161103 citynews

Liberal wolf sheds the sheep’s clothing

MICHAEL MOORE

Rage, rage against those sugar cravings

CLARE WOLSKI

Sad echo of the Dreamworld horror

ROBERT MACKLIN

When life isn’t meant to be easy

SONYA FLADUN

Fashion favourite

STEPHANIE KWONG wins the ‘CityNews’ Fashions on the Field at Thoroughbred Park

Canberra’s sad echo of the Dreamworld horror

If the theme park owners think they can reopen and expect business as usual they’re kidding themselves. The ride should be dismantled forever.

THE echoes of the Dreamworld tragedy will reverberate around Canberra for a very long time.

Popular public servants Roozi Araghi and Luke Dorsett and Luke’s sister Kate Goodchild – together with Cindy Low from Sydney – perished in the most terrible circumstances. One can barely conceive the pain of Kate’s 12-year-old daughter Ebony who was a witness to the carnage; and the horror of her husband David who plunged into the water in a vain attempt to save his wife. If the theme park owners think they can reopen and expect business as usual they’re kidding themselves. The ride should be dismantled forever.

NO surprise to find the dedicated conservative, Alistair Coe, elevated to the ACT

Liberal leadership in the wake of the election loss to Labor, despite his pious opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion. But what were they thinking in selecting Nicole Lawder who admits she’s from the “far left of the Party” as his deputy?

It’s a recipe for rupture.

SPEAKING of which, Attorney-General George Brandis seems to have developed a remarkable facility for getting almost everyone off-side.

The resignation of solicitor-general Justin Gleeson was only the latest in a series of showdowns beginning with Brandis’ ham-handed intrusion into arts funding that ended with his losing the portfolio. Anyone watching his performance in the Senate Estimates hearings would be forgiven for thinking the man a shameless, pompous ass.

OTHER revelations from the hearings

dose of dorin

included the mea culpa from IBM in taking “full responsibility” for the complete stuffup of this year’s Census collection. But here’s the rub – not only was no one sacked, but the American giant still has

ROBERT MACKLIN

its hand out for the full $9.7 million it says it’s owed from the ABS. By last week, the Bureau had still not paid its field workers the estimated $30 million they earned for fixing the mess. If “full responsibility” means anything, maybe IBM should be picking up that cheque.

REGULAR readers will recall our dismay

at the appalling state of Woden’s Callum Offices for early and absentee voters. Well, it gets worse. We’ve learned that the grubby joint houses Canberra’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service that sees very distressed and disturbed young people, their families and carers. It says something about what and who we are when this is “good enough” for vulnerable young people and those who work with and for them.

BUT enough of the gripes and groans. At last the soon-to-be-published “New Oxford Shakespeare” credits Christopher Marlowe as a collaborator with young Will in at least three early plays previously attributed wholly to the Bard. This brings to 17 of the 36 plays to be properly regarded as collaborations. And those of us who have made a study of the matter reckon there are still more to come.

GUILTY Secret time: We watched that awful “reality” show “Survivor” and the finale with the three contestants battling to remain standing on narrow poles as the sea crashed around them was riveting viewing. And we surely didn’t pick Kristie Bennett as the deserving winner. But one sure winner of Logies galore is TEN’s truly delightful “Wrong Girl”, the classiest Aussie production we’ve seen in many a long year. robert@robertmacklin.com

The guys who can’t stop singing out loud

By Freyla Ferguson

“IT’S an exciting time to be a chorister,” says Richard Lamont, president of the Canberra Men’s Choir, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this month.

The unauditioned choir, which accepts anybody who wants to sing, has members ranging in age from their early 20s to late 70s.

“We are always looking for new singers of all ages,” says Richard.

“In the past, it has been difficult to attract male singers. Many in Australia have thought that it was not the thing men do.

“But this attitude is rapidly changing with the success of the male talent shows on television.

“They have clearly illustrated that singing is and can be a rewarding thing to do. And that it can be enjoyable. We hope to attract an increasing number of younger singers.”

These days, the choir’s musical director is experienced opera singer and conductor Leanne McKean, a far cry from the group of men gathered at the Harmonie German Club in 1986, concerned at the lack of male-voice choirs in Canberra. One of the men was Dr Gunter Brandstetter, who became the choir’s first music director.

Originally it started with about 15 singers, but quickly expanded, continuing to hold rehearsals at the Harmonie German Club for many years.

“In the early days, the choir featured at all main functions in the Harmonie Club but started doing concerts on invitation at various outside venues as well,” says Richard.

“That included some Christmas concerts at

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Puzzles 23

Socials 13-15

Sport 10

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Rage against those sugar cravings, says dietitian Clare Wolski. Story Page 11.

Canberra Men’s Choir… celebrating 30 years this month.

the School of Music and The Playhouse. Initially, we concentrated mainly on European folksongs.

“When conductor Ken Teoh took over the choir, he introduced more contemporary songs, including arrangements of popular songs and songs from musical theatre.

“Currently, we sing a diverse range of songs, from opera choruses, folk songs, musical theatre and modern pop songs.”

Throughout the years the choir has performed in many concerts including with guests such as the Canberra Youth Orchestra, the Sydney Male

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Voice Choir and the Woden Valley Youth Choir.

In 2004, the choir was part of a joint concert with the Canberra Boys’ Choir in Llewellyn Hall.

Richard says the choir aims to do at least three performances a year – from community events to concerts.

“We also sponsor a male singing workshop –All Men Aloud – each year, which is designed to attract the unengaged singer,” he says.

“Many of our current members have emerged through that process.”

To mark the 30th anniversary, the choir will

perform “The Grand Reunion” concert at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 2.30pm, on Saturday, November 19.

The concert will consist of a segment of songs by the choir, a segment accompanied by a string quartet, a segment with former members of the choir conducted by past musical directors and will culminate in a grand finale, involving singalong songs with the audience.

Tickets at $20 (concession $10 and children 12 years and under free) from trybooking.com/mxyd.

Send food not flowers to new mums

By Kathryn Vukovljak

WHEN you’ve just had a baby, the last thing you want to do is cook, says Ebony-Maria Levy, founder of Hungry Mama Bear.

The concept is simple – delicious, home-cooked comfort food hand-delivered for new mums, but what started in February as a service for postpartum mums has expanded to reach anyone in need of support, Ebony says.

“I’d say it’s about 50-50 new parents and people who need a bit of extra help for whatever reason,” she says.

“I’ve had mums redeem their vouchers when they’re transitioning back to work, people who are recovering from surgery, or their partner is working away for a few months, even real estate agents who want something baking for an open house.

“We also find that people redeem their vouchers a few months after having a baby, when the offers of help and flow of visitors are over.

“Our customers have taken it a different way than I expected and it just goes to show that when you need support, you need food.”

Ebony, 27, says the idea for the business came when she had her son Edward, two, and was visited by a friend who cooked for her.

La grande band

“Being cooked for is an indulgent treat but also gives practical assistance and benefits the whole family.”

Ebony says she also loved bringing lasagnes to friends who’d had babies and started to see a demand for homecooked food.

“What we make is for the whole family, not just the mum, because that’s what really makes things easier – it’s one less practical thing to think of,” she says.

“It’s all delicious and luxurious –lasagnes, casseroles, cakes, chocolatechip cookies – the kind of things you’d make if you had the time,” says Ebony.

“We’re not under any delusions, we know it’s not an essential service, but being looked after with a home-cooked meal can be so important to someone’s feeling of wellbeing and it also fits with our culture of gift giving.”

Ebony, who left her career in management consulting and international commercial law to start the business, says that while her family loves cooking, it wasn’t about the technicality of the food for her.

“We’re not chefs, we’re a family of cooks with an Austrian/German background and we enjoy food and eating together, but this is really just about one family cooking for another,” she says.

“I was feeling terrible at the time, I had mastitis and having this feast made for me was the most amazing thing ever,” she says.

Photo by Andrew Finch

Next year Ebony, who is on the board of PANDSI, says she plans to extend her services to include Hungry Mama Bear At Home, providing postpartum care.

“It’s like having a grandmother check up on you, bring you dinner, make you a cup of tea, see what needs to be done in the house and gets on with it,” she says.

Ebony does the cooking with her

mum, dad and grandmother at their property in Wallaroo.

“The message is, send food not flowers, I don’t think anyone needs a roomful of dying flowers at a time when they just need looking after.

“I have never had so much gratitude than in this role – I love it.”

Visit hungrymamabear.com.au

MORE than 100 Telopea Park students from its three bands will star in a 12hour “band-a-thon” during the school’s annual La Grande Fête (2.30pm-7pm, November 5) to raise money for their 2017 tour of France, Belgium and the UK. One third of the money raised will also go towards building a new school at Pozieres in France.

Snap up a camera

ANTIQUE and collectable cameras, useable film and digital cameras will be among the photographic equipment and accessories for sale at the Canberra Photographic Collectors Society’s Spring Photographic Fiesta at the Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston, 10.30am-1.30pm, on Sunday, November 6. Admission and parking are free.

Snowy crew signs off

THE final and 44th annual picnic reunion of former Snowy Mountains Scheme employees, family and friends at Corroboree Park, Peterson Street, Ainslie, from midday on Sunday, November 6. More information from Denis Woodhams on 6287 1301 or via woodhams@acr.net.au

Community fair

St Mary in the Valley Anglican Church, opposite the Calwell shops, is hosting its Community Fair, 9am-2pm, on Saturday, November 12.

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.

The Liberal wolf sheds the sheep’s clothing

THE change of Canberra Liberal leadership from Jeremy Hanson to Alistair Coe completes the transition from a liberal party to a conservative party.

In “coming out” they should simply and transparently rename themselves as the “Canberra Conservatives”.

The long transition within the party from the time of Kate Carnell and Gary Humphries to the ascendancy of the two party conservative leaders Senator Zed Seselja and Opposition Leader Coe is part of a successful long-term drive by conservatives to take over the party.

Vicki Dunne and Giulia Jones, along with Alistair Coe, were the most prominent of the conservatives elected to represent the Liberal Party in the previous Assembly. They managed with the moderate Jeremy Hanson as their leader, who was supported by other more moderate MLAs such as Brendan Smyth and Nicole Lawder.

Now Deputy Leader, Lawder describes herself “as far left as possible for a Liberal”. However, the other Liberals from the same electorate are proudly conservative. Andrew Wall also served in the previous Assembly and former radio announcer Mark Parton has, while on radio, taken a conservative approach to business and social issues.

The irony is that by allowing the conservative ascendancy, the Canberra Liberals have severely reduced their chances of being in government within the foreseeable future.

Elizabeth Lee, from the Kurrajong electorate, identifies more liberal concepts such as “affordable and accessible childcare, greater support for flexible work, fairer paid parental leave, equality, housing affordability and inclusion” as part of the reason she has run for the Assembly. She sells herself as a liberal rather than conservative. Steve Doszpot, from the same electorate, is not as liberal as Lawder or Lee, perhaps more centrist but liberal enough.

In Ginninderra, long-term party member and Speaker of the Assembly, the proudly conservative Vicki Dunne, has been elected with Elizabeth Kikkert. Both are mothers of five children. Kikkert, who has made a significant contribution to charity work, is identified by a news release from her own Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) stating: “We demonstrate honour to our families, city and future when we actively participate and advocate for that which is good and right.”

In the past, the Canberra Liberals used Jeremy Hanson to counter

concerns about a conservative social agenda with statements such as: “Why would they have elected a pro-choice atheist as leader?” Assembly reporter Kirsten Lawson pointed out in “The Canberra Times” that Coe is opposed to same-sex marriage and abortion, but insists he will raise neither issue in the parliament.

“If they come up, I’m going to be true to myself, but this is not a barrow I’m pushing,” he said.

He has previously said that his conservatism “shapes him as a person, but is not what motivates him as a politician”.

Conservatism does not rest with social issues. Small government and minimal bureaucracy has been championed by the conservatives in the federal government. James Milligan, who has been elected with Alistair Coe in Yerrabi, emphasises on his own website his commitment

Conservative Alistair Coe

Andrew Wall

Giulia Jones

Vicki

Elizabeth

Mark Parton

James Milligan

to the individual, to family values and to small business.

Social issues are important. Vicki Dunne and Giulia Jones have taken a stridently conservative approach on social issues such as prostitution legislation, abortion and same-sex marriage.

As part of the election campaign the ACT Right to Life Association identified that Andrew Wall, Steve Doszpot, Vicki Dunne, Elizabeth Kikkert, Giulia Jones, Alistair Coe and James Milligan oppose a woman’s right to choose on the

matter of abortion.

Those who are not so conservative understand the issues raised in Sir Michael Marmot’s recent Boyer Lectures on the ABC around the “cause of the causes”. These issues require a greater focus on good government stewardship rather than a narrow focus on what can be achieved simply through the efforts of an individual. Jeremy Hanson was able to provide a façade of liberalism to a party that has become increasingly conservative with the Canberra branch leading the charge. The pretence has gone! The irony is that by allowing the conservative ascendancy, the Canberra Liberals have severely reduced their chances of being in government within the foreseeable future.

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

Moore is lost on Gungahlin Drive

I RARELY waste time and effort

re-fighting past battles, however the misinformation in Michael Moore’s column (“Why we have to get light rail right”, CN, October 27) re the Gungahlin Drive Extension battles of a decade ago cannot be permitted to stand uncorrected.

The GDE was not, as he claims, originally built as a single lane in each direction as a compromise to appease local residents.

The suggestion is nonsensical given that the initial two-lane road through the Canberra Nature Park caused only marginally less destruction than a four-lane road would have (the entire corridor width was mostly cleared in the initial stage), and in any case the Stanhope government’s politically motivated strategy was to ruthlessly crush widespread community opposition (mainly through legal costs), rather than seek to accommodate it.

Nor were opponents almost all local residents, as falsely claimed by Moore; in fact, many did not live anywhere near the planned route and were motivated by higher environmental and economic concerns. It was in fact because of massive

cost blowouts caused by the government’s mismanagement of the project that the GDE could not initially be built as four lanes. The government sought to pin the entire blame for its financial incompetence on the GDE’s opponents, a falsehood apparently accepted unquestioningly by Moore with his claim of “damage” by them.

However, their actions in court and elsewhere actually contributed only marginally to those costs.

History has since shown that the Stanhope government’s claims at the time – that the GDE would cost far less than it ultimately did, would cause minimal environmental damage to the Canberra Nature Park, would completely resolve congestion for Gungahlin residents and that the GDE’s opponents were mischievous in making contrary claims – were all utterly false and were known to be so at the time they were made by the government. Ironically, Moore is concerned about loss of trees to build the light rail. Where was his concern when vastly greater numbers of them were being chopped down to build the GDE?

Terry George, Kingston

Hasn’t the horse (tram) bolted?

NOW that the “tram” has been given the go ahead (stage one, at least), columnist Michael Moore makes good points about not having overhead wires and preserving trees (“Why we have to get light rail right”, CN, October 27).

Write to us

However, hasn’t the horse bolted? Mature trees are coming down now on Northbourne Avenue, with replacement young brittle gums already at the nursery.

Murray May, Cook

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

Meet the masons

THE world of Freemasons will be on show when the Canberra Masonic Centre, at 9 Heard Place, Mawson, opens its doors to the public from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, November 5. The public is invited to walk through the Lodge Room, sit in the chair occupied by the Master, and talk with Freemasons. A sausage sizzle will be operating for a gold coin donation with all proceeds going to charity.

Food and fun

ST Ninian’s “fete with food, fun and friendship” is offering the opportunity to buy Christmas cakes, cakes and cookies, Tongan food, spring rolls, and salads. Then there’s Devonshire teas, flowers, craft, treasures, jewellery, country kitchen, clothing, children’s activities and entertainment. It’s at the corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, on Saturday, November 5.

Axeman cometh

THE Hall and Districts Axemen’s Club will be showcasing the underhand chop, standing block chop and sawing events across three sessions at the next Hartley Hall Markets, Hall Village Showground, 10am-3pm, on Sunday, November 6. Entry is by gold coin donation and all of the proceeds go to Hartley Lifecare, which provides accommodation and assistance to people with physical and complex disabilities.

Thinking small

SPECIAL displays that include “A Centenary of Tanks”, “100 Years of Boeing Aircraft” and ”50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War” will feature at the ACT Scale Modellers’ Society “Scale ACT 16” scale modelling competition and display at the UC High School, 108 Baldwin Drive, Kaleen, 10.30am-3.30pm, over the weekend of November 12-13. Entry is adults $5, children and seniors $2, and families $10.

Interpol is not complete without Taiwan’s participation

Liu Po-liang | Commissioner Criminal Investigation Bureau | Republic of China (Taiwan)

Growing internationalization underlines the urgent need for Taiwan’s involvement in the global fight against transnational crime.

The 2016 InterNations Expat Insider survey of more than 14,000 expatriates globally ranked Taiwan as the best destination in the world. About 34 percent of expats in Taiwan are extremely satisfied with their work environment, more than double the average ratio worldwide. With a population of 23 million, Taiwan is a major transportation hub and an important economic and trade center in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2014, it was listed second among the top-10 safest countries of the world. However, in order to sustain a high level of public security at a time when cybercrime and terrorism continue to spread, it is imperative for Taiwan to participate in Interpol and work together with law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Taiwan’s absence in Interpol affects global security.

Taiwan became a member of Interpol in 1961 under the name the Republic of China, but was forced to withdraw in 1984 due to political factors. More than 30 years have passed since then, and at present only Taiwan and North Korea are excluded from the organization. However, Taiwan is vastly different from North Korea. The fact that Taiwan enjoys reciprocal visa waiver privileges with more than 100 other countries around the world indicates that the ROC passport might attract the attention of those engaged in transnational crime. Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol—in effect denying it timely access to key intelligence as well as preventing it from participating in seminars and training workshops—creates a major loophole in the global security and counterterrorism network.

Taiwan requires Interpol assistance, while Interpol requires Taiwan to ensure a comprehensive security network.

Taiwan is ready and willing to participate in global police endeavors in fighting crime. Since 2009, Taiwan police agencies have collaborated with counterparts overseas to resolve 235 cases and arrest more than 12,000 suspects involved in organized fraud as well as transnational trafficking of drugs and persons, including children. Although Taiwan police have spared no effort in combating transnational crime, their requests for Interpol assistance have met with little support, as reflected in the fact that a response was received in only 27 of 90 enquiries made in the first nine months of 2016. In a world shaped by globalization, an international security network that does not include Taiwan inevitably leads to higher law enforcement costs for all parties concerned. For example, only after Taiwan police had solved a US$2.2-million ATM heist perpetrated in the country by 22 foreign nationals in July 2016, did they realize that European nations were highly interested in the case when Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau was invited to discuss it at a special meeting convened by the European Police Office. However, Taiwan police were unable to promptly share information they had uncovered on more suspects in the upper echelons of the crime ring; nor were they able to gain access to intelligence they needed. As crime is no longer subject to geographical constraints, Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol creates a major loophole in the prevention of international crime, becoming a cause of concern for countries worldwide.

Politics should not override public security; we urge you to support Taiwan’s participation in Interpol as an observer.

Taiwan’s police, as part of the global police community, have the obligation, responsibility, willingness, and capability to participate in Interpol and work jointly with other police forces around the world.

So as to avoid sensitive political issues, Taiwan is willing to attend the Interpol General Assembly as an observer. Although participation in this annual event would not lead to direct and prompt exchanges of intelligence with member countries, or access to their crime databases, Taiwan’s attendance at various meetings and events would facilitate interaction and compensate for the current lack of intelligence exchanges. This could serve as an initial step to meet basic needs for transnational law enforcement cooperation, without touching on political issues.

Fighting crime is the police’s mission and responsibility. As police officers, we should transcend geographical, ethnic, and political differences, so that the global police community can work in concert to ensure social justice. We urge you to speak up for Taiwan at relevant occasions and support its participation in Interpol.

27 October – 3 November 2016 15,000 Canberrans experience some level of harm from their gambling. And it can really affect family, friends, and work mates. If you’re experiencing gambling harm visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.

‘Gambling harm hurts families too...’

LIVING in the moment seems to be one of the catchphrases of our times. We all need to live more in the moment, apparently; not spending too much time thinking about what could have been and what might be.

Now, at my age I see this as good advice. Not much point in tormenting myself now over all the things I could have done or about spending sleepless nights worrying about what might be.

But for our children, I think living too much for today is a bit of a modern-day trap.

These days everything seems to be about the now. In our digital, interconnected world so much seems to be instantaneous. There is endless entertainment and distraction. There are hundreds of channels to choose from at the touch of a button. We have vast information at our fingertips. Often we don’t need to learn something because there’s Google; nor develop a skill because “there’s an app for that”. We are drowning in games. Yet most of those games have no real consequences. Even if you make a mistake and “die” there’s always another chance.

None of this seems to encourage some of the old virtues of commitment, practice, reflecting on the past and investing for the future.

In truth, there is always benefit in looking beyond the immediate, in learning from our past mistakes and working towards a better future with prudent planning and by doing the hard yards now.

I learnt the hard way through trial and error that leaving things to the last minute, not planning ahead with my school work or university studies had serious consequences.

For example, preparing and writing a university essay required trips to the library, finding of a long list of books and taking time to assimilate things and be able to write about them. Research was something you couldn’t do at the last minute. But these days everything is online. Google now brings vast quantities of information in an instant, but knowledge and understanding doesn’t necessarily follow without effort. I’m revisiting these issues as my kids move through their school studies. Fortunately, both have learned a lot about preparation, persistence and commitment from their sport. There’s no app for much of what they do and that’s delivered benefits in their commitment to their studies.

However, at the same time, distraction and easy answers are ever present. It takes a constant effort to resist the temptations of instant gratification and easy solutions to problems.

Sometimes, I’m happy to see the kids make mistakes and pay a penalty in one way or another, than let them solve problems easily and instantly with technological solutions. Something might go wrong from time to time, but they will have learnt a lot along the way, certainly more than not having done it in the first place. I’ve certainly learnt from a few of my mistakes and nothing beats working hard for future success.

We might be living in an age of technological instant rewards, but some older truths endure.

SONYA FLADUN

Friday 4 November 7:00pm Saturday 5 November 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm Sunday 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

From a boy in a tent, a peace bell

By Freyla Ferguson

WHEN Fred Kasparek and his family, from the former Czechoslovakia, went on a family holiday to Italy in 1968 they could never have imagined that, in that same year, they would be calling Australia home.

Huddled in a tent at an Italian camping ground, they heard the news over a transistor radio their home country had been invaded by the Warsaw Pact countries, led by the then-Soviet Union. Fred’s father made the decision they wouldn’t be returning.

Fred and his family spent three months in Sydney when they first arrived in Australia before coming to Canberra, which has been their home ever since.

Now a successful architect Fred, alongside his daughter Lauren, have lent their skills to the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin’s project to get the Canberra World Peace Bell to Canberra Nara Peace Park.

The Canberra World Peace Bell, which arrived in January and is stored at the Australian War Memorial’s Treloar Centre, Mitchell, is one of 23 Peace Bells that can be found all over the world. It’s a UN Peace Symbol – the first World Peace Bell was a gift from Japan to the UN in 1954.

For Fred, it was only natural to jump on board and help facilitate the design of the pavilion that will shelter the bell – the design work of Lauren, a final-year architecture student at the University of Canberra.

“I was only six years old [in 1968] and I didn’t know the gravity of the situation at the time,” he says.

“People couldn’t just rise above their situation through hard work [back in Czechoslovakia at the time]. In Australia, if you work hard you pretty much can achieve anything you like.

“We need to remember how important peace is and be grateful for the peace we have in Australia.

“Basically, we can walk around Australia and in Canberra in total peace and share different views without retribution.

“We have to be grateful and hold on to what we’ve got and realise that other countries don’t have that.”

World Peace Bell project coordinator Michael Rabey says while the project has received approval from the World Peace Bell Association, the National Capital Authority and the ACT government, they now have to raise enough funds to get the project finished, an estimated $100,000.

Michael came up with the plan to get a Peace Bell to Canberra after visiting the Peace Bells in Hiroshima and Christchurch.

“After a big, tragic event people often want to lay flowers somewhere, this peace bell will offer a central place for Canberrans to grieve or show their shock and horror to what has happened,” Michael says.

“Hopefully, we’ll see people come to the park and ring the bell.

“We are going to arrange special ringing days and will

be putting a call out to community groups, like cultural groups, as many groups as we can to encourage them to organise their own ringing days around certain events or milestones.

“It’s a place to reflect, it’s not a celebration of a moment; we want it to be a sacred place.”

Michael says they have been using a quote by Chinese philosopher Lao Tse Tse to help promote the project: If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbours. If there is to be peace between neighbours, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.

Michael says they aim to have the project completed by the first half of next year.

“What’s been difficult is getting people to put their hand in their pockets and to make a donation,” he says.

“More people are saying ‘that’s a good idea’ and we’re approaching a quarter of the way there... “We would love to raise the money before Christmas.”

To make a donation, visit canberrapeacebell.org. All cash donations are tax deductible.

Don’t even think about the phone

TOUGH new laws are being introduced on December 1 that further restrict mobile phone use in vehicles. Soon, if you even think of touching your phone while driving, you’ll need a lawyer!

The new laws mean that while driving, you can use your mobile phone (a) to make or answer a call, (b) to play music, or (c) as a navigation aid, if the phone is in a fixed cradle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road.

But you cannot use your phone for texting, email, social media, taking photos, video messaging or holding in any way. Period.

So, let me get this straight: taking your eyes off the road and using your phone like a GPS is apparently fine. But God help you if you keep your eyes on the road and hold it to your head!

As the parent of a teenage driver, I’m always lecturing my daughter about driver safety. I’m constantly banging on about not getting behind the wheel if you’re tired, affected by alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), or angry because you had an argument with a friend. The other message I’ve always hit home is to never text and drive. No one can argue that that is not a lethal cocktail. I applaud the campaigns and television advertising highlighting the known dangers. But here is where my praise stops.

Most new cars are fitted with all manner of complicated gadgetry to supposedly “assist” the driver and make the car safer. So why is it okay to take your eyes off the road to fiddle with a touch screen to make a radio station selection? Don’t get me started on the level of distraction a satellite navigation system poses, or working out how to get your windscreen de-misted. Some models now even control the air-conditioner through a centralised touch screen. So how are any of these things any less dangerous than trying to text, let alone talking into a phone?

And, as for talking, police, emergency services workers, and truck drivers all use handsets – no problem. So how is holding a phone to your head any more distracting than using a CB radio or talking to a passenger while having a sip from your coffee in the cup holder?

When is the government going to look at this sensibly?

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated purely to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@ citynews.com.au

sport Women players light years away on pay

WOMEN’S sport in Australia is showing early signs of recognising the players and the work they put in, but I have concerns some sports are being left behind.

The improved pay and conditions for women’s cricketers, women’s AFL players and netballers has heightened optimism that things are on the improve in terms of recognition, but you need to look no further than women’s soccer and basketball to realise that there is still a long way to go.

For instance, Australia’s top women’s cricketers can earn over $100,000 a season if you take into account retainers, Big Bash, match payments and tour fees. The best domestic players can earn around $26,000 while all women’s national league players earn at least $7000.

These payments pale when compared with Cricket Australia’s payments to the top male players, where its 20 contracted players attract payments ranging from $270,000 to $2 million a season.

The AFL is paying most players across the women’s league $5000 for a two-month season, 16 marquee players will earn $25,000. But most players will have to pay their own private health insurance.

Netball is paying 80 players an average salary of $40,000 to $67,000 with a minimum payment of $27,375. The conditions negotiated are impressive; childcare, private health insurance and income protection.

Then you have a look at women’s basketball and women’s soccer for a reality check.

The WNBL doesn’t have any form of television coverage; hence it is a hard sell to sponsors. Women’s soccer, apart from two teams, one being Canberra United, are controlled by the men’s A League clubs.

Going on past numbers and information freely available, the Canberra University Capitals and Canberra United are two of the leanest operations, not just in Canberra, but when considered in relation to Australian sport more broadly.

Sources in the league suggest the Capitals are operating on a budget of around $250,000, which is almost half the budget of Perth. There is a belief that Canberra is operating on the second lowest budget in the WNBL with an average payment to players of around $7000 to $8000; marquee players, of course, earn more. Although it’s hard to get confirmation on the exact figures, what is clear is the outstanding job all the players and coach Paul Gorris are doing on a shoestring budget.

Football Federation Australia has introduced a minimum of $60 a week for rookies in the W League. That’s right, $60 a week!

There is a salary cap of $150,000, but most clubs can’t afford to pay that much. To run a team in the three-month W League season, the estimated cost is around $350,000, which makes the ACT government’s

The hope is the breakthrough made by sports such as cricket and netball will effectively drag sports such as women’s soccer and basketball through the glass ceiling.

contribution of $90,000 through the National League’s program vital.

It’s also my understanding that most players have to pay their own private health insurance with Canberra United picking up any gap payments.

In my mind, there is still light years between most male and female sports in terms of conditions and pay. The hope is the breakthrough made by sports such as cricket and netball will effectively drag sports such as women’s soccer and basketball through the glass ceiling.

healthy eating

Rage, rage against those sugar cravings

IF you find yourself reaching for the work lolly jar or rummaging through the pantry looking for something sweet after dinner, your sweet tooth and sugar cravings may be holding you back. Here are the best ways to curb your cravings for sugar:

1. Get enough food!

Often our cravings for sugary or starchy foods result from a physiological need for fuel. Carbohydrates are our body’s preferred form of fuel. When we have not had enough fuel our body can crave the most efficient source of carbohydrates – sugar! This can contribute to craving lollies, chocolate, biscuits and cakes when we are feeling drained. Making sure you have enough food throughout the day can help to reduce sugar cravings. Try including a decent serve of high-fibre carbohydrate and protein with lunch such as:

• Adding ½ a tin of drained and rinsed chickpeas to a chicken salad.

• Making sure there is ½-1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice for the leftover stir-fry.

• Swapping rice crackers for a high-fibre bread with tuna and vegetables.

2. Don’t keep it in the house/workplace Out of sight out of mind. Better yet, out of reach!

As humans we naturally do what is most convenient. We also adapt easily and get used to the routines we create. If you are wanting to change a habit of snacking on sweets after dinner the most effective solution is to make those sweet things very inconvenient. Ensure you have to make a special trip just for chocolate. Over time we get used to not having those foods and we are less likely to go looking for them.

3. Distract yourself

Contrary to popular belief, cravings don’t always get stronger with time. They often pass if we can effectively distract ourselves. When you

notice yourself wanting to rummage through the pantry while watching television, find an activity that can fully engage your attention for 15-20 minutes. The craving is likely to pass. I have often done puzzles, knitting, reading and walking with a podcast.

4. Find another treat

Sometimes cravings for sweet foods aren’t caused by physiological need or habit. Sugary or “bad” foods are acting as a reward for making it through a long day or a consolation when we are down.

If this is the reason you are giving yourself when you open that packet of biscuits, then it’s important to pause and question that premise. Will this honestly make me feel better or worse? Is there something else that I am really needing? Maybe some time to myself or an acknowledgement of my hard work. Maybe some comfort or calm.

Seek out activities and tools that will genuinely help you feel good, without any regrets.

5. Be a food snob

In the end, it’s okay to eat sweet foods so long as you are comfortable with your choice. Sweet cravings cause us trouble when we regret them. If you are genuinely craving something sweet, ask yourself what food would genuinely hit the spot. If the foods you’re eating aren’t what you really want, then what’s the point? Don’t waste your energy budget on cheap thrills. Pass on the rubbish chocolates at work and look forward to a sweet food you will enjoy, without remorse.

Clare Wolski is a dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call 6174 4663.

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No help with the street tree from hell

LONG-suffering pensioner and department-store

Santa John Wright has been wrestling with the heartlessly deaf ACT bureaucracy for years about the enormous street tree that looms across his fence and over his roof in Chisholm.

He had hoped the ferment of the ACT election might have brought a promise of resolution, if not some interest in his endlessly growing problem. Alas not.

The only response he got was from a couple of (unsuccessful) ALP candidates he button-holed at his local shopping centre who popped around to share the horror of the dangerous tree.

“Viewing has eluded all politicians and public servants making decisions concerning this,” he writes, though praises Liberal (now deputy leader) Nicole Lawder who in taking up the cudgels secured a “confused and confusing” reply from Minister Meegan Fitzharris and a substantial trim of the tree.

But the thing is still there and John doesn’t have the $6000 the government’s prepared to accept to have it taken away.

“I remain staggered at the ability of politicians and public servants to ignore citizens and inspect matters personally. Of course, if our tree was in Northbourne Avenue, down it would come,” he ruefully laments.

“A government with heart would remove such trees for those receiving Centrelink payments with an annual modest limit on numbers.

“We now have a speed hump proposal in our street which, had anyone come to look, would not have resulted in it being placed right on a driveway. Another battle to be lost!”

Nick the rich lister

THE threat of trees holds no such worry for Canberra developer Nick Georgalis, pictured, he of booming high-rise developer Geocon. Nick has just been tracked as one of 22 debutantes and the ACT’s only entry in this year’s national BRW Young Rich List to have an estimated worth of $144 million. He is reassuringly well above the $123 million average wealth

canapes Champagne,

per person on the list (up from $106 million last year).

And so you won’t die wondering: the total wealth of the 100 rich listers is a record $12.3 billion, up from $10.6 billion last year.

On the seventh day the earth moved

ABOUT 3.30pm on Sunday (October 30) our Bungendore snout thought he felt a strong wind gust.

“But my wife, a New Zealander and therefore wise in such matters, said it was an earth tremor,” he says. About 20 minutes later, he felt another tremor and set off to seek information about it.

He writes:

• Bureau of Meteorology warnings line –a voice recording purely about current weather conditions but no real time living speaking person.

• ABC – switchboard not manned at weekend. No phone-book number for newsroom.

• Local SES (across the road from our house in Bungendore) – no answer.

• SES in Goulburn – Robin answered my call. “No. I haven’t heard anything about it.” “Well, you have now.” She told me that the Bureau of Meteorology dealt with seismic matters and gave me a number for its 24/7 line – beginning with 9, therefore in Sydney. It was another recorded message.

He gave up.

“But I did wonder how things might have gone if, despite it being a Sunday, the tremor had been more powerful and the need for emergency services more urgent.”

How the other half golfs

THE normally toffee Royal Canberra Golf Club is throwing open its pristine fairways to let the great unwashed glimpse what three years of renovation has done to the Championship Westbourne Course.

On Sunday, November 13 there will be a seven-hole exhibition match between US Open Winner Geoff Ogilvy and a hand-picked selection of celebrity and professional golfers, including professional Mike Clayton, Royal Canberra’s Amateur Champion Andrew Tharle and media personality Andrew Daddo.

“I’m looking forward very much to getting back and playing the new course,” says Ogilvy. “I’m especially excited to see the run of holes home from the 13th. I think these six new holes have a real chance to be included amongst the best groups of finishing holes in the country”.

Sunday, November 13, gates open at noon and the match starts at 2pm. Admission is free subject to registering at royalcanberra.com.au

Royal’s new-look championship course.

where you will hear from our very own Solo Connections representative as well as guest speakers from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Wendy Wu Tours who will share their latest single tours and departures with you.

Meet and mingle with like-minded travellers, learn of the exclusive deals on offer and enjoy champagne and canapes throughout the evening.

us for an exclusive evening 5.30PM • 17 November 2016

scene / around canberra

At Thoroughbred Park’s Melbourne Cup meeting

Stephanie’s Cup fashion triumph

STEPHANIE Kwong, of O’Connor, pictured, has been judged the winner of the “CityNews” Fashions on the Field at Thoroughbred Park’s premier Melbourne Cup meeting.

Photos by MADDIE McGUIGAN

At the British Film Festival opening night, Acton

At the Egyptian embassy’s charity cookbook launch, Woden

education, skills and training

It’s never too late to learn a new skill

IT’S never too late to learn. And with so many training and education centres in the capital, what better time to start than now?

Whether it be to learn a new language, find the confidence to perform on stage or better your existing skills – “CityNews” has found some of the best training providers Canberra has to offer.

“FERST in … Safely out!”, is the catchphrase that drives the team behind Ferst Training Solutions, which offers specialised emergency response training to workplaces in the ACT and NSW.

Since 2007, the family-run business has offered a range of courses to workplaces including: Training of Emergency Response Teams; Emergency Response Chief Wardens and Wardens; General Staff Training; Fire Extinguisher Use Training; and Building Evacuation Training.

Its latest offering is its hostile intruder training, which focuses on how to deal with any hostile person in the workplace whether it be someone who is disruptive or threatening.

“We endeavour to give people the skills that

when something does go wrong, they have the tools to get out of that situation safely,” says Gary Cheeseman, director of Ferst Training Solutions.

“We’re not worried about property, but about keeping people safe.”

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations, Gary says.

“Our training is practical and procedural,” he says.

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333w778.

Lots of ways to learn French

LEARN French in a multicultural environment that promotes exchanges, respect and conviviality at the Alliance Française de Canberra.

Founded in 1943, the Alliance Française de Canberra is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in the ACT.

It’s a member of the Alliance Française network and has built its actions and reputation on the quality of its teaching and training programs.

Offering French-language tuition to adults, teenagers and children in flexible and modern courses and online courses, all programs are run by native and experienced French teachers.

“Our teachers have their Masters in teaching French as a foreign language or qualifications that allow them to be teachers of French,” Alliance Française says.

“We now offer two options for online learning. An easy-going and fun-filled daily email: ‘Frantastique’ and ‘#JeVeuxParlerFrançais’, a comprehensive online solution available for all levels with or without speaking practice.”

The Alliance Française has five terms yearly with class sizes ranging from seven to 15 students.

Courses include the Summer Intensive, January 9-27, for three hours a week for three weeks, regular courses for beginners, French for travellers, Saturday express, conversation and

pronunciation classes, individual tuition and group tuition (with friends or a small group, up to five students). Students can also partake in exams if they wish to get official diplomas. Alliance Française de Canberra also runs cultural activities and events, notably the Alliance Française French Film Festival. It also has a large library/Culturethèque (magazines, newspapers online) and the only exam centre for internationally recognised French language proficiency certifications DELF/DALF.

Alliance Française de Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, at afcanberra .com.au or call 6257 2140.

CANBERRA Academy of Dramatic Art is a performance arts training provider that offers nationally recognised certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas in musical theatre and drama, and a range of performance short courses.

New in 2017, is CADA’s Certificate IV in Musical Theatre, a foundation course in musical theatre that provides a comprehensive skill set in singing, dance and acting. The course can be combined with the Certificate IV in Acting for Stage and Screen to create a dual award. The Certificate IV in Acting for Stage and Screen is a foundation course in professional acting that explores movement, vocal development, stage and screen acting technique and industry skills.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer the Certificate IV in Musical Theatre,” says Elizabeth Avery Scott, managing director and co-founder.

“It’s for people who have a bit of background in singing, dancing or acting but want to be multi-skilled in different artforms.”

CADA, which started in 2009 by local actor-director James Scott and his wife, playwright Elizabeth Avery Scott, has been operating from Fyshwick since 2013 and now supports up to 500 students a week.

Its courses range from children’s drama classes (from age four to 17) through to its intensive courses such as the Certificate IV in Acting for Stage and Screen and Certificate IV in Musical Theatre.

“Our team is a very professional close-knit team of writers, producers, directors and actors,” says Elizabeth.

“Many of our staff came to Canberra for their families, but actually have quite distinguished careers.

“A whole range of different experience has been brought together at CADA and passed on to our students.

“Many students say: ‘I need to go to NIDA, WAAPA or VCA’ – but they’re certainly not getting short-changed here as we have that calibre of teaching on our courses.”

CADA also offers short courses in public speaking, acting, script writing, movement and auditions.

An audition for the Certificate IV in Musical Theatre will be held at 11am, on Saturday, November 26. An audition for the Certificate IV in Acting for Stage and Screen will be held at 2pm, on Sunday, December 11. Registrations for auditions need to be completed online.

Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art, 1/9 Lithgow Street, Fyshwick. Visit cada.net.au or call 1300 908905.

Flexible training with lots of support

MANTRA Training and Development is a registered community adult education provider, based at Federation Square, Nicholls.

CEO and founder Donna Moulds has operated Mantra for nine years and is passionate about the positive, supportive and reassuring environment she has created to give students a traditional face-toface learning experience, especially for those who have been out of the workforce a long time, have a disability or are nervous to start training.

“We provide a supportive environment with lots of flexibility from our trainers who work with students to identify their learning needs. Not everyone is suited to online learning, and that’s a really important factor to consider,” says Donna.

Mantra offers training courses and traineeships in business, financial services, IT and workplace training and assessment.

“Our students tell us that we are their ‘Mantra

family’ and I’m proud that so many of our students move on to complete further training courses or find full-time work,” says Donna.

Mantra trainer and assessor Samantha Newman says Mantra offers more flexibility and support than the average training company.

“We will go above and beyond to help them find a job that suits their career aspirations,” she says.

Samantha says that if a student is unable to complete a course due to unforeseen circumstances they are able to come back and redo the course at a later date free of charge.

“For anyone looking for a new career – upskill,” says Samantha. “Complete a course that will help you to be happy with what you are doing.”

Mantra Training and Development, Shop 5, Federation Square, 2 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 1300 898872 or visit mantratraining.com.au

arts & entertainment

‘Widow’ gets new words

By Helen Musa

PETER Smith, the director of Queanbeyan Players’ next production, is venturing into different territory from that of his beloved Gilbert & Sullivan as he takes on “The Merry Widow from Bluegum Creek”.

No, it’s not a spoof. All the music is exactly as it was, but the script is a complete rewrite by Australian writer and BBC TV producer Frank Hatherley. It is considered so good that it’s been endorsed by the estate of the original composer, Franz Lehar.

Instead of being set at the “Pontevedrinian” embassy in Paris, this one is in the newly-installed Australian embassy in Paris, 1901, the first for the new Commonwealth.

Smith hasn’t been taking the historical accuracy of the show seriously, but considers it a reasonable speculation, just as good as setting it in the original’s mythical Ruritanian embassy.

Besides which, the original is in

German and the English translations he’s seen have been numerous and sometimes tired, so why not adapt?

The show’s famous songs include

“The Merry Widow Waltz”, “Vilja”, “Maxim’s” and “Girls, Girls, Girls”, but this time round the waltz floor, the words won’t be the same.

In Smith’s view, the new lyrics work well, so they haven’t put the old titles in parenthesis. Take the nostalgic song “Vilja”, for instance, made famous by everybody from “our” June Bronhill to “our” Joan Sutherland, now it’s about a tree in dear old Oz.

The merry widow, now Mrs Anna Gladstone (Louisa Keast), is the widow of a wool baron, while her ex-boyfriend Danny (Charles Hudson) is obliged for patriotic reasons to marry an Aussie. Silly stuff, but who cares? Not Smith.

In his view, the important thing is that the actors be able to sing and with that in mind he has trained classical singers in the leading parts.

President of Queanbeyan Players since 2009, Smith plainly has a canny understanding of the balance between entertainment and quality and although he says: “I know nothing much about James Bond”, he’s tickled pink that some observant members pounced on actor George Lazenby when he was in Australia for Goulburn’s “SPYfest” – now he’s one of the society’s patrons.

“The Merry Widow from Bluegum Creek”, at The Q, Queanbeyan, November 4-13. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

Funny business in old Belconnen

By Helen Musa

THE cartoon series “The Road Runner” and legendary silent-era comedian Buster Keaton are the unlikely inspirations for a new short feature film about the founding of modern Belconnen.

In Justin Bush’s “The Surveyors”, a highlight of the coming “Belco Flicks V – Belco50” marking 50 years since Federal minister Doug Anthony laid the foundation stone, writer/director Bush creates a comic view of the hard-working men who helped plan the present-day district.

In a piece of serendipity, Bush only recently discovered that he has a surveyor cousin in Yass – convenient, as he was able to source a genuine theodolite from the 1950s.

Shot partly at Tulip Top on the Old Federal Highway and in his family’s property near Yass, the film shows two 1972 land surveyors who are unwittingly assigned the same plot of land – the bumbling accident-prone Oliver (named after the director’s one-year-old son) and his antagonist, known simply as “The Rival”.

Like the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, the pair are constantly on

the lookout for the way to defeat the opposing surveyor – sabotaging chairs with glue, arranging a black eye and even resorting to a strange explosive bearing the label “Acme”.

Oliver is a nerdy public servant surveyor played by local stage actor Miles Thompson, while the smart, tougher one is performed by Zachary Drury.

“It’s a ‘hauteur’ sort of approach,” he says. “Expression is through movement, you don’t need talking, let the audience figure it out on their own.”

Composer David Williams believes that his music brief was to recreate the era of silent film, but when he saw it, he immediately responded to the comedy.

“The element of Buster Keaton, so introduced a bit of ragtime and some roots and blues,” he says. Editor and co-producer Ryan Kerlin says: “Hopefully, it’ll get a laugh” –we’ve seen it and we think it will.

“The Surveyors” premiere, theatre@ bcs, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, 6.30pm, Tuesday, November 8; at Belco Flicks V Festival, November 5 and BCS on November 8. Free, but all details at bcsact.com.au

DOUG Anthony All Stars’ members Paul McDermott and Tim Ferguson have teamed up with a long-time collaborator to present a show titled “Near Death Experience”, full of “violence, horror themes, adult images, hypnotism and extreme-conservative values”. At Canberra Theatre, November 11-12. Bookings to thecanberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

MUSICA da Camera, the Canberra community string orchestra directed by Barbara-Jane Gilby, will perform “Transformations”, works by Vaughan Williams, Leydon, Shostakovich, Respighi and Couperin, in the Holy Covenant Church, Dexter Street, Cook, 2.30 pm, on November 12, then in St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, Goulburn, at 2.30pm on Sunday, November 13. Bookings to musicadacamera.org.au or tickets at the door.

PHEONIX Players are staging “Spring Awakening”, a rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik based on the famous German play of the same name by Frank Wedekind. Directed by Grant Pegg, Kelly Roberts and Matt Webster, it continues the Players’ recent practice of bringing us musicals we haven’t seen before – hooray! At ANU Arts Centre, November 11-26. Bookings to stagecenta.com

CANBERRA’S chamber ensemble, the Limestone Consort, is performing at the High Court, 1.30pm, on Sunday, November 6. Bookings essential to hcourt.gov.au

ARTSOUND’S spring book and music fair is the culmination of Members’ Week 2016 as the station undertakes its major fundraising efforts towards operational costs and development at the Manuka Arts Centre, 9am-4pm, on November 6. There’ll be conducted tours of the studio, music from noon to 5pm and sales of pre-loved books, CDs, vinyl and DVDs.

THE mini-play, “Box and Cox,” was a smash hit in the 19th-century and now Tony Turner is reviving it with star performers Graham Robertson and Jim Adamik as two unconventional bachelors. At Teatro Vivaldi, November 10-12. Bookings to vivaldirestaurant.com. au or 6257 2718.

Wearable art… The ACT Textile Arts Association’s annual exhibition and bazaar is at The Q, Queanbeyan until November 5.

THE Sunset Cinema program runs at the Botanic Gardens, November 11-December 17, offering a weathercancellation package, meaning that if a screening is cancelled due to adverse weather, you’ll get your money back. With four screenings each week, the season mixes blockbusters, comedies and thrillers with “family friendly” and “girls’ night” themed movies. Bookings to sunsetcinema.com.au

Dashing stylish dose of medicine and mysticism

“Doctor Strange” (M)

“DOCTOR Strange” is the intellectual property of Marvel Comics. Handsome, wealthy, a surgical genius, obsessed with his superiority to the point of being socially obnoxious, he’s convinced of his invincibility. Wrong.

He may drive a sleek Italian sports car, but he does that badly. When he leaves hospital, those hands that once wielded a scalpel so dexterously no longer work.

Director and co-writer (with Jon Spaihts) Scott Derrickson guides the good doctor’s first appearance in the world of the moving image since a telemovie released in 1973. The plot joins medicine and mysticism with that dramatic element without which no sci-fi fantasy can get off the ground –domination of the universe. Cities crumble, time comes to a standstill (surely, the most difficult trick in the book) and aliens arrive to dominate our planet. The mixture as before, but Derrickson’s talented image fakers come close to making its flaunting of every proven law of nature seem, if not convincing, then at least possible.

Playing the good guys are Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo the fighter whose influence sometimes restrains Strange’s enthusiasm and Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One. Benedict Wong plays the sidekick without whom no hero can hope to prevail. Mads Mikkelsen plays the villain Kaecilius.

Viewed dispassionately, “Doctor Strange”

occupies the triangle formed by silly, stupid and improbable. What saves it is style. The special effects are close to breathtaking and often beautiful.

At all cinemas

“Hell or High Water” (M)

YOU don’t have to be a fan of Westerns, crime stories or films looking at the tribulations of common folk, to find satisfaction from this unhurried, uncomplicated, satisfying lowbudget ($US12 million), 21st century Western, in its second week already profitable ($US26 million+), brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and

Tanner (Ben Foster) hold up branches of Texas Midland Bank at gunpoint, but take only the contents of the tellers’ drawers, not of the safes. They have a reason and a smart modus operandi

English director David Mackenzie takes an unblinking look at small hardscrabble communities on the Texas plains in high summer to tell the simple story in Taylor Sheridan’s fresh, intelligent and agreeably credible screenplay. The brothers have recently buried their

mother. The bank is being difficult about winding up the estate.

Gruff, unhurried, dedicated Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton is soon to retire.

Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of him is memorable. He and his part-Cherokee subordinate (Gil Birmingham) get on the case. We know they’ll solve it eventually. But not how we expect.

The screenplay as well as presenting convincing lines of action makes perceptive comments about banks, bankers and the banking trade. It moves among the common folk and listens to what they have to say.

There is marvellous comedy, especially the sequence in which the ancient waitress at the T-Bone Cafe tells Marcus what he can have his steak without.

At Capitol 6 and Palace Electric

“Elle” (MA)

AFTER a brief introductory shot of a cat’s face, Paul Verhoeven’s film gets down to tin tacks. The cat is watching a masked man raping its owner, Michèle (Isabelle Huppert), on the floor in her living room.

A divorcèe, Michèle runs a video-game company. She detests her father, in prison for

life after committing a collection of murders and sexual offences against children. Neither is she all that fond of her ancient mother Irene who gets her kicks from personable men of whatever age so long as they fulfil her sexual desire. Her adult son is a bit of a twit, with a pregnant girlfriend.

David Birke’s screenplay adapting a novel by Philippe Djian sustains a film that runs for 133 minutes, as frank as any not restrained by an X-rating may be. It’s a tour de force from Huppert who, at age 63 when the film was made, confirms my opinion that in the longevity stakes, handsome beats beautiful every time.

On screen for most of the film, she plays a woman who begins by hating her assailant but refuses to report the rape. And her watchability factor is stratospheric.

The rapist makes further visits. Michèle begins to discover pleasure in the sensations and their encouragement for her to explore new sexual pleasure, which it does more by implication than explicitness. Its portrayal of bourgeois life in an upmarket Paris suburb is interesting and possibly credible.

At Palace Electric

Rye rides the Braddon cafe boom times

Canberrans buzz to new places like bees to honey. Some survive and some don’t. Rye will make it, for sure.

BRADDON is still booming with new hospitality venues. Rye has recently opened. Close by is new Zaab (Lao and Thai food). Across the road is La Mono (Lebanese). So many choices with more to come. While Vitis, next door to Rye, now appears to be closed, the space is being renovated.

Rye won out on this visit to Lonsdale Street. It was breakfast, a meal I enjoy having out on the weekend. The place was packed, but I snapped up a table outside.

The fit-out at Rye is refreshingly different and I was comforted by the minimalist Scandinavian approach, complete with light wood tones and dove-grey accents. I adored the sweet set up near the fireplace, with a round table and two comfy chairs. Window seating on the inside is fun. Small tables with bench seating outside allow you to enjoy the herbs the café and bar has planted, and life passing by on Lonsdale

Rye’s menu is compact, with the emphasis on food quality. It’s great to see enticing

sandwiches and salads on the menu. Tasty but simple. And the Danish open sandwiches served on seeded, dark-rye bread look lovely served on wooden serving boards.

The prices are super reasonable, with options such as a bacon and egg brioche roll with chilli jam only $10, bircher muesli with coconut labna and berry compote, $11, and toasted orange and raisin sourdough with ricotta, banana, spotted gum honey, coconut and blueberries coming in at $15.

I opted for the Snow Mountains, premiumquality, smoked trout with potato rosti, a fried egg (sunny side up) and dill crème fraiche ($19). It was a beautiful breakfast. This trout is famous for its delicate texture and flavour and it married well with the other ingredients. I loved it.

The next time I’ll dig into the avo and poached eggs on dark rye with broad beans, peas, Danish feta and dukkah. What a great start to the day ($18).

Options for lunch, other than the open sandwiches, included crumbed lambs brains, steak, fish pasty and salads created daily.

Coffee at Rye is by Five Senses, which began its journey in the highlands of Simbu

The avocado and poached eggs on dark rye with broad beans, peas, Danish feta and dukkah… “What a great way to start the day”. Photo by Maddie McGuigan

Province, Papua New Guinea. I enjoyed a fabulous cappuccino. I was joined at breakfast by two friends who’d just had coffee and they also gave it a thumb’s up. We all agreed that the music outside was too loud

for comfort – especially for early breakfast. Rye was cracking it on my visit. I know Canberrans buzz to new places like bees to honey. Some survive and some don’t. Rye will make it, for sure.

Rye, 9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Monday to Sunday, breakfast and lunch (6.30am to 4.30 pm); Wednesday to Saturday, drinks and bar plates (4pm until late).

Invited to be Italian for a day

THE Deakin grounds of the Italian embassy will again be open to the public for the Festa Italiana on Sunday, November 13.

It is the second year Italian ambassador Pier Francesco Zazo and his wife Svetlana have opened their garden to the local community.

About 4000 people attended the first Festa last November.

“I invite the local community to take advantage of this opportunity and come to ‘feel Italian’ for a day,” says the ambassador.

The festival highlights aspects of Italian culture such as Italian food and drinks, including degustation plates, pizza, pasta, polenta, sausages, pastries, biscotti, gelato, coffee and wine. There will be musical performances from the Dante Musica Viva Italian choir, the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra, Joe Sorrentino and the Majazzter Duo from Sydney.

Italian luxury cars, Vespa scooters and vintage Ducati bikes will be on display. Funds raised will be donated to the Italian Earthquake Appeal supporting areas in central Italy hit by the devastating August earthquake.

Festa Italiana, 78 National Circuit, Deakin, 11am-4pm, on Sunday, November 13.

WHEN YOU BRING IN THIS AD

Christmas functions advertising feature

’Tis the season to be planning

YES, it’s that time of year again. Christmas is barely seven weeks away, so it’s time to plan your best Christmas… ever! First step, book a fun and relaxing Christmas gathering for work colleagues, friends or family. Second, add to the fun by dressing up Christmas style.

Transform your Christmas

CHRISTMAS can be another excuse to dress-up, and the growing collection of costumes at Sweet Apple Costume Hire, makes it easy to transform yourself.

Owner, Sue Knight, says the store has Mrs Claus costumes, Santa costumes and elf costumes to rent and sell for all ages.

Sue says: “Customers can come in with a theme in mind and we can show them what we have in store, we have a book with the pictures of the costumes to make it easier to choose”.

Sweet Apple Costume Hire, 79-81 Gladstone Street. Call 6280 9117 or visit facebook.com/thesweetapplecostumehire

Santa visits the clubs Christmas on the deck

SANTA is ready to celebrate at the Canberra Labor Club this Christmas.

According to functions and promotions manager Matt Michel, it will be a fun day with great food and happy vibes, especially when Santa arrives.

But for anyone looking for something a little different this year, the staff at the Weston Creek Labor Club will teach visitors how to play the popular game Jack Attack and coloured bowls.

“Bring along the whole family and let us take the hassle out of Christmas lunch this year with delicious new menus, a great atmosphere and free live entertainment at Belconnen.

“Whether you are after a private room or bistro luncheon, we have got you covered with great options across all four Labor Clubs.”

Christmas Day luncheons are available at the Belconnen, Ginninderra and Weston Creek clubs.

More information at laborclub.com.au

“CHRISTMAS has been a great fun time at Siren for the past five years and we know how to do it right,” says business manager, Edwina Webster.

Right through until Christmas Eve, Siren will be serving a hot roast buffet banquet starting from $29 and finger food from $15 a head, accompanied with “complimentary decorations and bon bons”.

Soak up the sun with some

music on the newly renovated deck at Siren Bar restaurant during the lead up to Christmas.

Edwina says there’s live music every Friday, but if the deck is booked they’ll organise extra musicians to play.

Siren Bar, corner of Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gozzard Street, Gungahlin. Visit sirenbar.com.au or call 6162 0377.

Take time to celebrate and remove the stress from organising your Christmas function this year...

• Santa & Elf suits

• Christmas themed outfits

Open Monday – Saturday Phone 6280 9117

HIRE FOR ALL OF YOUR CHRISTMAS THEMED COSTUMES

Shop 2, 79-81 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick, ACT

gardening There’s lots

COLD-climate, Japanese maples are some of the world’s best loved trees and some magnificent specimens can be seen growing in Canberra’s older suburbs.

The range and variety of Japanese maples is vast, with at least one to suit every type of garden.

To illustrate this, take an internet visit to esveld.nl, the website of a huge nursery at Boskoop in the Netherlands. In its Acetum, as they call it, there are more than 1000 varieties listed with descriptions and photos. One would think this would keep them busy, but this is only one part of their collection of other genera – abelias, rhododendrons, azaleas and many more.

Although only recently available in Australia, the Acer palmatum “Fireglow” has intense, red-coloured leaves that remain this colour all summer, whereas many Japanese maples will show red leaves in spring, then gradually change to various shades of green in summer, followed by brilliant autumn foliage. “Fireglow” was first selected and bred by the Fratelli Gilardelli Nursery near Milan, Italy, and was named in the Netherlands in 1977. Not a tall tree, it is ideal for the smaller garden, growing to about three metres.

THE leaves of Acer palmatum “Oshu beni” open in spring with an orange-red colour, gradually changing to green in summer before turning back to red tones in autumn.

This is the beauty of living in Canberra with these maples giving us three beautiful changes of “clothing” each year.

The “Oshu beni” grows to between three to four metres tall, with a similar spread. Its wide spread is a character of many Japanese maples.

Then there’s the “Villa Taranto”, a maple growing in the magnificent gardens of the villa of the same name on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy. It is a smaller-growing variety (to about two metres) and ideal for growing in a container.

Acer palmatum “Trompenburg”, bred at the Trompenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam, where last year I was fortunate to meet up with Gert Fortgens, the breeder of this maple. I asked to see the original tree from where many thousands of cuttings had been taken. Alas, I was embarrassed to discover it had only recently died and I was taken to see a newly planted specimen about 1.5m tall!

The tree growing in our garden is now about five metres tall and Gert was only too happy to hear of one of his special trees growing in Australia.

Jottings…

• Check out suitable Japanese maples for bonsai.

I’ve chosen these few varieties because they are available in local garden centres.

MY all-time favourite is

• Maples are unsuitable for new, treeless suburbs subject to hot dry winds.

• Plant maples where you can see and enjoy them from the house.

• Feed maples now with certified organic Neutrog “Seamungus”, a combination of seaweed and chook poo.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Are you obsessed about a work issue? Avoid being short-sighted and making impulsive moves. A calm, considered approach (with a view to the long term) is the sensible way to go. The best way to expand your world at the moment is through exciting new friendships and international contacts as you link up with like-minded people from fabulous foreign places, exchange ideas and share knowledge. When it comes to networking, you’ll find the more proactive you are, the better.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

This week it’s important to talk about any problems you have involving relationships, income, joint finances or a complicated tax situation. On Saturday, Venus shifts into serious Capricorn. So you need to carefully consider your aspirations for the future, as you celebrate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, singer-songwriter Neil Young: “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

It’s not all about you this week! With plenty of planetary action in your relationship zones, the more you focus on the needs of loved ones, the happier everyone will be. But, when it comes to a specific close relationship – are you pulling your weight? Or are you just all talk and no action? The more proactive you are about putting ideas and aspirations into action, the more successful you’ll be (both personally and professionally). And don’t leave social media out of the mix!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

When dealing with loved ones, being kind of heart and offering compassionate advice is a winning double. Monday’s Sun/Pluto connection encourages deep emotions and plenty of passion. So make sure you get up-close-and-personal with someone special. With Mars moving into your lust and loot zone on Wednesday, expect increased action in one of these areas over the next few weeks. But avoid getting drawn into a heated argument over joint finances or shared possessions.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

With planetary patterns influencing your wellbeing zone, learn to love the things that are good for you. Like nutritious meals, regular exercise, relaxing in nature and plenty of sleep. You’ll find the simple things in life are definitely the best! Like having a funny conversation with a child or picking fresh flowers to put in your home (or on your work desk). Plus, with proactive Mars moving into your relationship zone on Wednesday, being proactive in love brings romantic rewards.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With celestial aspects activating your entertainment and party zone, jump out of Virgo worry-wort mode and have some serious fun. As the week progresses, you’ll discover that lively conversations and shared interests are the keys to a happy home life. So strive to keep the lines of communication and creativity wide open. Your motto for the moment is from celebrated singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell (born on November 7, 1943): “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the Sun.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Avoid procrastinating and sitting on the side-lines! With Saturn (and then Mercury) moving through your social media zone, you have to work harder and smarter to get your message out to the world. So push yourself to post and publish; socialise and circulate; converse and communicate. But resist the temptation to be dazzled by superficial outer appearances. With Venus shifting into serious Capricorn, take a deep look beneath the surface to discover a person’s true lasting value.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Pluto provides a welcome energy surge on Monday, when your words and wisdom have the power to move others in profound ways. From Tuesday, you’re keen to persuade someone to do something. But are they ready for your intense and somewhat controlling approach? Smart Scorps will be an iron fist in a velvet glove, as you use charm to get others onside. As birthday great Albert Camus wrote: “Charm is the way of getting the answer yes, without having asked any clear question.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Lively Sagittarians love to roam wild and free. With Mars visiting your travel zone (from Wednesday until December 19) it’s the perfect time to plan an interstate trip or a weekend getaway. But, if you blurt out the first thing on your mind on Sunday, then you’ll spend the rest of the next week patching up the problems you’ve created. So avoid raising sensitive subjects, strive to be more strategic, and think before you speak. Remember – your first thought isn’t always the best one!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Prepare to be super charming and make those around you feel extra special. The planets stimulate your love of the good things in life as you enjoy convivial company, beautiful surroundings, the arts, fine food and delicious dining. But avoid the tendency to worry and obsess about something that is totally out of your control. Instead, heed the wise words of Mary Engelbreit: “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week you’ll enjoy riding a welcome wave of change. Venus (planet of love, friendship and joint ventures) helps you form alliances with supportive people. While Uranus (your power planet) dares you to choose a romantic, platonic or business partner who opens your eyes to progressive new possibilities. When it comes to face-to-face communication, social media or community connections, a comment you make could cause a controversial reaction!

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Avoid being a lone wolf this week. Or should that be a lone Fish? Pisceans can be very secretive, mysterious and enigmatic. But are you being far too private? Just remember that what you hide from others, you can also hide from yourself! So strive to be more open and honest in the way you communicate – especially from Wednesday onwards. If you nurture relationships, network with colleagues and combine creative ideas with friends, then its win-win for everyone.

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

Across

3 Name the legendary Greek huntress who undertook to marry only a man who could outrun her. (8)

7 Who was the Australian playwright noted for “The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll”, Ray ...? (6)

8 What is another term for one who sings? (8)

9 What is an optical illusion also called? (6)

10 Which substance is often used habitually to satisfy addiction? (8)

11 What do we call the remains of an animal or plant of a former geological age? (6)

14 Name an alternative term for a toboggan. (6)

17 What is a headlong rush of cattle in fright? (8)

18 Which lustrous concretions are sometimes found in oysters? (6)

19 Name a plant cultivated for its spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers. (8)

20 What is a person from whom a tribe, place, institution, etc, takes its name? (6)

21 What is a connection between persons, by blood or marriage? (8)

Down

1 Name a member of a particular criminal society. (7)

2 What are domesticated camel-like S American ruminants? (7)

3 Name a repository of arms and military stores. (7)

4 Which term describes that which is reasonable? (7)

5 To have recorded something, is to have done what? (7)

6 What is the projecting outer portion of the ear? (7)

11 Name the Australian deputy prime minister 1996-99 Tim ... (7)

12 Which embankment acts as a breakwater? (7)

13 What is a mark made by pressure? (7)

14 Who was the Australian governor-general 1982-89, Sir Ninian ...? (7)

15 Name the great circle of the earth, equidistant from the N and S Poles. (7)

16 What do we call ships’ kitchens? (7)

Maria came to see me very worried having applied for an ABN when she set up her business a few years ago, then having it cancelled and now she is unable to get it back.

“So I am still consulting, but just not registered for GST. My tax returns and business activity statements all need to be prepared.” I told her it was certainly a problem, but it could be sorted out. I asked her to tell me what happened.

“I got posted first interstate and then overseas to a tax exempt body for a year so,” she said.

“When I got back from the final posting, I tried to lodge my tax return and couldn’t find the documents. I guess they must have been lost or destroyed in the moving around. I continued to hunt them down and wasn’t sure what to do next.

“I was sure that I was entitled to refunds so I didn’t push it as I was expecting to retire fairly soon. I did retire and my plan was to prepare the outstanding returns.

“However, the day after I retired from the public service I was offered a lucrative consultancy out of Canberra so I applied for an ABN and started my new life as a consultant.

“I knew I had to prepare business activity statements, but I didn’t know how. I put the money away because I was worried about the outstanding tax returns and carried on with the consulting.

“After I had been consulting for three years, I got a communication from the Tax Office telling me that they had cancelled my ABN. I rang them to be told I wasn’t entitled to an ABN.

“I didn’t know what to do. I rang the Tax Office again and again and again. Each time they told me I wasn’t entitled to an ABN. I reduced the amount of work that I was doing and didn’t charge GST as I didn’t have an ABN. In fact, I still don’t have the ABN.”

I told Maria that first we would prepare the early tax returns.

“That shouldn’t be too hard provided you have all the right documents,” I said.

“Then we need to look at the business activity statements.” I asked Maria if her consulting income had exceeded $75,000 when she wasn’t charging GST and she said yes.

“The bad news is that you are still liable for the GST so you will have to pay that out of your own pocket,” I told her.

“I will ring the ATO now and get the ABN reinstated to its original date. You are clearly making taxable supplies, so you are entitled to an ABN.”

I rang the Australian Taxation Office and Maria’s ABN was immediately reinstated.

“The best piece of advice that I can give you if you have a problem with the ATO is to ring me and I will immediately assist you. From my first look at your papers, you will have some large tax bills,” I told her. Despite the prospect of large tax bills, Maria said: “Thank you, Gail, from the bottom of my heart. I have had many sleepless nights over this and I feel totally relieved already. I will be back next week with the rest of the documents for you.”

If you have any tax issues or lodgement worries, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

MAKE LIFE SUPERB.

LAND NOW SELLING

Life is what you make it. Throsby, Canberra’s most sought after residential development, gives you everything you need to create a superb lifestyle.

Less than 5 minutes to Gungahlin

15 minutes to the City

Bordered by the Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves

Generous block sizes

Quieter streets, playgrounds and open spaces

Choice of housing options

NBN network for fast broadband access

Environmentally sustainable urban design

Exciting community development program - Mingle

To find out more information contact Colliers International on 1800 272 580 or visit lda.act.gov.au/throsby