170216 citynews

MICHAEL

SONYA FLADUN

Scammers

DAVID SNOWDEN

Early

CEDRIC BRYANT

FUNNY GIRL

HANNAH

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Cake smash brings out the caring

By Danielle Nohra

NINETEEN three-year-old kids, their mums and dads got together over the weekend for what local photographer Belle Garfath believes was Canberra’s biggest cake smash.

“A cake smash is generally a milestone for a one-year-old. In this instance it’s a mass birthday celebration,” says Belle, who is part of a closed online support group of mothers who had children in February, 2014.

While the cake smash was fun, more importantly for Belle it was a chance to raise awareness for the need of community and support for mums in Canberra.

“We want to emphasise the importance of a support group network as a parent. Even for myself with a third child,” Belle says.

As an “older mum” with two teenagers Mitchell and Maddy and her youngest Ava (three), Belle was reluctant to join the group.

“You don’t get a manual when you have a baby and here it feels like your support group

is your manual,” says Belle.

“There is no judgement. We all come from totally different walks of life but when we come together we all have this one thing in common.

“Underneath we are all sleep-deprived mums.”

Fellow mum Femke Matthews had a similar experience and before joining the group didn’t know anyone who had kids in Canberra.

“It was about finding people who were going through similar experiences,” Femke says.

“Most of us joined the group when we were still pregnant. We were all going through it at the same time.

“I wasn’t expecting to make such good friends.”

Another mum in the group Sophie Green says: “While the friends from other aspects in my life are wonderful support to me and my children, they aren’t who I would sit down with to chat about new types of baby food or problems with breastfeeding.”

Belle says she’ll put a post up during the early hours of the morning and will find that other mothers will be up and will reply.

“I remember once wondering what the rash was on my daughter and posted help and next minute I learn it’s Hand Foot and Mouth and we were off to the doctor,” Belle says.

The mums emphasise that the page isn’t for medical advice but it has given some mums such as Belle some peace of mind.

To join, inbox the administrators at facebook.com/groups/canberramummies2014/

Shorten shines... for the Liberals!

PM Malcolm Turnbull has finally got his teeth into Bill Shorten. Here columnist ROBERT MACKLIN analyses why the Opposition Leader is such good news for the government.

IT’S a sad day for the Federal government when their best electoral asset is the Leader of the Opposition. Yet that’s where Malcolm Turnbull’s Coalition colleagues find themselves in the early months of 2017.

And no one knows it better than Turnbull himself.

At every opportunity he focuses his criticism on the former trade unionist and factional boss, Bill Shorten. The issue itself hardly matters, from the TPP where Turnbull labelled him “the greatest example of Labor gutlessness for generations” to the refugees on Manus and Nauru, where he’s allegedly “soft on border protection”. Invariably, the villain of the piece is that nondescript character in the fluro jacket with his Elmer Fudd forehead who can’t quite pronounce his “th’s” (“wiff” instead of “with”).

WHEN IT MATTERS

Truth is, Turnbull’s on a good thing (for a change). Labor has been consistently out-polling the Libs 54 to 46, yet the prospect of Shorten as PM changes the voter preference radically. People remember that it was Shorten who handed Julia Gillard the factional knife to take out Kevin Rudd. And when the political wind changed, it was that same numbers man who plunged the dagger into Australia’s first female prime minister, giving Kevin the chance to “save the furniture” for a Shorten takeover in the wake of the Abbott victory of 2013.

They also remember that it was Anthony Albanese who won 60 per cent of the popular vote among Labor’s rank and file in the subsequent leadership contest, only to be trumped by Shorten’s factional mates in the Caucus.

Since then, Albanese has been a good soldier, only occasionally giving glimpses of his real ambition to take the top job. And Shorten has finessed the only other real contender, Tanya Plibersek, by persuading her to take the Shadow Education portfolio rather than Treasury where Chris Bowen is doing a serviceable but unspectacular job.

Tanya has been too mindful of Bowen’s feelings; if she took over the oleaginous Scott Morrison would be shown up as a witless and heartless Tory functionary, and she would have positioned herself nicely for the leadership when the Caucus realises that only Shorten is standing between themselves and all the perks of government.

Snarling Malcolm ‘Pitbull’ sets the dogs loose

‘Pitbull’ Turnbull’s lashing of ‘lapdog’ Shorten may have been a prime-time TV hit, but he potentially set the dogs loose for any ambitious but less talented members to trump him.

WHEN Malcolm Turnbull went mongrel on Bill Shorten’s political pedigree in the Federal Parliament, it took political watchers back in time. A time when one PJ Keating and his eloquent ilk ruled the despatch box. A time when insightful and creative insults were flung with surgical precision at those on the other side of the house.

“Pitbull” Turnbull’s lashing of “lapdog” Shorten may have been a prime-time TV hit, but he potentially set the dogs loose for any ambitious but less talented members to trump him.

But they need to be wary; a sharp political tongue in the wrong hands could result in the loss of an eye. Keating and Co were the masters of and peerless in the

art of Australian political “politeness”.

ON doggie pedigrees the ACT Opposition has pledged to “take a look” at legislation surrounding dangerous dogs after recent stats revealed a spike in attacks. But it will fail, as have others who have waded into this dog’s breakfast of an issue.

The headlines wailed “vicious”, “savage”, and “maulings”, but the fact is dogs do bite and there are certain breeds that bite harder and more often.

A SMATTERING of speculation on the new ACT number plate slogan was reportedly overheard at weekend dinner parties. Voting for the slogan has closed and the verdict is due in March. The smart money’s on “Canberra the bush capital” or “CBR – Driving the nation”.

Shame my nomination of the vacuously simplistic yet dexterously sophisticated, “Canberra – it is what it is”, won’t get a look

MIKE WELSH

in. It says absolutely nothing but sounds like something.

STILL on dinner parties and the venue for one bizarre Canberra gathering at which some guests were informed in advance the host would die, still unsurprisingly rates a mention almost two decades on. The death of Joe Cinque at the hands of uni student Anu Singh in October, 1997, has spawned

Family Lawyers at their best

dose of dorin

Canberra’s new town crier.

Joe asked his FB friends – including me – to keep the news under their collective hats until Chief Minister Andrew Barr made the “official” announcement.

Unfortunately, I found it difficult respecting that embargo, considering the job is town crier.

FROM Facebook to Twitter, where the Greens’ member for Murrumbidgee, Caroline Le Couteur, tweeted a response to a question she asked in the Assembly in December on the lack of a public bus service to Canberra Airport.

Minister for Transport and City Services

Yvette Berry responded thus: “The Gov has committed to the implementation of RAPID bus services to the airport by 2020”. I’d hate to chuck Berry under a bus so early in the year, but could things be moved a bit more quickly on a RAPID bus service?

several books, a documentary, two feature films and a stage play. Last week came a news report on the imminent demolition of 79 Antill Street, Downer; the house where Cinque tragically died of a lethal dose of heroin.

LATE last year ancient tradition met social media when local actor Joe McGrail-Bateup shared on Facebook his appointment as

IT was local TV news anchors (home and) away in Canberra with the launch of Channel Nine’s local service on Capital Television. Former ABC News breakfast weather presenter Vanessa O’Hanlon is the new anchor of the bulletin, which boasts three journos based in Canberra.

However, Ms O’Hanlon will remain at the Willoughby studios in Sydney, from where she also delivers other regional bulletins. But the popular weather girl has promised not to be a stranger and will head down the Hume to her new “home” as often as she can.

Adrian likes to mix it with the best

By Kathryn Vukovljak

MARGARITA master Adrian

Mercieca is a mortgage broker by day but mixes drinks in his spare time, having started a new hobby business, Mobile Margaritas, to bring cocktails to parties.

“Mortgage broking can be a bit dry and, as I’d been a cocktail bartender for many years, I wanted to bring back that element of fun and create a hobby business mixing drinks, which had been an enjoyable part of my life,” he says.

Adrian says he lived in Port Douglas for five years after uni, where he worked at a bar renowned for its margaritas and also spent five years as an après bartender in Whistler, Canada.

Once he returned to Canberra, Adrian says he started working as a mortgage broker with his father. At the same time, he says he’s always loved mixing drinks and wanted to still be able to do that, too.

“In Queensland, I had to do the hard yards with months and months of lime squeezing, as they needed thousands of limes every week to keep up with the demand for margaritas,” he says.

“I wanted to be like Tom Cruise in ‘Cocktail’, and my love of

a fully qualified cocktail bartender.”

Adrian says he can bring everything needed to serve margaritas to guests at private parties, festivals or events, and he creates gin, rum

“Mixology is a real skillset, you need to understand flavour combinations, have good spirit and liqueur knowledge, and garnish and preparation techniques.

“There’s a theatrical element to

Fun with Will in mind

RACE car driver Daniel Cummins will stage his annual tribute to his brother Will with the HeartKids Hillclimb when 45 drivers peel around the Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track, Sutton Road, 9am-4pm, on Sunday, February 19. Now in its eighth year, the event raises funds and awareness for research into childhood heart disease. Daniel’s brother Will was born premature with a complex chromosome syndrome and died aged 12. It’s free to attend the family event and funds are raised through competitor entry fees, sponsorships from business, raffle ticket sales and food and drink sold on the day.

Mustangs on view

MEANWHILE, the biennial Canberra Mustang Car Show, featuring classic and modern Ford Mustangs and other American cars from the ACT, the south coast and northern NSW, will be held in front of Old Parliament House from 9.30am on Sunday, February 26. Proceeds from the show will be donated to a local charity.

Cupcake for a cause

THE Orangutan Project is urging the local community to enjoy a cupcake for a cause, in an effort to help release much-loved orangutan Cupcake (pictured) and its mother back into the wild.

During February and March the community is encouraged to host a “Cupcakes for Cupcake” fundraiser at schools, workplaces or community clubs to help raise the $20,000 needed to fund the medical, food and housing costs to date, as well as orangutans’ Jungle School life skills training and rehabilitation. Register at orangutan.org.au/cupcake/

A good time to celebrate diversity

WHAT do Canberrans have in common with Canadians? The first three letters of their names? A “can do” attitude? Really? What about a positive attitude to diversity?

ACT Minister for Diversity, Rachel Stephen-Smith, now presides over the Canberra Multicultural Festival, which runs over this weekend. It is about to come of age – celebrating 21 years since its origins in 1996. It is the largest multicultural festival in Australia and sets itself up “to provide a fun and free family-friendly event that includes activities for everyone, shows, food and drink stalls, dancing and celebrations”.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s statement, in the face of an attempted US Presidential ban on Muslims, reflects a similar attitude.

I quote him again this week: “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength”.

Under the #WelcomeRefugees banner, Canadians have

Our commitment to multiculturalism is out there for all to see. Hopefully, when they are in Canberra, it will go up the noses of hard-right federal politicians such as Senator Cory Bernardi.”

resettling Syrians and by last month had settled more than 40,000 Syrian refugees in their country.

Meantime, Australia “has agreed to settle 12,000 refugees who are fleeing the conflict in Syria and Iraq (in addition to the 13,750 places each year in the humanitarian program.

Of the nearly 40,000 places available not quite 16,000 people have arrived in Australia under both programs).

However, there is a different attitude of Canberra locals. Our commitment to multiculturalism is there for all to see. Hopefully, when they are in Canberra, it will go up the noses of hard-right federal politicians such as Senator Cory Bernardi, an honoured guest at an extreme anti-Islam Q Society’s fundraising function. The Q Society claims: “This is an excellent opportunity to mingle with outspoken advocates for Liberty and Western values.”

The vast majority of Canberrans believe in the sort of liberty that allows

people to have their own religious or non-religious beliefs and to celebrate that diversity together.

In the same week that Bernardi departed from the Liberal Party (that had given him the unassailable first ticket position for SA in the Senate), Attorney General George Brandis did well in announcing Australia’s ratification of OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment).

Australia’s prisons and immigration detention centres can now be monitored by a network of independent inspecting bodies to prevent issues before they occur.

Ratifying OPCAT ensures mental health facilities, immigrant detention, prisons and youth detention centres, for example, are subject to much stronger independent oversight and monitoring. Although immigrant detention will be covered in Australia and Nauru has already ratified the treaty, Manus Island will not be covered.

In Canberra, along with what the organisers are

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describing as “an incredible line-up of entertainment” such as “Wiradjuri, Bollywood, Andrea Kirwin, Miriam Lieberman, The Borderers and Sol Nation”, attendees will once again be exposed to foods and other goods from across the world. The advantages of diversity, of broad cultural experience will be there for all to see and share.

Although the food is exciting, along with dancing, music and dress, the real message is about celebration. We are not being “tolerant” of other cultures. We are celebrating.

Canberrans will celebrate the incorporation of the best of ideas, the thinking and the differences. We start with our local original inhabitants the Ngunnawal and Ngambri, and then those that followed including the English and Irish, the Italians and Greeks, the German and the Dutch, the Chinese and the Indians, the Russians and the Iranians, the Saudis and the Kenyans, the Pacific Islanders and South Americans… and so, so many others who enrich our lives.

The 2017 National Multicultural Festival reminds us why we can currently be as proud about the celebration of diversity as at least one North American country.

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

Street smart seniors

IAN Lambert, from Council on the Ageing will talk about “Street Smart Seniors” at the next lunch meeting of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club, at Versatile Restaurant, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls, from 11.30am on Wednesday, February 22. Lunch costs $35 and the meeting is open to visitors and interested ladies. Bookings to 6616 2874 before noon on Monday, February 20.

Rock shelter walk

CANBERRA Archaeological Society life member Dr Peter Dorling will guide a two-hour walk to the heritage-listed Birrigai Rock Shelter in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve at 10am on Sunday, February 26. It is the oldest human occupation site in the ACT and one of the oldest in the Southern Highlands. Participants should meet at the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre car park in good walking shoes and a hat with sun protection and a water bottle. The cost is $5 for non-members.

Walking the talk

THE Unesco-designated International Mother Language Day will be celebrated in Canberra with a walk across Commonwealth Bridge, starting from the international flag display, 10am, on Sunday, February 26. There’s a sausage sizzle and children’s games near Stage 88 after the walk. All welcome to this free event. More details from imlm.21feb@gmail.coma

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

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

cover story scribbles

Bringing the funny, despite the tears

There has been no better training ground for the pressure of Australian show business than being a mum.

IT’S not every day a stay-at-home mother from semi-rural NSW decides to launch a career into stand-up comedy. Yet here I am, in all my jam-making, yoga-pants-wearing, wobbly-thighed glory, bringing the funny.

I’m sure my husband is convinced that I go on the road to escape the madness at home. Who wouldn’t? Being a full-time comic must be one of the few occupations on the planet slightly less hysterical than being a mother of small children, with some striking resemblances, I assure you.

For example, when it’s 90 seconds to show time, like every other living soul that’s come before me in this role, I contemplate the same question: what the heck have I got myself into? Half of my face is numb and I start to involuntarily dribble. My left hand is feeling shaky and weak. I check my lower half for the fifteenth time to make sure that, yes, I am actually wearing pants, and I send up a prayer for a friendly reception. And that’s just waking the kids up for breakfast.

But despite what my husband thinks, I do have a few other reasons for hitting the road for laughs. As a professional muso, I missed entertaining audiences while I was hunkered down for the best part of a decade, cleaning pee off the floor and trying to figure out how to make broccoli not look like broccoli.

I’ve also been through some fairly tough stuff in recent years. In 2011 we lost our twoday-old baby boy to a rare brain abnormality. Eighteen months later we were expecting our Rainbow Baby.

When I went for a rou-

tine check-up at 34 weeks, we discovered she had passed away in utero; a tragic accident. Since then, I have battled severe anxiety, depression and PTSD, conditions that only exacerbated the strain of already living with a chronic illness (Fibromyalgia) and caring for my ageing parents who live with us.

Okay, so maybe I do perform comedy to escape a little. But mostly I do it because I know what it’s like when life crushes you beyond reason. And, as I discovered in the pit of my own grief, the gift of laughter, fleeting though it may be, is tremendous (as is a $200 gift voucher exclusively for the purchase of Tim Tams, FYI).

There is indescribable elation that comes from the feeling of laughter when you are in the darkest, deepest pit. It doesn’t solve your problems or pull you out, but it triggers an anticipation that one day, even if it’s a day far away, you might actually be able to experience joy again. That, my friends, is hope.

So here I am, doing everything I can to bring that hope to others. It may sound a little cheesy but, hand on heart, I can tell you that is what this career of mine was born of three years ago. I love bringing the funny to anyone who needs it, and my favourite fan letters are the ones from people struggling through the quagmire of life, telling me just how much they needed a good laugh.

So now as I wrestle with the temper tantrums, vomit stains, heckling and ludicrous noise levels (and I am actually talking about backstage before a gig), I relish the challenge of performing stand-up. There has been no better training ground for the pressure of Australian show business than being a mum. And never underestimate the power of the underlying threat that every situation is potential fodder for mum’s shows. You may have cheek, kid, but I have an audience.

Hannah Boland is a comedian and writer based in the Southern Highlands. She will perform her show “The Best Medicine” at the Canberra Theatre Centre on March 18. Tickets and info at hannahboland.com.au

Grumpy be my name

By Paul Dorin

ONE of the biggest causes of grumpiness and frustration in our house would have to be kids taking control of the internet.

Just when you sit down and relax, nothing seems to work because every kid in the house is using the internet. And don’t get me started on the NBN! I looked up the definition of grumpy: irritable, unhappy and moody, and it isn’t exclusive to old men.

When the order is given for the kids to clean up their mess of toys or clothes, or to switch off the ipads, look who turns into Master Cranky Pants and Miss Cranky Pants.

Most of the time kids are the cutest things in the world, but they can very easily bring out the Mr Grumpy Bum in me, but I think my daughter gets grumpier with me more than I do with her, but I have been variously labelled the Grouch Monster, Grumpzilla, Grumpy Bum, Crank-o-saurus, King Grouch and Crankpot.

I remember a few years ago visiting my daughter’s kindergarten open day. I was looking up at the artworks of the kids’ family members hanging from a string line in the classroom and the teacher pointed out my daughter’s work: all the drawn faces had smiles, except the one of me! It was a cute and brilliant piece of artwork, but from that day I accepted the fact that I got grumpy.

I remember seeing a terrific message on a T-shirt that read: “Yes, I am wearing my cranky pants today and don’t they make my butt look great!”

I think every member in my family owns a pair of cranky pants!

Paul Dorin is the “CityNews” cartoonist.

For whom the cycle bell tolls

BRENDA Pye notes (“Grumpy”, CN, February 2) that cyclists are “going flat out” around Lake Ginninderra disturbing the peace.

I agree that sometimes cyclists are a little gung-ho but note, from personal experience, many pedestrians are hopelessly unaware of their surroundings.

For the last two years, riding to UC around Lake Ginninderra, I saw many pedestrians zoned out and/or wearing headphones. No amount of bell-ringing reaches them.

I remember a pedestrian meandering obliviously about, shrilly chastising me for not sounding my bell. I had; twice and I explained this. No apology was forthcoming.

Many pedestrians walk in the centre, or all over, the shared pathways and in groups, almost always spread across them.

On numerous occasions, pedestrians have turned around, stepping into my path after sounding my bell, forcing me dangerously into the rough on skinny tyres. No wonder so many cyclists have given up on it. Why does the cyclist have sole responsibility to give way, observe their surroundings and notify others of their presence when many pedestrians clearly couldn’t be bothered?

Just like walking, cycling, is a great way to improve fitness during the daily commute, taking cars off the road, reducing noise and improving parking in our town centres. It’s good, clean fun and our city’s path network is second to none.

Please, pedestrians and cyclists of Canberra, share the shared pathways (which were originally “cycle paths”, you may recall) as intended.

As I often say to misjudging pedestrians hopping off the path to let me pass: “Stay on! There’s plenty of room for all of us!” But only if we all follow the system. Keep left, consider others. Share the path.

Jason Doust, Scullin

Shameless Shorten

AS usual, Michelle Grattan’s weekly column (citynews. com.au, February 10) put a considered commentary about the week in Federal politics, naturally focusing on PM Malcolm Turnbull’s uncharacteristic outburst in taking on Bill Shorten.

What she and most media commentators and journalists (if one can draw a distinction today) did not highlight was that his “attack” was in response to Shorten’s shameless personal tirade in moving his censure motion against the government – and the Turnbull outburst was in reply.

Michelle rightly alluded to Shorten being, up to now, insulated by teflon – much to the discredit of the media, for he has been ranting about the PM for some time with nary a negative headline. Nor has much been made of his tirade coming just a week after his oh-so-scripted tear jerker at the National Press Club – pledging to “get” what Australians are saying to politicians about being sick to the back teeth of grubby and personal politics. But there followed, yet again, what are now proven to be weasel words – just like his empty promise after the last election.

Yes, it is time that the PM challenged the Leader of the Opposition and his likewise-loose tongued team members, who love to dish out but cry foul if returned with interest. Yes, in the words of their own hallowed slogan, “It’s Time” to “De-Teflon” Mr. Shorten and those around him who actually do not “get” what we are demanding – meaningful debate over blatant ideology, union domination and baseless political opportunism – which they, in turn, chant whenever challenged.

Len Goodman, Belconnen

Disappointed at criticism

I AM disappointed political columnist Michael Moore dutifully follows the other commentators worldwide in criticising President Trump.

In Hawaii Michael heard only one defence of The Donald. Hardly surprising as the state is Democrat, whereas on a recent cruise most were Republicans.

As for Clinton winning the “popular” vote, that has nothing to do with winning the presidency, unless the rules have changed.

Canada’s concern is justified, however the recent right-wing shooting there shows not everyone believes in Trudeau’s love-all.

As to America’s appalling and undemocratic electoral system, Michael and I are in full agreement.

Odd and worrying as Trump is, he has highlighted, like Brexit, the feelings of the deplorables – bit like the French Revolution really.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Grammatical error

PERHAPS Mike Welsh should check his own grammar (Seven Days, CN, February 9).

He said: “... to book a room for he and his Iranian mates.”

A preposition (for) requires a pronoun which is an object following the for (him not he – he is a subject).

When I was a teacher Mike would have been required to write it correctly six times.

Sadly journalism has a lot of grammatical errors these days because children are not taught much grammar.

Rewa Bate, Coombs

Beggars with healthy dogs

I AM writing in regard to the increasing number of men begging in the centre of Canberra.

While I sympathise if they are genuinely homeless, some appear to be fit and healthy.

The thing I am concerned with is the number of them sitting on the pavement with fat and healthy looking dogs!

I don’t think these dogs are registered or neutered and it is a concern for the safety of the public.

In my opinion, if these people are genuinely homeless they can’t give the dog the care and support that is needed. And it’s not a good look for the city.

Teresa Maynard, Kambah

Business in the park?

I can’t imagine a worse place to have placed a commercial ship-maintenance establishment than within the public park of Black Mountain Peninsula.

The loss of yet more public land is one thing, but another is the ACT government being involved in such a venture. I would like to know how much this construction has cost taxpayers, and how much usage and revenue, if any, has been raised to date from it?

Simon Carter, Florey

Memories of Mr Penny

PAUL Dorin’s article (“Sweet memories of the past”, CN February 2) reminded me of my father buying me a penny’s worth of lollies from Mr Penny, a shopkeeper at Queanbeyan, nearly 80 years ago.

We left Queanbeyan when I was two years old, but even at that age I was amused.

Does anyone else remember Mr Penny at Queanbeyan 80 years ago?

Rewa Bate, Coombs

mum in the city

How much help with homework?

By Sonya Fladun

I want my children to do well at school, to learn as much as they can and be well set up for their lives and careers. So I reckon homework is pretty important.

HOMEWORK can be a vexing problem for many parents.

It builds up slowly. In the early years of primary school, it’s more fun than work, but by the end of primary school it starts to mount up.

Then, when your kids hit high school, it gets much more serious. Suddenly, your son or daughter has half a dozen assignments at any one time, alongside all the other things they need to do, from maths revision to rehearsing lines for a school play.

On top of that are all their “extracurricular” commitments, especially sport that often starts early in the morning and can finish late in the evening. Helping one’s kids manage everything is a key parental responsibility, but how far do you go in helping with homework?

I want my children to do well at school, to learn as much as they can and be well set up for their lives and careers. So I reckon homework is pretty important.

It helps kids practice what they have learned, how to solve problems, to learn to work independently and to manage numerous tasks and competing deadlines. It can also be very stressful, particularly when the kids haven’t time-managed a project properly and you have to support them through a long night of homework horror. One of the best questions you can ask early in the school term is what assignments have you got and when are they due?

There’s also a big question about how far you go in lending a hand. I know some parents who literally do their kid’s homework, the whole kit and kaboodle, to help boost their son or daughter’s grades. This is all the easier to do in these days of digital learning and electronic lodgement of assignments. But it really does defeat the purpose of the whole exercise since the key thing is for kids to learn and organise themselves.

Overall, homework seems a lot more varied and interesting than in my school days. The kids have brought home all sorts of interesting projects – from investigating a local environmental remediation project in our suburb, to researching and writing about the French Revolution or programming a class-built robot to do new tricks.

Sometimes I know I could help them a bit more, but at the end of the day I reckon they have to work hard themselves and learn through doing.

Of course, it’s a tough balance and likely to get tougher as my kids get older, the demands of school increase as are their sporting and other commitments. That’s when discipline and good time management will be even more important.

What goes around, unhappily comes around

THERE is a certain karma in the fact that Australia’s first brush with President Donald Trump, as predictably obnoxious and embarrassing as it was, focused on Australia’s obnoxious and embarrassing treatment of asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru Islands. Nevertheless, Liberal and Labor politicians lined up to respond to President Trump’s opposition to the asylum seeker deal with President Obama with the usual lack of self-awareness and no hint of embarrassment at the international exposure of their ugly complicity in the lengthy incarceration of these innocent men, women and children.

There has, since this bizarre contretemps and the behaviour of President Trump more generally, been a flurry of analysis of the implications of the Trump presidency for Australia. A common thread has been the implications for politics and politicians of the Trump “style” and of the mood reflected by the Brexit vote for change from the more traditional parties to right-wing, populist and nationalistic parties and individuals.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has recently joined the parade saying that “the political system is broken” and that in “these unusual times, politics as usual doesn’t cut it anymore”. This begs the question whether this is the case here, in Canberra? On the evidence of the recent ACT election it is fair to say that the grip of the traditional parties on the local legislature has actually tightened. In the election, independents and minor parties, with the arguable exception of the Greens, created barely a ripple.

Liberal and Labor politicians lined up to respond to President Trump’s opposition to the asylum seeker deal with no hint of embarrassment at the international exposure of their ugly complicity in the lengthy incarceration of innocent men, women and children.

Not only was the ALP returned to government after 15 straight years in office, it received a comprehensive and unambiguous mandate to maintain the policies, administration and style of government that it had pursued in the previous term.

The ACT government has, to take just one example, received a mandate to proceed at pace, irrespective of the business case and regardless of the unavoidable and as yet unexplained changes to the form and functioning of Canberra, with a multi-billion dollar tram network.

The people of Canberra, in agreeing to this have also agreed, by extension, that the government should take the steps required to fund the project. It is not clear at this stage whether this will involve extra rates, additional taxes or cuts to existing services such as health or education. Despite this and a run of hefty Budget deficits the electorate displayed no real interest in knowing where the money was going to come from and is prepared to trust the government to deal with these issues as it sees fit.

It would be interesting, therefore, to explore the basis of the ACT electorate’s apparent satisfaction and trust with politics and the political status quo in Canberra.

Does it really signify genuine support for the Labor/Liberal duopoly? Alternatively, is it an incident of a high level of disengagement with local politics and government or perhaps a reflection of complacency born out of the relative prosperity of the Canberra community?

It might be, for example, that for a majority of Canberrans an increase in rates and taxes to fund the tram is of no particular moment and that we no longer hear the voices of Canberra families for whom the cost of living is a struggle and home ownership an illusion.

The same situation does not apply in other places. The almost 20 per cent of the vote that Pauline Hanson garnered at the last Federal election is testament to the disenchantment with mainstream parties in Queensland.

There is great debate about what is feeding the support that One Nation has attracted. I have family and friends in Queensland who tell me that Pauline’s success comes from a combination of saying what many of her supporters think and standing up on issues that

mainstream politicians avoid and so create a void.

There is perhaps no better example of this than Pauline Hanson’s recent stirring defence of the right of the residents of Norfolk Island to enjoy the same democratic rights as all Australians. Eighteen months ago the Labor and Liberal Parties in the Federal Parliament combined, against the wishes of a significant majority of residents and without consultation, to repeal self-government on Norfolk Island, sack the democratically elected government and replace it with Canberra-based public servants.

In the 18 months since these draconian and undemocratic changes were forcibly imposed on residents, Pauline Hanson is the only member of the Federal Parliament to stand in solidarity with and publicly support the people of Norfolk Island.

If you were a Norfolk Islander who would you vote for?

Jon Stanhope was Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Gin ninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

JON STANHOPE

ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON

As a Plastic Surgeon, operating in Canberra for nearly 20 years, I have often seen the results of surgery that has been undertaken without proper consideration of the risks or possible long term implications. This is especially the case with Breast Augmentation surgeries.

Breast Augmentation can be a life changing procedure for women who have little breast tissue or women who wish to restore their breasts after children or weight loss, but it is a decision for life and therefore must not be entered into without fully understanding the risks and long term responsibilities. The top three factors you need to consider before undertaking a Breast Augmentation are: safety, size & shape, and longevity.

SAFETY

Patient safety is the most vital factor when considering Breast Augmentation. This type of surgery is increasingly being viewed more like a commodity in the market, with cut prices and the o er of quick xes. In reality, this often translates into compromises in the areas of patient safety and curtailed post-operative responsibilities. A thorough ‘no obligation’ consultation is the key where questions can be asked and addressed with honesty and clarity. This gives you, the patient, a complete picture of your surgeon, the services o ered both before, and after, and addresses all the safety aspects.

Consider these questions:

-Does the outcome of the surgery outweigh your personal health risk?

-Do you have to compromise your health and safety against the cost?

-Is the hospital and theatre accredited against the National Safety and Quality Health Standard?

-Is there a quali ed Anaesthetist at your surgery?

-Does your surgeon hold a Fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) – as not all surgeons do.

-Does your surgeon follow the recommended 14-point plan to reduce infection and long term issues with the implant?

-Does your surgeon o er full post operative care?

SIZE & SHAPE

The implant should be chosen from what ts your body shape, not on what volume your friend had. Size and shape are very important. Most surgeons will o er you a range of styles and shapes, which will determine the end result and the look you are after. In all cases the breasts should never be looked at in isolation, you must also consider the waist, hips and overall body proportioning. Round vs teardrop, heights and widths should be harmonious with your body measurements. Saline vs cohesive gel and di erent projections and widths will have an e ect on the overall look and feel of breast.

LONGEVITY

Longevity is not something anyone wants to think about when undertaking this surgery but it is also very important! A cheap surgery can rapidly turn into a very expensive exercise if you have a problem and require revisional surgery. If you go too big and haven’t had children you must remember your breasts will change dramatically during pregnancy and breast feeding. Sport and tness enthusiasts often nd large implants impede their ability to participate and excel in their chosen sport.

However, with the right implant, positioned well and sized to t your body shape this will substantially reduce the likelihood of future problems. Additionally, supporting the breast properly by limiting the time you go braless and wearing a correctly tted bra will also help.

If you have concerns or are considering Breast Augmentation, please call our clinic and speak to one of our patient managers or alternatively visit our website for more information.

Scammers who break more than hearts

Dating and romance scams cause the most financial loss because they target vulnerable people seeking meaningful relationships.

HOPEFULLY, the only hit your wallet has taken this past week is on roses for a significant other as, unfortunately, Valentine’s Day can also be a time when unscrupulous people look to steal your money.

The most recent figures from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) tell us that dating and romance scams are costing Australians more than $24 million a year with more than 4000 incidents last year.

Scamwatch data shows almost $10 million was lost to scammers in February, 2016 – the highest amount of any month – with dating and romance scams causing the most financial loss.

It’s a dirty, but lucrative, business because it targets vulnerable people seeking meaningful relationships.

The largest number of reports came from those aged 45-54 years, while those aged over 55 years reported the greatest financial loss.

Scammers use a variety of methods to approach potential victims, including legitimate dating sites, unsolicited emails and social media.

There is a fairly consistent process that the scammers follow, starting with a claim that they are working/living overseas because of a family situation and that there is a reason that they cannot travel to Australia right now.

It progresses quickly to their declaration of love and, at some time soon after, a request for money to resolve a fictitious situation.

This can be to pay for medical expenses, airline tickets so as to meet and visa/ government fees.

More requests for money follow and as the stories become more complicated the scammer continues to make promises that are never kept.

Keep these facts in mind before committing to send any money because, if you haven’t met the person before the requests start, there’s a good chance that you are being scammed.

You can find out more about the impact of romance scammers via accc.gov.au/ media-release/australianslose-75000-every-day-toromance-scams and there are some real-life examples at scamwatch.gov.au/get-help

In fact, more than 80 per cent of reports of romance scamming and 90 per cent of the loss incurred was from direct contact by the internet, social networking or email. And they are getting smarter, targetting victims through social networking sites, where they “like” them and then express shared interests based on personal information gleaned from their online profile.

Scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated in the way they operate and the old adage “if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is” applies to all of those people who are trying to separate you from your money.

David Snowden is the ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading.

DAVID SNOWDEN

Pikolinos and many more... Sale ends soon!

Black Opal promises to shine brighter

THE Group 3 MercedesBenz Canberra Black Opal Stakes Day is said to be one of the biggest and best race days in Canberra and now, with the Canberra Racing Club’s new partnership with Singapore Airlines, it’s expected to be even bigger.

Canberra Racing Club sales and marketing manager Briony Young says: “The partnership is an exciting development for the Canberra Racing Club, which races 25 times a year with races viewed by over 15 million people worldwide each race day.

“The Canberra Racing Club is taking an active role in assisting with the promotion of Canberra to

NZ and Singapore, two countries synonymous with thoroughbred racing and breeding.”

On Sunday, March 5, Black Opal Stakes Day will feature the tab.com. au Canberra Cup, the Canberra Casino National Sprint and the XXXX Gold Canberra Guineas as well as another four races. Briony says: “As soon as you walk through the gates the senses will be on overload, the food, live music, the horses and colour of amazing fashions on course are sure to delight even the most discerning racegoer.

“Sit back under cover of the general public grandstand where you can people-watch to your heart’s content.

“Or book into one of the fabulous marquees for everything you need to relax and enjoy on race day.”

Briony says horses from all over the country and from top trainers will be there, such as Gai Waterhouse, who will compete for Canberra’s jewel with almost $900,000 in prizemoney to be won.

“The Myer fashions on the field competition is hotly contested with interstate travellers entering for their chance to win great prizes,” she says.

• CUSTOM DESIGN

• ENGAGEMENT RINGS

• STUNNING JEWELLERY

• BEAUTIFUL WATCHES

There will be plenty of food stalls, craft beer bars, entertainment and socialising.

For the younger generation a jumping castle and face painting area is available free of charge. There will also be live bands and live DJs including Ashley Feraude.

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Advice to get the most out of your money

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Led by partners George Diamond, Ross Di Bartolo and John Mihailaros, PKF Canberra is dedicated to offering trusted advice to its diverse range of clients -– who range from individuals through to small-to-medium enterprises, including businesses in the construction industry.

Managing partner Ross says: “With technology that’s transforming really quickly in modern times, a thing that’s happened in our profession is there’s been a digital disruption in the economy.

“We are constantly changing to meet the needs of the commercial factor.”

Ross says that experience is everything and with 35 years of it PKF Canberra has an excess amount of knowledge.

“The trust comes with having experienced professionals that understand and know how to respond,” Ross says.

“We have the right answers, the right people and we’re not too big and not too small.”

Ross says that PKF Canberra demonstrates core values of passion, teamwork, quality and integrity.

“Our clients depend on us to help them grow and look after them.

“We’re reliable and we have high standards.”

PKF Canberra, Level 7, 28 University Avenue, Civic. Visit pkfcanberra.com.au or call 6257 7500.

That’s

Why wills are important

“IF you die without a will, there are some automatic provisions which determine how your estate is divided and these may not be in accordance with your wishes,” warns Capon and Hubert solicitor Lee Usher-Clarke.

“It may even be possible that if you have no family your estate could be forfeited to the Crown!

“Making a will provides for those you care about and enables you to include people who would not otherwise receive anything from your estate. It also means you can appoint someone you trust as your executor, whose job it is to put your wishes into effect.”

Lee says there are some technical requirements for a will to be valid. “Sometimes these can be fixed but this can increase costs and cause difficulties for your executor, she says.

“Wills can also be challenged and so it is better and safer to have your will completed by a solicitor.

“In addition to a will, everyone should have an enduring Power of Attorney. This is a document that allows a person you have selected to look after your interests and make important decisions (financial, lifestyle and medical) on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to accident, illness or advancing age.

“You should always obtain legal advice and guidance if you propose to make a will or Power of Attorney,” she says.

Call 6152 9203 to make an appointment with Lee Usher-Clarke. Capon & Hubert, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip.

Conveyancing with clients in mind

NEWLY established in Queanbeyan, AMS Conveyancing NSW is dedicated to providing affordable, flexible conveyancing with a great service.

Even though they’ve only been in Queanbeyan for eight months, proprietor John Riley has 40 years’ experience in the industry and paralegal Kim Soukieh was awarded Law Honours in 2012.

John says: “With AMS Conveyancing NSW, you know the total price you have to pay for the legal conveyancing services involved in your property sale or purchase right from the start.

“Unless we are required to carry out additional work or provide additional services, that’s all you pay.

“We’re a client-focused business and aim to provide good service and information to help clients through the process.

“We have well-developed systems in place, which

means we don’t miss a thing.”

John says as a licensed conveyancing business, AMS is totally focused on conveyancing and clients are guaranteed a trained specialist is looking after their contracts the whole way through the process.

“We are focused on providing solutions to our clients’ problems,” John says.

And if clients would like to move further past NSW AMS Conveyancing can easily help with its sister company in Queensland.

“It’s useful for people who want to move between states,” John says.

“It’s one group of people looking after them the whole way through.

“We pride ourselves on the ability to be flexible and to cater for any unusual requirements.”

AMS Conveyancing NSW. Visit amsconveyancingnsw.com.au or email service@amsconveyancing.com.au or call 1300 556939.

AMS

At Capon and Hubert Lawyers we ensure that your estate goes to family or friends of your choice. Having a valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate. We understand your situation is different and may require a unique specialist approach.

At the 28th Alliance Française French Film Festival preview, New Acton

sundayROAST

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

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

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

At the Network of Possibility cocktail reception, Yarralumla

At the opening of “I see Re(a)d”, ANCA Gallery

arts & entertainment

The perils of Pauline and more

By Helen Musa CANBERRANS wanting

to gauge the political temperature of the nation could do worse than head for the Bald Archy exhibition at Watson Arts Centre.

For while the magnificent Malcolm Turnbull of 2016 seems to have faded, the satirical art show has seen a return of one of its former superstars – Pauline Hanson, depicted in one painting as the Phoenix Rising.

“CityNews” rushed to Watson for the annual unpacking of entries from all around Australia and had, at last count, spotted nine Paulines, including one by Canberra artist and Bald Archy veteran, Val Johnson. Hanson appears in Mark Tippett’s comment on the crossbenches, “Follow the Yellow Scarf Road or The Wizard of Taz,” but only as the Cowardly Lion, while an Archy regular, Senator Jacqui Lambie, is shown as Dorothy and Senator Derryn Hinch, unusually tiny, as Toto.

Founder of the Bald Archy, Peter Batey, was on hand to assure us that Maude, the sulphur-crested cockatoo

from Coolac, which judges the awards each year, was back in its coop and fully compos mentis after a period of vagrancy last year. The bird appears resplendent in Sharyn Jones’ portrait “Maude: the Ultimate Judge”.

What a relief. Batey has always asserted her judgement was at least as good as any of the critics who assess entries in the annual Archibald Prize which the “Archies” traditionally lampoon.

Talking of the Archibald, Batey told “CityNews” that, after touring beyond the ACT to places as far afield as Gundagai, Corowa, Geelong, Brisbane, Deniliquin, Coffs Harbour, Temora and Swanpool, the exhibition would come home to roost in Sydney during July just before the big portrait show opens at the Art Gallery of NSW. Strangely, as we have reported before the relationship between the two exhibitions is exceedingly cordial.

If heavy duty caricature combined with superb artistic skills is what you want, then Caricaturist of the Year Judy Nadin’s portrayal of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke is worth a look. It’s our tip.

The 24rd Bald Archy prize exhibition, at Watson Arts Centre, Aspinall Street, until March 14, 10am to 4pm daily, entry $8/$6.

Above: Zelmam Lew’s “Malcolm Turnbull Marriage Equality”.

Left: Judy Nadin’s “When there’s a Lull, the Silver Bodgie Does Scull”.

Right: Val Johnson’s “Rod You are Not a Team Player”.

Tense fun when dad turns up Dougal Macdonald

Warney bowls up the ‘truth’

By Helen Musa

HERO or villain, Shane Warne has stories to tell. The rock-star cricketer has his own show, “Warney Uncut, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth”. Eddie Perfect wrote a musical about him, but in this outing, the real-life man threatens to separate fact from fiction, at the Canberra Theatre on Monday, May 1. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

JAPANESE virtuoso pianist Yu Kosuge is coming to Australia for the first time, and she’ll be at Llewellyn Hall on February 24. New York critics have praised her “acutely poetic sensibility… wit, drama, and effulgent lyricism”. Bookings to ticketek.com.au

JOHN Paul Young and The Allstar Band are touring with “The Vanda & Young Songbook”, a concert celebrating the songs that gave Australia its soundtrack from the ‘60s to the ‘80s. Think “Friday on My Mind” and “Love Is In the Air”. Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday, February 18. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“FOOD, friend or foe, guardian, mascot or symbol, animals appear everywhere in our society,” say staff at Tuggeranong Arts Centre as they launch into the 2017 theme, “animals connect us to the wild and anchor us in the domestic”. “3 Memories, 3 Animals and a Hunk of Wax” is a reflection on animals, death, experience and curiosity by Julia Higgs, while “Seek” is an exhibition by animal rights advocate Gabriella Tagliapietra. At 137 Reed Street, Greenway, until February 25.

CANBERRA Bonsai Society is staging its annual exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 9.30am-4.30pm, on February 25-26. There’ll be more than 30 works showcasing the use of Australian plants in the art of bonsai and visitors will be able to attend demonstrations at 2pm each day.

WESLEY Music Centre’s “Lunchtime Live” series presents Hilda Visser-Scott performing Mozart’s Piano Sonata K457 in C minor and Liszt’s transcription of Schubert’s “Ständchen”, with soprano Madeleine Anderson singing arias by Mozart and Strauss, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, February 22, entry by paper note or donation, no bookings required.

THE London Klezmer Quartet, featuring vocals by Indra Buraczewska, will bring its celebratory and soulful music of Jewish Eastern Europe to Smith’s Alternative, Civic, February 21. Bookings to smithsalternative.com

Canberra has a thriving African drum and dance scene with the next 6-week African dance course now taking enrolments. Work up a sweat while learning the funky moves of traditional West African dance in high energy classes led by world-renowned Mohamed Bangoura and accompanied by live drumming.

All levels welcome and bookings essential.

7.35-9pm Thursdays, 2 March – 6 April @ Duffy Primary. Ph: 0414 236 323 or email: info@drumeffect.com.au

visit www.drumeffect.com.au

Ines (Sandra Hűller) and father Toni (Peter Simonischek) in “Toni

Tense fun when dad turns up

By Dougal Macdonald

“Toni Erdmann” (M)

HOORAY for Hollywood! The International Movie Database tells me that, in his first film since “How Do You Know” (2010), Jack Nicholson will play the title role in Gary Sanchez Films’ plagiarising of “Toni Erdmann” and Kristen Wiig will play his daughter. What’s that got to do with German writer/director Maren Ade’s original film about a father trying to establish meaningful contact with his daughter? Well, Gary Sanchez doesn’t exist. He’s a partnership between actor Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay that has produced many of Ferrell’s films. And when I imagine Nicholson playing a 65-yearold German music teacher who, to ease his grief following his old dog’s death, travels to Bucharest to reconnect with his estranged daughter, I simply cannot envisage a Hollywoodised version with such a pedigree even getting screened at Cannes much less receiving great acclaim there, as Ade’s film did last year.

The film delivers an intelligent mix of subtle and in-your-face, often slapstick, humour with a serious and often poignant examination of a father/daughter relationship that might at any moment run aground on the rock of angst. In his 70th year, Peter Simonischek plays Toni in firm command of a character who only wants to re-discover a disintegrated family. Playing Ines, Sandra Hűller projects a woman desperate to keep a sub-executive job somewhat beyond her ability. Because Toni gets most of the laughs, we mightn’t expect Ines, a scratchy personality in her best moments, to get many if any. And it is so until well into the film. Ines is throwing a birthday party for herself. Her skin-tight dress is uncomfortable. Her antics removing it are hilarious and rightly so, just as her doorbell begins to announce guests arriving. What follows

is a long, almost single, take that generated gales of laughter from the women in the audience as she plays it nude with complete sangfroid Somehow I can’t see Hollywood getting Kristen Wiig to do that.

At Palace Electric

“Fifty Shades Darker” (MA)

THE last time Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey saw each other was when she gave him the flick in Episode 1 of the semi-porn fantasy romance trilogy written by EL James.

In Episode 2, she’s now a reader in a publishing house. He’s now over the end of Episode 1 and wants her back, even on her terms.

Lying toad. He intends to be an emotional submissive on the surface while remaining a dominant beneath. She still pretends that she yearns for the man, not his wealth. She’s only pretending to be a sub. His house may contain all the expensive paraphernalia associated with being a dom, but he’s not smart enough to realise that, for her, there’s more to that than simply enduring pain.

At the end of Episode 2, she has agreed to marry him, the older woman Elena (Kim Basinger) who coached him in bedroom skills is promising doom for the marriage, his loving mom (Marcia Gay Harden) still believes that in his case, the sun actually does shine you know where.

Those bookends embrace 117 minutes of people to-ing and fro-ing their way through high life and sexual hi-jinks to a screenplay by Niall Leonard, whose wife is EL James.

As Ana, Dakota Johnson does not have the looks necessary to snare a squillionaire offering the body of an Adonis but little else. And neither she nor Jamie Dornan as Christian gets deeper into the actor’s craft beyond merely mouthing the dialogue.

There were six other people at the screening I watched. That says something, doesn’t it?

At all cinemas

“Fences” (PG)

WALKING between adjacent cinemas in the same multiplex, burdened by the dissatisfaction generated by “Fifty Shades…”, I dared hope that “Fences” might give me a lift.

And it was indeed so. The late Afro-American playwright August Wilson won his first Pulitzer Prize with it in 1987 and went on to win a second Pulitzer and nomination for four others.

Troy (Denzel Washington) and Bono (Stephen Henderson), friends since childhood, work emptying garbage cans into a Philadelphia city truck. Troy is married to Rose (Viola Davis), with whom he has a teenage son Cory (Jovan Adepo). His son Lyons (Russell Hornsby) from his first marriage is a musician who only calls by to borrow money.

This quartet of characters comprises the foundation of a formidable drama about being black in mid-twentieth-century America when only white men were allowed to play professional baseball. Troy rankles at this humiliation, which has kept him impoverished.

In the house, Rose goes about domestic duties without complaint.

Having played Troy and Rose in a 2010 Broadway revival, Washington and Davis know it thoroughly.

Dramatically powerful, emotionally turbulent, Wilson’s play examines Troy and Rose’s relationship in detail. With Todd Black and Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington is a co-nominee for best film Oscar.

Viola Davis’ nomination for best supporting actress Oscar undervalues her performance – she is nothing short of superb in the principal female role.

Go to see “Fences” with little foreknowledge or expectations, as I did. What I found says much that even today resonates powerfully.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Capitol 6

Kinn finds tasty ways to tantalise the tastebuds

You can expect big smiles and a warm welcome, super-efficient service, reasonable prices and pretty presentation.

SWEET, salty, sour, spicy. That’s Thai food for you.

If this style of cuisine tantalises your tastebuds give Kinn Thai Restaurant a go.

“Kinn” means “eat” in Thai. It was our first time at this casual dining establishment, which holds a prime location on Bunda Street, near the Canberra Centre.

You can expect big smiles and a warm welcome, super-efficient service, reasonable prices and pretty presentation.

Kinn has one restaurant in Canberra but six in three other states, so they’re no strangers to hospitality.

We decided it would be fun to lunch by trialling a variety of dishes from the “to start” section.

It transported us to Thailand and it was a lovely trip indeed.

First up was the betel leaf, a traditional Thai dish (seasonal).

Each beautiful, glossy, deepgreen betel leaf carefully holds a plump tiger prawn topped with Thai herbs and Kinn’s special sauce.

Each one is a perfect mouthful of amazing flavours ($4 each).

Another one of Kinn’s secret sauces is served with the golden, crispy skin, soft tofu (six pieces for $6).

To add a bit of crunch, Kinn tops off these small delicate bundles with crushed roasted peanuts and chilli flakes. Great texture.

The scallop dish ramped up the chilli heat considerably and we loved it. The pan-seared scallops, cooked to perfection (slightly pale inside but not raw) were to die for and so was the super spicy chilli and lime sauce (two pieces for $9).

We were definitely on a “Thai roll” and kept going with the Kinn duck pancake (two pieces for $10).

Succulent roasted duck breast, with cooling crisp cucumber and shallots all wrapped in a delicate rosemary pancake, made in house.

The only dish that didn’t have the wow factor was the satay chicken skewers (eight pieces for $9.50).

They looked bland on the plate compared to the vibrant presentation of our other dishes and, although marinated, didn’t have a great deal of flavour. They were disappointing.

The outdoor dining area at Kinn is massive. Depending on the time of day, there are spots in the sun and plenty in the shade.

The interior décor is modern and inviting.

Relaxing over a meal with friends and family is so-very Thai and we ”got it” as we sat sharing our selection of smaller dishes. It’s a perfect way to dine. Besides, it was a stinking hot day and heavier options wouldn’t have suited.

We walked away just pleasantly, not overly full, and our tastebuds thanked us for the delicious trip. With Kinn, you can order online with an estimated pick up time of 15 minutes. More restaurants are offering this option, which is super handy.

Kinn Thai Restaurant, Canberra Centre, 125 Bunda Street. Call 6247 1277.

Alana likes to grab her audience by the throat!

By Helen Musa

ALANA Valentine is a very busy playwright.

Last year Canberra was abuzz with her semi-verbatim play, “Letters to Lindy”, toured here by Merrigong Theatre and dealing with the notorious Lindy Chamberlain case.

That work saw Valentine deep in research at the National Library, but she is no stranger to research although, as she tells “CityNews”, with a degree of modesty: “Playwrights know a little about a lot, but are aided by experts.”

She’s a bit of an expert herself, having won the 2012 Stage International Script Competition in the US for the best new play about science and technology, the 2014 BBC/British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition and, of course, the commission from our own Street Theatre to turn Frank Moorhouse’s mighty novel “Cold Light” into a stage drama.

The central character, ambitious diplomat Edith Campbell Berry, may not be Madame Bovary but she is certainly a woman who is asphyxiated in a man’s world.

“I wasn’t part of the Edith fan club at first,” Valentine tells me as she describes how she had to be “auditioned” by The Street in competition with other play-

wrights before she won the job in 2013 as part of a Centenary of Canberra push to show Canberra, well, in a new light.

“Of course, I’m an Edith fan now and I think the novel is a masterpiece.”

Briefly, Edith, an early feminist making her way in the League of Nations, returns to Australia during the 1950s from the maelstrom of post-war Europe with her husband, British diplomat Ambrose, expecting to be embraced by the Department of External Affairs. But it is the Menzies era. Women are still expected to keep in their place and there are marriage bans in the public service.

As a working playwright, Valentine needed to get both inside and outside the character of Edith, for nothing bores audiences more than adulation.

“I saw the spine of the novel as a story about a feminist, a strong woman who couldn’t get what she wanted, a suffocated visionary.”

It got Valentine thinking about how Australia deals with visionaries. Gough Whitlam who appears in the play is one, Joern Utzon is another.

Edith is largely fictional although there was a Canadian woman in the League of Nations but it rather tickled Valentine to learn that people often ring the National Library asking for access to Edith’s papers – “they think she’s real”.

“I hope Canberra embraces this play,” Valentine says. She’s heard a nasty

rumour that Canberrans prefer escapist musicals to straight plays on serious subjects and, as well, it worries her that TV shows such as “The Code” and “Secret City” were largely made with nonCanberra talent.

“Cold Light” is exciting because it’s all happening in Canberra,” she says, explaining that it is set over 39 years, right up to 1974 and takes in events such as the attempt to ban the Communist Party and Edith’s encounters with Menzies and Sir John Latham.

The play, featuring screen actor Sonia Todd as Edith, is being directed by The Street’s Caroline Stacey with just six actors playing many real life roles and, mysteriously, an appearance by singer Toby Cole.

“Edith is a strong central character, not always likeable, but that’s not important,” Valentine says.

Frank Moorhouse was undoubtedly on her side, she believes, but on the stage we need to see characters’ flaws and, in making the adaptation, it was important to know exactly what she was cutting and why.

“Theatre must keep driving forward like a stone rolling down a hill, I want to grab my audience by the throat,” she says.

“Cold Light”, The Street Theatre, March 4-18. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

Walking the talk for mother tongues

By Helen Musa

WHEN Kingsley Omosigho joins hundreds of others walking across Commonwealth Bridge next week to mark International Mother Language Day he’ll have a very special reason for being there.

For while by day he’s a senior policy adviser with the National Innovation and Science Agenda; after-hours Omosigho is a passionate advocate for the right of all people to express themselves in their mother tongues.

This is his 17th year in Canberra and, while thoroughly acclimatised to Australian ways and sympathetic to those brought up in a monolingual culture, he is determined that his seven-year-old son should know the language of his forebears.

That language is Benin, spoken mostly in Nigeria, the land of his birth and he’s busy preparing an app for mobile devices that will enable children to speak their families’ mother tongue.

“This means it will be a platform to be used in Australia by original Australians and not just people from overseas,” he says.

“As a parent, if I don’t transmit my language and my culture, my children won’t be able to pass it on to their kids, my grandchildren,” he tells “CityNews”.

“The real importance of mother tongues is that they give children a different lens through which to view life – unfortunately, if you speak only one language, you have only one way to view the world,” he says.

Omosigho was first drawn into the International Mother Language Movement and met its president, Canberra economist Ziaul Hoque, after a colleague at the ANU told him about

International Mother Language Movement president Ziaul Hoque, left and Kingsley Omosigho… “If you speak only one language, you have only one way to view the world,” says Kingsley.

the UNESCO-designated International Mother Language Day. Hoque, who describes Omosigho as a “language champion”, told “CityNews” that he had walked with them across Commonwealth Bridge from the first Canberra event in 2014, at which he also spoke about the importance of mother languages.

Hoque says International Mother Language Day is held worldwide on February 21 in commemoration of the Bangla people’s struggle to retain their mother tongue, Bengali. Because it falls on a weekday this year, it will be marked on the following weekend.

Luckily, Omosigho’s seven-year-old son’s

generation is “technology savvy” and, if the app is well designed, it won’t be a task but a game that he can play in competition with his friends.

“I’m in the process of forming a team, I’ve been basically doing it on my own, but now I’m looking for people with skills,” he says. He’d be very happy to hear from anyone interested in helping with his project by email to kingsley. omo@hotmail.com

The two-kilometres International Mother Language Day Walk begins at the International Flag Display behind Questacon car park at 10am and ends near Stage 88, where there will be free activities for children. Inquiries to 0408 089235.

gardening The early blooms of autumn

WE approach autumn with the hope of cooler weather for ourselves and our plants!

As the blooms of summer fade (or are burnt to a cinder with the heat), the autumn colours come into their own.

With cooler weather, autumn blooms will last longer and are equal to the range of colours of spring and summer.

The flowering time of plants is definitely earlier, not only here but very noticeably in my relations’ gardens in the UK. This warming pattern is evident with the increasing number of vineyards being established in the south of England. Although it is a well-known fact that in Roman times the weather was equally warm enough for grape production.

Here, Lagerstroemia indica or crepe myrtle traditionally flowered in autumn, but they are now flowering in January with a floriferous display continuing well into February. Years ago, the bane of crepe myrtle was mildew on the leaves. With modern breeding, especially by Fleming’s Nurseries in Victoria, this problem has been overcome.

This is good news for those who are moving away from chemical sprays in the garden. Many old-fashioned methods of dealing with pests and diseases still are very effective. To combat mildew on any plant, whether it’s pumpkins or crepe myrtle, mix one part full cream milk (no lite milk) with eight parts water. Spray on top and under the leaves and repeat in about 10 days.

SOME people complain that the autumn-flowering Anemone hupehensis or Japanese windflowers take over the garden and should be classified as a weed. But this can happen with many other favourite perennial plants, even thyme if you let it go.

Asters or Michaelmas daisies can quickly spread from a small 15cm pot-size plant to a metre across in a couple of years.

And yet, all these are easily kept under control by digging up the surplus for friends or potting them up for church fetes.

The Japanese windflowers come in white or pink flowers. Growing to about 50cm tall, they are ideal for the back of the flower bed. The buds on ours are rapidly filling out now for a long autumn display with Asters or Michaelmas daisies planted in front.

SUMMER-flowering plants such as Alstroemeria, which have been providing a stunning display for months, have been suffering with the extreme heat. I have cut mine back to ground level now and with regular watering and liquid fertiliser such as Neutrog Seamungus, a combination of seaweed and chook poo, in a few weeks they will provide a second flowering right into early winter.

THE Great Autumn Flower Show, one of the highlights of the Canberra Horticultural Society’s calendar, will be held at Lancaster Hall, Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, from noon (after judging) to 5pm on Saturday, March 4 and 11.30am-3.45pm, Sunday, March 5. The highlight will be the magnificent display of dahlias plus general flowers, floral art, fruit and veggies. Entry by donation and more details at hsoc.org.au

Jottings…

• Trim lavender and rosemary at the base of the flower stalks, but not into the old wood.

• With dahlias and chrysantemums lightly trim to encourage more shoots and hence more flowers. Do this without delay.

• If hydrangeas are showing mildew refer to notes above, but do not put affected leaves on the compost heap.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rams love to rush full speed ahead but this week’s frustrating stars don’t encourage haste. Your patron planet Mars squares powerful Pluto on Wednesday. So, if your actions are blocked or a relationship hits a brick wall, then use it as an opportunity to re-group, re-plan and re-energise. You thrive on debate and confrontation but pick your battles carefully because (in the short term) you’re unlikely to win. Compromise and a cool head will get you a lot further, especially at work.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Do you secretly long to change something in your life, but it never seems to be the ‘right’ time? Stop being a stubborn Bull; digging your hooves in; and making ridiculous excuses! The message of this week’s Solar Eclipse is to be fluid and flexible, as you adapt to evolving circumstances with the greatest of ease. Your intuition will also speak to you in a special way. So make sure you listen to the Guardian Angel on your shoulder and the important messages in your dreams.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Uranus, Jupiter and Saturn all give you a welcome boost this week. Your quicksilver mind is firing on all cylinders; concentration is unusually good; and you’re keen to communicate, study and learn. But your tendency to over-talk and over-share could get you into trouble – especially if you spread gossip. Draw inspiration from birthday great, wildlife warrior Steve Irwin: “Be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you’ll be a winner.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

There’ll be opportunities to release old emotional baggage from the past. If you hold onto grudges, it will adversely affect your current relationships. So work on building bridges and nurturing loved ones. Sunday’s Solar Eclipse is the perfect time to re-imagine your aspirations for the future. Be inspired by writer Anais Nin (born on Feb 21): “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back. A new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Avoid the temptation to be a drama queen and fly off the handle this week. If you try to control or manipulate others, then you’re in for a tumultuous time (especially at work). For some attached Lions – your lacklustre love life gets a welcome boost, as Sunday night’s Solar Eclipse stimulates your sensuality zone. Single Cats – a physical attraction promises passion but are you seeing the person clearly? It’s time to remove your rose-coloured glasses and take a second look.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

The stars rev up your motor, speed up your mind and stimulate your study gene. So, with hard work and positive thinking on your side, you can climb any mountain and sail any stormy sea. But has your relationship been stuck in a time-warp where it’s been difficult to move forward? The Solar Eclipse brings a shift in perspective, as you view your lover in a promising new light. Unhappily single? Your prince or princess is waiting, but you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find them!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mars and Pluto pair up and disrupt domestic harmony. Don’t let it disturb your equilibrium though Libra! The secret to success at the moment is learning to let go, as you keep what’s working in your life and discard what isn’t. But you may have to lose a minor battle in order to win the war. Opportunities for growth come from loved ones, as you realise who has your best interests at heart. It’s also a good time to express your creative side or appreciate the artistic talents of others.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Mars and Pluto compel you to remove the dead wood from your life (whether it’s a person, possession, job or outdated belief). Then the Solar Eclipse repeats this theme of breaking down old patterns of behaviour and forging a fabulous new course. Transformation is the name of the game as you leave the familiar behind, and venture into unchartered territory. So your motto for the week is from fellow Scorpio, Will Rogers: “Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Tuesday is a terrific day to communicate creative concepts and innovative ideas via talking, writing and artistic pursuits. Avoid getting drawn into an argument on Wednesday (where you’ll be expected to defend your ideas). Have faith in your unique talents. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Anais Nin: “You should not give anybody the power to decide what is right and wrong in your creativity.” Sunday’s Solar Eclipse heralds a fresh start involving home and family.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Wednesday is the worst day of the week, when Mars and Pluto amp up your assertive and controlling side. Which is likely to attract opposition from others. Instead of wasting precious time on pointless power games, why not grab the Goat by the horns and initiate some long overdue changes? Especially involving family, travel or education. Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, writer Simone de Beauvoir: “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Tuesday’s Mercury/Uranus link is fabulous for social media connections and inventive internet endeavours as you talk, text, tweet and post up a storm. And then Sunday’s Solar Eclipse stimulates your cash zone. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you really do need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy then it will pay off handsomely further down the track, as you replace short-term whims with long-term strategies.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Stop procrastinating and instead, ask yourself an important question. Do you need to tweak your dreams to make them a more honest reflection of the real you? And don’t sell yourself short. Believe in yourself and aim for the stars! Sunday’s Solar Eclipse is in your sign, so you could experience the healing of a relationship or the resolution of a personal problem. The more energy, focus, forgiveness and positive intention you pour into the week, the more successful the results will be.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

1 What are thespians more readily known as? (6)

8 The term “triskaidekaphobia” suggests a fear of which number? (8)

9 Name a particular gambling card game. (6)

10 What is the practice of seeking the welfare of others? (8)

11 To draw into a breach of a law, is to do what? (6)

13 What is an architectural support for a statue, or the like? (8)

16 What do we call one who wilfully makes a false statement under oath? (8)

19 Which cricket term describes byes, wides or sundries? (6)

22 To be elegant, is to be what? (8)

24 To guarantee against risk of loss, is to do what?(6)

25 Name the world’s second largest ocean. (8)

26 Name the piano part for the right hand. (6) Down

2 What is a connected series of links? (5)

3 What, colloquially, is the archetypal uncultivated Australian working man called? (5)

4 Which person is employed to attend and groom racehorses in the stables? (8)

5 What is an authoritative decree, sanction, or order? (4)

6 When one walks with a vain, pompous bearing, one does what? (6)

7 What was the former name of Iran? (6)

12 Name the mythological god of thunder. (4)

14 Which term describes a person forsaken by society? (8)

15 What is a layer or level known as? (4)

17 Which herons occur throughout the world? (6)

18 Name a species of wild dog found in Asia and Africa. (6)

20 To try the flavour of something, is to do what? (5)

21 In which month does Anzac Day fall? (5)

23 What is another term for destiny? (4)

Vera looked so dejected as she walked into my office I couldn’t help ask what the matter was.

“I am completely unsure as to what is going on with my UK pension,” she bemoaned.

“I started receiving it in the last financial year together with a lump sum. It has been taxed heavily in the UK and now the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is further taxing it.

“The instalment demanded by the ATO is more than I am earning. I just don’t know what to do.”

I looked through Vera’s large correspondence file and said: “The first issue is that both the UK and Australia are taxing you on the same income.

“I will explain how the various items should be taxed. We can then write to the ATO and UK and get it refunded to you. It may take a little while, but should be straightforward.”

Vera was relieved saying that she had been worrying that her years in the workforce were going to evaporate in one large tax payment! I said: “Taxation between Australia and other countries is governed by tax treaties that are designed to prevent the same amount being taxed twice.

“The tax treaty between Australia and the UK articulates how a UK pension is taxed. It clearly states that a UK pension paid to a resident of Australia shall be taxable only in Australia.”

I asked Vera if, when the payments were made to her by the UK authorities, she was provided with any forms to fill in or advice?

“I was given no guidance or advice,” she said. “The money simply turned up in my bank account and I received a payslip saying that tax had been deducted.

“I presumed that this was correct and then, after lodging my Australian tax return, received a large tax bill followed by a quarterly tax instalment, which led me to contact you.”

I consolded Vera, saying I could assist her recovering the tax back from the UK.

“I also notice you have included the foreign tax credit in your Australian tax return,” I said.

“The Australian tax return will also need to be amended and the tax recalculated.

“I notice that you have included the amount of the lump sum received in your Australian tax return. The only amount that needs to be included is the interest that accrued since you left the UK, which is considerably less than the income shown in your tax return and there should be no foreign tax credited.”

Vera said she was also paid a pension in arrears, which had been taxed.

“There are special rules relating to lump sums in arrears that represent prior year’s income, so less tax will be payable,” I advised her.

“The end result should be a large refund of tax from the UK and considerably reduced tax bills in Australia.”

Vera was relieved and very grateful for my advice, saying: “I can’t thank you enough, Gail. Now I realise the importance of getting professional help when dealing with two tax authorities.”

If you need help on your pension, taxes, income earned from overseas or any other tax or superannuation related matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co.