160519 citynews

Teaching seniors to walk tall and toughen up

“EVEN a little bit of self-defence knowledge means you are less likely to be a victim; you walk more confidently on the streets,” says kung fu instructor Neal Hardy.

“Older people can feel freer from others having a go at them, as they have increased confidence and self esteem,” he says.

Neal is inviting older Canberrans and those with a disability to discover the benefits of Chinese martial arts, through a new, government-funded initiative, “Overcoming Challenges”, to encourage more people to take up Kung Fu Wushu.

“Many people who have disabilities or who are older do not even bother to consider that they could try Kung Fu Wushu, but our organisation has received funding from the ACT Government to assist in reaching these groups,” says Neal, who is president of Kung Fu Wushu ACT.

“We have tailored our teaching programs to give people individual attention that takes account of any restrictions they may have.”

Neal says kung fu means “excellence through practice” and in China it is associated with other professions or activities in which people strive to always be better.

“It seems that Westerners associate kung fu solely with martial arts, but you can be a kung fu chef or bureaucrat,” he says.

The philosophy behind the practice is all about achieving oneness between mind and body and this is the goal of every kung fu practitioner.

“The benefits of Kung Fu Wushu are many, and apply as much for older people and those with a disability as to the broader community. Benefits include improved co-ordination, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and strength, and the practical benefits of effective self defence,” he says.

For Neal who is the Australian Grand Master in the White Dragon system of kung fu, holds two Guinness World Records and is well known in Canberra for breaking large amounts of concrete on fire, he says the beauty of the sport is that he never stops learning.

“It’s not just about kicking and punching. It’s

with life… Georgia Rechter, 19. Story Page 6. Photo by Andrew Finch.

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WHEN IT MATTERS

about the capacity of the person studying,” says Neal.

“We think that a lot of people can gain from practice. I taught a man with one arm and helped him to understand how to stand straight. Even a few lessons helped him in his life.”

Neal’s oldest student is 74-year-old Graeme Quinn, who was fascinated when he saw a kung fu class on Downer Oval as he took a morning walk two years ago.

Graeme has now progressed to a yellow belt and although he says he’s not as good as the younger students, he enjoys the camaraderie of training and setting goals to achieve higher gradings.

“I am fitter and stronger now. I am more confident and feel I am achieving a balance by developing inner strength through meditation,” says Graeme.

“I have a pacemaker and Neal makes allowance for that, ensuring that my chest area is kept clear and no one gets near it.”

Neal says that martial arts can also give increased confidence to older people who may feel vulnerable. He works with aged care groups to teach them self defence basics.

His instructors have more than 100 years of experience in martial arts between them.

“The irony is that none of our instructors are younger than 60!” he says.

“I enjoy teaching people of any age and ability. This inspires me to reach out to everyone.”

More information about the “Overcoming Challenges” program email president@kwact.com.au or call 0421 849551.

Lap one: Shorten takes the lead

Abbott is working from the Kevin Rudd playbook: Turnbull to win but only just so the PM remains captive of his right wing.

THE election race pulled away with Team Turnbull first in the grid. But “Scomo”, the chief mechanic, had filled the Mercedes’ Budget tank with regular instead of super unleaded.

So Team Shorten in the Mini – fuelled by high-octane policy – whipped up on the inside and finished lap one slightly ahead.

And so it goes, a race that makes the Bathurst 1000 look like a sprint.

But while our political leaders are driving their campaigns toward that distant finish line, other big personalities and even onlookers can affect the outcome. Abbott apparatchik Peta Credlin labelling Turnbull “Mr Harbourside Mansion”, for example, played straight into Labor’s tactic of picturing Malcolm as “out of touch” with the ordinary voter.

Bill Shorten has his own image problem as trade union wheeler-dealer. But he clearly shaded the PM in the first leaders’ debate (before a largely Labor audience).

CLOSER to home, Eden Monaro jumped into the frame as the Abbott forces took revenge on the incumbent Lib Peter Hendy for backing Turnbull in the coup. Abbott is working from the Kevin Rudd playbook: Turnbull to win but only just so the PM remains captive of his right wing. It’s a dangerous game, but hell hath no fury like a PM spurned.

THAT other election across the Pacific also produced some surprises, not least the continuing strength of Democrat Bernie Sanders. With Trump running riot, the smart money, we hear, is betting that Hillary can only be sure of winning in November by naming Bernie as her running mate.

BUT the really big news came from the ANU where researchers took another important step in the battle against cancer. They found a way to prevent

Tin-can theory of the lost technologies

By John Griffiths

AS technology hurtles down the rails to an uncertain future, it’s worth considering the things humanity is no longer capable of making. The lost technologies.

The mighty Saturn V rocket that took men to the moon is possibly the most famous example. With all the technological development since the 1960s how can it be that we’re unable to make these things?

It’s enough to give moon-landing conspiracists credibility.

infected cells getting the materials needed to build their structures.

Biologist Dr Stefan Broer said: “If you want to assemble a house you need bricks, tiles and timber. For a cancer cell that is fat, carbs and protein. So what we do is block the supply.” But alas, like most “breakthroughs” it could be years before it results in patient cures.

THOSE dodgy diplomats are up to their tricks again. This time it’s the Cambodians who, it seems, have been buying their massive duty free entitlements of booze and cigarettes from a Melbourne outlet, but instead of taking delivery the store sells the goods at the regular retail price and they divvy the profits. We know diplomats are sent to lie for their country, but cheat and deceive?

SPEAKING of cheats, one reason Garran Primary School hit the news this week as being seriously overcrowded, we’re told, is that some parents have claimed

address, but actually live as far away as Crace. A fine tribute to the school… but hardly the done thing.

FINALLY, a fond farewell to Diane Hinds and Morna Whiting, organisers of the wonderful Bus Depot markets, who are selling up after 21 years and taking a well-earned rest. They have made the markets a great experience for Canberrans and visitors alike; and a terrific showcase for regional arts and crafts. The buyers have a pair of very big (and beautifully crafted) shoes to fill.

robert@robertmacklin.com

ROBERT MACKLIN

Rocking again

THE Lyons-based Canberra Lapidary Club’s Winter Gemcraft and Mineral Show will be held at the Mallee Pavilion, Epic, 10am-5pm, on the weekend of May 28-29. Dealers and club members will be selling jewellery, crystals, minerals, gemstones, opals, fossils, beads and lapidary supplies. Entry is $5 adults, $10 family, $2 children/concession. The club is for anyone interested in rocks, fossils, gold prospecting, gemstones and jewellery making. More information at canberralapidary.org.au or from canberralapidary@gmail.com or calling 6260 5322.

Birthday entertainment

ENTERTAINER Michael Rosenberg will entertain the ladies of the Weston Creek VIEW Club with stories and songs on his ukulele at its 44th birthday lunch at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am on Tuesday, June 7. The club welcomes visitors and new members. RSVP by June 2 to 6288 7625. Lunch costs $28.

New name, same service

THE Southside Community Services has

changed its name to Community Services #1. Since 1987 the community based, notfor-profit, non-government organisation has provided services including community development, family support, training services, children’s services and aged care and disability services to the local area and wider ACT region. “Our new name better reflects that we are an organisation supporting and working with the whole community, not just the southside of Canberra” says CEO Amanda Tobler.

Winning volunteers

JEANETTE Purkis has been named the ACT Volunteer of the Year for her service facilitating a support group for Autism Asperger ACT. She mentors women with autism, educates the community about autism, and advocates for how people with autism can overcome barriers to participation. The 2016 ACT Volunteer Team of the Year is the Arthritis ACT Warm Water Exercise Team. The volunteers in this team manage everything from the administration of the program right through to training supervisors and facilitating hydrotherapy sessions. Last year the program held more than 350 sessions across five pools in Canberra, providing support to more than 3000 people.

The answer has to do with modern materials and certification, and complexity, and that in the time it would take to re-create those moon rockets we could make better rockets.

More prosaically, in my kitchen we’ve got some problems with can openers.

Most people reach for a tin opener so rarely these days they might not realise it’s damn near impossible to get a reliable one in 2016. The majority of tins come with ring pulls now. When I moved into my current place I bought a Big W home starter kit, which came with a rudimentary can opener that worked okay the couple of times I needed it.

But a change in my dog-feeding arrangements meant a need to open a big tin on a daily basis and this led me on a death march through hell.

The cheapo, starter-pack tin opener burst into pieces three days in.

A trip to the supermarket for another lowcost opener gave me another three days before also expiring.

The best opener in the supermarket lasted a mere four days.

I’d had enough. I was going up-market. A boutique homewares store sold me a sculpted, ergonomic tin opener for an eye-watering $45. One can buy quite complex electronics for this kind of money.

The elegant sculptural opener endured a mere two operations before ceasing to function although, to its credit, it didn’t fall apart. It just stopped opening tins. It remains beautiful.

An electric tin opener from Aldi offered a solution at the price of much coveted, countertop real estate and a kitchen power point (not to mention $25). I was lured in by the promise of a built-in bottle opener and knife sharpener. Four tins later and, it too, was no longer performing its primary function. To be honest, opening bottles was spilling an unconscionable amount of beer, too.

In desperation, I bought a mid-range tin opener from Big W, one of the type that cuts the whole top off the tin rather than opening the top.

This one, alone of a plethora, appears to be capable of opening multiple tins.

But it does go to show, as technology marches on, how our stores are filled with legacy products that we use so rarely we don’t even realise they’re no longer fit for purpose.

The factories keep stamping them out, increasingly poorly, the trucks and ships distribute them around the world, we pay money for them and take them home, and the whole industrial chain is making a useless piece of junk. Intriguingly, one for which price has no bearing.

Protip though. The Big W $10 opener is the only one worth a damn.

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

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.

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.

Dr William Vass Suite14, John James Medical Centre

175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Phone: 02 62822717

Email: williamvass@bigpond.com

Website: www.hearingclinic.com.au

Unstoppable Georgia and the battle to discover her abilities

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

BORN with cerebral palsy, caring for her sick mum as a child and dealing with bouts of intense depression and a period of homelessness as a teen is a lot for any 19 -year- old to have been through, but Georgia Rechter says she’s come out the other side and is able to get on with her life, thanks to the Salvation Army.

“Without the support of the Salvos I would have never discovered that I had something to offer this world – that I was as important as my peers and that I had the capacity to change my life for the better,” she says.

Georgia says that from the age of seven she cared for her mum, who suffers from an immune deficiency that has seen her in and out of hospital and on prescription drugs since Georgia was born.

“I also had my own problems with cerebral palsy, although I’m lucky it was mild,” she says. “I could walk, but I’d trip myself over and I was bullied constantly. People don’t like different, and I just happened to be one of those who didn’t fit into the box.”

Georgia says that her mum spent a lot of time in hospital and relied on medication and blood transfusions to survive.

At 15, Georgia says she underwent several surgeries on her femur to correct issues caused by the cerebral palsy, and after that found herself with severe mood swings, found it hard to concentrate and felt agitated for no reason.

“It was put down to hormones and part of growing up, but I really wasn’t coping,” she says.

“I was hospitalised three or four times and eventually transferred to a mental health unit, where I was diagnosed with depression.”

Georgia says she was put on antidepressants, which made her feel worse.

“I felt crazy – everything felt like a personal attack on me and I’d have these

Young people are some of the most vulnerable in our society:

• One in six Australians aged 15-24 lives in poverty.

• One in four struggle with a mental health condition.

• 755 people under the age of 24 are homeless in the ACT.

• The Oasis Youth Services provides emergency accommodation services for homeless young people aged 16-25 years. It operates in Tuggeranong, Woden/Weston Creek, north Canberra and Belconnen.

major highs and lows,” she says.

“I lost a lot of friends with how I was behaving, but I didn’t realise what I was doing. They would say: ‘This isn’t you’.

“As well as the medication and depression, I also think it was compounded trauma about hospitals – there was a lot going on.

“It’s scary not knowing what you’re doing and how you’re impacting other people.”

Georgia says her mum didn’t know how to help her, particularly when Georgia started to self harm, and it was around this time that she became homeless.

“I was never on the streets, but it got very close and I was on people’s sofas,” she says. “Mum didn’t understand what was wrong and wasn’t able to look after me because of her own health issues.

“I was doing all the therapies but nothing was fixing how I felt, I had this pressure 24/7 that I couldn’t release. I felt isolated and confused.”

When she was 17, Georgia was transferred to the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Residential Service after a few months in a residential youth mental health program run by the Mental Health Foundation.

“I still needed support and I didn’t have anywhere else to go at that stage, because my mum didn’t know what to do with me the state I was in,” she says.

“I met with the manager at Oasis and she said: ‘We’ll take you, we’ll look after you’, and I know it’s a cliche but it really was lifechanging.”

Georgia says that Oasis, which provides emergency accommodation for homeless young people aged 16-25, was a support-

ive environment, with everyone treated equally.

“They wanted to see us do well, but because it was the best thing for us,” she says.

“I was encouraged to think about what I was good at, what I wanted to do, and focus on that.”

For Georgia, it was her role as a carer, as well as her own disability, that shaped her plans for the future.

“I always knew I wanted to work with people, I love people, but I didn’t know what that looked like,” she says.

“I know what it feels like to fall through the cracks and I didn’t want it to happen to others.”

Georgia now lives back at home and says she has a strong relationship with her mum. She works part time in retail and is studying Individualised Support (Disability) at CIT, with plans to do a diploma and go on to uni.

“I already know how it works, I’ve lived it,” she says.

“I’m quite tough on people when it comes to disabilities and I don’t view it as a disability, there is only an ability.

“Everyone has an ability, and it’s about focusing on that. Don’t tell me I can’t do something – show me a different way to do it so that I can, but don’t tell me I can’t.

“Having a disability doesn’t make you inspirational. It’s what you do with your life that counts. And I’m just a person going about my daily life.”

To volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal door knock on May 28 -29 or to donate call 13 SALVOS (137258) or visit salvos.org.au

YOUR NEXT CAREER STEP

ANU Graduate Certificate of Law

Whether you’re just starting your career, changing direction or seeking to step up to the next level, the ANU Graduate Certificate of Law is the ideal postgraduate qualification.

Developed for people without a law degree, the ANU Graduate Certificate of Law offers:

> a standalone qualification that strengthens your knowledge of the Australian legal system; and

> a foundation to apply for the ANU Master of Laws (LLM) and specialise in areas such as international, environmental and migration law.

You’ll acquire the skills required for success in an increasingly competitive workplace, including the ability to analyse complex problems, conduct high-level research and develop legal arguments.

You can complete the ANU Graduate Certificate of Law in six months, with part-time and online options available if you need to balance study with work, family or other commitments.

Once you’ve completed the Graduate Certificate of Law, you can apply to the Master of Laws (LLM) and tailor a program of study to your specific interests, or specialise in:

Environmental Law

Study with some of Australia’s leading environmental and climate lawyers.

Government and Regulation

Develop and apply an advanced understanding of the regulatory state’s legal framework.

International Law

Understand the nature, structure and function of international law.

International Security Law

Gain in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks that address contemporary and emerging security issues.

Law, Governance & Development

Access first-hand insight on the role of law in social and economic development.

Migration Law

Join one of the country’s most current programs on migration law and policy.

ALL FINANCIAL SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF!

Located at Belconnen Mall the Commonwealth Bank Belconnen branch offers the full range of Commonwealth Bank Group products and services that cater to all customer needs. From transactional accounts, to buying their first home or investment property, managing their mortgage, preparing for retirement or organising Travel Money cards.

Finding the right way to help clients is of the utmost importance at the Belconnen branch, and Branch Manager Stephen Finley says it’s a matter of matching the right product to an individual customer’s needs.

The Commonwealth Bank’s vision is to secure and enhance people’s financial wellbeing, and this is especially true at the Belconnen branch.

“Our banking specialists work hard each and every day to engage with our customers in quality conversations, understanding what’s important to each customer now and into the future,” Stephen said.

James Corbett, Regional General Manager NSW/ACT Region, believes Stephen is a valuable asset to the Belconnen branch team.

“The Belconnen branch prides itself on having a CAN do attitude towards creating a better banking experience for its customers” James said.

You can find Stephen and his team at the Belconnen Branch at Shop 103 Belconnen Mall, Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2616, or call them on (02) 6251 4922.

Commonwealth Bank Belconnen branch is open five days a week for staff assistance:

Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 4:00pm

Friday: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

WHO CAN BEAT A FIXED HOME LOAN RATE? COMMBANK CAN.

We guarantee to beat currently advertised 1- 5 year fixed home loan rates from NAB, ANZ, Westpac or St George, with a lower rate on an equivalent loan. Now that’s a home advantage.

Offer applies to applications fully approved* by 30 June 2016.

Don’t blame the government, it’s the litter bugs!

IN reply to Dian, of Kambah (Grumpy column, CN, April 14) re littering and lack of weeding around Canberra, we need to decide where the best value for dollars allocated to cleaning and maintenance lies.

I would rather see neatly mown grass and cleared drains than some of the questionable so-called public artworks that are on display.

But on the matter of littering I cannot agree with her as to whom we apportion blame and responsibility.

The general thoughtlessness of people who drop litter in the first place is the main cause. Don’t complain about the lack of action on the part of the ACT government.

It is a never-ending job tidying up after people who think it is their right to discard unwanted articles on the assumption that “someone else will pick it up”.

Many school children have that attitude and happily litter their schoolyard because “it is the jani -

When

tor’s job to pick it up”. Presumably, they become the adults who toss garbage out of their cars and leave litter at picnic areas and sports grounds.

My husband and I walk every morning in Fisher and other Weston Creek suburbs and carry a bag into which we put bottles, cans, takeaway wrappings, cigarette packets etcetera. It is not our job, but we like to have a clean suburb to walk in.

Every year there is great fanfare about Clean Up Australia Day where participants can register to pick up garbage in a designated area. I wish that a little more publicity was directed at changing the behaviour of the lazy minority who feel that it is their right to discard rubbish in public places. Then we could “Keep Australia Clean Everyday”! Do they do the same thing in their own homes?

Christine Homann, Fisher ACT

differences can’t be overcome

I TRUST readers won’t consign these comments to the politically incorrect basket. They seek answers, not to be anti-religious.

Why is it that up to several million of the Muslim faith are pouring into Christian countries? The two faiths have been at loggerheads for at least 1400 years. This makes it very hard to understand why, when near to Manus, countries that are not third world, but have more than 300 million Muslims, have apparently made no settlement offers to the 850 on that island.

Recently, a Muslim Foundation spokesperson sought to explain that Muslim youth were coming to the notice of police and security forces because they were caught between two cultures.

Being assessed at face-toface interviews as suitable for settlement in Australia, up to two million people from Europe and Asia, (of 50+ different religions and cultures) came here from 1945 on, with nearly 100 per cent settling without incident. Being assessed

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

as unsuitable to live in Australia for any sound reason carried no negative personal implications.

All had to be assessed as able to and willing to integrate into Australian society. In this context I conducted 18,000 interviews including in the Middle East where I experienced cultural differences first-hand. Consequently, I developed a sensitivity to potentially grave problems facing anyone seeking settlement in Australia and can understand, with empathy, why the Australian culture is a huge stumbling block for too many Muslims.

But being found unsuitable for residence here will mean in all probability a happier lifetime immersed elsewhere in an acceptable culture. Before pushing ahead regardless, the impasse must be resolved to the benefit of Muslims wanting (but perhaps not needing) to settle here.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

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Have you changed your address since the last federal election?

The federal election has now been announced. If you’ve recently changed your name or address, make sure you update your enrolment details before 8pm Monday 23 May

You can update your details online at www.aec.gov.au or pick up an enrolment form at any AEC office or post office and return it to the AEC before 8pm Monday 23 May Your vote will help shape Australia.

“WE have a mandate” has been the catchcry of so many prime ministers frustrated by a Senate that they can’t control.

Preferential voting above the line provides a brilliant opportunity to have a Senate that holds a government accountable.

sport

Mel bursts with ambition in the face of apathy Making votes more meaningful

The frustration peaked with Paul Keating, ironically referring to the Senate as “unrepresentative swill”. This same frustration has Malcolm Turnbull taking a huge risk in calling a double-dissolution election. His hope for a compliant Senate may seriously backfire.

The new electoral laws provide a brilliant opportunity for the voting system to result in an even stronger cross-bench in the Senate. Just make the major parties the last preference.

Ordinary people can now take a first or second preference risk on one or more candidates who are not from one of the major parties before moving their vote to their preferred major. The preference choice is no longer left to the backroom apparatchiks or preference whisperers – but, much more appropriately, to the voter.

Complaints about the batch of cross-bench senators from the last election are largely unfounded. No matter what their background, once elected they took the job seriously. Ricky Muir and Glenn Lazarus regularly offered thoughtful contributions. David Leyonhjelm (who I disagreed with constantly) put an interesting libertarian perspective. Additionally, the Greens have grown into a more sensible force under the leadership of Richard Di Natale and the political skills of Nick Xenophon serve as a role model for sensible cross-bench practice.

There are many examples of such senators sensibly containing the excesses of an ultra-conservative government. As much as the Liberals claim they had a mandate, this was a political party that having won government immediately broke a series of election promises that were, at least partially, responsible for getting them elected. This mandate argument is simply

nonsense. It is not how our democracy works. Each piece of legislation requires majority support in both houses of parliament.

For the ACT at the upcoming Federal election it is unlikely that our Labor MPs or Senator Katy Gallagher will be under threat. Firstly, the three members have worked hard in their roles –although that has never been enough to guarantee re-election. Secondly, the Turnbull government has not been popular in Canberra and, just as under Tony Abbott, continues to reduce the public service workforce. Thirdly, there are the personal factors such as the popularity of Katy Gallagher, the intellectual contribution of Andrew Leigh and the community work of Gai Brodtmann.

Senator Zed Seselja is a different kettle of fish. He has made a contribution since becoming a senator, for example as chair of the Community Affairs Committee. However, as a proud conservative, he is still closely associated with Tony Abbott and the conservative wing of the Liberal Party. He is also the representative of a government that has slashed and continues to slash not only the public service in Canberra, but also our national iconic organisations.

Seselja’s Liberal Senate seat is vulnerable. ACT voters are used to a complex Hare-Clark optional preferential voting system used for ACT elections. Under-the-line voting for the Senate is now similar. At the last election, an under-the-line vote in NSW meant numbering more than 100 boxes in con -

secutive order. Any mistake, or failure to complete, made the vote invalid. For the vast majority, this was just too challenging. The easier option was to vote once above the line for the party of choice –who then distributed preferences according to the wishes of the party.

Preferential voting above the line provides a brilliant opportunity to have a Senate that holds a government accountable. In the past, the chances for the Greens or other minor parties to succeed were reduced as Canberrans could not choose their own preferences. Now there is a real prospect of having a much more meaningful vote.

The opportunity is now available for those who want to ensure that the Liberals, or the alternative Labor government, do not have a compliant Senate. Some will choose below-the-line voting, seeking very specific choices. However, an abovethe-line vote that leaves the last of the preferences to the major party of choice will improve the chances of having a government appropriately held to account by the Senate playing an appropriate role as the house of review.

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

Painful policies that attack working people

NOW we’re well into the Federal election campaign, let’s talk about two of the most insidious policies of the Turnbull Liberal government: the attempt to reduce weekend penalty rates and the continuing damaging cuts to the public service.

The Liberal Party’s obsession with cutting weekend penalty rates for working people who rely on the few extra dollars is unconscionable. It is simply an attack on the lowest-paid, most-vulnerable people in our community.

This policy is supported by many Canberra Liberal parliamentarians, including local senator Zed Seselja who last year said that the Liberal Party needed the “courage” to cut weekend penalty rates.

There is no courage in forcing minimum-wage workers to take a pay cut, just cruelty.

Eight in 10 Canberrans support keeping weekend penalty rates as they are. This is because everyone knows that working on weekends, public holidays and late in the evening is unsociable.

Most workers who rely on penalty rates are casuals or have short-term contracts, no access to sick leave and many work multiple jobs to earn enough

There is no courage in forcing minimum-wage workers to take a pay cut, just cruelty.

to pay their rent and buy food and fuel. They are an invisible army, cleaning offices, preparing food and making deliveries.

A cut to weekend penalty rates is a cut that these working people can’t afford and don’t deserve. It is deeply saddening that the senator, elected to represent all Canberrans, insists on supporting these cruel cuts that only benefit big businesses.

If you work a 38-hour week and rely on weekend penalty rates, then under Turnbull’s plan, you will lose a significant amount of money. A cleaner working for cleaning company Spotless on full-time pay earning $726.54 per week would be worse-off by $86 with a cut to penalty rates.

Canberra is a public service town. The Federal public service is the engine room for our local economy, driving growth in the private sector and creating service and construction jobs.

The continuing damaging cuts by the Federal government to the public service will not only mean deteriorating quality and reliability, but will seriously impact the ACT’s community and economy.

The Liberal Party’s war on the public service started in 2014 with more than 13,000 jobs

ALEX WHITE

wrecked, 7000 in Canberra. The 2015 Budget worsened those cuts and, despite promises that the job cuts were at an end, this year’s Budget has seen an additional 4500 public service jobs wrecked.

Since the election of the Abbott-Turnbull government, 18,000 public service jobs have been wrecked, almost half of them based in Canberra.

Despite all the talk in the past week of jobs, growth and innovation which the Liberal Party has cheered as important, national institutions have been hammered and people’s jobs destroyed.

Hidden in the 2016 Budget are insidious plans to privatise large swathes of the public service, and even more cuts, disguised as “scoping studies”. Meanwhile, the government is pretending to strengthen corporate and banking regulators such as ASIC and APRA, which have already had thousands of staff sacked and retrenched.

The public servants whose jobs have been destroyed by the Liberal government are real people, with kids in local schools, who support the local shops and who have to pay off their mortgages. While conservative politicians and commentators demonise public servants, the truth is that every public servant I have met is proud that they work to provide essential services for their fellow Australians.

Canberrans, whether Federal public servants or not, don’t deserve a government, or a senator, that has an ideological hatred of the public service. Australians everywhere rely on these services, and we need a Federal government that is willing to invest in our public service and invest in Canberra.

Alex White is secretary of UnionsACT

AS a non-athlete you can only imagine what Canberra sprinter Mel Breen must be going through at the moment as she faces a race against the clock to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

She has come heartbreakingly close to achieving the qualifying time of 11.32 for the 100 metres on a number of occasions, but has fallen short. She went to Japan, where she has often run well as part of her campaign to record an Olympic qualifier, but it wasn’t to be. There have been plenty of B qualifiers, and now she must search for races in a last-minute bid to make the team for Rio.

It is something she has worked towards and thought about constantly for the past four years; at times it can become an obsession.

To a track and field athlete, a swimmer, a hockey player, a rower; the Olympics is the Holy Grail.

This is in total contrast to the attitude towards the Olympics from golfers and tennis players who don’t see the Games in the same light. You don’t hear of tennis players saying their focus is entirely on competing at the Olympics in the hope of winning gold. In fact, it often comes across that it is a distraction for some of these players.

The world’s leading golfers also show little interest in competing at the Olympics. In fact, it’s shaping as a case of “last player standing” as the drop-off rate accelerates. I point out the contrast in what the Games means to different sports because it presents a number of challenges to those trying to instill the Olympic ideals into athletes representing Australia.

I first encountered this when the American Basketball Dream Team played at the Olympics in 1992 in Barcelona. The challenges became apparent as the players, not the Olympics, became the focal point and there was a sense among the playing group that they were doing the Olympics a favour by taking part, not the other way round as is the expectation.

The International Olympic Committee obviously failed to learn the lessons from basketball with the introduction of tennis and now golf to the Olympics. The cultural divide between the so-called amateur sports has never been greater.

The worry is the whole ethos of the Olympic Games changes dramatically with golf and tennis in the Olympics because the Games are definitely not the focus of their year. It comes well behind the majors and the Grand Slams. Which makes it all that much harder for somebody like Mel Breen; when golfers make themselves unavailable and some tennis players couldn’t care less while she is devoting almost her entire physical and mental energy to getting on the plane to Rio.

At

Plus-size clothing in sizes 12-28 Wide calf boots in 4 calf widths

Iconic Canberra plus-size brand Broads has opened up shop at Baileys Arcade. We stock stylish and comfortable natural fibre clothing, luxe silk and cashmere scarves plus unique jewellery and homewares. Plus-size is our passion! We’re the official Canberra City stockist of Silk Sisters, 17 Sundays, eb&ive, Isle of Mine, brave+true, Sonsee Woman, Hope & Harvest and many more.

The Big Day experts who make ‘I do’ a all about weddings

YOU’VE said “yes” but what happens next? Planning a wedding can be exciting, but at times a daunting prospect with so many details to lock in – from the church and wedding reception venue to the dress, make-up, rings, accommodation and honeymoon and more! “CityNews” talked to some of Canberra’s top wedding suppliers for their advice on making your wedding the best day of your lives…

RINGS

The handcraft and platinum specialists

AFTER more than 30 years in Tokyo, Clover Jewellery relocated and now provides Canberra with “exquisite and sophisticated jewellery that is designed and made on-site,” says master jeweller, James Oh.

“We have lots of samples for customers to try or they can bring in their own design and we can make it on-site by our fully qualified jeweller. We have wedding rings and engagement rings for customers to try on.

“We are a handcraft and platinum specialist and we offer a laser-engraving and lasersoldering service, you can put a message in the ring along with a birthstone. It makes it very special and one of a kind.”

Based in Manuka, Clover Jewellery makes custom and unique pieces and also offers a free quote for its design services.

Clover Jewellery, 16 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6295 8545, 0401 194131 or email clover.j@hotmail.com

Complete control over ring creation

SOLITAIRE Jewellers are Canberra’s engagement-ring and weddingband specialists.

Manager and diamond consultant, Brodie, says that she loves helping couples or grooms-to-be choose and design the perfect ring for their engagement or wedding.

“In our showroom, we are able to give our customers a nice personal experience, taking the time to get to know them and understand what they want,” she says.

Solitaire Jewellers offers three options; select a ring from Solitaire’s existing suite of designs, customise the design to suit your needs, or recreate a new design.

“You can have complete control over the creation of your ring, including a 3D image of the chosen ring design prior to it being made,” says Brodie.

“It gives customers the opportunity to see exactly how the ring is going to look and if they aren’t saying ‘it’s perfect!’ they can make tweaks if necessary.”

Visits to the showroom at Ainslie Place, Civic, are by appointment only.

Visit solitairejewellers.com.au or call 6162 3665.

THREE BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VENUES, ONE GREAT CATERER

GRAND

BALLROOM STYLE

An opulent space complete with a theatre stage, the Hellenic Club Woden can seat up to 600 guests for the perfect wedding day.

HELLENIC CLUB WODEN MATILDA ST, WODEN ACT

STUNNING

GARDEN WEDDING

Nestled in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, this romantic location is ideal for combining ceremony, reception and photography in one location, hosting up to 120 guests.

FLORESCO IN THE GARDENS CLUNIES ROSS ST, ACTON ACT

URBAN CHIC STYLE

Celebrate in the heart of the city with an intimate and stylish wedding for up to 110 of your closest friends at the Hellenic Club in the City.

HELLENIC CLUB IN THE CITY MOORE ST, CANBERRA CITY ACT

HONEYMOON

Expert help in getting the honeymoon just right

HAPPILY ever after begins with an amazing honeymoon and the experienced team at Active Travel loves working with couples to help plan and book a perfect honeymoon for them – be it a traditional beach destination or a more adventurous trip as husband and wife!

Owner Becky Carter says that resort destinations such as Fiji, Vanuatu or the Maldives are popular choices: “We call these honeymoons ‘luxuriously inactive trips; it’s all about relaxing, escaping and enjoying being married,” she says.

“However, these destinations can be pricey so we can work with your budget and advise on equally stunning places to go without the price tag.”

Becky recalls that when she and husband Nick, who also works at Active Travel, went on honeymoon they enjoyed a cruise around Vietnam and Cambodia.

“Like us, some couples are taking a different approach for their honeymoon. They might go on a European tour. It’s still very relaxed but they get to see more places together,” she says.

“We love to talk to our customers about what they want. They only have one honeymoon and we want

to get it right!”

Active Travel has been operating in Canberra for 34 years. Becky worked there as a travel agent for 10 years before owning the business with Nick last year. She says they are bringing a fresh new approach to Active Travel and are committed to finding different destinations and experiences outside the norm.

“Our staff are so knowledgeable and experienced. We enjoy working with our clients,” she says.

Mode 3, 133/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Visit activetravel.com.au or call 6249 6122.

all about weddings

INSTABOOTH Canberra is a premier photobooth business servicing Canberra and surrounding regions.

“We are a fun, vibrant and unique photo booth business who specialise in ensuring that every event is unforgettable,” says owner Chris Malfone. Instabooth Canberra photo booth hire is the perfect addition to weddings, engagement parties, birthday parties for any age, graduations, formals, Christmas parties, corporate events and any other special event, says Chris.

SNOWY Event Hire services weddings in Canberra, the south coast and the Snowy Mountains and offers a personalised service to help bring fun, individuality and charm to a wedding, says owner Jacinta Muras.

Along with business partner Jane Perkins and their experienced team, Jacinta says Snowy Event Hire can work with you to provide decor and design – from furniture to vases, linen and chair covers.

“We offer a DIY option, or can provide a complete service to set up and pack up,” says Jacinta.

“Why buy when you can hire for less!” she says.

Snowy Event Hire’s newest addition to their suite of hiring options is a photo booth, using latest technology and styling. Complete with a red carpet entry, 50 props and unlimited photos, and manned by two staff to ensure it runs smoothly, guests will love playing it up for the camera, says Jacinta.

“Brides tell us that the photo booth helped turn around the wedding and made it so much fun!” she says.

Guests receive prints of their photos, which are all compiled into a bound photo book as a keepsake for the bride and groom.

“Our photo booth hire guarantees to create countless smiles and endless memories for all your guests, regardless of age,” he says.

“Our photo booth attendants are friendly, knowledgeable and ensure that every guest has a picture perfect moment. We do everything we can to make sure the stress is taken out of your photo booth hire experience.”

“We provide a fun, exciting and personalised photo booth experience. Our photo booth experience ensures the best in digital technology with our SLR camera and studio LED lighting.

To book, email instaboothcanberra@gmail. com.au or call 0431 544726 or 0412 812897.

Snowy Event Hire also specialises in managing outdoor lawn games to entertain guests between the wedding and reception. With a giant jenga, connect four, bocce and skittles sets – the Snowy Event Hire’s staff set up, manage and encourage guests to have fun.

“We also offer a candy and dessert bar experience and can provide three packages to supply and service a stunningly themed table with lollies and desserts for guests to enjoy,” says Jacinta.

Visit snowyeventhire.com.au or call Jacinta on 0404 051560.

THE CHURCH

Traditional ceremony in an intimate space

MARRIAGE is one of the most important commitments a couple can make, says Vicky Moseley from St John’s Anglican Church in Reid.

St John’s has been celebrating weddings since 1841 and remains popular, especially for couples requiring a more intimate worship space.

“The beauty and ambience of St John’s Church, with its pipe organ, peal of bells, stained-glass windows and other works of art is a favourite for those wanting a more traditional wedding,” she says.

“At St John’s we use the services authorised by the Anglican Church of Australia, which includes options that allow you to personalise the service for your special day through the choice of readings, music and prayers.

“We are confident that you can be married on the day you choose, but we strongly recommend you book your wedding at St John’s before making any other arrangements, such as reception venues.”

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Vicky says the church has a group of gifted organists and a fine organ, which can be complemented with soloists, singers and other musicians. The church provides flower arrangements, arranged by members of the church.

The church’s beautiful grounds, or the Robertson Room with its hospitality deck and adjoining kitchen, can be hired to serve refreshments between the church service and the reception.

St John’s Anglican Church, corner of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Park West, Reid. Enquiries to weddings@ stjohnscanberra.org or call 6248 8399.

Great place to stay for the big day

PERFECT as a location for brides and grooms to get ready, or as a place to host out-of-town wedding guests, Manuka Park Apartments is conveniently located in the middle of everything, says manager Joel Smith.

“We’re a family-run business and we offer a range of one and two-bedroom executive serviced apartments,” he says.“All apartments are fully self-contained, with well-equipped kitchens that have everything you could possibly need to cook with, so you don’t need to eat out every night – unless you want to!

The apartments are close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife of Manuka and Kingston, Joel says.

There’s a pretty garden setting, a pool for cooling off in warmer weather and secure undercover parking.

“There are churches and wedding reception venues nearby, so we are ideally located as a place for friends and family to stay, we also offer great group rates for wedding parties” says Joel.

Manuka Park Apartments, 1 Oxley Street, Manuka. Call 6239 0000 or visit manukapark.com.au

St John’s Anglican Church, Reid

weddings since 1841

Phone 6248 8399

45 Constitution Ave, Reid admin@stjohnscanberra.org www.stjohnscanberra.org

all about weddings advertising feature

THE RECEPTION

Seamless experience from tailored choices Innovative

THE Canberra Rex Hotel is the ultimate venue for your special day, says hotel manager Jackie Gregory.

“We pride ourselves on offering our guests personalised service, ensuring every aspect of your wedding epitomises you as a couple,” she says.

“Our wedding reception packages have a range of inclusions that offer exceptional value for money, designed to make your experience seamless.”

Couples can choose from two ballrooms for the reception, both with striking design elements and a sense of space and style.

Catering for 50 to 350 friends and family, the contemporary Great Room showcases high ceilings, state-of-the-art coloured lighting system, and subtle detailing enabling the room to be adorned with your individual style.

The Grand Ballroom exudes old-school glamour. Marble detailing accentuates the light-filled space, which is the perfect setting for your wedding celebration of up to 200 seated guests.

“We specialise in tailoring packages that are bespoke to each individual couple,” she says.

“During a meeting with our wedding team, including our executive chef, we will create a wedding package that will accentuate your style.

“Our menus have been designed with an emphasis on combining local and international produce ensuring your guests are privy to an indulgent dining experience complemented with premium beverages.”

The Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon. Call 6248 5311 or visit canberrarexhotel. com.au. Email events@canberrarexhotel.com.au

Elegant venue offers a ‘uniquely you’ experience

“Weddings are all about the bride and groom, and our goal is to create a wedding reception that is ‘uniquely you’,” says food and beverage manager of the National Press Club, Paul Butler. Couples are able to custom design every aspect of their reception from the food, by multi-award winning executive chef Daren Tetley, to choice of wine packages, lighting and audio visual, says Paul.

“We can help put together a package to suit your requirements, with additions such as DJ hire, flowers and cars. Gelato bars, lolly bars or a cocktail bar featuring a signature drink named after the bride and groom are popular and all possible to arrange by our experienced team,” he says.

A wedding reception at the National Press Club’s ballroom features elegant touches such as their stunning chandeliers adorning the winding staircase to the ballroom and inside the room itself.

Functions sales manager Amy Eldridge says that the audio visual system is state of the art and there is the ability to custom design the lighting of the room.

With five hotels within walking distance, the National Press Club has a convenient location for guest accommodation and parking is exclusive to wedding guests, says Paul.

Visit npc.org.au or call Amy on 6121 2199.

HELLENIC Premium Catering is Canberra’s most innovative caterer and, combined with the most stunning wedding venues, promises to make your special day unforgettable, says venue manager Mick Douros.

“There are multiple options to choose from for the perfect venue for your special day, such as the Hellenic Club in Woden, the Hellenic Club in the City and the Australian National Botanic Gardens,” he says.

“We can ensure your wedding guests are treated with a unique and appetising menu concept, to complement the truly spectacular settings that the Hellenic Club offers.”

Mick says the Hellenic Club in Woden offers grand ballroom style with five luxurious and elegant wedding reception rooms for up to 600 guests, while the Hellenic Club in the City features city chic style for intimate occasions, with two newly refurbished rooms for 50 to 100 guests.

You could also choose a garden wedding at Floresco in the Gardens for up to 120 guests, offering unique cuisine including Australian bush foods and modern Australian, he says.

Hellenic Club, call 6162 6777 or visit hellenicclub.com.au

REX HOTEL atWeddings

Offering personalised and attentive service, stunning reception venues and luxurious accommodation options for intimate or grand weddings of up to 350 family and friends.

The new Canberra Rex Hotel is the ultimate venue for your special day.

The Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon.

P ) 02 6248 5311

E ) events@canberrarexhotel.com.au canberrarexhotel.com.au

all about weddings

sundayROAST

Be part of the conversation every Sunday – call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon

FROM facials to teeth whitening, Deziner Beauty can fulfil all wedding beauty needs.

The beauty salon, which is based in Queanbeyan, can even travel to provide treatments at home.

Owner Louise McMahon says: “We are mobile so we can travel to your house, hotel or even your holiday home if you’re getting married on the south coast, for example.

“We are a one-stop-shop for all things wedding.”

Deziner Beauty offers advanced cosmeceutical facials, LED light therapy, body treatments, facials, waxing, tanning, tinting, manicures, pedicures and many more.

“We use a lot of high-tech machinery, we use LED light therapy to enhance the facial treatment. It can take 15 or 17 years off you, they deliver such amazing results,” she says.

“We also have a Venus Swan machine that uses a magnetic field to reduce fat cells and lose inches from your body after a couple of sessions. We have the only machine in the area, it is a great quick fix.”

Louise says that Deziner Beauty can create beauty packages based on individual needs.

“Everyone is different and we can cater to them. We can do tanning, nails and make-up before the wedding as well as mini-treatments for hen parties,” says Louise.

“Make-up styles are always changing. Shades are bold and sexy one moment and natural and romantic the next! With 18 years’ experience, I am always up to date with all the wedding and special occasion trends and can cater for anyone’s needs.”

Deziner Beauty, Shop 18, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 5792 or visit facebook.com/ Dezinerbeautyqueanbeyan

Eyebrows get an ancient touch

THREADING is an ancient method of hair removal originating in the eastern world, and has recently gained popularity in western countries, says Yogita Rani, of Yogi’s Threading and Tinting Bar in Soma Day Spa. “Threading is applied with a specially designed thin cotton thread that is doubled and twisted,” she says. “It’s then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking from the follicle.”

Yogi says threading achieves a very precise and defined shape, with a longlasting result.

“I correct many eyebrows and it’s a great, all-natural method, with no chemicals or burning for those who are

allergic to wax,” she says. “It also reduces regrowth.”

Yogi learnt the threading technique in India and has been based in Canberra for five years. She also offers eyelash and eyebrow tinting.

“For weddings, the bride can come in a few days before the big day and she can have a make-up trial in the spa as well. We recommend they have threading or tinting done five to six weeks before in case there needs to be any corrections,” says Yogi.

Yogi’s Threading and Tinting Bar, call 0478 947840 or visit Yogi’s Threading and Tinting Bar on Facebook.

Where couples can share a massage

AROKAYA Lanna Spa promises clients the experience of a true sense of ancient holistic healing in a warm and friendly environment.

Inside the boutique setting clients can relax and enjoy every treatment on offer including traditional Thai massage, foot reflexology, aromatherapy massage, Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, remedial massage, hot-stone massage, Indian head massage, pregnancy massage and body treatment massage. Couples are warmly welcomed to experience a relaxing massage together, as a pre or post-wedding treat, says owner, Alice Srinuan.

“We have a beautiful couples massage room. Couples will love spending time together and feel good with a 30-minute foot massage, followed by a one-hour

body massage, using coconut oil which softens the skin,” she says.

“We also use hot stones that help release muscle tension and all our oil is organic.”

Arokaya Lanna Spa also offers facial treatments using Jurlique organic products. Brides will feel completely pampered with a rejuvenating facial to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturise the skin.

“Our therapists are handpicked and trained either in Thailand or by a fully qualified Thai trainer, which ensures a massage experience like those practised in Thailand,” says Alice.

Arokaya Lanna is open from 9am to 9pm daily.

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

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HENS & BUCKS

Take the bus for a nightlife party tour

THE Moonlight Stretch Limousines’ party crew are ready to greet you on board its party bus to make a hens’ or bucks’ night a memorable one.

The Moonlight Stretch Limo is Canberra’s only articulated bus specialising in nightlife party tours. The “Limo” accommodates between 15 to 60 people with the latest sound and lighting and party crew, says director Craig Petroni.

“The tour is six hours long and drops the group off with free entry to clubs and pubs, but some people love to stay on the bus and will party on there!” he says.

Craig says the Moonlight Stretch Limo takes the hassle of driving or catching cabs away, allowing everyone to relax, drink and dance the night away.

“The limo can also be hired as a shuttle bus for wedding guests to transport them to and from your wedding, which is especially helpful if the venue is outside town,” he says.

Visit moonlightstretchlimo.com.au or its Facebook page.

PLANNING

Site to offer complete inspiration

WEDDINGS of Canberra is a new website to be officially launched in August, which will be a single source for information and help for every aspect of your big day, says Weddings of Canberra’s Mark Scarborough.

The site’s vision is to help couples get inspiration, plan, find wedding suppliers, share their stories and join in the conversation with other brides and grooms planning their Canberra wedding.

“Newly engaged couples can access our online business directory, linking them to wedding vendors and suppliers. We also have a forum in which they can seek advice as well as inspiration, and a classified section to sell second-hand wedding items such as dresses or centrepieces,” he says.

Mark says that when he and his wife Nicole married 12 years ago, they struggled to find the right vendors to help them with their wedding. He says that couples are still finding it hard to find a range of suppliers to compare and select from.

“Weddings of Canberra has located a number of great suppliers and encourages more vendors to be involved,” says Mark.

Once couples have logged into the website, they can add to their favourites and make notes on the vendors they have selected, creating a useful planning tool, says Mark.

Visit weddingsofcanberra.com.au and connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

02 6162 3665

Lvl 6, 33-35 Ainslie Place, Canberra City www.solitairejewellers.com.au : facebook.com/solitairejewellerscanberra

The Pointer Sisters… “We sing the songs people like,” says Ruth, right.

Ruth likes to turn up the ‘Fire’

By Helen Musa

“I’M DRIVIN’ in my car, I turn on the radio,” Bruce Springsteen’s famous song “Fire” begins, and I’m hearing over the phone that US singer Ruth Pointer spends much of her time driving in her car and turning on the radio.

We’ll be seeing her at the Canberra Southern Cross Club when she appears with The Pointer Sisters, the R&B singing group who made “Fire” even more famous when it hit the Top 10 in 1977. Frankly, anything we can turn on in the way of weather will beat what Ruth’s experiencing in Hopedale, Massachusetts, where she moved 20 years ago with her husband Michael Sayles and their twin children to be near his extended family.

“I am so over this weather… even in spring we’ve had some very cold days”, she tells me by

phone from Hopedale. “I’m a California girl.”

She is, indeed, starting out in the junior choir in her father’s church, the Church of God in West Oakland.

Ruth, the eldest, joined sisters Bonnie, Anita and the late June in an onslaught on the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s that resulted in three Grammys and 13 US top 20 hits, such as “Slow Hand”, “I’m So Excited”, “Automatic”, “Neutron Dance” and “Baby, Come And Get It”. These days the Pointer Sisters span three generations, with Ruth still at the helm and daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako making up the three “sisters”.

So how does the California girl cope living on the east coast?

“I get myself moving,” Ruth says. “I read a lot in my car and I listen to music there – I’ve mastered the art of listening in the car and I can get all the songs I want, it’s great.”

Although Ruth’s recently released autobiogra -

phy, “Still So Excited: My Life as a Pointer Sister”, touches on down times and drug use, she prefers to be on the up and up and is a ball of energy, travelling as far as Budapest, Hungary, Bosnia, Bahrain and Italy as a spokesperson for the United Service Organizations Inc.

Back in the day, Ruth helped write hits such as “I’m So Excited” and “Only Sisters Can Do That”, but these days she’s not doing new numbers. While here they’ll give audiences all the old favourites and entertain them.

“That’s why audiences seem to relate to us, we do what we do and we sing the songs people like,” she says.

“We are so blessed to have the audiences we do night after night; you gotta love it and if you don’t, you can’t do it.”

The Pointer Sisters, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, Tuesday, May 31. Bookings to ticketek.com.au

Movie festival with painful messages

By Helen Musa

IN 2012 music disappeared overnight in Mali, theoretically.

It was all in the wake of a jihadist takeover, but rather than lay down their instruments, Mali’s musicians fought back, and that’s the subject of “They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music in Exile”, an extraordinary documentary to be seen here on June 3.

It’s the opening movie of the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival.

The film features Damon Albarn (Blur), Brian Eno and Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and one of the world’s newest bands, Songhoy Blues.

The highly-focused festival, now in its ninth year, is committed to showcasing human stories from around the world.

In “Land Grabbing”, screening on June 4, director Kurt Langbein takes us into grain fields and tomato

hothouses, investors and lobbyists, the EU Parliament in Brussels, a five-star hotel in Dubai and dispossessed land users in what amounts to “a lesson in neo-colonialism”. Farm owner, workers and locals tell him of the dark side of the story; land taken, destroyed homes, felled rainforests, intimidation and exploitation.

Finally, on June 5 comes the Special Jury Award-winner at Sundance 2016, “The Bad Kids”. Set in a Mojave Desert high school it shows educators and principal Vonda Viland using empathy, life skills, and constancy of a caring adult as tools to give at-risk students command of their fate. The distinctive camerawork allows direct insight into America’s most pressing education problem, poverty.

Human Rights Arts & Film Festival Canberra, Palace Electric Cinema, NewActon, June 3-5. Bookings to hraff.org.au

Catch them if you can!

“CATCH Me If You Can” is the musical that traces the real life story of a charming rogue, Frank Abignale Jnr (played by Leonardo di Caprio in the movie), who was always one step ahead of the FBI until he was caught forging millions of dollars of cheques, and posing as a pilot, doctor and lawyer. Alex Clubb plays Frank with Gerard Ninnes as FBI agent Carl Hanratty. At Gungahlin Theatre, May 27-June 11.

“OBNOXIOUS Ladies in the Australian Landscape” is the deliberately cheeky title of a new show curated by Sabrina Baker that brings together artists Emma Beer, Jacqueline Bradley, Anna Davern, Lucy Forsberg, Camille Serisier and Alex Pye. “All are assertive and determined in their ideas, uncompromising and not without a sense of humour,” Baker says. At Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman Arts Centre, May 13 to June 18.

GOOD news that Liz Lea from the Canberra Dance Theatre has taken over from Jolanta Gallagher as director of the Australian Talented Youth Project. Lea has been part of the project since late 2012, co-directing the National Arts Summit in 2013. The ATY Project has been the special baby of Dr Gallagher for 10 years and has delivered four mentoring programs assisting 63 emerging young artists.

WESLEY Music Scholars’ autumn concert featuring Canberra’s top young about-to-be-professional talent performing everything from Debussy to Durufle is at Wesley Music Centre, 20 National

Circuit, Forrest, 3pm, on Sunday, May 22. Tickets at the door. No bookings required.

Geoff Grey… Conducting “Blown Away”.

CANBERRA Wind Symphony’s “Blown Away!” is the third performance in the 2016 Canberra Wind Symphony’s beyondblue concert season that helps fight depression in Australian farmers. Director Geoff Grey will conduct works by Antonin Dvorak, Alfred Reed, Yosuke Fukuda, Oscar Navarro, James Swearingen, Percy Grainger and David Maslanka, and the national wind premiere of “Larrikins and Legend” by Australian composer Sean O’Boyle. At The Street Theatre, 7.30pm, Wednesday, May 25, bookings to tickets@ canberrawindsymphony.com.au

THE Australian National Eisteddfod’s Bands & Orchestras program is on from May 19-26 in a range of venues around Civic and the inner north. 95 groups and around 2800 performers from Canberra, Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Sydney and Young are participating. Program details at nationaleisteddfod.org.au

“NORTHERN Delights”, an exciting program of Russianinspired music, will be presented by the Brindabella Orchestra at the Uniting Church Queanbeyan (corner of Rutledge and Crawford Streets, near the Q car park) at 2pm on Sunday, May 22. Donation $5 covers program and afternoon tea. Tickets at the door.

8–11 June 2016

sundayROAST

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

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

Learning hard lessons from the front line

“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” (MA)

TINA Fey, best known as a comedienne, undergoes a significant style shift playing TV news reporter Kim Barker, sent in the early 2000s to cover the Afghanistan conflict.

Based on Barker’s memoir “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan”, Robert Carlock’s screenplay picks the eyes out of Barker’s book, decorates it with a workplace romance, energises its impact with personal and personality vignettes and salts the dialogue with refreshingly valid vocabulary. By and large, the result is good entertainment value. And Tina Fey’s performance is a major reason.

The cast all perform convincingly. Australian Margot Robbie is sexually-overheated reporter Tanya Vanderpoel playing drinking games among the international media contingent safe in Kabul. Alfred Molina plays Afghan attorney-general Sadiq, in whose office a curtain shields a fully-equipped boudoir awaiting Kim’s submission.

Martin Freeman as Iain, who films his own interviews in the field, becomes Kim’s best bedroom buddy. Billy Bob Thornton plays the Marine Corps general managing the war in the region.

The plot is of necessity spotty, covering six years in which Kim learned hard lessons about living and working in Afghanistan. The tensions, sustained more by implication than substantiation, pose the question, WTF made her stick the gig for so long. The film’s answer reflects the ethos underlying the craft of war correspondents of either gender. The story’s the thing.

At all cinemas

“The Angry Birds Movie” (PG) for grown ups; for the young

I AM told that the antique computer game “Pacman” provides the seed from which the “Angry Birds” game grew.

Adapting “Pacman” with modernisation, vocalisation, colourisation and dramatisation, writer Jon Vitti and co-directors Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly may have given it sparkle but those improvements, if they be such, create a sinister undertone of which the young are probably unaware and adults may find uncomfortable.

“The Angry Birds Movie” has a simple plot. The only inhabitants of a tiny island in a big ocean are birds, of all colours, shapes and sizes, a peaceable society that reproduces by the usual bird method and believes it is the only society in the universe. Not surprising, because none of them can fly.

Well, there is one exception. The eagle can fly. But he’s so puffed up with his own importance and power-

to-weight ratio that he doesn’t bother. When a shipload of piggies lands on the island and gets stuck in to stealing the eggs to stop the birds’ population growth, only three valiant birds, all attending an anger-management course, have the determination to oppose them. The invaders succeed until the three, supported at last by the eagle, come to the rescue in a mighty battle that sees the piggies reduced to domestic servants. At Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Hoyts

“The First Monday in May” (M) ON the first Monday in May 2015, a party to open the exhibition “China: Through the Looking Glass”, highlighting the Chinese influence on contemporary haute couture, raised $12.5 million for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The garments on exhibition are beautiful. They look fabulously expensive. They look more for show than for go. Those beautiful rich women at the party who aren’t wearing garments from the collection, display wide areas of upper body skin. Some of them have to be sewn into their gowns, which raises interesting questions about getting out of them later wherever and for whatever purpose.

Preparing a bash like that one takes much hard work. Main organiser Anna Wintour, who hates broccoli, appears in public only when professionally made-up and coifed, arranges parties (at which she reportedly stays no longer than 10 minutes) that have raised millions for charity and whose placement at the top table was between two of Hollywood’s handsomest men, is a force to be reckoned with in an industry of which most women might yearn to be a customer but few can afford.

To gather all the strings together was the task of Englishman Andrew Bolton who later got a hefty Museum appointment to reward his work despite attending the black-tie party in trousers that stopped short of his ankles exposing white socks.

Eight months previously, Andrew Rossi began making this visually spectacular documentary about the exhibition, later seen by 800,000 people, and the accompanying social hullabaloo attended by fewer than 600. I found it highly agreeable without feeling miffed at not having been at either.

At Palace Electric

Pedlar’s fresh, perky, perfection on a plate

CAMPBELL has lucked in with its new gastropub, The Pedlar.

Although only open for a week or so, the place is already a drawcard for locals and those working in the area. And it’s no wonder. It has a lot going for it, including its prime possie on Constitution Avenue (opposite ASIO and Campbell 5).

It was Mother’s Day. We didn’t have a booking (insane, I know), but we thought we’d risk it. We were greeted by co-founder Simon Hammond who was coping with the crowds well. His big smile and warm welcome masked any panic he may have been feeling inside, having been opened only three days. Good on you, Simon.

The Pedlar operates seven days, for breakfast, lunch, small plates and dinner.

The line-up of small plates for lunch is intriguing, with lots to choose from ($9 to $17). It was hard to decide. Potato and chorizo bombas? Tuna tartare? We settled for the prawn betel leaves with galangal (part of the ginger family), coconut and green mango in a nahm jim and coconut dressing ($16 for three). It was beautifully presented and the Thai tastes simply amazing. Fresh, perky, perfection on a plate.

Mains include a dozen options or so, ranging from $17 for a spiced cauliflower salad up to $28 for lamb backstrap.

It was confit duck Maryland for moi. The flavours packed a punch, in part because of the jus created with Japanese plums. The duck melted in the mouth and the baby eggplant (Szechuan dusted) sat happy as a main ingredient. The shallots cut through with their freshness ($27).

The confit duck salad was

another winner ($19). The tender meat married so well with the dried sour cherries and the watercress, baby witlof, crispy shallots and tarragon dressing. When at a gastropub why not give the chicken schnitzel a go ($21)? We agreed it was a generous serve, but the schnitzel a bit thick. The fries were tasty, but cold. Not the best dish of the day.

The Pedlar has draught beer on tap, a range of domestic and international beers. Hats off to the place for having all wines offered by the glass. Desserts include a vanilla malt panna cotta and peach and mango melba (both $12).

The décor is funky, with a mint green, bronze, silver and chocolatebrown colour scheme. Canberra’s boyandgirlco have warmed the

place up even further with planter boxes, tables, benches and more … all made sustainably in line with their ethos. It all fits together exceptionally well.

We dined on the outdoor terrace, protected from the rain and cold with the heaters. Dining outdoors at The Pedlar would be glorious on a day with full sun.

The Pedlar, open from 7am, 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell, thepedlar.com.au

gardening Berries pack a healthy punch

BERRIES are some of the most delicious and health-giving fruits.

Rubus idaeus or raspberry, although not a berry as such, has been cultivated in Greece for more than 2000 years. It is native to southeastern Europe and yet grown as far north as Iceland. Raspberry seeds have been discovered in Roman forts in Britain. Today it is as popular as ever with many cultivars now available.

Raspberries are easy to grow in the home garden or in large containers and the growing season can be extended by planting both the summer and autumn fruiting varieties.

From a health view, besides vitamin C, raspberries probably have the highest content of elegiac acid of any fruit.

Author Susanna Lyle, in her book “Discovering Fruit and Nuts”, says raspberries have carcinogen properties and have been clinically proven to cause the death of some cancer cells. They may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to a natural form of aspirin they contain called salicylic acid.

There are many hybrids of raspberries crossed with other fruits, for example boysenberry and loganberry are a cross between raspberry and blackberry.

Although at the mention of blackberry, hands are thrown up in shock and horror.

blueberries a day enables a person to be 5-6 per cent better in motor-skill tests.

While we are warned not to pick these environmental weeds in the wild due to spraying, with modern breeding, the thornless blackberries are bred to be more compact and suitable for the home garden. There is forensic evidence from archaeological sites that blackberries were cultivated 2500 years ago.

BLUEBERRIES have become increasingly popular for the home gardener.

Today with hybridising there are many varieties available. It is reported that more than 90 per cent of the world’s blueberries are grown in its native North America. The health benefits of blueberries, with their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, are almost too numerous to mention.

Studies also show a cup of

THE welcome recent rain will be hugely beneficial for gardens. One of the most important benefits was washing the dust that inhibits the growth and health of the plant off the leaves.

The same goes for indoor plants. Except for hairy leafed indoor plants such as African violets, gently wipe the tops of leaves with a damp cloth on a regular basis. Move them away from heaters or ducted-heating vents.

In summer, indoor plants may enjoy being on the window sill for more light; in winter, the cold air near windows can kill them.

Jottings…

• Shred leaves with the mower and put them on to garden beds or bag and take to green waste centres at Mugga tip, West Belconnen or Mitchell.

• Take root cuttings of Michaelmas daisy, Japanese windflowers and salvias.

• Include black and red currants in berry plantings.

• Raise pots off the ground with pot feet to stop root rot. Don’t use saucers for outdoor containers.

increasingly

• The free annual dahlia digging and storage for winter demonstration will be held at the Horticultural Society of Canberra’s Bruce Garden (corner of Battye and Purdie Streets) from 9.30am on Saturday, May 28. Public welcome.

An editing error in last week’s column gave the impression that persimmons were used as a windbreak in outback homesteads. Being deciduous, they would not be suitable. It was in fact Eriobotrya japonica that was used as a windbreak.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week it will feel like one step forwards and two steps back, so you’ll have to idle your Ram motor and cool your heels. Mercury is now direct (yeah!) which slowly improves money matters. Then on Friday, Mars reverses back into Scorpio (where it stays until August 2). So avoid using power games and emotional manipulation to get what you want. And, if you’re expecting funds to land in your bank account sometime soon, then you’ll have to be extra patient.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

The ability to express what’s on your mind returns, as Mercury moves forwards in your sign. Choose your words wisely though, as they have the power to move others in emotional ways. And beware the urge to splurge! Venus visits your money zone (from Tuesday until June 17) which signals a welcome boost to cash flow, but it also increases your shopaholic tendencies. A relationship problem you had earlier in the year may return and demand to be resolved, once and for all.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Mercury (your power planet) is moving forwards again. So activities involving communication, computers and travel should all improve as you gradually get your Gemini mojo back. With Venus in your sign (from Tuesday until June 17), it’s time to flirt up a storm and call in a few old favours. When you’re firing on all cylinders, it’s hard for others to resist your charms. On the weekend you’re focused on having fun, but make sure you do your share of the chores as well.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

With Mercury finally moving forwards, group activities are set to improve as you collaborate closely with others to achieve a satisfactory outcome. But a close friendship will be frustrating – especially if you try to persuade them to do something they really don’t want to do. You’ll enjoy spending quality time on your own on the weekend, as you tap into your intuition and indulge in some delicious daydreams. If you’re single, you could become involved in a secret love affair.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

When it comes to a child, teenager or friend, don’t promise more than you can comfortably deliver. And with Mars reversing back into your domestic zone (on Friday) aim to be more productive around the home, as you catch up on jobs you had put on the back burner. But, if you stir up family members with controversial comments, then they are likely to bite back. So tune into the subtleties in a complicated situation, and strive to be deftly diplomatic – rather than overly-dramatic.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Avoid getting stuck in a veritable Virgo rut! Jupiter is moving slowly through your sign (until September 9) which encourages you to be more adventurous, and to look at life from a much wider and wiser perspective. Which can be very scary and confronting. But you must accept the opportunity to change, develop and grow, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Dylan: “There is nothing so stable as change.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mercury is moving forwards, which should help an intimate relationship or joint financial project that has been stalled. But you still need to be extra careful about what you post online, as Mars and Saturn continue reversing through your social media zone. Watch out on Wednesday, when you could be susceptible to the persuasive charms of a smooth operator. So have your wits about you, and be careful you don’t get talked into doing something that you really don’t want to do.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With Mars reversing through your sign (from Friday until June 29) someone may try to railroad you into being a version of yourself that doesn’t feel authentic. Don’t let that deter or depress you Scorpio! The Universe is testing your resolve to express your true self and be the real you. So your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Saturn puts the breaks on your free-wheeling style this week Sagittarius. You want to charge ahead but the stars urge you to slow down and pace yourself. If you are organised and focused, then you can move mountains and catch up on unfinished business. If not, then you’ll just fritter the week away. So keep it real. And with Mars reversing back into your privacy zone, it’s time for some serious reflection as you contemplate where you’re going and where you’ve been.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

There is the tendency to obsess about what might happen, and make mountains out of molehills. So step back and view people and situations from a much wider perspective. When it comes to a child, teenager, friend or group situation, avoid saying things that you really don’t mean and later regret. And stop thinking you have all the answers. If you are open to exciting new information and unexpected experiences, then you’ll learn something of long-lasting value.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With Venus visiting your entertainment zone (from Tuesday until June 17) it’s the perfect time to attend a book reading, music concert, theatrical event or art exhibition – plus tap into your own creativity and party like a pro! But a project at work could stall or backfire, as Mars reverses through your career zone (from Friday until June 29). So patience is the key to professional success at the moment. You’ll feel restless on Saturday, when the Aquarian Moon links up with Uranus.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

No matter how busy you are in the outside world, home is where the heart is this week as you cook, clean, de-clutter, redecorate or re-arrange. Then you’ll breathe easy after a job well done. Venus also gives a family relationship a welcome boost, when you discover you’ve got more in common than you previously thought. Attached Pisceans – settle in for some cosy nights at home, with just the two of you. Single Fish – you could find love via an introduction from a relative.

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

General

knowledge crossword No. 548

3 Who composed “Rhapsody in Blue”, George ...?

7 What is a colloquial term for a black eye?

8 What do we call one who investigates unknown regions?

9 To be weeping, is to be doing what?

10 Which term implies “to make the best of”?

11 To be impudent or insolent, is to be what?

14 On which day did Australia Day fall in 2007?

17 To govern arbitrarily, is to do what?

18 Which machines manicure lawns?

19 To regard with reverence, is to do what?

20 Which term describes ethnic bias?

21 What could Sundays be called, perhaps (4,4)?

Sudoku medium No. 174

1 Name a title of the ancient Egyptian kings.

2 What is an object of art, of a former period?

3 Name one of a series of salt lakes in NE Western Australia.

4 What is a person engaged in military service?

5 To feel uneasy, is to be what?

6 What is a place where plants and the like are raised for sale?

11 Name an alternative term for a corpse.

12 What are weasels also known as?

13 Which expression describes a body of persons related to one another?

14 Which workers cultivate land?

15 Name a SE Queensland city, west of Brisbane.

16 What is a place where a person lives, or may be reached?

Greg and Janet came to see me for superannuation advice, concerned that they might be affected by changes in the recent Federal Budget.

“I must preface my remarks by reminding you both that the Budget has not been passed yet and it is possible that it will not be passed,” I told them.

“However, it’s worth looking at your situation in light of the proposed changes so that you have a strategy going forward. As I recollect, your superannuation fund balance is about $2 million and neither of you will exceed $1.6 million at this point.“

Greg confirmed that was correct.

“The proposal is that from July 1, 2017, the maximum balance that an individual can have in their pension account is $1.6 million. Although your balance is $2 million, neither you nor Janet has a balance of $1.6 million and, as you are not drawing a pension, this will only apply to you when you do start to draw a pension.

“When the balance in your pension fund does exceed $1.6 million then the excess will need to be transferred to an accumulation fund like you have now or it will have to be withdrawn from superannuation and invested in your own name.”

Janet asked that in view of the Budget proposal, was there any point in having money in superannuation?

“Yes, absolutely,” I replied. “The pension being drawn will continue to be tax free and the earnings in the fund will also not be taxed.

“For example, if your fund balance is $1.6 million and you retire at age 65 you would have to draw a tax-free pension of at least $80,000. If your money is outside a pension fund you will not be able to receive those earnings tax free.

“Any earnings in this fund will still form part of the fund although the balance may exceed $1.6 million. There will be a penalty rate of tax if you exceed $1.6 million and do not withdraw the excess.

“There will also be a lifetime cap on money that you personally can contribute to superannuation that is not tax deductible. This limit will be $500,000 for all Australians under the age of 75.

“The sting in the tail is that this cap applies to contributions made after July 1, 2007. As you have not made personal contributions exceeding $500,000, this cap will not affect you yet it could impact on some of our proposed future strategies.

“Once the legislation is passed, we will need to review the original proposal.

“You have been contributing the maximum allowable amount of $35,000 each into superannuation for the last couple of years, but from July 1, 2017, this amount will be reduced to $25,000. You will be able to contribute to superannuation until you are aged 75 whether you are working or not. Currently you have to satisfy a work test in order to contribute to superannuation if you are between 65 and 75.”

Greg felt he could see how any changes could affect them and said he was interested in seeing what gets passed.

If you need guidance about superannuation or any other proposed budget changes contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

FINAL RELEASE

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For details, visit centralbygoodwin.org.au or call 6175 5057