160825 citynews

Why politics-as-usual won’t work this time

MICHAEL MOORE

Laconic coach Lyall takes a bow

TIM GAVEL

When unthinking kids mess up

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Frightening worlds

Canberra film star Stef Dawson and her attraction to dark roles

Canberra holds hands with African children

By Freyla Ferguson

CANBERRA couple Simon and Jann Carroll are changing the lives of not only many children across Kenya and Zimbabwe, but the lives of children in Australia.

Through their not-for-profit organisation Global School Partners, based in Canberra, the couple have created 16 school partnerships between schools in Kenya and Zimbabwe, and schools in Canberra, western Sydney and Newcastle.

The purpose of these partnerships is to enable students to connect, share and learn from one another as well as support African schools through fostering global citizenship with pen pals and the sponsorship of students and the funding of school projects.

The idea was sparked by a volunteer-teacher trip to Thulasizwe Primary school in Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa in 2009 by Jann on the completion of her master’s degree in education. For Jann, who is now a university lecturer, the trip made a lasting impression.

“When she got home, we talked about the education opportunities in Africa,” says Simon, a pharmacist who quit fulltime work last year to run the charity.

“And when children in Africa didn’t get an education, they had little chance

“When children in Africa didn’t get an education, they had little chance of getting a job and little chance of getting out of poverty.”

of getting a job and little chance of getting out of poverty.”

Together in 2010, Simon and Jann created Global School Partners and now have about 4000 African students and 5500 Australian students in partnerships.

Since its inception, the charity has funded a range of projects for the

schools in Kenya and Zimbabwe – including the installation of 14 water tanks with guttering, which provide fresh, clean water; 53 classrooms; 33 toilets; electricity for four schools; plus, the provision of sports equipment, stationery and science equipment.

It also supports schools by providing education resources and professional

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development for teachers and, through its well-being education officers, develops a health plan for each school that focuses on basic hygiene, clean water and sanitation.

“The vision is to enable schools in Africa to be providing education at an acceptable level and to be selfsustainable – that they’ve got students and the income to buy new textbooks every year, have working toilets, classrooms, computers and water.”

In Australia, the charity is also making a big impact on students with many taking their own initiative to start fundraising campaigns including a 12-year-old student who cycled 100km to raise enough money to put water in one school and another who, instead of wanting birthday presents at her party one year, asked guests to donate to Global School Partners.

“They are really getting a sense of the world – that not everyone has three TVs and two cars and an iPhone,” he says.

“It’s a dose of reality – these kids in Africa might not have anything but they are like them and here they can assist them.”

Simon says Global School Partners is purely volunteer-run with all money going straight back into the schools they support.

He said although Australian partner schools do raise funds to help the

charity, 60 per cent of their funds are raised through private donors, philanthropic foundations and company sponsorships.

“We don’t keep it for admin or marketing and when I travel we pay for that personally,” he says.

“We want to retain the heart of what we are doing – if we used $1000 in travel – then less of that money goes to the school.”

He says the charity’s board is now looking to expand to other developing countries in Asia.

And after speaking to one of the Canberra partner schools, which has a big Sudanese community, they are also looking to create a new model to help refugee students’ parents, who need help to adjust to their new lives in Australia.

“We want to help the families, the parents of these children. Many of these parents are low-Englishspeaking, and they have come into the country after facing a lot of violence,” Simon says.

“We want to look at a program where we would support those refugee families so they can integrate into Australia better.

“Our idea is to build it as a model that’s not just for Sudanese refugees but all refugees.”

Visit globalschoolpartners.org.au

Foreign matters and public regrets, of sorts

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s announcement that Manus would be closed down raised more issues than he cared to address.

MUCH of the action this last week concerned matters foreign, not least the imbroglio over refugee detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island.

Indeed, the announcement by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton that Manus would be closed down raised more issues than he cared to address.

Instead he railed against “The Guardian” and the ABC for daring to pursue the exposure of child abuse on Nauru. The reports, he said, were “hype” and “false allegations”. However, Labor, the Greens and crossbench senators seem certain to initiate an official inquiry. There are even hints that the government will revisit Labor’s “Malaysian solution”

of swapping boat people for refugees already processed in that country. It would be an extraordinary volte face, but both Tony Abbott and his former Immigration Minister Scott Morrison have publicly regretted their opposition to the scheme.

RELATIONS with Vietnam suffered a blow when that government suddenly reversed its permission for Australian veterans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Battle of Long Tan on the site of the fighting.

Since it was a victory for the Australian soldiers it’s not surprising that there were local “sensitivities”. PM Malcolm Turnbull rode to the rescue and our vets were granted access in groups of 100 to lay wreaths. But Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan demanded a “memorandum of understanding” from the Vietnamese government for future commemorations. Perhaps he’s forgotten who won that war.

OUR Olympic athletes continued their so-so performance with former swim champ

Ian Thorpe blaming “pressure” on the current crop for their poor medal tally. Perhaps so, but more likely their body clocks were scrambled by the schedule that had them contesting finals when it felt like 3am.

ROBERT MACKLIN

Family Lawyers at their best

Jessica Wolski has practiced Family Law exclusively since joining the Firm in 2013. She was made an Associate of the Firm in February 2016.

Jessica has since finished her studies in a Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice. She is also due to complete her Masters of Applied Law (Family Law) in November 2016.

Jessica handles a range of matters including the division of property, parenting arrangements, applications for divorce and domestic violence and personal protection orders. She also has carriage of matters involving applications for medical procedures under the Family Law Act 1975 including gender dysphoria.

Mazengarb Family Lawyers are very delighted to have Jessica as part of our team.

UNLIKE us, the Brits have performed well above expectations in the Olympics and sporting events across the board. Part of their secret is funding from a special lottery. Another might he the quality of their coaches: Chris Spice , performance director of British swimming; Paul Thompson , the chief women’s rowing coach; Eddie Jones , the rugby union coach and Trevor Bayliss , the cricket coach… all Australians.

dose of dorin

IN the US, Daffy Donald seems to have abandoned hope of winning the White House and, according to the “New York Times”, could parlay his way into the television network news business. With Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News in disarray following the sacking of CEO Roger Ailes , he might very well have Fox in his sights; and Ailes has just joined his team.

BACK home, the Electoral Commission doled out $62.8 million between the political parties and candidates for the votes they’d garnered in the world’s longest Federal election. The Coalition scored $27.5 million and Labor $23.2 million – more than enough, one might think, to spread their message without corrupting the system with private donations designed to secure special treatment.

ACT Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson’s promise of a new hospital instead of the Gungahlin tram struck a chord as it was revealed that an entire floor in the current one has been unable to accommodate patients for more than two years. It reminded us of that wonderful “Yes Minister” episode featuring the most efficient hospital in England – it had none of those pesky patients at all! robert@robertmacklin.com

Always time for rhyme

By Freyla Ferguson

A PASSION for poetry has given a group of Canberra’s oldest residents a chance to not only explore the deeper meaning behind their favourite verses but make new friends.

Husband and wife, Frank and Ruth Tome, who will reach 67 years of marriage next month, have always shared a love for poetry that has only grown since they retired 18 years ago.

After being part of a poetry group at another retirement village, they decided that they needed to also start one at their new home at Uniting Amala Independent Living in Gordon.

“When you get to our age you’ve got to keep your mind active,” says Frank, 90.

“It’s such a fine get together and helps us all get together.”

Frank says every member is invited to bring along their favourite poems to share with the group and is followed by a discussion about each poem’s meaning and symbolism.

Poetry runs in the Tome family – Frank’s younger brother Greg has written many of Frank’s favourite poems –including two on two uncles’ experiences in prisoner of war camps in World War II, and another touching poem on their mother’s experiences on their farm during World War I and II.

Frank left school when he was 13 to work on the family farm. His agricultural background led him into a career in the public service at the Department of

Poetry lovers Ruth and Frank Tome… “We used to travel around a lot and recite poetry to each other instead of sing because we were terrible singers,” says

Agriculture. Working on locust plagues, he survived a serious helicopter crash to continue his career in the department as a photographer.

Ruth was a school teacher for more than 30 years, working in small rural schools where she was often the only teacher.

“We used to travel around a lot and recite poetry to each other instead of sing because we were terrible singers,” Ruth, 93, says.

“When we grew up, poetry was organised by the state. It was something chosen by someone within the department.”

“‘My Country’ by Dorothea Mackellar, we can still recite 80 years on,” Frank says.

Unting Amala is an agedcare facility purpose built for

a “household model” of care that creates an enviroment to help residents maintain their independence.

“Initiatives like this poetry club are inspiring examples of what happens when we empower residents to live the lives they want to lead,” Linda Justin, Uniting’s director of Practice and Quality, says.

The Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo provides businesses and public event organisers with a holistic approach to sustainability, with exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services to assist with energy and water efficiency, and better waste management.

Visit actsmart.act.gov.au for further information and to pre-register for the Expo, workshops and/or the networking event. Pre-registrations close COB 30 August 2016.

The ACT election on 15 October is your chance to have your voice heard in Canberra’s Legislative Assembly.

Your Assembly is expanding at this election. For the first time, the ACT will be divided into 5 electorates each electing 5 Members to represent you.

The new electorates are:

Brindabella, including Tuggeranong (excluding Kambah), Tharwa and the southern remainder of the ACT;

Ginninderra, including Belconnen (excluding Evatt, Giralang, Kaleen, Lawson and McKellar);

Kurrajong, including Canberra Central, Jerrabomberra, Kowen and Majura;

Murrumbidgee, including Kambah, Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, Woden Valley, Stromlo and Uriarra Village; and

Yerrabi, including Gungahlin, Hall and the Belconnen suburbs of Evatt, Giralang, Kaleen, Lawson and McKellar.

Which electorate are you in?

Need more information?

Visit www.elections.act.gov.au or call Elections ACT on 6205 0033

Frightening worlds of

By arts editor Helen Musa

THE frightening worlds seen in many of today’s most popular TV and film series may seem a long way from suburban Canberra, but that’s exactly where rising screen star Stef Dawson grew up.

Best-known internationally for her role as Annie Cresta in the “Hunger Games” movies, the former Girls Grammar School and Radford College girl is also a key character the Australia/NZ TV series “Cleverman”, recently seen on ABC TV. Now the series is available digitally. Her career trajectory has been swift but no surprise to her parents and friends in Canberra who, she says, always believed in her.

“I am extremely grateful to have grown up in Canberra, which was an amazing place to discover my love of performance and creativity,” she says, explaining that while she got to play Kate in “The Taming of the Shrew” at Radford, it was really as a champion in equestrian vaulting that she first starred.

“It is very much what dance would look like, it’s performing on top of a horse, a bit like circus,” she says. “It gave me fearlessness, it set me up.”

And she’s certainly game. At the New York premiere of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two”, the former tomboy trod the red carpet in a dress by Kim Kardashian’s couturier.

18/08/2016 10:43 am

“Someone waved their wand and made me completely different,” she told a reporter from fashion magazine “Marie Claire”.

Growing up in Canberra, she says, gave her a myriad of opportunities. She was close enough to Sydney for her mum to drive up to NIDA for the kids’ programs.

“Also I got into classical singing while I was at school,” she says, and continued that when she studied at the University of Wollongong before attending Screenwise Film & TV School in Sydney.

Then came a break. She was selected to study with the Australian Institute for Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where, she reports, “I met a lot of casting directors, it was a boot camp for me”.

America, in her view, is the mecca of the entertainment industry and she has scored lead roles – Candy in “Creedmoria”, Barbara in “The Lennon Report” (about the night John Lennon was shot) and Annalee in “The Paper Store”.

“I’m enjoying it. I miss Canberra and nature, but I do love it here, there are so many wonderful roles to work on right now,” she says.

Dawson believes there is a parallel between her own life and the roles she plays.

“I’m the one who left my family and I’ve gone into a world I didn’t know, I am drawn to these works, which look at survival, what the world is and what the world can become when human nature is at its worst and at its best.”

A petite, flaming redhead, in “Cleverman” she plays Ash Kerry, one of the two best friends

film-star Stef Dawson

Former Girls Grammar School and Radford College student Stef Dawson… “I miss Canberra and nature, but I do love it here, there are so many wonderful roles to work on right now.”

of the flawed central character Koen West, (Hunter Page-Lochard), the “clever man” of the title, who is gifted with special powers by his dying Uncle Jack (Jack Charles). He can heal, he can’t be wounded and he probably can’t die. Steeped in Aboriginal lore, yet spiced with contemporary references to racism, asylum

seekers and border protection, “Cleverman” has wowed them at the Berlin International Film Festival and on Sundance TV in the US, becoming a source of pride to the many indigenous Australians who have longed for their own superhero.

No wonder Dawson is chuffed to be part of it.

“I am grateful and honoured to be a part of ‘Cleverman’ and very proud of a show that has such an important message, uniquely giving voice to 60,000-year-old stories from the Dreaming, while dealing with universal struggles and having such international appeal,” she tells “CityNews” by phone from Los Angeles.

Along with her marginalised, white boyfriend Blair, played by Ryan Corr, her character Ash is one of the first people who see Coen’s true potential… “she’s the one who really looks into his soul and communicates to him, just the way Uncle Jack did.”

“Cleverman” is set in a twisted version of Australia not too far into the future and there’s an obvious comparison between the series and Dawson’s most famous role in “The Hunger Games”.

“I think I am drawn to stories set in dystopian worlds because the stakes are so high in these environments, both ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Cleverman’ are about inequality and survivalism and really delve into the dark side of humanity, as well as our potential for great love and hope,” she says.

“Cleverman”, Season 1, out now on Blu-Ray & DVD. Rated MA15+.

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sport / olympic recognition

Laconic coach Lyall takes a bow

THINK sporting success and the common factor is the coach. Ninety-nine per cent of the time they are coaches of team sports: Wayne Bennett, Lisa Alexander, Alastair Clarkson, Carrie Graf and Eddie Jones readily come to mind.

Why is it we only fully credit coaches in team sports?

Coaches of individuals rarely, if ever, receive the same recognition for their achievements.

I would go so far as to say horse trainers are lauded for their efforts more than coaches of athletes in individual sports. In fact, a more unsung group of

Horse trainers are lauded for their efforts more than coaches of athletes in individual sports.

passionate, driven people not interested in public profile you’d be hard pressed to find.

It took athletes with the presence of mind during the Rio Olympics to put things in perspective.

One such athlete was Canberra rower Kim Brennan. After winning the gold medal in the women’s single sculls, how refreshing was it to hear her praise coach, Lyall McCarthy, almost as soon as she got off the water?

McCarthy has been there from the outset; it’s been a partnership lasting 11 years with the end goal of winning Olympic gold.

Being a long-term coach of any sport, especially in an event such as the single sculls, presents many challenges, such as constantly working out ways

to deliver a message that isn’t repetitive.

Brennan is an outstanding athlete, but no matter how good the athlete, the outcome would have faltered without the right person to guide and mentor.

It is a good thing Lyall is a left-field thinker with a laconic personality.

An overly intense approach wouldn’t have lasted this long with the same athlete.

There is more to it than simply getting the rower on the water; it is the constant search for improvement – the sports strategist, sports scientist and physiologist all rolled into one.

Another aspect has been the work put in to ensure there is a team aspect to Kim’s preparation.

It has resulted in world titles, an Olympic gold, silver and

Diving ‘Times’

“THE Canberra Times” was ignominiously the worst-performing daily paper in Australia with its Monday-Friday circulation crashing another 11.5 per cent to 17,244 copies in the pre-tabloid June quarter. The flagship Saturday edition also fell 11.2 per cent to 26,894 and Sunday to 18,305, a fall of 11.1 per cent.

Singing hymns

THE theme of the third annual Hymnfest, an afternoon of community singing, is “Love, Mercy, Grace” and will feature traditional, modern and contemporary songs. Items will also be performed by the Mosaic Choir, a male trio, a soloist and the Korean Women’s Choir. It’s free and it’s at the Mosaic Baptist Church, 18 Dallachy Street, Page, from 2.30pm on Sunday, August 28. More at mosaicbaptist.org.au

Remembering Philip

Rowing coach Lyall McCarthy… a left-field thinker with a laconic personality.

TIM GAVEL

a bronze. If Brennan opts to retire, the challenge will be for McCarthy to do it all again. He has shown he’s more than capable of successfully rising to the challenge.

In the meantime, let’s celebrate these two Canberra stars.

THE Clare Holland House hospice will be the beneficiary of the inaugural Philip Toua Memorial Concert, at Canberra City Uniting Church, Pilgrim House, Civic, 3pm on Saturday, September 3, followed by afternoon tea in the Riley Hall. Organised by Geetha Toua, the concert is in memory of her late husband Philip, who succumbed to cancer at Clare Holland House last year. The concert, which will feature members of the National Capital Orchestra, a duet from Canberra Symphony Orchestra, pianist Robert Schmidli, the PNG singers, the Tongan Youth Choir and the Lord Byron 5 band, has the support of the Cancer Council and entry is by donation. General donations to gofundme.com/ philiptouamemorial

When unthinking kids mess up...

WE live in an age of wonders that we increasingly appear to be unfit for.

Last week there was a great deal of concern as young men around the world clubbed together online to “hunt” risque photographs of young women in their own communities.

According to some reports, a number of Canberra schools may have been caught up in this behaviour.

Most people were appalled, although not necessarily for the same reasons. According to Queensland Police the initial reports may have been overblown and the pictures being “collected” had been posted to social media by their subjects.

While there was certainly a betrayal of trust by their online “friends”, it would at least be less nasty than boyfriends sharing intimate moments.

(This is hard for non-police to verify as anything more distasteful would be criminal to look at. Most of us will have to take their word for it.)

While not good it could have been worse as the potential for covert photography is growing at a

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”

– Reinhold Niebuhr’s “Serenity Prayer”

phenomenal rate since the days of the peephole (which in itself is not a glorious chapter in human history).

Technology catalogues offer all manner of tools with very dubious legitimate uses, and whole worlds of awful ones.

But even if factories in China weren’t turning out gadgets for spying on each other cheap and small components are just a quick online shopping expedition away.

It does not take enormous skill anymore to lash together a small covert remotely operated camera, and even one that can roll around or fly.

For a long time now the driving question of technology has moved on from “what can we do?” (if so

motivated, we can put people on the moon) to “what should we do?”.

In politics, sport and reality TV we see a lot of people these days doing nasty things for morally repugnant reasons.

Why should we expect better behaviour from clued-up kids? They’re hyper-empowered with little sense of consequence.

In the face of this bleak picture there is a heartening view one can take. Most people do in fact do the right thing by each other.

The question remains what do we do with young people who stray?

If their actions are irresponsible and unthinking, showing a lack of empathy, and cause enormous damage, do we imprison them? Forever

label them as sex offenders? Expel them from schools and deny them an education?

Because unthinking, unempathetic irresponsibility does seem to be a major part of youth.

I’ll concede there are some saintly children out there. But most are capable of being beastly and yet also capable of growing into decent human beings if given the chance.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers to these questions. But as a society it would appear we’re going to need to think about them a lot more.

Because when some kids mess up in future it’s going to be increasingly public, spectacular and harmful to others.

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

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Canberra

Lisa wins award

LISA Roberts, of Provincial Plants and Landscapes, is the National Association of Women in Construction’s ACT Professional Woman of the Year.

“It’s really satisfying and a real privilege to represent so many incredible women in construction doing amazing things in our industry,” says Lisa.

“I encourage all women to follow their passions with inspired action to be the best they can be.”

Day for awareness

CWA Awareness Day will be celebrated by its Canberra Branch, with displays, a craft stall, trading table, raffle and afternoon tea at the clubrooms a 8 Barry Drive, Civic, from 12.30pm on Friday, September 2. All welcome, admission free.

The new Vision

VISION Australia’s new Canberra support centre is opening its doors to the blindness and low-vision community, their families, friends and the public at Suite 1a, 3 Sydney Avenue, Barton, 10am-2pm, on Saturday, September 3. Open day activities include meeting a seeing eye dog and its instructor; reading newspapers, magazines and books on a new library app and engaging senses with an occupational specialist. Light refreshments will be available.

For we are ‘old’ and free letters

I’M hoping someone who has the authority to do something about our national anthem, “Advance Australia Fair”, is reading “CityNews”.

How about changing the phrase “young and free” to either “friends” or “good and free?

I don’t know anyone who is getting any younger; we are all getting older and we are a friendly nation, not a hostile one.

“Young and free” discriminates against the “old” and free!

Carl S Ford, Lyneham

Attacking public servants

I WOULD like to commend Michael Moore on his excellent article on the census (CN, August 18).

It would seem that the only mirrors the current crop of politicians have are trick ones that provide a flattering picture irrespective of circumstances!

It is therefore much easier to attack public servants, who are not able to publicly defend their actions.

Michele de Laine, via email

‘Constipation’ Avenue

WHEN I asked: “What are your top issues for the local elections?”, a recent response to me was “Constipation Avenue. When are the road works on Constitutional Avenue going to make for a smooth passage?”

The blockage has been going on for years with no relief in sight. Indeed, it was the opening joke of the international comedian Ross Noble’s annual show in Canberra, saying he was here last year and the same roadworks were there.

How long does it take to unblock Constipation Avenue? Election day, October 15, I suggest.

Brooke Curtin, Liberal Candidate for Kurrajong

‘Unhappy chappy’ concerns

JOHN Griffiths, I am not sure if you are just winding people up for a story or you really believe what you write (“Why are old people so damn rude?”, CN, August 4).

If the latter, I feel very sorry for you. You must be a very unhappy chappy.

You say that “old people are so rude” and that by criticising the youth “it is the height of bad manners and profoundly ignorant”. Well, look in the mirror, John; this is exactly what you are doing about the elderly. You are the pot calling the kettle black. You are generalising in precisely the same way as those you criticise.

There is good and bad in all ages – and if you can’t see that then you are apparently quite myopic.

Neither my friends nor I just pop in, but I do know of a lot of people who do, including the young. People

calling without prior arrangement; what do you want them to do? Call to make an appointment to call?

You talk about free education and affordable housing. The free education went out the window when everyone wanted degrees – the country couldn’t afford it.

As to the affordable housing, it is inflation, lowinterest rates and the demand for perfect housing by the youth who are not prepared to do it slowly. This has nothing to do with the elderly.

A lot of pensioners have superannuation so are not living off the state. I am sure you would accept a pension if you did not have superannuation. Most of the people on the pension have worked hard all their lives and were promised a pension, so stop trying to make them feel like they are bludgers. Bob Hawke made that accusation and it is equally as offensive and incorrect now as it was then.

Vi Evans, via email

No word on motor sport

BARELY two months to go until we have to elect 25 rusted on and/or wannabe new Assembly members and I haven’t heard a word from any of the contenders for these positions about professionally orientated major motorsport events or facilities for the Canberra. Sad.

Michael Attwell, Dunlop

Time for harm prevention

CANBERRANS may rightly thank Michael Moore for his role in helping our government to bring pain relief that a few derivatives of cannabis provide (CN, August 11). However, cannabis is a bitter/sweet plant, and Mr Moore must also take his share of responsibility for assisting in the 1985 introduction of the national campaign against drug abuse and supporting subsequent harm-reduction programs that have seen the number of cannabis-dependent persons grow from about 25,000 thirty years ago to 220,000 today.

Scores of millions have been spent getting a potential cure for pain from cannabis derivatives, and even more seeking a cure for hep C. Unless prevented by ideological reasons, many Canberrans, myself included, would wish to see Mr Moore convince the Chief Minister to allocate $20 million to drug treatments that aim specifically at getting users off drugs permanently – such as Dr George O’Neil’s slow-release naltrexone program, which is funded at $3.2 million annually by the WA government. Harm reduction has failed for several decades. Let’s have at least a decade of enlightenment and heavily prioritise harm prevention.

Colliss Parrett, Drug Advisory Council Australia, Barton

Why politics-as-usual won’t work this time

“We’ll all be rooned,” said Hanrahan... Even before the 45th Federal Parliament sits, the naysayers, the pessimists and those with power and influence are forecasting a calamitous Senate. The government will not have a “mandate”... “Woe is me!”

A government answering to a diverse parliament challenges pre-conceived ideas of democracy in the world of a two-party dominated system.

The cries of anguish, the predictions of catastrophe tell us more about the preconceived ideas of those who are feeling their own loss of control rather than those at whom they are pointing the finger.

There will be a considerable challenge for the Prime Minister and other ministers in dealing with the crossbenches – particularly in the Senate. Business as usual will simply not work. Rather than preparing legislation and asking for support, ministers will need to negotiate early, understand what senators really want, the compromises that may need to be made and consider alternative approaches. This is democracy at work.

When the Turnbull government is feeling put upon, they should reflect on the success of then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who had a minority in both houses of parliament and was still able to deliver more legislation than ever before. Surely this government would not want to be shown up by, of all people, “that woman”. The diversity of the crossbenchers in the Senate reflects the diversity in our community. Some will agree and others strongly disagree on many issues with those elected from the hard right and the more conservative elements within the coalition. However, the views that they represent are reflected in the community. The diversity in the Senate is a great illustration that the proportional electoral system delivers a mirror of the population.

I well recall the days of the laughing stock of the first ACT Assembly with the No Self Government and Abolish Self Government Party MLAs. The reality was, however, that Dennis Stevenson, Craig Duby, Carmel Maher and David Prowse knuckled down, worked hard and, despite some outrageous idiosyncrasies, delivered their idea of better outcomes for the

people of Canberra. The same thing happened in the previous Senate.

Former Senator Ricky Muir was dismissed in his early days as a bogan petrol-head and his crossbench colleague Glen Lazarus as a “thick rugby player”. Jacqui Lambie was treated as a joke. Each of these senators considered their role seriously, made time to understand the issues in front of them, listened to evidence and acted accordingly. All of the crossbenchers used Senate committees effectively to ensure matters were examined in detail, discussed with their colleagues and considered wisely.

In the last Senate, Nick Xenophon brought outstanding co-ordinating skills to the crossbench.

Although Prime Ministers Abbott and Turnbull both expressed frustration in dealing with a range of opinions, the work of Xenophon made it more likely that a wide range of legislation would pass through the parliament. It still meant some legislation would be rejected. Whether a political party scrapes a majority, governs with a minority in the lower house or has a considerable majority, a strong Senate that is not beholden to its own party facilitates proper review.

Senator Xenophon set the standard in his inaugural speech when he rejected horse trading as undermining the value of minority governments.

“Horse trading implies a willingness to vote for something you don’t believe in, in order to get something else you want,” he argued. “Sometimes when people do try and horse trade they can end up with a donkey, or worse still, end up making an ass of themselves.”

There is a danger that a few of the crossbenchers will slip into this style of negotiating, resulting in a completely disproportionate amount of power in the hands of one or two senators. It takes two to negotiate. When a government plays these games, it is also abusing power. Which brings us back to the conclusion of John O’Brien’s poem: “We’ll all be rooned,” said Hanrahan, “Before the year is out.”

FREE AGED CARE SEMINAR

The Public Trustee and Guardian will present a free seminar on Aged Care, includng Wills , Enduring Powers of Attorney, guardianship , financial management and Centrelink entitlements.

Time: 10am-12noon

Date: Tuesday 30 August 2016

Venue: Canberra Southen Cross Club 92-96 Corinna Street Woden

Experience Thai Traditional Dances & Arts

Shop for Exquisite Thai Silk and Handicrafts

Special Performance by “Tachaya”, winner of 14 gold medals from World Championships of Performing Arts 2016 and much more …

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.

At the Friends of the OPH Rose Gardens ‘Fireside Chat’, Braddon

At the Menslink Midweeker, Griffith

Photos by ANDREW FINCH

Meet our team of specialists who will demonstrate solutions, run interactive sessions and engage your senses.

For more information or to book your place in a session. Visit: www.visionaustralia.org /canberraopenday Call: (02) 6132 5800 Email: canberra@visionaustralia.org

CITC Outstanding Apprentice Awards 2016

‘Apprentice numbers have increased this year and we have continued to maintain our

Carpenter Timothy nails the ACT’s top

CARPENTER Timothy Hannon was named the Outstanding Graduating Apprentice of the year at the annual Construction Industry Training Council’s awards for industry excellence.

Timothy, who also won the Outstanding Graduating Carpentry Qualification, was presented with his award by Higher Education, Training and Research Minister Meegan Fitzharris and the chair of the CITC, Bill Cleary.

This year’s awards continued to celebrate some important firsts with, for the first time in 14 years, the CITC receiving a number of nominations for the Outstanding Indigenous Apprentice category. Nominations in this category were received for Plumbing, Cabinetmaking and Plant Operations.

Coen Harwood was successful in winning three of these awards; Outstanding Indigenous Cabinet Making; Outstanding Industry Cabinet Making and the overall Outstanding Indigenous Apprentice Award.

The CITC also recognised the diversity of skills and work requirements for apprentices in the air-conditioning trade and acknowledged William Bates for a new category – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning – and Douglas Nicolls for the traditional Refrigeration Qualification.

Executive director of the CITC Vince Ball told the awards audience of more than 360 guests of the difficulty in selecting the winners, saying the closeness was not only across all the trades, but also in selecting the overall winner with only “millimetres” separating the apprentices.

“The CITC is committed to quality training and professional development for the construction industry and we encourage employers to maintain their commitment to the employment and training of the construction industry apprentices,” he said. He touched on the debate around reducing apprentice numbers, saying: “I would like to assure everyone that our numbers have increased this year and we, as an industry, have continued to maintain our numbers over the past eight years.

“Our major problem is finding enough people interested in signing up for a trade as we have employers looking to sign apprentices on a contract of training.”

He said the CITC congratulated all the nominees and the overall winners.

his Outstanding Graduating Apprentice of the Year Award from Minister Meegan

and chair Bill

Bartholomew receives her Woman in NonTraditional Trade Award from John Treble, Senior Adviser Cbus – Workplace Servicing (NSW, ACT, QLD, NT)

The ACT Regional Building & Construction Industry Training Council congratulates the finalists of the

2016 Graduating Apprentice & Industry Encouragement Awards

top apprentice prize

OUTSTANDING APPRENTICE AWARD WINNERS

Outstanding Apprentice for the year 2016

TIMOTHY HANNON

Bricklaying – KOLI FISIIKAILE

Cabinet Making – COEN HARWOOD

Carpentry – TIMOTHY HANNON

Civil Construction/Diesel Mechanic

JAMES PRICE

Civil Construction/Plant Operations

JACOB BARLOW

Concreting – BROCK FAYLE

Glass & Glazing – RUSSELL VICKERS

Indigenous (Cabinet Making)

COEN HARWOOD

Indigenous (Plumbing)

SAMUEL CARRIAGE

Indigenous (Plant Operations)

JACOB BARLOW

Outstanding Indigenous Apprentice COEN HARWOOD

Landscaping – NIALL MAHON

Meritorious – ROBERT WILLIAMS

Meritorious – TOH LWE PO DAN

Meritorious – STEPHANIE COCKBURN

Meritorious – JED GRUNDY

Meritorious – CHRISTOPHER MILWARD

Metals Engineering/Light Fabrication

JOHN WILLIAMSON

Metals Engineering/Heavy Fabrication

MICHAEL BUDGEN

Painting & Decorating

CAMERON CARLILE

Plumbing – JOAO VELOSO

Refrigeration – DOUGLAS NICOLLS

Heating, Ventilation & Air Cond WILLIAM BATES

Systems Electrician – SHANE DALY

Wall & Ceiling Lining

SEBASTIAN CARBONE

Wall & Floor Tiling

RYAN MCSHANE

Woman in Non-Traditional Trade

HOLLY BARTHOLOMEW

AT THE AWARDS…

Canberra Confidential

Raiders turn on Barr

THE politics of football have arrived. As the heroic Raiders raise the hopes of a city with a brave dash to the NRL finals, the club is shoulder to shoulder with other community clubs in campaigning loudly and publicly against the Labor Party.

At the recent jam-packed home games against Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels, up on the scoreboard big screen came a video warning how Barr-Rattenbury government decisions threaten the very existence of community clubs.

One government minister, on learning that the “imagine Canberra without your local club” video was on the menu at the Storm game, was a last-minute withdrawal from the club’s hospitality suite.

Imagine the angst of the election campaign spin doctors as they tried to blunt the message that Labor and Greens were enemies of the city’s favourite sporting team.

And so it was that Chief Minister Andrew Barr came up with the opportunistic gesture of writing to NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg to change the rules to allow the Canberra Raiders to play a home preliminary final at Canberra Stadium if they earn one.

A letter written when knowing the Raiders had accepted that the rules of the NRL prevented such a transfer of the game from Sydney to Canberra and, in the same missive, asserting that ‘‘the ACT government is proud to support the Raiders and the rugby league brand in the ACT”.

Supporting them, that is, by allowing a foreignowned casino to siphon off revenue from the Raiders and other Canberra community clubs.

Little wonder the Raiders’ clubs hit back quickly to combat this political hypocrisy. A pull-no-punches

email to its thousands of members explained how Barr’s deal with the foreign-owned casino was the last straw.

“The Labor-Green coalition government is killing community clubs,” the email says.

“Over the last four years, 10 per cent of Canberra’s clubs have been forced to close. This is a direct result of decisions taken by Chief Minister Andrew Barr and the ACT Green Shane Rattenbury.

“Chief Minister Barr has now made a decision to support the foreign-owned casino ahead of your local club. If this proposal goes ahead, it will be the last straw for many clubs.

“Canberra’s unique not-for-profit model that ploughs revenue back to the community and into sport and recreational infrastructure will be destroyed. Profits will flow offshore rather than into our local community.”

With an election looming and the Raiders on the ascent, CC wonders how much longer Labor is going to take this scorching grassroots damage to it re-election prospects.

Memories of a showgirl

JAN Carter has been rather unflatteringly described as the oldest surviving Sydney Royal Showgirl, but as teenager Jan Hewson, winning the 1963 title changed her life and in a heartbeat made her Goulburn funeral-director father “the happiest undertaker in the state”. Jan is the guest speaker at the Women in Racing’s Spring Racing Charity Lunch (in aid of Multiple Sclerosis) at the Hellenic Club, Woden, on September 2.

These days she’s on the board of the Moruya Jockey Club and for the past 30 years lived on the far south coast, where she breeds horses.

But the sash of fame as the Royal Agricultural Society’s 1963 Showgirl & Global Ambassador for Rural Women is never far away.

“When I won the Royal Showgirl, I was given the keys to the city at a mayoral reception. It gives you confidence for the rest of your life,” she says.

“I had a trip around the world where I met governors’ wives and gave medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, all sorts of things a country kid would not normally be expected to do.”

Booking enquiries before August 30 to womeninracingcanberra@gmail.com

Disappearing policy

AFTER two decades in the Assembly, over 14 ministerial portfolios, retiring Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell raised eyebrows with his valedictory claim that same-sex marriage was his great policy achievement. Hadn’t the Minister for Practically Everything noticed the five-day law was extinguished unanimously by the High Court, which ruled it invalid and annulled any marriages over that period? More a non-achievement.

Nic’s going for a song

“SECOND is the first loser!” sniffs single-minded Nichole Overall, who has her steely gaze on winning this year’s looming Canberra Takes 2 charity singing competition with partner-in-song Drew Ashley. In 2013 husband and Queanbeyan

Mayor Overall in the guise of

mayor Tim Overall, in the guise of “Timmy Cash”, won the award for highest funds raised.

In aid of SIDS & Kids, the night pairs nine local celebrities with nine singers in a battle of duets. Other teams are Chris Yates/Rebecca Harman; Fiona Vanderhook/Angel Dolejsi; Bree Winchester/Jess Horton; Guilia Jones/ Stephanie McAlister; Zoe Sanders/ Deanna Gibbs; Suzanne McInnes/ Lorena Quinlivan, and Madonna Barr/ Cat Meere

It’s at Queanbeyan’s Bicentennial Hall on Saturday, September 10. Bookings via stickytickets.com.au/

STUCK for ideas on what to get dad for Father’s Day?

Set for Sunday, September 4, Father’s Day is the time to let your dad know just how much you love him and what better way than with a gift – that isn’t socks or jocks!

Whether he loves cars or is a thrill seeker, “CityNews” has compiled a list of gift ideas sure to put a smile on his face.

Top haircuts, great old-school service

LET dad sit back and enjoy some old-school, personalised barbershop service at Kriss Kross Barbershop and Salon.

Matthew Byrne, who co-owns Kriss Kross with partner Erika Gener-Galiza, says all customers get the full service at Kriss Kross – including a massage, hot towel, free shampoo and a spray of cologne at the end of each cut.

“In terms of services we do have an old-school barbershop approach; they nailed it and really knew how to take care of you,” Matthew says.

“A lot of our competition are in-andout barbershops. We decided to go back to the drawing board – we want our clients to leave feeling happy.”

Matthew says his team are not only professional and well-trained but down-to-earth, too.

“You won’t get a better haircut in Canberra,” he says.

“We also offer a fair price and we’re really accommodating to families. If dads want to bring in their kids, we have an iPad here with games and our

café is just out front.”

Kriss Kross recently celebrated its opening with a launch in aid of Lifeline Canberra.

More than 150 people attended during the day, despite the cold, wet weather, and the event raised more than $3000 for Lifeline.

“We would like to say thanks to our team of hairdressers and barbers at Kriss Kross, all our friends and family and everyone who volunteered their time and money for the event, and that we could be happier with the result,” says Matthew.

Kriss Kross particularly wanted to thank the Gentlemen’s Barbershop, Dj Slim, Subsdance Dance Studio, Blind Dove Cafe, Elements For Life Gym, Wicks Mechanical, Chakra Mindset, Ali King at La Petite Miette & John and Joy Silos’ buffalo wings.

Kriss Kross Barbershop and Salon at 107a Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. Visit facebook.com/krisskrossbarbersalon or call 6241 3020.

Up, up and away, almost

JET Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind experience.

“We provide the everyday person with the opportunity to sit in the most used plane in the world and experience what it is like to captain the 737 using our replica 737 flight simulator,” says Josh Ramsey, owner of Jet Flight Simulator Canberra.

Jet Flight Simulator, which has simulators across the country, is Australia’s only privately owned and operated flight simulator based on the Boeing 737-800NG run by professional pilots. No experience is needed and

participants can bring up to four passengers in for free.

“We have a 50 per cent sale on now for Father’s Day gifts,” Josh says.

“Customers can buy gift vouchers now and book later when they use this sale link jetflightsimulatorcanberra. com.au/cnews or call 1300-SIM-JET (1300-746-538) to receive the discount.”

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, Unit 5, 4 Ipswich Street, Fyshwick. Visit jet.flightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834 026.

Winning gifts for footy dads

THE ultimate gift for footballloving fathers might be waiting for him at Jerseys Megastore and its massive range of sporting apparel.

“Jerseys Megastore offers a huge range of NRL, AFL and Rugby Union products, from clothing, headwear, gift lines, all the sports fan is looking for,” says owner Vicki Young.

“We always try to give great customer service and try hard to satisfy all customers.”

Formerly known as Jerseys for Work & Play, Jerseys Megastore has been operating since 1999 and is now one of the country’s leading retail stockists of Rugby League and other supporters’ apparel.

Jerseys also has a great array of sports memorabilia and other items.

“Every dad who follows football would love a gift from Jerseys, if you cannot decide what to get you can always get a gift voucher,” says Vicki.

Jerseys Megastore at Shop 5, 17 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick. Visit jerseys. com.au or call 6262 7194.

Wheel pride starts here

DADS who take pride in their wheels will love a gift from Rallimax Wheel Repairs and Alignments.

Rallimax Wheel Repairs and Alignments are the people to see for specialised wheel repairs and precision wheel alignments for high-performance cars.

Owner Bruce Bush says Rallimax Wheel Repairs and Alignments meets the needs of customers whose cars require precise alignment settings.

He says they work on cars including Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, collectable cars and rally cars.

“A highly developed, state-ofthe-art piece of machinery needs state-of-the-art procedures,” Bruce says.

“We’re a small team but a very precise team. Everything has to be 100 per cent focused on excellence.”

He says the closest business that offers a similar service would be in Sydney.

state-of-the-art procedures.

Bruce has 37 years of experience in the trade, while wheel alignment specialist Clint has 15 years of experience.

On top of wheel refurbishment and alignment, Rallimax also supply competition tarmac rally tyres.

Visit facebook.com/rallimaxsport/ or call 6280 5967.

THIS IS FOR YOU DAD from

• FULL HAIRCUT

• BEARD TRIM OR CLOSE SHAVE

• HEAD MASSAGE • SHAMPOO

• AND A COFFEE FOR ONLY $20* YOU CAN GET DAD…

WHEN YOU MENTION OR BRING IN THIS ADVERT

TRADING HOURS: Tues & Wed 10am-6pm • Thurs 10am-8pm Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 9am-4pm • Sun & Mon – CLOSED PHONE: 02 6241 3020

Autografika… specialists in automotive wrap and paint protection.

IF dad’s a car enthusiast give his pride and joy an edge at Autografika, a leading Canberra automotive wrap and paint protection specialist that offers vinyl wrapping, fleet signage, racing livery and paint-protection films for all vehicles, makes and models.

Autografika has been operating in Fyshwick since January, 2015.

“We pride ourselves on quality,” says Craig McConchie, general manager of Autografika.

“We also offer graphic-design services for vehicle branding, which allows our customers access to higher level of design than found at a typical signwriter.

“There are only a couple of businesses like ours in Canberra, we are the first to take a truly professional approach in this niche market.”

Its paint-protection films are a clear urethane film

that helps protect vehicles against stone chips, bug damage, abrasion and weathering.

Craig says it’s a great product that suits anyone who’s bought a new car or 4WD. It can be also done to some older models, too.

He says Autografika is looking at branding its own line of paint-protection film, which is currently undergoing testing.

“We are a small team of three,” Craig says. “We are all highly trained in vehicle wrap and paint-protection installation and are all qualified graphic designers.

“We are mountain bikers, skateboarders, snowboarders, motorsport fans, music lovers and family men.”

Visit autografika.com.au or call 6239 1627.

Owner Abdal Hijazi… giving convenience and peace of mind with car repairs and maintenance.

Where cars are in safe hands for repairs and service

DAD’S car will be in safe hands at One Stop Auto and Tyres in Fyshwick, which offers a single point of contact for vehicle maintenance – including manufacturer logbook servicing, fixed-price servicing, mechanical repairs, tyres, wheels, batteries and ACT registration inspections.

Owner/manager Abdal Hijazi says One Stop also offers customers peace of mind by providing a Repcobacked nationwide warranty.

“Being open seven days and next to our largest supplier (Repco) gives our customers the convenience and peace of mind that someone is open to assist them with any repairs or maintenance they may need,” he says.

“We are located in the new buildings across the road from the Canberra Outlet Centre so our customers can go for a shop or catch up with friends for lunch across the road while their car is being serviced.” Gift vouchers are also available for Father’s Day.

Visit onestopautotyres.repcoservice.net/ find them on Facebook or call 6280 6380.

arts & entertainment

Young players thinking big

By Helen Musa

“THE play is still relevant, we are all still human and we need to think bigger than ourselves,” says cast member Stefanie Lekkas of the coming “Antigone – The Greek Project” by Canberra Youth Theatre, based on Sophocles’ confronting tragedy of the same name.

It is, of course, a very well-known play, famously “rebooted” by Jean Anouilh in 1944 during the Nazi occupation of France and used by German philosopher Hegel to prove that, in Greek tragedy, the conflict is not between good and evil, but between opposing “goods”.

In the play the princess Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, claims the right to bury her brother Polyneices, forbidden burial by King Creon as an

enemy of the state. Personal conscience clashes with law. Creon will not compromise and nor will Antigone, who goes, some say ardently, to her “bride-bed” death.

CYT staffer Jess Baker says the play will be staged in C Block at Gorman Arts Centre, where they will “play with space to give it quite an unusual feeling”.

The deliberately grungy costumes designed by Kate Llewellyn will be butchers’ aprons, conjuring up the “hanging meat” that the cast has imagined for the tragic characters.

“This plays comes from a very dark place,” Baker says. “It’s hard to watch for the viewers, so we have used a lot of physical technique so that we can relate to an audience.”

It’s been particularly interesting for Lekkas, who is of Greek origin. She’s the workshop co-ordinator and a cast member, so has been able to advise fellow-actors on some of the Greek meanings, for instance Oedipus means “swollen

foot” and Antigone can mean “anti-parent”.

“This play has survived thousands of years and some of the things are still there in Greek culture,” she says. Although a drawback is that while everybody knew who the gods were then, they don’t now.

Lekkas plays Antigone’s sister Ismene, seemingly subservient, but showing more complexity as the play progresses, unlike Antigone, who says at the outset, “here’s what I’m going to do” and does it.

“Sometimes we have replaced the words with actions, but not always,” she says, explaining that the cast have jointly developed the choral elements according to their own ideas, shying away from the verbal emphasis on the Greek deities and even from the fact that Antigone is a woman.

“We’ve taken the gender out of it,” she says.

“Antigone – The Greek Project”, C block, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, Thursday, September 1-3. Bookings to cytc.net

Michael Whittaker

by Mel Dodge & Charlotte Bronte

2016 ART SCHOOL PROGRAM

“Tickled”... no sex. No nudity. But a pervasive homo-erotic atmosphere.

The truth about tickling

“Tickled” (MA)

COMPETITIVE endurance tickling. The IOC isn’t likely to approve it for future Olympiads, but it’s alive and well in cyberspace – young men with buffed bodies with wrists and ankles manacled, wearing tight little shorts, while other similarly-clad young men squat astride them and tickle their bodies. No sex. No nudity. But a pervasive homo-erotic atmosphere.

NZ TV personality David Farrier spent several years investigating the sport after finding it while trawling the web and researching it with the intention of turning it into an item on his regular slot closing the evening news.

Suddenly, three Americans turned up on his doorstep threatening him with horrendous legal recriminations if he didn’t drop the subject.

What might have seemed an innocuous, comical TV filler initiated a forensic quest to uncover a truth.

Farrier and colleague Dylan Reeve spent a lot of time and money on the project. Being in the TV business, they filmed it. And that’s what’s now on the big screen. Stephen Fry doesn’t appear in it but his financial backing does.

The dramatic power of “Tickled” compares strongly with the best of fictional crime thrillers. Its violence is, by implication, unfolding in the complex web of civil jurisdiction.

It offers no punching, shooting, explosive demolition, car chasing nor any of that traditional (aka hackneyed) other stuff that permeates fictional action movies. It offers no overt depiction of homosexual dallying. Yet for mystery and sheer tension, “Tickled” stands with the best. And it’s a documentary!

At Palace Electric

“Hitchcock/Truffaut” (PG)

IN 1966, Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut spent a week discussing the art and craft of making movies.

In 2015, Kent Jones, programming director since 2013 of the New York Film Festival, together with Serge Toubiana, former redactor of the influential cinema magazine “Cahiers du Cinema”, wrote this film based on the book “Cinema According to Hitchcock”, Truffaut’s account of the discussion (clips from the filmed record of which links the clips illustrating what the pair were talking about.).

That’s a strong provenance for a film for which the main audience might have been academics, intellectuals, cinema historians and thinkers for whom movies were experiences inviting analytical challenge more than viewers seeking enjoyment, distaste, emotion, escape or other ephemeral responses (that, dear readers, is you and me).

It’s more than a nostalgia trip and it rightly or otherwise barely acknowledges aspects of Hitchcock

when he wasn’t planning or masterminding the shoots of his prodigious oeuvre.

Film schools will clamour to get a copy and theses will in time be written about his influence on the work of filmmakers still at grade school. You don’t need to be a Hitchcock groupie to find value in his creative and artistic legacy.

You can turn loose your own cinematic self-esteem absorbing these 80 minutes of technical background to how cinema works. Or you can sit back and feel the warm glow of nostalgia remembering famous screen moments from way back when, or search memory for titles of films or names of characters or of actors. Or you can get a very rewarding response to this film about movies in which a master of manipulation explains how and why we in the audience can do both simultaneously.

At Capitol 6

“High-Rise” (MA)

SEEKING a dystopian, futurist, socio-economic thriller that spends nearly two hours pulling no punches about its characters, amplifying emotional situations almost beyond breaking point, offering little to persuade us to even the briefest smile, confronting us with behaviour that lacerates our senses and personal values, and challenging us to understand what its makers wanted us to take from it?

If you are passionate about JB Ballard’s novels, you’ll just go wild about Amy Jump’s adaptation of this one for director Ben Wheatley to interpret.

A fine British cast plays characters occupying apartments cantilevered over two groups of levels in a massive high-rise building. People of lower status live on lower levels. Above them live the idle rich. It’s the not unfamiliar metaphor for a more global division of haves and have nots. Tom Hiddleston plays newlymoved-in Dr Laing who most of all seeks solitude. He’s not going to get it.

The film tells of the next three months among astringent emotions and abrasive relationships. The narrative descends into violence and accretion of unbinned garbage. Food may become scarce but nobody runs short of cigarettes or liquor. Love is rare even within marriages. Sex can be weapon or power.

One woman sitting along the otherwise empty row spent the whole film looking at not the screen but her iPhone. None of the three other audience members walked. Were they and I so transfixed by the sheer awfulness of what was flowing across the screen? Awfulness is no reason not to persevere in hope of explanation or alleviation.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

dining Garran’s little local gem

It was the best cauliflower soup I’ve ever had and the person I was with wished she had ordered it, too.

WHEN you live near a dynamite local café you’ve got it made. Exploring these hidden gems is always a joy for a food reviewer – it’s fun to get off the main drag to taste test Canberra’s darling little locals.

Garran has two locals at the shops – an Asian restaurant and Little Garran, a café that has a relatively new owner who has completed some major refurbishments that work a treat.

The coffee was exceptional and took the edge off the weather during our frosty Saturday lunch. We’d return just for a caffeine hit and perhaps indulge in a yum, house-made muffin.

Breakfast is served all days on weekends and we were both attracted to the Mexican eggs. It sounded delicious, with two fried eggs served on top of a smoky bean and tomato stew, sour cream and a toasted tortilla ($17).

I decided to give it a go, but luck wasn’t on my side. Little Garran had run out. However, the staff

handled it well, bringing us a mini pastry each to enjoy with our coffees.

I switched gears and ordered the pasta from the specials board. Served with Napoli sauce, it was loaded with prawns, chorizo (mild), olives and rocket ($17). It was decent dish, but not a memorable one.

My friend didn’t have much success with her smashed avo and feta dish. The menu said the dish came with toasted sourdough, dukkah spice, rocket and a bruschetta mix drizzled with a balsamic glaze ($13). She added a side of bacon back for an extra $3, specifying she wanted it crispy.

The sourdough wasn’t toasted, the smashed avo was a mere smear (embarrassingly so) and the bacon had to be returned to make it crispy. At least the bruschetta mix was fresh and inviting and the balsamic glaze a nice touch.

Other lunch options include gourmet sandwiches, a roast

arts in the city

pumpkin salad, a burger and soup.

A couple of days after my first visit I happened to be at the café again and ordered a cauliflower soup for lunch (on the recommendation of another customer I had exchanged greetings with). It was the best cauliflower soup I’ve ever had and the person I was with wished she had ordered it, too. It was piping hot and just $10.

Little Garran has a small dining area inside but a massive one outside that is now enclosed with clear plastic. New heaters and greenery have been installed and the area is cosy. It was a smart move to make the changes and maximise the use of the space. But I do wish the staff wouldn’t start packing up around customers close to closing time. It’s not a nice way to end a visit.

Little Garran, Garran Shops. Open seven days, breakfast and lunch. Not licensed. Call 6282 4600.

By Helen Musa

Cop on the ‘creepy’ Highway

LEXX Productions is premiering a “creepy” new play by Alexandra Howard and Cole Hilder called “Highway”. Small-town detective Benny is disillusioned with his job and marriage until he and his wife are called to a mysterious case. At Belconnen Community Theatre, August 30-September 3. Book at lexxproductions.com. au or 6242 5044.

MIDNIGHT Oil’s Jim Moginie is coming to town with his “Shameless Seamus”, a six-piece Irish rebel band of top Irish players he has gathered from Sydney and Wollongong. At the Canberra Irish Club, Weston, Saturday, September 3. Bookings to trybooking.com

FIRST the album, then “Australian Story” and now local singer Fred Smith has hit the bookshops with his Afghanistan book “The Dust of Uruzgan”.

“THE Amazing Belco Race” offers a great way to learn more about Belconnen during its 50th birthday year. On Saturday, September 3, 10am-2pm. Entry details via email to therace@bcsact.com.au or 6264 0200.

“SHADOWLAND”, by dance troupe Pilobolus, follows the surreal experience of a young girl’s world of illusion, telling her story through the use of incredible shadows and dance. Canberra Theatre, 8pm August 30, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

FRIENDS of the National Library Creative Arts Fellow for 2016, Micharne Cloughley, has used oral historian Hazel de Berg’s interviews as the basis of her new play, “My Strong Female Ego”, to be read by Karen Vickery and Amanda McGregor. At the NLA, 6pm, Tuesday, August 30. Bookings to nla.gov.au or 6262 1698. Free event.

ART Song Canberra’s next recital is “Lyric Rhapsody”, featuring soprano Merlyn Quaife, bass-baritone Nicholas Dinopoulos and Andrea Katz on piano. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday, August 28, Tickets only at the door.

ON the same day, Luminescence Chamber Singers and Kompactus Youth Choir present a concert at the High Court at 1.30pm. It’s free, but bookings to hcourt.gov.au

THE local division of the Theatre Organ Society Australia is hosting a concert on the 1933 Compton Theatre pipe organ by visiting organist and pianist David Gray at Albert Hall, 7.30pm, Wednesday, August 31. Tickets via trybooking.com.au, at the door or call 6286 5774.

HELEN Swan’s choral group The Resonants, will perform original home-grown works, including a “Gloria”, composed by the new head of composition at the ANU School of Music, Kenneth Lampl (the “CityNews” cover subject, August 4), which he has dedicated to the choir.

At the Great Hall, University House, 6pm, September 3, bookings to resonants.org or at the door.

FAST NEWS FIRST gardening

Clues to growing a new garden

IN establishing a new garden, the “grow” of plants is often underestimated and, like trees, shrubs and perennial plants need plenty of space.

Ground preparation is vital, but soil can be improved quite easily and every bit of extra effort will pay dividends.

If soil is heavily compacted, usually on new home sites with builder’s trucks, it may pay to get a landscaper with a Bobcat to break up the surface.

If there’s no access for a bobcat, a mini version is a Dingo, which is just over a metre wide and the operator

stands on the rear of the machine.

Rotary hoes are an alternative, although I’m not a fan because the flat tines dig only about 100mm deep and, below that, tend to pack the soil, especially if it’s clay. This can actually slow root growth.

Apply Multicrop liquid “Ground Breaker”, which penetrates deep into the soil breaking up any clay. Gypsum is an alternative but, unlike the liquid ground breaker, it doesn’t penetrate deeper nor spread out sideways. The addition of any organic material, manures, leaves etcetera, will all help.

Next, draw a simple plan divided into one-metre squares. Then do the research on the spread of the plants. Before planting, it’s a good idea to place the plants on the ground and get an idea of how it will all look.

Illustrated here is a garden I prepared for a client in Melba. It was

planted at the end of 2013 to early 2014 and all plants were watered in with Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient, to specifically promote root growth. Drip irrigation was installed at planting time.

Twelve months later, in 2015, the plants are leaping out of the ground, being fed regularly with Neutrog Seamungus, a certified organic combination of seaweed and chook poo.

As the photo shows, after less than three years, there is now a well-established garden. This would not have happened without the householder diligently preparing the ground and feeding the plants on a regular basis.

IT’S a good time to keep an eye on stone-fruit blossoms. Once the flower buds show any sign of pink, spray with organic Bordeaux or Kocide to prevent brown rot in fruit. However don’t spray once the flowers have opened or the bees will be killed, which will affect vital pollination.

On the subject of fruit trees, all stone fruits, ie apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines only require one variety of tree to produce fruit. Whereas apples and pears require two different varieties of trees to produce fruit, ie two apples or two pears that flower at exactly the same time for the bees to carry out cross pollination.

Anyone with a small amount of space could consider two varieties of fruit grafted on the one tree but, of course, if one of the duo dies then

there’s no cross pollinator.

In addition, the two varieties will often grow at a different rate resulting in a lop-sided tree. Unless the gardener is familiar with pruning, the different growth rates can present, albeit minor, difficulties.

And, incidentally, dwarf fruit trees do not have dwarf fruit, it is only the trunk of the tree that is small.

Jottings...

• Aphids will arrive en masse any day now on everything from new leaves on maples to veggies. Use Yates certified organic Natures Way (Natrasoap) Veggie and Herb Spray.

• Keep whipper snippers well away from the stems and trunks of all shrubs and trees. They are real killers for ring-barking plants.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With Mars racing through speedy Sagittarius, Rams are in rowdy cowboy mode! No challenge is too great as you approach life with extra enthusiasm. But it’s also time to guard against being too impatient, impetuous and impulsive. Instead aim to [occasionally] be cool, calm and cooperative. Plus pay close attention to your health and fitness, as the Solar Eclipse activates your wellbeing zone. You’ll find a regular routine will lead to more energy and productivity.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Your patron planet Venus is visiting Libra (from Tuesday until September 23) so you’re in the mood to socialise, circulate and party like a pro. Confidence, charm and chutzpah are the keys to attracting admirers and making the most of social situations. But retrograde Mercury will confuse communication – especially with children, teenagers or close friends. If you are clear, concise, and keep a cool head, then you can still get your message across loud and clear.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Your power planet Mercury goes retro on Tuesday, so avoid signing contracts (especially involving real estate) or buying big ticket items (like a car or computer) until after September 22. When it comes to a family member, all is not as it appears. So be extra careful in the way you give and receive information. Clear communication will make all the difference. The weekend is a wonderful time to attend a sporting event, watch a movie, go to a music concert or visit an art gallery.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Communication is the buzz word Crabs, so strive to keep the conversation flowing by being pleasantly persuasive in a precise way. And if someone sends you confusing signals, don’t hesitate to double-check. Love, peace, harmony, creativity and compassion are all highlighted at home, as Venus moves through your domestic zone. It won’t happen overnight though! You’ll find the more you compromise and fit in with family members, the happier you’ll all be at Casa Cancer.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

This week, with the Solar Eclipse and retrograde Mercury causing commotion in your money sector, it’s time to take stock of your current financial situation and do all you can to be more educated about money matters. Later in the week Saturn and Neptune suck the wind out of your sails and you may feel dazed, disappointed or just super-stressed. Don’t despair! And don’t get lost in a quagmire of confusing possibilities. Instead, pace yourself and keep it real Cats!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With the Solar Eclipse, Jupiter and retro Mercury all in Virgo, your perfectionist streak could get out of control as you strive to do things 100 per cent and are then disappointed when you don’t reach your exceedingly high expectations. Focusing on perfection can stop you from trying things that you may not be good at initially. And suddenly your world becomes a lot smaller. Be inspired by birthday great Ingrid Bergman: “I don’t regret a thing I’ve done. I only regret the things I didn’t do.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

The week starts well as you get the balance just right between serious conversation and frivolous chit-chat. Then Venus vamps through your sign from Tuesday until September 22, so it’s a fabulous time to socialise and have fun, as you flutter your eyelashes (or flex your pecs), flirt outrageously and charm the birds out of the trees. But make sure you turn down the charm metre and grab some chill-out time on Thursday, when the Solar Eclipse stimulates your privacy zone.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With a plethora of planetary activity in your hopes and wishes zone, make your dreams for the future as big and beautiful as possible. But a relationship with a friend or acquaintance is about to go through a tricky patch, as retrograde Mercury confuses communication and heightens sensitivities. A dash of diplomacy will see you through. Plus aim to get the balance right between socialising with like-minded souls, and spending time with a very special person – you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re keen to pursue a particular course of action but is a colleague or loved one on the same page? Double-check Sagittarius, otherwise you may find you are veering off in completely different directions. And with Mercury reversing through your career zone, things certainly won’t go according to plan at work so improvisation and patience are required. Motto for the week is from comedienne Lily Tomlin (born on September 1): “The road to success is always under construction.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Has a professional relationship been going through a bumpy patch? Venus helps you heal old wounds with compassion and a diplomatic touch. But you may feel pressured and pulled in many different directions on Friday, when conflicting demands unsettle you. Things are constantly changing, so you’ll manage best if you keep your stress levels down and your schedule flexible. On the weekend, a positive approach (and plenty of Capricorn charm) are all you need to get others on side.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Pleasure-planet Venus transits into your travel zone so plan a relaxing getaway for some time soon. A destination with beautiful scenery, fabulous food and convivial companionship would be perfect! The Solar Eclipse signals a fresh start for adventurous Aquarians involving an intimate relationship or joint money matters. But avoid signing important contracts between now and September 22, as Mercury reverses through your joint finances and ‘money-from-others’ zone.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

When it comes to loved ones, it’s a week to count your Piscean blessings as you soak up the support that’s around you. If a close partnership seems to be going over old ground (or even going backwards) don’t worry. Under the influence of retrograde Mercury it’s time to revisit, review and rework a rickety relationship. But don’t let your vivid imagination get the better of you on Friday, when you could blur the lines between fact with fantasy. Try to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

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

4 Which AFLteam won the 1995 grand final?

8 Name the commander-in-chief of a navy.

9 To be pleasantly entertaining, is to be what?

10 Who landed in NW Australia in 1688 and 1699, William ...?

11 What do we call a component, or constituent part of a whole?

12 Name a plot of land devoted to the cultivation of plants.

14 What are appointments, especially between lovers?

18 Which non-metallic element is widely used in solid-state electronics?

21 Name an Australian pop and folk group, formed in 1962.

22 Name a pale yellow, tasty, New Zealand cheese.

23 Which term describes the diameter of a bullet?

24 To present for inspection, is to do what? Down

1 Which soft material is used for stuffing, padding, etc?

2 Name the officiating priests of mosques.

3 Name a system of writing or printing, for the blind.

4 What do we call the red table wine of Bordeaux, France?

5 Which red cosmetic is used for colouring the cheeks?

6 Name the muscle at the back of the upper arm.

7 What do we call the hours of darkness?

13 Who was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth l, Sir Walter ...?

15 What is an alternative term for German measles?

16 Which word describes a lawyer who uses questionable methods?

17 To which animal family does the centipede belong?

18 What is kid leather also known as?

19 What is a very small particle of bread or cake, etc?

20 Which plants are valued for their medicinal properties?

Olivia had some positive news from a personal loss and called by seeking advice about ethical investing in the wake of being left a lot of money from her mother’s will.

Here’s how she explained her problem to me: “My mother’s affairs were always looked after by an accountant interstate and she has set up a trust that becomes mine.

“My family wants me to stay with that accountant, but I have some reservations.

“I don’t know what the investments are. I know there will be good income.

“I have a moral dilemma with some investments, I don’t want to invest in tobacco or guns. I want to be sure that the investments are what I believe to be socially responsible and to make sure that the investments are being made in companies that are sustainable.”

I explained I had advised clients on ethical investments, who have similar concerns to her, who had received very good returns and were pleased with their decision to invest in this way.

“Olivia, there are a number of ethical managed funds set up to invest in investments that are ethical, socially responsible and invest in sustainable companies,” I told her.

“If you also wish to look at ethical investing in your superannuation fund there are sustainable options in many large superannuation funds. This will give you some flexibility in choosing your investments so that you can invest in different sectors.

“Beyond ethical managed funds, you can also invest directly in shares in companies that you feel are acting in a responsible manner.

“I have a report that might interest you. Amongst other things, it shows the value of funds invested responsibly in 2015. There is increased demand from consumers like yourself to invest in responsible investments. In fact, the number of investors in this sector has doubled over the last year.

“The most interesting thing in the report is that Australian equities, international equities and balanced funds have all outperformed the mainstream funds in the same sector. This indicates that you can get a well-performing portfolio in a way that you feel would meet your needs and, at the same time, investing in products that satisfy your requirements for sustainability and the future of the planet.”

Olivia was grateful, saying she had been sure it was possible to invest this way, but uncertain about the returns of such investments. She was keen to move forward with this sort of investment strategy and wanted to know what next?

“As you wish to change your investment portfolio, the next steps are to let me have a look at the will, the trust deed and the portfolio,” I said.

“Once I have seen these I can advise you where to from here.” Olivia left the office excited to be moving forward in this way.

If you need advice on ethical investing or your portfolio, please contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman