170202 citynews

ROBERT

Padma’s

HELEN MUSA

Pinot

RICHARD CALVER

PROFESSIONAL, FUN TUITION IN Ballroom Dancing

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Principal: Dale Harris

More gongs for ‘CityNews’ writers

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalists: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au; Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au

Photographer: Andrew Finch

Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196

Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Advertising account executive: Liam Jones, 0400 092095

Sydney ad sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

Production manager/graphic design: Janet Ewen

Graphic designer: Paulette Leo

Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

Family Lawyers at their best

“CITYNEWS” writers Michael Moore and Bill Stephens were honoured in the Australia Day awards.

They join columnist Jon Stanhope AO, editor Ian Meikle AM, arts editor Helen Musa OAM and sport columnist Tim Gavel OAM in making the paper probably the most-gonged media outlet in Australia.

Moore, who has been the paper’s political columnist since 2006, was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to community health, particularly to social policy reform, and to the community of the ACT.

Moore says: “I really appreciate the recognition, but it’s not just for me, it’s also for the people who supported me; my family, the Rotary Club of Canberra, members of parliament and, of course, the Public Health Association of Australia.

“My efforts for people who are vulnerable can only find fertile ground with that level of support.”

Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 2001, becoming Australia’s first independent minister as Minister of Health and Community Care from 1998

to 2001 and recently was elected president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

Stephens, who is a long-time arts reviewer at “CityNews”, was recognised with a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to the performing arts through a range of roles.

They include artistic director of the Canberra Philharmonic Society (1977-1978), producer and director of ACT Chief Minister’s Free Seniors’ Concerts (2005-2008) and member of the Canberra Theatre Advisory Committee (2010-2016).

Stephens says: “I’m delighted that the importance of the performing arts in the region has been recognised through my participation as a theatre and cabaret producer, director, reviewer, broadcaster and oral historian.”

Meg won’t stop pedalling until there’s a cure

By Danielle Nohra

THIRTEEN years ago

Meg Nuttall’s father was diagnosed with cancer and since then, 42-year-old Meg – the “ordinary mother of two” – has raised about $330,000 for numerous cancer charities.

After living with bone, bowel and prostate cancer, Meg’s dad, Ray, recently passed away.

“Nothing prepares you for it, it’s the biggest shock when they’re gone,” Meg says.

“For the first couple of weeks I would still pick up my car keys and go to drive to the hospice.”

Despite it being an emotional time, Meg is undeterred. The Fitness First Australia, pro cycling head coach is training to ride from Hotham in Victoria via the ferry to Hobart in Tasmania in the 1270-kilometre 2017 “Tour de Cure” between March 24 and April 1.

Meg’s love for cycling came from a “crazy bet” with one of her best mates who suggested that they could complete an “IRONMAN” triathlon. Which they did.

“I then started racing triathlons and “XTERRA” (off road triathlons) across Australia and overseas,” says Meg.

“After breaking my leg at ‘XTERRA World Championships’ my run was not great so I focused on cycling and won many 24-hour, team mountain bike events.

“Now with a couple of kids my passion is fulfilled through cycling charity events.”

This will be Meg’s second “Tour de Cure”, but this time it won’t be the same.

Last year, Ray watched Meg ride along the “Tour de Cure” route from his hospice TV, proudly pointing her out to anyone who would listen.

Even though he won’t be around to watch Meg this time, Ray asked her to keep riding for charity.

“It’s different for me now because everything I’ve done up until this point has been to fix my dad, to make him better,” she says.

“I didn’t quite win with dad, but I’m not done yet.”

After watching her dad deteriorate from a vibrant, healthy, amazing individual to a body in a bed, Meg doesn’t believe anybody should have to go through the same. And neither does “Tour de Cure”.

The tour consists of 120 riders and 35 support crewmembers who donate $10,000 to local cancer projects in each overnight stop.

“One place we went to, a young kid had a rare cancer, and at another place the facilities weren’t great,” Meg says.

“Some places they need to fly in specialists. It makes you really appreciate what you have here in Canberra.

“But it’s still not enough.”

Meg wants to see her 6-yearold son Logan and 3-year-old daughter Levi grow up in a world where cancer is curable.

She says: “I feel obligated

to fight for a cure, to improve quality of life for generations to come.”

Meg’s engagement as an advocate, raising funds has made the very personal journey of her dad, her family, including her husband and kids, and herself extremely public.

She says at times, it has been fantastic especially when small victories were shared with the community but then, on the dark days, it was really difficult.

But it was on those dark days that Meg realised the overwhelming compassion from the people in Canberra.

“I was born and bred in Canberra and the support from the local community is incredible,” she says.

For anyone going through something similar Meg says: “Spend as much time as you can with them.

“Take as many photos and videos. Get your kids to spend time with them. Skype them or Facebook.”

With “Tour de Cure” only months away Meg is determined to raise as much money as possible.

She says: “I think what I do is just a drop in the ocean, I’d like to make an enormous impact, I’m not done yet.”

Donations via tourdecure.com. au; Meg’s website for donations at tourdecure.com.au/pages/ tours/signature-tour-2017/pro file/219c6f2b808de7da6ce56d36 ed9aab62

There’s bad news, then the much worse news

It should be no surprise that the latest Centrelink imbroglio should have slugged Turnbull’s polling numbers. And if they apply the same scheme to old-age pensioners, they might as well give the game away –even with awful Bill Shorten as putative PM.

AS Canberra yawns, stretches and greets the New Year, much has changed over our sleepy summer and little of it for the better. Most striking is the new leader of what used to be called the Free World, US President Donald J. Trump

Our principal security alliance partner is now in the hands of a classic narcissist, a borderline personality, who owes his election in large part to a former KGB operative

in Russian President Vladimir Putin. And since Trump’s Republican Party controls both US Houses of Congress he now has virtually untrammelled power over both domestic and foreign policy.

That’s the bad news. And it gets much worse, because Trump and his coterie refuse to accept the undeniable evidence of dangerous global heating caused by the burning of fossil fuels. If America reneges on its commitment to reduce CO2 then the planet itself will enter a feedback loop that puts the future of humanity in jeopardy.

Alarmist? Well, when an Antarctic ice shelf the size of California is showing signs of runaway melting, the alarms should be going off all round the world. For once the climate runs out of control, international disorder becomes the norm; our species is simply not equipped to work together to solve the problem; instead it’s every man for himself and devil take the hindmost.

OUR leaders are all too vulnerable to the seductions of power. The concept of “service” to their community is lost on this current generation. And what better illustration than the protests of Trade Minister Steve Ciobo

ROBERT MACKLIN

Whytcross BHSc (Dermal Therapies)

Clinician and President of ASDC

Treatments

Skin conditions - acne, rosacea, pigmentation, scarring

Vascular - capillaries, venous lake, cherry angiomas, veins

Aesthetic - fat reduction, hair reduction, wrinkles, skin laxity

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during the Sussan Ley affair that he and his colleagues were “entitled” to charge the taxpayer for their attendance in luxury boxes at the AFL Grand Final.

HOWEVER, there’s a brighter side in prospect. Truth is, political power rests finally with the governed. In the Chinese imperial system it was called the Mandate of Heaven; in Australia it’s the “fair go”.

So it should be no surprise that the latest Centrelink imbroglio should have slugged PM Malcolm Turnbull’s polling numbers. And if they apply the same scheme to oldage pensioners, they might as well give the game away – even with awful Bill Shorten as putative PM.

Moreover, Donald Trump will discover – as Richard Nixon did before him – that his electoral triumph will quickly turn to ashes when he gives vent to the ignorance, stupidity and plain nastiness of the man within.

In 1972 Nixon won 49 states in a massive 18 million vote plurality yet by August 1974, he was gone. And, unlike Trump, he was a President who helped to bring China into the international fold. So let’s be of good heart – and keep our sense of humour – as the Trumpian drama unfolds.

SADLY, this is the last of my “Seven Days” columns. A bad chest infection, a legacy of my early smoking days – and my new book on Australia’s hidden history with China – “Dragon and Kangaroo” – which comes out this year has meant I must lighten the workload. But all is not lost; editor Ian Meikle, one of nature’s gentlemen, has invited me to contribute occasional articles. It will be an honour and a privilege to do so. So until then…. robert@robertmacklin.com

ASK A DERMAL CLINICIAN

What is acne and is it treatable?

Yes, acne is something we regularly treat at The CAPS Clinic and occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells causing pimples. It commonly a ects the face but can also occur on the neck, chest and back.

We have found that with education and constant monitoring, acne and the scarring often accompanying acne can be controlled. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in order to reduce the occurrence and severity of breakouts but also to prevent or minimise the possibility of scarring. For severe acne a referral to a dermatologist can be arranged.

For mild to moderate acne, our quali ed Dermal Clinicians utilise a number of techniques including: - medical grade skincare - dietary and lifestyle modi cations, - peeling/exfoliating procedures, - IPL and/or laser applications including LED phototherapy (blue light).

What treatment do you recommend to help clear acne prone skin?

At The CAPS Clinic one of our most e ective tools in treating acne is Healite LED phototherapy. Healite is a completely pain-free, no-downtime treatment which stimulates your skins own healing process. Utilising di erent wavelengths, including blue light, Healite kills bacteria to clear acne-prone skin. Healite can not only treat acne but a range of concerns such as ne lines and wrinkles, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea as well as help with wound healing and scar reduction.

What type of products should I apply to my face?

Unfortunately, most supermarket or over the counter products and treatments do not contain su cient active ingredients to be e ective at controlling acne. At The CAPS Clinic we do not recommend products containing arti cial fragrance or preservatives, which we know irritate and clog the skin. During a comprehensive skin analysis our Dermal Clinician’s will customise and prescribe an active yet a ordable skincare regime including an e ective treatment program to help control your acne.

To discuss how our Dermal Clinician’s can help you achieve clear skin call The CAPS

Tyronne brings stories of country to Canberra

WITH a passion for educating the wider community about local Ngunawal culture, Tyronne Bell wants to pass on local and general Aboriginal stories and knowledge.

He started his business, Dharwra Aboriginal Cultural Tours in November, which offers short, half or full-day tours around Mount Majura, Mount Taylor, Black Mountain, Flea Creek and Namadgi National Park, as well as premium experiences including a luxury helicopter trip and a kayak down the Murrumbidgee River.

“We want to promote Aboriginal heritage in Canberra through interpretation of the landscape, guided tours and cultural activities,” he says.

“No one is doing what we do in the ACT, we are set up as a tourism product, but can also offer school trips and workshops.”

Dharwra, which means land or country, is part of Tyronne’s company Thunderstone, which he started with his wife Bronwyn in 2013, after they saw a gap in people’s education about local Aboriginal culture.

“We wanted to help spread the local Ngunawal stories – we spell it with one

‘n’ – that are embedded into Canberra and the regions,” he says.

“On our Dharwra tours you get an experienced Aboriginal guide including traditional Ngunawal custodians, who will interpret Aboriginal culture

at significant sites.

“A lot of people in the ACT don’t know anything about our culture here, and we want to change that.”

The youngest of seven children, Tyronne grew up in Yass and says he has

IS YOUR POOL DEFENCE -LESS?

lived on Country all his life.

“The Dreamtime stories are a big part of our culture, and there’s always a lesson in them, whether about doing the right thing or jealousy or whatever it is,” he says.

“They are important and it goes back to traditional Aboriginal lore.”

Tyronne says he’s joined with likeminded people who have specific skills to create Dharwra, which means the company can offer traditional weaving workshops, doll making, bush tucker cooking classes and an introduction to the Ngunawal language.

“I’ve always had a passion for the advancement of Aboriginal issues, culture and language of the Ngunawal people,” he says.

“That’s the best thing about creating Dharwra for me, working with people who have specialised skills and share my passion for education, like Ronnie Jordan, who teaches indigenous games, traditional painting techniques and basket weaving, Adam Shipp who has a passion for bush tucker, and Jayden Goodrem who plays and teachers the didgeridoo.

“We had schools approaching us because they had nothing in the curriculum. We wanted to embed our stories, share our local Ngunawal culture and Aboriginal culture in general.

“We are doing this for the wider community. I think it’s changed in the

last couple of years, the way the community sees the Aboriginal culture is changing. We see that because more people are coming to us to hear the stories and we want to set things up for the next generation economically but mainly culturally.”

Having worked as a ranger in ACT Parks and Conservation, and in the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio in the Native Title Unit, Tyronne is now a member of the Natural Resources Management (NRM) ACT Council and says he is driven by a passion for education.

“I love telling kids, we never had shops – the Country was our supermarket and we used the trees and shrubs for everything from food, cooking, medicine, handcrafts to making weapons, we used it all.

“We lived off the land, it was survival. That’s why we are so connected to our land and country, and why we care so much about respecting and looking after it.

“It’s stories and knowledge I learned from my late father, Don Bell senior, when he would take me out as a kid and show me stuff. It’s the same for me now with my own kids.

“It’s my passion to pass on the knowledge to the next generation so our culture doesn’t die.”

More information at thunderstone.net.au

BE A BACKYARD LIFEGUARD AND KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER

Every year children under five drown in backyard pools – accidents we can help prevent. As a pool owner it is important to ensure your pool barriers meet the current minimum standards and are as safe as possible for young children.

Remember, while a vital safety measure, a pool barrier is not a substitute for supervision. Always watch kids in and around pools and know how to perform CPR.

That Ned Kelly had nothing on these boys

Four ‘special police’ constables were gunned down by the notorious Clarke Gang, widely held to be the ‘bloodiest bushrangers’ ever to take to the bush under arms.

IT was 150 years ago and more than a decade before Ned Kelly would earn infamy for killing three Victorian policemen that the worst massacre of police in our history took place at an isolated area known as the Duck Pond at Jinden, halfway between Canberra and the far south coast.

And yet, this largely remains one of the least known occurrences in all of Australia’s often glorified bushranging past and of the death of multiple officers in a single act of performing their duty.

In an effort to rescue the details from historic obscurity, the Monaro Local Area Command of the NSW Police has unveiled an official memorial marking the spot and direct descendants of the parties involved were among those present.

Today the remote location essentially remains as it was on January 9, 1867, when four “special police” constables were gunned down by the notorious Clarke Gang, widely held to be the “bloodiest bushrangers” ever to take to the bush under arms.

Led by brothers Thomas and John Clarke, they’d killed 25-year-old Constable Miles O’Grady on April 9 the previous year. In total, while lasting less than two years, their

rampage from Braidwood to the Monaro encompassed up to 100 crimes, including a potential seven murders.

So high-profile were their misdeeds, the Felons’ Apprehension Act of 1865 was invoked against Tommy and his uncle, Pat Connell, allowing the public to shoot them on sight, while Colonial Secretary, Henry Parkes, established – contentiously – an “independent” force intended to bring this “reign of terror” to an end.

John Carroll and Patrick Kennagh, both prison warders, and Eneas McDonnell, also a warder and ex-policeman, along with ex-convict John Phegan, were secretly sent to Braidwood and “sworn in as special constables for the district”.

According to Araluen author, Peter C. Smith, who in 2015 pro duced the most comprehensive book written on the Clarkes, it was as the troopers were heading back to Jinden Homestead that they were ambushed. All were shot dead.

“Constables Carroll and Kennagh were clearly in a kneeling position. Whether it was intended as an execution, or if the men were pleading for mercy or saying their prayers remains unknown.”

“It was a tragedy that

The four “special police” constables massacred at an isolated area known as the Duck Pond at Jinden, halfway between Canberra and the far south coast on January 9, 1867.

shocked the colony,” says Smith. “But along with being victims of the bushrangers, the special officers then became the victims of politics – a government that would take no responsibility for the creation of a force outside a force, and the police who were angered at the suggestion they were unable to adequately deal with the situation.”

It would take another two months before the Clarkes would finally be tracked down – still in the vicinity of Jinden – and after being taken to Nelligen, where they were chained to a tree

that continues to stand in mute testimony to their litany of crime, they were removed to Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney. There, on June 25, 1867, Tommy at 27 and John, only 21, met their end on twin gallows, the sentence handed down for the single act of shooting (with intent to kill) Constable William Walsh during their final stand. As Smith sums it up: “There was no need to try them for the other murders, they’d been sentenced to death and dead

was dead.”

Sensationally though, until their very last moments, the brothers would protest their innocence in relation to the deaths of the officers of the law (though if not they, then who?), and this continued to fuel speculation and distort the events of the day.

Chris Phegan is the greatgreat-nephew of the fourth member of Parkes’ police, John Phegan, and he says that for many years his uncle’s story was virtually lost to the family with details obscure and largely inaccurate.

“My father told me the story when I was young, but in his version, we were related to a bushranger. Only much later did we learn the truth of John Phegan’s involvement and

fate,”he says.

After 50 years of research into the Clarkes, their associates and their victims, for Smith it’s the marking of the site on the same date, 150 years later, that’s significant.

“Until today , the sacrifice those men made had never truly been acknowledged.”

Nichole Overall is a Queanbeyan-based journalist, author and social historian.

NICHOLE OVERALL

There’s sharing and there’s sharing!

SHARING is a good thing. Learning to share is one of the first things we try to teach our kids.

From the time my son and daughter were tiny infants I wanted them to share with others and each other. I think I have been pretty successful. They’re happy to share – most of the time. They’re happy to share most things – except, of course, really important things such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, the best spot on the couch and the TV remote.

But I have to confess, I am now the one finding the whole sharing thing a bit difficult. It’s been a while coming, but my daughter has now discovered mum’s stuff!

Yep, mum’s bathroom cabinet is brimming with desirables; there’s make up sets, perfume, hair styling devices – all things a tween girl wants. Mum’s wardrobe is another goldmine of costume jewellery, bags, scarves and other treasures.

There was once a time when my girl would spend the afternoon in her room busy with colouring books and other projects. Now she’s raiding my wardrobe and dragging the booty back to her lair.

Mum is also the repository of all the spare stuff. If anything runs out –deodorant, toothpaste, hair pins – well, mum’s stuff can always be taken to use. I don’t want to sound churlish, but for me it means as I race to get ready for work in the mornings, things are never where they are supposed to be or, worse, they have been all used up through over-zealous application. Expensive face creams can be used up in one sitting on a face that still has decades to go before these things will be required. Chanel No 5 has been used as a room spray, while my favourite evening bag is now serving as storage for crayons, pencils and marker pen textas.

I know I am not alone. Many mothers with daughters find their property purloined by eager offspring. Of course, part of the problem is I have to move her along the educational curve and teach her that the fundamentals of sharing include asking first, proper

SONYA FLADUN

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care of borrowed property and its return in the same condition it was found in. Sharing is not ownership, even if the borrowing is from mum. I know many mums take all this on the chin. They accept that for a decade or more nothing in their once-private stash of desirable things will be off limits, but I’m going to try to hold the line. If you think about it, the limits of sharing is another one of life’s

important lessons.

Of course, this is pretty much a one-way street at the moment. I’m not likely to want to share very much of my girl’s stuff for some time to come, but personal experience is an important part of learning.

Perhaps I should “borrow” one of her extra nice bath bombs the next time I have some time to relax. That could be a good lesson.

Dancing the world

A

is

7.30pm-8.30pm on Thursday nights, at the Folk Dance Canberra Hall, Hackett Community Centre, 114 Maitland Street. The community club will teach dances from Russia, Peru, Albania, Turkey and Romania. No partner necessary. Cost is $10.50 a class and all welcome. Bookings and enquiries to 0420 524412.

Grants for clubs

THE Belconnen Magpies AFL club and Canberra Off Road Cyclists have been awarded Giving4Grassroots grants from the Australian Sports Foundation to increase participation numbers. The Magpies will use its $3000 grant to partner with the University of Canberra to increase women’s AFL participation by offering university students and other young females a way to meet new people and try AFL. Canberra Off Road Cyclists will use its $8000 grant to provide instruction and support to help participants explore and build mountain biking riding skills.

Give the greyhounds one last chance

ALAN Tutt’s impassioned defence of the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club (‘Unblemished’ welfare record, letters, December 15) in the face of RSPCA criticism was interesting.

His love for greyhounds is evident. Indeed, I recall him waxing lyrical about this years ago. The big issue is whether there are recalcitrants out there still likely to practice live baiting. Given the strong penalties now in prospect, a heightened public awareness, plus millions of camera phones, could we give the greyhound industry one last chance?

R F Brown, Kambah

Ignorance trumps egalitarianism

WINE writer Richard Calver’s column (“Poor taste of hamfisted service”, CN, January 17) highlights just one aspect of the slovenliness and lack of standards that permeate this country,

Richard Calver.

at least.

To put it in the vernacular, he is obviously a “connor-sewer” of the finer things, but must realise he lives in “Boganville”, where egalitarianism has degenerated into cultural ignorance. There is an economical upside to this, though: there is no expectation that money can buy you superior service (except in the health service, one place where egalitarianism should prevail).

P

Edwards, Weston Creek

all Australians by renaming January 26 “Arrival Day”, which would not carry adverse reference to our indigenous people, because they were already here.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Moved by drug stand

Who’s for Arrival Day?

IN recent decades I have witnessed community hatred in the approach to and on Australia Day.

The country continues to hemorrhage from this verbal and physical conflict, with the distinct probability it will worsen in future years. There is already an International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is intended to build strong relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people. It was in November 1804 that this continent was first named Australia, on the map of Matthew Flinders. So why not remove impediments to goodwill among

believes inmates will be drug free when they leave prison even though evidence shows that inmates still have access to drugs in prison.

I believe Mr Stanhope on his comments on marijuana believes, like many of us who are advocating drug law reform, that marijuana should not be advertised and promoted as is alcohol, but neither should its personal use be a criminal offence with all its negative effects.

Reader BRENDA PYE, of Florey, is grumpy about the behaviour of thoughtless cyclists

IN this hot weather it is pleasurable to walk around the lake early in the morning.

The lake is like glass, birds are chirping everywhere and the air is fresh and cool.

Jon Stanhope.

CONTRARY to Colliss Parrett’s view (letters, CN January 17) on Jon Stanhope’s column (“Handing out needles, I know it’s time for reform”, December 15) I was moved to know that a politician, albeit a former one, was moved by evidence and basic morality to realise that the drug laws we now have are causing more harm than they prevent and it is time for a rethink.

I was particularly moved by Jon’s last comment: “They might be a friend of yours or a close neighbour. I don’t know who they are, but I can tell you they each have a face”.

Colliss Parratt, on the other hand, refuses to look at the evidence. He still

your business want to save money and be environmentally responsible?

I like to think of it in the form of a Ucurve. The bottom of the U-curve on one side illustrates the total adverse harms caused by alcohol liberalisation and promotion, the other side of the U-curve illustrates the total adverse harms caused by drug prohibition. Policies that move alcohol and drugs towards the top of the U-curve where least harm occurs is where our policies should be heading.

I hope other politicians will take note.

M McConnell, Giralang

Write to us

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

Unfortunately, all this beauty is marred by the Lycra-clad, mainly young men who hurtle round the lakeside paths going flat out. Usually the first indication one has of their presence is when they shoot past in a gust of air and often giving the walker a profound start.

All around the lake are notices exhorting cyclists to “give way to pedestrians” and to “sound their bell”. Most of the cyclists don’t have a bell, let alone sound it. Under these circumstances it is quite hazardous for little kiddies on bikes, elderly walkers and dogs on leads.

Perhaps if these cyclists walked instead of riding, they would enjoy the beauties of nature more as well as preserving the peaceful environment. As it is, their riding is more suited to a velodrome or the AIS.

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

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

The whiff of scandal that got the pollies sniffing

“CHOPPERGATE” cost Bronwyn Bishop the job of Speaker of the House and this month Sussan Ley has resigned her ministry over misuse of parliamentary entitlements. Others have been caught up in one way or another.

Former Treasurer Joe Hockey’s “age of entitlement” has been shown to be psychological projection. It is not the poor, those on welfare or the disadvantaged that really believe they are “entitled”; it is those who see themselves as born to rule.

The whiff around Federal parliamentary entitlements should have been addressed many times – but for some (unknown) reason has always slipped on to the backburner.

An examination of Federal MPs’ entitlements is difficult to interpret on a comparative basis. Senators and members have different needs that cover staff, travel, accommodation and many of the day-to-day operational requirements of the office. Some members have huge country elector-

scribbles

Sweet

The Federal Parliament is finally ready to work together to address entitlements. They could learn a few lessons from the ACT Legislative Assembly.

ates, senators play different roles on committees and others are ministers with national and international responsibilities.

However, the whiff remains. Credit goes to Malcolm Turnbull, a Prime Minister who has finally stood up and said he’s committed to tackle the issue. Credit is also due to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for his immediate offer of support and co-operation.

The support of the crossbench members, including Greens Leader Richard Di Natale and others such as Nick Xenophon, indicate the parliament is finally ready to work together to address the issue.

They could learn a few lessons from the ACT Legislative Assembly.

The Assembly has an ethics and integrity adviser as well as a commissioner for standards. The former provides advice on the request of MLAs regarding any question that might appear in the “grey area” between ethical and non-ethical conduct. If advice is sought and followed – there

is likely to be no public backlash.

An MLA who fails to seek advice on a questionable matter, or seeks advice and then ignores it, makes themselves very vulnerable indeed. An MLA who uses the system as it is designed has a strong protective mechanism.

Although many Westminster parliaments have been using similar systems for decades, the Federal Parliament has no real equivalent position. And it is paying the penalty.

When a Minister loses their portfolio through ethical issues it is a disaster personally. However, it also adds to the community disquiet and disillusionment with all politicians. Every senator, every MP – no matter how ethical their own behaviour – is tarred with the same brush.

The ACT Legislative Assembly goes a step further. The commissioner for standards also has the power to investigate accusations of unethical behaviour.

There have been four occasions when such investigations have taken place. The current commissioner is former Supreme Court

memories of the past

I GREW up in a small beach suburb of Wollongong called Towradgi where, as children, we would ride in the back seat of the car without seat belts, when milk came in glass bottles and we listened to songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “My Sharona”.

It was the ‘70s and a few houses down from where we lived was a corner shop a kid could only dream about. My best memories involved the lollies.

Walking through the bi-fold front door, down at a child’s-eye level, was the glass counter cabinet stocked with the largest assortment of loose lollies imaginable.

I remember getting off the bus after school and piling in with other kids crowding over the cabinet full of lolly classics such as Jersey caramels, Chocolate Buddies, Cobbers, Fruit Cocktails, Sherbets, Redskins, Spearmint Leaves, Teeth, Chewy Milko Sticks, Milk Bottles, Bananas, Black Cats, Honey Bears, Witchetty Grubs, Fags, Violet Crumbles and Strawberries and Creams.

Most are still around today in packets but I reckon some of the recipes have definitely been altered and so have their sizes.

My big favourite was the Cobber. l would suck the chocolate off first then chew and chew the hard middle caramel. I remember doing a similar thing with Violet Crumbles, I would bite the chocolate off first then eat the honeycomb. Another really big lolly favourite was the dusty Jelly Babies.

As a child, the first thing I ever bought was lollies and there was no other bigger purchase in life for a 10-year-old budgeting with 50¢ with the price of lollies costing 1¢, 2¢, 5¢ or three 2¢ lollies for 5¢.

It was the ‘70s and a few houses down from where we lived was a corner shop a kid could only dream about. My best memories involved the lollies.

It was always a test of patience for the shopkeeper and not only with me making up my mind, but for every kid in the neighbourhood.

Living only a few houses down from the corner shop, we would often receive phone calls from local elderly neighbours asking for me to run delivery errands.

“Pauly, can you run down to Mrs Sweeney’s, she’s got some money for you to get her a bottle of milk?” my mum would say.

I never hesitated and was out the door like a whippet. It was paying on average 20¢-50¢ just for delivering the milk. I ended up becoming the local neighbourhood runner.

And quick as a flash, I was back at the corner shop to spend my money.

Ownership of the shop changed three times before it closed in the ‘90s and l had a great rapport with all the shopkeepers. My mother still lives in the same house and, when visiting her, l love taking a nostalgic walk down to where the corner shop once was; I feel like a kid again.

Paul Dorin is the “CityNews” cartoonist.

PAUL DORIN

judge, Ken Crispin QC. The commissioner does not take over the power of elected members, but reports his findings to an Assembly committee. All four investigations have been published by the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure.

The Turnbull approach has some parallels and is, at least in part, modelled on the British parliamentary system. Transparency is the first step and a positive one. Firstly the system that manages entitlements will be modernised to allow monthly disclosure of parliamentarians’ expenses in an accessible, searchable format. Secondly, there will be an independent board that includes an

experienced auditor, a person with wide experience in remuneration matters, the president of the remuneration tribunal, a former judicial officer and a former MP. This body can set and review appropriate frameworks that deal with the diversity of the parliament and parliamentary roles.

The Prime Minister has made assurances that those who misuse their entitlements will be punished. However, the only way to provide confidence to this intention is to ensure there is an appropriate ability to investigate and to police. The ACT model provides a blueprint for how this might be achieved.

Losing a competent minister such as Sussan Ley on reckless personal financial decisions is a tragedy for her, for the government and for the parliament. Steps need to be taken to protect busy people from themselves and from reckless, inappropriate behaviour. In 2017 we need to be building and fortifying our democracy. The work needs to be done quickly so it is seen and understood as amongst the best and most incorruptible in the world.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health. He was named a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day honours list.

At the Australian of the Year Awards, Parliament House

sundayROAST

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

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

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

Love is in the air, make

IT’S not long now until the annual day of romance is upon us – St Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14.

According to history.com, about 150 million cards are exchanged every year, making this day the second most popular card-sending occasion after Christmas.

It is a tradition that has lasted centuries, but what are the origins of this dedication to the expression of love?

Celebrated every year on February 14, it is unclear when and how St Valentine’s Day began, with claims it started as a Christian and a Roman tradition.

Although there are several saints named Valentine, the one that stands out in history is a Roman priest of the 3rd century AD.

When marriage was outlawed by Emperor Claudius II, who claimed single men made better soldiers, Valentine defied the emperor’s wishes and continued to marry young couples in secret.

When word spread of his clandestine actions, Valentine was jailed. Yet, it was in prison where the first Valentine’s card was allegedly sent. After falling in love with the jailer’s daughter, he signed a letter to her

“From your Valentine”, thus becoming the eponymous expression that is still used today.

Another potential origin of Valentine’s Day regards the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. This was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus – the Roman god of agriculture – which involved blood sacrifices and ended with women’s names being placed into an urn and chosen by the city’s bachelors to marry. Not the most romantic day, Lupercalia was later outlawed in the 5th century AD and was deemed “un-Christian”.

It wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that St Valentine’s Day became associated with love. It soon became common for couples and friends to exchange small tokens of affection and handwritten notes.

As technology developed, printed cards began to replace written letters and were readily available with notes inside for people to easily express their feelings.

Later, in 1969, the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints was revised and the feast day was assigned to local or national calendars, instead of as part of the General Roman Calendar.

St Valentine’s Day has come a long way over the years and the annual day of love has established itself as one of the most widely celebrated events of the year.

Josh provides a journey with jewellery

UNIQUE Diamonds is not just a jewellery store, in fact, its director Josh Bennett describes the store as a design studio.

“Our clients will meet us, select a diamond at wholesale prices and then together we design a perfect ring,” Josh says.

“Our jewellery caters for all tastes, from the beautifully simple to the fabulously extravagant.

“Every diamond is hand picked for each individual.

“We work only with GIA certified diamonds to ensure that our clients are buying exactly what they are paying for.

“We also ensure that our clients understand the fundamentals of both diamonds and jewellery.

“We believe that buying an engagement ring, or any piece of jewellery, should be a journey, not a five minute sales pitch.”

According to Josh, Unique Diamonds is not just loved by women, the watch range available seems to “take the blokes by surprise” as well.

“Stocking the timeless Daniel Wellington collection and the elegant Tunlees Diamond watches we are hard to ignore.”

Unique Diamonds has been operating in Canberra for over three years but the newly opened Braddon store on Lonsdale Street adds to its overall relaxing

atmosphere.

“Buying an engagement ring can be rather daunting for any man or woman, so we are here to guide our clients, teach them a thing or two and ensure it is an enjoyable process,” Josh says.

Unique Diamonds. Unit 62/30, Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Visit uniquediamonds.com.au or call 6156 4278 or 0411 744808, or email josh@uniquediamonds.com.au

An intimate Valentine’s date with great food

JOE’S Bar, located at East Hotel, is the perfect place for an intimate Valentine’s Day date says the assistant general manager, Dion Bisa.

“Joe’s Bar is intimate with lots of food, it’s beautiful and cosy with a good selection of music,” Dion says.

“For Valentine’s Day it’s a bit of fun and quirky with a great food selection and different desserts, [such as] pop my cherry and peach tickler.

“The quality you are going to get is the best quality in Canberra.

“There’s a great selection of wine and great food.

“Nothing is frozen, everything is made fresh.

“It’s a place that people go for a drink and then stay because the food is so good.”

Joe’s Bar. At East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston. Visit joesateast.com or call 6178 0050.

No better time to resolve to put yourself first

THERE’S no better way to kick-start 2016 than making a commitment and investment to your education, well-being, fitness and health. Here are some special ways you can find a “new you” this New Year.

A like-minded, female exercise space

MANY women are focusing on fitness for a New Year’s resolution but when it comes to making exercise a priority Fernwood offers all the support needed to actually achieve it.

“It’s amazing what you can accomplish with a community of like-minded women behind you,” says Lisa O’Brien from Fernwood.

“And that’s exactly what you’ll get at our clubs, as

well as unlimited group fitness classes, complimentary breakfast, free toiletries and additional services like personal training and food coaching (fees apply) and more.”

Everyone who registers before February 28 pays zero joining fee, saving $199.

Visit any Fernwood Club or go to fernwoodfitness.com.au

Somatic movement therapist Deb Carroll.

Movement for pain relief

INSPIRED by the Gyrokinesis Method, somatic movement practitioner Deb Carroll helps people with a sedentary lifestyle or those with injuries to gently gain a functional fitness level.

Developed by Romanian born Juliu Horvath, the Gyrokinesis Method has a strong focus on breath patterning and encouraging functional strength through gentle, rhythmic, flowing movement sequences based on yoga, Tai Chi, gymnastics and dance.

Gyrokinesis also stimulates the nervous system and improves a person’s range of motion, flexibility and core stability.

“People aren’t familiar that this sort of work is out there,” Deb says.

She says that she puts together packages that depend on the individual person.

“What works for me isn’t going to work for you,” Deb says.

“Initially, I talk to people over the phone or through email about a scale of things; money, medical history.

“We address issues of pain, posture, imbalance, strength, flexibility and mobility.

“It’s about being comfortable in your own body and being able to move in ways with efficient function and form that’s pain free.”

Somatic movement practitioner Deb Carroll. Shop 5, Scullin Arcade, Scullin Place, Belconnen. Call 0414 865430 or email pilates.deb@live.com.au

Tuesday 11.45am-12.30pm

Tuesday 6.35-7.20pm

Thursday 6.35-7.20pm

Beginners Gyrokinesis Class

Thursday 5.40- 6.25pm

Somatic

Thursday 11.30am – 12.45pm

Where facials are a labour of love

WITH 18 years in the beauty business, owner Louise McMahon says Deziner Beauty provides beauty services and treatments with a clinical focus combined with a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

“We are welcoming, warm and, above all, knowledgeable on any skin type or condition,” she says.

“Our facials are our signature treatment and we love transforming people’s faces, through face lifts, body contouring, make-up or waxing,” says Louise.

“We can take 10 years off your skin with all the amazing treatments and products we have, including a non-surgical face lift.”

Deziner Beauty also offers make-up, waxing, tinting and teeth-whitening services, and is the only local salon to have the Elizabeth Arden Pro Skin Care range.

Deziner Beauty, Shop 18, Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Visit Deziner Beauty on Facebook or call 6299 5792.

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-forprofit 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.

speaking practice.”

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

wish to get official diplomas.

“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

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, grammar in context workshops, individual tuition and group tuition (with friends or a small group, up to five students).

Students can also partake in exams if they

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.

strong women

THE owner of Curves in Weston, Julie Griffin and the Belconnen Curves (in Jamison Centre) owner Anita O’Meara believe in going above and beyond for their members.

“We are two of the biggest clubs in Australia and the reason is because of our support and service,” Julie says.

“Between Curves in Weston and the Belconnen Curves there’s approximately 1400 members.

“We go over and above, we remember names and birthdays, and we have monthly goal reviews where we sit down with all our members to discuss how they’re going.”

Anita says: “It’s not all about weight loss, it’s about women being strong and healthy, inside and out.

Curves has a real community feel, members get to meet other members. Both Curves in Weston and Belconnen run coffee mornings, as well as walking groups and meet and greets.

No one is left to their own devices, says Anita, and we are constantly getting feedback.

“Women can currently join Curves for $1.”

Turning your health into a career

THE head of department for sport and fitness at CIT, Susan Sinclair, believes there is no better time than the New Year to get involved in a sport and fitness career.

“The health of the nation is in question,” says Susan. “Now is the perfect time to get into the health industry, it is such a growing industry at the moment.”

CIT offers fitness qualifications that range from Certificate III level through to Diploma level; nationally-recognised courses that provide valuable connections and practical experience.

“These courses are about changing people’s lives for the better,” Susan says.

“They’re developing people to have a much healthier lifestyle in sport and fitness.

“Students even work with clients that have had lung, heart and bone issues or illnesses.”

But the courses are not all about training to be a professional in the field, some people take part in the Certificate III for their own personal benefits.

Susan says that understanding the skills taught at CIT is a great tool to assist yourself in your own fitness and health journey.

CIT also provides the public with courses in the area of health that moves beyond fitness specifically.

“There’s a range of courses,” says the head of the Department for Health Sciences Emily Stewart-Reed.

“With such a broad scope we basically have a course for anyone thinking about a health career.”

Some of these courses involve training in areas such as Allied Health, Dental, Community Care and Nursing.

“CIT has been one of the leading RTO’s (Registered Training Organisations) in Canberra. There are leading facilitators and teachers who are still in the industry,” Emily says.

“CIT also provides great support services (such as counselling and career advice) and online support.”

CIT, at 37 Constitution Avenue, Reid. Visit cit.edu.au, call 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au

Discounted prices with a quality service

BEGIN the year health-conscious at Chemist Outlet Dickson with its Healthy Heart month sale.

Pharmacist Rhonda Warne says along with the usual discounted prices, discounted vitamins and prescriptions, you can also save up to 60 per cent on your pharmacy needs.

“A lot of people think because we are an outlet, we don’t offer the same services as any community pharmacy,” Rhonda says.

“We have a team of pharmacists ready to check your blood pressure and monitor blood glucose levels.

“We also do medication checks and diabetes medication checks and all these services are free.” Rhonda says the pharmacy also offers free web -

ster packing of medications and free local delivery.

“I have been in pharmacy for more than 30 years and my number one priority is our customers’ wellbeing.

“That is why I have ensured we have all these services available.

“If you can’t make it into the pharmacy and need your scripts filled, then leave them with us and give us a call.

“Alternately, if you need to monitor your blood pressure, pop in next time you are in Dickson and let us help you with it.”

Chemist Outlet Dickson. 1/42 Dickson Place, Dickson. Call 6247 7944.

Making health a priority

CARM Therapies is dedicated to listening to its clients and creating a space for them to feel confident and safe when dealing with pain, injury and general wellbeing, says founder and co-director Emily Avery.

CARM Therapies is an allied health clinic that is science based with a wholistic approach, specialising in acupuncture, remedial massage, naturopathy, kinesiology, yoga and meditation.

“AT CARM Therapies we believe that not everyone fits into the same shoe when it comes to chronic pain, injuries and general wellbeing,” Emily says.

“Having a range of different allied health practitioners and modalities that our clients can access gives them options to find the most suitable treatment for their individual needs.

“We believe that educating our clients about their particular condition or injury and explaining how the particular treatment we are going to provide can assist them.

“Understanding why you have pain or how a treatment can help is a major key to giving people the power to heal.

“We also believe in only treating one client at a time, so that our full attention is focused on you, the individual.”

CARM Therapies currently has a number of courses and workshops open for registration for 2017.

These include yoga and meditation classes and acupressure for labour workshops.

“These informative and interactive [acupressure for labour] workshops will teach you and your birthing partner specific acupressure points

that can safely and effectively assist in preparing the body for birth, reducing pain during labour and aiding in post labour recovery,” Emily says.

CARM Therapies. 5 Higgins Place, Higgins. Call 6278 7302 or visit carmtherapies.com.au

At CARM Therapies, all of our friendly and experienced practitioners are dedicated to helping you get the best out of your health and wellbeing.

Are you 32 weeks (or more) Pregnant?

Come along with your birthing partner for an interactive workshop, where you will learn how to use specific pressure points during labour to relieve pain, and most importantly, to promote partner involvement and connection during this very special time.

Mention this ad and save $10 off your next appointment*

Acupuncture for labour workshops are run in small groups on selected Sundays, so please email the clinic for more information on dates and times.

Only $150/couple for this fantastic 1.5hr workshop, which includes a comprehensive manual and small gift. Workshops must be attended in pairs due to the nature of the practical components.

CARM Mind & Body NEW Workshop

Yoga & Meditation Workshop for Beginners

Date: 4th March 2017, 9am – 1pm, $60pp

(Bookings are essential - places only confirmed once payment received)

Acupressure For Labour Worshops Free for West Belconnen Residents!

Acupuncture and Remedial Massage for Pregnancy, Chronic Pain & General Wellbeing.

arts & entertainment

Flying leap into the future

By Helen Musa

DANCER, choreographer, hotshot CEO, mother, teacher and former Artist of the Year, Padma Menon, is about to take a flying leap into the future with a venture she calls “Moving Archetypes”.

With the idea of providing an experience that is “creative, empowering, connecting and reflective”, she is embarking this month on a series of workshops aimed not at professional dancers but creating an oasis for ordinary people in the chaos of modern life.

It’s a far cry from the life of a woman who began studying dance in early childhood.

When Menon swept on to the Canberra dance scene in the early 1990s, her appearance was transformative. Armed with a 15-year-long training in the Kuchipudi style of southern India and an academic interest in Shakespeare, she single-handedly formed a multicultural dance company, carved out an audience for Indian dance and successfully sought out funding from the ACT government to stage high-quality performances in places such as the ANU Arts Centre and The Street Theatre.

That was the heyday of dance in Canberra with Meryl Tankard and her dancers operating out of Gorman House, Elizabeth Dalman breaking the boundaries of dance at Mirramu on the shores of Lake George and Menon digging deep into the collective unconscious.

So unusual was her work, which employed

Prizewinner Mel talks down the cash

By Helen Musa WHEN citynews.com.au

reported last week that prominent Canberra glass artist Mel George had won the National Institute of Dramatic Art’s Indigenous Fellowship for Cultural Leadership, the story swept around Facebook that she had received the full $300,000 grant from the Luminis Foundation.

“Not so,” the astonished artist responded when “CityNews” spoke to her by phone as she emerged from an intensive class at NIDA. For exactly as we reported, in addition to the fellowship the grant also supports the Luminis Foundation Director’s Studio, a black-box teaching space for NIDA’s MFA students in directing.

Naturally, George is thrilled to have the scholarship, which pays 50 per cent of her fees, but it’s not $300,000.

males and a good age range.

“NIDA is very clever,” she tells “CityNews”, “they call us ‘cohorts’… we are a class of 16 and it’s all about collaboration and networking.”

The academic side is done in four, one-week intensive classes that look at governance and boards, also asking questions about culture and leadership – “It’s very visionary,” she says, “but even NIDA has to admit they don’t know where it’s going”.

The chair of the program is Robyn Archer, who facilitated a panel involving Bangarra director Stephen Page and a lawyer speaking on gender issues.

non-Indian dancers from Canberra, that her Kailash Dance Company was invited to the “Soorya” dance festival in Menon’s home state of Kerala, India, an event that I was privileged to attend. Respectfully reviewed by the top critics in India, it nonetheless raised eyebrows for its multiculturalism.

No wonder then that when, in 1994, Menon was named Artist of the Year at the annual ACT arts awards everyone assumed that she was a mature age artist, but in fact she was only in her early 20s.

Encouraged by the government funding body, Menon created an abstract contemporary work called “Agni” (fire), collaborated with Tankard in the production “Rasa” at the Adelaide Festival and joined local flamenco dancers in a crosscultural venture.

Audiences accustomed to the colour and ritual of her early work vanished and, after giving birth to a daughter, she too vanished, moving to the Netherlands with her partner. There she was to study for a Masters in Laban Movement Analysis and to meet some of Europe’s foremost experimenters in dance.

She continued to work on the stage directing “Rudra” based on the Vedic Indian god and “Ophelia” based on Shakespeare’s character, also venturing a work that fused Lady Macbeth and India’s Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi.

The pull of India was great and, in 2006 with two children, she founded the Mudra Centre for Dance in Kochin, Kerala, attracting people without previous dance experience and partnering with human rights organisations and women’s shelters.

Eventually Menon returned with her children to make her home in Canberra, taught dance for a while and then became a formidable executive in non-government organisations that dealt with multicultural and immigration issues.

Turning to the study of counselling, she focused on western psychological theories of archetype (Jung comes to mind) and devised her own approach to self-awareness, supported by training in yoga theory and practice, Indian philosophy, western dance, Butoh and the Indian martial art form of Kalaripayattu. Archetypes, she believes, can be useful to us in our daily lives.

Menon rejects the idea of “closure,” since all life involves change. Rather, through the studies of archetypal characters such as Kali, Buddhism’s Green Tara, Cleopatra and Siva, “complex characters from myths, legends and literature”, she hopes her classes and individual tutoring sessions will help people have a sense of their own space, making them less isolated.

If this sounds a bit New Age, Menon is adamant that it’s not. Her idea is to work through ancient traditions of movement, using dance to connect and allowing those who participate to feel “liberated.”

“Moving Archetypes” with Padma Menon, free introductory workshop, Currie Crescent Community Centre, Kingston, 10am to 11am, Saturday, February 11. Regular workshops start from Tuesday, February 14, and will run weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Inquiries to tpadmamenon@gmail.com or 0447 643 646. No previous experience of dance is necessary.

This is the second year the 30-month course in cultural leadership has been running at the institute and getting in wasn’t easy, with both written and face-to-face applications. After hearing about the course from Canberra interdisciplinary artist Yasmin Masri, who was in the initial intake, “I sought out this opportunity,” she says.

It’s a perfect balance of art forms, she enthuses, and all states are represented except Tasmania, with a 50-50 balance between females and

Aside from the four intensive bursts of academic study, the most daunting aspect will be the practical part. George’s scholarship relates to her rediscovery of her Aboriginal heritage so she is planning to move north to work with Yolgnu artists in the NT. She describes the rediscovery of her Aboriginality as “very complex”. Her paternal grandmother, she has discovered, was taken from her mother, then “refound”. In an era when indigenous Australians held few if any rights, she was advised to sign away her origins.

“I heard rumours but she was unable to speak about it,” George says. After her grandmother’s death her uncle came into possession of documents that the family has been examining.

“It has been a difficult process,” she says. During that time she says she was warmly supported by members of ITAG, the ACT Indigenous Textile and Glass Artists Group. Coming to terms with her background is very hard to do in Canberra, she says. Also, while her ancestry lies in Dieri and Dhirari Country in the Lake Eyre region, as an artist she has been more familiar with the “amazing” weaving and artistry of the Yolgnu people. And so she spent time last year at the Bula’ Bula Arts Centre in Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land, where she hopes to return.

Why all-purpose Ben’s no ordinary Joe

“Live By Night” (MA)

PRODUCED by Ben Affleck. Screenplay by Ben Affleck (adapting a novel by Dennis Lehane).

Directed by Ben Affleck. Central character played by... no prizes for guessing who!

This longish (129 minutes) crime thriller with a 1920s setting could have told its story in less time. The story starts in Boston where Prohibition has led the Italian and Irish communities to set up their competing booze businesses. Leading the Irish mob is Albert (Robert Glenister). Boss of the Italian bunch is Pescatore (Remo Girone).

Joe (Ben Affleck), son of a Boston Police Department, Irish-born senior inspector (Brendan Gleeson), has come home from World War I with planning and military skills for hire.

He’s having it away big-time with Albert’s blonde doxy Emma (Sienna Miller). Not smart, Joe. Try Pescatore. Yes, the job of running the Florida branch is yours. But before you go, teach the Irish a lesson in a gang-war (making good use of that diabolical close quarter weapon the Thompson submachine-gun). Joe believes he’s rid the city of Albert but lost Emma as collateral damage.

In a small Florida town near Tampa, police chief Figgis (Chris Cooper) is on to a good thing in the rum trade. Joe can operate

wine

provided he obeys Figgis’ rules. Figgis’ winsome daughter Loretta (Elle Fanning) is about to take the train to Hollywood to become a film star.

And this has all happened within less than half the film’s running time!

Mixed into the plot are observations of a variety of societal and moral issues such as fundamentalist religion, the KKK, a tad of implied incest, the economic effect of FDR’s signing the executive order repealing Prohibition immediately on taking office.

Joe marries Octoroon beauty Graciela (Zoe Saldana) and they have a son. There are plans to build a casino. More shooting. Emergence of characters previously believed deceased. Retribution of a sort.

It’s by no measure boring.

At Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Hoyts

“Perfect Strangers” (M)

ON a balmy night with a lunar eclipse about to happen, plastic surgeon Rocco (Marco Giallini) and therapist Eva (Kasia Smutniak) are cooking up a storm in their Rome apartment in preparation for the arrival of three other couples for the usual kind of middle-class dinner party, where everybody is familiar with everybody else and any issues that arise

won’t be serious. Before leaving home, Carlotta (Anna Foglietta) whips skirt up and knickers down without husband Lele’s (Valerio Mastandrea) knowledge. New wife Bianca (Alba Rohrwacher) hasn’t yet told small-business venturer husband Cosimo (Edoardo Leo) that she’s trying to start a family.

Peppe (Guiseppe Battiston), a bear of a man, a teacher, is expected to bring Lucilla whom the others haven’t yet met. He’s late and alone.

Someone suggests that they each put his/ her mobile phone on the table and share whatever comes in on them during the dinner.

Director Paolo Genovese has a reputation for making comedies about people confronting shared issues. “Perfect Strangers” fits that category well. It’s very funny. In a clever screenplay by Filippo Bologna and Paolo Costella, Peppe unintentionally wrecks the group’s equilibrium. Accusations fly, complaints arise, intimate secrets are uncovered. Then order is restored and everybody goes home.

It’s delicious fun, disturbed but fortunately not spoiled by a technical defect – several subtitles are a few seconds out of sync.

At Palace Electric

Pinot before the cycle of pain

The trip takes you through the Otago region and before it started I caught up with an old friend and we shared some Otago pinot noir,” writes RICHARD CALVER

I’M a little sheepish about sharing with ewe the fact that I spent most of the first week of 2017 in New Zealand, eh.

It is the land of my upbringing and the place where I return to undertake tramping (bush walking) and where I recently completed the alps-to-the-ocean bike ride. The ride had some difficult elements, but was generally suited to a beginner/intermediate bike rider or some old guy like me. The trip was close to 350 kilometres over five days, so I stayed off the wine while pedal-pushing. But the trip takes you through the Otago region and before it started I caught up with an old friend and we shared some Otago pinot noir.

Pinot noir is a grape variety that likes cold climates, so the best Australian pinot noir, in my view, comes from Tasmania. And Otago, where the bike ride ended, sure displayed that cold-climate characteristic even in the height of summer. The last two days of the bike ride were drizzly with a cold southerly.

The day before I took off for the bike ride, where I sojourned in Christchurch, was also cold and wet. Pinot noir is a lighter style of red wine associated with the Burgundy region in France where warmer summers mean poorer pinots; the longer growing season of this variety says “stay cool”. Good advice for bike riders, too: and ring your bell when pedestrians are about (end of rant).

The two Otago wines I tasted were chosen circumstantially. I was being shown around Christchurch and environs by a friend who I have known for more than 40 years. We decided to have lunch at a pub that edged the ocean: the Beach Bar at Sumner.

I chose just a glass of what seemed the best pinot noir on the menu to go with the delicious venison carpaccio that was served with preserved lemon and hazelnuts. The glass at $9.50 was a Tatty Bogler (translates as a Scottish scarecrow rather than a send up of the French Tattinger). It was fruit driven and quite short on the palette but pleasant enough.

After lunch I chose a wine for dinner – my friend told me she was cooking slow-cooked beef for four. I chose a Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir at $NZ50; at the time the irony didn’t hit me but on the third day of the bike ride as we climbed to 900 metres I sure remembered the tag and knew what it was like to climb a mountain of pain.

The Mount Difficulty was clearly a league beyond the Tatty Bogler. It had more mouth feel, although still fruit driven. One of the guests said she had given up on pinot noir because of the finish that she described as “rusty”. But praised the Mount Difficulty as leaving a fresh fruit taste, berry like, that she hadn’t experienced before in a pinot noir. I compared it mentally with the best NZ pinot that I could remember, an Ata Rangi from Martinborough, which is in the south of the North Island.

As I pressed those pedals taking the ride deep into Otago, I couldn’t help but hanker for the warmer environs that you expect from summer. But which just wouldn’t have given NZ an advantage in growing pinot noir. And those sheep that you think are ubiquitous have largely been replaced by dairy cows. I know that for a fact as the bike ride took us

“Split” (MA)

FROM writer/director M Night Shyamalan comes a horror film with the theme of Multiple Personality Disorder (a.k.a. Dissociative Identity Disorder), a topic popular with filmmakers with nothing better to do. Playing a man with 23 personalities, male, female, some still children, others welldeveloped adults (with one more waiting in the wings to emerge and put the others to shame), James McAvoy joins some of cinema’s most notable psychotic antiheroes (for starters, think Antony Perkins in “Psycho”, Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”, Anthony Hopkins in ”The Silence of the Lambs”).

Let’s call him Barry. Dr Fletcher (Betty Buckley) treats him as a harmless unfortunate about whom she may in time write a famous research paper. But on the day in question, Barry hijacks the car in which the dad of Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy) has offered to give two of her high school classmates (who dislike her lots) a lift home after school.

This sets in motion about 100 minutes of

psycho-babble and implications of brutality during which Barry descends from a nutter into a ravening beast about to submit those three little darlings to dreadful discomforts before consigning them to unspeakable endings.

We’ve seen this sort of stuff before and I guess we’ll see it again some day. There is a market for it. In “Split”, the sole merit is McAvoy’s performance.

No search hue-and-cry gets raised when the girls go missing. And why does Dr Fletcher take so long to perceive the risk to the community that Barry presents? Both those shortcomings are down to the writer. And through the imprisonment of the girls runs an implication of sexuality, which the writer didn’t want to risk an X rating by showing.

At all cinemas

arts in the city

Charity marathon to draw out the laughs

“CAMP Radicool” is a comedic theatre show set in the 1980s at a summer camp for teens. The unscripted charity theatre show, directed by Ben Crowley, raises funds for Lifeline Canberra and comprises 24 one-hour episodes performed consecutively in a 24-hour period starting at 8pm on Friday, February 10, and finishing at 8pm the following night. At theatre@bcs, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court. Bookings to trybooking.com

CONGRATULATIONS to Lucy Bermingham, once the backbone of musical theatre in Canberra and a member of a prominent musical family in this town, who recently won a Sydney Theatre Award for her musical direction of “Spring Awakening”.

THAT ubiquitous conductor Leonard Weiss has concocted a fun summertime entertainment for the first Sunday concert at the High Court of Australia this year in which Canberra Youth Orchestra performs Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”, 1.30pm, February 5. It’s free but bookings are essential to hcourt.gov.au

POLITICS is all the go at The Street Theatre in February, with English artist Pip Utton performing “Churchill”, February 7-9, and “Maggie”, February 10-12. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

through the back of a farmer’s paddock where the mud and cow

GEOFF Grey and the Canberra Wind Symphony will perform “Rhapsody Beyond Blue”, featuring solo pianist Emily Leong performing works by Gershwin, Ticheli, Hultgren, Young, Bernstein and Copland. The event concludes with Frank Ticheli’s triumphant “Blue Shades”. The Street Theatre, 4pm, Sunday, February 5. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

GEOFF Page’s “Poetry at the House” is coming up again in the Drawing Room of University House with readings by Melbourne poet Chloe Wilson plus Keith Harrison and PS Cottier from Canberra. From 7.30pm, Wednesday, February 8. Bookings to gpage40@bigpond.net.au

CANBERRA Bach Ensemble is transitioning from modern to Baroque instruments, director Andrew Koll tells us. Meantime, it’ll be performing JS Bach’s “Nunc dimittis” Cantatas BWV 106, 125, and 95, and the Bass cantata “Ich habe genug” BWV 82 at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, 8pm, Saturday, February 4. Book ings to canberrabachensemble. com

TEATRO Vivaldi has engaged London’s Comedy Dining Company to perform its interactive show based on the TV series “Only Fools and Horses”, in which Marlene and Boycie are hosting a gala dinner where things may and probably will go wrong. February 9 and 10, dinner and show. Bookings to vivaldirestaurant.com. au or 6257 2718.

summer jumbo crossword

gardening Bringing bulbs into the sun

IT seems only a short time ago we were enjoying daffodils and, with March a few weeks away, it’s time to dig up and replant bulbs.

Often when bulbs were originally planted they were in full sun, which is essential. But, over the years, evergreen shrubs may have grown, resulting in the bulbs now being in shade. Also with years of mulching, bulbs gradually get deeper in the ground.

So now, without delay, is the time to dig them up and replant in full sun.

Forget the complicated charts in garden magazines on the right depth for planting. Simply plant a bulb as deep as it is thick, ie daffodils being about 6cm thick from top to bottom, plant 6cm deep.

I ALWAYS recommend buying bulbs from local garden centres rather than online because it helps

support local businesses providing professional advice from trained horticulturists and, when buying online, the quality and size of bulbs (or any plant bought online) is

unknown and can’t be sent back.

Bulbs are graded according to size and garden centres buy the best quality.

AS we return from holidays to high water bills for trying to keep the garden alive, perhaps the most important tasks are to check the watering system and fill the bird bath.

As lemons are developing at this time, it is vitally important not to allow the tree to dry out.

I recommend a deep watering once a week and, unless the tree is on a drip system, make a bank around the tree to hold a minimum of at least three to four buckets of water, maybe more if the tree is large.

DEAD-head roses now and apply a liquid feed that can be applied on the leaves as well as on the ground (deep water the ground first) to provide a flush of autumn blooms.

Ideally, use certified organic products such as liquid Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient or Neutrog Seamungus, which is a combination of chook poo and seaweed.

Jottings…

• IT’S not too late to nip the centres out of chrysanthemums to encourage strong lateral growth with extra branching resulting in more flowers later in the autumn.

• CONGRATULATIONS to Bruno and Hedy Zimmermann, whose Heritage Nursery at Yarralumla has been awarded the Best Regional Business for ACT and South West 2017 by the Nursery and Garden Industry Members’ Choice.

• THE magazine “Canberra Gardener” is produced by the Horticultural Society of Canberra especially for local conditions. The society meets the third Monday of each month, always with an interesting speaker.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Mercury moves into your hopes and wishes zone on Tuesday. So it’s a wonderful week to write down your goals and dreams for the future. Friday night’s fiery Lunar Eclipse links up with Uranus and Jupiter, which is an impulsive combination. You’ll be in a spontaneous mood but remember – it takes a short time to burn bridges, and a lot longer to mend them. Smart Rams will heed the wise words of fellow Aries, writer Charlotte Bronte: “Look twice before you leap.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

A work colleague wants to hurry you up but it’s best to keep cruising along at your own preferred pace. As Taurean actor Glenn Ford famously declared: “I’ve only got one other speed, and that’s slower.” You’ve got so much on your daily to-do list that the last thing you need is a domestic drama. But that’s what you’re likely to get on the weekend, when the fiery Lunar Eclipse heats up your home zone. So tread carefully Bulls – and keep your diplomacy badge well-polished!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Communication and social media are the buzz words this week but make sure you consider the consequences of what you say (and write) as you mix and mingle; converse and chat; text and tweet. Mercury helps focus your mind but the fiery Lunar Eclipse increases your inclination to put your foot firmly in your mouth! From Friday through until Sunday, short trips are highlighted as you plan a holiday or pack your bags for a spontaneous weekend getaway.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are you stuck in a career rut? If you resist changes at work, then you’ll just be left behind in the dust. Look for exciting ways to inject fresh ideas into your professional life, but make sure you consult with loved ones and include them in your plans. Cash-strapped Crabs – avoid going on a spending spree or lending money to others. You’re liable to make decisions based purely on your emotions (which are fluctuating wildly, courtesy of Friday night’s fiery Lunar Eclipse).

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

This week’s Lunar Eclipse in Leo boosts your confidence, charisma and chutzpah! But it also stirs up your gypsy gene, as foreign escapades are on your mind. Be patient. Your time in the Sun (exploring exotic locations) will come. Attached Lions – strive to get the balance right between personal projects and cosy companionship. Single Cats – long-term love is likely with someone who has an adventurous and avant-garde spirit. But you must be brave enough to make the first move.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Life at planet Virgo can sometimes resemble being in the army, as your days are organised with military precision and you try to get everything just right. But strive to be much more spontaneous this week as Jupiter, Uranus and the Lunar Eclipse toss your timetable out the window and urge you to stop and smell the roses along the way. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, writer Alice Walker: “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

This week the Sun and Jupiter encourage you to channel your inner hedonist as you eat, drink, socialise, entertain, love, and live life to the Libran max. It’s also a wonderful week to host a dinner or party, where you can play the gracious host or hostess. Friday night’s Lunar Eclipse activates your hopes, dreams and wishes zone so it’s the perfect time to expand (or re-visit) your goals for 2017. Don’t be half-hearted. Make your dreams as big and beautiful as possible!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Obsessive thoughts and subconscious forces are driving you mid-week, so avoid making decisions [or sending messages via social media] that you’ll later regret. A professional project could come to a dramatic conclusion later in the week. And Friday night’s Lunar Eclipse sees you swing between being sexy and secretive; and being passionate and possessive. Many Scorpios will be thrust into the public spotlight on the weekend, so make sure you’re putting on a good show.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Spontaneous Sagittarians are the zodiac’s masters of excess. Moderation and common sense fly out the window this week as you party to the max, spend too much, overdo just about everything, and make a multitude of mistakes. But you’ll certainly have a lot of fun along the way! Study, education, travel and communication are also favoured, when Friday night’s Lunar Eclipse fires up your curious streak. Saturday is one of your luckiest days of the year, so make the most of it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

This week the fiery Lunar Eclipse shines a spotlight on lust and loot. An intimate relationship could soar spectacularly – or crash and burn. All business transactions must be examined carefully, and a joint financial venture may cause some stressful moments as you strive for a mutually satisfying agreement. Are you buying or selling something? With Mercury moving into your money zone (on Tuesday) talk financial issues through with an expert before you sign on the dotted line.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Many Aquarians are (or were) rebels at heart like James Dean, Yoko Ono and Bob Marley. But remember there’s a fine line between being rebellious and just plain reckless. You’re impatient for change, especially involving a major relationship. Don’t be too hasty and throw the baby out with the bathwater though! With Mercury moving into your sign, your words have the power to influence others in positive ways. So think things through before you speak out.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

This week’s Lunar Eclipse stimulates your wellbeing zone. So it’s time to be more proactive about your health, fitness, diet and daily routine. Are you spending too many hours sitting on your Piscean posterior? Perhaps you could do some research on stand-up desks, or slot more exercise breaks into your working day? On Saturday, the Sun/Jupiter trine heightens creativity and deepens compassion. So it’s the perfect time to express yourself or help someone in need.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

1 What are cereal plants bearing grain in large spikes? (6)

8 What was once called “analysis situs”? (8)

9 Name a national park in Arnhem Land NT. (6)

10 Which tropical fruits are also called alligator pears? (8)

11 What is a fabric with a fine, raised finish? (6)

12 Name another term for a journey or voyage. (4)

13 What is an appointment, especially between lovers? (5)

16 Which river flows through Paris? (5)

19 Name the Moonee Ponds housewife superstar, Dame ... (4)

21 Which musicians play bagpipes? (6)

22 What is one of the supports of a stair rail? (8)

23 What are musical dramas called? (6)

24 Which is the negatively charged particle of the atom? (8)

25 What is an orderly management of procedure? (6)

Down

2 What is a non-professional person called? (7)

3 Which term describes religious fanatics? (7)

4 What, until 1933, was the former name of Alice Springs? (6)

5 What is an instrument for holding objects, as in surgical operations? (7)

6 Erich Weiss was better known as which escape artist? (7)

7 What is something unpleasant to look at? (7)

13 What are female cats known as? (7)

14 William Pitt, the British PM, was known as Pitt the ...? (7)

15 What are numbers of cups, saucers, plates, etc, known as? (3,4)

17 Name a woman with power to influence or command. (7)

18 To give an account of events, etc, is to do what? (7)

20 What is another word for pinafores? (6)

Ryan came to see me this week. Sadly, his father had died a few weeks ago and, as executor of the estate, he needed to be certain that he was doing the right thing in relation on to taxes and in relation on to his sister who was the other benefi ciary of the estate.

The will was very clear; most assets were split 50/50 between Ryan and his sister. The except on being his house which was available for Ryan to live in for 12 months, but after that it was to be sold.

I advised that his father’s share portfolio raised issues in that some of the shares were purchased before September 20, 1985, the date that capital gains tax was introduced.

“These shares will pass to you and your sister at the market value at the date of your father’s death,” I explained to Ryan. “The shares that were purchased after capital gains tax applies will pass to you and your sister at the price your late father paid for them on purchase. You are deemed to inherit the shares at the date of his death.”

There were also several parcels of shares because Ryan’s father had been in dividend reinvestment plans. I asked Ryan if he was aware that each of these parcels was treated as a separate parcel of shares for capital gains tax purposes? He said he wasn’t aware of this, but asked what diff erence it made?’

“As there were more than 100 parcels of shares in the various companies, then 100 capital gains tax calculations would need to be prepared when the shares were sold,” I told him.

Ryan said that was fi ne as he was not thinking of selling the shares.

I reminded Ryan that some sales were involuntary in that there were takeovers and mergers, which were deemed sales for capital gains tax purposes.

“It is also possible that your sister might want to sell her shares, so it is important that she understands the capital gains tax consequences,” I said.

I also advised that if his father’s house, which was bought before September, 1985, was sold within two years of the date of death, there was no capital gains tax payable.

“I hadn’t realised the complications of being an executor, now I feel better informed and I will explain it all to my sister,” Ryan said.

If you have any queries on payroll tax obligations, please contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

Remember when the whole street celebrated together?

Rediscover it again at The Grove, Ngunnawal

*

Remember back in the day, you would celebrate with your friends at street parties and have a chat with your neighbours on the front porch? Well you can enjoy all of that and more once again at The Grove, Ngunnawal offering resort style living to over 55’s.

Join us at our upcoming Open Day and take a wander around the streets of our wonderful community. You will have the chance to view display villas, see where our new Clubhouse is being built (which is currently under construction) and get information about our upcoming stages. Our Open Day is the perfect chance for you to experience this fantastic lifestyle firsthand and learn more about our community.

OPEN DAY

Saturday 18 February, 2017 | 10.00am to 1pm The Grove, 1 Monty Place, Ngunnawal

2 bedrooms start at $438,000*

3 bedroom start at $619,000*

Parking on the day will be available at St John Paul’s College at 1021 Gungahlin Drive, Nicholls 2913.

A complimentary shuttle bus will be available to escort you to and from The Grove Ngunnawal from 10am to 1pm.

To RSVP and for instructions on parking for the day please call Arvy on 02 6230 6253.