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Just as I’m starting to like Kyrgios again...

TIM GAVEL

Labor stays on the rails

ROBERT MACKLIN

How technologically safe do you feel?

JOHN GRIFFITHS

Friends in blends

Canberra’s coffee kings come together for a

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news Marathon Michael’s mighty run of thanks

IT’S all about giving back for Canberra Hospital staffer Michael Warylo, who will run the New York Marathon on November 6 to raise funds for the Rehabilitation, Aged and Community Care Service within ACT Health.

Michael, 37, who’s a fire safety officer with ACT Health, says he’s hoping to raise $5000 to buy specialised equipment for the service that has helped him on a professional and a personal level.

After shattering his kneecap in a fall while holding his then four-year-old daughter in 2011, Michael says he was blown away by the support and care he received from the rehab service.

“I slipped on a wet floor, and as I fell I held my daughter up, so my knee hit the ground,” he says. “I knew instantly what I’d done.”

Michael says the pain was excruciating and that he wasn’t able to walk at all.

“ACT Ambulance was called and, funnily enough, it was old staff of mine that turned up,” he says. “I even knew the 000 operator!”

Michael says he was taken straight to Canberra Hospital where they confirmed what he already knew and he was rushed into surgery to have his kneecap rebuilt with screws and wire.

“I spent the next three months with leg braces and about the next nine months rehabbing from it all through the ACT Health Service, with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and OT,” he says.

“It was a hard time, both emotionally and physically, but I have a very close-knit family who supported me and the workplace as well

A shattered kneecap hasn’t stopped Michael Warylo from running in the New York marathon to give something back to the Canberra people who helped him recover. KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK reports...

was eager to help me with everything. I also had amazing support from Function Running Canberra and Capital Clinic Physiotherapy.

“The service provided by ACT Health was exceptional, and not just because I work there! Anyone would get the same service I had, and the aftercare and support that was offered was great. Nothing was too much trouble when I asked for help.”

Michael says that about 12 months after the rehabilitation, he decided to try running, against advice from doctors.

“A few friends, who are running coaches, suggested I give it a go and, through persistence, I was able to do it,” he says.

“It hasn’t been easy by any stretch and I’ve found that I can become reliant on what was my ‘good’ knee and that can start playing up, too.

“The injured knee takes a lot of physiotherapy, but I find that when I don’t exercise it gets worse, so it’s actually part of the rehab for me.”

Michael has done several marathons and some ultra-marathons in the past couple of years and says he enjoys the sense of accomplishment at the end, sometimes not necessarily the run itself.

“I enjoy the last kilometre!” he laughs. “It’s a real sense of achievement towards the end, whether it be finishing the Sydney marathon

and running past the Opera House, with thousands of people cheering you on.

“I hear that for the New York Marathon there can be two million people lining the streets, so I’m very much looking forward to that.”

He says he’s excited about the trip to America, with his wife Melissa and elder daughter, nine, accompanying him, while their 20-month-old daughter will stay home with grandparents, and that he’s busy with his training schedule.

“I probably run less than someone else who’s preparing for a marathon, but for me that’s just about managing the knee,” he says.

“I train three or four times a week, with shortish runs of five to 10 kilometres and then a longer run, a 28-kilometre lap of Lake Burley Griffin on a Sunday morning.”

Michael says that after working with ACT Health for 20 years, he felt it was time to give back.

“They’ve supported me in a professional and a personal sense from the number of injuries I’ve had,” he says.

“It’s my time to give back and say thank you.”

Support Michael at give.everydayhero.com/au/ new-york-marathon-2016 or canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au

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Labor stays on the rails to deliver decisive win

Happily, the electoral commission staffers were their usual helpful selves but the conditions would have shamed Bangladesh.

TWO down in this vintage election year, one to go… and even it seems pretty much decided; Daffy Donald is not coming back from the dead.

But here in our little patch Labor defied the odds and scored another decisive win after 15 years in government. And this despite a powerful Opposition attack on the light rail project.

THE televised debate between CM Andrew Barr and Lib leader Jeremy Hanson worked well when the speakers were allowed to state their cases, but became a shemozzle when they interrupted each other mid-sentence.

Moderator Greg Jennett , the ABC’s

National Affairs correspondent, should have pulled them apart instead of grinning inanely at the incoherent babble. However, Hanson clearly won. He spoke directly to the camera and made telling points about the costly light rail project. Barr’s response that the alternative was “traffic gridlock like Sydney and Melbourne” fell flat, especially when Melbourne has an excellent tram and rail system. But perhaps most telling was Hanson’s reminder that if Labor won we’d have 19 unbroken years of one-party rule.

YOUR columnist voted early at the Callam Offices, Woden, and a more down-at-heel location could hardly be imagined. Handwritten signs directed voters around a maze to a long queue leading to some ancient computers. It was tough on the old and the disabled. Happily, the electoral commission staffers were their usual helpful selves but the conditions would have shamed Bangladesh.

ACROSS the Pacific, America finally realised what a goofball they’d chosen as the Republican candidate for President. Amazingly, it took an 11-year-old video of

ROBERT MACKLIN

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

his trash-talking women for them to realise the error of their ways. And he was still able to command the loyalty of more than 30 per cent of voters.

Both PM Malcolm Turnbull and Labor’s Bill Shorten have turned their backs on him while the NSW Upper House passed a motion calling him a “revolting slug”. Only Tony Abbott has leapt to the defence of his

policies – including the building of a wall on the Mexican border. No surprises there. ABBOTT was on a roll after the death of the same-sex marriage plebiscite as Labor sought to wedge Turnbull by opposing it in the Senate. Their justification – that the debate would hurt the children of same-sex partners – is about as transparently phony as the conservatives’ claim that they stopped the boats out of concern for the refugees drowning at sea. No wonder politicians are in such bad odour.

NSW Premier Mike Baird did nothing to remedy that with his craven backdown over the banning of greyhound racing. If Canberra’s chief minister falls in line he, too, will get the obloquy he so richly deserves.

HEART-rending coroner’s inquest on the death of cricketer Phillip Hughes with accusations that the thoroughly likeable quick, Dougie Bollinger, had “sledged” the batsman with the threat that “I’m going to kill you”. Commentators say “sledging is part of the game”, which is quite untrue. As one who played at A Grade level in Queensland some years ago, I can assure you it has only developed nastily since the Test captaincy of Ian Chappell . If Phil Hughes’ death leads to its formal banning he will have done the game its greatest service.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Actsmart offers a range of free programs for ACT businesses including:

• support to implement efficient recycling and waste management practices

• obligation free onsite energy and water assessments

• rebates of up to $5,000 (on a cost share basis) to upgrade inefficient equipment

More than 1000 ACT businesses have already signed up to Actsmart programs.

politics / ACT election

Progressive Canberra shrugs off the conservatives

THERE are important lessons to be learnt from the outcome of the ACT Election. Most importantly, the vast majority of Canberrans are socially progressive and will not bide a conservative government.

Additionally, the critical nature of personal profile for Hare-Clark elections cannot be underestimated. Nor can the depth of understanding about equity in our taxation system be dismissed.

The ACT Liberals have grown more and more conservative since Kate Carnell’s progressive Liberal governments of the late 1990s. The moderate Gary Humphries was removed from his role as senator for the ACT in a conservative coup that promoted Zed Seselja.

While the relatively moderate Liberal leader, Jeremy Hanson, has attempted to contain the conservative elements of his team, there has been enough concern in the community for vote to decline since the

Perhaps, in the end, the issue came down to trust. The people were not really prepared to trust such a conservative party with the things they value most.

last election.

Considering the baggage that Labor took to this election, there should have been at least a five per cent swing against it. It is a credit to Chief Minister Andrew Barr that, despite the 16 years in government, despite the sustained campaign against rate rises and the light rail, and despite the scandals around land deals, he has been able to regain government. His promise to deal with the issue of taints through the appointment of an independent integrity commissioner must be done as rapidly as possible and so that it is seen to be above board.

The ACT electorate now has the distinction of electing the first woman to lead a government when Rosemary Follett was elected in 1989. This was before Carmen Lawrence and Joan Kirner became premiers of their respective states. At this election,

the calibre of Canberrans was illustrated having just elected the first openly gay man to lead an Australian government. More importantly, it was achieved simply as a matter of course.

There are now 25 members in the Assembly. The even spread of votes to those with a lower profile illustrates that Hare-Clark is working appropriately. Voters who wished to focus on a particular party had their vote evenly distributed between candidates. This is because of the way the random distribution of position on the party ticket through the Robson Rotation works to effectively put more power in the hands of the voters. A personal positive profile, even within a party ticket, is needed to be a successful candidate in an ACT election.

The government now has a clear mandate to get on with building light rail and to effectively manage the economy.

However, there is a lesson for government around poker machines.

Chief

“held a calm and steady vision.”

A progressive government with the Greens as a partner will not have the mandate to deliver poker machines into the Canberra Casino. While the Canberra Community Voters Party and its local club funders did not do well in the election, it is worth remembering that the Greens have been strident in seeking action to minimise the harms associated with poker machines – no matter where

they are located.

Andrew Barr held a calm and steady vision even when most pundits (including me) were saying that Labor was in strife. It is a credit to his leadership and approach that he rarely dipped into “tit for tat” politics. The same can be said for Jeremy Hanson, as both leaders ran a respectful campaign.

However, the Liberals did maintain a long and sustained negative campaign on rates and the light rail. In the end, they have now delivered a very clear mandate for the government to get on with the job. Andrew Barr should do so as quickly as possible.

Jeremy Hanson, on the other hand, did also offer a positive vision around health and education. By doing so he had hoped to step into the traditional areas of Labor advantage. The positive issues and sensible ideas that he put on the table, however, have not been accepted by the majority of Canberrans.

Perhaps, in the end, the issue came down to trust. The people were not really prepared to trust such a conservative party with the things they value most.

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

Happy Endings promises a smile

By Kathryn Vukovljak HAPPINESS.

Is it pleasure, contentment, being carefree? What’s it all about anyway and how can we get some?

The elusive state of well-being is the focus of Questacon’s latest adultonly SciNight, to be held on October 28 after hours, and visitor programs manager Robert Fuller says there are a few things science knows about happiness that Questacon will explore.

“Happiness is a bit of a buzzword these days, and we know there are ways we can boost our happiness levels, although we also know there has to be a balance and there’s no light without dark,” he says.

“We’ll be focusing on a few areas of happiness at SciNight, including nostalgia, mindfulness, food and drink, catharsis, exercise and excitement.

“We know that we feel best when we’re out with our friends, or after a bike ride when we’re flooded with endorphins, and it’s things like this that contribute to a sense of wellbeing.”

Robert says that SciNight has been running for four years with a couple of cheeky adults-only events a year, with completely different activities every time to highlight its adult

themes and to hopefully teach visitors something new while they’re playing.

“Questacon is for everyone, but this event gives adults a chance to play without being judged by a 10-year-old,” he says.

Rob says the science-related happy things will include the recreation of childhood games such as Nintendo 64 consoles and Hungry Hungry Humans for nostalgia, colouring-in and meditations for mindfulness, a crockery smash in a secret behindthe-scenes location for catharsis, greyhound puppies to cuddle, silent zumba for the endorphin rush and the freefall slide for thrills. There’s also more than 200 interactive exhibitions as well as the tailored, grownup activities.

Robert also promises some surprises that will be a bit more risque – as well as two bars, cheap drinks and chocolate tasting.

“The aim is to create hands-on, experiential learning that you feel and hold in your body, so you’ll take away amazing happiness-inducing memories from the night,” he says.

SciNight Happy Endings, October 28, 6pm-9pm (the bar will be open from 5.30pm). Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Cost is $10, bookings online questacon.com.au or at the door. Free entry for Q Club members.

Amid technology’s mess, how safe do you feel?

A dirty secret of IT workers everywhere is that most of what they do is composed of last-minute kludges.

THE internet of things might well ending up being the death of us all.

It has not been an inspiring few weeks in the world of technology.

Mighty Samsung has admitted that its flagship phablet (phone meets tablet) the Note 7 is a dangerous fire hazard and beyond the company’s capacity to make safe.

This failure is no small deal. Think about it again. A centrepiece product of one of the world’s most accomplished manufacturers is a fire hazard beyond remediation.

A great number of people, many of them lacking much at all in the way of technical knowledge, are mad keen to cram us all into an interconnected future with swarms of devices enriching our lives.

I’d like to make clear that I’m no luddite. I struggle to walk the dogs with less than three electronic devices on my person. There is not a room in my house that doesn’t have some sort of computer in it.

My bicycle sports more computing power than a moon mission.

And yet I’ll confess to getting more and more nervous as our world fills up with poorly made, badly configured and rarely upgraded machinery.

A dirty secret of IT workers everywhere is that most of what they do is composed of last-minute kludges. Sure, at the high management levels, there are flow charts and diagrams with clean lines.

Charity garage sale

A RANGE of baby, kids, adult and household items, all at “affordable prices”, will be among the wide range of stuff up for grabs at Opportunity To Do’s next Charity Garage Sale at 5 O’Grady Place, Wanniassa, 8am-noon, on Saturday, October 29.

Special occasion? Let us design and make your unique engagement or wedding ring exactly how you’d like it.

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Complex repairs? Difficult repairs are not a problem - bring your repair in and we’ll discuss what can be done.

Feel like a change? We do remakes using your existing jewellery to give you an exciting one-of-a-kind creation.

2/16 Bougainville Street, Manuka (Opposite Manuka Court) • 6295 8545

On-Site Jeweller & designer • Remake • Repair • Laser solder & engraving

They’re racing!

THE Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club is running an early Melbourne Cup at its themed meeting at the Vikings Club, Greenway, 6.30pm, on Wednesday, October 26. There will be “fashions on the field” and a running of their own Cup race. Dinner is $26 and the club welcomes visitors and interested ladies. More information from 6291 7716 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Potluck lunch

MEET families raising children in more than one language and others interested in teaching and learning languages at an ACT Children’s Week event celebrating the languages spoken in the Canberra region. At the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic Square, 11am-1pm on Sunday, October 30. Bring along favourite foods and share cooking skills and recipes. Grandparents welcome. RSVP by October 24 to canberrabilingual@gmail.com

Textile arts on show

THE ACT Textile Arts Association is holding its annual Exhibition and Bazaar at The Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan, from October 26 to November 5. There’s a fashion parade at 11am on Saturday, October 29. The gala opening night is at 5.30pm, on Tuesday October 25.

But when it comes time to making it all work there’s a whole lot of “that’s odd”, “it shouldn’t do that” and “can you get me coffee and pizza, it’s going to be a long night?”. Things get banged together, work-arounds are thrown into the mix with little consideration. If it works on the morning when the CEO comes to visit then high fives all around and whatever you do, don’t mess with it.

The long-term implications of short-term decisions piled on top of each other are a problem for another day. Bear in mind those problems of another day are a pay cheque for someone else in the industry, so there’s no great incentive to get things done right.

On top of this house of cards we have intelligence agencies overtly and covertly inserting backdoors into IT systems wherever they can in order to make their snooping easier.

Don’t forget that some of these agencies have very large numbers of staff who don’t necessarily stay in the one place their whole working lives.

Throw into the mix the desperate, heaving ferment of Chinese manufacturing innovation, where product designs are stolen, re-stolen and can come to market from multiple manufacturers before the product even has a name.

Now take the product of this horrific mess of a process, put a camera on it, connect it to your wifi network and put it in your home.

Are you feeling safe yet? Comfortable having your children alone in a room with such a device?

Relax. You’ve probably already done it. Nothing bad happened did it? Yet...

John

Griffiths is the online editor of citynews.com.au

Just as I’m starting to like Kyrgios again...

Having seen young athletes with ability sabotage their careers through poor behaviour, Kyrgios did his best to give the impression he was on the same path.

IS it too early to start embracing Nick Kyrgios again?

That was going to be the theme of my column this week: How Kyrgios was starting to become likeable. Then he had a meltdown at the Shanghai Masters. He appeared to give up before engaging in a verbal battle with spectators.

I write this column about someone like Nick Kyrgios at my own peril. A week is a long time in sport!

Given the fact that Kyrgios is Canberra born and bred, in hindsight we were perhaps blinded in those early days.

We celebrated his success when he made the Wimbledon quarter finals in 2014 before turning on him the following year when his behaviour crossed the line at the Rogers Cup in Canada with his sledge

briefly

I have been on this jour-

ney with Kyrgios albeit from a distance. Having interviewed him as a teenager, I rejoiced in his performances at the start of his career before launching into him over his behaviour in subsequent years.

If his aim was to generate a portrait of a brat with a sense of entitlement, he was successful on all counts. Yet, like many, I can’t help but want him to succeed on the court as well as in life more broadly.

Having seen young athletes with ability sabotage their careers through poor behaviour, Kyrgios did his best to give the impression he was on the same path.

But before his meltdown in Shanghai, something appeared to have changed. Perhaps it was the rocket delivered by John McEnroe in the wake of his withdrawal from the US Open in the third round. Questions were raised about his lack of training; if he didn’t want to play tennis, then he needs to find another sport or pursue another avenue.

Awards to young cricketers

CRICKETERS Jessica Howard,18, and Daniel Leerdam, 17, have each been awarded $1500 plus a Kookaburra cricket kit for their “outstanding ability, sportsmanship and attitude to the game on and off the field” from the ACT Lord’s Taverners. Both are champion bowlers. Jessica’s fast deliveries earned her best figures of 7/8 for Ginninderra against the boys under-18 division, while Daniel took 6/8 for Radford against Canberra Grammar’s First XI. He also bats in the middle order and was captain of the ACT/NSW under-17 team. He made 109 in last year’s Bradman Cup.

The Lord’s Taverners is the leading cricket charity and funds young cricketers and other emerging athletes as well as those with a disability.

Secrets of scams

LENA Webber, from the AFP, will be telling the ladies of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club all about scams at their lunch meeting on Wednesday,

October 26 at the Versatile Restaurant, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls. Lunch is $35 and the club offers a warm welcome to visitors and interested ladies. Bookings to 6166 2874 before noon, Monday, October 24.

Fete with a promise

WHAT happens when a bunch of people who have downsized hold a fete? That’s the tease from the organisers of the fete at Kangara Waters Retirement Village, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, 9am2pm, on Saturday, October 29. The answer? “Big bargains”, they say.

Nick Kyrgios. Cartoon by Paul Dorin

There was, of course, his very public spat with the Australian Olympic team chef de mission, Kitty Chiller, added to the mix this year; a learning experience for all involved, I would have thought.

At 21 years of age, he had seen off three coaches.

Over the past couple of months though he has shown signs that he has started turning the corner. There hasn’t been a hint of a public put-down of umpires and chair officials, he hasn’t yelled at his support staff and he has started talking about tennis in a positive sense.

I am starting to like the guy!

The improvement in his attitude has corresponded in

on-court success. Last week he won the Japan Open, his third ATP title of the year, in turn becoming the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt to do so. His ranking has gone from 30, at the start of the year, to 14 at the moment. Things are looking up. There is much to like about Nick Kyrgios at the moment. It needs to be embraced but with a certain amount of caution. In the eyes of some, he will remain the villain no matter what he does, but personally I think it is worth re-evaluating our perception. That was going to be my last line, but there is now a postscript. The jury remains out!

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A presentation that is supportive and honouring to women. Venue: InSync – Body Mind Life Wellness Centre 2a Barker Street, Griffith

Presenter: Katie Walls – Foundational Breast Care practitioner

When: Thursday, 3 November, 6.30pm-8pm (Rego from 6pm) Entry fee: $15.00

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For more info call Katie on 0412 187 458 Join us for an evening of rich conversation about breast care!

* Open to men and women of all ages and cycles in life. Medical & Allied Health professionals welcome. www.foundationalbreastcare.com

WILLS WEEK FORUMS

The Public Trustee and Guardian will present two free forums during Wills Week on the importance of

Tuesday Time: 10am -12 Noon

Date: 25th Oct 2016

Venue: Woden Southern Cross Club 92-96 Corinna St Woden

Venue: Jamison Southern Cross Club cnr Catchpole & Bowman Sts Jamison Centre

What’s in a name?

SO, there’s “CityNews” arts editor Helen Musa sitting dutifully watching the closing credits at the packed preview night of “Joe Cinque’s Consolation”, the Canberra film that’s turning heads all over the world.

Co-writer and co-producer, Canberraraised Sotiris Dounoukos has worked hard to get the shocking story of the young man given a lethal dose of heroin by his law-student girlfriend in Dickson in October, 1997, to the big screen. Highly-connected Helen’s helped him, where she could, over the past three years with contacts and introductions.

And as the credits roll, there’s author Helen Garner, on whose book the film is based, followed by... our Helen! Nice touch, Sotiris; she was tickled pink.

Antill we get it right...

SOMEONE writing captions for the “Canberra Times” in faraway NZ managed this howler on Page 2 in a sad story about a fatal car crash in Downer: “The car crashed in Anthill Street.”

Our senior Weston snout spotted it and forwarded it, sniffing: “The ants would be buzzing with fury!”

A log in the bog

THE naughty ratepayers of Queanbeyan have copped a finger wagging from their council’s water and sewer manager Andre Pretorius about the extraneous things they’re putting down their loos.

“Council workers recently lifted some large sewerage pumps at the Morisset Street pumping station to clear blockages and were disappointed to find a number of rags, a large build-up of cooking fat and even a piece of wood entangled in the pumps,” he grumbled.

While he banged on about the pressure on Queanbeyan’s sewerage system from increased flushing of baby wipes, rags and cooking fat, CC was transfixed by the

accompanying picture and wondered how the cretinous log who flushed it got it around the S-bend.

Questioning a quiz

“POOR form,” sniffled Roslyn Dundas in a tweet responding to “Canberra Times” reporter Henry Belot’s social-media tout of an ACT election quiz the paper was running.

“Plenty of quiz (and vote) worthy female candidates, but only one question about them,” she bemoaned. Given we’ve had three female Chief Ministers and one Speaker, she makes a fair point. Here’s a clue, Henry: Who was the female MLA for the Australian Democrats from 2001 to 2004? That’d be Roslyn.

The schmick, new dictionary

TWENTY eight years since its debut, the second edition of the “Australian National Dictionary” is out in time for Christmas with more than 6000 new entries to its 16,000 Australian words and phrases.

Since its debut in 1988, the latest edition includes among the new additions and phrases, Sorry Day, trackie daks, schmick, chardy, straight to the pool room, mugachino, firie, rello, Welcome to Country, bunji (a mate), yidaki (didgeridoo), drop bear, shirtfront and not happy Jan.

PM Malcolm Turnbull, pictured, as presented with a specially bound, twovolume set. The Australian National Dictionary Centre at the ANU compiled the dictionary.

New, improved, oops!

“WELCOME to our new, improved 666 radio page. We’ve redesigned the page in response to your feedback and requests, so you’ll notice a few positive changes,” gushed the ABC, oblivious to the large strip of beige above, guiltily labelled with a default message: “Program Header details not available”. That’s new and improved for you.

Goodbye the blot(s) on the landscape

ONLY three years and 11 months before the Candidate Corflute Cavalcade returns.

And aren’t we going to miss this wonderfully colourful, Photoshopped expression of democracy. Though CC will miss the wags rather than the wannabes. Here’s a couple that tickled our fancy…

GreenHouse Coffee and Co / Canberra Centre

‘People won’t be expecting to see something like this in a shopping centre.’

Coffee mates blend skills to launch new cafe

BEST mates Michael Rose and Sasa Sestic know and love coffee, and are blending their expertise to open GreenHouse Coffee and Co, a new cafe upstairs in the Canberra Centre.

Michael and Sasa say GreenHouse will offer delicious, locally sourced food and ONA coffee to shoppers as an alternative to the usual chains on offer in the centre.

“We wanted to bring together what we’re already doing at the Cupping Room and Espresso Room, and provide good local food, produce and coffee to customers,” says Sasa.

“The GreenHouse will be a hybrid of both our ventures, a one-off that will be accessible to everyone. We just thought, why don’t we do more? Bring something good, and not just convenient, to the shopping centre; nice fresh food, so people can get excited to dine there.”

Michael says they want to be able to offer shoppers something decent when they come into the Canberra Centre, as there’s nothing like this there currently.

“Generally, people who love specialty coffee will go out of their way to find it, but we wanted it to be easily available to shoppers and to be able to showcase what we do in an accessible location,” he says.

Sasa and Michael’s first venture together was Urban Bean in 2010, before Sasa moved on to the Cupping Room and worldwide success with his win at the World Barista Championships in 2015. Sasa also founded the roasting house ONA Coffee, and Michael runs the four Espresso Room coffee shops in Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden and Sydney.

“We’ve been best mates since Australia qualified for

the World Cup in 2004, but we’ve known each other a long time and, over the years, we both started doing similar things and became more interested in coffee,” says Michael.

“It was my passion to bring specialty coffee to shopping malls – there’s no reason why people shouldn’t be able to get a decent cup while they’re shopping.

“The Cupping Room’s focus on local food will also be a major factor in GreenHouse, with simple, goodquality ingredients, as well as ONA Coffee and special blends, and it will be a stunning fit-out.

“People won’t be expecting to see something like this in a shopping centre.”

Sasa and Michael say that GreenHouse Coffee and Co will be fitted out with recycled timber, imported marble, copper, plants and natural light, and will include a huge balcony with most of the seating outside and weatherproof.

Interior designers Giant Design, graphic designers The Creative Method and Coordinate are involved in the branding and design, which Michael says is important as they intend to grow the venture further in the future.

“We are putting a lot into the brand because of where we see it going from day one, and it could potentially be something a lot bigger,” Michael says.

“The name was what Sasa used when he competed on the world stage and we liked the fresh, organic sound of it and it’s true to what we believe in.

“We’re lucky to be working with Sasa and ONA, it’s one big family here and it’s important that we do the brand justice.

“This is a niche market and a great opportunity for our staff, who we want to see progress and grow and have a career with us.”

Cafe manager Nathan Wagner, who’s a junior partner in Espresso Room and works in the Tuggeranong shop, says he’s looking forward to stepping up as manager at GreenHouse and taking on a new challenge.

“I’m looking forward to a bigger shop, more staff, having a kitchen attached and more fun,” he says.

And, of course, it’s all about the coffee. GreenHouse Coffee and Co will feature six varieties, including two milk-based espresso blends and a single espresso that will change every two weeks.

There will be three single-origin filter coffees, ranging in quality grades that will also change every two weeks, cycling through the seasonal varieties and small-lot coffees.

Sasa says he always had a passion for hospitality, and that it was pretty clear to him that he would end up doing something in that area.

“I worked in fine dining and at functions, then I got a job as a coffee maker by accident and I knew this was it,” he says.

“I didn’t drink coffee back then, but I loved making something delicious for customers. I love customer service and I couldn’t be out the back – I like to see their smiles and that they like the coffee. It makes my day.”

He says that coffee has become a crazy passion for him and now he travels regularly for ONA Coffee, sourcing beans and seeking out the ultimate flavour.

“I just want to make this black liquid as tasty as possible,” he says.

GreenHouse Coffee and Co will open in November. Follow GreenHouse Coffee and Co at facebook.com/ GreenHouseCoffeeandFood/

Experts line up with holiday help and advice

MEET the experts behind some of the country’s best specialist travel companies and tour operators at this year’s Travel Makers Travel Fair.

The boutique travel fair, which will be held on Saturday, October 29, at the Alliance Francaise centre in Turner, will offer a range of holiday options for anyone looking for authentic experiences when exploring the world.

Run by Travel Makers, a specialist travel agent and tour operator based on the Kingston Foreshore, the fair is now in its 18th year.

“Originally it was called the French Travel Fair as we saw a segment in the market that was being serviced with the knowledge and detail that is required for such a destination,” says Phil Dalley, managing director of Travel Makers.

“It started to expand and now includes countries from all over the world, however has remained in the same venue and continues to give people the same boutique, intimate experience when planning their holiday.”

Stallholders at this year’s fair include Chris Carter, of Culture/History Tours, which runs archaeological tours; Wendy Wu, specialist in Asian travel; Abercrombie and Kent, luxury vacations; Uniworld River Cruises; Intrepid/ Peregrine, soft adventure tours; Renault Eurodrive/Peugeot Leasing in Europe and

local tour operator, the Italian Travel Bureau, which operates out of Travel Makers.

Michael Perrone, product manager and international travel manager at the Italian Travel Bureau, says there’ll be some different Italian packages on offer at the fair.

“We have a cycling tour, which at the same time people can learn Italian,” says Michael.

“It’s an easy-going ride for everyone and every age.

“You can stop at different villages, take cooking classes. It’s 10 days through the Puglia region, also known as the Hills of Italy. It’s a beautiful region of Italy that gives you a bit of everything.”

Michael says often people are hesitant about group tours, which is why the Italian Travel Bureau specialises in putting together boutique packages for individuals, couples or small groups.

At the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to organise every aspect of their dream holiday from flights and car rental to accommodation to travel insurance.

“People can meet the experts in all areas of travel,” says Phil.

“Big expos say you need to sign here on the day whereas, for us, it’s more about making sure we’ve put together the right holiday for the right person.

“The biggest thing is that we design our packages to the wishes of the client. It’s

Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre, and arguably one of the most beautiful… there’ll be some different Italian packages on offer at the fair.

important that we can tailor a package.”

Phil says that specials and savings will be revealed on the day as well as exclusive travel packages available only through Travel Makers.

He says there will be something for everyone at the fair – from couples through to families.

“I love the thought of sailing down the Mississippi River on an old paddle steamer

from New Orleans to Memphis and listening to the blues and soul of southern US,” he says of just one of the many tours that will be available.

Travel Makers Travel Fair, October 29, Alliance Francaise Language School, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner from 11am-2.30pm. Free entry.

Visit travelmakers.com.au, call 1800 838408 or email travmake@travelmakers.com.au

Travel companies available on the day:

• Abercrombie & Kent – Luxury vacations

• Back Roads – Small group touring in Europe

• Chris Carter – Culture/history tours

• Cruiseco – Boutique Cruising in Asia/US/ Europe

• Driveaway Holidays – Car Hire/Motorbike rentals worldwide

• French Travel Bureau by Travel Makers

• Insight Vacations

• Intrepid/Peregrine – Soft adventure tours

• Italian Travel Bureau – Boutique packages

• Renault Eurodrive/Peugeot leasing in Europe

• Travel Makers Boutique Travel Agency

• Uniworld River Cruises

• Wendy Wu – Specialist in Asian travel Airlines

• Qantas Airways

• Singapore Airlines Tourist Office

• Singapore Tourism

Where everyone has a piece of history to share

Damien Haas, chair of the Belconnen Community Council, which alongside the Belconnen Arts Centre and Belconnen Community Service makes up the Belco50 committee, says everyone has a piece of history to share.

“Belconnen has a long history as a modern suburb; its history from the mid-19th century; and its earlier indigenous history – all three strands of its history still live side by side,” he says.

Damien says Belconnen’s past – from some of the significant sites of the Ngunnawal people that are situated in the area to its European pastoral farming history – can still be seen across the suburb today.

“The Riverview Group has done a lot of work to protect culturally significant sites in its development. They have worked with the Ngunnawal people –there’s a deep respect in Belconnen for these sites,” he says.

“Some of the big pastoral families –the Tullys, the Kilbys – they all still live around here and live in Canberra.

“Some of the main roads here go back to the old tracks to people’s farms.”

He says many people have wanted to connect their own histories on the Belco50 Facebook page – from old school photos to their own memories of the “red bridge”, the pedestrian bridge

FOR many Canberrans Belco50, Belconnen’s celebration of its 50th birthday, has brought back fond memories of days long gone, but also a vision for the future for this ever-evolving district.

over Joynton Smith Drive, which was dismantled in 2009.

“There hasn’t been a photo that we have put up that people haven’t liked,” Damien says.

Despite many of the bigger events already run earlier this year, including the official ceremony held at the Aranda District Playing Fields on June

23, there’s still time to get involved with the Belco50 celebrations with anyone in the area organising a genuine community event to contact the committee.

“We’re no longer a sprawling suburb but a modern compact city,” he says.

“We all love Belconnen.”

Visit facebook.com/belco50.

• There are more than 92,000 people in the Belconnen district.

• Its suburbs are: Aranda, Belconnen, Bruce, Charnwood, Cook, Dunlop, Evatt, Florey, Flynn, Fraser, Giralang, Hawker, Higgins, Holt, Kaleen, Latham, Lawson, Macgregor, Macnamara, Macquarie, McKellar, Melba, Page, Scullin, Spence, Strathnairn, Weetangera.

• 1966: The district of Belconnen was gazetted.

• 1968: The Canberra College of Advanced Education (now University of Canberra) was established.

• 1969: The first commercial centre, Jamison Centre was opened.

• 1971: Ginninderra was dammed to form Lake Ginninderra.

• 1977: The Australian Institute of Sport – National Athletics Stadium (now Canberra Stadium) was completed and the Bruce College of Technical and Further Education (now CIT Bruce) was established.

• 1978: Belconnen Mall was opened.

• 1979: The Belconnen Bus Interchange was opened.

• 1987: Calvary Private Hospital was opened.

• 1990: The Canberra College of Advanced Education became the University of Canberra.

Celebrate Belco’s 50th at this free event for everyone! Families and friends can come together to make, munch and enjoy some community magic at Belconnen Arts Centre. Spend the late afternoon making memories; enjoy the live entertainment, Belco Flicks and indulge in some dinner while you immerse yourself in the community atmosphere.

www.belconnenartscentre.com.au

For Ben, there’s no place like Belconnen

FOR Ben Faulks, Ray White Belconnen principal, Belconnen has always felt like home – and there’s little wonder.

His grandparents Ron and Lee (who is now deceased) Faulks, were relocated to Canberra by the army in 1966 and were among some of the first residents of Aranda. They eventually moved to Packer Street, Weetangera where they lived for almost 40 years and then Calvary Village, Belconnen, where Ron still lives today.

“We were amongst the first 400 people in Belconnen,” says Ron, 95. “When we arrived, there was a dust storm blowing and it was all bare ground. No lawns/gardens.

“Moving in was hot as hell as the ground was clay and dirt, and minimal shade. Certainly a far cry from what they have today. Local shops at Aranda, and the only shops were in Civic.

“We were a developing community – mainly Defence people. It’s changed remarkably and mostly for the better as the services we benefit from in Belconnen are second to none.”

Grandson Ben says his other grandparents also remain Belconnen residents and live in Melba.

“My grandfather was also Defence and they moved into Page and then Melba as their family grew up and then moved out,” Ben says.

“They love the bush setting with things like the Pinnacle and Mt Rogers for walking and also the proximity to the Belconnen Arts Centre and Strathnairn.

“My brother and I were raised by our parents in Holt, schooled at St Matthews in Page, and have always felt like Belconnen was home.”

Ben is now principal of Ray White Belconnen, which specialises in residential real estate in the Belconnen and surrounding region across sales, auctions, property management and home finance.

“We opened the doors in 2010 and have been here ever since,” he says.

“We had the opportunity to open in other regions, but decided on Belconnen given the roots we had in the region.

“We’ve been proud to be the major partner of the Belconnen Arts Centre for the last five years, and look forward to continuing to give back to the community and the organisations that make it special.”

Ray White Belconnen has recently opened a second office in Casey to better service Gungahlin residents.

Ben says it’s currently the base of their expanded rentals department.

“We recently merged with Elders in Belconnen to build what we believe is the largest individual real estate business in the ACT, with over 40 real estate professionals servicing the region,” he says.

“Philosophically our guiding light has always been to focus on relationships rather than transactions, as we are in this business for the long haul and see the real estate industry as a real opportunity to be of service.”

Ray White Belconnen, Cnr Josephson and Luxton Streets, Belconnen. Visit raywhitebelconnen.com.au or call 6173 6300.

College with a passion for excellence

THE University of Canberra Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra (UC Lake G) specialises in the education of year 11 and 12 students as well as specialised year 9 and 10 programs.

Principal Martin Watson says he is “proud of the contribution Lake G has made to the Belconnen community over the last 30 years, with many thousands of students taking the opportunities offered them in their last two years of school education to prepare for their future”.

“The college always strives for excellence in teaching and learning, with staff dedicated to equipping students for life after college,” he says.

In partnership with the students and their families the college seeks to provide the very best senior secondary education available.

“The quality of the staff and their work in serving the students, their families and the community is second to none,” he says.

“The outstanding support provided to each and every student as they are guided, encouraged and enabled through their senior secondary years is the mission – our purpose.”

A partnership with University of Canberra contributes to teaching and learning initiatives at the college and allows the institutions to share resources, strategies, research and practice.

“The Elite Sports Program, for local and national representative elite athletes, is offered to college students in partnership with the national and ACT sporting bodies, the AIS and the ACT Academy of Sport.

“This program is unique in Australia, with the college having educated many ACT, Australian and Olympic representatives.”

The college tradition of creative arts excellence brings a wonderful range of options that include opportunities to act, sing, dance, direct, produce, play, draw, paint, sculpt, film, edit, write, broadcast and more.

The nationally renowned Outdoor Education Program develops skills, builds character, and produces leaders. The program has a strong environmental, adventure, and cultural emphasis.

He says that the college’s pastoral care programs assist the continuing personal development of students with every student having an identified support teacher throughout their time at college.

“During their two years at college, students are assisted by their teachers, a range of specialist student services, and the college community in their educational and personal growth as they establish pathways to future success. This is a service that we believe we are privileged to bring to the young people of Belconnen and region,” he says.

University of Canberra Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra, 2 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Visit lakeonline.act.edu.au

Come along with your husband, partner or birthing partner! CARM Therapies will be teaching practical hands-on acupressure techniques for use during pregnancy and childbirth, to help promote

Belco Flicks film night

TO celebrate Belco50, the Belco Flicks film night will return to the big screen at Theatre@bcs for a fifth year on Tuesday, November 8.

Produced by the Belconnen Community Service (BCS), Belco Flicks will coincide with the BCS annual general meeting.

“We like to showcase our community and our creativity at our AGMs,” says CEO Dira Horne.

“Last year, we celebrated BCS’s 40th birthday with a live stage show: ‘BCS This is Your Life’. This year is all about Belco50 and we thought it would be great to bring Belco Flicks back to the big screen.”

This year’s Belco Flicks will feature a multi award-winning documentary, the world premiere of a silent comedy and a program of 14 locally-made short films.

The world premiere of “The Surveyors”, directed by Justin Aaron Bush, is a film set in 1972 and uses classic slapstick humour to depict two rival surveyors competing in a West Belconnen design and build competition. The film “Maratus”, a documystery about a man and a spider will close the night. The film follows Belco boy, Stuart Harris whose chance photo of an undiscovered species of spider triggers a series of life-changing events. Directed by Simon Cunich, the film has won five awards so far including Best Film and People’s Choice at the Scinema International Science Film Festival. Sydney’s Antenna Documentary Film Festival named it Best Australian Short Documentary in 2015.

“Belconnen is a rich and diverse community with its own self-effacing sense of humour,” Dira says.

“Without targetting any particular demographic, Belco Flicks has always attracted entries from groups who are underrepresented in mainstream film and TV.

“Over half of the films in this program have never been screened in public before.

“These include three films directed by young Aboriginal people aged between 10 and 12, two films that star people who live with disability and two films that explore aspects of mental illness.”

Entry to Belco Flicks V is free and light refreshments will be served at Belconnen Community Centre before the screening and at interval. Attendees can vote in the Belco Flicks V People’s Choice awards after the screening.

Belco Flicks V – Belco50, Theatre@bcs, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen on Tuesday, November 8; 6pm for BCS AGM and light refreshments and 7pm-9pm films (includes interval). RSVP to bcs@bcsact.com.au or 6264 0200.

Celebrate at the family night festival

CELEBRATE Belconnen’s 50th birthday by immersing the family in music, food and arts at the BelcoNOW family night festival.

The free event at the Belconnen Arts Centre on November 5 will include live entertainment, kids’ face painting, arts and crafts activities and screenings of some of the films from Belco Flicks.

Monika McInerney, creative program director at the Belconnen Arts Centre, says it will be a wonderful evening of concentrated fun with plenty of opportunities for making memories and artworks.

“When you’re celebrating 50, you have to go all-out,” she says.

“There’ll be something for all ages and it’ll be as familyfriendly as possible.

“The live music and entertainment will include Alison Cashew, local Canberran musician and MC for the evening, Chrissy Shaw, Liz Lee and our popular team from BAC’s own TalkBlack program.”

Arts and crafts include making a Belco origami bird to hang in BAC’s foyer installation, printing tea towels and badges, and creating and taking home Belco Birds’ sculptures at the open workshops led by local indigenous artists.

Food and drinks will be available with local favourite the HaHa Bar selling fresh lemonade, the Lions Club serving a traditional Aussie barbecue, a Vietnamese food stand, coffee and seasonal fresh fruit plus more.

As dusk approaches large Belco bird lanterns will be lit and set afloat on the lake; sculptures facilitated by award-winning artist Tracy Luff and local artisans, and will culminate in a fire-burning spectacular when a giant collaborative bird sculpture will be set alight to the sounds of the Community Choir performing an original work, composed and directed by Stephen Leek.

BelcoNOW at the Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, Saturday, November 5 from 5pm to 8pm. Visit belconnenartscentre.com.au/whatson/belconow or call 6173 3300.

Club with its heart in the community

CANBERRA Labor Club has been part of the Belconnen community for more than 35 years and during this time, the club has been a proud sponsor of many Belconnen-based community, charity and sporting organisations.

“We host a lot of fundraising events throughout the year for the various sporting groups we sponsor,” says Matt Michel, promotions and functions manager.

“The Belconnen community really gets behind these events which is great to see.”

The club is a great place for members and guests to catch up with family and friends and enjoy quality dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, he says.

“A recent change in bistro operations has resulted in delicious new meals and specials throughout the week including the popular Monday and Tuesday $11.90 specials and the new $12.90 Pizza and Pasta Lovers Menu,” Matt says.

The club is nearing completion of its extensive renovations and its newly-designed main bar area has just been finished.

“It was important for us to upgrade our club and provide the best new facilities for the Belconnen community,” says Arthur Roufogalis, Canberra Labor Club CEO.

Located on Chandler Street, Belconnen, the club is the largest venue in the Labor Club Group and offers services and facilities such as a fully licensed bistro and café, community function rooms, free wifi, big screen TVs for all the major sporting events, regular seniors entertainment and luncheons.

The club also holds various themed luncheons throughout the year including the very popular Melbourne Cup Luncheon, which has a delicious three-course menu or Cup Platter options that start from $35.

“Melbourne Cup Day is one of the biggest days on our calendar,” says Nathan Kelly, club manager.

“We have great luncheon deals, free live entertainment and giveaways for best dressed.”

The club has also recently given away five new cars as part of its ongoing Rio Carnival Giveaway. A total of 10 cars will be won and members can enter simply by visiting the club (Permit No. ACT TP 16/00713).

Canberra Labor Club, Chandler Street, Belconnen. Open seven days, from 8am till late. Visit laborclub.com.au or call 6251 5522.

Scott likes to stay in tune with cars

“AT Dyno Tune, we pride ourselves on the satisfied relationships we’ve built through 30 years of quality automotive repairs and service in Belconnen,” says owner, Scott Butters.

He started his apprenticeship at Dyno Tune 20 years ago and says he grew up through the business, to become the owner 12 years ago.

“Our motto is ‘the safety of your family is our priority’,” says Scott.

“It is our commitment to deliver honest advice and provide quality and precision in our service regardless of how big or small the job may be, reassuring our clients that their vehicle is safe and sound.”

Scott says Dyno Tune’s honesty and reliability has given it a loyal following of customers, who keep coming back for any of their car’s needs, such as servicing.

“We are also known for our expertise with solving problems,” he says.

“We sort out complex issues with cars that others can’t seem to work out.”

Dyno Tune is an NRMA-approved repairer and is the local Bosch service dealer, offering an Australia-wide warranty through the Bosch dealer network.

Dyno Tune, 55 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Visit dynotune.com.au or call 6171 4054.

Adrian’s pioneering faith paid off

FOR the past 42 years Transtate Tyre and Suspension Services has remained one of Belconnen’s most enduring businesses in the area.

Owner Adrian Heffernan, who started the business about 45 years ago as a mobile tyre service, says he’s watched Belconnen evolve throughout the years.

“I took a bit of a punt in starting up in Belconnen, no one was up around in this area 42 years ago,” he says.

“When I started, the mall wasn’t done, we only had the Ford dealership, the fruit markets were operated out of tin garages and parts of Page were a motorbike track.”

Now, Transtate operates across three stores in Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan – at one point, Adrian had six stores across ACT and NSW.

Across the three stores they have 22 staff offering a wide range of services including tyre fitting, wheel alignment and balancing, suspension servicing, brake servicing, log book servicing, front-end modification and are authorised by some leasing companies to service leased vehicles.

As the biggest independent tyre supplier in Canberra they have freedom of choice in tyre brands stocking a wide range including Pirelli, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Toyo and many more.

“We focus on the right advice for the right price,” Adrian says.

“We rely a heck of a lot on referring business so we need to be the regular customer’s friend in the trade.”

Transtate Tyre and Suspension Services, 2 Egan Court, Belconnen. Visit transtate.com.au or call 6253 2244.

Planning with an eye to the future

“WHILE Ginninderry will have a character all its own, it is also an extension of the existing West Belconnen community,” says David Maxwell, director of Riverview Projects, that in a joint venture with the ACT Land Development Agency, is spearheading the development.

Ginninderry will be home to three new suburbs in the Belconnen area (and a potential fourth suburb across the border in NSW.)

“It has been planned with an eye to the future,” David says. “The new community will one day make their home in this spectacular setting, alongside the Murrumbidgee River Conservation Corridor.

“The community will grow over 30 years, at the rate of three or four hundred homes a year, to an eventual total of 11,500 homes.”

David says the project team has been talking to local stakeholders for the past eight years to ensure they find out what they love about the existing community.

He says identifying cultural and historical sites across

the Belconnen area has been a cornerstone to the planning of the development.

“From 2007-2012 it was all about the environment; what are the environmental and cultural features there,” David says.

“We are still doing more on that with Ginninderra Falls… it’s all about the legacy of the project and how it ties into the area’s heritage, both indigenous and European.”

The project name Ginninderry is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “sparkling” or “throwing out little rays of light”.

“It symbolises the creek that flows through the district and is a fitting acknowledgment of both the indigenous and European heritage of the area,” David says.

The first two suburbs in the development are called Strathnairn and Macnamara.

“Strathnairn is named after the property of

Strathnairn, located in the Belconnen district,” David says.

“The ‘Strathnairn’ property was originally part of a land grant awarded to 19th century explorer Capt Charles Sturt.

“The second suburb to be developed in Ginninderry is Macnamara, named after Dame Jean Macnamara. Dame Macnamara contributed significantly to medical science in Australia and was committed to improving the lives of children suffering from the viral disease, poliomyelitis.”

David says the project will provide a sustainable way to manage the growing population in the region.

“The development will build on, and enhance, existing infrastructure,” he says.

“It will lead to improvements of roads and the revitalisation of shopping centres and schools and be a catalyst for growth and employment.”

Visit www.ginninderry.com

Falken Tyres are tried and tested

Designed with road conditions in mind, with a wide range that also accommodates 4WD’s and trucks, Falken Tyres deliver speed and safety to customers for all conditions. Falken Tyres are vigorously tested both on and off road to ensure optimum performance and safety.

Toyo Tyres are a great replacement tyre

Originating from Japan, Toyo Tyres have been providing the Australian Market with premium replacement tyres for more than 40 years. Toyo Tyres are a high performance tyre for everything from passenger vehicles to buses, trucks and all that’s in-between. Toyo tyres are a great replacement tyre that gives you quality at an affordable price.

For the last 50 years the Belconnen region has been growing within Canberra and continues to expand. Ray White Belconnen is proud to call the region home, we look foward to what the future brings and can’t wait to see how full of opportunity the Belconnen area will become in the next 50 years.

To all the families, sporting groups, businesses and community groups that call Belconnen home, we hope that you will help us celebrate what makes Belconnen great.

Ray White Belconnen Shop 3, Corner of Luxton & Josephson Street, Belconnen T 6173 6300

raywhitebelconnen.com.au

Expert help for jobseekers

ONE of Belconnen’s newest businesses, Career Shop, is offering jobseekers expert help to find a new job or career.

“Career Shop offers a wide range of career-related services,” says owner Robyn Schultz.

“We are updating and improving resumes, and have helped numerous clients with their online/selection criteria job applications. We also offer mock job interviews, a practice job interview, particularly helpful for nervous interviewees or if you haven’t done a job interview for a while.

“We are accredited consultants for JIIG-CAL Australia, which is a highly-regarded Computer Assisted Career Guidance tool – especially helpful for school leavers trying to choose a suitable career path or for people wanting to change careers.

“There are so many career and study options now that it can all get very confusing. We are here to help.”

Robyn, who comes from a teaching background, had worked as a careers advisor and employment officer at one of Sydney’s biggest TAFE colleges for 10 years.

“All staff at Career Shop are tertiary trained and very experienced in assisting clients of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds,” she says.

“We genuinely want to help our clients. We don’t rush through our sessions with clients. We take the time to get to know them and offer as much assistance as we can.”

She says Career Shop is located at the Higgins Shops in Belconnen and offers plenty of free parking, a bus stop close by and is open by appointment.

“We have just started offering a new personal stylist service,” Robyn says.

“Karen, our personal stylist, is very experienced and is keen to help clients with their specific requirements. We feel that helping a client to improve their personal presentation will also improve their self confidence and, therefore, enhance their career prospects.”

Career Shop, Higgins Shops, Higgins Place.

Email office@careershop.com.au or call 0475 937150.

Enjoying the CALM approach

BASED in Belconnen since 2008, CARM Therapies is an allied health clinic that specialises in acupuncture and remedial massage for pregnancy, chronic pain management, post acute injuries, muscular aches and pains, and general wellbeing.

Operating in Canberra since 2003, CARM Therapies is now situated at the Higgins Shops.

“The shops are a little health hub, with two medical clinics and a chemist, which gives the shops a nice community atmosphere,” says Emily Avery (nee Worsnop), founder and co-director of CARM Therapies.

“The clinic has a lovely feeling of being both clinical, but welcoming and relaxing, and is spacious enough to allow us to provide a professional and caring environment to all of our clients and their individual needs.”

The CARM team consists of Kingsley Avery, an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with more than 10 years’ clinical experi -

Happy 50th Birthday

HMAS Belconnen houses in 1951 from the Department of Capital Territory’s “Pictorial Record of Canberra 19511953”. Courtesy ACT Heritage Library.

A friendly and relaxing shopping destination

SINCE 1977, Kippax Fair Shopping Centre has been the West Belconnen local community centre, says Georgia Diamond, centre manager of Kippax Fair.

“In July next year we will be celebrating 40 years servicing the Belconnen community,” she says.

“Due to its long association with the surrounding suburbs, the shopping centre continues to evolve to meet the expanding and changing needs of West Belconnen.

“At Kippax Fair you can run your errands, find that something special, cater to your beauty needs and catch up with family and friends over coffee, lunch or dinner.”

ence, who specialises in acupuncture for pregnancy, sports and chronic pain.

Emily and Christine are both remedial massage therapists with extensive experience treating soft tissue injuries, postural imbalances and chronic pain. Christine also has qualifications as a group fitness leader and runs the CARM stretching classes on Thursday evenings.

“We are currently offering free acupressure for pregnancy and labour workshops to West Belconnen residents, conditions apply,” Emily says.

The workshops will be held on October 30, November 13 and 20, December 4 and 18. The eightweek block of CARMsStretching begins on October 27. Bookings are essential for all classes.

CARM Therapies, 5 Higgins Place, Higgins. Visit carmtherapies.com.au, email carmtherapies@gmail. com or call 6278 7302.

Ginninderry is proud to be celebrating 50 years of growth, vitality and local spirit with the people of Belconnen.

As Belconnen’s newest community, we look forward to being part of the next chapter.

ginninderry.com

The family-owned business has about 30 specialty stores under the one roof. It’s currently in the process of upgrading and redeveloping the centre to “increase the variety of stores to meet our growing community needs”.

“Kippax Fair has always aimed to satisfy the surrounding community’s service and retail needs by offering a range of professional services and stores in a safe, friendly and convenient environment,” Georgia says.

“Kippax Fair prides itself on bringing the community together and providing a friendly and relaxing environment.

“I love walking through the centre and greeting our regular customers or meeting new patrons, and seeing groups of friends catching up and enjoying themselves at one of our many cafes/restaurants.”

Kippax Fair Shopping Centre, Hardwick Crescent, Holt. Visit kippaxfair.com.au

CHOICE NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

Lathlain Street is Belconnen’s dining destination. Day or night, stylish or relaxed, a great mix of well known venues means that choice never tasted so good.

• In Demand – Advertising & The Second World War

• Etched in Stone – The stories behind the names of

War Memorial

A: 184 Imlay Street, Eden

P: 02 6496 2094

E: promo@killerwhalemuseum.com.au

W: www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au

Extensive range of souvenirs in our shop

OPEN 7 DAYS (except Christmas Day)

Monday – Saturday • 9:15am - 3:35pm

Sunday • 11:15am - 3:45pm

Extended hours Christmas and New Year

south coast calling advertising feature

Beach house with just about everything

SIT back, relax and take in the sounds of nature at the luxury beach house – Lilli Pilli Sublime on the south coast.

Everything has been thought of at Lilli Pilli Sublime, from its free wifi and Foxtel to full provision of linen and beach towels. It’s just a matter of packing the bags and heading down.

Situated only five minutes’ drive from the heart of Batemans Bay, Lilli Pilli Sublime is a spacious, single-level, four-bedroom luxury beach house that can accommodate eight people. It’s also close to the Mogo Zoo, cafes, specialty stores, local beaches and bush tracks.

Owner Angela says for families, the kids can be fully occupied with its rumpus room with games and snooker table while parents can enjoy some quiet time in the outdoor entertainment area.

“There’s a lot to do at Lilli Pilli Sublime, whatever the weather,” she says.

The property can cater to family members of all ages with a cot and baby items. Its entertaining area has a full outdoor kitchen.

It also has a DVD collection, library and a Nespresso coffee machine, and it’s also pet-friendly on application

for well-mannered pets.

Angela can also arrange pet-minding if guests don’t want to leave their dogs alone and also offers romantic getaway packages, dining packages, beauty packages and can help organise other activities including fishing, golf, surf school and kayaking.

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

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

Meet the killers at the whale museum

WITH commanding views over the bay, the Eden Killer Whale Museum offers a range of exhibitions about the local maritime and timber industries, plus regular travelling exhibitions.

The museum, which has been operating for more than 80 years, is home to “Old Tom” – a full killer-whale skeleton from the 1800s.

In addition to its permanent “Meet the Killers” exhibition, which includes Old Tom, the museum is running two exhibitions both commemorating the centenary of World War I and 70 years since the end of World War II.

“In Demand: Advertising and the Second World War” examines advertisements that featured in Australian

Lilli Pilli Sublime is a destination unlike any other. We offer holiday accommodation in a spacious, delightfully decorated 4 bedroom house with rumpus/games room, and a Moroccan themed outdoor kitchen area with BBQ. LPS is nestled in the stunning surrounds of Lilli Pilli Beach Estate in an idyllic position overlooking natural bush land on the outskirts of Batemans Bay, NSW. For families, couples, executives or anybody who needs to get away from it all, relax and wind down, LPS offers something special. We provide WiFi, Foxtel with all channels, playstation with games, Nespresso Coffee Machine, linen including beach towels and baby

women’s magazines during World War II, and the ways in which they promoted the war effort of companies and civilians, patriotism, and a shift in marketing women’s products.

“Etched in Stone: The stories behind the names of Eden’s War Memorial” provides a local perspective on the stories behind the names of World War I servicemen who are commemorated on Eden’s cenotaph. The museum also offers guided tours and library and research facilities.

Eden Killer Whale Museum, 184 Imlay Street, Eden. Visit killerwhalemuseum.com.au or call 6496 2094.

items. We accept our guests well mannered dogs on application.

The LPS vibe is very much a tropical one with its hot and cold private outdoor shower. Its Bali inspired garden adds a touch of paradise and is pleasantly styled with Asian stone sculptures, fountains and bamboo. Guests can enjoy the many beaches in the area; Lilli Pilli Beach is just a 300 m walk. Take in the fresh ocean air and sounds of the wildlife.

Luxury comfort and style - these are the three principles upon which the hosts have built the LPSublime experiences.

advertising feature spring fitness

AS we begin to shake off our winter clothes, a lot of people come out of exercise hibernation, resolving to get their beach bodies back.

The good news is that there are high-quality options for getting fit effectively and safely.

Here are some of the best...

On a mission to help women live stronger

FINDING the motivation to start something new can often be the biggest hurdle, says Curves – the fitness clubs for women.

“Curves’ supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment is a great place to rediscover the enjoyment of exercise and work towards a healthier lifestyle,” they say.

“Strengthening women together – ACT is proud to be home to two strong ladies who have changed their lives with the help of the Curves community.”

Pat Gozzard, 64, from Curves Weston was crowned Senior Curvette 2015.

“Every time I bought a plain T-shirt I’d have to go up a size,” she says, recalling what her life used to be like.

“At Curves I’ve consistently lost weight ever since that first day. The best part is I can now be active with my grandchildren.”

Toni Irvine, from Curves Belconnen, has recently been crowned Curvette of the Year 2016. Toni was tipping the scales at more than 120kgs and taking daily

medication for diabetes.

“I am now almost medication free and my diabetes is under control,” Toni says.

“I feel less stressed and so much more energised.”

On a mission to help women live stronger together, Curves ACT is joining thousands of women nationwide in hosting a Girls Night In while also helping the Cancer Council support research, prevention and provide support services for all those affected by women’s cancers.

There will be events held at Curves Weston on Thursday, October 20 – where they’ll be all-day activities and motivational presentations and Curves Belconnen will hold an all-day exercise circuit and activities including health recipes and make-up demonstrations on Friday, October 28.

Curves – Belconnen (6251 1111), Gungahlin (6255 5916), Weston (6288 8333), Wanniassa (6296 7415). Visit curves.com.au

Right time for new runners

NOW is the right time of year to get a new pair of running shoes, says Nick Walshe of The Runners Shop in Phillip and Gungahlin.

The store stocks major brands including Asics, Nike, Brooks, Mizuno, Hoka, New Balance and Saucony.

Nick says that as the weather warms up, it’s also an ideal time to consider their technical running apparel, in popular brands such as Nike, Asics and New Balance.

“We’re really proud of our running apparel and although it tends not to be the ‘in’ thing these days, it’s got great breathability and is great for the warmer months,” he says.

“It’s a lot different to then gym gear

that people tend to wear.”

Nick says The Runners Shop has the expertise to analyse a person’s foot type and match it with a specific running shoe in the right length and width.

“All our staff are athletes and runners, young and old, and all are very involved in sport,” Nick says.

“We’re all very familiar with our products and we all use them ourselves so we can give first-hand advice.”

The Runners Shop, 76 Dundas Street, Phillip, and upstairs 46-50 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin. Visit therunnersshop. com.au or call 6285 3508 (Phillip) or 6241 7054 (Gungahlin).

your calorie burn with fitness poles

Nordic Walking poles and BungyPumps (with built in resistance) offer huge advantages over regular walking: they use and tone over 90% of the body’s muscles, increase cardiovascular work by up to 25% and burn between 45 – 77% more calories. They also reduce impact on ankles, knees and hips, promote upright posture and help ease back and neck pain. Come and learn more about BungyPump and Nordic Walking and kick-start your summer health program.

Meet at Lake Burley Griffin at the Patrick White Lawns at the National Library, Saturday mornings at 10.30am, commencing 29th October. Information sessions are free, for more information: Phone Duncan on 0404 373 157 or Kristen on 0499 993 215 www.bungypump.com.au

Pilates Canberra instructors provide the highest quality instruction in the Pilates Method. Through continuous education and training we stay motivated and passionate about Pilates instruction for every individual, level and health goal.

PHILLIP 6162 1793 58 Colbee Court phillip@pilatescanberra.com.au

To

• Extensive range of shoes for Runners, Joggers, Walkers and Gym enthusiasts of all ages

• Brands include Asics, Brooks, Nike, New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony, Hoka and On

• Great range of technical running apparel which breathes (wicks moisture) all year round

• Extensive range of nutrition products from Endura, GU, Hammer, Huma & Tailwind

• Come in and speak to our staff of Runners, Triathletes and Orienteers with a passion and a first-hand knowledge of our entire product range!

Entrance between the Central Café & Gloria Jeans Café Hibberson St, Gungahlin 6241 7054 Or visit our ‘long

spring fitness advertising feature

Right time for getting fit and well

CIT Fit & Well is a fitness centre that’s open to the public and offers gymgoers a range of fitness equipment, group classes and personal training by industry professionals alongside CIT fitness students.

Offering modern fitness equipment and a new functional training area, the centre is open seven days a week.

“Spring is that time of renewal,” says Emily Stewart-Reed, head of department, Health Services.

“People have been hibernating in winter… a time that exercise becomes one of the later things to think about.

“Although any time is a good time to get into exercise, what better time is there than spring?”

Fit & Well also offers a Heartmoves class, which in partnership with the Heart Foundation, delivers a low-tomoderate intensity exercise program designed for people living with health conditions or those looking

to get back into fitness. A class is run every day of the week.

“It’s also a great way to meet new people; it’s an incredibly social group,” Emily says.

“There’s no thumping music, no lycra and no judging. A lot of our members have been coming for years.”

Other classes on offer are Osteocise and yoga classes.

Fit & Well also has a massage clinic, which is 100 per cent student-based with supervision by a qualified health professional.

Sessions include a thorough assessment and treatment based around a person’s specific needs.

The clinic is open until December 1, on Tuesday, 3.30pm-4.30pm and Thursday, 4.30-5.30pm. Cost is $30 per one-hour treatment.

CIT Fit & Well and CIT Student Massage Clinic, CIT Bruce. Visit cit.edu.au/services/ cit_fit_and_well or call 6207 4309.

Fitbit bonus from Fernwood

ACCORDING to Fernwood Fitness, when it comes to losing weight, what you do in the gym is only half the story.

“Yes, regular exercise will boost your energy levels, tone your muscles, and help you maintain a healthy body weight – but how active you are once you leave the comfort of the gym also plays a role,” says a Fernwood spokeswoman.

“If you have a fairly sedentary desk job, a half-hour workout won’t negate the effects of sitting for hours at a time.”

This spring, Fernwood, which has five gyms

CIT FIT & WELL

Fitness, High Performance and Rehabilitation Centre

CIT Fit & Well is a student training facility that is designed to aid students in their learning and support the ACT community.

CIT Fit & Well Gym

With modern equipment, functional training and power training rooms, student personal training and group exercise classes, there is something to suit everyone.

Joining is easy! There are no locked in memberships, no joining fees and no contracts. CIT Fit & Well offers a number of payment options.

in the ACT – Belconnen, Civic, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Woden and is run by women for women, is offering women who join before October 31 a free Fitbit Alta valued at $199.

“The stylish Fitbit Alta wristband automatically tracks your workouts, gives you reminders to move, tracks your steps to boost incidental exercise, keeps a record of your sleep, and sends you calls, texts and even calendar reminders – so you’ll never miss your favourite gym class again,” says the spokeswoman.

“In addition to a brand new Fitbit Alta, new

members will receive all the perks that make Fernwood Australia’s number one destination for women’s fitness: unlimited group fitness classes including yoga and pilates, a four-week online program with meal plans and recipes to kick-start your results, and the friendly women’s-only environment that sets them apart from their competitors.”

To take advantage of this offer, visit fernwoodfitness.com.au before October 31, or call 1300 FERNWOOD.

CIT Student Massage Clinic

The CIT Student Massage Clinic is available to the general public, staff and students. Treatments are provided by students and supervised by qualified health professionals in a clinic environment. As part of the treatment, clients are assessed and then the best treatment options are selected.

Massage provides relaxation and relief from muscular tension, pain and postural problems.

spring fitness advertising feature

Stylish footwear with the right fit

THE Athlete’s Foot Canberra Centre aims to provide the best fitting service in the world, says owner Paul Bennett.

“We do this by specialising exclusively on footwear and related products and through providing our team with extensive technical training from a wide range of sources, including brand and medical partners and utilising our exclusive Fitzi machine,” he says.

“Among our hundreds of footwear items are exclusive products, even from the biggest brands like Adidas and the Ultraboost ST.

“Our main difference is our variety of functional styles we offer, from running to sandals and the massive range of fittings options available or widths to ensure we find the perfect fit everytime, guaranteed.”

Paul says they have several new and exclusive products now available.

“These include running styles Adidas Ultraboost ST, Mizuno Wave Rider 20, Saucony Hurricane Reflex, gym styles from the Nike Free TR range and summer sandals from Merrell, Lightfeet and Orthaheel,” he says.

Paul says his team is a passionate group of sport and fitness enthusiasts who are studying or completed sports, physiotherapy and science degrees.

“Our management team of Alex Turner and Melissa Taylor has several years’ experience fitting footwear to every type of customer and works closely with our podiatry partners, learning from their in-store visits and sharing their The Athlete’s Foot footwear knowledge through in-house medical clinics.

“Our store mission is to achieve absolute customer satisfaction by providing caring, professional service and quality products.”

The Athlete’s Foot, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic. Visit theathletesfoot.com or call 6262 8344.

Pilates – a training partner for everyone

OFTEN people use spring as a motivator to start an exercise regime, but that motivation can sometimes bring on injury, says Felicia Darbyshire-Pirie, of Pilates Canberra.

“It’s about finding a balance,” says Felicia.

“People often start certain forms of exercise with deconditioned bodies and go too hard, too fast… spring is almost the key time that people hurt themselves.

“We find some people join our pilates classes before starting other forms of exercise – to help condition their bodies.”

Canberra Pilates has been operating since 1996 and has two studios – in New Acton and Phillip.

Its instructors offer individualised Pilates training using the entire studio of equipment as well as group classes in matwork and Reformer classes.

Felicia says pilates can serve as a training partner for everyone, but in particular those with deconditioned bodies or those recovering from injuries or pregnancy.

She says people who commit to more of their pilates classes receive discounts on their sessions.

Visit pilatescanberra.com.au or call New Acton on 6281 7788 or Phillip on 6162 1793.

The fitness power of walking poles

WHY does UK Weight Watchers accord Nordic Walking to doubling the activity points compared to regular walking of the same speed?

“Because it is proven to be far superior to walking without fitness poles – it is a highly effective weight loss tool,” says Kristen Pratt, of Capital Nordic Walking.

“Estimates of how much energy walking with fitness poles burns vary wildly, but the ranges seem to estimate 46 per cent more calories than regular walking at a minimum, and range up to 80 per cent.

“How much you burn really depends on how well you develop your technique and how fast you go.”

Fitness-pole walking – such as Nordic Walking and BungyPumping – are specific fitness techniques and not simply walking with poles like trekking or hiking, says Kirsten, who is an occupational therapist, qualified fitness and Nordic Walking instructor.

“Millions of people globally are enjoying terrific results from walking with fitness poles – including using and toning over 90 per cent of the muscles in the body (more than walking, running, cycling and swimming), increased cardio-vascular workout, and higher calorie burn,” she says.

“It also significantly reduces load on ankle, knee, and hip joints, strengthens core, improves posture, and can ease back and neck pain.”

Duncan Craig, ACT Representative for BungyPump Australia, says walking with fitness poles is a simple, cost-effective, low-impact and fun way to keep fit.

“It’s suitable for all ages, fitness levels and goals – including people with health challenges such as arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s

Disease, and being overweight”. He says people also use the poles as part of their rehabilitation following heart, back and breast cancer surgery. Duncan also highlighted the mental health benefits of walking outside in nature. Kristen and Duncan are running free information sessions every Saturday morning throughout spring and summer starting on Saturday, October 29.

Visit bungypump.com.au or capitalnordicwalking. com.au or call Duncan on 0404 373157 or Kristen 0499 993215.

arts & entertainment

think of Aleppo and drones.”

Ancient tragedy with a sharp edge

By Helen Musa

THE COMING production of Sophocles’ “Antigone” theatre is as up-to-date as a play could be.

“It’s a play about a civil law, you just have to turn on your radios and you’re confronted with that,” says actor William Zappa, who plays King Creon, “the primary example is Syria and it’s awful”.

Discerning “CityNews” readers will by now have spotted that this is our second story about “Antigone” in so many months – recently Canberra Youth Theatre presented an ensemble interpretation of the play. Now, in Sport for Jove’s professional production co-directed by Damien Ryan and Terry Karabelas, we’ll see actors including Zappa, Andrea Demetriades and Anna Volska playing

African twist on Prince

By Helen Musa

ALICE Taylor has been with the Canberra International Film Festival since last year when producer and filmmaker Andrew Pike and a bunch of colleagues steered the beleaguered event away from the precipice.

Now she’s the director of the 20th anniversary festival, a far cry from its modest beginnings at the University of Canberra.

In Taylor’s view they got off to a pretty snazzy start in 2015, with international films including Canberra and Australian premieres, filmmaker events, special guests, industry workshops and she’s now adding a few elements to bring something new to the event and make it unique.

“I’d say that 99 per cent of the films you’ll see in this festival are ones that you won’t see in the cinemas,” Taylor says. “This is important in defining the CIFF’s special role in the festival scene.”

Taylor is a Canberra arts girl through and through, one who remembers with fondness the long lost Festival of Contemporary Arts at Gorman House.

Schooled at Lyneham High and Dickson College, Taylor studied film and television at UCLA, then worked in TV productions in Sydney and the UK before joining Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, CAAMA, she eventually came home to roost with three children to raise.

out the ancient tragedy with a sharp, new edge.

It may be an ancient Greek story but the basic plot element, which involves the king’s refusal to give formal burial to the body of his traitor nephew Polyneices, has contemporary parallels.

“Damien says that with the Boston Bomber, nobody would accept his body for burial,” Zappa tells us, “it got shunted around to over 50 cemeteries before he was buried in an unmarked grave.”

As well, the fact that neither of the two rival Theban brothers, sons of Oedipus, want to give up power has political parallels.

But what is less common, is the fierce morality of the central character Antigone, who defies her uncle, the king, to give her brother three last rites, honouring both the gods and her own sense of integrity.

Above all, “Antigone”, he says is

about morality – what honour do we owe to our enemies? As the directors say, “her excess of feeling and fundamentalist zeal are hard to reconcile in a world crying out for unity, order and the rule of law in a time of chaos.”

The play presents a conflict between individual conscience and the law of the state, not between right and wrong. It reminds Zappa of the debate about same-sex marriage – “there is a question of individual conscience, but then the desire of the government to control the outcome.”

The directors’ say the king “selflessly places his state above the welfare of his family, pursuing a principle with the sort of consistency of will that we cry out for in politicians who so often stand for nothing.”

Zappa is relishing the fantastic speechmaking in his role, saying, “it’s wonderful to think that Sophocles puts words into the mouths of his characters

without being boring or didactic.”

Some of those speeches remind him of President Erdoğan, of Turkey, occasionally declaiming from the top of a bus – “I watched a few videos in preparing for the role,” he says.

Human passion is also part of the play and Zappa has two fiery scenes, one a huge argument with Antigone on the subject of justice and the other with his son Haemon about the opportunities for young people.

Zappa, no slouch when it comes to ancient Greek matters, having adapted the entire “Iliad” for a oneman show, praises Ryan’s approach to the Sophocles – “it’s thoroughly contemporary,” he says, “close your eyes and you’ll think of Aleppo and drones.”

“Antigone”, at The Playhouse, October 27–29, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

This year the festival spotlight will be on stories about women, Canberra, people with disabilities, indigenous films and Asia-Pacific films.

Ticking three of those boxes is “Footprints on Our Land”, a documentary centred on Ngunnawal elder Aunty Agnes Shea.

Specifically Canberran in location will be Ché Baker and Dallas Bland’s post-apocalyptic film, “Blue World Order”.

Naturally, Taylor has showier selections, such as the opener on October 27, the Australian premiere of the magic-realist Russian drama “Zoology” and “Halloween Horror” on October 31.

She is particularly excited by “a little gem we discovered”. With the almost unpronounceable title of “Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai”, it’s a remake of Prince’s movie “Purple Rain” from central Niger, just south of the Sahara.

“It’s basically the same storyline, set in West Africa,” Taylor says, “but with the added excitement of some really exciting African music.”

The first feature film ever made in the Tamashek language, it’s an homage to the late performer Prince. The name literally means “Rain the Colour of Blue with a Little Red in It.”

20th anniversary Canberra International Film Festival, National Film and Sound Archive, Acton October 27-November 6. Program details and bookings to ciff.com.au

musical “Ladies in Black”.

Season’s

greetings

By arts editor Helen Musa BOOKENDED by two spectacular, crowd-pleasing musicals, the Canberra Theatre Centre’s 2017 season confirms a determination to entertain as well as stimulate audiences.

First up, in March, will be Queensland Theatre Co’s lavishly-costumed “Ladies in Black”, an original Tim Finn musical set in a department store looking remarkably like DJs. Simon Phillips is the director and fashion will be the word.

The last show of the year, already announced in a blaze of publicity, is the Aussie premiere of a new “Mamma Mia” production, first opening in Canberra and very likely, ACT Tourism hopes, to draw the crowds and the cognoscenti to town.

Dance and physical theatre take centre stage in 2017, with Sydney Dance Company bringing in Cheng Tsunglung, the celebrated choreographer from Taiwan’s Cloud Gate 2 Theatre. Bangarra’s Stephen Page will stage a full-length work about Eora leader Bennelong. For the first time in Canberra, choreographer Shaun Parker and his dance company will be seen in “Blue Love”, a satirical take on pop culture and suburbia. For a wider audience will be “Landscape with Monsters”, Yaron Lifschitz’s daring, funny work created for Circa and Wollongong’s Merrigong Theatre.

Bell Shakespeare plans to turn gender on its head when one of its favourite actors, Kate Mulvany, plays

Richard III, building on her notable performances as Cassius in “Julius Caesar” seen at The Playhouse some years ago. A bravura performance of a great role can be expected from actor Mitchell Butel as Shylock later in the year in Bell’s “A Merchant of Venice”.

“Straight” theatre is in abundance for 2017, with the popular Sport for Jove Theatre Company (think back to “Of Mice and Men”) joining the subscription season for the first time with the great Rostand play “Cyrano de Bergerac”.

Ilbijerri Theatre Co and Belvoir are presenting a verbatim about Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve featuring the charismatic actor Trevor Jamieson.

And Geoffrey Rush’s “kick-arse” production of “The Popular Mechanicals” for the State Theatre Company of SA, will be here – the company will also bring “1984”, acted by Australians but produced by UK Company Headlong, Nottingham Playhouse and the Almeida Theatre.

Sydney Theatre Company’s production of “Talk” will see John Waters and a large cast in Jonathan Biggins’ long-planned theatrical swipe at the media. Waters plays a more-or-less fictitious shock jock who oversteps the mark, in the tradition of Peter Finch’s “Mad as Hell” character in “Network.”

And politics? Of course, there’s the Wharf Revue, and who knows what might be happening in the corridors of power by then – this is Canberra, after all.

Season subscriptions at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

Revulsion and disgust back for a second serve

“Joe Cinque’s Consolation” (M)

THIS is the second film telling the true, unhappy story about a beautiful ANU law student who murdered a handsome ANU law student whom she professed to love.

The first, “The Dinner Party”, written and directed by Scott Murden in 2009, spent 88 minutes fictionalising characters and events drawn from Helen Garner’s book.

At the time of its release, many Canberra people, including me, went to see it. I don’t remember how I rated it writing for a previous publisher using a previous PC. I do remember it depressing me, less for its content than for the manner of its making.

This new version, written and directed by Sotiris Dounoukos and also based on Helen Garner’s account of the case, also depressed me, but for different reasons. Its visual and dramatic values are well-crafted. The ending was the same. Joe Cinque never awoke from coffee laced with Rohypnol, boosted by an injection of heroin, both administered by a beautiful, emotionally damaged young Indian student.

Anu Singh served four years of a 10-year manslaughter sentence during which she completed a master’s degree and a PhD thesis entitled “Offending Women: Toward a Greater Understanding of Women’s Pathways Into and Out of Crime in Australia”. You’d have to admire her chutzpah as well as her eminent qualification to write about that subject. You need special dispensation to read it in Sydney

University’s archives, although Singh has self-published an edited version.

I’m glad that Dounoukos has made this version. Not that it sets the record more straight than Murden’s version, but because while it sent me away with the same feeling of revulsion, disgust, dislike, for Ms Singh, I admired Maggie Naouri’s portrayal of her and Jerome Meyer’s performance as Joe. Sacha Joseph is impressive as Madhavi Rao, whom Singh bullied into helping in preparations for the joint suicide pact that

Singh intended would include her (we can never know the truth of that intention) and Joe. Madhavi was acquitted.

And Dounoukos’ images of Canberra, especially the after-dark ones, do the city proud.

At Palace Electric, Capitol 6

“Julieta” (M)

THE source for Spanish writer/director Pedro Almodovar’s first drama film in more than a decade is short stories, “Chance”, “Soon” and “Silence”, from Canadian writer Alice Munro’s book “Runaway”.

Middle-aged Julieta and her partner Lorenzo are on the verge of relocating from Spain to Portugal when they meet Beatriz, once the closest friend of Julieta’s daughter Antia whom Julieta hasn’t seen for more than a decade. When Beatriz tells Julieta that Antia, married with three children, now lives in Switzerland, memory’s floodgates open for Julieta – her relationship with the Galician fisherman Xoan, Antia’s growth to adolescence, Xoan’s death at sea in a storm and Julieta’s hope that Antia, who never returned from a vacation with Bea’s family, will eventually reconnect with her.

Simple stuff, these events, a woman

dealing with complex emotions flowing from events over which she has only limited control. But “Julieta” is none of a chick-flick, weepie nor tirade against fate handing her a raw deal. Its story combines credible dramatic elements balanced with wonderful visual values enhancing the delivery of its dramatic ebbs and flows.

As young Julieta, teaching classical literature and language to high school classes, Adriana Ugarte is breathtaking. Emma Suarez makes a seamless transition to grandmother Julieta. The youngsters playing adolescent Antia (Priscilla Delgado) and Beatriz (Sara Jimenez) are fresh and lovely. The film’s two significant men, Daniel Grao as Xoan and Dario Grandinetti as Lorenzo, both quietly love Julieta as skilfully as they know.

At Palace Electric

“Masterminds” (M)

WHEN I see credits proclaiming that a film is “based on true events”, a cynical feeling overcomes me. Especially if the film purports to be a comedy actioner made in the US. Films fitting that description always make me feel that way, true events or not.

Well, folks, in 1997 somebody did heist $17.3M from an armoured-car, cash-carrying

company. It’s the biggest robbery yet and you know how “biggest yet” delights Americans, whatever it may be.

Writers Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Emily Spivey applied their inventive skills to turning that crime into a vehicle for Jared Hess to direct Zach Galifianakis running riot in. Zach’s not without skills in gormless roles such as armoured-car driver David, engaged to Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) but smitten in the hormones by blonde colleague Kelly (Kristen Wiig) who’s involved with criminal mastermind (the jails are full of them!) Steve (Owen Wilson).

In this farrago of pratfalls, various shapes, colours and sizes of gags and other stupidities, the veracity of the actual robbery and the relationship between fall-guy David and Steve and his gang is irrelevant. “Masterminds”, escapist fatuity, harmless enough, even mildly engaging, works despite itself and my cynicism. It’s based on a manifest untruth. It claims that the money has never been recovered. Most of it was. The thief will leave prison in about six years. And some of the outtakes sprinkled through the closing credits are indeed funny.

At Dendy

TEMPO Theatre is up to no good again, this time with “The Vicar of Dibley”, starring the talented Karyn Tisdell in an ecclesiastical change from her role as the doomed Sister Angelica for Canberra Opera earlier in the year. The play is adapted from the TV series and will be directed by Jon Elphick. At Belconnen Theatre, October 28-November 5. Bookings to canberraticketing.com.au or 6275 2700.

CHRIS Latham’s epic “Flowers of War” is reaching its climax for 2016 with a tour of “Three Treasures” – works by lost composers from World War I. It starts in Canberra and Sydney, when he’ll also launch a double CD of related works. Then, after dropping in on Fremantle with “Race Against Time”, music by Aussie “lost” composer FS Kelly, he’s taking off with Louise Page, Christina Wilson, Alan Hicks and Tamara-Anna Cislowska to perform at the Chateau de Querrieu on the Somme, the Army Museum in Paris, Balliol College Oxford and the Clothworkers’ Hall in London. The Canberra concert is at the High Court, 7.30pm, October 21. Bookings to theflowersofwar.org and click on “Concert Calendar”.

THE British Film Festival will be focusing on pioneering director Ken Loach and a “Local Heroes” retrospective that includes “Goldfinger”, “Room at the Top” and “Carry On Up The Khyber”. It opens with Amma Asante’s “A United Kingdom”, a period drama based on the truelife romance between Botswanan King Seretse

Karyn Tisdell, right, in the title role of “The Vicar of Dibley”.

Khama and his British wife. At Palace Electric, October 25-November 16. Bookings to palacecinemas.com.au

CANBERRA Wind Symphony returns under the baton of Geoff Grey, in a concert featuring works by John Chance, Samuel R Hazo and Percy Grainger, as well as the Canberra premiere of James Barnes’ “Symphony No. 3”. At The Street Theatre, Wednesday, October 26. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

SALUT! Baroque presents “The Bawdy and Refined Dance”, a tribute to the terpsichorean arts ranging from street dancing through convivial social dances to the refined style of Louis XIV. At the Albert Hall, Friday, October 28. Tickets at the door.

AFTER playing the Patrick Swayze part in a national tour of “Dirty Dancing”, Kurt Phelan will be here with his cabaret, “Phelan Groovy” (oh, dear). At Teatro Vivaldi, Friday, October 28. Bookings to vivaldirestaurant.com.au or 6257 2718.

SHOWTIMES

Friday 28 October 7:00pm

Saturday 29 October 3:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday 30 October 11:00am & 3:00pm

Friday 4 November 7:00pm

Sat 5 November 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm

Sundat 6 November 11:00am & 3:00pm

Thursday 10 November 7:00pm

Friday 11 November 7:00pm

Saturday 12 November 3:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday 13 November 11:00am ONLY

Thursday 20 October 7:00pm Friday 21 October 7:00pm Saturday 22 October 3:00pm & 7:00pm Sunday 23 October 11:00am ONLY

DINING out is so social. It feeds our need to combine human contact and be nourished.

Social and Co, a relatively new city restaurant, has designed a menu that lets you, well, get social. And social we did.

The food has a Mediterranean feel, so appropriate given that the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is all about eating in a healthy way, among family and friends with a great deal of banter.

At Social and Co family-style meals include a whole chicken, roasted in the wood-stoked oven, and served with creamy potato, rosemary jus and green beans ($50). Don’t fret, the carving is done for you. Or you can dig into dishes such as a kilogram cut of aged rib-eye served with house-made dipping sauces ($80) or slow-roasted lamb saddle ($60). Again, don’t fret. The carving is done for you.

The three of us were munching lunch before marching to Floriade, so a massive meal wasn’t an option. Instead we began our food experience with two specials.

The food has a Mediterranean feel, so appropriate given that the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is all about eating in a healthy way, among family and friends with a great deal of banter.

The fire-roasted king prawns (three in the serve) with artichoke puree, pickled mushrooms (“pickled” seems to be so “in” these days) and basil ($18). The prawns were plump and juicy and the other elements tickled our fancy.

We also shared the pork and duck breast terrine, also on the list of specials. It was a generous slab, but we found it bland ($15). The apple and currant compote saved the day.

Two of us shared the mixed seafood basket ($30). The garfish, prawns, mussels and calamari were all lightly battered in rice flour and hit the mark. The chips were hot and crispy and the lemon mayo creamy, with a perfect amount of citrus.

We also shared the grilled asparagus ($17) – why not, it’s spring? Asparagus and prosciutto are a marriage

made in heaven and this dish was loaded with the dry-cured ham and perked up with aged balsamic, smoked salt and olive oil.

The third member of our party dived into the pasta with south coast pipis ($25). The flavours were fab, including the chilli, but the pipis a bit gritty.

Chef Darren Perryman heads up the kitchen at Social and Co. His experience in hospitality runs deep, having made his mark at First Floor (sadly, gone to restaurant heaven) and as head pastry chef at Autolyse bakery in Braddon.

Social and Co has taken over the former Tosolini’s space (also gone to restaurant heaven). The main structure is the same, although the fireplace has been removed and the décor adjusted with a new colour scheme and furniture. It’s brighter, feels roomier and is spruced up with lots of greenery.

Social and Co, Bailey’s Corner, London Circuit. Open seven days from breakfast. Call 6247 8301.

Oeufly

good memories when fizz meets eggs

THERE is often a moment that crystallises as the point where book learning is superseded by experience.

As a young waiter/barman I was informed by my bible on wines and other drinks “All You Need to Know About Drinks”, that eggs “do not go with any wines particularly well”.

It warned me that “the sulphur in them somehow flattens the taste of the wine altogether”. So I had studiously avoided drinking wine with any dish that had eggs in it, although at the time two-egg omelets were often on the home menu because they were cheap and filling. And there’s only one thing money can’t buy and that’s poverty.

I was part of the outside catering team for Domain Receptions. I was the sommelier and wine waiter at an expensive 80th birthday party in the hob-knob Auckland suburb of Remuera.

There was plentiful wine and food and to this day I can recall the gorgeous smell of the game soup as it was served as the unctuous first course of a feast that money can buy.

The evening was pleasant and somewhat subdued given the average age of the guests. And the guest of honour was the life of the party even though it was after 8pm that the party really took off. When we returned to home base, the boss was extremely happy. He had received good reports about the service and the food, and he was to make good money. He proposed that we celebrate by having his favourite early morning (it was about 1am) meal: scrambled eggs with cream and shallots and a glass of French champagne. I thought of the advice about the clash of eggs and wine but as I’d never tried real French champagne before, I kept my mouth shut. As the book said, it might be better to start the wine when you’ve finished the egg.

But it was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The richness of the eggs

Drinking one to three glasses of champagne a week may counteract the memory loss associated with ageing. I can’t forget that research.

matched perfectly with the clean, yeasty taste of the non-vintage Veuve Cliquot. The wine was engaging and its mouth-filling crispness underlined all of the fuss about its supremacy as a wine. It was far removed from the wines of the time that I usually drank such as Cold Duck and Mateus Rose. The difference was planetary. And since, food and wine blogs have told me to eat my eggs Benedict and other eggy dishes with fizz, advice I’ve followed.

The problem is to continue to justify the additional cost of drinking French champagne generally let alone with the humble egg. So that is why I preened when I read the 2013 reports that purportedly showed that drinking one to three glasses of champagne a week may counteract the memory loss associated with ageing as well as potentially helping to delay the onset of degenerative brain disorders, such as dementia. I can’t forget that research. Apparently, champagne has relatively high levels of phenolics, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties, and these compounds assist the brain’s functioning.

But even if the research is wrong, to this day the intense pleasure that this first-time treat generated can be and is replicated: into the night make scrambled eggs with cream and shallots and drink a glass of quality fizz, marvelling at how it never fails to satisfy.

“Always keep a bottle of French champagne in the fridge for special occasions. Sometimes the special occasion is that you’ve got a bottle of champagne in the fridge.”

– Hester Browne,

author

RICHARD CALVER

gardening The power of regular pruning

BESIDES promoting more flowers, pruning is important to keeping shrubs under control so that they don’t intrude over footpaths or even into power lines.

Pruning is also a way of promoting spring leaf colour. For example, Photinia robusta hedges present a stunning display at present and have always been popular due to their fast growth. Pictured here is a Photinia hedge in our front garden that was trimmed about eight weeks ago.

We keep it low in the front so as not to present a security risk by screening the front door and rising higher between our neighbours.

However, unless pruned regularly, most shrubs – whether grown as individual specimens or as a hedge – can quickly grow out of control.

VOTED by the nursery industry as Shrub of the Year in 1979, Ceanothus “Blue Pacific” has to be one of the most overrated shrubs ever grown. Admittedly, its blue flowers at this time look fantastic, as seen here in Queanbeyan. But with tens of thousands sold and possibly an equal number of disappointed gardeners discovering that training has to start from almost the day it’s planted, with a very light trim after flowering every year.

Like conifers, it simply won’t grow from the old wood. I have had dozens of inquiries seeking advice on what can be done about all the bare wood and no new growth. The simple answer is, nothing.

To my knowledge, it’s the only member of a possible 100 varieties of the Ceanothus family, all from California, that has this problem. The plants range from groundcovers to more than 12 metres and the whole family is perfect for Australian conditions and yet rarely grown

by wholesale nurseries. Ceanothus is well suited to growing in conjunction with native plants.

When it comes to native plants, we were originally told they didn’t need pruning, which has resulted in many gardens ending up with scraggly, out-of-control plants. The same advice was given regarding watering and feeding.

Nowadays, common sense has prevailed and we don’t consider native plants as any different to other shrubs. The rule of thumb for most plants is to prune after flowering by reducing the height and sides by a maximum of up to but not more than one third at any one time

I HAVE had many comments in regard to the flowering of bulbs this year. In almost all instances there is abundant leaf growth and few flowers.

Certainly, this has been the case

in our garden and with some groups of daffodils it’s been all leaves and no flowers. Also, when they do flower because of the long stalks, the flowers simply flop over, nearly touching the ground.

A bulb grower suggested that it was the copious amounts of rain and a mild winter that promoted lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Interestingly, the nonappearance of flowers has been evident in other shrubs, such as magnolias. Both our Magnolia stellata or Star Magnolia and a huge Magnolia soulangeana next door always present a superb display, but this year the floral display has been pathetic.

Jottings…

• Don’t prune now-in-flower Banksia rose until after flowering.

• Watch out for aphids on roses and new leaves on maples. Use Pyrethrum to keep them under control.

• Feed roses with certified organic Neutrog Sea mungus.

• Continue to plant dahlia tubers.

Swap weeds for free native plants

THE next Weed Swap, where teams of volunteers reward gardeners with free plants, grown by members of the Australian Native Plants Society, for removing environmental weeds from their gardens, will be held over the weekend of October 29-30.

Privet, cotoneaster, broom, ivy, periwinkle and firethorn are among the target weeds.

Weed Swap happens at greenwaste sites Canberra Sand & Gravel’s yard off Parkwood Road, Macgregor, and at Corkhill’s yard off Mugga Lane, near the tip between 8.30am and 4.30pm on the weekend of October 29-30.

Enquiries to 6258 4742.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Mercury moves through Scorpio (until November 12) so it’s the perfect time to study, research or do some detective work. You’ll be in a mad rush on Saturday, when the Mars/Uranus square shortens your limited patience and increases your need for speed. Adventure calls as you shrug off boredom and tune into the Wild Child within. But – if you are too hasty – then you could find yourself smack-bang in the middle of an argument or accident. So pace yourself!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

In order to achieve success, abstract ideas must be transformed into practical projects. And remember there’s a fine line between divine dreams and disappointing delusions (especially on Tuesday and Wednesday). From Thursday onwards the buzz words are communication and companionship, as you concentrate on the needs of loved ones. But is a close relationship stuck on auto-pilot? Sunday’s New Moon urges you to re-connect with each other in creative new ways.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Get set for a terrific week Twins! Mercury (your patron planet) powers through your daily routine zone (until November 12) which will steady your mercurial mind and sharpen your powers of observation. Then Mercury hooks up with the Sun on Thursday which favours business, education, friendship, travel and convivial conversation as you link up with like-minded mates. Whereas Sunday night’s New Moon signals a fresh start involving health, work habits or pets.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

The marvellous mid-week Venus/Jupiter connection helps you pump up the charm at work and at home. Colleagues or loved ones are looking to you to come up with some creative ideas so dig deep. But don’t disappoint yourself (and others) by promising the Moon and then falling short in the delivery. Sunday night’s New Moon signals a period of nurturing old relationships and establishing new ones. So it’s a wonderful time to focus on family, friends and having fun.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Venus and Jupiter encourage you to contribute more of your time and talent to your local community. And the planets also prompt you to text, tweet, post or publish your ideas to an appreciative audience. From Thursday onwards the Sun, Mercury and the New Moon remind you there’s a backlog of chores to do at home. So get your cleaning and de-cluttering skates on! Then you can start the following week in organised style from the spruced-up comfort of your Lion’s Den.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

There’s no substitute for hard work this week (and no clever short cuts) so roll up your sleeves and power through the pile of paperwork on your desk. But are you viewing a loved one through ridiculously rose-coloured glasses? Perhaps they’re not telling you the whole story? Have you asked the right questions? Honesty and clear communication are vital. But impulsive actions on Thursday could lead to mix-ups over money. So slow down and take things one logical step at a time.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

With party planets Venus and Jupiter linking up mid-week, it’s time to have fun, flirt, charm, socialise, create and collaborate. So jump in and make the most of it! Then Mercury and the New Moon indicate a major turnaround to do with money matters or self-esteem issues. Keep an open mind, as you absorb fresh financial information or road-test a new fashion or beauty trend. But remember Libra – you are lovable for who you are (not what you look like or how much you earn).

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

It’s a wonderful week to zero in on your special talent, and make a promise to yourself that you will develop it to full capacity. As singer Katy Perry (born on October 25, 1984) says: “Find out what your gift is and nurture it.” From Thursday onwards the Sun, Mercury and the New Moon (all in your sign) propel you forward with stacks of magnetic Scorpio style. If you communicate clearly and creatively with others (and dress to impress) then you’ll make pleasing progress.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

With Venus visiting your sign and proactive Mars in your cash zone, you have the capability to make big money. And the capacity and extravagance to spend it! So strive to show some restraint, otherwise you’ll go from princess to pauper in a flash. If you approach others with plenty of tact and charm on Wednesday, then your efforts will be generously rewarded. On Sunday night, take the time to relax and appreciate the power and promise of the magical New Moon.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Mighty Mars is charging through your sign, so don’t hesitate to grab lucky opportunities when they appear. If you maintain motivation and are passionately proactive, then your life will start to move in dynamic new directions. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, painter Pablo Picasso: “Action is the foundational key to all success.” Plus, with the New Moon and Mercury activating your hopes and wishes zone, it’s also time to review and re-imagine some of your aspirations.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With the planets stimulating your career zone, start thinking about strategic ways to create work opportunities and maximise your professional potential. So it’s the perfect week to get feedback from your boss, clients or customers. Or look for a new job. But you may also have to bite the bullet and criticise a colleague, sack an employee, ditch a struggling project or resign from your current position. Then you’ll be free to start with a completely fresh slate next week.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Mid-week Venus/Jupiter vibes are wonderful for work and money. But don’t unintentionally mislead someone by giving them mixed signals. Do your best to keep communication crystal clear! On the weekend, prepare for a fresh start in an area involving legal matters, education, commerce, travel or international connections. The best time to take a holiday is sometime between Sunday and November 12. So start saving, planning, booking (and packing) as soon as possible!

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

4 What, in music, is an extended instrumental composition?

7 Which storey of a building is partly or wholly underground?

8 What are substances composed of two or more metals?

9 Which type of vote is invalid?

11 What, colloquially, is a betting coup?

13 Which contrivance, suspended from the horse’s saddle, supports the rider’s foot?

15 Name another term for a person’s outer clothing.

17 What is a crisp, salted, dry biscuit, usually in the form of a stick?

20 What do we call a fellow employed to tend cattle?

23 Which nocturnal carnivores feed chiefly on carrion?

24 Name the commanders-in-chief of navies.

25 What is a doctrine contrary to the accepted teachings of a church?

Down

1 What is a young deer called?

2 What is a roundabout course, used temporarily instead of the main route?

3 Name the wheel by which the rudder of a vessel is controlled.

4 What is the main axis of a plant called?

5 What is an informal term for stockings?

6 Name one of the plants of the mint family.

9 What is the arched upper surface of the human foot, between the toes and the ankle?

10 Which bituminous substance is used for roads, etc?

12 What is a particular loose overcoat?

14 Which word describes an intellectual attitude to something?

16 Name the capital of Turkey.

18 What might the lines of a poem do?

19 What is another term for a composition?

21 Which word defines units of electrical resistance?

22 Name a person associated with another, especially by treaty or league.

Rosalie was excited at discovering that she could strata-title the house and land she owned and came by for me to confirm that this would be a good idea.

“One of my neighbours suggested that I could sell it to my selfmanaged superannuation fund and then build another residence on the land so that the SMSF gets the benefit of lower tax rates. What do you think?”

Gail: There are a number of issues in your question. As I understand it you plan to live in the current residence and rent the new one.

Rosalie: Yes that’s the plan.

Gail: Well, that’s a problem in itself. Special provisions exist so that the fund cannot buy property from a member of the fund. So your SMSF will not be able to buy it from you.

Rosalie: So my current idea won’t work, but what about if we bought a similar property in the name of the SMSF?

Gail: Let’s look at some other issues to see if there is something feasible that fits your budget. The next part of the plan that presents a problem is that you are planning to live in one of the houses. You see, if you live in a house that is your SMSF’s property and you are a member of the SMSF, then the fund becomes noncomplying and will then pay tax at the highest marginal rate on the income of the fund. That doesn’t meet your goal of a reduced tax rate. Do you need to borrow to purchase the property?

Rosalie: Yes, because I had heard that you can borrow to invest in property.

Gail: Well, that presents some further problems. While you are correct that you can borrow in a SMSF to purchase property, there are some restrictions. The loan has to be of a special type and is not like your normal mortgage. You also have to have a separate company and trust structure attached to it. More importantly, while you can set up special trusts within the SMSF, you actually need to have funds available to develop the property you cannot borrow to do this. As your proposal requires that you borrow to develop the property your proposal will not work. If you had sufficient cash on hand to purchase and develop the property with no borrowings then my reply may be different.

Rosalie: Oh, dear, this isn’t looking good, is it?

Gail: I’m afraid you’re right; I haven’t even mentioned the costs of setting up these structures and how you have to monitor everything carefully. Even if you have the cash to invest right now there are restrictions on the amount you personally can contribute to superannuation each year and, with the new rules still due to pass Parliament, there is a maximum amount that each member of the SMSF can have as their balance. So, overall, it’s not a feasible proposal.

Rosalie: Well, I don’t like what you’ve just told me, but it’s much better than proceeding and then finding that I am in an unworkable position. Thanks, Gail.

If you need help with any tax, SMSF or superannuation-related matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.