170615 citynews

RICHARD CALVER / WHEN THIEVES EMPTY

Better spin for the better, better Budget

MICHAEL MOORE

Perverse pleasures of poll dancing

CHRIS COLEMAN

Roses are red… yellow and white

CEDRIC BRYANT

Two 10-year-olds getting a kick out of martial arts

Uber driver’s searing story told through dance

A CHANCE encounter during a suburban Uber drive has become the inspiration for a Refugee Week production coming up soon at the Courtyard Studio.

In “Rohallah”, edgy theatre director Chenoeh Miller has been working with Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s director of urban dance, Caroline “Leena” Wall and her youthful Fresh Funk artists to recreate a real-life story in dance.

Miller, a well-known festival director and exponent of Butoh theatre technique, tells “CityNews” how she was summoned to Tuggeranong Arts Centre by CEO Rauny Worm last year for what she calls a “completely terrifying brief” to work with the local refugee community and young dancers on an original theatre work that would eventually play at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

“I’m always up for a challenge,” Miller says, “but I had no idea what to do. Then I met Uber driver Rohallah who, on hearing of my problem, said: ‘If there is anything I can do’.” There was.

Rohallah, whose name means “the spirit of God”, then told her the searing story of his journey as a Hazara

through childhood in bomb-ravaged Afghanistan and its positive ending here in Australia.

What a great story to put on stage, Miller thought, then consulted choreographer Wall about the possibilities.

beauty and an expression to it that is quite breathtaking to watch.”

Tragic subject matter abounds, but Miller and Wall saw through that to a positive outcome, a message of acceptance in Australia and Wall believes the positive conclusion lent itself to dance, particularly the hip-hop form.

“It’s fun and feel-good,” Miller says.

“These Fresh Funk dancers are amazing, they were ready and willing to learn Butoh, so different from hip-hop.”

As well, she’s brought in Katie Woodward and Alison McGregor from her theatre company Little Dove and Nick Delatovic to play the older Rohallah and Chris Endry to play piano.

lah’s story was totally different from that of the Fresh Funk dancers. The central character belongs to a persecuted group, spent his early life on the run, seeing his father and brother “disappear” without a trace and at one stage hiding in the mountains with a huge group of family where, despite the dangers, he and his siblings enjoy playing childhood games.

And what of the real-life Rohallah? He was blessed to meet a couple from Perth who decided to adopt him, brought him to Australia and saw him through school.

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Cinema 20

Dining 21

Crossword 23

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

Letters 12

News 3-12

Politics 9

Wine 21

Well

Cover: Hallie Canning (taekwondo), left, and Mary Vella (karate). Story Page 10. Photo by Maddie McGuigan

“I wanted to create a production that was quite universal, about people fleeing from threatening situations, even victims of domestic violence.”

Miller and Wall knew that Rohal-

“There’s no specific reference to Afghanistan in the production,” Miller says.

Since 1993: Volume 23, Number 21

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: Maddie McGuigan

Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196

Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Advertising account executive: Liam Jones, 0400 092095; Damien Klemke, 0439 139001; Emily Lester, 0406 412462

Production manager / graphic design: Janet Ewen

Graphic designer: Paulette Leo

Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

Wall was immediately able to transform that into an innocent dance sequence, with talented 13-year-old Noah Gorrell playing the central role with the sophistication she could hardly believe.

“There’s a beautiful scene where the young Rohallah is being persecuted,” Wall tells “CityNews”.

“Noah shines in this, bringing

“Although, on the whole, he is positive and has worked in refugee camps helping others, he still suffers from nightmares,” Miller says. “Initially he wanted to remain anonymous, but when I told him we might like to call it by his name, he was fine with it.”

He’ll be standing alongside Arts Minister Gordon Ramsay, on the opening night of this production, presenting a great message for Refugee Week.

“Rohallah”, Courtyard Studio, June 22-24. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

by Ian Meikle, 9b/189

Road, Mitchell.

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

Busy Barr’s Budget v. Coe’s corruption calls

Alistair Coe’s Budget-in-reply speech suggests he is ready to swap playing ‘petty politics’ with doing the hard yards required to win government.

CHIEF Minister Andrew Barr demonstrated dexterous political skills, moving quickly from treasury matters to terrorist threats. Within hours of delivering his sixth budget, Barr was forced to focus on the COAG meeting in Hobart with national security high on its agenda. Barr told media on Wednesday that an “elevated” threat to Canberra now existed due to the escalation in activity in recent days.

THE tone of Opposition Leader Alistair Coe’s Budget-in-reply speech suggests he is ready to swap playing “petty politics” with doing the hard yards required to win government. Coe has vowed to target the government’s achilles heel, corruption. The new leader claims “the government does have a problem, at

best it’s an integrity issue, and at worst it’s corruption.”

Coe told the Assembly: “We all know that there are some people who have done very well out of this government, be it particular lobbyists, particular developers or particular consultants.”

The Liberal Leader announced a six-point plan for greater integrity in government land deals, which requires detailed reports of all land purchases and a clear path for whistleblowers.

MEANTIME Coe’s political mentor Zed Seselja might want to think about his timing. An email from the ACT Liberal Senator at 6.30 on ACT Budget night seeking my thoughts on the Federal Budget was just plain annoying. The gist of Zed’s email was “given the time of the year, I am particularly interested in hearing your views on the recent Federal Budget”. Sorry, Zed, one Budget at a time!

A CANBERRA Op shop is seeking the appropriate solution to dealing with donated illicit narcotics paraphernalia. A pair of antique opium pipes – one in slightly better condition than the other – were among a bag of items dropped off at the shop. Staff are still deciding whether to put the pipes on sale or donate them to a museum.

TWO Canberra sports broadcasters have achieved a special milestone. Anchors of 2CC’s “Continuous Call” team, Chris O’Brien and Phil Small have notched up 500 NRL games. O’Brien says a highlight of the journey was attempting to call the Raiders/ Tigers game at Bruce stadium in May, 2000

– the first NRL premiership game played in falling snow. O’Brien rates the ABC’s David Morrow as the second best league radio caller – behind Small – and the 2017 Raiders “a serious premiership contender”.

THE red carpet was rolled out, the “A” list rolled up and a boy called George “delivered” from the decks. According to its Facebook page, the official launch of Canberra’s newest nightspot Kokomo’s in Civic was “an overwhelming and electrifying experience” and that guest DJ, ‘80s gender bender Boy George , “kicked off the event with a set which produced banger after banger”. Kokomo’s is the latest venture from the award-winning venue operators, brothers Peter and Michael Harrington

STILL on benders but of a slightly different type, the Bananas in Pyjamas thrilled thousands at the Royal Australian Mint during 25th anniversary celebrations for the iconic pair.

The Mint produced a special collectable two-coin set to commemorate the milestone and invited fans to meet B1 and B2 in person. Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid says: “For the past 25 years ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’ has been a staple in children’s viewing programs sharing important learnings about co-operation, friendship, creativity and enjoyment”.

ANOTHER raw gambling addiction story has been publicly shared as the territory grapples with the tragic fallout from poker machine addiction. University of Canberra academic Prof Laurie Brown told of her addiction to the pokies which cost her more than $230,000 and a relationship. ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay, who claimed to be “concerned and disappointed” by the response of some Canberra clubs to the issue, described Prof Brown’s frank admissions as “brave”. The professor’s story comes after Canberra mother of six Kate Seselja , founder of The Hope Project, appeared on the ABC TV show “You Can’t Ask That” and fielded questions on how she lost more than $500,000 during a 14-year addiction to poker machines.

Award affirms professor’s courage

By Danielle Nohra

GROWING up as an Aboriginal Italian, Chris Sarra believed he had been sold short during school in Bundaberg.

His teachers held few expectations of him, so with a lofty ambition he set off to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

And he did just that. And continues to do just that, to the extent that the now University of Canberra professor of education was recently recognised for his “courage”.

The 49-year-old received the Anthony Mundine Award for Courage at the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards event at Parliament House.

It all started when Chris received a special entry into teachers’ college.

But without the marks and with little confidence following his schooling experience Chris almost didn’t go.

It was only after reflecting on the toxic dynamics of his student years that he decided to apply and overcome them.

During college Chris worked hard, got great marks and finished feeling… not happy.

“I was really angry,” he says.

“I started teaching at 20 and from the outset I was pretty determined to change how indigenous people are taught.

“It shouldn’t be that teachers don’t believe in them because they’re Aboriginal or come from a different postcode.”

But it was still happening and Chris was constantly searching for the right fit to change that.

So when a call came out of the blue offering him a position as principal of Cherbourg State School, 250 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, he took it.

Chris believed it was time for him to practice what he taught.

“The first day I said to the kids: ‘The most important thing you’ll learn from me is that you can be an Aboriginal and you can be successful’,” he says.

For Chris it was about delivering them a sense of hope.

“It was at a time when nobody believed that Aboriginal children could perform as well,” he says.

During his time as the school’s first Aboriginal principal attendance went from around 62 per cent to 94 per cent and the students’ numeracy and literacy improved quite dramatically.

“We didn’t touch people’s welfare payments, we just made a school that kids and parents wanted to be involved in,” he says.

“The fundamental success was employing a lot of local indigenous people to work in the school.”

The key challenge for Chris was to get teachers and to some extent Aboriginal people to believe in the learning

Prof Chris Sarra… “Teachers have a remarkable amount of influences and that can be in a positive or negative way,” he says.

capacity of Aboriginal children.

“Teachers have a remarkable amount of influences and that can be in a positive or negative way,” he says.

In 2005, Chris founded the Stronger Smarter Institute to share with other schools and indigenous leaders the keys to success that were formed in Cherbourg.

But he emphasises that the Stronger

Smarter approach is not only good for Aboriginal students, it’s also good for poor white students.

He says that all students, no matter their background, bank account or postcode have access to the same education if expectations are raised.

“The data says we’ve come a long way but it also says we have a long way to go,” he says.

Netball marathon

A MARATHON netball game and a Guinness World Record attempt for most players in a netball exhibition match will be held at the Tuggeranong Netball Association courts at Were Street, Calwell, 8am-6pm, on Saturday, June 17. All proceeds to Bosom Buddies and Red Nose. Other festivities include a barbecue, market stalls, a raffle and entertainment. Team registrations via eventbrite.com.au

Mass yoga celebration

THE International Day of Yoga (June 21) will be celebrated at a special, hour-long session of mass yoga practice at the Albert Hall on Saturday, June 17. Participants will assemble at 9.45am. It is organised by the Indian High Commission and Yoga Australia ACT.

Mental health vision

FRANK Quinlan, CEO, Mental Health Australia, will share his vision for a mentally healthy ACT at the U3A Lunchtime Forum, Hughes Community Centre, 12.30pm, on Tuesday, June 27. ABC personality Genevieve Jacobs will be the moderator. All welcome. Entry is $2.

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.

JUN 24 • AUG 5 • SEP 9 • NOV 4

TIM GAVEL

one man’s canberra

Perverse pleasure of poll dancing

I FOUND the British general election last week fascinating to watch, for several reasons.

Firstly, it showed once again that the people least trusted with the timing of elections should be the politicians themselves.

Secondly, it showed that opinion polls are increasingly unreliable. This is where it may be worth inserting a phrase about opinions being like backsides because everyone’s got one.

I think there may be a perverse pleasure being taken by many people in actually lying to the pollsters during election campaigns. Or there’s a degree of embarrassment among some people about who they’re actually going to vote for so they don’t admit it to the pollsters.

I think there may be a perverse pleasure being taken by many people in actually lying to the pollsters during election campaigns.

elections across Australia, but it streamlines the whole election-night coverage. There’s none of the early over-excitement from our election nights here. You know the stuff: “We have some figures from the electorate of Manangatang, they’re only based on 0.6 per cent of the vote, but I think we can learn something from these 403 votes…” And followed by several talking heads trying desperately to draw national implications from a handful of voters in an isolated booth. It’s all about being first!

competition will point it out for fear of schadenfreude turning around on them.

There have to be ways to improve our electoral counting processes. I don’t know if fully electronic voting is the right way to go, but if the various TABs across the country can calculate how much to pay out in the hundreds of types of bets placed on the Melbourne Cup from the millions of dollars bet in a matter of minutes, there has to be a better way.

SPORT

loves writing about in...

Thirdly, and this may be the most important, because they get the counting – largely – right. The only official numbers you get are presented when an official, quite often wearing some robes and something resembling a piece of a goat, stands up in front of a room with the official proclamation of the votes. It’s much like in the old Monty Python Election Night Special sketch, but without silly, slightly silly and very silly candidates. One set of numbers and then the analysis begins.

I appreciate it’s much easier to do this in the first-past-thepost voting system they have in Britain than in the multitude of preferential systems we apply to

Yes, I appreciate this may sound as a bit hypocritical coming from me as I chaired the 2CC election-night coverage for the Legislative Assembly poll last year, and we did call the eventual result very early in the night, and got it correct. Right down to the seat numbers. But how often do you see those early calls being completely wrong? Most of those early incorrect calls are understandably whitewashed from history fairly quickly, no network wants to remind their viewers that they got it wrong. And none of the

Perhaps this is a path the next ACT electoral commissioner will be able to take us further down.

Chris Coleman presents “Canberra Live”, 3pm-6pm, weekdays on 2CC.

CHRIS COLEMAN

Better spin for a better, better Budget

THE spin around Budget time gets better every year. This year the Barr government has really nailed it with the phrase “better Canberra”.

Of course, spending additional money should make a better territory. That is the whole point of the Budget. On the one hand, “better Canberra” ticks all the boxes. How can anyone disagree with it? It is entirely appropriate that the ACT Government’s 2017-18 Budget should be designed to deliver a “better Canberra”. On the other hand, the branding is simply redundant.

The debate on the light rail is now in the past. However, there are certainly plenty who would argue adding to the light rail network from Civic to Woden will not make a better Canberra. I am one that thinks it will enhance our city and improve public transport use. However, I can see how it might interfere with the crossing of Commonwealth or Kings Avenue bridges and how this might not seem much like a better Canberra to motor car commuters.

It’s not new. In 2008, just after a third Labor election victory in a row, the then Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, stated in a media release: “Labor went to last month’s election pledging to build a better city and a stronger community, and at the heart of both is the government’s determination to make Canberra the most liveable of cities, maintained by responsive and efficient government services”.

The word ‘better’ is simply testing against what we had last month, or last year, or before Labor came to power at the end of 2001. It’s wishy washy!

Chief Minister Andrew Barr wants a “better Canberra” in so many ways. Better education, better health, better roads, better public transport. Better, better, better. It is worth noting that the word “best” is not employed in this spin. The trouble with best is that it can be measured. The claims can be tested against other jurisdictions. The word “better” is simply testing against what we had last month, or last year, or before Labor came to power at the end of 2001.

It’s wishy washy!

This is not to say that there are not some good things in the Budget. Of course there are. Most of the good things have been “leaked” over the weeks leading into the Budget. This style of “leaking” has become quite an art form. There are few surprises for the intrepid journalists who submit to the Budget lock-up. It is really just about reading all of the Budget papers in order to put all of the “leaks” into context.

The context this year is “a better Canberra”. As the Chief Minister put the argument, the Budget “was driven by two imperatives: delivering election promises and repairing the bottom line”. On these two he has delivered.

Canberra is a different city from

any other. Canberrans ought to wear this with pride. Sure, our city can be made better – but it should not lose its character as a planned city with a series of city centres, all with their own strengths.

The carefully planned Canberra does not necessarily suit the development lobby. This lobby invariably pushes for a stronger centre in Civic understanding that there is more profit to be made in rebuilding in and around Civic without having to contribute to the same extent in infrastructure as would be necessary in the other town centres. A “better Canberra” does not mean replicating the mistakes of other cities.

Suffering long, one-way commutes instead of having employment in the town centres, putting up with a crowded-out and sleazy “downtown”, being caught in long traffic jams and excessive pollution is not anything that we should attempt to emulate.

So when the Chief Minister refers to “no more will we have the joke that

Canberra is 100 suburbs in search of a city” he is on thin ice even mentioning this nonsense for those of us who know, love and appreciate the benefits of a planned city.

The Chief Minister and Treasurer attempted to address this in his Budget speech.

“At the same time as the City Renewal Authority delivers a better CBD, we are investing right across the territory to revitalise our town centres and clean up our suburbs,” he said.

“This includes delivering the next stage of the West Basin boardwalk, expanding the Belconnen Arts Centre precinct and investing more to clean up graffiti, cut litter and keep our ovals green.”

The government has delivered on their election promises and on the bottom line. However, the reality is a simply boring Budget. The political spin is an attempt to present a different story.

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

briefly

Reconciliation for Karen

KAREN Mundine is the new CEO of Reconciliation Australia. She replaces Justin Mohamed, who has been chief executive for three years. She has been with the organisation since 2008 and as deputy chief executive since 2014. Co-chair Prof Tom Calma says: “Her work in raising the national profile of our organisation and gaining major corporate support for our vision has been outstanding.”

Winter clothing sale

ST Ninian’s winter clothing sale offers pre-loved clothing for adults and children, shoes, bags, blankets and linen plus the promise of morning tea with fresh scones at the church hall, on the corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24.

Come folk dancing

LOCAL Scottish band Strathmannan, with calling by Claire Stoneman, will perform at Monaro Folk Society’s end-of-month dance at the Canberra Baptist Church Hall, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston, from 8pm on Saturday, June 24. No experience necessary, dances are walked through then called. Dress for dancing is layered clothing and smooth-soled, flat shoes. Entry is $18, bring a plate to share for supper.

ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON

It is quite normal and very common for women to have slight di erences in the shape and size of their breasts. However, some women su er a substantial di erence in their breast size and shape. This is not just an anatomical annoyance but can also negatively impact their self-esteem. Many of the patients I see have breast asymmetry of at least one cup size di erence but can be as di erent as 3 to 4 cups between the two breasts.

Asymmetrical breasts start to appear in puberty when the hormone oestrogen triggers the development and growth of breast tissue. The breasts normally grow for four years or so and the size disparity becomes more pronounced with the advance of time. Size asymmetry comes from a congenital di erence in breast material volume from side to side. Shape di erences can be a result of tissue thickening under the skin that causes the breast to grow in unusual shapes, such as tubular breasts.

Apart from the obvious di culty in nding suitable clothing and bras to host breasts of notable size di erences, patients have told me how self-conscious lopsided breasts made them feel and of lowered self-con dence. Teenage girls struggle with their self-esteem and often refuse to join activities in school like sport and gym that can lead to their peers nding out.

Correcting asymmetrical breasts is a di cult and complex procedure, but with the correct planning

and surgical intervention an even and balanced look can be achieved.

The recommended surgical treatment plan will di er from person to person, as the variance in symmetry will necessitate a range of surgical interventions depending on the severity of the size and shape di erence.

The most common request is for breasts the same shape as the small one but the same size as the large one. The large one frequently has a nipple much too low, so this will need to be elevated with a lift or breast reduction and then an implant placed behind the small breast or even both breasts to make them the desired size.

Achieving balance often needs to be done in two stages, evening up the shape rst and then 6 months later improving the size. Smaller size and shape discrepancies can be done in one stage and if larger breasts are not desirable, without implants. Surgical intervention to correct asymmetrical breasts will not create perfectly symmetrical breasts. Think of them as sisters and not twins. It does, however, create a more balanced and even look.

My patients who have undergone this corrective surgery have told me of the overwhelmingly positive psychological e ects post operatively, including feelings of improved body image and the joy of shopping for clothing.

As with all surgeries, access to honest and impartial information to enable you as the patient to understand your options and the risks is paramount, especially when the solution lies within multiple surgical combinations. A full assessment is always the rst step in nding out if this is the right solution for you and to understand the complexities of creating breasts that look of equal size and shape.

Girls getting a big kick out of self confidence

Reporter KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK meets two budding champions of the martial arts – both aged 10.

WHETHER it’s full-contact fighting or the ability to break boards with their bare hands, Hallie Canning and Mary Vella, both 10, say their love for martial arts also gives them a sense of purpose and focus.

Hallie earned her junior black belt in taekwondo at nine, making her the young -

est female to do so in United Taekwondo nationally, and Mary has won gold in her first kyokushin karate competition where she fought full contact.

Both girls say they love being involved in martial arts for the fitness and the knowledge that they can take care of themselves.

‘I don’t think martial arts should be just for boys’

HALLIE Canning says she started taekwondo with United Taekwondo in Wanniassa when she was three because her parents are instructors, but says it wasn’t until she was about six that she developed a passion for it.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing when I was little, it was just about fun and enjoymsent,” she says. “As I got older I started to think of it as a proper sport, not just a thing you have to go to.

“Mum says I can choose to go or not, but I’ve never wanted to quit.”

The Korean martial art taekwondo involves learning techniques, patterns and kicks, with a focus on self-defence, keeping the peace and the tenets “courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit”.

Hallie says her drive and focus helped her train for the 12 months’ preparation required to get her junior black belt, while also playing Division 1 soccer.

“I find the constant sparring hard, but I also enjoy the challenge – it’s good to push myself once in a while,” she says.

“On the day I was told I’ve got my black belt, it was like I was dreaming. My head was spinning and I was a little bit dazed, because I couldn’t really believe it. And everyone was swarming around me.

“It also started a bit of a trend and

we now have eight junior black belts at our dojo, including my twin brother.”

Mary says she is preparing for her next competition in July.

“Karate is good for girls as a great thing to learn and for fitness. I don’t think martial arts should be just for boys and girls should definitely join in, as it’s a good skill to have,” she says.

“If girls and boys are equal, girls should be able to stand up for themselves,” says Hallie.

“It doesn’t have to always be boys protecting girls, and I know lots of girls who love taekwondo and I don’t see why they can’t do it because it’s so much fun.

“I like having all my friends and family around at taek to encourage me, we all help each other and we’re always talking about it at school because everyone understands how we feel about it.”

More information at unitedtaekwondo.com.au

‘If I had to fight I could protect myself’

MARY Vella says: “With kyokushin the focus is to avoid conflict, and our sensei teaches us to back off if we’re ever faced with a fight.

“If I had to fight I could protect myself, but I also know I can avoid fights with confidence.”

Mary says she started kyokushin karate at Shinzo Dojo in Mitchell last year because her brother and other members of her family were involved.

“I enjoy everything about it, the sport itself and the fitness,” she says. “We all know each other really well and when we train we support each other.”

Kyokushin is Japanese for “the ultimate truth”, and the full-contact martial art’s philosophy is of self-improvement, discipline and hard training.

“It can be challenging but those things are also what I love, like the tough training and repetitions needed for competitions and grading,” Mary says.

“As I get older and to a higher belt, I’ll have to learn Japanese. And there is a focus on nutrition when we’re training and not to eat junk food.”

Mary says she goes to karate twice a week and sometimes on Saturdays, and that she’s really focused on the sport.

“The whole point is not to fight, but to know that you can if you have to, and to keep on going when you’ve got nothing else to give. So that’s how we get trained,” she says.

“It’s a challenge but I know I can do it, and I tell myself that I’ve got through it before, and I can do it again.”

More information at facebook.com/ pages/Shinzo-Dojo-Mitchell

Professors top the local honours list

TWO Canberra professors, an astronomer and astrophysicist, and a philosopher have been awarded the top award of Companion in the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Awards.

Prof Kenneth Charles FREEMAN, of Duffy, was awarded an AC for eminent service to astronomy through pioneering contributions in the field of galactic archaeology, as a leading astrophysicist and researcher, to tertiary science education, to professional academies and as a mentor of young scientists.

He is currently Duffield Professor of Astronomy in the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Mount Stromlo Observatory

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Glenn KEYS, of Chapman, for distinguished service to the community of the ACT through contributions to disability support programs and to business and commerce as an advocate for corporate social responsibility.

Dr Phillip Lyle MCFADDEN, Fisher, for distinguished service to earth sciences as a geophysicist, through leadership of Australia’s peak geoscience body, through collaboration and innovation in research, and to professional societies.

Dr Alexander ZELINSKY, O’Connor, for distinguished service to defence science and technology, to systems engineering and to education as an academic and researcher.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Peter John BURNESS, Holt, for significant service to the preservation of military history as a researcher, curator, author and guide.

Ms Alice Rosemary GILES, Yass, for significant service to the performing arts as a harpist, educator and mentor, and through contributions to Australia’s musical landscape.

Col. Raymond Ross HARDING (retired), O’Connor, for significant service to the veteran community through preserving and documenting the history of modern Army Aviation in Australia.

Prof Ann Margaret McGRATH (OAM) for significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of indigenous history, and to tertiary education.

Mr Michael Gregory PIGGOTT, Cook, for significant service to the community as an archivist with national and international educational and cultural institutions and as an author.

Mr Richard John ROLFE (OAM), Red Hill, for significant service to the community of the ACT through philanthropic support of medical, cultural and social

welfare organisations.

of the ANU. He was born in Perth in 1940, studied mathematics and physics at the University of WA and graduated with first class honours in applied mathematics in 1962.

Irish-born Prof Philip Noel PETTIT was awarded his AC for eminent service to philosophy through contributions to moral and political theory, as a distinguished academic and as a leader of public debate on social, economic and environmental issues.

He was a lecturer in University College, Dublin, a Research Fellow at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Bradford, before moving in 1983 to the Research School of Social Sciences, ANU.

Other recipients from the ACT and region include:

Mrs Deborah Ann ROLFE, Red Hill, for significant service to the community of the ACT through medical, social welfare and charitable foundations.

Mr Garry Stephen WATSON, Cook, for significant service to the tourism industry in the ACT and to educational visitation initiatives.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

The late Mr Graeme Thomas BARROW, Hackett, for service to bushwalking and local history in the ACT.

The late Mr Walter Michael BLUMENFELD (RFD), Holt, for service to the community of the ACT.

Lt-Col John Edward BULLEN (retired), Weston Creek, for service to military history preservation and education.

Ms Merilyn Gaynor CAREY, Mawson, for service to the Baptist Church, and to the community.

Dr Dianne Fay FIRTH, Turner, for service to landscape architecture and to education.

Mrs Eleanor Joyce GOODMAN Belconnen, for service to the community of the ACT.

Mr William Andrew HANDKE, Kambah, for service to community health, and to conservation.

Mr Roger Henry KING (RVM), Wanniassa, for service to the Crown through vice-regal support roles.

Mrs Christine Lesley LOFTS, Goulburn, for service to children as a foster carer.

Mr Ian Gordan LOFTS, Goulburn, for service to children as a foster carer.

Mr Gerard Rodney MAPSTONE Banks, for service to veterans and their families.

Dr Mahomed Said PATEL , ACT, for service to medicine, particularly to field epidemiology.

Mr Darryl William RICE Duffy, for service to the community through voluntary roles.

Mr Stephen Peter ROWE, Kingston, for service to the international community

of Nepal.

Assistant commissioner David John SHARPE (APM), ACT for service to rugby league, and to the community of the ACT.

Mr John Damien SHORTIS, Bungendore, for service to the performing arts as an entertainer.

Ms Moya SIMPSON Bungendore, for service to the performing arts as an entertainer.

Mrs Jeanie Fay SKYRING Downer, for service to the creative arts, and to the community of Canberra.

Ms Donna Lisa STEPAN, Gundaroo, for service to animal welfare.

Mr Hugh TAYLOR, Weston, for service to the community of the ACT.

Maj. James WAIN (retired), Amaroo, for service to veterans and their families.

Mrs Janice Ellen WILSON, Yass, for service to the community of Yass.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Ms Barbara BENNETT, Forrest, for outstanding public service in the area of social services.

Ms Teena Maree BLEWITT, Duffy, for outstanding public service in the area of budget sustainability, budget development, and financial management.

Ms Frances FINNEY, for outstanding public service in the area of Australian citizenship.

Ms Gail Frances JOHNSON, Braddon, for outstanding public service in the area of workplace diversity.

Ms Katherine Ellen JONES Yarralumla, for outstanding public service in the area of national security and emergency management.

Mr Thanh Phan LE, Hawker, for outstanding public service in the area of humanitarian and emergency response.

Ms Adriana Sorina PLATONA, for outstanding public service in the area of public health.

Mr Andrew John WOOD, Kambah, for outstanding public service as chief operating officer of the AFP.

Making energy-smart choices over the cooler months can have a big impact By signing up to the Actsmart Business Energy and Water program, small businesses can receive: FREE on-site energy and water assessment

and

WINTER CLEARANCE

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

the

Horrified at sport excesses

I WAS horrified to read that some AFL and NRL players and also some cricketers are being paid more than a million dollars a season (Tim Gavel’s column, CN, June 8).

What on earth makes them worth that much money?

It is no wonder that a number of them have gone off the rails and become big-headed, arrogant bullies.

Some players have been repeatedly in trouble (Todd Carney to name just one) and got away with it just because they are a supposedly top player.

When are we going to stop treating them like gods? Because until we do they will think they can get away with whatever they want to do.

I remember years ago the Canberra Raiders were asking Canberra to support them because they were loyal to Canberra. Before long they were accepting large salaries to go to other teams, so much for loyalty to Canberra.

There are a lot of people out there that do more than the AFL, NRL and cricket players and yet get nowhere near their salary. The people I am talking about are the emergency services people that put their lives on the line every time they go to work and I am sure they would also like to be paid millions. They don’t even get the glory, just beaten up and abused or even worse.

Vi Evans via email

Do us a favour...

THE road authorities would do all drivers a huge service if they painted the words “Give Way” on the lanes merging on to major roads.

Like Pat Dickson (Letters, CN June 8), I have also encountered drivers who seem to be under the impression that they have right of way and that drivers on the main road must move over to let them in, regardless of traffic conditions.

Kit Huang, via email

Barr’s lack of wisdom

ANDREW Barr is using his position of power to bully and intimidate Margaret Court because she said she would not fly Qantas in protest over CEO Allan Joyce’s advocacy of same-sex marriage legislation. (Mike Welsh, CN June 8).

Australians, including Margaret Court, still have the right to express an opinion as to whether or not they believe marriage is designed to be between a man and a woman, and support or otherwise those people and organisations who espouse views which are the same or different from their own.

However, those who believe marriage should be between a man and a woman are constantly the victims of bullying and intimidation.

As ACT’s Chief Minister, Andrew Barr’s statement displays a lack of wisdom.

One prison for terrorists

SOCIETY knows as a fact that terrorists are indoctrinating other prisoners. If an extremely dangerous disease appears, the affected are immediately isolated. The same should happen with those convicted for terrorism-related crimes, then they will be preaching to the converted.

There should be one prison to hold only such offenders. Yes, it would use taxpayer monies, but what price liberty, or in this case security? If we wait for national agreement on bail, parole and judicial consensus we shall wait forever.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

in Phillip

Southside’s centre of surprises

PHILLIP is named after Arthur Phillip, the first governor of NSW. As the commercial and geographical centre of Woden, Phillip contains many of the district’s key facilities and has its own commercial area located along Botany, Townshend and Parramatta Streets, including Colbee Court, Dundas Court and Altree Court.

Underneath this area Phillip has rocks from the Silurian period, which are 417 to 414 million years old.

Compassionate law firm with the common touch

SINCE Capon & Hubert established in 1986, the firm focuses on giving honest and expert advice at all times.

Finance director Rhonda Hubert says Capon & Hubert is a community based firm that cares about assisting clients, helping them gain understanding about what the law can accomplish for them and explaining what reasonable results are expected in situations.

“Capon & Hubert seeks to give advice and support clients to achieve fair and reasonable outcomes to their circumstances,” she says.

Capon & Hubert covers areas of law such as family law, children’s matters, domestic violence, dispute resolutions, mediation, conveyancing, commercial, criminal, probate and wills and estate planning.

“A will is a legal statement by

which you name the people you want to receive your property and possessions when you die,” Rhonda says.

“Every person over the age of 18 should have a will, but most people leave making a will in the ‘too-hard’ basket.”

Capon & Hubert, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or email enquiries@chsol.com.au

Jill sources fabrics from Japan

AFTER selling Japanese kimonos and garments online for 15 years, Jill Grant expanded KimoYES into a shop in Phillip so people could come and interact with the materials.

KimoYES has more than 1200 bolts of kimono fabric, kimono fabric accessories and kits, as well as Japanese gifts and curios.

“Our fabrics are all exclusive, unique and vintage with very limited quantities available,” Jill says.

“They’re perfect for quilting enthusiasts and small projects.” KimoYES is an Australian company with many international customers.

Jill travels to Japan to source fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool, which come from the 1880s through to modern day.

KimoYES, 60 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 0413 450625, email jill@kimoyes.com or visit kimoyes.com

services

Big welcome from a venue dedicated to community

SINCE the ‘70s the Hellenic Club has been offering members and guests a comprehensive and quality range of facilities located in Woden and Civic, says operations manager Mick Douros.

It began when the local Greek community wanted a place to meet and share stories but has since become a club that supports the whole Canberra community.

Mick says that the Hellenic Club promotes, develops and encourages local groups such as sporting groups, recreational groups, musicians and performers.

Recently the Hellenic Club in Woden completed renovations, which has opened up a new lounge room, redesigned the foyers and added a new Greek restaurant.

Artist Margaret was born to paint

AT the age of 13 Margaret HadfieldZorgdrager sold her first painting and now, at the age of 61, she continues to do so in Canberra.

Margaret has been in Phillip for four years where she teaches classes and exhibits her artwork at her own art studio, Margaret Hadfield Gallery/Studio.

Margaret describes herself as a more “traditional artist” and has won the Gallipoli Art Prize with military themed paintings commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.

But she also has her “pretty pictures”, which heavily feature nature and the environment.

“I love to paint the branches around Canberra and the Snowy Mountains,” Margaret says.

Around 20 years ago Margaret began teaching after she was constantly asked by people to run lessons.

And with her knowledge around art materials combined with her skills as an artist, Margaret can cover both aspects of the art world.

“I teach all mediums and techniques,” Margaret says.

“My ‘Absolute Beginners’ class gives people a really good grounding into the medium.

“I train people to really look and use their eye, so when they’re confronted with a real model they have the right skills.”

Margaret Hadfield Gallery/Studio, 53 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 3886 or 0418 237766 or visit hadfieldgallery.com

“It’s a big venue, we have three different restaurants and a large amount of functions space,” he says.

But, according to Mick, what the Hellenic Club really prides itself on is its customer service.

“We’ve recently redesigned our customer service team, making sure our members and guests get the best service in Canberra,” he says.

“Our dedicated service teams deliver superior dining, beverages, music, entertainment and conferences and events to suit your every need and any occasion.”

The Hellenic Club of Canberra, Matilda Street, Woden. Call 6281 0899, email admin@hellenicclub.com.au or visit hellenicclub.com.au/woden/

WHAT started as a hobby has led to almost 50 years of business for Duratone Hi-Fi.

Founded in 1968 by Fay and Charles Cull, Duratone supplies outstanding music systems to suit every budget.

Duratone provides compact wireless music streaming devices, through to mainstream home audio products, which include turntables, amplifiers, speakers and high end audiophile gear.

It also has a range of pre-loved equipment, catering for lovers of all things retro.

There is even a room dedicated to a collection of more than 70,000 LP records, which Fay says attracts buyers from around the world.

But the biggest points of difference for Duratone compared to other businesses is its personalised service.

Three technicians also work from the premises and can repair older equipment, including turntables, sometimes just with a minor service.

Duratone Hi-Fi, corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip. Call 6282 1333 or visit duratone.com.au

Brooke makes the most of play time

LITTLE Sprout is Canberra’s locally owned home of quality crafted toys, games and books to nurture the imagination says its owner Brooke Kearns.

“Little Sprout has a long reputation for being the place to go for high quality toys and exceptional customer service,” she says.

Little Sprout stocks exclusive brands such as Lego, Le Toy Van, Ravensburger, Melissa and Doug, Gotz dolls, Rubens Barn, Grimms, Brio, Schleich, Sylvanian Families, Micro Scooters and Magformers.

“The experienced and enthusiastic staff at Little Sprout are passionate about helping parents find the very best toys, the most appropriate books and the most

engaging games for their little ones,” Brooke says.

“We believe in the importance of play and imagination in the development of all children.

“We are also passionate about helping parents and grandparents engage with their children in meaningful ways through fun activities that build strong relationships and positive memories.”

Two of Little Sprout’s most popular brands, the entire Sylvanian Families range and the Schleich Dinosaurs and Dragons, will be on sale until June 30.

Little Sprout, 47 Colbee Court. Call 6282 3684 or visit facebook.com/pg/ LittleSproutReadPlayLearn/

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.

Wadad has a passion for authentic Lebanese food

AFTER living in Canberra for about 17 years Wadad Rahme Farah didn’t feel that it offered a true authentic Lebanese cuisine.

So in 2016 Wadad decided to change all that and opened the doors of Yummy Yalla Restaurant in Colbee Court, Phillip.

The aim was to provide food that her father, a restaurateur by profession, would cook and share with family, friends and guests.

You can always count on Vicky

TEN years ago the Bookkeeping Bureau was born after its owner Vicky DiScipio saw the need for personalised and flexible bookkeeping services.

“We’re not regimented, we’re a lot more flexible and very good at what we do,” Vicky says.

The Bookkeeping Bureau has a whole range of services from basic data entry, to payment summaries and BAS services.

“We work around what clients need, keeping in mind their budgets,” Vicky says.

“We can train clients and teach them how to run accounting packages.

“Or we can provide one on one sessions with the option to go out to clients.

“And we stay up to date with new products.”

The Bookkeeping Bureau prides itself on providing accurate and timely financial information allowing its clients to focus on managing and running their business.

No matter what it is, the Bookkeeping Bureau will give its clients the solutions they need.

Bookkeeping Bureau, 21 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6161 6146 or visit jgms.com.au

Yummy Yalla Restaurant is a family owned and operated Lebanese restaurant that serves the ultimate Lebanese dining experience.

Yalla in Arabic means come on, and Yummy Yalla is an invitation to come on and try the freshest, tastiest and most authentic Lebanese dishes in Canberra.

Yummy Yalla Restaurant, 49/51 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6281 3009, email enquiries@yummyyallarestaurant.com.au

Felicia shares the power of Pilates

ESTABLISHED in 1996, Pilates

Canberra has evolved from a home-based operation to its current structure of two connected studios that use the same philosophy and Pilates training.

Pilates Canberra Phillip studio director Felicia Darbyshire-Pirie moved the studio back into the Phillip precinct in early 2016 and continues to focus on helping clients with fitness, pain management, rehabilitation, body awareness, confidence through movement and general confidence in daily living.

“From rehabilitation through to fitness, we can tailor anything for the individual,” Felicia says.

“We also have group-style sessions on mats or Reformers with no more than six to 10 people in our classes at a time.”

Felicia sees Pilates as a perfect training partner for everything –sport, fitness, rehabilitation or just life.

Pilates Canberra Phillip. 58 Colbee Court. Call 6162 1793, email phillip@ pilatescanberra.com.au or visit pilatescanberra.com.au

Steve’s trains to make a difference

TOO many people are killed and injured on Australian roads and it’s no different in the ACT, says the CEO of Ascent Training Services, Steve Lake.

The Road Ready Centre, part of the Ascent Training Services, was set up 17 years ago under contract to the ACT government as part of its road safety initiatives.

Since then it has expanded to deliver the Road Ready Program and drink/drug driving programs for offenders.

The chance of being involved in a serious crash is three to four times higher in the first six months of driving unsupervised on a provisional licence, when compared to fully licenced drivers.

“Over my 14 years’ involvement in road safety, many parents have said to me they wish they had the opportunity to do this training when they got their licence, instead of having to figure it all out themselves,” Steve says.

“The directors and staff of Ascent Training Services are all committed to reducing road trauma to the Australian community.

“We are all proud of the work we do and hope that we are making a difference.”

Ascent Training Services. Call 6162 5158, email admin@ ascenttrainingservices.com.au or visit ascenttrainingservices.com.au

Remembering freedom’s struggle

CROATIA celebrates Statehood Day on June 25, marking the nation’s Declaration of Independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991.

Serbian-aligned forces inside and outside the country were willing to fight to keep it from self rule.

gratitude to all who took part in the creation of independent Croatia, including its defence and liberation.

Village with a touch of home

PROVIDING a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, Adria Village in Stirling has been delivering low and high-level aged care for more than 22 years.

About a month earlier the people voted 93 per cent “yes” to independence. It was a dream come true for many Croats –including those in Australia

Although independence did not take effect until three months later on October 8, which is now celebrated as Independence Day, the declaration on June 25 also sparked the beginning of Croatia’s War of Independence, which lasted until 1995, and so Statehood Day is a solemn reminder of this terrible conflict, too.

but powerful

On their National Day, Croatians express

Independence after the end of the Cold War was a new beginning for a nation with a long history, stretching back more than 1000 years to the age of kings and emperors.

Croatia has always belonged in Europe, culturally, historically and geographically, and its accession to the European Union on July 1, 2013 brought it back in from the cold.

Marko Body Repairs

74 Hoskins Street Mitchell ACT 2911

• Smash Repairs • Spray Painting • Complete Warranty

• All Insurance Work • Private & Custom • Accident Towing mbr@markobodyrepairs.com.au

PH: 02 6241 3088 Fax: 02 6241 3112

Established in 1994 by the Canberra and Queanbeyan Croatian community.

Adria Village was named after the Adriatic sea where it is renowned for its unique landscapes, islands and history.

Adria Village has 36 independent living units and 42 high care and dementia rooms incorporating 2 respite rooms with care provided by quality trained multilingual staff.

Family care for crash repairs

IN the ‘60s, because of political reasons, Marko Nazor was forced to leave Croatia and has since made Australia home.

Marko started Marko Smash Repairs Canberra in 1982 and has been servicing Canberra since.

Marko’s son Ante says it’s important to reflect on how far Croatia’s independence has come since his dad migrated to Australia from Sumpetar, a village in Split-Dalmatia County.

The family business provides all smash repair needs from minor to major accidents, all private and custom works, as well as all insurance claims.

Marko Smash Repairs Canberra supplies and sells tyres at Mitchell Tyres & More at the front of its building.

Ante says the service is second to none, in an industry where repair shops are becoming massive, we are still family owned and run.

“Our customer service is way ahead of our competitors,” he says.

Marko Smash Repairs Canberra, 74 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3088 or visit smashrepairscanberra.com.au

Established in 1989 by the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Adria Village provides support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment, while encouraging individuality, independence, and active participation in a broad range of cultural, social and religious activities within the village.

The Adria Village Board, management, staff and residents keep a close bond with the Croatian embassy and even visit it once a year.

The village contains low and and high-level residential care for 42 residents, as well as 36 independent living villas in a landscaped environment with mature trees and gardens providing homelike and natural surroundings.

Adria Village general manager, Iva Vujica, says the villa residents have their own independent community room.

She says: “They often visit with the hostel residents and have high teas together, choirs come in to perform, and they also go on outings together.”

As well as organised social programs the village provides multilingual staff, bus services, regular mass, an on-site chapel, a psychologist, podiatrist, chemist, hairdresser and pharmacist.

Adria Village also provides special care units for residents with dementia and any other special needs, and has two respite care rooms for shortterm care by arrangement.

Adria Village, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, adria.org.au, 6288 0198.

arts & entertainment

By Helen Musa

ROXANE is one of the great romantic stage parts for a woman.

Almost as smart as Juliet, far more beautiful than Cleopatra, Roxane is loved by two men – the handsome young nobleman Christian and her brilliant cousin, the long-nosed, rapier-witted poet, Cyrano de Bergerac, who gives his name to Edmond Rostand’s famous play.

Christian realises much earlier than either Roxane or Cyrano, you don’t love the body, you love the soul. So who does she really love?

We’re about to find out in a production of “Cyrano” by Damien Ryan’s Sport for Jove Theatre Company, coming to The Playhouse. Originally written in 1897 in rhyming verse and set in the 17th century, this celebrated stage vehicle has been reworked and updated by Ryan (who also plays Cyrano) to the Belle Époque during which the Eiffel Tower was built, the Impressionists flourished and the Ballets Russes came to Paris.

Lizzie Schebesta played Roxane then and does so now. She took her role so seriously in 2013 that she became “happily engaged” to Yalin Ozucelik, who then played Cyrano, but they’ve both been too busy since then to tie the knot.

She’s one of the talented students from Sydney’s Barker College who followed Ryan into the professional theatre.

“Damien wasn’t my drama teacher at Barker, but I took part in the Globe Shakespeare Festival and we’ve been working together ever since,” she tells “CityNews”.

Ryan has the meatiest role, a mighty intellect, a ferocious swordsman and a poet whose words triumph over his obvious physical defect, a very prominent proboscis, which he fears will prevent him from ever being loved. He makes up for it with his words and, in one of the most famous scenes in European theatre, he mouths the words of love for the inarticulate Christian to win the hand of Roxane. You could say it’s really Cyrano that she loves, but both Rostand and Ryan suggest that it takes two men to be the perfect man.

Conventionally Roxane must be drop-dead

gorgeous and certainly Schebesta is in that tradition, but as she says: “It’s very hard to play Roxane, who’s just described as a beauty, it’s totally uninteresting on stage, but you can find the psychology of the character”.

Luckily Schebesta speaks French, so she could do some research and find out what French scholars said, finding one academic who described Roxane as “making a journey from the profane to the sacred”.

Profane, that is, in the sense of worldly hedonism as Roxane is caught up in the physical beauty of Christian, “the fluff on the top rather than the substance”, as Schebesta says.

“She really grows so much and Damien has fleshed her out a bit, too, so that we really understand her intelligence – she is truly a match for Cyrano, it’s an amazing role.”

Roxane and Cyrano are cousins, she says, who grew up together, enjoying summers as kids in Bergerac.

“He was never loved by anyone except Roxane, and that memory is etched in his mind,” she says.

“We try to make them friendly, like a brother or sister so she doesn’t seem in a romantic context, we try to portray that. And yet it is a love relationship that lasts a lifetime.”

The French say “beauty needs no explanation” but by the end of the play, beauty is something quite different. After a plot twist that we will not reveal, Roxane spends 15 years in a monastery and lets go of her physical appearance. Her only contact with the outside world is a weekly visit from Cyrano, on which note the plays ends.

It’s such a classic, but a lot of people don’t know the plot, which says that romance does exist – and this production is very romantic, “very Frenchy”, Schebesta says.

“Cyrano de Bergerac” at The Playhouse, June 28-July 1. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“BAKERSFIELD Mist” is a comedy-drama based on a true story. Unemployed bartender Maude (Julie Nihill) has bought a painting from an op shop. But could it be a Jackson Pollock worth millions? Art expert Lionel Percy (John Wood) flies in from New York to find out. At The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, June 22-24. Bookings to theq. net.au or 6285 6290.

BRILLIANT pianist Gabi Sultana has stepped in to replace percussionist Claire Edwardes for Canberra Youth Orchestra’s next concert. The focal point will be Philip Glass’ stunning “Tirol Concerto for piano and orchestra” and Mahler’s Symphony No 1 “Titan”, both conducted by Leonard Weiss at Llewellyn Hall, June 24. Bookings to ticketek.com.au

THE Artists Society of Canberra has changed location for this year’s 13th open art competition and show to the Kingston Arts Precinct. Run in collaboration with the ACT Region Catchment Groups, the theme is “People Caring for the ACT Region’s Lands and Waters”. At the Fitters Workshop, June 22-30. Opening 6pm, June 22.

WELL-known Canberra pianist, Colin Forbes, will celebrate the arrival of his first grandchild by performing piano music by Mozart, Schumann and Debussy that relates to new life and childhood. At Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, June 21. No bookings required.

“FORWARD & Bach: Martin Luther’s Musical Legacy” is the punning title of The Song Company’s next concert, for which Canberra’s

own Toby Cole will join the ensemble to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation by performing three Bach motets, five new Australian settings of Martin Luther’s chorale melodies and recent completions from “The Orgelbüchlein Project”. At Wesley Uniting Church, 7pm, Friday, June 23. Bookings to songcompany.com.au

THE Yarralumla Midwinter Show has been pleasing visitors for more than 35 years with its array of art and craft, food and entertainment by local artists and providers. At the Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman Street, 10am-8pm on Friday, June 23; 10am-5pm, June 24 and noon-5pm, June 25. Opening at 6pm on the Friday followed by a fashion show featuring designs exhibited.

AMERICAN string ensemble, the Pacifica Quartet, promises to shed new light on Haydn, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Shostakovich and Aussie composer Nigel Westlake when it performs for Musica Viva at Llewellyn Hall on June 20. Bookings to musicaviva. com.au

One-star ‘Mummy’ is more funny than scary

“The Mummy” (M) IN 1911 filmmakers began scaring their customers with, at latest count, 200 movies and TV episodes in which a cadaver preserved by the ancient Egyptian practice of mummifying their pharaohs rises to wreak fear and disaster on unsuspecting victims.

The most recent of that filmic tradition is Alex Kurtzman’s fantasy using a screenplay by six wordsmiths led by David Koepp and Christopher McQuarrie.

In Mesopotamia some 45 centuries ago, princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) swears a curse on the people who killed the children she had borne to her father (such shenanigans were not uncommon in those places and times as a means of securing the succession of royal families).

Ahmanet’s fate is to be embalmed alive by infusion with mercury. But she’s only waiting for the moment when she can arise and terrorise the world.

Tom Cruise plays a US Army sergeant in 2016 reconnoitering enemy movements in the Iranian desert who calls in an aerial strike that uncovers ancient Egyptian sculptures in a cave from which stalactites drip not water but mercury.

About the same time, in London, boring for a new tube railway uncovers coffins of 12th century Crusaders.

Those disparate events are precursors of a plot built from moments more comedic than scary, a braggadocio sense of the ridiculous, the impossible and the unnecessary, offering few belly laughs.

Special effects depict improbable events inviting a response more like “funny, that”. The acting is less than impressive. The best of it is Russell Crowe playing Dr Henry Jekyll and Mr Edward Hyde. Annabelle Wallis playing an archaeologist embedded in the US forces to rescue antiquities has to deliver lines that fail to convince us that she knows what she’s doing.

With tensions and conflicts less than convincing, the film lays the mummy genre to rest with all those others of its genre until some future filmmaker resurrects it. As will doubtless happen.

At all cinemas

“My Cousin Rachel” (M)

WRITER/director Roger Michell’s film tells of dark events in what might be a late 18th/ early 19th century story about a young man’s loss of innocence and a mature woman’s

The Telegraph

But both of Rachel’s two former husbands are dead. So why does she now insist that Philip drink the tisane that she had brewed with her own hands?

Rachel Weisz plays the widow now Philip’s wife Rachel. The film nicely portrays the life of a moderately wealthy landowner as it develops unhurriedly toward a denouement marked less by tension than inevitability.

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

“Churchill” (M)

deviousness in her quest for his inheritance.

Sam Claflin plays Philip, reared by his cousin in a well-to-do country household where there are no women. From Italy, Philip gets a letter imploring him to come to the rescue of that cousin who, on a holiday, has married there and now fears that his wife is trying to kill him. The cousin has died before Philip gets there. His Italian attorney tells Philip of an inheritance, to begin on his 25th birthday.

Philip forms an intense dislike of the widow Rachel, now his cousin, without having met her. Eventually she arrives at the house in England. Inevitably, Philip falls for her. They make love in a bosky dell on a carpet of bluebells. All seems rosy. They marry. In boyish passion, Philip has made a new will to take effect on his 25th birthday.

AUSTRALIAN director Jonathan Teplitzky has crafted a film about a man of whom a nation expected and got great things at a time of peril more grave than any Britain had previously faced.

The film observes Churchill in the six days before the Allied landings on the Normandy coast amid his fears that the result would be the deaths of too many young soldiers for too little result, as were the previous amphibious landings over which he had political influence – the Dardanelles campaign in 1915. Australia knows about that.

Teplitsky uses two assets to stirring effect – the debut feature film screenplay by Alex von Tunzelmann and actor Brian Cox’s portrayal of the great man.

The former of those combines recorded

events with possibly fictional but convincing passages illustrating the steadying influence of Clementine Churchill.

Churchill comes across as a man bigheaded about his military ability, ready to accompany the troops into the field despite the disastrous consequences that might have befallen the allied cause if he had.

Brian Cox’s towering performance over a wide spectrum of emotions is the stuff of which peer-group praise grows and flourishes. It is as close to what history remembers of Churchill as anybody might wish – the physical presence, the growling timbre of the voice, the fear of being accused of pusillanimity lurking beneath undeniable moral courage.

The film brings forth a collection of military names that have become part of history – supreme commander Ike, Monty, Smuts (Churchill’s friend and military adviser from earlier wars) to name a few. One might cavil at anachronisms and minor goofs besprinkling the film, but none of them really detracts from its prime purpose – to portray a great man at his pin nacle of achievement.

At Palace Electric and Capitol 6

French ways of warming to a new winter menu

Les Bistronomes takes you on a culinary journey with a distinctly French theme. It’s a delight to the senses with each dish artfully plated.

BABY, it’s cold outside. And winter weather inspires restaurants to dish up winter warmers.

Les Bistronomes, which wears an “Australian Good Food Guide” chef hat, remains an all-time favourite restaurant. It takes you on a culinary journey with a distinctly French theme. It’s excellent value. It’s a delight to the senses with each dish artfully plated. And now it has an exciting winter menu.

wine

The presentation of the new French soup is delightful. Sitting pretty in the tasty bowl of piping hot soup are several gougère and a baked savory choux pastry

made of choux dough and mixed with decadent Emmental cheese custard ($16).

A must-have on winter menus is slow cooking and the beef burgundy ($35) is sensational. No need to use a knife to cut the braised beef cheek. The meat is served in red wine with soft polenta, mushrooms and soft onions.

A lighter dish is the whole NZ lemon sole ($31), with the fish super moist. The forest mushrooms danced around the plate and the chestnut and beef burnt butter sauce was perfectly executed.

To backtrack a bit, I highly recommend the pork and apple black pudding. The thought of black pudding causes some to shudder but relax and give it a go. Les Bistronomes has struck a lovely balance of tastes. The dish

is served with a fried, free-range egg and salad Lyonnaise ($16).

Some all-time favourite items remain on the new menu, including the garlic snails Chef Clement Chauvin is famous for ($3 each). Mains to share still include the ash-crusted duck a l’orange, with the meat sourced from Pepe’s Ducks, a family-owned NSW business ($80 for two; pre-ordering recommended).

And what would a French restaurant be without beef tartare? Clement says he could eat quality tartare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The key is the execution.

While some restaurants mince the beef, Clement carefully carves thin pieces with a sharp knife, respecting the fillet all the way. This menu features a traditional tartare with eschallot, parsley, capers, cornichons and a sensational dressing. Clement has created many different versions, including a delightful Asian one with a big hit of chilli.

We were in heaven with desserts, including the tarte au citron, served with blackberry sorbet and toasted meringue. The cherry clafoutis, with vanilla ice cream and oat and pistachio

When he got there, the wine cellar was bare…

THE June/July edition of the wine magazine “Halliday”, named by the venerable James Halliday after himself, contains guidance on the cellaring of wines.

This feature brought a tear to my eye. Not because I was envious of those with sufficient cash to invest in a substantial wine fridge or those who would pay around $2000 a square metre to build a cellar under their house.

No. It was in remembrance of wines fondly collected over 20 years but not consumed. In 2013 the steel roof of my storage unit was levered off by four young thieves and most of the wine I’d been collecting and cellaring for my adult life was stolen.

How do I know there were four young thieves? The act was caught on CCTV and their faces revealed to me and, subsequently, to the police. But they weren’t brought to justice even though forensics got a boot print left in the dust of one of the unit’s support beams.

So to the ample reflections on cellaring in the Halliday journal, I add two pieces of critical advice.

First, the enemies of wine storage are normally movement, daylight, air-conditioning, temperature fluctuation and excessive humidity. All these were absent in the storage unit in the basement of the flats where I live. My wines were kept under lock, most stored in wooden racks and covered with a tarpaulin. The real enemy on the horrible occasion was other people. I now rank secure storage conditions as the number one factor in cellaring wine.

The second issue is to have a spreadsheet or ample records of the wines that are being stored, when and where you purchased them and a column to update them for the current market value. Such a spreadsheet is also useful for telling you when to drink the wine based on the winemaker’s recommendations and your own preferences for storage time when you purchased the wine.

How do I know there were four young thieves? The act was caught on CCTV and their faces revealed to me and, subsequently, to the police.

I am now developing such a spreadsheet and would like to hear from the readers about what information they would additionally suggest be shown in the relevant records. I have my own ideas but would appreciate yours.

Alas, I only had a rough idea of the value of my collection but, of course, I did know the number of wines stored within a few bottles. I knew the really good ones very well: a 1989 Grange, a 1990 John Riddoch, a Cyril Henschke cabernet sauvignon, a number of aged Fox Creek wines. Sigh. But proving their purchase was a question of reaching an agreement with the insurance company based on old retained bank statements (hint: always pay for wines via a credit card!) and then current values. There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and an excess. I am sure that despite, in the end, fair treatment, the cash didn’t reflect the entire market value. While I have now started another wine collection, my storage cupboard has limited space and so I’ve updated my sound system. Music can sooth the savage beast when memories of those unconsumed bottles make me stop loving humanity.

“Hell is other people.”

Jean Paul Sartre

Advice for Richard via editor@citynews.com.au

RICHARD CALVER

crumble (for that much-needed crunch) was another winner. All sweet desserts are $16.

Even though the cold weather has taken hold, you can still sit outside on a sunny day at Les Bistronomes. Or inside where the atmosphere is relaxed and warm.

Les Bistronomes celebrates Bastille Day with a tailored menu on July 14.

ROSES are the gardener’s favourite flowering plant and right now garden centres are swamped with roses looking for homes.

Before the 1990s, 95 per cent of all roses sold were developed by northern hemisphere breeders. However, not all roses performed particularly well in Australia’s extreme weather conditions.

To overcome this the National Rose Trial Gardens were established with the National Rose Society of Australia and the Rose Breeders’ Association in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens in 1996.

This was the first of its kind in Australia and certainly SA provided extreme heat conditions.

Trials are conducted over two growing seasons. Ten expert rosarians from various parts of the country examine the new roses every month of the two-year trial period and give points accordingly. The vigour of the roses, disease resistance and flowering are all assessed.

The best roses are announced in an award ceremony in October each year. This is the guarantee of the highest quality of roses when buying at a local garden centre.

Rose Nursery, of SA, available from Heritage Nursery. Not all roses have strong fragrance and yet provide a magnificent sight in the garden:

• Better Homes and Gardens is a hardy hybrid tea bush rose with large, creamy apricot blooms from spring to autumn. It has a strong fragrance.

• Devoted to You is an easy care, lush, classic deep red rose with long stems and a medium fragrance.

• Earth Angel is a hardy, hybrid tea rose with large, creamy pink blooms and a strong fragrance.

Jottings...

• Select new roses by looking at their height and spread.

• It is always more effective to have groups of roses of the same variety.

• If growing David Austin English roses it’s preferable to keep them in a bed separate from other varieties due to their distinctive characteristics.

• Watch for aphids on new growth. Use Maxicrop Long Life Organic Pyrethrum.

For example, at the Heritage Nursery, Yarralumla, more than 4500 roses have arrived with around 20 new releases for 2017. They have in stock 32 varieties of climbing roses, 10 varieties of old-fashioned roses (classified as those roses grown before 1926) and a staggering 143 varieties of general roses.

With such a mammoth list it’s possible to name only a few of the new varieties. Here’s a list from Wagner’s

• Fragrant Peace is tipped to be an all-time winner. This exceptional new bush rose has large, golden yellow blooms tipped red along the edges similar to the original Peace rose.

• Ali Baba is a striking climbing rose with clusters of salmon blooms and ideal for growing over an arch or trellis. When growing over an arch, there should be one rose each side of the arch.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The New Moon signals it’s time for a brand new domestic chapter. So family should be your number one priority, and your motto for the week is from birthday great and acting icon Meryl Streep: “My family really does come first. It always has and always will.” You’re keen to jump in and act with lightning speed on the weekend, but others may need some time to adjust. Smart Rams will aim to get the balance right between being spontaneous and thinking things through.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Courtesy of Venusian and Neptunian vibes, it’s a wonderful week to embrace your Bullish creativity! Be inspired by singer-songwriter Carly Simon (born on June 25, 1945): “There’s always a creative side to me, even when it’s quiet musically… like painting or decorating or planting a garden.” But consider the consequences of what you do and say (especially on the weekend). If you act with haste, then you could find yourself deep in a disagreement or messy misunderstanding.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Tuesday’s Mercury-Uranus connection is terrific for brainstorming innovative ideas, which could lead to a stunning lightbulb moment! Your creativity and communication skills are firing on Wednesday, but there’s also a tendency to scatter your energy all over the place. So pace yourself. Then Friday night’s New Moon shines a spotlight on money matters. If your finances are in a mess then you need to develop some fiscal skills fast, perhaps with the help of a professional.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

It’s a fantastic week for Crabs! Mercury moves into your sign (from Wednesday until July 6) when you’ll feel more rational and less moody than usual. The week will certainly progress better if you are more proactive, and less reactive. And it’s the perfect time to enrol in an educational course or complete a study project. The New Moon’s in your sign on Friday night so it’s a wonderful weekend to make a wish, start a personal project or update your physical appearance.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Stop wasting time trying to control people and situations (especially on the weekend). Wonderful opportunities are around, but they’re not immediately obvious. They are hidden in unexpected places, waiting for you to discover them. Theatrical Lions love to be centre stage but at the moment some of your best work is behind the scenes. Others may not notice (or appreciate) what you’re doing this week, but your efforts will be well-rewarded in the weeks and months to come.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Don’t let vague worries do your head in Virgo. Stressing about things that might happen is not the sensible way to go. This week the Sun and Mercury encourage you to stop worrying and start doing. Concentrate on positive changes you can make right here and right now. Plus aim to be more proactive about appreciating (and protecting) your neighbourhood and local environment. If you network with like-minded souls, then you really can achieve a lot. Think global; act local!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Venus and Neptune favour romance, friendship and fun on Tuesday and it’s also a terrific time to socialise with colleagues, as you mix business with pleasure. Librans are clever and capable but are you confident enough for big time success? The New Moon’s in your career zone, so step up and assume a leadership role. Your deft diplomatic skills are needed on the weekend, when someone is spoiling for a fight. Step in and play the peacemaker – but don’t get caught in the cross-fire!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The New Moon boosts your brain power so it’s time to read, research or study something new. Planning your next business trip or weekend escape is a good idea. With peacemaker Venus in your partnership zone, do your best to smooth over problems with a loved one or cranky colleague. As the week progresses, relationships will become more intense. Attached Scorps – expect an extra passionate weekend with your partner. Singles – a platonic relationship could take a decidedly sexy detour!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week sassy Sagittarians can expect a fresh start involving loot or lust, as the New Moon activates your joint finances and intimacy zone. It’s also a fabulous time to research a subject that has always fascinated you. But those around you can expect some boisterous behaviour from yours truly on the weekend, when Mars and Jupiter amp up your rash and restless side. So try to burn off excess fiery energy via vigorous physical activities and outdoor adventures.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Venus sends a lucky break via social media or community connections. So get networking and make the most of any fortuitous opportunities that come your way. Mercury shifts into your relationship zone so, from Wednesday onwards, you’ll be more inclined to keep the lines of communication open. Coupled Capricorns – strive to be more kind and considerate towards your partner. Singles – if you fancy someone, then you’ll have to make the first move.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s time to be mentally and physically active Aquarius! Tuesday’s Mercury-Uranus connection favours fresh solutions, spontaneous shenanigans and tackling old problems in innovative new ways. And, with the New Moon and Mars activating your wellbeing zone, hurry up and incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. How about joining a local gymnasium or sporting club? At work, take the stairs rather than the lift. Or walk to the local shops, rather than drive.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Do you underestimate and undervalue your creative talents? This week Venus, Neptune and the New Moon all encourage you to express your creativity for all the world to see. Don’t be shy! As fellow Piscean Steve Jobs said: “Creativity is just connecting things.” It’s also a wonderful week to enjoy a romantic interlude with your partner, fix a floundering friendship or find a fabulous new love. But don’t sit around waiting for Cupid’s arrow to strike. You need to be proactive.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

(6)

12 To be of sound mind, is to be what? (4)

13 Which type of lizard is a land mullet? (5) 16 What is sound, practical intelligence? (5)

19 Which term describes that which is second-hand? (4)

21 What does the “W” stand for in George W Bush? (6)

22 Name the African republic once known as Rhodesia. (8)

23 Which term relates to a wolf? (6)

24 That which is left over is said to be what? (8)

25 What do we call that which gives off hot vapour? (6)

Down

2 Name a SA border town, west of Mildura Vic, postcode 5341. (7)

3 What is a violation by a subject, of allegiance to one’s country? (7)

4 What are modes of fashion also known as? (6)

5 Which buildings house horses? (7)

6 Name a fixed periodical payment made upon retirement. (7)

7 What is another term for perfume? (7)

13 Which horse won the 1992 Melbourne Cup? (7)

14 To give the particulars of something, is to do what? (7)

15 Name a Qld town, north-west of Cairns, postcode 4881. (7)

17 What is an obscuration of light? (7)

18 What is the breastbone also known as? (7)

20 When one abides as a permanent resident, one does what? (6)