the different styles and versatility that Marwa and her team can achieve.

“High teas are particularly popular, people of all cultures love to gather together and relax over tea,” she says.

“High teas allow you to have fun but still be classy and sophisticated while sampling teas from across the world.”

“When you come into the studio, you might not know what you want, but you can see some of the props and visual displays that can become the inspiration for your event, “ says Marwa.

“Come and talk to us, and get inspired by the colour and creativity of our new studio!”

She says end2end can manage any type of event or gathering, from corporate or embassy events, community celebrations, special occasions and high teas.

When she moved to Canberra in 2003, Marwa first worked at the UAE embassy and says she has always enjoyed the multicultural feel of Canberra and the vibrancy that the embassy community gives back to the city.

She then worked at the ANU School of Music, organising musicians for events and Marwa says she realised that her favourite part of the job was organising people and things! She also organised student events through her work at the ANU Student Exchange Office. And as a mother of two, she has also had wide experience with creating beautifully themed children’s parties, loved by kids and adults.

All of these experiences led Marwa to formally study events at CIT and then launch her own business in 2014.

Marwa says that her business’s inspiration is the wise owl.

“The wise owl is studious, knowledgeable, and works at night!” she says.

“My vision is to give my clients a unique ‘look’ to their event which becomes a powerful marketing tool for them to engage with their guests and customers.

“My hopes are to encourage more people to share their stories through meaningful events. We create events that transport clients back through time and history, and encourage them to share their story throughout. We like our events to be as worldly and as sophisticated as the wise owl.”

end2end Event Party Management, Unit 3, 13-15 Townsville Street, Fyshwick. Visit end2endevents.com.au or call Marwa on 0415 523159.

a passion

Canberra Confidential

When mother knows best

“MY hero is Mum. When I got my own police station she knitted me a teddy bear. I was hoping for a coffee mug,” writes Canberra prosecutor and former policeman Paul Sweeney in a sweet post on Facebook earlier this month that has clocked up a staggering 142,000 likes and 25,653 shares.

He says he told his mum he was too old for a teddy bear.

But she was having none of it saying: “Firstly, you’re not. No one is. Secondly, it’s not for you. It’s a trauma bear, for any kid you think needs it.”

Paul picks up the story: “Three months later I’m asking a little boy to do a big job. There was a scared bear in my police truck that needed looking after. And, while his world dissolved in sirens and lights, that boy kept that bear safe and took him home.

“Mum has made hundreds of things since. Trauma bears for victims of crime, quilts to warm rehabilitating drug addicts during the chill of withdrawal, booties and mittens for premature babies. There’s something in the stitching, a kind of grandma magic, I suppose.

“Mum’s my hero and, since she’s not on Facebook, if you message me I’ll pass it on.”

Barnaby’s Windsor knot

CC’s Weston snout and, seemingly, protector-general of Canberra, John Milne, whose keen ambition to rid Canberra of the decentralist deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, has taken comfort in the former independent member for New England, Tony Windsor, being persuaded to return to the Parliament by standing against Joyce in the NSW electorate.

“Political analysts believe he could unseat him,” says Milne. “Then Barnaby, not Canberra, would be decentralised!”

When less is more competition

WITH frustrated Chief Minister Andrew Barr publicly (and correctly) bemoaning the massive grip Coles and Woolies have on the ACT grocery market, Business Chamber CEO Robyn Hendry’s effusively supportive statement welcoming the ACCC’s decision to not oppose Coles’ acquisition of five Canberraowned Supabarn supermarkets seemed odd. After all, this is the diminution of local ownership and a setback for regional suppliers, surely?

“We do not think this sale will diminish competition,” she says, trotting out the increasing number of (German) Aldi stores and the opening of a (US) Costco store as evidence of diversity.

But CC thinks the real reason is not the tightening grip of national retail chains, but where she says: “We are pleased this decision supports local business owners being able to move forward with their lives and sell their businesses when they need to.”

Getting to know you

THE Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, is discovering new constituents north of the lake with the recent Federal redistribution tipping her southern constituency into a few suburbs in the inner north.

And so, with an election looming, her caravan headed over the unchartered Commonwealth Bridge and she set up her mobile office in Civic, plonked out the sandwich board replete with smiley face and an invitation to “come over and say hello”.

Candidate

with a smile

WITH a campaign

T-shirt describing him as “action man, local dad, good listener, nice guy and bald”, there’s no surprise that Labor candidate for the new and untested ACT Assembly seat of Murrumbidgee (Weston Creek) Mark “Kula” Kulasingham is keen to use humour to stand out from the vote-for-me pack hurtling to the October election. The affable marketing guy and former political apparatchik, has beaten the newspaper cartoonists by using a big-smiling caricature of himself on all his election stuff.

PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE

and

WESLEY UNITING CHURCH

22 National Circuit, Forrest

Maundy Thursday – 7.00pm Service

Good Friday – 9.30am Service

Easter Sunday – 9.00am & 10.30am Service

ST AIDAN’S CHURCH

Brockman Street, Narrabundah

Easter Sunday – 9.00am Service

St Paul’s Anglican Church

Cnr Canberra Ave & Captain Cook Cres, Manuka

HOLY WEEK

Monday, March 21

– Wednesday, March 23

7pm Eucharist

Wednesday, March 23

10am Eucharist

Maundy Thursday, March 24 (with incense)

7pm Eucharist – with washing of feet and vigil (until 9pm)

Good Friday, March 25

9am Good Friday Liturgy – with Proclamation of the Cross and Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament Easter Eve, March 26 (with incense)

7.30pm Eucharist – Lighting of the New Fire. Lighting of the Paschal Candle and renewal of Baptismal vows

Easter Day, Sunday, March 27

7am Eucharist – The Book of Common Prayer

8am Eucharist

10am Sung Eucharist

St David’s Anglican Church

Fortitude Street, Red Hill

Maundy Thursday, March 24

10am Eucharist

Good Friday, March 25

8.30am Good Friday Liturgy

Easter Day, Sunday, March 27 8.30am Eucharist

Weston Anglican

Maundy Thursday, March 24

7.30pm Holy Communion

Good Friday, March 25

9am The Passion in Scripture and Song

Easter Saturday, March 26

11am-3pm Sausage Sizzle, Easter Story, Easter Crafts and Easter Egg Hunt (no cost)

Easter Sunday, March 27

8am Holy Communion

10am Family Communion

Cnr Parkinson St & Watling Pl, Weston

all about easter Making the most of Easter’s

EASTER is the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Christ and held between March 21 and April 25, that is on the first Sunday after the first full moon, following the northern spring equinox.

This year, the Easter long weekend falls on March 25-28 and whether or not it holds religious importance for you, Easter is a great time to enjoy a four-day weekend at home or on holiday, with family and friends.

CHURCHES

Bible reading for Easter

THE Christian Science Church in Barton will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with an Easter-themed Bible reading at their Easter Sunday service at 10am. Before Easter, their Wednesday evening Testimony Meeting will also have readings and discussions on the Easter topic.

Christian Science is Bible-based, making clear a system of spiritual healing. To help Christian Scientists better understand spirituality, Mary Baker Eddy’s book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”, is studied together with the Bible.

The Church is a “lay church” with no hierarchy, and all around the world the same readings are read at weekly services and testimony meetings.

The Christian Science

Church also runs Sunday school at the same time as the Sunday service, welcoming children and young adults up to 20 years of age.

Christian Science Church, corner of Macquarie and Bligh Streets, Barton. Visit christiansciencecanberra.com for more information.

Celebrating the Resurrection

ST Paul’s Anglican Church in Manuka has been part of the community since the early 20th century. The rector of St Paul’s Manuka, Father Brian Douglas, says Easter time brings people hope. “Leading up to Easter during the season of Lent, we use the colour purple during this sombre time. On Easter Sunday we use the colour white to symbolise joy and happiness. We celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead and the hope that it gives people,” he says.

St Paul’s has a number of Easter services including three on Easter Sunday as well as the service of the new light on Easter Eve.

Father Brian says the church will be in darkness to symbolise Christ’s death, and a fire will be lit outside and the congregation will light candles to symbolise new life.

The 10am Easter Sunday service will see 400 people attending, and Father Brian says that everybody is welcome to come along and receive communion.

St Paul’s Anglican Church, corner of Canberra Avenue and Captain Cook Crescent, Griffith. Visit stpaulsmanuka.org.au for more information.

many moods

The little church that offers hope

THE Reverend Paul Black, rector at St John’s Anglican Church in Reid says that when you come to St John’s you come to the “original Canberra”.

“St John’s is a little English village church, consecrated in 1845,” he says.

“In a world where tragic events occur, people are in pain and there’s not much hope, the Easter message says that there is hope.

“Through the resurrection of Jesus

A modern take on Christianity

LED by pastors Matt and Gill McGaw, together with their team of pastors, Fusion City Church provides a modern take on Christianity for people from all walks of life in the Gungahlin area. The couple warmly welcomes everybody who comes along to the services at Palmerston Primary School.

Matt says: “Usually, our Fusion Sunday mornings consist of some singing, some community time updating you on what’s happening – communion, prayer and a talk that delves into the word of God and addresses practical life and spiritual issues.

“After each of the services there is a range of baked and savoury nibbles together with coffees made by our baristas and specialty teas in our cafe area. We use multimedia as an integral part of our Sunday meetings and aim to do all this in a contemporary manner.”

Fusion City Church will hold an impactful Good Friday service at 6pm. On Easter Sunday its 10am service will be a celebratory occasion with door prizes, an Easter hat competition, jumping castle and Easter egg hunt for the kids after the service. All welcome.

Visit Fusion City Church’s new website at fusioncitychurch.com.au

Connecting with others to share the gospel

ST Peter’s Anglican Church in Weston’s main aim is to connect with others and share the gospel, says parish administrator Julie Mitchell. “We love people sharing with us to find out more about Jesus,” she says.

On Thursday, March 24, the church will hold a “Maundy Thursday” service, remembering the Last Supper with a Middle Eastern-style dinner at 6pm followed by a service at 7.30pm.

On Easter Saturday, St Peter’s will hold a fun day from 11am-3pm. Activities include a sausage sizzle, Easter egg hunt, crafts and stories for children. On Easter Sunday, Julie says there are two services at 8am and 10am.

St Peter’s Church, 1 Watling Place, Weston. Visit stpetersweston.org.au or call 6287 1193.

people can be given hope beyond the grave and quality of life in the present.”

St John’s will hold five services on Easter Sunday. Its 9.30am service will be followed by a traditional Easter egg hunt for children, in the churchyard grounds.

St John’s Anglican Church, corner of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Park West, Reid. Visit stjohnscanberra.org for more information.

Jesus.”

Help with exploring Christianity

FOLLOWING Easter, Hughes Baptist Church will be holding “Christianity Explored” – a seven-week investigative study into the identity of Jesus, based on the theme “One Life. What’s it all about?”

Presented by study leaders, David Cusack and Paul Hazel, the purpose of the study is to encourage people who may not know much about Jesus or the Bible and help them with their own investigation of the Christian faith.

“We will study the claims and teachings of Jesus and what it means for our lives,” says David. With a light meal provided, followed

Good Friday Service at 6pm, 25th March Easter Sunday Service

After the Easter Sunday Service, there will be door prizes, Easter hat competition, jumping castle and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Venue: Palmerston Primary School P: 02 6253 8672

For current events see fusioncitychurch.com.au

Maundy Thursday 7.30 pm Foot Washing and Eucharist of the Last Supper

Good Friday

8 am Good Friday Liturgy 10 am Contemporary Liturgy Easter Day

6 am Lighting of New Fire and Eucharist 8 am Sung Eucharist 9.30 am Family Eucharist 11.15 am Choral Eucharist 1662 Prayer Book 6 pm stjohns@6

by a DVD and a presentation, David assures that people won’t be asked to read aloud or sing!

“We hope to help people clearly stipulate the identity of Jesus for themselves and make an informed decision on who is Jesus from what the Bible tells us about his life and the story of his resurrection,” he says.

“Christianity Explored”, Thursday evenings at 7pm from March 31-May 12. Hughes Baptist Church, Groom Street, Hughes. Call or text David on 0435 380656 or visit christianityexplored.org for more information.

Have you ever considered seriously investigating the claims of Jesus; his claim to be God in the flesh, his death on a cross and his resurrection?

Through this step by step 7 week course you will be able to make an informed decision on who Jesus is, what he has done, and what this means for your life.

You don’t need to know anything about the bible. You won’t be asked to read aloud, pray or sing.

You can ask any question you want.

7pm to 9pm (light meal at 7pm) Hughes Baptist Church, Groom Street, Hughes

If you would like to come, simply turn up on the night, or to find out more please call or text David on 0435 380 656

For general course content go to www.christianityexplored.org/course

Beautiful Gifting

WIN...

Tickets to see ‘Ghost: The Musical” in Sydney

all about easter

Time to book the holiday getaway

WITH the school holidays just around the corner, now is the time to book a post-Easter getaway on the beautiful south coast at the spacious, singlelevel, four-bedroom luxury beach house, Lilli Pilli Sublime.

Accommodating up to eight guests, Lilli Pilli Sublime is a perfect retreat for the whole family, including well-mannered dogs!

“Kids love our rumpus room and will be entertained for hours with games, train set, play station console and games, DVD and book library, free wifi and Foxtel plus a snooker table,” says owner, Angela.

“Parents can relax on the deck, enjoying the bushland views from the comfort of a hanging chair, or watch a movie in the media room,” she says.

“Mums in need of a pamper can also enjoy a local beauty treatment!”

The house is perfectly situated, only five minutes drive from the heart of Batemans Bay and there’s plenty to explore with the nearby Mogo Zoo, cafes and speciality stores, local beaches and bush tracks.

“For the more active in the family, nearby you’ll find surf schools, skate park, scuba, fish charter boats and kayaking – all ideal holiday activities,” says Angela.

Contact Lilli Pilli Sublime for special offers such as discounts for last-minute bookings.

Email lillipillisublime@me.com or call 0412 800857 to find out more.

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

Treasure trove of gift ideas

BEAUTIFUL Gifting in Queanbeyan provides a treasure trove of Australianmade gifts for all occasions. Owner, Deborah Keenan says that thoughtful Easter gifts don’t always need to be chocolate!

Beautiful Gifting has a range of gifts for family and friends such as tea towels, candles, mugs, hand cream and diffusers, says Deborah.

“We also stock thick Russian colour pencils for kids, which are very popular,” she says.

Beautiful Gifting stocks themed and traditional “Babushka” dolls, handbags, glassware and cards made in Australia.

“We pride ourselves in offering as many Australian made gifts as we can,” says Deborah.

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

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.

special feature

Sound advice for sound equipment

IN 1968 Duratone HiFi was established by Fay and Charles Cull, initially to cater for a group of hifi enthusiasts and music lovers mainly from the ANU.

Word spread and the operation soon became too large to operate from a home. A larger commercial site was needed and in 1973 the current premises were opened at the corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip.

“We assembled a range of quality equipment, sourced from all over the world including Australia, that would satisfy the broadest range of musical tastes. This remains our philosophy today,” says Fay.

“Charles and I were successful in obtaining a range of European loudspeakers some years ago from Austria, France, Germany and the UK.

“Paired with the right amplifier, turntable and CD combinations, the realism and accuracy of reproduction is astonishing.

“I’ve assembled a talented group of staff ranging from seniors, who have been in the industry for 20, 30 and in one case 40 years, to enthusiastic youngsters who know the latest technology including Bluetooth players, network players and the Sonos range of wireless home entertainment.”

Duratone also prides itself in preserving for sale, a selected range of quality pre-owned equipment, particularly legendary gear from the 1970s.

“It’s interesting how things turn full circle,” says Fay.

“The international resurgence in turntables and vinyl sees a huge number of young people coming into the shop who want to embrace this classic technology for the first time, which of course we can help them with.

“Our range of pre-owned, workshop-certified turntables is unsurpassed and we have over 70,000 LP records to choose from as well!”

Duratone HiFi, corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip, open Monday to Saturday. Visit duratone. com.au for more information.

All the fun of the country fair

ROYALLA is a picturesque rural locality, 10 minutes from Calwell, says event director and vice president of the Royalla Country Fair Association, Chris Smith.

The second annual Royalla Country Fair is run by locals to help raise funds for the construction and maintenance of the Royalla Common, a new community facility that will include a community hall, oval, amphitheatre and elm grove forest, says Chris.

“The unique facility will be available to the general community for parties and weddings and hold up to 150 people in the hall,” he says.

The Royalla Country Fair will feature more than 100 stall holders, bands, helicopter joy rides, a show ‘n’ shine display and a wide array of food including Devonshire tea, says Chris. Equine shows and animal displays will be held across the day.

“We are asking locals and Canberrans to come and support our fair, knowing that every dollar will help construct and maintain the facility that will give back to the community for years to come,” he says.

Royalla Country Fair, 10am-3pm, Sunday, March 20, Royalla Common via Monaro Highway. Visit royallacountryfair.com for more information.

Come and enjoy a day in the Country with…

out

Non surgical facelifts

10am till 8pm* Monday to Saturday

*Later times by appointment To experience pain free results call

Enjoying the best in beauty beautiful you advertising

EVERYONE can be beautiful. From decadent massages and fantastic hairstyles to removing unwanted hair and skin treatments, “CityNews” introduces some of Canberra’s best beauty specialists...

Follow us on facebook .com/ canberracitynews

Clinic offers non-surgical dermal treatments

ESTABLISHED in 1998 by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Alastair Taylor, the CAPS Clinic offers a full range of nonsurgical dermal treatments performed by dermal clinicians that effectively treat and manage skin conditions as well as a range of other aesthetic concerns including laser hair removal and fat reduction.

CAPS Clinic dermal clinicians all hold a Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapies from Victoria University, placing them in a vital role to complement the services of dermatologists in Canberra.

“We work closely with dermatologists and GPs,” says senior dermal clinician, Carly Whytcross, who is also the president

of the Dermal Clinicians Society. The society encourages research and evidence-based practice to achieve optimal outcomes for clients, as well as advocating on the behalf of industry and consumers to maintain high standards in safety and clinical scope of practice within the dermal industry.

“We offer microdermabrasion, chemical peels, injectable procedures and medicalgrade skin care,” she says.

“People feel relaxed and welcome at the clinic, knowing that they are being looked after by qualified practitioners.”

CAPS Clinic, 7 Phipps Close, Deakin. Visit capsclinic.com.au or call 6282 1177.

‘Amazing’, expanded Woden hair salon

FOR 16 years, Epic Hair’s vibrant team of stylists has been updating their clients’ looks, leaving them looking hot and ready to make an impact, says owner and director Agatha Villano.

Agatha says she and her team are excited that Epic Hair in Woden is expanding, doubling the size of the salon.

“We have partnered with leading hair-care brand

TIGI and are its first concept salon in Australia,” says Agatha.

“We look forward to seeing you at our amazing, newly expanded Woden salon and helping you achieve an amazing new look!”

Epic Hair Woden, Level 2, Store B6, Westfield Woden. Visit epichair.com.au or call 6282 8428.

beautiful you advertising feature

Day spa has a treatment for trouble spots

THE Day Spa at Fernwood Women’s Health Club at Woden is a ladies-only, fully functional Day Spa open to members and the general public.

“We offer a full range of services from waxes to intense treatments such as oxygen facials, laser fat spot reduction and infrared heat therapy,” says Vivia.

“We use a holistic approach, and natural jojoba products.”

Services include facials, tinting, waxing, manicures, pedicures and

massage to help make ladies look and feel simply beautiful!

An exclusive treatment to Fernwood is the Cell IQ laser fat spot reduction treatment.

“Cell IQ is an innovative technique using laser to liquidise fat deposits in stubborn trouble spots such as inner thigh or tummy, places where women can find it hard to lose fat, despite exercise and healthy diet,” she says.

“It is a medically-certified treatment and clinical trials have shown that if exercise is done after the treatment, the liquidised fat can be released by exercise.”

Vivia says that combined with exercise and healthy eating, the results have been exciting to see!

Fernwood Woden, ground level, Cosmopolitan Centre, 21 Bowes Street, Woden. Visit fernwoodfitness.com.au or call 6281 7199.

Beautiful Gifting

something

big reveal will take place

On the right path to healthy skin

CLEAR Complexions Clinics have been offering clients a unique, personalised and medical approach to skin care for 10 years.

“We help our clients feel confident in their skin. Whatever their concerns are, we can help people look and feel the best they can,” says owner, Suzie Hoitink.

Clear Complexions’ registered nurses treat a wide range of difficult skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and sun damage.

Suzie says it’s great that they are seeing younger clients, from 25 years old, helping to put them on the right path to healthy skin and prevent problems.

“People might feel vulnerable, unsure and selfconscious about their skin. Once they come through

our doors they feel nurtured and welcomed by our experienced front-of-house team, nurses and doctors,” says Suzie.

Suzie says that having an initial, obligation-free consultation with a Clear Complexions nurse will give you an education and analysis about your skin, and how to look after it with a skin-treatment plan.

“It’s often the small things that make a big difference, and we offer targeted, gentle treatments such as hydrofacials that can help the skin to look and feel amazing,” she says.

To find your nearest Clear Complexions Clinic, visit clearcomplexions.com.au

Products aimed at pampering

PAMPER yourself and feel beautiful with body products from beauty brand Maine Beach, says Deborah Keenan, owner of Queanbeyan’s specialist gift wares store, Beautiful Gifting.

“We stock a lovely range of Maine Beach products including hand cream, lip gloss, body cream and soaps,” she says.

Our range of Australian-made candles and room diffusers can relax you and create a beautiful atmosphere in your home, says Deborah.

“And why not spoil yourself with a special handbag by Louenhide! We offer these delightful handbags, which also come in a cosmetic bag in a wide variety of colours such as vibrant red, green, to dusky pink and dove grey.”

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

A gentle touch of Thailand

AROKAYA Lanna Spa promises clients the experience of a true sense of ancient holistic healing in a warm and friendly environment. Inside the boutique setting clients can relax and enjoy every treatment on offer including traditional Thai massage, foot reflexology, aromatherapy massage, Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, remedial massage, hot-stone massage, Indian head massage, pregnancy massage and body treatment massage.

Arokaya Lanna Spa also offers facial treatments using Jurlique products. Therapists are hand picked and trained either in Thailand or by a fully qualified Thai trainer, which ensures a massage experience like those practised in Thailand. Arokaya Lanna is open from 9am to 9pm daily.

Emphola Building, Unit 40, 1 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway. Visit arokayalanna.com or call 6293 9402.

Beauty with a clinical focus

DEZINER Beauty in Queanbeyan provides beauty services and treatments with a clinical focus.

With 18 years in the beauty business, owner Louise McMahon says hers is the only local salon to have the Elizabeth Arden Pro Skin Care range. “We are welcoming, warm and, above all, knowledgeable on any skin type or condition,” she says.

“Our facials are our signature treatment and we love transforming people’s faces, through face lifts, body contouring, make-up or waxing.” Deziner Beauty also offers make-up, waxing, tinting and tooth whitening services.

Facebook or call 6299 5792.

PLUS 2 complimentary Omnilux treatments with any of the above (valued at $250).

We’ve significantly reduced three of our major “game changing” treatments; and we’ve timed our offers so that you can take advantage of the downtime over the Easter long weekend.

Canberra & Sydney

info@clearcomplexions.com.au

clearcomplexions.com.au

Free club expo that’s aiming to entice

DUBBED “O Week for Everyone”, the Connect and Participate (CAP) Expo is fast becoming a feature event in the Canberra calendar with more than 160 clubs and groups coming together to show the public what they do and entice people to join them.

The CAP Expo is a free community event, which is being held at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, 11am-4pm, on Saturday, March 19, and everyone’s welcome.

Hosted by award-winning comedian Toby Halligan, visitors will be able to connect with the Canberra community, meet new people, try new things and enjoy a huge variety of live performances across four stages.

Organisers say there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or ability – from choirs to BMX riders, martial arts groups, ukulele players, art/craft groups, dance clubs, riders, walkers, environmentalists, instrumentalists, writers, quilters, model-car racers, unicyclists, groups for animal lovers and more.

CAP Expo organiser Maureen Howe says: “The event is more like a festival than an expo, with so much music, movement, creativity, energy and, of course, food, setting the scene for a great day.”

She says feedback from clubs with stalls at the previous two CAP Expos has been very positive.

Margie Kirkwood, from Sing Australia, said: “Thanks for a fantastic event. It was certainly a great way to showcase Sing Australia – we had 39 expressions of interest to join; the fishing club signed up 10 new members.”

Ann Smith from the Tango Social Club said: “A big thanks to the organisers for coming up with such a magical and practical way of assisting everyone to enjoy Canberra and get the most out of living here at all stages of their life.”

Feedback from last year’s patrons was also very positive.

“I didn’t know lots of these groups existed”, wrote one; “A real eye-opener for anyone thinking Canberra might be a boring place to live!” said another and there was: “This is great, and I would recommend it to others, because Canberra can be really hard to meet people” and one attendee said it was “inspiring” and should be held four times a year!”

More than 8000 people are expected to share the Expo, so Canberrans are being encouraged to use public transport or utilise the park and ride facility offering free ACTION buses every 15 minutes from Fyshwick Park & Ride, Tom Price Street (just off Canberra Avenue).

The Expo is sponsored by the ACT Government’s Community Services Directorate, ACT Health, Woden Community Service, Red Cross, Communities@Work and the NDIS Task Force.

More information at connectandparticipateexpo.com.au or facebook.com/CAPExpo

Ever

to the CAP Expo and have a chat to the Ancient Arts Fellowship.

The who’s who of who’ll be there...

Animal groups

• ACT Companion Dog Club • ACT Rescue and Foster • ACT Wildlife

• Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc. • Greyhound Rescue • Labrador Rescue Inc.

Art and craft groups

• ACT & Region Machine Knitting Guild • Canberra Calligraphy Society

• Canberra Potters’ Society • Canberra Quilters Inc. • Canberra Region Feltmakers • Embroiderers Guild ACT

• Paperworks Inc. • Southern Cross Club Social Art Group

Choirs and music groups

• Andante Andante Choir • Australian National Eisteddfod

• Brindabella Chorus • Canberra Blues Society

• Canberra Brass Inc • Canberra Choral Society • Canberra City Band • Canberra College of Piping and Drumming • Canberra Harmony Chorus

• Canberra Opera • COZMO (Capital of Australia Mandolinata) • Ecopella

• Music For Canberra

• Musicians of Note

• Sing Australia – “Majura” Group

• Strange Weather Gospel Choir

• The Gospel Folk Choir

• The Heart and Soul Singers

• Tuggeranong Valley Band

• Ukulele Republic of Canberra (URoC)

• Young Music Society Concert Band Dance groups and performing arts

• ACT Square Dance Society • Audacity Dance West Coast Swing Social Club

• Bellyup Bellydance • Canberra Dance Theatre • Canberra Repertory • Capital Spirit DrillDance Inc • Folk Dance Canberra • Jumptown Swing • Monaro Folk Society • Silver Soles Cloggers Inc.

• Southside Rock n Roll • Subsdance Dance Studio and Brazilian Entertainment • Surly Griffin Morris • Tango Social Club of Canberra • The Flamenco Centre, Canberra Environment, geology and horticulture

• ACT Landcare and Waterwatch

• Cactus & Succulent Society of the

ACT • Canberra Lapidary Club Inc

• Conservation Volunteers Australia

• Open Gardens Canberra Inc.

Games and model clubs

• ACT Miniature Enthusiasts

• ACTMCRC (ACT Model Car Racing Club)• Belconnen Model Aero Club

• Canberra Bridge Club • Canberra

Model Railway Club • Canberra

Model Shipwrights Society Inc

Martial arts

• Bai Rui Taekwon-Do • Chopper Muay Thai • Do Chung Korean Martial Arts

• Kung Fu Wushu ACT • Olympia

Judo Club • Somchai Training • Taoist

Tai Chi of Australia

Re-enactment and costume themed groups

• Ancient Arts Fellowship • GAMMA.

CON • National Military Reenactment Group (NMRG) • Southern Cross Garrison, 501st Legion (Star Wars)

Special interest or hobby groups

• 224 ACU (Army Cadet Unit) • 2XX (98.3FM) Community radio • ABC Friends • ACT Bilingual Education Alliance • ACT Playgroups Association

• ACT Storytellers Guild • Belconnen Community Men’s Shed • Canberra Archaeological Society •Canberra Astronomical Society • Canberra Photographic Society • Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club • Canberra Skeptics • Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild • Capital Tigers –Official Richmond Supporter Group

• Combined Community Councils of the ACT • Country Women’s Association of NSW, Canberra Branch • Crossroads Christian Church • Darryl’s Den

• Das Zentrum Australian-German Institute Inc. • Fair go for Canberra

• Friends of the National Arboretum

Canberra Inc • Girl Guides – ACT & SE NSW Region • Girls and Boys Brigade Australia • Lions International

• Motor Cycle Riders Association of the ACT • National Trust of Australia (ACT) • Omnia Adventures and Social Club • Rough

Miriam wants to make it personal

By Helen Musa

MIRIAM Lieberman is probably the last person you’d expect to be playing the kora, the 21-string cross between the harp and the lute.

Decidedly female, she’s made it in a world dominated by brilliant men –traditional West African historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills down the line.

With 11 strings played by the left hand and 10 by the right, it’s fiendishly difficult to learn yet magical once mastered and at the coming 50th anniversary National Folk Festival, Lieberman will show just how far she’s come from being an accomplished western player to an authentic Australian exponent of the ancient art as she performs on the kora in concert with cellist Kate Adams, violinist Lara Goodridge and Liz Frencham on bass.

Mastery didn’t come easily. Lieberman spent years studying the music of West Africa from kora players who are traditionally members of the Griot caste.

“You don’t just go to a school and learn the kora, you absorb yourself in the world of the Griot,” she tells “CityNews” by phone from Melbourne.

She first came across the kora while living in Guinea. With some proficiency on the West African guitar and xylophone, she was keen to study the music, songs and dances of the region.

“The first time I heard the kora, I fell in love with the sound,” she says.

“But it has so many complications that I wondered how I could possibly learn it.”

A local elder told her: “If you learn the

one song, ‘Allah Lake’, and keep learning the rhythms, I promise you’ll never stop playing the kora.”

She learnt the famous song and was hooked.

Next, in the Guinean capital Conakry, she met the great Grammy award-winning kora player Toumani Diabaté and greeted him in the Malinke language.

He was so impressed that he told her he’d love to hear her play.

“It was very scary and I wasn’t that good, but he really encouraged me and appreciated my love of West African culture,” she says.

An official letter of invitation to visit his home country Mali followed and she spent time there from 2009 to 2010.

The rest is history – “mind-blowing” history to her. She recorded much of her third album with members of Diabaté’s band the

Symmetric Orchestra then later, back home, released the album “Birds of the Moon”, in which she melds blues and folk with African and world music.

“But I actually wanted to have my own style,” she says, “I’ve learnt all the traditional music, but I want to take it further.”

Now Lieberman is planning and crowd funding (at pozible.com) yet another album, with a difference.

“I decided I am not an African, I’m never going to be an African,” she says.

“I have a story to tell, but I live in Melbourne and I play this wonderful instrument and it’s time to create a new style, in English. Essentially, I’m doing my own story.”

Miriam Lieberman, National Folk Festival, Exhibition Park, March 24-28, bookings to tickets@folkfestival.org.au or 6242 5944.

By Helen Musa

THE Four Winds Festival is blowing its trumpet as the biennial Easter event draws near – well, not just its trumpet, but pretty well any kind of instrument that can be blown – clarinets, oboes, bassoons and French horns, too.

Staged in the Sound Shell and Windsong Pavilion at Bermagui, it has become a drawcard for lovers of classical music.

So loved was the festival by the late museum director Andrew Sayers that he allowed Four Winds to feature his south coast paintings in its 2016 Four Winds brochure.

Clarinettist and former director of the Australian Academy of Music, Paul Dean, is the newest artistic director. This is his first festival and he’s steaming ahead on the idea of wind instruments for Four Winds.

Now head of woodwind at the Conservatorium in home town Brisbane, he’s using his new-found time to do things such as Four Winds and to pick up his career as an international composer and performer.

With Europe’s Navarra String Quartet, British violinist Jack Liebeck and cellist Li-Wei Qin on the bill, Dean brings a cosmopolitan touch to Four Winds, saying: “This is about international stars and a really loyal, local, wonderful audience in an incredible part of the world.”

He praises the pavilion in the bush for having “the greatest acoustics in all of

Australia”.

There’ll be a couple of new ventures in the new Windsong Chamber Music Series that starts before the main event and “After Dark”, nightly performances by indigenous singer-songwriter Radical Son in the Bermagui Community Centre, temporarily restyled to become the Double Bar.

Recently appointed CEO David Francis has come to Four Winds with an extraordinary management pedigree. Most recently general manager of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, he was before that director of arts for the Dartington Hall Trust in Devon, UK, and Dean says getting Francis is “a real feather in the cap for Four Winds”.

“I like to work in organisations at critical points,” Francis says.

“I develop and lead organisations to new funding and what needs to be grasped – it’s been a case of being in the right place at the right time.”

Four Winds, he says, offers unique opportunities, with the future possibly seeing a year-round series of events focusing on music in the natural surroundings.

The core of the festival is the classical program, beginning with the free community opening concert on Good Friday featuring Ensemble Offspring and fLiNG Physical Theatre.

The festival kicks off in earnest on Easter Saturday, when the highlight will be Dvořák’s “Wind Serenade” featuring nine players, including Dean himself, followed by 80 artists in 21 events.

Central works will be Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor played by Liebeck with the Festival Orchestra and the world premiere of James Ledger’s 2016 Four Winds-commissioned work.

Four Winds concludes on Easter Sunday with Dean’s personal favourite, HK Gruber’s “Frankenstein”, performed on a stage littered with children’s toys and percussion. The composer once called it “a Pan-demonium” and Paul Dean, for one, couldn’t be more pleased at that possibility.

Four Winds 2016 Easter Festival, Bermagui, March 22-27. Bookings and program at fourwinds.com.au or call 6493 3414.

AWAKENING THE BUDDHA WITHIN

An

at The Australian National University ANU Arts Centre, Union Court Thursday 7 April, 7– 8.30 pm

Bookings: www.meditateincanberra.org

Enquiries: info@meditateincanberra.org Phone 0477 044 607

Rude, crude, irrational and silly

“Grimsby” (MA)

ABOUT 10 minutes into Louis Leterrier’s film of a screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen, I found myself wondering whether I had the intestinal fortitude to see it through. I chickened out. I saw it to the closing credits.

It’s rude, crude, irrational, silly rather than funny, irreverent toward the Humberside trawler fishery port, once the biggest of its kind in Europe, stupid in a style and a manner that doesn’t come easy when you’re deliberately setting out to produce witty satire, and jam-packed with references to body parts, their functions and their products within and peripheral to the pelvis, biped, quadruped, it doesn’t matter.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably formed an opinion about making your see/avoid decision. In that process, the plot of “Grimsby” exerts but scant influence.

beer, football and Dawn’s body, with searching for Sebastian whom a middle-class couple adopted. Little does Nobby know that Sebastian is now MI6’s top agent.

Then one day, Nobby finds out. It’s a life changer!

What follows is a mix of referential gags embedded in arrant plagiarism, some clever, others obvious, still others neither of those, too numerous to list, all coarse, many quite unsuitable for delicately-raised sensitivities. But heck, nowadays people like that hang out in the foyers of cinemas discussing all sorts of movies. Which is a Good Thing.

At all cinemas

“10 Cloverfield Lane” (M)

WIN... a family pass

to see “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” on opening night at Canberra Theatre

pigeonhole presents

Two brothers of a family, Nobby (Baron Cohen) and Sebastian (Mark Strong) are separated when very young. Twenty-eight years later, living in Grimsby (actually, the exteriors were filmed in Essex) Nobby, a layabout lout funded by social security benefits for his 11 children born out of Dawn (Rebel Wilson) is obsessed, along with

DIRECTOR Dan Trachtenberg’s film, in an unsubstantiated way, references JJ Abrams’ film “Cloverfield”, a catastrophe drama in which friends search New York for the lover of one of them after a rampaging monster has turned the city into ruins.

Writers Josh Campbell and Matthew Stuecken move the plot south to Louisiana where Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is leaving a marriage that has stopped working for her.

There is a highway collision and Michelle wakes lying on a mattress and chained to the wall of an otherwise bare room. She dislikes her situation then and when a large bearded man walks

in and tells her he has chained her for her own good because the world outside has become uninhabitable for a reason not yet revealed, she dislikes it even more.

The big bloke is Howard (John Goodman). When Michelle gets used to his fully-equipped, well-provisioned and hermetically-sealed underground hideout, which they won’t be able to find and if they ever do, won’t be able to get into, her dislike shrinks – but not so much that she stops trying to find a way out.

“They?” What “they” would those be?

Hardly surprisingly, that remains a mystery till the last reel. The discovery diminishes the impact of an otherwise interesting drama for three main characters (Emmett – John Gallagher Jr – who appears later, seems to have prior knowledge of Howard and the hideout).

It’s CG stuff introducing an ill-mannered extra-terrestrial. I have no qualms about providing that spoiler because frankly, the arrival of ill-mannered extra-terrestrials diminishes any film’s value for me and brings on a mild attack of the ab-dabs! We don’t need extra-terrestrial help to make our planet unlivable.

The plot relies on an imaginative but familiar theme – people hiding from an unknown danger or perceived threat. Excess contrivance diminishes the dramatic impact of some of the details. The acting is competent enough. “Potboiler” perhaps over-praises the film, but it’s better than mere hackwork.

At Dendy and Hoyts

“...it is one of the strongest feminist statements I have seen in any medium, and one of the funniest plays I’ve seen in years.”

by April DeAngelis

“With delicious absurd extracts from the heroic repertory and frantic dressing room scenes, the prevailing tone is comic but you are not allowed or forget the gutter waiting to reclaim these glittering figures.”

Flavours from a land far, far away

I ADORE Indian food and every once in a while find myself craving the unforgettable tastes of this amazing cuisine. Divine spices. Dishes bursting with colour. Combinations of flavours that transport you to a land far away. Delhi 6, established in 2010, is all about authentic, traditional Indian dishes. Its name is inspired by Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest areas of Delhi – a crazy, busy market area where traffic, shops and people are so dense there’s barely space to move. If you’re a shopaholic you’ll find saris, silver jewellery, housewares and more. But dining, including the street food, would be my reason for visiting, given that

The restaurant has picked up multiple awards throughout its life and I’ve no doubt there will be more to come.

Delhi is known around the globe for its fascinating, rich cuisine.

Let’s start with the décor. A main feature of Delhi 6 is the white, leather-like chairs, which provide plenty of support and comfort. The large bar area at the back of the restaurant ties in nicely. The taupe and brown accents add warmth while the crystal ceiling lights brighten matters up in a modern way.

Appetisers are served with tamarind or mint sauce and the vegetarian platter (for two) is a great way to sample a variety. You can go for vegetable samosa or pakora, onion bhaji or the broccoli fritters, which we thoroughly enjoyed. This dish is created with delicate homeground spices and rosemary and the

broccoli dipped into chickpea batter (a thin coating) and then lightly fried. Okay, the broccoli bit is better for your health than the fried bit, but I’d go for this appetiser anytime.

We were equally delighted with the “Velvet butter chicken”, and the word “velvet” sums up the dish perfectly. There are so many intriguing ways to make butter chicken and I never tire of trying them out.

This is chicken tikka simmered in heavenly cumin-scented butter. The meat is then slow cooked in a tomato-based sauce with just the right amount of spice (not too hot, but packed with flavour).

Indian cuisine caters for non-vegetarians well and the sesame prawn showcases this. Delhi

6 calls this dish one of its “special fusion stand-outs”. The prawns are marinated in lemon juice and spice. Next they’re delicately coated with sesame seeds and breadcrumbs and lightly fried. Delicious.

Other special stand-out dishes include the line-up of goat dishes, including one cooked with yellow lentils. I’ll be back to try the Goan fish curry and also the barramundi cooked in tomato, onion and cashew nuts with fenugreek leaves.

Delhi 6 easily caters for those preferring gluten free and dairy free dishes. The restaurant has picked up multiple awards throughout its life and I’ve no doubt there will be more to come.

Delhi 6, open seven days for lunch and dinner. 14 Childers Street, Civic. Call 6248 7171.

arts in the city

It’s arrivederci from Avi

AFTER seven years at the helm of Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, Avi Amesbury retires as CEO at the end of March to pursue her own interests. An admired ceramicist, Amesbury has overseen the expansion of the organisation into one with links to the future directions of the ACT economy, notably through the DESIGN Canberra initiative.

TALENTED young musicians from the Ichijo Senior High School Band in our sister city Nara will be here for a “Friendship Concert” at Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, on Monday, March 21. Free event, no bookings required.

THEY’RE saying foot tapping is guaranteed when the John Black Trio plays swing music from the ‘30s and ‘40s. In Cooinda Hall, Kangara Waters Retirement Village, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, 2.15pm-3pm, Sunday, March 20, bookings via trybooking.com or at the door.

“MELODY poet” and singer-songwriter Tom Woodward has released his second full-length album for the year – and it’s only March! He says he has been working on “Music for Clowns” in between busking shifts and that some tracks were recorded in parks, abandoned buses and urban alleyways. Free download from tomwoodward.bandcamp.com/musicforclowns

THE inaugural Canberra Writers Festival in August has hired well-known festival producer Vickii Cotter

with the job, she says, of creating a cultural drawcard that has “a strong affinity for writing and fondness for telling yarns”. Its theme of “Power, Politics, Passion” is designed to bring together Canberra’s literary, academic, business, media and political communities. Watch it evolve at canberrawritersfestival.com.au

C ANADIAN , Jaron Freeman-Fox, fuses fiddling and jazz with musical studies in India, Sweden, and Indonesia. Fox plays on the custom, five-string violins of his mentor, the late Oliver Schroer, at Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Alinga Street, Civic, Wednesday, March 23.

FELLOW Canadian blues singer/songwriter Gordie Tentrees is surely one of the few folkies to have won his country’s Golden Glove boxing championship three years in a row, though he left the ring to pursue his passion for youth work and providing education to students in small towns around Canada. Now he sings stories about real people, tackling subjects such as cancer, accident victims in wheelchairs and the Boston Marathon bombing. Tentrees will be at the National Folk Festival from March 24-28.

HELEN MUSA

• Tapware

• Vanities

• Bathroomware

• Ceramic Tiles & Glass Vessels

• Porcelain Tiles

• Stone • Mosaics

• Terracotta • Glass • Marble

• Adhesives • Tiling Tools

The

FROM time to time, I am asked to create gardens with coloured themes, the most popular being the soft pastel flowers of pink, white, mauve and lavender.

Apparently, some people don’t like looking out at their garden with bright reds, orange or yellow on a hot day. Unfortunately, many of our native plants have these strong colours.

Despite requests of “no native plants”, I sometimes sneakily include native plants of the blue, white or pink varieties. For example, Prostanthera ovalifolia, the mint bush with its profusion of blue flowers or the white-flowered Philotheca myoporoides, the native mint bush.

Recently, I’ve had requests for plants of purple or burgundy, with the emphasis on the foliage rather than the flowers.

Among the smaller perennial plants available, the spring-flowering Heuchera “Palace Purple” fits the bill perfectly. Then there’s the Ajuga “Black Scallop”, a dense ground cover growing to just 10cm high with a spread of 80cm of glossy, deep-purple foliage and pink flowers.

The autumn-flowering Salvia sinaloensis “Aztec Blue” has purple leaves. Leucadendron “Ebony” has almost black leaves all year round with yellow/red flowers in autumn and winter, growing to two metres. I particularly recom -

mend this plant.

The last suggestion is Berberis thunbergii “Little Favourite” with deep purple foliage, clips well for a dwarf hedge or pot specimen.

Fleming’s Nurseries, of Victoria, recently introduced Lagerstroemia “Plum Magic”, a semi-dwarf crepe myrtle growing to about two metres.

Its leaves are a rich, deep-plum colour when it comes into leaf in spring and changing through the season to rich, deep green with pink flowers.

Then there’s a plant that’s taken gardens by storm, the perfectly named Loropetalum “Plum Gorgeous” with its purple leaves and masses of tiny, pink spidery flowers in spring and into the summer.

In our garden, I under-estimated its size, so allow for it to grow up to 1.5-metres tall with a metre-plus spread. It responds well to clipping, as shown in the photographed hedge in Manuka. Purple-foliaged plants act as a foil for other plants. For instance, purple next to a plant with orange flowers makes a stunning combination. These are just a few of the purple-foliaged plants, all with a variety of flower colours.

THE majority of plants in British gardens have been introduced. Many have “English” in the name but are anything but English.

Buxus sempervirens (English box) was introduced into Britain by the Romans. Similarly, Quercus robur (English Oak), like many oaks, originated from the Mediterranean. Many smaller shrubs such as lavender, rosemary and many perennial plants originate from harsh climates such as Greece, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. These all grow well in our local climate.

Jottings...

• Now’s the time to cover the fish pond with a fine mesh to catch the autumn leaves, which can cause problems for fish as they rot.

• Trim evergreen shrubs before Easter (March 25) to spare new growth being burnt by early frosts.

• Now that most perennials have finished flowering, it’s time to divide them. Pot up some for the next school/church fete and others for filling in blank spaces in the garden.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

On Monday, communication planet Mercury moves into your sign where it stays until April 5. So you’re in the mood to think quickly and solve problems with lightning speed. But Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse stirs up your temperamental side. If you keep busy with interesting projects, then you’ll feel less inclined to be disruptive and demanding. Just remember not everyone is as full-on as you; and there’s a fine line between being confident and just plain cocky.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Get set for a week of extremes! If you’re too set in your ways mid-week, then you’re in for an unsettling time as the Lunar Eclipse disrupts your usual routine. The more flexible you are, the better things will be. But – if you are too extravagant on Good Friday – you could find yourself overeating, overspending and plain overindulging in all manner of fattening, expensive and hedonistic treats. Just make sure your bank balance (and waistline) can accommodate such extravagance.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With Mercury and the Lunar Eclipse stimulating your networking zone, it’s the perfect time to participate in group activities, and communicate your ideas to the world in person and via social media. You’re in the mood to mix and mingle; socialise and circulate; as you discover wonderful new contacts and make waves within your circle of influence. But don’t then disappoint people by talking far too much and delivering way too little. Keep your expectations grounded in reality.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

All eyes are on you this week, as the Lunar Eclipse and Mercury boost your public profile. If you want something, then you have to declare it to the world. No more side-stepping – strive to be a confident Crab! The Easter weekend is an appropriate time for rebirth and renewal, as you get up-close-and-personal with someone special. Plus Venus and Pluto help you let go of the past and head off in a transformative new direction. Single? Get ready for a magnetic attraction!

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Don’t fence Lions in! The Sun, Mercury and Uranus are all activating your adventure gene. So it’s time to enthuse, experiment and explore, as you make the most of every moment of every day. This week’s stars are also wonderful for travel, education, public speaking, social media and community connections. But pleasure planets Venus and Jupiter stimulate your tendency to be rash with cash. So make sure a short-term spending spree doesn’t turn into a long-term nightmare.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos often suffer from analysis paralysis. This week you need to stop over-thinking and start doing, as your ruler Mercury shifts into dynamic Aries (and also trines Mars). You’ll be able to work at a faster pace than usual so don’t waste the opportunity to roll up your sleeves, jump in, and get heaps done. The Lunar Eclipse and Mercury also shine a bright spotlight on money matters. So it’s time to concentrate on budgeting rather than borrowing – and saving rather than spending.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

The Lunar Eclipse encourages you to get the balance right between giving and taking; between your needs and those of loved ones. It won’t all be smooth sailing and eternal sunshine though! You have to learn to take the ups with the downs. And you have to face problems when they occur rather than sweeping them under the carpet. As birthday great Sarah Jessica Parker says: “You have good days and bad days. That’s a marriage. That’s a relationship. That’s a friendship.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The Lunar Eclipse lights up your dreaming zone. So your motto for the moment is from feminist writer Gloria Steinem (born on March 25): “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” Your detective skills are also firing, as your eagle eye discovers important information. So it’s a wonderful week to undertake study and research, so your x-ray vision can uncover facts that were previously hidden.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

There are no excuses for being bored this week Sagittarius, as Mercury and the Lunar Eclipse shake up your social gene and your sporty side. It’s also the perfect time to initiate an important conversation with a child or teenager; have a welcome chat with a friend; or take up a creative new hobby. But expect some frustration along the way, as Saturn slows things down and places some obstacles in your way. Time to jump those hurdles with extra gusto and grace!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re at your best and worst this week Capricorn, as the Lunar Eclipse stirs up your charming and cantankerous sides. The spotlight is on paid or volunteer work, as well as your reputation and public profile, so make sure you are putting on a good show. But – if you are too career-focused – then a relationship with a loved one could take a dive, as they feel sidelined and neglected. So strive to get the balance right between work commitments and family responsibilities.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re dreaming of the future and have so many ideas swirling around, but how many of them see the light of day? If you get side-tracked by endless possibilities, then you’ll never get anything done. Saturn demands that you set achievable goals, and then follow through with patience and persistence. Also, if you’re keen to start an important project, make sure you are realistic about the budget. If you’re creatively focused and financially frugal, you’ll get more bang for your buck.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your Piscean charisma shines brightly, as Venus vamps through your sign. Time to indulge in beauty therapies and body pampering, plus call in a few old favours! The focus is on lust and loot mid-week, when the Lunar Eclipse brings up unresolved issues. An intimate relationship could soar or crash, depending on how committed you are – both emotionally and financially. Singles – a casual relationship has the potential to become much deeper and more profound.

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

4 What is an event which precipitates an action?

7 Which military staff officer assists the commanding officer?

8 When one takes another as one’s child, one does what?

9 Of, or relating to a newborn child, is described by which word?

11 Name the close-fitting, one-piece garment worn by dancers, etc.

13 Which prehistoric pine was re-discovered in 1994?

15 To be extremely wicked is to be what?

17 In Roman Mythology, who was the god of the sea?

20 What is one of the planetoids with orbits between those of Mars and Jupiter?

23 To cause someone to remember, is to do what to them?

24 What do we call one who brings in merchandise from foreign countries?

25 Name a chemical compound which is isometric with other compounds.

Down

1 To be doing nothing, is to be what?

2 What is a metal chimney, especially of a ship?

3 What was the surname of the Australian painter, Pro ...?

4 When something isn’t fresh it is said to be what?

5 What are apparitions also known as?

6 Name the profession of Basil Rathbone.

9 Which mountain in the WA Pilbara region is rich in iron-ore deposits?

10 What do we call assumed names?

12 To have moved rhythmically to music, is to have done what?

14 What is a different term for a courtyard?

16 What is a display in the sky, of moving visible lights?

18 Name another expression for pitchers.

19 What is the lowest point, as of adversity?

21 What is a more common term for spigots?

22 Which date in March was Caesar warned to beware of?

Everyone should explore Australia because it is the most beautiful country on Earth. A very bold statement I know, and yes, I am completely biased given that I was born and raised here, but I can honestly say that despite all of my overseas adventures there is no greater feeling than coming home. Each time I travel somewhere in Australia I think to myself just how lucky I am to have this majestic country as my home.

I am often asked ‘what is your favourite place in Australia?’ This is one of the most difficult questions to answer as every area is so different. From the vast expanse of our deserts, to the lush rainforests, to the clear ocean waters, to the buzzing cities and everything in between, Australia has a place to suit every person, style of traveller and budget. This question encourages me to think about my experiences; dining under the desert stars in the outback, feeling the warmth of my skin as I walk along our endless coastline and the intoxicating smell of the forests in Tasmania, but I honestly cannot decide which was my favourite as I would quite happily do them all again, and again!

Whether you are looking for a grass roots adventure to take you to areas rarely explored, a luxurious getaway with the person you love, a fun filled family holiday or a trip to visit that place you have always dreamt of seeing, now is the time to do it!

Top Tip: Airfares within Australia can get a little expensive so book early and be flexible with your dates to maximise your chance of a bargain! Many services such as tours and trains offer seniors discounts so make sure to ask if you are eligible.

Active Travel is a proud Australian family owned agency with many years’ experience booking Australian holidays so come and speak with a member of our team about your next Australian experience. We are able to arrange flights, accommodation, sightseeing tours from a few hours to a number weeks, cruises, campervan and car rental, iconic train journeys and many more unforgettable experiences, so allow us to tailor an itinerary unique for you.