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Birthday cakes rise to the challenge
By Kathryn Vukovljak
EVERY cake from the classic “Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book” will be on display and for sale in a fundraiser to help families experiencing post and antenatal depression.
Christine Spicer, president of local support group PANDSI, says there’s something about the non-perfection of the book and some of its 107 cakes are wacky, such as the monster and the doll.
“I personally love the duck cake, though it’s controversial because of the savoury bill,” she says.
Christine is organising the CakeOff in the ballroom at the Hyatt Hotel on Saturday, May 7, where the sale by silent auction of every cake from the cookbook will help raise funds for PANDSI and awareness of postnatal depression.
Members of the public put their hands up to bake a cake each for the fundraiser.
Christine says there will also be 10 cakes made by professional bakers, inspired by the cookbook with an “essence” of Women’s Weekly – and created with expertise.
“Not taking anything away from the cookbook, but I’ve heard that there will be a clock cake that will be actually hanging,” she says.
“The professional cakes will be auctioned off via a live auction.”
Christine says the idea for Cake-Off came through PANDSI ambassador
Ginger Gorman, who loved the book herself and had written an article on it that had gone viral.
“We were all thinking, well, if we make five cakes each, we should be okay,” says Christine.
“But the response was amazing – within 40 minutes of releasing the cakes to the public, every cake had been assigned.”
Christine says she has experienced perinatal depression herself, and describes it as like having the baby blues, but with no end in sight.
“With my first baby it went undiagnosed, but when it happened again with my next baby I was more prepared and responded to it quicker,” she says.
“It’s a feeling of knowing you’re meant to love your baby, but not feeling that bond or being able to cope.
“For me it was like my resilience went down, and I just couldn’t cope with things I would usually be fine with.”
As president of PANDSI, a support group for local families suffering from
Cover: Take the great Shakespeare quiz. Pages 26-27. Digital mischief by Janet Ewen.
post and antenatal depression, Christine says the PANDSI Cake-Off has become a way for people to say thank you.
“I think it’s hard to talk about, but so many people are touched by postnatal depression,” she says.
“Some people who put their hand up to make one of the cakes has said, I got help from PANDSI, so this is a way for me to give back,” she says.
“It’s like we have given mums an avenue and a way to express their gratitude.”
PANDSI Cake-Off, Saturday, May 7, 2pm-4pm, Hyatt Hotel Canberra. To donate to the Cake-Off, visit gofundme. com/PANDSICakeOff. There will be raffle tickets and pansies for sale on the day. More information at facebook. com/groups/pandsicakeoff2016
It matters to me that your Personal Injury claim is settled fairly and quickly.
Mum of the year
DANNIELLE Kelly, 35, is Barnardos Mother of the Year ACT 2016. Despite her son suffering leukaemia, she was commended for extreme optimism and selflessness not only for the wellbeing of her family, but also in the support and compassion to other parents going through the same experience. Fellow finalists Geraldine Freeman and Allison Cerritelli were also commended. Now in its 21st year, the Barnardos Mother of the Year national award will be announced on May 5.
Lots in store
BRIC-a-brac, produce, portable furniture, jewellery, linens, books, tea/coffee, cake, sausage sizzle, spiders and busking are in store at the Quaker Service Australia’s autumn sale and book fair at the Friends’ Meeting House, corner of Bent and Condamine Streets, Turner, 8am-2pm, Saturday, April 23.
Dutch treats
ALL things Dutch will be celebrated at the second “Oranjefeest Canberra” King’s Day festival with Dutch food, music, a “Dirk Hartog 2016 Explorer’s Walk and Ride” around the lake, games, flea market and more all day at Albert Hall on Saturday, April 30. There will be traditional Dutch food and drink available until 4pm. The festivities will resume in the evening with a four-course, royal red-blue-white King’s dinner. More information at oranjefeestcanberra.org
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Christine Spicer... “I personally love the duck cake, though it’s controversial because of the savoury bill.”
Photo by Andrew Finch
Wise moves away from a week of polibabble
WISE move from PM Malcolm Turnbull to nick off to China in last week’s lead up to the Budget. Nothing more boring for voters to hear the non-answers from pollies to reporters’ questions about what’s in it. Unfortunately, the spokesmen he left behind – Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann – took great delight in parroting their polibabble…not a word about those “surprises”. And when the conversation turned to Labor’s proposed Banking Royal Commission they just raised the decibel level about the power of ASIC, under whose watch the recent banking horrors played out. Either way, it’s unlikely to go ahead. Electoral Commission figures released last week revealed contributions from the banks in 2014 of $564,000 to the Libs and
CM Andrew Barr was on an Asian safari starting talks with the big Chinese airlines. Odd the way he seems to be emulating the Turnbull template.
$650,000 to Labor. QED.
TURNBULL played the international statesman with his usual aplomb. And it did him no harm to praise AFL above the other footy codes – Rugby League fans vote Labor en masse anyway and the Rugger Buggers are rusted on Libs.
Our own CM Andrew Barr was also on an Asian safari starting talks with the big Chinese airlines. Odd the was he seems to be emulating the Turnbull template.
THE spectre of Clive Palmer being hauled to court on criminal charges rolled into view as administrators charged that he’d used his failed Queensland Nickel as a “piggy bank” for other ventures such as his political party. Clive might argue that this investment paid off – his PUP voted to save him millions by ending the mining and carbon taxes.
OTHER alleged miscreants also faced the prospect of serious court action. The ACT Supreme Court cleared the way for David
ROBERT
Eastman to be retried for the murder of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester in 1989!
Surely there’s a legal principle that “justice delayed is justice denied”. And after 19 years in jail…
THE “60 Minutes” crew in Lebanon were also facing their legal comeuppance. Jailing journalists always raises the hackles, but their reckless stupidity involving snatching children from a public street really doesn’t qualify. No doubt the government will ensure they don’t remain behind bars for long.
SPEAKING of journalism, the Panama Papers scandal continues to engage the ATO behind the scenes. More Australian revelations can be expected shortly. But one side effect is already apparent –the inequality issue has struck home, and tradies in the building industry will use it to justify their own “cash only” tax avoidance. It’s also part of the journalistic revolution where the great news-
MACKLIN
gatherers of old are being replaced by the WikiLeaks model, with whistleblowers taking the lead.
AT first we all sympathised with Sofina Nikat , the mother of little Sanaya Sahib, the toddler she said had been snatched by a barefoot African in a Melbourne park. When she confessed to murdering her child the nation split between those (mostly blokes) saying “Toldya so” and those (mostly women) who blamed “the dysfunction and
violence” that surrounded her.
FINALLY, on a happier note, the Australian swimming championships produced a splendid new cohort of young stars such as Cam McEvoy, Kyle Chalmers and Mack Horton to challenge the world in Rio… more educated, better spoken and nicely mannered. Hardly a larrikin among them. What is the world coming to?
robert@robertmacklin.com
opinion / asylum seekers
Stand firm and fight for asylum-seeker rights
I HAVE been quite open about my opposition to the asylum seeker policies which my party, in government, introduced and continues to support.
I have also openly urged the ALP, with nil effect, to adopt policies consistent with Labor values and principles and international law.
Even after 40 years’ membership of the ALP, I still wrestle with how to appropriately respond to behaviour of the party that is anathema to everything I thought it represented. Some would suggest, simply, walking away. In that regard just recently I read on an ALP website the following statement from an ALP member, about our asylum-seeker policy, explaining why he walked away.
“The stink that the ALP has, as a party, allowed to continue will haunt you all to the end of time as you all know it is disgusting. I personally do not want to be part of any organisation involved with such depraved behaviour.”
Coincidently, it was in the week after this impassioned and provocative statement that a number of highly regarded international aid organisations, including Medecins Sans Frontieres, Save the Children, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee reportedly withdrew their support from Greek Island refugee
Even after 40 years’ membership of the ALP, I still wrestle with how to appropriately respond to behaviour of the party that is anathema to everything I thought it represented.
camps involved in the return of asylum seekers, against their will, to Turkey.
They have resolved that they will not be part of a system of detention and deportation, which they say is inhumane and contrary to accepted international law and practice in respect to refugees.
A spokesperson for Medecins Sans Frontieres said that it had taken the difficult decision to withdraw because “continuing to work inside would make us complicit in a system we consider to be both unfair and inhumane”.
The principled stand of these significant international organisations challenges Australian organisations and individuals, including Canberrans in the public, community and private sectors, who are involved in some way with Australia’s immigration detention regime. Most particularly in the offshore detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island.
While there have, in fact, been calls by a number of doctors in Australia for a boycott by doctors of Australia’s offshore detention centres, for the
same reasons that have led to the current European boycott, there has not in Australia been a broader level of concern about being a cog in the Australian immigration detention regime.
It can certainly be quite cogently argued that to deny medical care to asylum seekers caught up in the indefinite detention regime supported by Australia on Nauru and Manus would be unfair and could lead to tragic consequences.
However, the part played by others in the indefinite offshore detention of asylum seekers cannot be so easily rationalised. Including, for example, officers of Border Force and the Department of Immigration, the Defence Force, the managers of the detention centres and those involved in their operation.
It would also include the politicians and political parties responsible for the current arrangements and who continue to either support them or who observe a convenient, if embarrassed, silence.
I often wonder what people so involved think about what is being asked of them. Do they ever fear, as I do, and as the spokesperson for Medecins Sans Frontieres says the people in that organisation do, that their involvement would make them “complicit in a system that is unfair and inhumane”?
If one does harbour such fears what guidance can we gain from the actions of the humanitarian organisations involved in the Greek boycott or even the recent Let Them Stay campaign, led by Australian churches. I find the actions of each inspiring and the example they set for me is that rather than succumb to despair and walk away we need to stand firm and work even harder to encourage thinking and caring members of society, including within political parties, to stand up and speak up and support a change to compassionate and humane policies.
There has, it is true, been little to be inspired by in the response of the ALP to this issue in recent years or any reason to feel confident that change is achievable.
Nevertheless, there are many very good people in the party agitating for change. A point will doubtless be reached when, in the absence of any change to the policy, their focus will turn to change to the party or at least to those representing it.
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.
help keep pelvis, thighs and knees in line, reducing tension.”
ASK any new mum and they’d tell you about nature’s cruel joke – that sleepless nights start far before the baby is born!
In the third trimester of pregnancy, hormones are released to loosen the ligaments and tendons in preparation for childbirth. This can cause pain in the knees and other weightbearing joints making a good night’s sleep a frustrating experience, just at the time when more rest is needed!
Physiotherapist and new mum, Kylie Janssens says that finding a supportive position in bed can be a challenge for pregnant women and they can feel increasingly stiff and sore after resting.
“Women find sleep increasingly uncomfortable and unrefreshing as their pregnancy progresses. They are unable to sleep well because of back, pelvic and leg pain and complain of not being able to find a comfortable position,” says Kylie, the principal physiotherapist at Sportscare and Physiotherapy in Weston.
Kylie was invited to trial new “pillow pocket pyjamas” during the last four months of her pregnancy.
Invented by My Comfy PJs company founder, Jonathan Handley says he came up with the solution to soothe his right knee, which he injured when landing badly after killing a cockroach on a wall with a karate kick.
He designed My Comfy PJs with internal pillow pockets in the pyjama leg. “The pillow-pocket pyjamas make it comfortable to sleep knee on knee, helping maintain good posture while sleeping, preventing common hip and lower-back problems and not disturbing sleep like loose pillows,” says Jonathan.
He says after launching the pyjamas last year he immediately received feedback from many women recommending the business design a pillowpocket pyjama for pregnant women.
Sneering won’t see you through
Sonya Fladun
mum in the city
One of the best lessons I’ve learnt is to chuck out most of the parenting books. The ‘experts’ always seem to see things in black and white or stereotypes.
PEOPLE love to judge other people’s parenting styles. When things go wrong with a child their parents’ approach to childrearing is often seen as the problem.
Often it’s all clichés and stereotypes: “She was too laid back as a parent”; “those kids were spoilt rotten” or else “they were so strict they drove their child away”.
“A common reaction to the pillowpocket pyjamas was: ‘I wish I had these when I was pregnant!’ So I realised I was on to something,” says Jonathan.
Jonathan knew Kylie professionally and, being aware she was pregnant, asked her to take part in the trial.
“I started using the pyjamas when I began to feel uncomfortable and they were terrific!” says Kylie.
“They are supportive and not bulky like a big pillow. The pillows help keep pelvis, thighs and knees in line, reducing tension.
“The longer time spent asleep without feeling uncomfortable, even just one hour block of sleep without tossing and turning is so important when you are pregnant.”
Kylie used the pyjamas up until her baby boy, Edmund, was born in October.
“As a physio, my message is that if you do have aches and pains, you don’t have to live with it! Try to get help as there are many options out there that can help you,” she says.
Samples of My Comfy PJs are available for inspection at Sportscare and Physiotherapy practices in Barton, Bruce, Dickson, Parliament House and Weston.
A Fresh Approach by Dr Vass
Independence in the hearing industry has never been so important
As an independent, Doctor of Audiology it saddens me to see the current state of the hearing industry. I began my career as an audiologist over 37 years ago and have always strived to achieve positive outcomes for my patients regardless of the profit to my business.
Now, there’s no ducking a parent’s responsibility in raising children, but I often think a lot less emphasis on the judging and criticism and more on advice and assistance would be useful.
All parents, at some time, ask themselves: “What sort of parent am I?”
Although approaches to parenting are infinitely varied, there are a few widely recognised styles.
Are you a helicopter parent always hovering protectively, ready to clear your child’s path in life; or are you a tiger mum (or dad) relentlessly driving your child forward so they don’t miss out on any opportunity?
Are you the strict one who plays “bad cop” or are you the peacemaker who is always smoothing the waters?
If you are anything like me, you’ve probably fitted into all of these categories at one time or another and more than one most of the time.
If nothing else, parenting teaches adaptability as you shift from one strategy to another dealing with whatever today’s particular problem and crisis happens to be. I’m certainly the household peacemaker, negotiating treaties and drawing up rules of engagement when peace breaks down between our two kids.
I regularly hover close at hand, though much more so when my children were younger. My son is now nearly as tall as me and says my days as a helicopter mum are coming to an end.
I have tried to be a tiger mum when a bit of a kick along was required to get them to do their best. Tough love is a last resort, but it has been employed from time to time. At the most fundamental level, I try to give my kids a sense of security, support and unconditional love as that’s the vital foundation as they find their way in the world.
One of the best lessons I’ve learnt is to chuck out most of the parenting books. The “experts” always seem to see things in black and white or stereotypes. It’s easy to look at one approach and pick holes in it or see where it might all come unstuck later down the track. But family life is never simple or one dimensional.
I’ve found the best thing is to seek out as wide a range of opinion and as many useful tips as one can. Not everything will be useful, or applicable, and no one knows your own child better than you, but I’ve found talking to other parents – at playgroups, while waiting to pick up the kids from school and on the sidelines of sporting events – and using their varied experience is one of the most helpful things.
However, it seems the focus within the hearing industry has shifted, from what is the best outcome for an individual to what is best for business. In an industry that is being bought out by large hearing aid manufacturers, never before has being an independent practitioner been so important to me. Too many hearing clinics are focusing on sales targets and not the patient and their outcome. I have people come to me for a second opinion and tell me that they have been sold hearing aids they never wear or that don’t work for their lifestyle. Patients tell me they felt pressured to purchase hearing aids they couldn’t afford or don’t even need.
Too often the sole focus is on the sale of hearing aids when the reality is hearing loss is a complex issue and simply purchasing a hearing aid is not an instant fix. Hence the need for professional advice and care. Some common questions I am asked:
What does being an independent practitioner mean?
Running my own independent practice means that I never have to compromise on my patient’s care. I have the freedom to provide my clients with choice, unbiased advice and the opportunity to work together on positive outcomes. Being an independent practitioner means that I can run my practice with integrity, transparency and on my terms.
Do I need a referral to see an Audiologist?
No referral is needed to come and see me. I welcome anyone who is experiencing any difficulty with their hearing to make an appointment to come and see me for unbiased, professional advice.
My Comfy PJs… “Supportive and not bulky like a big pillow,” says Kylie. “The pillows
Physiotherapist and new mum, Kylie Janssens.
Neo-cons rip the Liberals apart
THE Federal Liberal Party is pulling itself apart. The direction established by Sir Robert Menzies and described by John Howard as “a broad church” is being lost to a sustained takeover by the growing conservative membership that has no tolerance for “liberal” values. History shows us that publicly divided parties do poorly at elections.
“A disposition rather than a philosophy” is the way that conservative columnist, Andrew Bolt, described his own stance to Charlie Pickering on the ABC TV show “The Weekly”.
In doing so, he also revealed the values of conservatives within the Liberal Party with whom he so closely associates. Bolt is very clear that he did not want Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister, seeing him as too progressive. He illustrated his concerns with a revealing question:
“Where is the voice of conservatism in the political process when the so-called conservative party does not have a conservative leading it?”
Some Australians think the party is called the Liberal Party – not the Conservative Party!
This growth of the conservative movement within the Liberal Party has gone from strength to strength from the time of Malcolm Fraser. It has moved from conservative to much more conservative. This new brand of conservatives in the US is regularly referred to as the neoconservatives or “neo-cons”. The concept
Turnbull has toadied to the conservative elements. He failed to stand up to them on climate change, on equality in marriage and ‘safe schools’.
of “neo” is not just about the concept of new – it also carries the connotation of revived. This movement sees itself as reviving old values of small government and traditional moral values.
The Webster dictionary defines the neo-con as the concept of “a former liberal espousing political conservatism”.
In Australia, there is now a large group of the Liberal Party ready to “espouse political conservatism”. Former ACT senator Gary Humphries lost his chance at re-election after conservative elements gathered enough strength within the ACT Liberals to replace him with the current conservative ACT senator, Zed Seselja.
There may be some hope for more moderate Liberals who were shocked by the conservative Abbott/Hockey approach to politics. Ultra-conservative former speaker, Bronwyn Bishop, lost her preselection to Liberal staffer, Jason Falinski, in a move that has given incumbency to a more moderate representative for the very safe seat of Mackellar.
Intentionally or not, Australian neo-conservatives are destroying the “broad church” Lib -
eral Party of Menzies in order to revive one element of the coalition that brought the liberals and the conservatives together to secure decades-long government through the 1950s and 1960s. With the demise of liberalism and the rise of conservatism, not just the party – but all of Australia, is likely to see a more divided society.
Social conservatism is what is generally recognised at the core of this movement. The “neo-cons” have no reluctance to interfere with personal freedoms when it fits with traditional perspectives on marriage, on a woman’s right to control her own fertility, on illicit drugs or other issues of law and order. However, they vigorously oppose interference by the “nanny state” in their ability to make money.
Carl Rhodes criticised the movement in “The Conversation”, suggesting government in Australia has become an arm of business. He cites not only Abbott’s “open for business” mantra and objections to a Royal Commission into the banking sector, but points out that things have not
changed under (former banker) Malcolm Turnbull stating: “Westpac chimed in with its view that a Royal Commission could ‘impact confidence in the economy’. There is a warped logic at play”.
That ‘warped logic’ is about corporate power and influence within government.
Turnbull has toadied to the conservative elements. He failed to stand up to them on climate change, on equality in marriage and “safe schools”. His demise in the polls will be seen by the conservatives as an opportunity for a change of leader.
Senator Cory Bernardi warned last year of a split within the Liberal Party believing his conservative movement represents the “silent majority of Australian conservatives” who were challenging “the leftist agenda of big government and decaying society”.
His wife, Sinead Bernardi, recently registered and trademarked the name and logos for “Australian Conservatives” to provide “the services of a political party”.
While the conservatives divide, the Labor Party is finally looking united. This is going to be an interesting election year.
Michelago’s May fair
MICHELAGO will host its annual family day out, the Michelago Mayfair, 10am-3pm, on Sunday, May 1. The small village on the Monaro Highway, at the foot of the Tinderry Mountains, is promising music, food, entertainment for children of all ages, market stalls and rural activities. The Mayfair is organised by the community and held on the oval on Ryrie Street.
Woden’s Anzac salute
THE Woden Valley RSL Sub-Branch will conduct a local commemorative service on Anzac Day, at the Commemorative Stone at the rear of the Yamba Sports Club, 11 Irving Street, Phillip (adjacent to Yamba Drive), 8am, on Monday, April 25. All members of the veteran community and public welcome.
Winter shelter opens
SAFE Shelter for homeless men re-opens for the winter on April 26 at St Columba’s Uniting Church, Braddon, and in the Queanbeyan Uniting Church on April 27. The Braddon shelter operates Tuesday to Thursday every week until September 29 and is a “walk-in” facility. In Queanbeyan, the shelter operates as required to support referrals from the St Benedict’s Community Day Centre.
Teens helping teens
ALATEEN, a fellowship of young people – usually teenagers – whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking, meets in the Griffin Centre (Room 11, Level 1) in Genge Street, Civic, 5pm-6pm every Friday. Participants discuss their difficulties, encourage one another and learn effective ways to cope with problems. All meetings are supervised by adults. All welcome. More information at 6249 8866 or email monaro.alanon@gmail.com
We are so pleased to have been part of Canberra for the last 77 years. Now it’s time to say goodbye and thanks with 30% off before our doors close for the last time . Level 1, Canberra Centre 02 6248 5651 mcglades@mcglades.com.au
Tolerance and diversity comes at a price
FOR those of us unfortunate enough to patrol the frothier corners of the internet the term “SJW” has become almost as familiar as “Nazi”.
But it speaks volumes about where the English-speaking peoples are at these days that an initialism for “Social Justice Warrior” can be used as an insult.
Recently the extremely entertaining trailer for the upcoming “Star Wars” midquel (set between movies three and four) was released to the immense satisfaction of right-thinking people the world over.
And then the media got all excited by a group of angry men on Twitter complaining that the protagonist was a woman.
(At this point we should note that media quoting random nobodies on Twitter as Vox Populi are in grave danger of getting fooled by increasingly sophisticated borderline criminal organisations paid to create false waves of public feeling on social media.)
“Why are they forcing SJW bulls*** down our throats?” the outraged shrieked midtantrum at the very thought that someone other than a white man could ever be the centre of a story.
And then a bunch of my friends who haven’t had the misfortune of encountering these weirdos before asked “What is an SJW?”
“Social Justice Warrior,” came the reply.
“How is that a bad thing?” asked the voices of sanity.
Warrior is generally considered a positive term. Very few people will openly admit to being against social justice. Yet somehow the self-aggregating dregs of the internet now openly use the term pejoratively.
We saw something similar here in Australia earlier this year with the blow-up about the Safe Schools program.
A group actually formed, and was treated with respect in parliament calling itself the “Anti-Safe Schools Coalition”.
Social Justice Warrior – or SJW. A term that bigots use to insult people who don’t like their bigotry” – Urban Dictionary
They were happy to march under a banner of making schools less safe.
In the old days they at least had the good sense to frame the language of the debate.
Calling everyone who was a bit different a “deviant” was a good way to go, or “perverted”.
These days when people start shrieking about deviancy a lot of people ask “Steady on now, exactly what are you getting upset about because a lot of us might be into that sort of thing.”
This is by no means to attempt to suggest that all progressive politics is good, and all conservative politics is bad. Many so-called progressive policies are bad ideas that haven’t had a chance to fail yet, there is much good in our society which we should be trying to conserve.
We can argue about policies and their effects until the cows come home.
But what are we trying to achieve by these policies?
Those who are actively working for social injustice and unsafe schools are frankly, in my view, monsters.
It’s sobering to think that such monsters now openly walk amongst us.
Tolerance and diversity was always going to come at a price.
John Griffiths is the online editor of citynews.com.au
JOHN GRIFFITHS
opinion / political donations letters
Donation trail raises questions
LAST month, the lid was blown off the NSW Liberal Party’s moneylaundering scheme.
The independent commissioner against corruption uncovered that the Liberal Party’s fundraising machine had used an associated entity, the Free Enterprise Foundation, as well as the Federal Liberal Party, to disguise and launder donations from property developers.
As a result of these illegal developer donations, the NSW Electoral Commission is withholding $4.389 million in public funding from the Liberal Party.
The integrity of political donations is central to maintaining public trust in our democratic system.
The widespread and systematic nature of electoral funding fraud by the NSW Liberal Party has seriously eroded the goodwill and trust amongst everyday people.
It is essential to Canberra’s democracy that we have utmost confidence in the local disclosure regime.
In NSW, it is illegal for political parties to receive donations from property developers. It is not illegal in Canberra. And that’s why the Canberra Liberals have
It
is important that Canberrans have confidence that the toxic, corrupt culture that pervades the NSW political scene does not come to our city.
pocketed almost $100,000 since 2013 from property developers and construction companies and executives.
Similarly, the Canberra Liberals received three donations amounting to more than $255,000 from the same Federal Liberal Party found by ICAC to have laundered illegal donations to the NSW Liberals.
This would not be cause for concern, except that the Canberra Liberals were fined in 2013 by the ACT Electoral Commission $16,500 for failures regarding electoral funding disclosures. They are the first and only political party to ever have been fined for this offence.
The fine related to what Liberal Party officials claimed were administrative errors that resulted in untimely declarations.
Nonetheless, those administra-
tive problems appear to have occurred around the same time that the Federal Liberal Party was laundering illegal donations for the NSW Liberal Party.
Under the ACT Electoral Act, political parties like the Canberra Liberals cannot spend more than $10,000 in funding from associated political parties, like the Federal Liberal Party. Yet they received more than $255,000 in donations from their Federal party.
There are serious questions about whether the Canberra Liberals, purposely or because of their admitted administrative failures during this time, failed to comply with donation laws. Before the revelations from ICAC, this was hypothetical. Now, I believe it is a real possibility.
Unlike in NSW, the ACT Electoral Commission reviews the
ALEX WHITE
funding disclosures of political parties just once or twice a year. This year, the review will be in November. After the ACT election. The evidence from NSW demonstrates that this is insufficient.
Canberra Liberal leader Jeremy Hanson has made much about integrity in the past six months, as well as made some extreme accusations against people he considers his enemies. He has set himself a very high standard to measure up to.
It is important that Canberrans have confidence that the toxic, corrupt culture that pervades the NSW political scene does not come to our city.
briefly
Cars, cars, cars...
THE annual Wheels 2016 car display will be held on the lawns of Old Parliament House, 10am-3pm, on Sunday, May 15. The display is the Council of ACT Motor Clubs’ major charity fundraiser and is expected to attract vehicles from all of its 75 affiliated clubs as well as vehicles from interstate. The display is open to the public and entry by gold-coin donation to Technical Aid to the Disabled would be appreciated.
Fun on the farm
THE annual Pegasus Open Day will be held at the Pegasus Farm, 119 Drake Brockman Drive, Holt, 10am-3pm, Saturday, May 14. Activities on the day will include horse demonstrations and horse parades, a jumping castle, face painting, music and entertainment, food, stalls, an obstacle-a-thon and more.
Road signs we can’t read
LIVING in Canberra since 1980, I can’t agree more with the Grumpy column readers who’ve written about the appalling state of neglect our beautiful city has been enduring for a while now regarding rubbish and dirt in public areas.
Another aspect of this neglect is the number of street names and other signs that can’t be read because they’re covered by tree branches. What are our urban/ municipal services politicians doing? Can’t they see this shabby state of affairs as they drive around Canberra?
Vivien, Holt
Pay jump an ‘insult’
THE latest four per cent pay rise for ACT politicians, taking Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s salary to $299,000, makes it an increase of seven per cent across the board in two years.
What an insult to ACT ratepayers’ intelligence who continually incur many and varied tax and levy increases to support the many and varied agendas. And from October this year the ACT ratepayers will have to humour 25 ACT Assembly members, exciting times ahead.
Michael Attwell, Dunlop
Why the delays?
IN the light of recommendations by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for governments to reduce alcohol levels for drivers initially to 0.02, some in the community believe education is the answer to Australia’s grog problems.
Education has to play a role, but even more important is what is taught and how. For example, after 30 years of education on illicit drugs the ABS media release of February 24 reported that, at 411,686 in 2014-15, the number of illicit drug offences has increased every year since 2008-09 and are the principal offences nationally. Some also emphasise we should find out why youngsters drink to excess. Yes, this research should go ahead. But we haven’t waited to know the answer to this question before increasing penalties for drinkdriving and coward-punches, so why delay national restrictions on what is a national problem?
Colliss Parrett, Barton
Alex White is secretary of UnionsACT
Trapped in the Sandwich Generation
JANE was at her wits end when I first met her.
She was a long-distance carer for her mother, who was in an aged-care facility. And at home, Jane was raising her teenage children and working full time.
Her husband didn’t understand the demands that were being put on her and she was being torn apart emotionally.
Wanting to do the best for everyone and putting herself last, she was having to talk to lawyers about her brother’s actions that were financially based and bordering on abuse of their mother.
Jane had unwittingly become a member of the Sandwich Generation; the generation of people who are caring for their ageing parents while still raising their children and working full time.
Not knowing who to turn to she was frantic and making herself ill – now she had to deal with unplanned absenteeism, too. She never thought it would be so difficult and she didn’t have anyone to talk to.
“Because this is a relatively new phenomena, all players are confused about what their role should be,” says Dr. Linda Duxbury, of the Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa.
“Those in the ‘middle’ feel guilt and uncertainty about the level of care; people feel reluctant to pay someone else to care for their parents and employers do not appreciate the extent to which this issue can cause problems
We are an ageing workforce caring for an ageing population.
for employees.”
For Jane, guilt played a major part as she felt that she and her brother should be working together with their mother’s best interest at heart.
Having someone to talk to who understood the emotional side of aged care and having access to resources was one of the reasons Jane was able to get her life back on track, sorting through all the issues and learning about guilt-free caring.
This generational problem is unlikely to be a short-term one with longevity increasing, which means the number of “fragile” elderly is increasing.
It’s not that previous generations were immune to this issue, it did occur but not in large numbers. Now it is an ever increasing issue and affecting workplaces and homes throughout Australia.
Becoming a part of the Sandwich Generation can affect financial status, personal time, health and career development.
It affects males and females, although traditionally females have been responsible for providing physical care and males for providing financial support. This has changed over the past few years and males and females are providing both physical and financial support for their aged loved ones.
It doesn’t matter if you are caring for your aged loved one in your home, their home or an aged-care facility it really is a very tough situation. We are an ageing workforce caring for an ageing population.
According to the 2015 Intergenerational Report, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2054-55, with one in 1000 people projected to be aged over 100. In 1975, this was one in 10,000.
A 2015 Deloitte report says that more than one in eight Australians (2.86 million people) are estimated to be providing informal care of which 825,000 informal carers are “primary carers”, that is people who provide the
RITA MERIENNE
majority of a recipient’s care. Knowing where to find help can be difficult as we found when my sisters and I were on the caring journey. It is an area that is wanting in Australia. Yes, there is assistance from various associations such as Alzheimer’s Association, Cancer Council and specific-condition associations but there is no organisation that deals with the emotional side of aged care.
The government site MyAgedCare has some resources and contacts for counsellors.
One of the top tips for the Sandwich Generation is building resilience, taking care of yourself and sharing experiences. You are not alone, ask for help.
Rita Merienne is the co-founder of the Canberra-based advisory service Aged Care With Ease. Contact her on 0414 491764 or at agedcarewithease @gmail.com
briefly
Clothing swap for kids
A children’s clothing swap will be held at the Giralang Community Association Hall, 1 Hirst Place, 10am-noon, on Sunday, May 1.
Parents are invited to drop off bags of clean, sorted clothes in excellent condition before the swap. “We’ll give you credits for the same number of bags on swap day when you can go along and choose your own clothing. It’s that simple,” says the president of the Canberra and Region Multiple Birth Association, Karen Stewart-Moore.
“For a small entry fee it’s a fantastic, economic and sustainable way to refresh your child’s wardrobe.”
Details of how to swap and where to drop off clothing at carmba.org.au/ childrens-clothing-swap
Tea with a cause
THE Zonta Club of Canberra is planning to raise funds for Canberra women’s shelters and sleeping swags for the homeless with an afternoon tea at the Burrunju Aboriginal Gallery, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Ridge, 2pm-4pm, on Sunday, May 1. Tickets at $40 are available online via eventbrite.com.au or by emailing zontacanberra@gmail.com
Cyclone speaker
ELLA Stack will speak on her experiences during the 1974 Cyclone Tracy in Darwin at the Weston Creek VIEW Club’s lunch meeting at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, 11.30am-2.30pm, on Tuesday, May 3.
Interested ladies and guests should call 6288 7625 by Thursday, April 28. The cost is $28 for a two-course meal.
sport
Mathew takes the title!
STORIES abound within the Canberra cycling community of the sheer passion Mathew Hayman had for the sport in his teens.
According to some, he did a fair job of racing the school bus, often to the cheers and delight of all those on board, hoping he’d win his own version of the Tour de Bus.
That background, in less than perfect conditions, may have contributed to what will go down as one of the greatest performances ever by a Canberra sportsperson.
Six weeks after breaking his arm and 10 days short of his 38th birthday, Mathew Hayman has won the toughest one-day race in world cycling. His preparation had been limited at times to the home trainer.
The Paris-Roubaix is not for the faint hearted; it is 257 kilometres of hell on a bike. The cobblestones alone can shake a bike to its core. This year, seven riders were hospitalised due to crashes.
Imagine the pain of riding with an injury on the rocky surface? That’s exactly what Mathew Hayman was putting his body through.
Watching the race, he appeared to drop off the lead, only to catch up several times. He lost momentum while trying to avoid contact with another rider. It resembled a roller derby on bikes.
But each time he worked his way back into the lead group. At 14.5 kilometres he rejoined the lead. Even then it was almost pre-determined by many that he couldn’t win. He was a “domestique” after all, a cyclist who helps others win, not the one likely to win a fight with Tom Boonen who was odds-on favourite having won the race four times before.
Hayman though, in his 15th attempt, kept his calm and determination, as the lead pack headed towards the velodrome finish. Surely it was time to dare to dream!
He wasn’t a sprinter, yet here he was in a dogfight with Boonen.
Boonen the sentimental favourite had plenty of crowd support, but Hayman was not to be denied as he surged to the front in the sprint finish to win the greatest race of his life.
It was something he had thought about for a long time leading up to this very day. So much so that he couldn’t believe he had done it. He had won!
The official results tell the true story: Mathew Hayman is the winner of the 114th edition of the Paris-Roubaix race in 5 hours 55.53 seconds.
What a champion!
Mathew Hayman.
‘We want to go beyond what you might find at other bookshops.’
Bookshop of beauty, serenity and spirituality
LOCALLY-owned, independent retailer of books, clothing and gifts, the Yak Bookshop is the only business in the region specialising in Tibetan culture and style.
Newly opened in Bailey’s Arcade, Civic, the Yak Bookshop brings a new way to experience the beauty, serenity and spirituality of Tibetan culture.
It offers books, clothing, giftware and jewellery while sipping on authentic teas and relaxing in the Yak Bookshop’s comfortable environment.
It is owned by Alex Maroya and managed by Lodhen Ngui, who previously ran Tibet Gifts in the Canberra Centre for seven years.
Tibetan-born Lodhen became a Buddhist monk when he was 11 years old.
“Tibet was a beautiful, peaceful lifestyle, but I made the decision to leave in 2000 as I wanted to meet the Dalai Lama and the ex-Tibetan communities around the world,” he says.
Lodhen trekked for 29 days to Nepal where he lived for more than two years at a monastery temple and became a chant master. He also spent time in India with the Dalai Lama.
“The Dalai Lama’s office gave me the opportunity to study English and learn computers,” he says.
“I had the opportunity to travel to
Australia and I met my now wife, Penny.”
In 2003, Lodhen moved to Canberra and opened Tibet Gifts in 2009.
“I am passionate about showing Tibetan culture to the world,” he says.
Alex was one of his regular customers and they formed a friendship.
“I have always had a keen interest in Eastern spirituality, art and design,” says Alex.
“Last year I was looking to open a bookshop, specialising in philosophy and spirituality,” he says.
After discussing his idea with Lodhen, he says they could see a gap in the Canberra market for Himalayan clothes, gifts and jewellery. They want to bring colour to the retail market.
“We attract a wide range of customers. We see traditional hippy-types who like colourful clothing, but we are also seeing older women and people from different ethnic backgrounds who are attracted to more original clothing and jewellery,” he says.
However, books are at the heart of the business.
“Book selling is a tough business and we are finding that main-street booksellers are conservative with the type of books they stock. We want to go beyond what you might find at other bookshops.”
The Yak Bookshop has a range of non-fiction books featuring philosophy,
spirituality, yoga, meditation, health and Himalayan culture and travel.
Alex says that the business seeks to play a positive role with the Tibetan community. Selling ethical goods that are made by Tibetan refugees is one way that the Yak Bookshop wants to give back.
“We are also conscious about providing value for money to our customers,” says Alex.
One way that the Yak Bookshop does this is selling second-hand books for only $5 and having regular discounts on all their products.
Lodhen and Alex are also proud to be offering Friday evening meditation classes, led by Lodhen who chants and plays the Tibetan “Chu” drum and bells. Tibetan language classes are also planned, which will be the only place available to Canberrans to
learn the ancient language. Lodhen says the focus will be on teaching Tibetan language for travellers.
Alex and Lodhen invite people to come visit, enjoy a cup of tea and immerse themselves in their peaceful and welcoming bookshop.
The Yak Bookshop, open Monday to Saturday, Bailey’s Corner Arcade, London Circuit. Visit theyak.com.au or call 6230 4466.
Books... Clothes... Gifts... Tea
• BOOKS...Psychology, Philosophy, Buddhism, Travel, Meditation, Personal Development and Yoga to name a few
• Tibetan inspired Clothes and Jewellery
• Singing Bowls • Prayer Flags
• Meditation CDs • Rugs • Cushions
Events @ The Yak
Fridays @ 6pm – Guided Meditation (30min) Wind down from the working week. First session Free then $10 weekly includes drink & snack.
Saturdays @ 2pm – Tibetan Cooking (60min)
4 week program starts this Saturday 24th April
Learn simple and tasty classic dishes.
$18 per session drop-in or $60 for the 4 week program.
Tuesdays @ 6pm - Intro to Tibetan Language (60min)
4 week program starts this Tuesday 26th April
Experience this unique language and script. Especially suited to travellers.
$18 per session drop-in or $60 for the 4 week program.
Bookings for events 24 hrs in advance appreciated (but not essential).
Yak Bookshop’s Andrea Charlton with manager Lodhen Ngui… passionate about showing Tibetan culture to the world.
Proud traders
JUST a hop and a skip over the border into NSW, Queanbeyan is a prospering river city – and the largest in south-east NSW. The word Queanbeyan is the anglicised form of Quinbean – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”. Home to more than 42,000 residents, Queanbeyan is also home to a great range of retailers and services that make a visit to Queanbeyan an easy and enjoyable one.
DEZINER BEAUTY
Where facials are a labour of love
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.
Louise says that the salon was recently featured in “Mindfood” magazine, showcasing its extensive range of Elizabeth Arden products as well as the top five beauty products.
“Our facials are our signature treatment and we love transforming people’s faces, through face lifts, body contouring, make-up or waxing,” says Louise.
“We can take 10 years off your skin with all the amazing treatments and products we have, including a nonsurgical face lift.”
Deziner Beauty also offers make-up, waxing, tinting and teeth-whitening services.
Deziner Beauty, Shop 18, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Visit Deziner Beauty on Facebook or call 6299 5792.
Lots of variety plus free parking
RIVERSIDE Plaza is situated in the heart of Queanbeyan, comprising of two levels.
With 19,387sqm of retail space on the ground floor and 2004sqm of commercial space on level 1, Riverside Plaza is the only sub-regional centre within the Queanbeyan town centre.
“We have a total of 45 great specialty stores, and the centre is anchored by Coles and Target. We also have free parking!” says retail marketing manager Sarah McDougall. Sarah says that Riverside Plaza is a great place to catch up with friends for coffee or
lunch, with numerous cafes such as Gloria Jeans and Uptown Cafe as well as a busy food court with favourites such as Ali Baba, Sushi In and Subway.
Riverside Plaza is open until 9pm on Thursdays, providing conven;ience for busy families to shop and enjoy a meal.
“We are also home to many services such as Riverside Medical Centre, Pacific Smiles Dental and Specsavers,” she says.
ELELMENTS Face and Body is celebrating 14 years in Queanbeyan this year.
Originally starting from her home, owner Deborah Olde quickly developed a reputation for providing Queanbeyan and surrounds with professional and community oriented skincare and beauty services.
Focusing on individualising the services to suit the particular needs of her clients, Deborah says: “At Elements Face and Beauty I have sourced the products to suit the Queanbeyan and Canberra environment by tailoring the product lines to cater for the harsh, dry local weather and its effects on a healthy skincare regime.
“We are committed to being eco-friendly and use Australian made products. We stock INIKA make-up, iKOU Skin and Body care and candles which are all Australian made and vegan. We also have a range of vegan nail polish.”
Deborah says that Elements aims to provide its customers with a tranquil space away from the everyday madness.
“We want to create an experience for them, from the time they call us, to the treatment itself and beyond, we want to give our customers
beautiful memories of relaxation and pampering,” she says.
Specialising in facial treatments and massage, Elements is proud to welcome new beauty therapist, Tiffany. Tiffany joins Jana and Michelle who have been part of the Elements team for several years, says Deborah.
“Tiffany’s attention to detail makes her treatments truly special while her caring nature and bright and bubbly personality will lift anyone’s spirits,” says Deborah. Michelle is qualified and experienced in remedial massage and aromatherapy and beauty therapist, Jana, has been with Elements for seven years.
Elements Face and Body, 9/251 Crawford Street, call 6298 1226 or visit elementsfaceandbody.com.au
STEVE Milutinovic started his cabinet-making business in 1983 and, 32 years on, the company has grown into specialising in home renovations, extensions and new homes.
Bordeaux specialises in commercial fitouts and joinery and are also fully licensed builders in NSW and ACT.
“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” Steve says.
“Our prices are competitive and we work with you to achieve your desired outcome.
“We offer full trade co-ordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project. Our custom-built, cabinet-making workshop can also build joinery items to suit your needs whether for home or office.
“We also recently received an MBA commendation award for ‘Special Care’ residence as we specialise in housing needs for the aged.”
Bordeaux Construction and Bordeaux Kitchens offer obligation-free quotes.
“A CALL to live a healthier lifestyle is the message coming from government, doctors and health professionals,” says Body Basics owner Margaret Everett.
“As the population gets heavier, it gets unhealthier but exercise and healthy lifestyles are key to turning back the clock on poor health.
“Body Basics is Queanbeyan’s premier healthy lifestyle expert. At Body Basics we go beyond what other gyms, fitness centres and health clubs call service.
“We focus on all areas of health and will help with your diet and nutrition, look at ways to manage your stress, improve your sleep and your overall wellbeing through proven strategies and techniques.
She says that what makes Body Basics different to other health clubs and gyms is the level of service.
“Not only do you get 24-hour access to Queanbeyan’s largest and most comprehensive club, but membership also entitles you to ongoing services including fitness appraisal and programs and access to our group fitness timetable providing the world-renowned Les Mills’ programs,” says Margaret.
“Body Basics will develop an exercise
program to help you get results and achieve your goals faster. Our focus is on helping all people to lead healthy lifestyles.
“We are an independently-owned club. We help our members live happier, healthier lifestyles by providing exceptional service and a range of programs you won’t find at the bigger franchises.”
Body Basics, corner of High and Wanniassa Streets, East Queanbeyan. Email info@bodybasics.net.au or call 6297 7788.
KARABAR PRIVATE DENTAL SURGERY
Practice offers plenty to smile about
THE perfect smile is possible with the help of Karabar Private Dental Surgery.
Conveniently located on the ground floor of Karabar Shopping Mall, Queanbeyan, the surgery is open for emergencies seven days and holidays (by appointment) to provide a full range of dentistry treatments –general and cosmetic – for adults and children.
Oral health therapist and hygienist Koco Clarke says: “We offer bleaching and whitening for $450, where the customer can come in, we clean and freshen their teeth and they go home with a kit, which is very easy to use. They can have perfect teeth in a non-harmful way and not spend a fortune”.
With 20 years’ experience, Karabar Private Dental Surgery has developed a friendly, approachable service that helps relieve the anxiety of visiting the dentist.
To add to the perfect smile, the surgery also offers anti-wrinkle injections that it says are “composed of natural, purified protein and when injected into specific facial muscles, wrinkle-causing muscles are relaxed to reduce dynamic lines and create a younger, softer and natural-looking appearance”.
“WE want our customers to enjoy the boutique experience when they pop in to find that perfect piece,” says Debbie Maree, owner of Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique.
With a focus on quality customer service, the family-owned, independent boutique on Crawford Street is excited to introduce its new autumn/winter collection.
Debbie says the collection features a range of new labels that include pure merino knitwear, skirts, dresses and pants. Debbie says that autumn and winter dressing is all about layering and the boutique has some flattering options to achieve this look.
“We also have a lovely range of scarves to help you add colour,” says Debbie.
“The scarves are designed by international artists and they are each designed with a story.”
WITH 125 years of experience in arranging funerals in the Canberra and Queanbeyan area, M.H. O’Rourke branch manager Jason says the company “always strives for simple, respectful and honest ways to honour the individual”.
Established in 1890 by Cornelius O’Rourke and relocated in 1929 to its current Queanbeyan location,
M.H. O’Rourke Funeral Services has maintained the traditional values of service and caring for families in times of need.
M.H. O’Rourke provides prepaid, pre-arranged and at-need funerals, offering full mortuary care, transport for the deceased and the family on the day of the funeral and liaising with government departments, venues, the crematorium, members of the clergy and officiators.
LANGE’S Auto Centre has been operating in Queanbeyan for more than 40 years.
Founded by owners Dean and Johnny Lange’s father in 1974, the brothers and their staff are all local and are available to help.
Known then as Queanbeyan Brake and Muffler Centre, Mr Lange senior moved the operation to its present site at 44 Yass Road in 1984 and in 1998, the business changed its name to Lange’s Auto Centre.
Family and their love of cars drew the brothers into the business and now, both qualified mechanics and fully RTA authorised, Dean and Johnny bought their father out in 2009.
‘‘It’s almost a daily occurrence that our clients would rather wait a day for Lange’s to service their vehicle than to have it done by somebody else today,’’ says Johnny.
Lange’s also provides a courtesy car service to their customers.
Lange’s Auto Centre is proud to have partnered with Bond’s Auto Electrical, run by father and son, Mick and Lochlann Bond. It offers full auto electrical, auxiliary batteries, reverse-camera installation, vehicle air-conditioning services as well as general auto-electric services. Mick says he’s been in the business since 1988 and works with industry, commercial clients as well as the general public. Bond’s runs a mobile service to come out to help people wherever they are, if required.
Lange’s Auto Centre, 44 Yass Road. Call 6297 6969 or visit langesauto. com.au
Bond’s Auto Electrical, 44 Yass Road. Call 1300 852769 or visit Bond’s Auto Electrical Facebook page.
“Our pre-paid funerals ensure that everything is arranged exactly to your personal choice and takes the burden off your family. It’s peace of mind knowing that it’s all paid for and your wishes will be carried out,” says Jason.
Not only do they connect families with all the people involved in arranging a funeral, depending on the person’s background, they can also arrange cultural services that include religious and cultural customs, rituals, extra services and viewings.
M.H. O’Rourke Funeral Services has a resident manager on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide quality after-hours support and assistance.
GOULBURN’S SPYfest seems to be capturing the world’s imagination with incredibly famous UK author, former journalist and spy Frederick Forsyth slated to be feted at the September festival of spookery.
Forsyth, 78, will join festival patron, one-time James Bond actor and Goulburnborn George Lazenby, at the second SPYfest from September 16 to 18.
Forsyth has sold more than 70 million books and is best known for thrillers such as “The Day of the Jackal”, “The Odessa File” and “The Dogs of War”.
Proposed SPYfest events this year include: the Secret Agents’ Gala Dinner, SPYfest Street Parade, including Aston Martins and other supercars, SPY Expo, Authors Forum and the SPY Express train from Sydney.
vision loss
Certified sick or not?
WHAT’S a boss to do? Absent employee turns up to work with a clearly headed “Walk-in Centre Sick Certificate” in which an ACT Health nurse, based on an attendance at a Walk-in Centre (this one is Tuggeranong), attests to a patient being unfit for work and nominates the number of days off.
But wait, there’s a disclaimer in smaller type at the bottom: “This is not a medical certificate”. If the “sick” certificate isn’t a medical certificate, what’s the point of it?
Stop tossing the paper!
A FRUSTRATED reader has turned to CC looking for help in “a long battle to try to stop having the ‘Chronicle’ thrown on our lawn”. And this is despite having a “no junk mail” sticker on her letterbox.
TEENAGER Grace West’s congenital eye condition won’t be stopping her from raising funds for her favourite charity and shattering myths about what it means to be legally blind.
“I’m only 18 but the barriers are there,” Grace says.
Over the next few weeks the Royal Society for the Blind Canberra is staging its annual Street Appeal and hundreds of students, families, government departments and local politicians will be collecting.
“Of course it’s about raising money, but it’s also about talking to people and changing perceptions so people with vision loss can achieve whatever their goals are without barri-
ers from people around them,” says Grace who is planning a career in media and education, and is working on a short film about vision impairment and how it affects families.
Street Appeal collectors will be at local shopping centres across Canberra on May 6-7.
Humility up the Creek
RIVETT snout Suzanne Russell wrote sniffily in defence of her local area having seen it described in a real estate advertisement as the “humble... suburb of Weston Creek”. While not a seller herself, she’s vowed never to use Harcourts. The house to be auctioned is in, presumably, “humble” Weston.
“Is there anything we can do?” she pleads in terms similar to a recent “Grumpy” columnist who wondered if the paper’s insistence on dropping the paper into the front garden was a form of legalised littering.
Our troubled reader has regularly approached the paper and says the lady she’s been dealing with “seems to have tried her very best several times to stop the distribution to us. She said it’s a common complaint.”
Dead “Chronicles” lying unread on a front lawn are a great signal to thieves of a resident’s absence. Given the security issues, one might have thought the paper would be more responsive to complaints.
Jen gets chastised
Jen Rayner, who works for Canberra pollie Andrew Leigh, wistfully tweeted the other day that one of the best things about working at Parliament House is the art – “love this Howard Arkley piece”.
She attached a photo of the painting, “Theatrical Facade”, which attracted a snarky response from some faceless entity called About the House saying: “In case you missed it in your induction, there are rules about what and where you can film at APH.” Unchastened, our Jen sniffily responded: “Yes, because why on earth would other Australians get to enjoy the beautiful art they pay for”.
So there, About the House!
Established in 1994 by the Canberra and Queanbeyan Croatian community. Created by the many selfless volunteers in admin and construction.
Adria Village was named after the Adriatic sea where it is renowned for its unique landscapes, islands and history.
Adria Village has 36 independent living units and 42 high care and dementia rooms incorporating 2 respite rooms with care provided by quality trained nurses and care staff.
Author and spy Frederick Forsyth.
Grace West, right, rattling the tin for the RSB.
Howard Arkley’s “Theatrical Facade”. Grace has a view about
school & college open days
Lots to learn about choosing a new school
SCHOOL and college open days and information evenings are a great opportunity for potential parents and students to meet the staff and students to gain insight into Canberra’s educational options.
There are lots of things to consider when choosing the school best suited to your child’s needs. Location, facilities, academic standards, institutional values and the school’s social culture all work together to produce a unique educational experience.
Discover what each of these schools has to offer in 2017…
Challenging and encouraging young women
THE teachers at Merici College are “building the futures for exceptional young women”.
The inclusive Catholic College for young women in years 7 to 12, situated in Braddon, provides a dynamic and welcoming community built on the tradition of best practice in girls’ education.
Merici College open day will be at 2pm-7pm on Wednesday, May 4, and will offer a wide range of after-school activities from art workshops, science experiments, photography, music and dance to displays and demonstrations in history, geography, maths and sport.
Principal Loretta Wholley says: “I would like to welcome all families and their daughters to come along to our open day and to come and see an allgirls, educational setting that challenges and encourages young women to connect their learning with meaning and purpose to life.
“As the principal, my personal goal is to create and nurture an environment that inspires staff, students and our community to continually strive to achieve their personal best, whilst responding to the Gospel message of love.
“Behind the façade of Limestone Avenue lies a vibrant and engaging school filled with staff and students that have a great love of learning,” says Loretta.
THE University of Canberra Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra (UC Lake G) specialises in the education of year 11 and 12 students as well as targeted year 9 and 10 programs.
“As a centre of excellence for teaching and learning, our staff are dedicated to equipping students for the future,” says principal Martin Watson.
In partnership with the students and their families the college seeks to provide the very best senior secondary education available.
“The quality of the staff and their work in serving the students, their families and the community is second to none,” he says.
“The outstanding support provided to each and every student as they are guided, encouraged and enabled through their senior secondary years is the mission – and our purpose.”
A partnership with University of Canberra strengthens teaching and learning initiatives at the college and allows the institutions to share resources, strategies, research and practice.
College students have access to the UC library, online academic publications, faculty facilities, university academic skills support and university clubs and societies.
“The Elite Sports Program, for local and national representative elite athletes, is offered to college students in partnership with the AIS, national and ACT sporting bodies, and the ACT Academy of Sport. This program is unique in Australia, with the college having educated many ACT, Olympic, and Australian representatives,” says Martin.
He says that the college’s pastoral care programs assist the continuing personal development of students and every student has a dedicated support teacher.
“During their two years at college, students are assisted by the student services team, teachers and the college community in their educational and personal growth as they choose pathways to future success,” he says.
University of Canberra Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra, 2 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Visit lakeonline.act.edu.au or call 6142 0222.
MERICI COLLEGE
school & college open days
ST CLARE’S COLLEGE
An environment where girls thrive
ST Clare’s has a proud history of success in many fields of endeavour across academic, cultural, sporting and extra-curricular activities.
This is due to the support of parents and staff working collaboratively to provide the opportunities for a vibrant and willing student body to participate in the vast opportunities available today.
St Clare’s College is a welcoming school and open to all.
sundayROAST
Sundays from 10am, 2CC
Talking Canberra presents the ‘CityNews’ Sunday Roast
Research shows girls in a single-sex school are often more competitive amongst their peers in their desire to achieve.
The environment of a single-sex school, especially for girls, promotes opportunities for students to overcome gender bias that may occur through social learning. Girls approach their studies during the compulsory years more positively in a single-sex school and will enthusiastically attempt the areas of maths, science and technology at the senior levels, where female representation is generally lower in co-educational schools.
The opportunities for leadership are extensive throughout their secondary schooling at St Clare’s. The girls have the potential
to be considered as a pastoral care captain, be on the Student Representative Council, the captain of one of the 26 St Clare’s sports teams, a house captain or one of the five senior leadership roles.
Girls are role-modelling to girls and the students learn how to be confident, articulate and influential through their involvement in a community of empowered and self-assured young adults.
As a Catholic school, the climate of the college is based on the life and teachings of Jesus and inspired by the example of St Clare. There is an environment of acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation in the way that people treat each other as well as a sense of hope for the future. Students are provided the opportunity to explore their spirituality and have a better understanding of the role of faith in their lives. The students at St Clare’s are also well known in the ACT for their commitment to the less fortunate through raising funds for charities and volunteering for many causes.
St Clare’s College, 1 McMillan Crescent, Griffith. Visit stcc.act.edu.au or call 6260 9400.
MELROSE HIGH SCHOOL
Inclusive high school enjoys a high reputation for diversity
MELROSE High School is a culturally diverse and inclusive school, welcoming 800 students from various backgrounds.
The school enjoys a high international and local reputation and works closely with its local and extended community to provide a well-balanced and stimulating curriculum.
A recent addition to Melrose’s curriculum is the Big Picture Education Academy. Led by Calen Robinson, the course offers students with a passion for a particular topic to pursue it through individual project-based learning.
From aeronautics to performing arts, Calen says the course is academically rigorous and allows the students to follow their interests.
“We have 34 students this term and are looking to expand,” says Calen. “Big Picture is a leading teaching approach.”
Calen says that Melrose High has a focus on technology, offering a ‘BYO devise’ program to encourage students to use their iPads and laptops in class.
“We also offer an excellent advanced learning program through our ACE science, maths and English programs,” says Calen.
“Our learning support unit also does amazing work with students with learning disabilities, helping them with their learning needs and integrating into maistream classes,” he says.
Melrose High School, Marr Street, Pearce. Visit the Melrose High School Facebook page or call 6205 7588.
CANBERRA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Aiming to be a ‘dynamic’ centre of learning
CANBERRA Grammar School is an Independent Anglican School offering outstanding academic education, co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care to day and boarding students of all backgrounds and faiths within a community guided by Christian values.
The school is in the process of becoming fully coeducational. It educates boys from pre-school to year 12 and is currently extending its offering to girls who have been educated in the primary school since 1975 and who will now be represented across the range of school life by 2020.
Canberra Grammar School is holding its Whole School Open Day, 9.30am-11.30am, on Thursday, April 28. For more information on entry to year 11 in 2017 for boys and girls, the HSC & IB Academic Expo will be held at 5.30 on April 28.
Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Cres, Red Hill. Visit cgs.act.edu.au
The school respects and nurtures all students as individuals, seeking to inspire, support and celebrate the efforts of all in realising their intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social and physical aspirations. Building on the professional expertise of its staff, the commitment of its community and the resources of the nation’s capital, Canberra Grammar School aims to be the most dynamic and distinctive centre of learning in Australia.
READY FOR THE WORLD
BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY
Thursday 28 April – 9:30am
YEAR
11 ACADEMIC EXPO
Thursday 28 April – 5:30pm
The Academic Expo will contain information regarding academic pathways (NSW HSC & IB) for students entering Year 11 in 2017.
Now accepting applications for boys and girls in Year 11 for 2017.
school & college open days advertising feature
ANGLICAN SCHOOL
Providing an ‘innovative and engaging’ curriculum
BURGMANN Anglican School seeks to provide an innovative and engaging curriculum through a range of activities both within and beyond the classroom.
Aspirational expectations aim to challenge students to reach beyond what they believe is their potential within a supportive educational culture, says principal, Steven Bowers.
As an Anglican School in the Canberra and Goulburn Diocese, the school has a covenant with Gungahlin Anglican Church. The Grace Chapel is a shared facility between the school and the parish. Notwithstanding this formal relationship, the Christian basis and focus for the school remains important. Each student attends chapel and explores aspects of Christianity throughout their education.
“Our service program aims to complement our Christian foundations by providing opportunities for students to support others locally and globally through a range of fundraising and other activities,” says Steven. “Ultimately, it is positive relationships which are imperative to our school; relationships between students, staff, parents and the broader community. Providing a supportive, caring, quality educational culture within a Christian context continues to be an objective as reflected in our school motto ‘grace commitment wisdom’,” he says.
Burgmann Anglican School, Gungahlin Drive and The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin. Visit burgmann.act.edu.au or call 6255 7700.
Melrose High School
Marr Street Pearce
Melrose High is an inclusive school that embraces diversity. We value and nurture individual differences and welcome students from all walks of life.
We have a strong focus on nationally and globally linked education. We offer innovate teaching and learning programs like our 21st Century Fluencies learning environment and Big Picture Academy to help our students succeed.
We place high expectations on ourselves and our students. We foster a culture of achievement in academic, creative and sporting fields while
ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE
Preparing boys for life with a focus on strength
ST Edmund’s College Canberra, a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, has been educating boys from year 4 to year 12 for more than 60 years.
Since 1954, the college has seen more than 11,000 boys grow into fine young men with generations of families passing through the halls. The college strives to deliver a holistic Christian education for boys that incorporates academic, faith, sporting and extra curricular pursuits.
It believes in preparing boys for life, helping them focus on their strengths and bettering themselves as individuals in the years they spend
at the college.
Boys need a sense of empowerment and engagement at school with many opportunities in order to succeed. The college offers an extensive choice of subjects, a wide variety of co-curricular options, both sporting and cultural, and the opportunity to engage with the community through social justice programs.
The college believes the relevance of what the boys are learning is particularly important so the curriculum continually evolves to reflect changing academic, career and trade opportunities.
When boys attend St Edmund’s, their families become a part of the vibrant and diverse community, creating an atmosphere that extends beyond the school ground. St Edmund’s encourages each student’s personal development and to achieve their personal best. Students learn teamwork, the art of winning and losing gracefully, the understanding that everything improves through practice and how to focus and work towards personal goals.
promoting effective school and student leadership. To learn more, come along to our Open Night on 19 May, find us on Facebook, search for ‘Melrose High School’ or call us on 6205 7588.
Year 6 Orientation Tue 17 and Wed 18 May
Bookings essential for all out-of-area students.
Open Night Thu 19 May 5:30-7:30pm
St Edmund’s College, 110 Canberra Avenue, Griffith. Visit stedmunds.act. edu.au or call 6295 3598.
school & college open days advertising feature
ST MARY MACKILLOP COLLEGE
School would make a patron saint proud
THE captains of St Mary MacKillop College, Anastasia Sysengthong and Matthew Dredge, believe the college’s patron saint would be “proud” of their school and its mission to be a Catholic school for all.
The college, located across two campuses in the Tuggeranong Valley, aims to be welcoming of boys and girls in years 7 to 12 from different faith, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
According to the college captains, MacKillop’s welcoming environment, diversity and skill of the teaching staff, and the wide range of opportunities are some of its greatest strengths.
“MacKillop is a big school, but it doesn’t feel big because everyone is welcomed and encouraged to be themselves, and there’s something for every interest,” says Anastasia and Matthew.
“When we started at this school, our teachers made us feel welcome. Years later, their passion and love for what they teach and the opportunities they’ve provided have helped to guide and mould us into the people we are today. We think Mary MacKillop would have been proud of our school.”
St Mary MacKillop College will hold its year 7 2017 Information Night on Monday, May 2 from 6.30pm at the Wanniassa Campus.
St Mary MacKillop College, visit www.mackillop.act. edu.au or call 6209 0100.
ROSARY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Learning by doing their BEST together
ROSARY Primary School in Watson was founded in 1963 by the Dominican Sisters, which is an important part of the school’s history, says principal Maureen Doszpot. With 340 students and 27 staff, Maureen says their school motto is: “Together we can do our BEST”.
“The word BEST also stands for our learning principles of believe, explore, strive and triumph, which were launched last year and underpin everything that we do,” she says.
Rosary Primary offers a range of extra activities and opportunities – from specialist teachers in Indonesian language and music for all year groups, to public speaking, tournament of minds competition, band and choir. Last year, the school won the national Wakakirri
Become a St Clare’s girl for a day!
We invite prospective Year 7 students to experience the exciting and enriching opportunities available at St Clare’s College
Please register on our website to attend www.stcc.act.edu.au
Story competition in which year 5 performed a story to creative dance and music at Canberra Theatre, as part of their arts curriculum.
The years 5 and 6 also enjoy the new “BYO iPad” program in which students work with iPads.
“It is a very motivating and creative way to collaborate with others, create and research. It is amazing what they can do!” says Maureen.
Maureen says she invites new families to come and see first hand the special environment that Rosary Primary School offers.
ST John Vianney’s Primary School at Waramanga is best described by the principal, Vicky van der Sanden, as “a small Catholic school with a big heart”.
“We have a warm, welcoming atmosphere that you can feel as soon as you walk in the door,” she says. Vicky encouarges prospective families to visit the school anytime during its open days on May 4 and 5. She says that tours will be conducted by year 6 student leaders to provide the student perspective. The tours will enable people to see the school in action during their regular program.
“They will see that our school has a modern, student-centred environment, we are well resourced in technology and pride ourselves on having a committed parent community,” says Vicky.
The school’s student representive council has a strong voice and represents the school at public events. Vicky says they are truly the voice of the whole student body and are great ambassadors.
“We are an authentic Catholic community and regularly attend parish mass,” says Vicky.
“The way we relate to each other through respectful relationships also reflects our Catholic values,” she says.
St John Vianney’s Primary School, Namatjira Drive, Waramanga. Visit sjv.act.edu.au or call 6288 2383.
Tours between 4.00 - 6.00pm and 6.30 - 7.30pm.
4.00 - 7.30PM 6.00 - 7.30PM YEAR 7 INFORMATION
Formal presentation by the Principal, Mr Paul Carroll and senior students between 6.00 - 6.30pm.
Discover the many courses and leadership opportunities available for senior students at St Clare’s. College
OPEN DAY MERICI COLLEGE
Wednesday 4 May 2 – 7pm
YEAR 7, 2017 INFORMATION EVENING
Tuesday 10 May 6 - 7.15pm
Enrolment forms will be available.
YEAR 11, 2017 INFORMATION EVENING
Thursday 12 May 6 - 7.15pm
Careers Expo 4 - 6pm
Senior Information Handbooks will be available.
ADDITIONAL SCHOOL TOURS
Saturdays 30 April & 7 May 2.30pm BE A
Merici College … Reflections from our students
I am not sure I know what I would like to do in the future. I love Merici because it will help me to accomplish my dreams of being successful in whatever I choose to do.
Kirah Doyle, Year 7
College years at Merici are great because I feel like I am gaining all the knowledge and skills I need for further studies at university. My goal is to be an architect.
Jaime De Olim, Year 11
I was offered a place in a vertical double degree at the Australian National University. This consisted of a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (completed in 2015) and a Juris Doctor (Law, currently studying).
FOR A DAY! 3 & 10 MAY
CONTACT US TO REGISTER
Merici College … Building Futures for Exceptional Young Women
Merici College is a Catholic school for young women in Years 7 to 12. We provide an engaging educational environment, designed to challenge our students to take risks within and beyond the classroom to achieve individual academic excellence.
Merici College is a welcoming community, where authentic relationships are nurtured, and where dignity and integrity are affirmed. We seek to foster within our students a life-long love of learning, where each young woman is given the opportunity to grow spiritually and intellectually in order to make a positive contribution to society.
I was taught by many inspiring teachers during the six years I spent at Merici. These teachers, and the wide range of academic and co-curricular activities I had the opportunity to participate in, thoroughly prepared me to undertake further study and balance this study with other interests.
Danielle Farrell, 2012 Graduate
Learning about and engaging with, social justice at Merici College connected me with the issues that face our community, locally and globally. I have committed my life to social justice, working at Vinnies in Australia and South Africa, for government departments on health and education projects and for the Red Cross in Kenya. I have also contributed to fostering greater gender equality with UN Women Australia. I am currently the manager of a program in Western Sydney that supports refugees and people seeking asylum. I am grateful to Merici for opening the window to this long term commitment.
Rebecca Bromhead, 1999 Graduate
I am forever grateful to Merici College for preparing me for my adult life. The community helped me develop a very strong foundation in terms of striving for excellence, developing confidence in myself and my abilities, being open to exciting opportunities throughout my military career and beyond, and embracing life-long learning. Thank you.
Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Margaret Staib, AM, CSC, 1980 Graduate
In the late 1970s the expectations for what women could do were very narrow: to be a teacher, a nurse, a mother, a secretary or a nun. My Merici Principals actively cultivated the view that girls have other options if they want them, including a university education. It gave me the assurance to launch into an exciting life of exploration, which is still unfolding.”
Dr Rosalie Woodruff, Greens MP for Franklin, Tasmania, 1980 Graduate
400 years on, the late Mr Shakespeare
JUST like with his birthday, William Shakespeare’s exact date of death is a mystery.
It is commonly said that he died on April 23, 1616 (his 52nd birthday), but in truth the exact date of Shakespeare’s death is not known, rather assumed from a record of his burial two days later, April 25, 1616, at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford Upon Avon, where his grave remains.
The cause of death is not known, though there is a theory that Shakespeare was sick for more than a month before he died. The evidence comes from the fact that four weeks before his death, on March 25, 1616, Shakespeare dictated his will – in keeping with the 17th century tradition of drawing up wills on one’s deathbed. This points to the fact that Shakespeare was aware his life was coming to an end.
Some scholars also point to his signature on his will being somewhat shaky, giving evidence of his frailty at the time.
But the body of his work shines on to this day. But how well do you know The Bard? Here are 100 questions on the life and works of William Shakespeare celebrating 400 years of his astonishing legacy. The answers are published on Page 30.
1: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” This highly controversial line in Henry VI Part II was delivered by the character called..?
A: Jack Cade B: Dick the Butcher C: Dick Plantagenet
2: King Lear has three daughters – Goneril, Cordelia and ...?
A: Regan B: Rapunzel C: Rhianna
3: How old is Juliet Capulet when she first meets Romeo Montague?
A: Not quite 17 B: Not quite 16 C: Not quite 14
4: What does Juliet say to Romeo after he kisses her for the first time?
A: “You kiss like a sailor”. B: “You kiss by th’ book”. C: “You kiss like a schoolboy”.
5: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.” This is a line by Julius Caesar in Act 2, scene 2 of the play. It was a favourite Shakespeare quote of...?
A: President Kennedy B: Nelson Mandela
C: Martin Luther King
6: In The Two Gentlemen of Verona a cheeky little dog appears on stage and he’s a real scene stealer. The dog’s fishy name is?
A: Barnacle B: Scampi C: Crab
7: The original Globe Theatre had a small room where all the admission money paid by the audience was kept. This room was called … The?
A: Green Room B: Box Office
C: Counting Room
8: In 1613 the original Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire. What caused the fire?
A: Lightning strike B: Puritans set fire to it
C: Theatrical cannon misfired on stage.
9: Anne Hathaway, a farmer’s daughter, was probably three months pregnant when she married William Shakespeare in November, 1582. Anne was aged 26 and the groom was …?
A: Eighteen B: Twenty-two C: Twenty-six 10: Shakespeare died in 1616, but even today much controversy concerns his will. All he left his wife Anne Hathaway was his…?
A: Second best house B: Second best cutlery
set C: Second best bed
11: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
It’s the first line of Shakespeare’s famous Sonnet No. 18. It was addressed to:
A: A dark lady B: A pretty maiden
C: A fair youth.
12: The admission prices in the original Globe Theatre ranged from one penny upwards. The poor people who crowded into the One Penny (standing only) section were called ...?
19: In The Merchant of Venice what is the currently popular girl’s name that Shakespeare invented for Shylock’s rebellious daughter?
A: Janice B: Jessica C: Judith
20: For Twelfth Night, The Bard also invented a name for the play’s central character, a Countess. It is a popular girl’s name today: Her name is?
A: Brittany B: Rhianna C: Olivia
21: Most of the action in Hamlet takes place in a Danish castle called...?
A: Dunsinane B: Elsinore C: San Simeon
22: Also in Hamlet, who is the character Polonius advises to “neither a borrower nor a lender be”?
A: Rosencrantz B: Guildenstern C: Laertes
23: “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” cries Richard III before he is killed in battle on…?
A: Gretna Green B: Golders Green C: Bosworth Field
24: Disguised as a man, who is the female lawyer defending Antonio in The Merchant of Venice?
A: Philippa B: Portia C: Pandora
25: In The Taming of the Shrew, who actually is the shrew?
A: Bianca B: Katherina C: Cassandra
26: In The Taming of the Shrew, who is the macho guy who tames the shrew?
A: Petruchio B: Perfidia C: Petomane
27: Shakespeare gave unflattering names to the policemen in his plays. What did he call the constable in Love’s Labour’s Lost?
A: Stupido B: Dull C: Dimkins
28: What is the constable’s name in Much Ado about Nothing?
A: Dogberry B: Dogsbody C: Dogface
29: In The Two Gentlemen of Verona what
are the names of these two characters?
A: Valentine and Proteus B: Fortinbras and Malvolio C: Mason and Fortnum
30: Twelfth Night is the only Shakespeare play with an alternative title. The full title of the play is Twelfth Night or …?
A: What You Wish B: What You Will C: What Women Want
31: Shakespeare described King Richard III as a hunchback and with what other physical abnormality?
A: Club foot B: Withered arm C: Crossed eyes
32: It’s fairly certain that the first play performed at the original Globe Theatre was?
A: Hamlet B: Othello C: Julius Caesar
33: The acting roles Shakespeare played are unclear, but one particular role in Hamlet is regarded as certain. He played the role of?
A: The ghost B: The gravedigger
C: Francisco, the castle guard
34: By the time the curtain falls in Hamlet dead bodies are lying everywhere and only one of the main characters is still standing. Which one?
A: Polonius B: Horatio C: Queen Gertrude
35: Shakespeare was probably born in April, 1564, and is said to have died on April 23, 1616. April 23 is known as..?
A: St. George’s Day B: St. David’s Day
C: St. Andrew’s Day
36: Shakespeare’s mother was the daughter of a prosperous family close to Stratford. What was her maiden name?
A: Jane Cheshire B: Alice Peabody
C: Mary Arden
37: What was Shakespeare’s father’s occupation?
A: Cobbler B: Glovemaker C: School teacher
38: What was the name given to the seven years between 1585 and 1592 when Shakespeare moved to London and had his first play produced… The?
A: Lost Years B: Creative Years
C: Adulterous Years
39: Shakespeare’s young, single actors lodged in boarding houses close to the Globe Theatre in an area of London notorious for taverns and brothels. Which area was this?
A: Soho B: Southwark C: Putney
40: Hamlet was first performed at The Globe around 1601. The first actor to play Hamlet was usually the star actor in all of Shakespeare’s tragedies. He was …?
A: David Garrick B: Richard Burbage
C: Edmund Kean
41: In Twelfth Night an actual pub not far from the original Globe Theatre is mentioned. Its name?
A: Dirty Dick’s B: The Cheshire Cheese
C: The Elephant
42: In showbiz financial terms, which of Shakespeare’s plays is often regarded as the safest commercial bet?
A: Romeo and Juliet B: Hamlet C: Macbeth
43: In The Tempest (Act 2, scene 2), what is it that “acquaints a man with strange bedfellows?”
A: Tavern drinking B: Communing with whores C: Misery
44: The same female innkeeper appeared in four of The Bard’s plays. She was called?
A: Mistress Quickly B: Mistress Hurryup
C: Mistress Short-time
45: Women were not allowed to act on stage in England until 1660. Born in 1650, Nell Gwynne became the first English actress superstar. Who was her famous boyfriend?
A: Dick Turpin B: Dick Whittington
C: King Charles II
46: In Measure for Measure a certain disreputable woman gets a brief mention. Her funny name is?
A: Kate Lookdown B: Kate Keepdown
C: Kate Keepitup
47: The Bard’s main playwright rival Christopher Marlowe wrote in Doctor Faustus of a woman whose face launched a thousand ships. She was?
A: Joan of Arc B: Cleopatra C: Helen of Troy
48: The First Folio, a collection of Shakespeare’s plays, was first published in 1623. Who were the two actors who published the First Folio?
A: Schuster and Simon B: Heminge and Condell C: Bodycot and Brewin
49: Shakespeare died at the age of 52. What was the cause of his death?
A: The Plague B: Cause uncertain
C: Injuries from a horse fall.
50: Where is Shakespeare buried?
A: Westminster Abbey B: St. Paul’s Cathedral
C: Stratford upon Avon
51: The loveable old rogue called Falstaff sends love letters to the two Merry Wives of Windsor – one letter goes to Mistress Page, the other to …?
A: Mistress Bentley B: Mistress Ford
C: Mistress Holden
52: “Out, damn spot! Out, I say!” cries Lady Macbeth. The actual spot is a …?
A: Beauty spot on her face B: Spot of blood on her hand C: Dog called Spot
53: Before the Globe, London’s first proper theatre was erected in 1576. It was called?
A: The Rose B: The Curtain C: The Theatre
54: Today a popular brand of Cuban cigars is named after a Shakespearean play. Which one?
A: Coriolanus B: Romeo and Juliet
C: As You Like It
55: In Othello a vital stage prop is Desdemona’s stolen handkerchief. What fruit is depicted on the embroidered pattern of this handkerchief?
A: Strawberries B: Passionfruit C: Grapes
56: A famous 19th century author angrily wrote down a long list of The Bard’s literary failings. He was?
A: Leo Tolstoy B: Mark Twain C: Charles Dickens
57: Two of The Bard’s plays were written entirely in verse. One was Richard II, the other play was?
A: The Winter’s Tale B: Cymbeline C: King John
58: What outdoor sport is mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays more often than any other?
A: Archery B: Tennis C: Falconry
59: How many of Shakespeare’s plays were set in the London of his own lifetime?
A: None B: Four C: Eleven
60: Who was the great American Shakespearean actor whose younger brother, also an actor, assassinated President Lincoln on April 14, 1865?
A: Edwin Jackson B: Edwin Booth
C: Edwin Oswald
61: In Titus Andronicus, the Queen unknowingly eats little chopped up bits of her two sons served in a…what?
A: Sandwich B: Beef stew C: Baked pie
62: All the plays in Elizabethan times could not be staged without the approval of a high-ranking court official. His title?
A: Royal Censor B: Master of the Revels C: Referee of Rude Words
63: The original Globe Theatre was made entirely of wood. This, plus its shape, inspired
100 QUESTIONS
still thrills...
its famous nickname… The?
A: Wooden Ball B: Wooden O C: Wooden Pumpkin
64: Just before the outbreak of World War II which European country was staging the most Shakespearean plays?
A: Italy B: Russia C: Nazi Germany
65: In which Shakespeare play do soldiers cleverly camouflage themselves with leafy branches of trees?
A: Macbeth B: Richard III C: Henry V
66: In 1840 a famous American tried to buy the house where The Bard was born and ship it to the US. He was?
A: Phineas T. Barnum B: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow C: Ralph Waldo Emerson
67: Many of Shakespeare’s plays are comedies. Who is regarded as being his favourite comedy actor?
A: Will Scarlett B: Will Kempe C: Will Rogers
68: The Bard probably left school at age 14 or 15 and was later inspired by Roman writers. Which one, mentioned by name four times in his plays, is believed to have been his favourite?
A: Tacitus B: Seneca C: Ovid
69: An unproven story is that the main reason that Shakespeare suddenly left Stratford for London when in his early 20s was because he had been caught poaching ... what?
A: Salmon B: Deer C: Chickens
70: In A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Queen of the Fairies is Titania. Who is the King of the Fairies?
A: Oberon B: Titan C: Lysander
71: The impish character Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream gave rise to the term “puckish”. It’s a word describing a …?
A: Piece of sports equipment B: Mischievous sense of humour C: Rude snob
72: Puck has another more formal name. It is?
A: Robin Goodfellow B: John Goodman
C: Benjamin Goodman
73: North America is today infested with starling birds. Amazingly, this is an indirect result of a character in Henry IV Part 1 owning a pet starling. The bird lover’s name is?
A: Falstaff B: Prince Hal C: Hotspur
74: How many times is the word “America’’ mentioned in all of Shakespeare’s plays?
A: Five times B: Once C: Never
75: In The Merchant of Venice Shylock claims he is entitled to one pound of Antonio’s flesh – to be cut off from …?
A: His posterior B: His right arm C: Anywhere
76: The three witches predicted for Macbeth that he would …?
A: Become king B: Die in battle C: Die eating haggis
77: Shakespeare wrote that Caesar was assassinated in the Capitol building. Wrong! Actually, Caesar was killed at the..?
A: Pantheon B: Theatre of Pompey
C: Velodrome
78: King Lear lamented that having a thankless child was sharper than a ...?
A: Serpent’s tooth B: Rogue’s rapier
C: Witch’s tongue
79: Mechanical clocks were not invented until the 13th century, but The Bard mistakenly made mention of a striking clock in which play?
A: Pericles, Prince of Tyre B: Antony and Cleopatra
C: Julius Caesar
80: What was the population of London in Shakespeare’s time?
A: About 200,000 B: About half a million
C: About one million
81: Name the Shakespearean character who is described as “not of woman born”?
A: Julius Caesar B: Caliban C: Macduff
82: Henry V urges his troops to go “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; or close the wall up
with our...” With our what?
A: Dead horses B: English dead C: Empty beer bottles.
83: The troubles in Romeo and Juliet really begin when Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin in a swordfight. Her cousin is called?
A: Tybalt B: Tyburn C: Tyrone
84: A hugely successful 1950s Broadway musical was based largely on Romeo and Juliet. Its title is...?
A: Porgy and Bess B: Kismet C: West Side Story.
85: Why doesn’t Hamlet marry Ophelia?
A: She is not of royal blood B: She actually rejects him C: He suspects that she is nuts.
86: At the presentations ceremony for the 1949 Academy Awards a film of a Shakespeare play won the Oscar for Best Picture. The film was titled?
A: Julius Caesar B: Hamlet C: Henry V
87: Actors consider it is bad luck to say the name of the play Macbeth inside a theatre. By what other name do they call it?
A: The Scottish Play B: Scotch on the Rocks
C: Macnothing
88: The Bard wrote 154 sonnets. How many lines has a sonnet?
A: Twenty-eight B: Twenty-one C: Fourteen
89: Millions around the world have the same embarrassing problem as Lady Macbeth has. She is a …?
A: Sleepwalker B: Stutterer C: Fingernail-biter
90: “Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?” It is the naughty double entendre line from As You Like It (Act 4, scene 1). The line is said by the character called …?
A: Celia B: Rosalind C: Orlando
91: The play Macbeth contains references to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This plot was to blow up the House of Lords with how many barrels of explosives …?
A: Six barrels B: Sixteen C: Thirty-six
92: Which Italian city is the setting for Romeo and Juliet?
A: Padua B: Naples C: Verona
93: Shakespeare had three children – a boy called Hamnet and two girls called?
A: Susanna and Judith B: Margaret and Elizabeth C: Nicola and Paris
94: Elizabethan actors wore a covering to the front of their tights. It was called a …?
A: Halibut B: Codpiece C: Modesty skirt
95: How many original manuscripts of Shakespeare’s plays have survived to this day?
A: None B: Three C: Seven
96: In 2001 at an auction in New York the highest bid for a collection of Shakespeare plays called a First Folio was just over …?
A: $US one million B: $US three million
C: $US six million
97: What historic event is the setting for Troilus and Cressida?
A: The Trojan War B: The First Crusade
C: Battle of Thermopylae
98: A statue of a dead woman comes to life – in which play?
A: Timon of Athens B: Much Ado About Nothing
C: The Winter’s Tale
99: According to Mark Antony, who gave Julius Caesar “the unkindest cut of all”.
A: Brutus B: Cassius C: Cicero
100: In his will Shakespeare left a famous curse to be etched on his headstone. It reads: “Curst be he that …?
A: besmears my name B: steals my wit
C: moves my bones
Solutions Page 30.
*Compiled by Alan Veitch, creator of Quotequiz and Seven-Card Shakespeare. Distributed by Auspac Media
Julia Miller and Marie Duhamel
Michelle Van Lier and Emma Hubucek
Shags and Sabrina Baker
Jane Ungerer, Meg Singh and Mehnaz Huq
Stephanie Jones and Diedre Pearce
Bernie Murphy, Leah Furlan and Thiru Kandiah
David Broker and Robert Boynes
Sean Davey and Genevieve Swift
Liz Chen and Ariel Chong Alison Alder and Jan Saltet
Nafiz Azman and Paul Wojtaszak
Peter McLean, Ann McMahon and Sarit Cohen Emma Beer, Nicci Haynes and Isobel Watt
Alex Cataldo, Stefan Todoroski and Petros Berlis
Katie Innes, Jodie Newall, Erika Le and Laura Scotton
Emma Molley and Daniel Killaly
Soprano Greta carefully picks her heroes
By arts editor
Musa
AUSTRALIAN soprano Greta Bradman is coming to town soon with a concert called “My Hero”, but it’s not an expression she particularly likes.
Yes, of course, she’s the granddaughter of our most famous cricketer, the late Sir Donald Bradman, but it’s a mixed blessing to have someone that famous behind you. She publicly acknowledges conductor Richard Bonynge as a “hero”, and the wellbeing psychologist Dr Jo Mitchell, too, but tells “CityNews” by phone from the Brisbane Baroque Festival: “Because of my family I don’t put much store in icons.
“My definition of a hero is someone who has inspired me to be a better version of myself, especially my dear old dad, he is such an incredible father and an amazing man.”
She was in Brisbane after celebrating conductor Zubin Mehta’s 80th birthday in Los Angeles.
“My Hero”, from Oscar Straus’ operetta “The Chocolate Soldier”, opens the program and gave the title to her debut album, recorded for Decca in just 16 hours last year with Bonynge and the English Chamber Orchestra.
She was last in Canberra during 2013, performing in Tobias Cole’s production of Handel’s “Theodora”.
On April 29 she’ll be singing with pianist/ organist Rhys Boak in All Saints’ Church, Ainslie, as part of a 19-concert regional tour.
Though always musical, she married her devoted husband Didier as a teenager,
started a family (she is mother to children aged six and eight) and started a Ph.D. in psychology, but resumed her musical
training in 2010.
Initially better known for lieder, oratorio and song, Bradman says she has come “almost full circle”.
“When I was at the Con I was in a lot of opera, but when doing my PhD, I didn’t have time for operatic rehearsal schedules,” she says.
Since 2012 she’s returned to opera and is, she says, “now pacing that road”. As the 2013-14 winner of the Australian International Opera Award, in late 2013 she moved to Cardiff, Wales, where she undertook further training at the Wales International Academy of Voice with tenor Dennis O’Neill.
There, during a life-changing, 45-minute coaching session, she met Richard Bonynge.
“I knew that if anyone could diagnose my voice, it would be Richard… I’m incredibly grateful to him,” she says.
Bradman has already dropped in on All
Saints’ Church in Ainslie and says that, as a great admirer of beautiful Anglican churches and cathedrals, she can’t wait to sing there.
“The concert will have some Verdi and Bellini,” she says.
“But we have to consider that, with a regional tour, some people might like the idea of a beautiful concert that takes them back in time and some may be experiencing classical music for the first time.”
With that in mind she’ll also perform a few little songs that tug at the heartstrings, such as “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls” and “When You Wish Upon a Star”.
“That one has a special meaning for me,” Bradman says.
“I used to sing it with my grandpa.”
Greta Bradman “My Hero”, All Saints’ Anglican Church, Ainslie, 7pm, Friday, April 29, 7pm, bookings to oztix.com.au
Soprano Greta Bradman… “Because of my family, I don’t put much store in icons.”
Photos by Albert Comper
Helen
Greta Bradman.
arts & entertainment / shakespeare sonnets
A mighty marathon of The Bard’s little stories
By Helen Musa
“NO longer mourn for me when I am dead,” Shakespeare’s Sonnet 71 goes, but The Street Theatre is ignoring that as it prepares to mark the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s death.
In a mighty marathon of poetry and music called “Shakespeare: The Sonnets Out Loud”, Shakespearean actor William Zappa will join counter-tenor Tobias Cole and woodwind/sax player Benn Sutcliffe in performing all the sonnets.
“To be honest, I don’t know which is my favourite Shakespeare sonnet,” Zappa tells me.
“One of my favourites is ‘My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun’, number 130, where he says: ‘She may not look much but, hell, I love her’.”
Zappa will take on the lion’s share of the 154 sonnets, but hastens to assure “CityNews” that he won’t be learning them all off by heart – “God, no, they’d have to have asked me two years ago,” he says.
Mind you, if pushed to it, he could. A veteran of roles for Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Ensemble, Belvoir Street, State Theatre of SA and Griffin, his memorable performance as Antony, for Bell Shakespeare Company, still stands out closely followed by Richard III.
Of late, Zappa has been doing storytelling renditions of “The Iliad” – he is half Greek – so when Street Theatre director Caroline Stacey popped into one session at the ANU Classics Museum last year, an idea germinated.
Stacey quickly put the suggestion to him and to Canberra vocal director Dianna Nixon to do something similar for
The Bard’s anniversary.
Zappa has been deep in the sonnets and while he is quick to say that it is “a fantastic idea to present the whole lot”, it must be admitted that some are weaker than others.
He has noticed the different groups, such as the swag of sonnets where Shakespeare talks to a young man saying: “Hey, listen, don’t waste your life away, think about settling down,” and the Dark Lady sonnets, addressed to a swarthy mistress.
While admiring Shakespeare’s dexterity, Zappa doesn’t consider the sonnet to be the most difficult form, preferring the dactylic hexameter in Greek poetry.
Yet, of Shakespeare, he says: “He had this amazing gift… take the way he gets feelings then puts them into tiny lines, wonderful nuggets for acting students to grapple with.
“A lot of kids at school complain that he’s sort of saying it back to front, but look at the amazing ideas in a short format.”
Zappa hasn’t met the other performers yet, just had a couple of phone calls sharing ideas, but says they’ll be in for an intensive rehearsal session with Dianna Nixon when he gets to Canberra.
“Basically, it’s about storytelling; that’s what so wonderful about the sonnets, essentially they’re all little stories,” Zappa says.
“Shakespeare: The Sonnets Out Loud”, The Street Theatre, 7pm, Saturday, April 30, bookings to 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au
Answers to the Shakespeare quiz…
36 C. Mary Arden
B. Glovemaker 38 A. Lost years
B. Southwark
B. Richard Burbage 41 C. The Elephant 42 A. Romeo and Juliet
C. Cannon misfired
43 C. Misery
44 A. Mistress Quickly
45 C. King Charles II
46 B. Kate Keepdown
47 C. Helen of Troy
48 B. Heminge and Condell
49 B. Cause uncertain
50 C. Stratford upon Avon
51 B. Mistress Ford
52 B.
C. Olivia
21 B. Elsinore
22 C. Laertes
23 C. Bosworth Field
24 B. Portia
SATURDAY 30 APRIL 10.00AM, SUNDAY 1 MAY 10.00AM & 2.00PM
AINSLIE ARTS CENTRE TICKETS ADULTS $25, CHILDREN $15
25 B. Katherina
26 A. Petruchio
27 B. Dull
28 A. Dogberry
29 A. Valentine and Proteus
30 B. What You Will 31 B.
62 B. Master of the Revels 63 B. Wooden O 64 C. Nazi Germany
65 A. Macbeth
66 A. Phineas T. Barnum
67 B. Will Kempe
68 C. Ovid
69 B. Deer
70 A. Oberon
71 B. Mischievous sense of humour
72 A. Robin Goodfellow
73 C. Hotspur
74 B. Once
75 C. Anywhere
76 A. Become king
77 B. Theatre of Pompey
78 A. Serpent’s tooth
79 C. Clock in Julius Caesar
80 A. About 200,000
81 C. Macduff
82 B. English dead
83 A. Tybalt
84 C. West Side Story
85 B. Ophelia rejects him
86 B. Hamlet
87 A. Scottish Play
88 C. Fourteen lines
89 A. Sleepwalker
90 B. Rosalind
91 C. Thirty-six barrels
92 C. Verona
93 A. Susanna and Judith
94 B. Codpiece
95 A. None
96 C. Six million
97 A. Trojan War
98 C. The Winter’s Tale
99 A. Brutus
100 C. moves my bones * Shakespeare quiz compiled by Alan Veitch, creator of Quotequiz and Seven card Shakespeare. Distributed by Auspac
Shakespearean actor William Zappa… “It’s about storytelling, that’s what so wonderful about the sonnets.”
Photo by Lorna Sim
cinema Mish-mash when the boss comes unstuck
“The Boss” (MA)
THE star of this disastrous American comedy mish-mash also wrote it and her husband Ben Falcone directed it.
Melissa McCarthy plays Michelle, returned to the orphanage by every couple who tried to foster her, in early middle age driven by an overweening ego not justified by her behaviour toward others and wealthy beyond belief from seminars teaching women how to succeed in business.
Nothing wrong with that. It’s the American way. Until Michelle’s single-mom PA Claire (Kristen Bell) reminds her that today is the third anniversary of when Michelle had promised her a raise three years hence. Then we learn three things. Lacking any kind of virtue, a characteristic McCarthy’s played before, Michelle is a first-class, goldmedal, grade A+ selfish, lying bitch. Claire, with first-class, gold-medal, grade A+ professional skills lacks any form of assertiveness.
And Claire’s pre-pubescent daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson) thinks that Michelle needs
emotional support. Michelle goes to jail for fraud. On release, she moves in with Claire, hijacks Rachel’s brownies recipe and bases a corporation on it, which her orphanage boyfriend Renault (Peter Dinklage) – richer than she ever was – wants to buy. McCarthy does great physical comedy, especially spectacular pratfalls. But any film that she and hubby write and direct needs the steadying influence of an independent
professional with a sound track record to avoid moral bankruptcy and corrosive ego. She and Falcone also produced it, obviously to make money but perhaps also to make a statement about women in business. I pondered what McCarthy intended such a statement to convey. Hearing a mainly female audience laughing at her self-serving gags, I found little to laugh at.
At Capitol 6, Dendy, Hoyts and Palace Electric
“The Jungle Book” (PG) JON Favreau has laboured mightily to deliver a third filming of Rudyard Kipling’s sublime two-volume story about Mowgli, the man-child reared from infancy among a pack of wolves in India.
It’s exciting, it’s handsome. The combined skills of Jim Henson Company puppeteers and CG visualisation of Kipling’s wonderful anthropomorphic characters is equal to, perhaps superior to, the best. The narrative concept originated with the second filming in a Disney animation. And that’s where this version comes unstuck.
I’d like to know how Indian audiences received Favreau’s version when it was released there earlier this month. In fact, I wonder how Indian readers responded to the stories when they were first published.
For the majority of the world’s non-Indian population, the stories provide wonderful, intelligent word-pictures of a distant sub-continent, conveying a sub-text about society, ethics, morality and emotion. Compressing all their elements into a movie may not be impossible but, by golly, it would be a daunting challenge. And despite hard work from Favreau and his team, their vision falls short of Kipling’s.
New Yorker Neel Sethi plays Mowgli with vigour and little else. The animal character’s voice dialogue is typical more of contemporary American slangy mangling of English than Kipling’s elegant prose. American accents compound that detriment. And while the film’s trivia list declares all the film’s animals to be native to India, armadillos are most definitely not.
At all cinemas
Tawadros
“Wide Open Sky” (G)
HUGE amounts of love, energy and determination drive this delightful Australian documentary illuminating Michelle Leonard’s devotion to introducing children in small rural communities in NSW not just to hearing music but, more importantly, getting down and dirty making it.
Michelle each year drives 4000 kilometres to audition children for the Children’s Choir whose end-of-year concert is the headline act at Coonamble’s annual Moorambilla Festival.
To say she’s passionate about music generally and this choir in particular, is an understatement. Watching filmmaker Lisa Nicol’s chronicling of selecting a group of youngsters from a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural and geographic backgrounds and moulding them into a choir, it doesn’t take long to get the message that music is Michelle’s whole life and the choir is a significant source of nourishment that her spirit derives each year.
The kids are lovely, intelligent, enthusiastic, fun to be with and courageous in their journey into a new cultural world that will shape them for life. The film selects a small group to carry its structure. Shot in 2014, it has influenced the subsequent lives of several of them. The audience at the 2015 Sydney Film Festival voted it Best Documentary. That’s a worthy recommendation. At Palace Electric
PA Claire (Kristen Bell) gets some wardrobe advice from her boss Michelle (Melissa McCarthy) in “The Boss”.
Fab focus on food and wine
It’s wonderful to have such easy access to an exclusive line-up of top drops by Canberra and region cool-climate wineries.
WHEN I first walked into The Canberra Wine House I did a double take. Was I at The Tradies?
Yes, I was, but in an area with a great fitout that has a fabulous focus on food, flavours and top wine.
When: Wednesday 27th April, 7.30pm Time: 7.30pm
Where: All Saints’ Church Cost: Free
It will be followed by a Q&A, and then wine and cheese.
It’s wonderful to have such easy access to an exclusive line-up of top drops by Canberra and region cool-climate wineries. It’s all the Wine House sells, with the best from vineyards such as Long Rail Gully, Clonakilla, Lerida Estate, Eden Road, Ravensworth, Wily Trout, Mount Majura, and Dionysus.
Enjoy wines on site (including complimentary tastings) or buy bottles to take away at cellardoor prices. If you do, and are dining in Dickson, you’ll not be charged corkage by any restaurant as part of the new Discover Dickson campaign.
The local focus extends beyond the wines. Everything on the menu is locally produced, with many items available for sale in a mini-mart. Let’s give you a taste: Batemans Bay Nut Roasting House – honey macadamia, tamari almonds and other crunchy delights; Pankhurst Wines – sparkling pinot juice and Long Track Pantry –preserved lemons and chutneys. Hungry
Even the fitout is local with massive wine barrels outside from Shaw Vineyard and furniture
made from recycled pallets.
I’ve been twice and feel right at home.
The menu concentrates solely on localproduce platters to share. Tapas dishes are $8.50 each or $21 for all three – a to-die-for chorizo, that promises and delivers kick, by Lost River Produce (a family run business literally across the street), a creamy marinated feta by the delightful Maureen House at The Cheese Project and tangy olives by Homeleigh Grove.
The cheese platter ($23.95) includes a Leaning Oak goat’s blue cheese and their labneh, a south coast premium vintage, a pear and ginger chutney, seasonal and dried fruits and water crackers (gluten-free biscuits available).
The meats, cheese and oils platter is equally tantalising ($29.95). Lost River shines again with its salami and tender chicken smoked to perfection. This platter features silky smooth olive oil with a dancing dukkah, chutney and fruits, fresh bread and crackers.
Sweet tooth? We didn’t indulge (but will one day) in the wonderful selection of chocolates from Lindsay and Edmunds (think almond and orange, praline, sea salt) – $15.95. If you’re with a group, I recommend “The Lot” ($59.95), which will keep your taste buds dancing all night.
Canberra Wine House, corner of Badham and Cape Streets, Dickson. Open 4pm-9pm, Wednesday-Saturday. Live music Saturday afternoons. Call 6162 5649.
arts in the city
Beethoven, Brahms… and Bernice
By Helen Musa
BERNICE Chua, 2015 ArtSound Young Virtuoso of the Year and finalist in the National Young Virtuoso Award, will perform works by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Ravel and Haydn at Cooinda Hall, Kangara Waters Community Centre, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, 2.15pm-3pm, Sunday, April 24.
DIRECTOR and noted Chekhov author Geoffrey Borny is staging “Uncle Vanya” in his seventh directorial role with Canberra REP. The cast is headed up by Sam Hannan-Morrow as Vanya and Jim Adamik (in an unusual bit of casting as Dr Astrov). At Theatre 3, April 28 (preview) to May 14. Bookings to canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.
THE twelfth “Groovin the Moo” tour is about to hit the ACT. The regional music festival presents a mix of local and international names, including our own SAFIA. The American contingent includes rappers Danny Brown and Vic Mensa. At the University of Canberra, from 10.30am, Sunday, April 24. Bookings to moshtix.com.au
WORKS for fiddles with flute and harp by Scottish composers and an Italian composer will make up the Sydney consort’s concert of Scottish classical music and folk tunes at Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 3pm, on Sunday, April 24, bookings to
sydneyconsort.com.au
PIANIST and polymath Stephen Hough returns to Australia for his fourth Musica Viva tour in which he presents the Australian premiere of his own third piano sonata. At Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, Thursday, April 28. Bookings to musicaviva.com.au or 1800 688482.
PAUL Goodchild, from Sydney Brass, appears in the High Court’s free Sunday concert with pianist Susanne Powell, at 1.30pm on Sunday, April 24. Registration essential to hcourt.gov.au/about/concerts
“VANISHING Point in Art” is the newest exhibition for former Canberra artist Luke Cornish (aka E.L.K.). The stencil paintings are inspired by his travels of the past two years over three continents and 21 countries. At Nanda Hobbs Gallery, Level 1, 66 King Street, Sydney, from April 21.
Bernice Chua… performing on April 24. Photo by Peter Hislop
The Canberra Wine House… even the fitout is local with furniture made from recycled pallets.
Photos by Andrew Finch
The meats, cheese and oils platter.
Joanne Madeline Moore
Your week in the stars – April 25-May 1, 2016
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
With your patron planet Mars in retrograde mode, projects are moving at a snail’s pace but don’t let it get you down. If you turn your attention to your aspirations for the future (including your next holiday destination) and plan with precision, then you’ll feel less restless and impatient. Mercury then reverses through your money zone from Thursday until May 22. So avoid making big ticket purchases, and handle all financial matters with extra care and close attention to details.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Are you making the most of the Sun and Mercury moving through your sign? Monday through to Wednesday is the time to be bold and brainy, as you draw inspiration from fellow Taurean, Eva Peron: “I am smart and have more strength than I appear to have.” Then Mercury reverses through your sign (from Thursday until May 22) so expect communication and/or computer chaos for the following three weeks. The best way to handle it? With plenty of patience and aplomb.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
You’re keen to power ahead at lightning speed, but this week’s stars advise you to slow down and prepare thoroughly. Then you’ll avoid doing impulsive things that you later regret. Your power planet Mercury switches into retrograde motion, so it’s not a good time to solve complicated problems or take on projects that require a clear head and fast thinking. Instead, try revising, reviewing and recalibrating. Plus expect disruptions and delays involving cars, computers or phones.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
The week starts well as Venus enhances enjoyment obtained from friendships, group activities and social media connections. Make the most of it because a cherished dream will be temporarily put on hold when Mercury reverses through your hopes and wishes zone from Thursday through until May 22. So do your best to be patient. At the moment, good things come to canny Crabs who wait! Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote: “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet”.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
With the Sun (your boss planet) in your career zone, step up to the professional plate and showcase your substantial talents. But with Mercury in retrograde mode from Thursday through until May 22 – make sure you check and double-check all information, appointment times, meeting agenda items and travel details, otherwise misunderstandings and missed opportunities are likely. Sunday’s Sun/Neptune aspect is fabulous for creative projects, charitable work and spiritual pursuits.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Mercury reverses through your travel zone from Thursday until May 22 so expect mix-ups and mayhem involving cars, buses, trains, planes and/or holiday plans. You can still have a good time – as long as you leave your Virgo predilection for punctuality and perfection at home. You also love handing out advice to all and sundry but the stars caution you to be more discriminating. As birthday great Harper Lee wrote: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.”
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
With Mars retrograding through your social media zone, it’s not a suitable time to launch an online business, or try to sort out a personal problem via Facebook. Especially from Thursday onwards, when Mercury starts reversing through your intimacy zone. So the lesson to learn at the moment is patience – with a capital P! When it comes to a current project, don’t skim the surface. Make sure you do all the research that’s required. Then you can tick the to-do list and move on.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Expect some communication chaos over the next three weeks, as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone from Thursday. It’s also a time when unresolved issues from the past may be dredged up all over again. If you are attached, Venus enhances romantic vibes on the weekend but avoid upsetting your spouse by making a thoughtless or sarcastic comment. Single Scorps – be careful you’re not sending a prospective partner strange signals and mixed messages.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Slow Saturn has been sauntering through Sagittarius since September. Then (last week) Mars started reversing through your sign. This Thursday, Mercury starts reversing through your daily routine zone, so day-to-day life will be very frustrating over the next three weeks. What’s a speedy Sadge to do? Employ the one virtue that is most elusive for you... patience. As Barbara Johnson wisely noted: “Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears”.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Self-sabotage is a danger, as retrograde Mars mutes your motivation and Saturn stimulates your tendency to focus on personal faults and talk yourself down. But if you don’t believe in yourself, then why should anyone else? So use the planetary influences to meditate, contemplate and ruminate, plus boost your self-esteem via a healthy dose of positive self-talk. And pay close attention to the symbolic messages in your nightly dreams. Are they trying to tell you something?
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
With conversation planet Mercury reversing through your home zone (starting on Thursday), expect some domestic dramas and family fiascos over the following three weeks. You’ll find the more impatient, impulsive and contrary you are, the more challenging the problems will be. Astute Aquarians will assume an unusually patient demeanour, as you slowly count to 10 before responding to any communication directed at you by a snappy sibling or recalcitrant relative.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Your professional life is bursting at the seams. So much to do, so little time! With serious Saturn and retrograde Mars in your work zone, you need to plan, prioritise and most of all delegate. And don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Instead, follow in the footsteps of successful predecessors. Plus be careful what you put on social media over the next few weeks, as it will be very easy for others to completely misinterpret your true meaning. So check and re-check before you post.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2016
General knowledge crossword No. 544
Jordan has had a good first year in business and was very flattering when he came to see me.
“I am really pleased with all the advice you have given me this year it has been really awesome and so I have a big profit,” he said. He came by to see if I could help him manage the consequential liabilities of paying tax.
Across
4 From classical legend, name one of the two young lovers of Babylon.
8 What does the term alfresco imply?
9 What is a passage taken out of a book, or the like?
10 Which resinous substance is used for making varnish, etc?
11 Name the peninsula in SW Europe comprising Spain and Portugal.
12 From classical legend, name the other of the two young lovers of Babylon.
14 What is an archaic term for silver?
18 Which instruments are used for grinding substances in mortars?
21 Which element is the basis of nuclear reactors?
22 What might we call one who strives to associate with social superiors?
23 Which term describes a volcano that has ceased erupting?
24 What is a learned, or erudite person?
Sudoku medium No. 172
Down
1 What is a spouse, especially of a reigning monarch?
2 Name a highly volatile and flammable colourless liquid.
3 What, in electricity, is a current of one ampere in one second?
4 What is a summary of things?
5 Name one of Australia’s tennis greats, Tony ...
6 What, in printing, is a hole cut in a plate, for the insertion of type?
7 What is a very smooth, glossy fabric?
13 Name a SE Queensland city to the west of Brisbane.
15 What is an organised series of boat races?
16 Which insect is also known as a white ant?
17 What do we call one who lends money at an exorbitant rate of interest?
18 Which flat rubber discs are used in place of balls, in ice hockey?
19 Name the crime of defamation.
20 What is the nickname of the Brisbane AFL team?
“There are various strategies that you can use, but I must remind you that the Budget will be released on May 3 so it might be smart to adopt some these things before then.” I asked if he had any outstanding debts that wouldn’t be paid and he reminded me of a company that had collapsed in July owing him $60,000.
He recently had a letter advising that he wouldn’t be receiving anything from its liquidation.
“As you have previously brought that income to account and the liquidator has issued a notice stating that you will receive nothing, you can write the amount off as a bad debt in the company books,” I advised him.
“You will need to hold a director’s meeting before June 30 to confirm that the debt has been written off. You will then get a tax deduction for the $60,000 bad debt this financial year.
“But it is absolutely critical that you have a signed minute dated before June 30 when writing off bad debts.
“Now, although your business is new, you did mention that you need some computer equipment.
“You may remember I mentioned previously that if you buy a new item that costs less than $20,000 you will get an outright tax deduction for that amount instead of having to depreciate it.
“This is another way of reducing the tax payable. The outright deduction is only available until June 30, 2017, and applies to small businesses with turnover of less than $2 million.”
Jordan looked pretty pleased, but then I said: “Wait, there’s more.”
“The other thing that I would recommend is that you maximise the superannuation for yourself and your partner Kylie. As you are both under 50, you can each contribute a maximum of $30,000 a year to your superannuation funds.
“You will both have had contributions made this financial year, so you can each ‘top up’ your contributions to the maximum $30,000.”
I suggested Jordan implement all these initiatives as soon as possible and confirm with us the amounts he and Kylie could contribute to superannuation.
“We will then examine your accounts in late May and project your income and expenses for the rest of the financial year,” I said.
“We can then see what the likely profitability for the year will be and, at that time, make other tax-planning suggestions for you.”
Jordan thought the strategies looked really good and could see the benefits for his family.
If you have any tax planning or profitability issues contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
Solution next week
open garden / Calwell
Heavenly views from Carol’s hillside haven
CAROL Kemp says that because the views from her home in Calwell are nothing short of spectacular, she knew her garden had to be special, too.
“When we first moved in, it was a dead, overgrown mess,” says Carol.
“But I knew I could turn it into something that would more than match up to the views beyond.”
Carol’s garden, with a touch of the tropics and yearround colour, will be open to the public through Open Gardens Canberra on the weekend of April 30 and May 1.
The garden is relatively young, with only the cypress, yuccas, palms and albizia remaining from the previous owner.
“We moved in four years ago and I didn’t know where to start, so we invited friends and family around for a working bee one weekend and removed 15 truckloads of dead waste,” she says.
“It was all weed mat and black plastic, and we had to spend a long time, a couple of years, preparing the soil, digging in organic matter – it was hard to wait but whenever I planted anything prematurely, it failed.”
In the meantime, Carol planned a series of meandering paths and steps to enable better access to the steep block, and as soon as she could, set about planting a combination of “everything” she likes.
“It’s an eclectic garden, and it’s full of all the things I love – exotics, natives, tall, small, colour, foliage and
Words: Kathryn Vukovljak
Photos: Andrew Finch
tropical plants,” she says.
Carol says she has created several sitting areas, each of which captures a different view and celebrates an aspect of the garden.
“My favourite spot to sit is by the rose garden, where I can look out at the beauty around me and contemplate life,” she says.
“The garden takes a lot of my time but there is nothing like sitting and enjoying the heady scent of roses drifting in the air.”
Carol has also built a Mediterranean seating area, entered through a laburnum arch, with a stunning protea, wisteria, palms, ferns and little pops of tropical colour.
“It’s a very young garden and it’s got a lot of growth to do, and a lot of character to take on,” she says.
“But it’s such a special place and when I sit out here enjoying the views, I feel I could be anywhere in the world.”
109 O’Connor Circuit, Calwell, open 10am-4pm, Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Admission $8; free to under-18s and Open Gardens Canberra members. Plants and refreshments will be for sale, with funds raised going to beyondblue. It costs $25 to join Open Gardens Canberra and gain free entry to all open gardens until August 31, 2017. More information at opengardenscanberra.org.au/join
Big news for small roses
SOME roses can be too big for anyone with limited space.
I recently spotted two new roses I hadn’t seen before – Rosa “Calypso” and Rosa “Sweet Spot”, which grow to just 80cm tall with a similar spread.
Long blooming with a kaleidoscope of colours, they would suit a sunny balcony.
They are available at Heritage Nursery, Yarralumla.
ON Tuesday, May 17, the Horticultural Society of Canberra will take a day trip by bus to Thirlmere to visit the famous Thornton Bros rose farm.
Then on to Julie and Craig’s Perennial Hill Garden and Nursery in Mittagong where visitors will be enchanted by the garden’s dry stone walls, garden rooms, rockery and conifer garden and more (plus the opportunity to buy from their extensive range of perennial plants).
The cost for the trip is $40 with morning and afternoon tea provided plus entry to the gardens. Bookings
to canberragardener@gmail.com or phone 6281 4041. For insurance purposes it is necessary to become a member of the society.
THE UK’s 212-year-old Royal Horticultural Society’s journal was first published in 1866 and is this month celebrating its 150th edition – not too many magazines survive this long!
Initially the society simply named its publication “The Journal” and in 1975 retitled it “The Garden”. Today it is distributed to more than 448,000 members worldwide. For anyone serious about gardening, I recommend joining the society (at rhs.org.uk/membership).
THE death last year of prolific garden writer Allen Gilbert was a loss to all gardeners who enjoyed his downto-earth writing style.
In his latest book, “Grafting and Budding” (Hyland House, rrp $29.95), Gilbert writes: “Any gardener can graft and this book demonstrates the age-old myth of difficulty of an age-old craft, it is just that, a myth”.
He demonstrates, step by step, with photos in a style that is so easy to follow. Other books I recommend include his “All About Apples”, “Climbers and Creepers” and “Tomatoes For Everyone”.
The new “Calypso” rose... for every garden.
MORE hints about “leafmould”: Usually less alkaline than manure or garden compost, which makes it suitable for rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants, including natives. Mixing with grass clippings can speed up the process, but don’t overdo it. Spread the leaves on the lawn and this will mix the leaves evenly with the clippings.
Jottings…
• Cover persimmons with netting as they ripen to keep out possums and birds.
• Plant spring bulbs without delay, tulips can be planted in May.
• Eliminate woolly aphids by mixing 2ml Eco-oil with 2ml of Eco-neem to each litre of water. Follow up in a week. Certified organic Eco products are available from most garden centres.
The new “Sweet Spot” rose… long blooming with a kaleidoscope of colours, they would suit a sunny balcony.
