170810 citynews

Turnbull has cake and eats it, too

MICHAEL MOORE

The homeless scourge of Civic SONYA FLADUN

Forgotten hospital back from the dead

NICHOLE OVERALL

FAB FOUR

Four guys with a passion for biltong and fun!

What to believe when the pokie automan calls

I sometimes identify as an unemployed, single, lapsed-Catholic female aged between 30 to 40 (with my own teeth) who never plays pokies.

I AM more suspicious than ever of results obtained from automated phone polling after being one of 717 Canberrans to receive an unsolicited dinner-time call seeking our opinions on pokies.

Reachtel’s recorded voiceover man offered me three options to a series of slightly confusing questions on the impact of poker machines.

I get these calls often, possibly because I often “agree” to participate. I sometimes identify as an unemployed, single, lapsedCatholic female aged between 30 to 40 (with my own teeth) who never plays pokies.

THE survey also sampled the current state-of-play of the local political scene.

Apparently Labor has fallen to 36.4 per cent (down from 38.4 per cent at the last election), while the Liberal party is up 2 per cent (38.8 per cent) since October. But with more

than three years until the next ACT election, CM Andrew Barr won’t be losing any sleep over the results.

HOWEVER, ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury may be missing serious shuteye after the debate on the local greyhound ban became personal and petty.

The MLA was “mauled” by talkback top-dog Ray Hadley after making damaging allegations against local trainers. On 2CC Hadley described Rattenbury as “a grubby little man” resembling an “unmade bed”. Though it won’t be childish insults that will bring Rattenbury the most grief, it will be the surgical precision with which the civilised and professional 2CC drive announcer, Chris Coleman, is prosecuting the case.

THE Canberra Libs appear to be in semi-election mode, flogging a law-andorder issue. Shadow A-G Jeremy Hanson is pressing the government to give police wider scope to deal with a seemingly greater threat to public safety, posed by warring outlaw motorcycle gangs in Canberra’s south.

Hanson says: “It’s clear from the words of the chief police officer that community safety is at risk and it’s only a matter of time before somebody is killed or seriously injured”.

THE anti-vaccination movement surreptitiously slid into Canberra and screened the controversial movie “Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe”. At the invitation of the Australian Vaccination-

dose of dorin

Skeptics Network (AVN), makers of the doco finally screened the 90-minute film for about 180 locals at an ANU lecture theatre, but not before some cloak-and-dagger shenanigans. Fearful of disruptive protests, those attending were instructed to park at a designated spot (at ANU) and wait for a text 20 minutes before start time, for details of the venue. The film is a pinch and a punch. As a doco it packs a punch, but must be taken

with a pinch of salt. Think a Michael Moore film without Michael Moore!

FOLLOWING the screening the ANU says it was unaware of the controversial claims (vaccination causes autism) made in the documentary. A spokesperson says the screening was a private booking and “was not in any way endorsed by the university”. Controversy has dogged the movie, including being cut from the line up at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York by one of the festival’s owners, actor Robert De Niro Tasha David, president of the Australian Vaccination-Skeptics Network, says “claims that the AVN or ‘Vaxxed’ implied the ANU endorsed the film are false”.

LIBERAL MLA Steve Doszpot can rightly claim to have saved the early career of SBS’s Mr Football Les Murray, who died recently at the age of 71. In his 2006 memoir, “By The Balls”, Murray tells how after a short stint at Channel 10 ended abruptly, his career was immediately rescued “out of the blue” by a call from Doszpot, “then a mover and shaker of Canberra City, alerted me to a vacancy at CTC 7 in Canberra. I got the gig. It kept me alive and warm as a football commentator. I had no visible television prospects”. Doszpot, who played with Murray and the legendary Johnny Warren at Sydney club St George Budapest, also co-commentated NSL games with the man who would become synonymous with the world game the length and breadth of his adopted land.

Canberra lads off to conquer the world

By Danielle Nohra

TWO school bus mates have been reunited in the lead up to Worldskills competition in Abu Dhabi and will soon represent not only Canberra but the nation in landscaping.

Queanbeyan’s Alexander Halls, 22, and Charn wood’s Dougal King, 21, met as 12-year-old schoolboys. They met again at the regional competitions run by Worldskills Australia, which saw Alex place first and Dougal second.

The two then took on the national competition as a team where they became the first Canberra land scapers to receive the top spot.

Dougal and Alex are part of the Australian team, which consists of 16 other people who are skilled in other areas such as 3D digital game art, hairdress ing and welding.

Bringing together 3000 experts, from more than 70 countries, who make up about 50 trades, Word skills is held yearly for young people to compete with others around the globe.

Dougal, who is in the fourth year of his landscap ing apprenticeship, says he and Alex are the lucki est Australian team because they get to compete as friends, whereas most other teams are put with strangers.

Rather than completing one landscape space over four days, this year Worldskills Abu Dhabi contestants will have to landscape four areas using different elements for each one.

“We don’t even get the plan now until the day of the competition,” Dougal says.

“They’ve quadrupled the amount of space, so it’s now seven metres by seven metres, each day, for four days.”

top of their usual 30 to 40-hour working weeks.

They will continue to train with CIT expert Michael Blasch, who will then accompany them overseas in October.

“We feel like athletes we’re training so much and we barely have a social life,” says Alex.

Alex, who was drawn to landscaping after working with his brother-in-law during his year 11 school holidays, has recently completed his apprenticeship.

He says his favourite part of landscaping is the journey from a “landscape smoothie” to the end

Even though Alex and Dougal have been training hard, Alex says some countries such as China, Korea and some European countries get massive support and contestants will train full time for two years.

And they’ve even been told by a past participant that competitors are treated like celebrities because the event is so big overseas.

Alex and Dougal will compete at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi between October 15-18.

More at worldskills.org.au

Since 1993: Volume 23, Number 29

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Dining 21

Cinema 20

Crossword 23

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

Letters 9

News 3-9

Politics 7

Socials 12

Yesterdays 8

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Antiques roadshow

TWENTY-three dealers from around Australia underpin this year’s celebrated Springtime Antiques and Collectables Fair at Albert Hall. A major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Canberra City, the fair is renowned for the quality of its antique furniture, silver and jewellery offered at what the organisers promise are “realistic prices”. Proceeds go to CanTeen, the group that supports 12 to 24-year-olds living with cancer. Light meals, morning and afternoon teas will be available. Entry is $8 (concession, $6) and the fair is open 6pm-9pm, Friday, August 18; 10am-5pm, Saturday, August 19 and 10am-4pm, Sunday, August 20.

Hospital in finals

THE Lymphoedema Senior Management and Clinical Team at Calvary Public Hospital is the only ACT finalist of 15 in this year’s National Primary Health Care Awards. Finalists in the Team Excellence Award, the Bruce group has been recognised for expanding the specialised lymphoedema treatment services offered by Calvary to residents in Canberra and surrounding regions. The awards recognise the dedication and professionalism of primary health carers across the categories of Individual Distinction, Team Excellence and Young Leader. The winners will be announced in Sydney on August 27.

Remembering Joan

THERE will be a community gathering to celebrate the life of community leader Joan Kellett at Leumeah Lodge, 48 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, from 2pm on Saturday, August 19.

Dedicated biltong boys just want to have fun

By Kathryn Vukovljak

IT may have all started with a camping trip, granny’s old cupboard and a fondness for traditional South African biltong, but new local company Barbell Biltong is making strides for its “insanely good” product.

Run by South African brothers Rory and Luke Rathbone, and their friends Matt Laing and Tom Hutchison, the boys say that biltong is marinated beef that’s hung to air dry in a controlled environment for 10 days before being sliced into strips.

“We made some to take camping, and it took us back to our South African roots,” says Luke.

“Then our friends started asking for it and after making a few batches for them, we wondered if there was something in this – no one was making biltong as a health product. And if you’re eating a paleo diet it can be hard to find healthy options when you’re travelling that have a decent shelf life.”

Although they started out with beef from the supermarket, Luke says they quickly realised the gap that existed between the farmer and the meat being sold.

“We switched to using organic grass-fed beef from a company called Australian Organic Meats, and now it

feels like the business is an extension of our values and ourselves,” he says.

inner south of Canberra and say that so far they’re finding the close living and working relationships work in their favour.

helps to grow the culture behind the business, and we also keep each other on track healthwise,” says Rory.

“We all get along surprisingly well and it has grown our friendships, although we definitely debate, argue and

Luke, 26, and Tom, 24, both complet ed degrees in economics and finance, while Rory, 24, is a personal trainer and Matt, 23, is a nutritionist.

“All the different elements we bring are crucial to the business, and we

The boys have a regular stall at the Capital Region Farmers Market at Epic and say they love meeting their customers and talking about biltong.

“We all do the markets and it’s been great for getting feedback,” says Luke.

“We find that people may not know much about biltong and think it’s like jerky, so it’s been good to explain the difference – for example, biltong is uncooked and more tender as it softens in the drying process. Jerky is sliced first, marinated and then heated, and usually contains nasties.”

The boys say they are always working on improving the quality and consistency of their biltong.

“It’s getting better all the time and we believe the business will grow organically if we continue to provide value to our customers, and as we learn more,” Luke says.

“We’re not in this for the money, but we are stoked at what we’ve achieved so far,” says Rory.

“There’s a variety of tasks and long hours involved but we really do love it and we’ve learned so much already.”

“It was daunting initially but if you break anything down into small steps it’s just problem solving and it’s not insurmountable,” says Luke.

“The hardest part is not getting distracted but at the same time we all pull our weight and motivate each other. We really enjoy being able to work together,” Rory adds.

“If we’re having fun, we’ll carry on. We just want to have as much fun as possible.”

Barbell Biltong costs $25 for a 250g bag. Visit barbellbiltong.com.au

Lost in space: mystery of the missing blocks

THE ACT government has announced that it will develop a new strategy to tackle housing affordability and homelessness in Canberra.

The announcement is pleasing recognition by the government of the seriousness of both the level of homelessness in Canberra and of the massive escalation in the median price of houses over the last five years.

The increase in the price of land for detached housing and the commensurate rise in the price of such housing has pushed it out of the reach of tens of thousands of Canberra families.

However, the scarcity of greenfields land for detached housing has been matched by an increase in flats and townhouses as the government, for policy and strategic reasons which, while never having been fully explained by it, appear to be designed to force Canberra households with incomes in at least the bottom two income quintiles into flats and townhouses.

Many Canberrans are, of course, choosing to live in apartments including in the high-rise developments becoming a feature of our town centres and in enclaves such

The government insists that it has released 7000 sites more than there has been demand for. These claims, which are central to any reconsideration of the existing but effectively abandoned housing affordability strategy, demand serious examination.

as Kingston Foreshore, New Acton, Lonsdale Street and the soon-to-be Northbourne precinct which, having been cleared of public housing in readiness for the arrival of the tram, will soon be ready to greet the new young, prosperous, middle-class professionals and upper-middle-class retirees apparently so necessary for successful place making.

I wish them all well and respect the choice they have made to live in apartments. I may very well join them one day.

However, my concern and attention is very much with the 60,000 Canberra households who have incomes of less than $100,000.

The question that I ask myself is what choices do they have. An analysis of mortgage and rent serviceability reveals that for the 30,000 households with annual income of less than $55,000 affordable rent is less than $321 per week and an affordable mortgage is less than

$260,000.

The same analysis reveals that for the 30,000 households in Canberra with annual income of between $55,000 and $100,000 affordable rental is between $321 and $579 and an affordable mortgage is between $260,000 and $483,000.

The median house price in Canberra has reportedly passed $700,000. The problem is, therefore, of course that the supply of detached houses for sale under $483,000 goes nowhere near meeting the demand among the 60,000 households for which that is the outer limit of affordability, assuming of course that they could ever get a deposit together in the first place.

In the discussion paper released by the government to encourage Canberrans to engage with the development of the new housing strategy it claims that it has in the last 10 years released a total of 37,000 housing sites despite demand in that period being for only 30,000 sites.

The government insists that it has released 7000 sites more than there has been demand for.

These claims, which are central to any reconsideration of the existing but effectively abandoned housing affordability strategy, demand serious examination.

The questions that flow from this claim, which it is imperative the government answer if the current reexamination of housing affordability is to have any credibility, include;

• What data and modelling was used to determine that the demand in that period was for 30,000 dwellings?

• What proportion of the 37,000 sites were identified as being for detached housing and how many were for housing other than detached housing?

• What modelling was used to determine demand for detached housing?

• How many of the 7000 apparently excess sites are currently available for purchase and how many of them are for detached housing?

• How many of the sites are cur-

rently available under the land rent scheme?

• What is the cost range of the 7000 dwelling sites and how many sites are there in each cost range?

The ACT government is in a unique position in Australia in that it has a virtual monopoly on the supply of land and is of course responsible for planning and development approvals. As such it cannot point, as other governments do, to blockages in the supply of land or delays in the planning and development processes as an excuse for runaway house prices.

The ACT government is in control of all the levers.

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

mum in the city / homelessness

The cold scourge of Civic

WE were recently in a posh Civic café when a homeless woman came and took a seat.

I half expected that the staff would chase her out but instead was touched to observe them fuss over her, helping her to a more comfortable spot to sit in and making her a pot of tea.

With a background as a paramedic and Exercise Physiologist and further studies in Functional Neurology, Ivo has a special interest in:

- Chronic pain and injuries

- Back and neck pain

- Sporting injuries

- Neurological injuries

- Repetitive strain injuries

However, last month in Civic I watched a homeless man across the road. He may have been in his 50s but looked older. He was thinly dressed in a single, cheap jumper and no coat. He was lying on a piece of cardboard on the concrete pavement outside an upmarket restaurant located in a building housing a major Federal government agency. He had a grimy blanket and a couple of small bags. He looked sick. His complexion was grey and he was coughing, hacking up phlegm. The morning rush of people heading to work rolled right past him with everyone studiously avoiding any eye contact.

I’m not sure what the official statistics show, but my strong impression is that the number of people sleeping rough in Canberra’s urban centres has grown in recent years. Last week ACT welfare organisations warned that they may be forced to turn more homeless people away from shelters due to a startling surge, a

We should all quietly raise our cups of coffee or hot chocolate and say a quiet thank you for all that work and commitment that keeps our sporting nation going.

jump of 600 per cent, in demand for accommodation.

Those sleeping rough in the bleak mid-winter are just the more visible part of a bigger problem of homelessness that includes families with children living in cars because they have been evicted because they can’t pay their rent; people living with friends or relatives because they can’t afford their own accommodation, victims of domestic violence who similarly lack access to affordable housing and people with mental health problems who are unable to keep a roof over their head.

A lot of good work is done through many charities and organisations such as Safe Shelter and Samaritan House. Each morning the Uniting Church on Northbourne Avenue provides hot coffee and breakfast to people sleeping rough.

I know that homelessness is an intractable problem and I’m not an expert in this field, but it does strike me that as a wealthy, well-resourced

community, Canberra should be doing much better. We are the coldest of Australia’s capital cities. Life on our streets is pretty bleak in mid-winter, and perhaps too many of us are turning a blind eye as we rush past those of our community who are much less fortunate than ourselves – whether they are seeking shelter in alleyways in Civic or living in cars a stone’s throw down the hill from the Federal Parliament.

Maybe the ACT government could make this a priority and commit to ensuring that next winter no one need endure the freezing cold by sleeping rough in Canberra.

SONYA FLADUN

Clever Turnbull has his cake and eats it, too

SIMPLY, too clever! The release of the conversation between Malcolm Turnbull and US President Donald Trump provides an incisive insight into the Prime Minister.

For some it will simply reinforce the clever businessman who can have his cake and eat it, too. For others it will be the final straw exposing suspicions of making promises while having no conviction nor intention to deliver.

Brinkmanship is a business practice to test who will cave first. It is also common in politics. Turnbull has been an effective practitioner and many will admire his skill, giving him credit for bringing a disparate group of liberals and conservatives with him into government.

The game of brinkmanship may help explain his conversation with Trump. The Prime Minister was looking for a way through, looking for a win-win situation. The US could stick to the agreement to take 1250 refugees (even though Trump had figures like two or five thousand in his mind). Just make the deal a façade.

Appealing to Trump’s idea of “bad people” who had been “in prison”, Turnbull managed to work around the President’s appeal (“This is going to kill me. I am the world’s greatest person that does not want to let people into the country”).

The PM patiently explained: “Every individual is subject to your vetting. You can decide to take them or to not take them after vetting. You can decide to take 1000 or 100. It is entirely up to you. The obligation is to only go through the process.”

He even concluded: “It does not require you to take any.”

Refugee representatives will be outraged. The perception is overwhelmingly about duplicity; promising a breakthrough and then being politically slimy enough to explain to the President how to create the perception without delivering. Businessman to businessman!

The conversation reinforces the litany of doubts about whether or not Turnbull really has any convictions at all.

The hero of the Republican movement has moved to a delaying tactic of “not while Queen Elizabeth is still alive”. The stalwart on climate change has stood up for Adani to be Australia’s largest coal mine and overseen cuts to growth in renewable energy development and manufacture. Then there is the PM’s support

Turnbull has the opportunity to show true leadership. The conservatives know they have no chance in the polls without a moderate leader.

for marriage equality. As important as the issue is for marginalised and those made secondrate citizens, it is not the main game for the government. Turnbull can stand up for what he believes and get the issue off the table. Within weeks of legislation passing to allow same-sex marriage the issue will be completely off the political agenda.

Turnbull has the opportunity to show true leadership. The conservatives know they have no chance in the polls without a moderate leader.

In seeking to stick to the patently stupid plebiscite proposal, the conservatives expose yet another Turnbull turnaround. Serious political leadership would get the issue off the table. Turnbull can manage this with the same political dexterity as conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel. At the same time he will be seen to stand up for what he believes. In this case, true leadership would be to allow a free vote.

Turnbull remains between a rock and a hard place. This was the mantle he took on when he accepted the leadership of the Liberals and the prime ministership. Some voters see him as politically astute in his wheeling or dealing. However, many will have their concerns reinforced and see him as a duplicitous, smarmy politician saying whatever he needs to say to hold on to power.

The final word based on that famous phone call was put most clearly by Michelle Grattan: “When Trump described the earlier reports of the call as ‘fake news’ and Turnbull, sitting beside him in New York, agreed, they were both lying. We knew it at the time, but the transcript has provided an effective lie detector.”

A political life

briefly yesterdays Forgotten hospital back from the dead

MARGARET Reid, Australia’s first female President of the Senate, will speak of her life in politics on Sunday at the Friends of St John’s quarterly service at St John’s Church, Constitution Avenue, Reid, 11.15am, on Sunday, August 13. A senator for the ACT 1981-2002, Margaret Reid is a former barrister and has always been an active contributor to the ACT community. The special service is open to anyone interested in hearing one of Canberra and Australia’s landmark women tell of her inspiring journey. A light lunch will follow the service.

Bill for dinner

ENTERTAINER Bill Motherway will talk about music of the ‘60s and ‘70s at Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club’s 40th birthday meeting at the Town Centre Vikings Club, Greenway, on Wednesday, August 23. Dinner is $27, open to visitors and interested ladies. Book before August 16, 6291 7716 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Graham’s view

GRAHAM Wade, from the charity Technical Aid to the Disabled, is the guest speaker at the next lunch meeting of the Weston Creek VIEW Club, at the Southern Cross Club, Corinna Street, Woden, 11.30am2.30pm, on Tuesday, September 5. The club welcomes new members and interested ladies. Bookings to 6288 7625 by Thursday, August 31.

AGPS reunion

RON Robertson is calling for any former Australian Government Publishing Service employees to join him for a reunion at the Belconnen Soccer Club, Belconnen Way, Hawker, from 7pm on Saturday, September 17. Intending attendees should email Ron at ronsbook@tpg.com.au

IN every sense it’s a tale of life and death.

The crumbling sandstone, Victorianepoch edifice, once one of the most significant buildings in the entire region, stands atop an elevated rise overlooking the now city it catered to for almost three quarters of a century.

For years it has lain forlorn and largely forgotten, its empty corridors and darkened rooms echoing with whispers of a history filled with equal parts heartache and happiness. Its revival though is but a heartbeat away.

The Queanbeyan District Public Hospital of 1861 provided medical services, such as they were, to the wider area – including early Canberra – until superseded in 1933.

Wife of the local gaoler, Mary Rushten was appointed the town’s first matron – and, by all accounts, a remarkable woman described as possessing “many estimable qualities, an attentive nurse and a trustworthy public servant… one who discharged

For years Rusten House has lain forlorn and largely forgotten, its empty corridors and darkened rooms echoing with a history filled with equal parts heartache and happiness.

the duties of matron faithfully and efficiently”.

She remained in situ for 21 years before dying in the very place where she so ably attended so many others.

Rusten House, the still lovely building now named for her, was constructed of hand-hewn stone quarried some 35 kilometres away and offering 16 beds with separate male and female wards.

Plentiful tales of madness, mayhem, disease and disaster continue to haunt it, giving an idea of the harshness of life in those early times – and the swiftness of death. While there was obviously many a birth and occasional stories of survival, as with so many of those facilities in that period, it was literally a waiting room for the graveyard. Electricity wasn’t even connected until 1921!

Giving voice to the notion that oddson for survival were not that flash, in its first years of operation, for four years in a row, a total of 11 patients were admitted and, in each of those years, four of them died – one, a Joseph Cooper, not even making it as far as a bed, actually expiring on the doorstep.

A year after the creation of the nation’s capital, in 1914 the doors of babies. In fact, so many Canberrans

Many a famous patient was also treated within, including war historian extraordinaire Charles Bean (not combat inflicted); he left with his health restored… and his soon-to-be bride, Sr Ethel “Effie” Young. By 1933 it could no longer cater to growing demand and for a time the old faithful continued to serve as nurses’ quarters and then in ancillary roles, but for any number of years now its insides have remained unseen by the greater public it so nobly served.

•

Heritage-listed, there has been an ongoing strong advocacy campaign, but inevitably finance has long been the issue. Now NSW government funding and a further contribution of $550,000 earmarked as part of the Stronger Communities Fund will see it transformed into a vibrant regional arts hub and community space, returning it to its former glory and delivering for the greater good once more.

Nichole Overall is a Queanbeyan-based

one man’s holiday

Night falls, surprises rise in the Red Centre

SO you fly halfway across the country, to a place surrounded by desert with some large rocks to look at during the day, but what to do at night?

Let’s not pretend Uluru is a nightlife hotspot with clubs and pubs by the dozen but there’s plenty on after dark, starting with the restaurants attached to the accommodation options, which feature different levels of sophistication. All have dishes that incorporate or at the very least tip their hat to bush tucker.

To get the best of your Uluru evenings, try to book for nights when the moon will rise after 11. Moonglow – even from a fraction of a moon – dramatically reduces the number of stars visible and the spectacle of a true outback night sky. Or the spectacle of an illuminated desert floor.

Originally planned as a year-long installation, the Field of Light has been extended until the end of March.

A massive project by artist Bruce Munro, it was 25 years from genesis to creation and it’s hard to describe, partly because of its size. Try to imagine 50,000 or so softly glowing lights on stems about a metre tall, spread across an area more than twice the size of Manuka Oval, slowly changing colours, underneath a star-filled sky. It’s a solarpowered marvel and when looking from the field towards Uluru, you feel the lights go all the way to the rock itself. It’s a magnificent illusion.

There are a variety of ways to experience the field beginning with a walk through the illuminated field to watching the field come to life after savour an outback sunset enjoying drinks and canapés of kangaroo, crocodile and other native foods. The dedicated earlyriser can choose to check out the Field of Light before dawn.

The signature Uluru resort experience is the Sounds of Silence Dinner. Now, you are free to chat with your table companions during dinner, but when the MC asks everyone to stop talking and experience the silence of the outback night it has a massive impact.

The dinner starts in a similar vein to

When the MC asks everyone to stop talking and experience the silence of the outback night it has a massive impact.

the Field of Light, with a short bus trip to a dunetop canapé service, with didgeridoo music as the sun goes down. The night then takes a turn for the spectacular as you walk from the dune to the fine-dining area where 10 tables await. The food service is swift, with entrees delivered to the table.

The main courses are self-served from a buffet and while there’s a small light on each table, it provides enough illumination to see where the food is on your plate, but not necessarily what you’re eating. Indeed, the surprise of picking up what you thought was chicken with lemon myrtle and pepperberry on the fork, only to discover it’s actually the barramundi added to the experience.

The outstanding main – and our table was unanimous on this – was the kangaroo fillet with a native mango and mint marinade. I wanted to bribe the chef for this recipe.

Once dinner is finished, the silence is emphasised by the MC and then an astronomer commences a presentation explaining the stories of the constellations, European and indigenous, and diners get to view the skies through a telescope.

It’s an event that takes four hours but time seems to fly by. Whatever else you do at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the Sounds of Silence is as close to a compulsory inclusion that you’ll get.

Chris Coleman, who presents “Canberra Live” weekday afternoons on 2CC, attended Field of Light and Sounds of Silence as a guest of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. A longer audio review of his Uluru and Kata-Tjuta experience is available in the podcast Travel First.

Angry about boy’s plight

PEOPLE in high places never cease to surprise and disgust me (“Barr says no to boy attacked by dogs”, CN, July 27).

The simple fact that this poor child, Jack Hartigan, and his family would have had seven years of horror and pain and all that the big wigs can manage to do is argue amongst themselves.

No doubt if it was a child of theirs they would use all means possible to get the $200,000. At this moment I have just read Michael Moore’s column and could vomit I am so angry and disgusted.

How do these people sleep at night? At least MLA Steve Doszpot can hold his head up, but all the others

So, to our friendly garbo, a very big thanks. Your thoughtfulness was much appreciated by your many unseen customers.

M McGregor, Curtin

Footballers play on

C Worsley, Palmerston

CANBERRANS are near the top of per-capita, illicit drug use. They will remain so if all users get the same treatment as the two football players on May 6 in Civic who, according to media reports, were seen by police snorting a white powder – reportedly cocaine – through banknotes given to them by the supplier, who was later charged.

I inquired subsequently from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman, if the two had been charged.

His emailed response was: “Thank you for your email and apologies for the delay. The two NZ Rugby players have not been charged with any offences contrary to ACT law. ACT Policing investigated the incident and confirmed that the individuals did not have illicit drugs in their possession. In line with social expectations, ACT Policing considered the principles within the harm minimisation strategy, which includes that users of illicit substances should not be charged for selfadministration.”

Colliss Parrett, Barton

up the other, carefully replacing each bin lid to avoid rain

I know we always tend to complain about so many little

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at: 9b / 189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911

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

CITC Outstanding Apprentice Awards 2017

Apprentices tie in tight tussle

CLOSENESS in selecting winners has resulted in this year’s Construction Industry Training Council’s top apprentice title being awarded to two finalists.

Diesel mechanic Todd Jamieson and carpenter Luke Wainman topped the industry winners in the 2017 Outstanding Graduating Apprentice Awards lunch in front of 350 industry guests at Thoroughbred Park on Friday, August 4.

The major award was presented by MLA Bec Cody, who was representing the Higher Education, Training and Research Minister, and CITC chair Bill Cleary.

Executive director of the CITC, Vince Ball, said that the closeness between nominees was not only across all the trades, but also in selecting the overall winners, who represented 16 different industry trades.

He said that over the past 15 years the CITC had interviewed and presented certificates to nearly 500 of the industry’s most outstanding apprentices as well as recognising and providing Encouragement Awards to more than 90 apprentices.

He also praised the determination and skills of industry tradeswomen and thanked the employers who provided them with the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship. The CITC also congratulated this year’s Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade award winner, electrician Tiana Collins.

In congratulating all the nominees and the overall winners, Mr Ball said the ACT construction industry continued to maintain its apprentice numbers.

The CITC was committed to quality training and professional development and the council would continue to encourage employers to maintain their commitment to the employment and training of construction-industry apprentices.

The ACT Regional Building & Construction Industry Training Council congratulates the finalists of the

2017 Graduating Apprentice & Industry Encouragement Awards

Gold Sponsors

OUTSTANDING 2017 APPRENTICE AWARD

CITC Outstanding Apprentices

TODD JAMIESON (Diesel Mechanic)

LUKE WAINMAN (Carpentry)

Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade – TIANA COLLINS

Painting & Decorating – DOMINIQUE SUTHERLAND-REES

Bricklaying – ANTHONY FABBO

Plumbing – DANIEL TEBBUTT

JAMES BENIVENTO

– LOUISA Electrical

TIANA COLLINS

Landscaping – MATTHEW

for ACT’s top trade title

WINNERS

Mechanic

Operations

HOU

REID

Wall & Floor Tiling

– NATHAN BEAUMONT

Carpentry – LUKE WAINMAN

Metals Engineering/Light Manufacturing

– BEN HOWARD

Metals Engineering/Heavy Manufacturing

– SAM FREEBODY

Bronze Sponsors

Glass and Glazing – JOSH WELLSMORE

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning – KOBI CUMBERLAND

Refrigeration – COOPER LEE

Wall & Ceiling Lining – MAX ORESKOVIC

Meritorious – BROOKE HEIDKE (Cabinet Making)

Meritorious – ANDREW BOWMAN (Carpentry)

Meritorious – MITCHELL THOMAS LONERGAN (Carpentry)

Supporters

mitchell advertising feature

Mighty businesses of Mitchell

SUPPORTED by Gungahlin’s newer surrounding suburbs, Mitchell is home to a growing variety of businesses and services. The suburb was named after Maj. Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, surveyor-general and explorer of NSW, and all its streets are named after Australian industrialists.

This week “CityNews” meets some of the top expert businesses operating out of the northside’s commercial hub.

Living the Italian car dream

OWNER of Moro Motors Ferdinando Moro brought his passion of Italian cars from Italy to Canberra.

Ferdinando’s dream was to work for himself and has been living that dream for more than 30 years.

The family-owned business specialises in repairing and servicing Italian models such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Fiat.

Based in Mitchell, Moro Motors has a team of knowledgeable and friendly professionals and uses genuine parts to give customers a log-book service that ensures their car remains under warranty.

Moro Motors, 1/160 Lysaght Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 4912, or visit moromotors.com.au

As the younger of the two Canberra outlets, the Mitchell store opened in 2011 and is under the management of Huw Jones, a qualified tiler who can help with advice on all aspects of the tile selection and installation process.

“We have an extensive range of tapware, bathroomware, vanities, under-tile heating and accessories,” says Huw.

“As an independent franchise within the Beaumont Tiles group, we have access to Australia’s widest range of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles from all over the world.

“Our buying team is constantly in the marketplace sourcing the latest materials and designs from Europe

are covered by our 10-year guarantee.

“Our exclusive ‘Scan and Play’ system can be accessed from a home computer to make a choice from our extensive range of tiles in real room settings.

“These can be printed out and brought into the shop to see first hand, thus reducing the time taken in making a selection.”

Huw says Beaumont Tiles has the experience and knowledge to support its customers in all facets of tile purchasing from the design to recommending installers or renovators.

Beaumont Tiles, 143 Lysaght Street. Call 6255 5534 or visit beaumont-tiles.com.au

experts of mitchell

Gareth takes the stress out of servicing

NORTHSIDE Euros is a specialist in European vehicle servicing, repairs and performance tuning.

Its director Gareth Wiggan became passionate about cars at an early age and on to European cars in his late teenage years, particularly the Volkswagens and Audis.

Gareth, who completed his apprenticeship with a prestigious business in the UK, saw a need for European vehicle specialists in Canberra’s north.

“All our mechanics are factorytrained and have extensive experience working on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and

Mercedes brands,” he says.

“We offer a personalised service, which aims at getting your car serviced as stress free as possible.”

And because European cars have always been in the forefront of automotive technology Gareth says Northside Euros keeps up to date with the latest advancements in the automotive industry.

Northside Euros, 76 Darling Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 1111, email service@northsideeuros.com.au or visit northsideeuros.com

Firm first steps to a career in security

THE security industry welcomes a wide range of people from 18-year-olds looking for a career path to retired people wanting to work again, says Australian Security Education & Consulting Pty Ltd (ASEC).

ASEC is a local, family owned Registered Training Organisation (NRC 88065) that has focused on education in the security industry since 2003.

ASEC says it is committed to providing high-quality learning and training, both theoretical and hands-on, to support and guide students in their career paths.

To achieve this goal, ASEC employs instructors who can demonstrate their background in the security industry or with current hands-on industry experience.

One of ASEC’s passions is to break down the wrong image that the community might have about security guards.

The education programs that ASEC delivers concentrate highly on communication skills, both non-verbal and verbal.

The type of work available for security guards includes airport security, government buildings, hospital security, patrol security, military bases, shopping centres, special events around Canberra, embassy security or crowd control security, just to name a few.

The company says that the security industry is very suitable for females.

Australian Security Education & Consulting. Unit 8A/160 Lysaght Street. Call 6134 6631 or 0416 257044 or visit aseac.com.au

opened in Mitchell in 2009 and now has nearly 100 members.

Head instructor Reece “Kancho” Cummings teaches more than 300 classes a year, but teaching isn’t his job.

“Our centre is non-profit and I contribute my time as a volunteer, despite having a full-time job in a non-related field,” he says.

Reece believes it’s important to focus on quality over quantity, and by being a non-profit, he says this allows that aim to be achieved.

“Karate has a range of benefits. For children, the primary benefits are self-discipline, fitness and co-ordination, confidence, learning how to set and achieve goals, and developing

“For teens and adults, our program focuses on realistic and dynamic self-defence but also provides a good avenue for stress relief, increased health and fitness, and caters for all ability levels.”

Karate Canberra – Cummings Karate Dojo offers classes four times a week and runs a program for children, and one for teenagers and adults. The children’s program is currently full until Term 4 but the teenager and adults program is open most of the year.

Karate Canberra – Cummings Karate Dojo. Unit 2, 38 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 0429 392785 or visit karatecanberra.com.au

Looking after local designers and artists

THE Paris End, an art and fashion store and gallery that supports local designers and artists, has taken off since its official opening in May, says owner Anthony Bean.

Located in Mitchell, The Paris End is an eclectic mix of local crafters, makers, designers, artists, artisans and purveyors.

“We have an emphasis on sustainable businesses and don’t have as many stipulations as other gallery spaces,” he says.

Anthony says there isn’t any budget spaces in Canberra so this will help smaller businesses get their work out there.

The gallery, which sits on the second level above the shop is described by Anthony as an airy, open space with brilliant natural light.

Everything in the gallery is for sale and the shop includes items to buy such as vintage clothing, records, soaps and candles, jams and condiments, children’s books, secondhand books, gift cards, handmade jewellery and handmade tea.

The Paris End also supports Alzheimer’s Australia ACT by selling quilts and bags as part of its “Quilts for Linda” program, where all funds go back to the non-profit organisation.

The Paris End, 1/56 Heffernan Street, Mitchell. Call 0417 994049 or 6262 3237 or search

@TheParisEndCanberra on Facebook.

The right people for window furnishings

ONCE people put their window furnishings up they can “BASC” in the view, says BASC proprietor Murray Johnson. BASC, meaning blinds, awnings, shutters and curtains, is a locally owned and operated company that specialises in supplying quality window furnishings within the ACT and the surrounding region.

Murray, who has more than five years’ experience in the industry, says BASC products are all made-to-measure, using quality products to fit every window.

To ensure this, BASC provides its own free measurement, along with a free quote either in-house or on-site.

“Everyone at BASC has years of industry experience behind them and can help customers with any decorating issues,”

Murray says.

“We have a showroom with an extensive range of products and people can pop in at any time without an appointment.”

With its extensive range, BASC offers competitive and affordable solutions and can assist with design and colour suggestions for all internal and external window furnishings.

BASC, Unit 9, 9 Brookes Street, Mitchell. Call 6255 0055, email basc@bascact.com.au or visit bascact.com.au

Formally known as Knights Window Furnishings

to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm and Saturday 9.00am – 12noon.

Locally owned and operated, BASC is a company that specialise in supplying BLINDS, AWNINGS, SHUTTERS and CURTAINS for the ACT and surrounding regions.

Murray Johnson and his team offer exceptional industry experience, competitive and affordable solutions and can assist with design and colour suggestions for all internal and external window furnishings.

Come and meet the BASC team at the new and improved showroom, or book an in house free quotation.

bascact.com.au • P 02 6255 0055 Unit 9/9 Brookes St, Mitchell ACT

experts of mitchell

Racing against time to solve the puzzles

RIDDLE Room originally started running its escape rooms out of a garage in Franklin but, due to its popularity, moved into a commercial premises in Mitchell in October.

Operated and designed by Canberra locals Jesse Mount and Chris Krajacic, escape rooms are a space where groups face a series of puzzles to complete within 60 minutes.

And, until November 24, Riddle Room is hosting Australia’s first Escape Room League, where schools from all over Canberra and surrounding regions can participate and potentially be crowned this year’s “escape masters”.

To complete these mental-based challenges students need to be aged between 15 to 18.

But outside of the Escape Room League participants can be older, and Jesse says a

Rider Darren keen to build his bike store

WHEN the owner of ACT Bike Superstore, Nick Kontos, decided to retire, dedicated customer and friend Darren Symons took over its ownership, bringing with him his passion and enthusiasm for the bike industry.

Darren, who has been involved in riding for several years, used to be sponsored by Nick.

“I’ve been to places such as Victoria, Canberra and NSW and raced,” Darren says.

With his experience Darren wants to put his energy into expanding the range at ACT Bike Superstore and doing some refurbishments later on to give the place a fresh look.

“We have two levels. The ground floor is mostly entry level bikes, kids’ bikes, adult bikes and commuter bikes,” he says.

“Upstairs is all our road bikes and dual suspension mountain bikes.

“And we do mechanical services on all bikes in the fully equipped workshop.

“We’re going to start doing shop rides before work, meeting at ACT Bike Superstore at 7am and we’ll go for an hour ride and then get a coffee,” he says.

ACT Bike Superstore, 20 Essington Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 7987, email info@bikesuperstore.com.au

lot of corporate groups come and do the challenges, too.

Currently, Riddle Room has three escape rooms. Two are called “The Nightmare” and one is “The Dungeon”. However, Jesse says neither are gory or scary.

The aim is to solve a series of puzzles using only the items in the room.

“As you solve the puzzles you will progress through a story and hopefully find your way out in time,” Jesse says.

“You will have 60 minutes to success fully complete your objective.

“Communication with your team is the most important tool to use if you want to get out in time.”

Riddle Room, 8B / 160 Lysaght Street, Mitchell. Email escape@riddleroom.com.au, call 6174 1137 or visit riddleroom.com.au

Businesses urged to secure their data

WITH an increasing presence of viruses and intrusions in the world of technology, managing director of OmniIT Michael Warnock says it’s essential that businesses secure their data.

OmniIT provides a complete range of IT support services to small and medium businesses.

This year its focus is data backup and security.

Michael says these threats are so prolific that it’s not a matter of if people get infected but when, because the methods of infection are becoming increasingly more sophisticated.

He asks, would your business function if you suddenly lost access to all of your data?

OmniIT is so concerned with educating Canberra

businesses about this threat that it has created a 15-minute presentation discussing CryptoLocker, how prolific the issue has become, how to avoid infection and what to do if you are infected.

The company is keen to present this free presentation to all businesses in the region.

Michael believes education is the most effective way to stop the impact of these viruses.

To accompany the presentation, OmniIT is offering a free, 10-point security health check to any interested business.

OmniIT. Unit 8, 12 Sandford Street. Call 6230 3839, email info@omniIT.com.au or visit omniit.com.au

advertising feature

Colin’s free brake checks for families

AS a family-friendly business, ACT Brake Service cares about local families and because of this it’s offering a free brake inspection for every Canberra family, says owner Colin Gillie.

Colin says regular servicing of brakes is essential to keep them in full working order.

There are many things that can make car brakes work ineffectively, including issues with the brake fluid and brake pads.

ACT Brake Service has all the latest equipment on hand to ensure a thorough check of brake systems, so any problems can be identified quickly and accurately.

ACT Brake Service Mitchell. 21 Huddart Court, Mitchell. Call 6241 2911 or email stop@actbrakes.com.au

Quintessential quilt care

THERMA Quilts has been making and servicing feather and down products from quilts to pillows, cushions and anything made from feather and down since 1989.

Therma Quilts is a family-owned business where everything, including the manufacturing services are done locally in Mitchell.

Using quality textiles, the seamstresses at Therma Quilts hand-make every item suited to the customer’s needs and provide a top-up service when quilts and pillows show signs of wear or loss of warmth and fluffiness.

“With time and usage, body proteins and lipids (natural oils and perspiration) are absorbed onto quilt casings and into the feather and down inside,” says a spokeswoman for the company.

“Over time, this build-up dampens the down, which causes it to lose its thermal resistance. However, regular servicing of your quilts would ensure that your down is fresh, fluffy and keeps you nice and warm during winter.

“With time and usage, the fabrics on quilts wear out and get thin, but once holes appear there is no need to throw away your quilt.

“Therma Quilts is able to re-case your quilts in addition to other services such as extending them into a larger size or reducing them to a smaller size according to your needs.”

With its eco-friendly cleaning process, Therma Quilts services feather and down products including sleeping bags and down clothing as well as other textiles such as silk, polyester, cotton and wool quilt underlays.

Therma Quilts, 10-12 Kemble Court, Mitchell. Call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au

Hot news about floor heating

SPECIALISING in floor-heating products and services, P.A.P.

Heating Solutions has the experience and expertise to provide the floor-heating system for any application Australia wide.

From commercial to domestic buildings, the company offers a full design, quotation and installation service for in-slab heating and under-tile heating.

The company says: “No other heating system provides the allround benefits of floor heating.

“It is efficient to install and run and is generally maintenance free as it doesn’t require cleaning or replacement of filters. Floor heating is absolutely silent and is also versatile, it can be incorporated into almost any building product.

“There are floor-heating systems perfect for carpeted, tiled and polished concrete floors and many timber floors.”

P.A.P. Heating Solutions are the Australian importers, distributors and designers for the premiumquality ELEKTRA Heating Cables. According to the company, the ELEKTRA DM20 Twin In-Screed Heating Cable is an “in-floor heating cable” that is installed on top of an existing floor in a cement screed or self-levelling compound of about 6-8mm thick and can be installed under many different floor surfaces that radiate heat easily, such as tiles, slate, stone, low-pile carpet and some wooden floor panels.

“The ELEKTRA DM20 is a ‘quick response’ heating system and if the room has effective thermal insulation it may be used as the primary heating system,” they say.

ELEKTRA DM20 is silent and invisible, has no ducts or vents, no maintenance or cleaning, is efficient and cost effective, and has individual room thermostat controls.

P.A.P. Heating Solutions, 23 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell. Call 6242 9310 or visit papheatingsolutions.com.au

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experts

PREMIER Automotive provides quality repairs at reasonable prices with no hidden surprises, says its director Rob Cunningham.

And linked to Premier Automotive, a street over on Brookes Street, is its caryard which sells quality-used cars.

The caryard opened about two and a half years ago and Rob says each car has been workshop tested and comes with a five-year warranty.

Rob, who has been in the industry for about 22 years, says each Premier Automotive mechanic is qualified

with more than 10 years’ experience behind them. Premier Automotive provides any mechanical services such as new-car servicing, repairs to tyres, batteries and detailing.

Rob says customers can come in, talk to the experts at Premier Automotive and receive a great service.

Premier Automotive, 5 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell. Call 6242 8450, email service@premierautos.com.au or visit premierautomotive.com.au

Big on batteries and advice

ALL Type Battery Solutions is a family-owned business that, as its name suggests, offers expert battery advice and sells a wide range of quality batteries.

Conveniently located with plenty of parking on Sanford Street in Mitchell, All Type Battery Solutions sells batteries for motorcycles, cars, trucks, caravans, motorhomes, 4X4s, marine, mobile phones, deep cycle, mobility equipment, security, remotes, cordless phones, solar and hearing-aid batteries.

In addition to its wide range of batteries, All Type Batteries is now the Canberra stockists for Enirgi Batteries (formerly Alco).

“The pricing structure and warranty offered on Enirgi batteries are very competitive to other brands on sale in Canberra,” says owner Peter Macaulay.

“All Type Batteries not only offers retail sales, but also we offer fast and efficient service battery checks and battery exchange.

“Whilst most battery fittings are at no charge, battery health checks are free.”

All Type Batteries is co-owned with Michelle Macaulay, who says the business’ aim is to ensure that people have the right batteries when they need them.

“We are here to offer friendly service to help people make the right battery choices.”

All Type Battery Solutions has a free call-out service that operates seven days a week during business hours, plus an after-hours phone line, which has a fee, for emergency assistance.

All Type Battery Solutions, 12-16 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Visit batteriescanberra.com.au or call 6241 1671 or call 0404 821194 for emergencies.

Accommodation for allied health professionals

ABOVE The Paris End is The Health Works, where its director Rebekah Biggs is renting out rooms to allied health professionals in a warm and welcoming space. Rebekah who has been a massage therapist for more than 20 years says The Health Works is designed to support small businesses and sole traders in allied health.

She says it’s perfect for allied health professionals looking for a quiet and safe room.

“Any allied health professional, such as therapists and counsellors, who want to set up their own business can, with the freedom to run it as they like,”

“Compared to other places my rooms are quite large and I’ll be assisting with advertising and supporting them in that way as well.”

Rebekah is looking at getting a variety of different professionals into the four rooms and will give them options to rent them as half days, full days or full weeks.

She is also hoping to run small yoga classes in the gallery space, which is shared with The Paris End, and welcomes any yoga teachers to get into contact with her.

The Health Works is even open to hosting workshops that are health related, too.

The Health Works, Level 1, 1/56 Heffernan Street. Call 0418 642705, 6262 3237 or search The Health Works on Facebook.

arts & entertainment

The surprising things that people

By Helen Musa

“FINDERS, keepers; losers, weepers,” goes the old children’s rhyme – but the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has decided to focus on the positive side of that adage in an exhibition running until next year.

“CityNews” recently caught up with Kate Arm strong, the curator of “Finders Keepers: Collectors and their Stories”, and took a whirlwind tour through the stories of five Australians whose lives and personali ties are revealed through around 270 objects.

Some are famous, such as Australia’s first indigenous parliamentarian Neville Bonner, former National Party leader Tim Fischer and former senator Kay Patterson, but the others, activist Anne Picot and long-time Old Parliament House technician Neil Baker, are likely to become famous just through this exhibition.

Bowerbirds excepted, “keeping” seems to be a uniquely human trait, so, fearful of inundation when I mentioned aloud my own T-shirt collection, Arm strong outlines the correct way to go about donating collected items. Readers who would like to donate an object should email info@moadoph.gov.au with a brief description and image to get the ball rolling.

“We’re focusing on collecting and collectors,” she says. “People take the trouble to keep their possessions safe, we get donations from any number of people and we get surprising pieces.”

Those surprising pieces may not look spectacular, but a commonplace object such as a hand towel or an old-fashioned iron can reveal a great deal about a particular era in Australian history, as Armstrong, who has worked in country museums, is well aware.

Picot’s entertaining collection of protest T-shirts and badges is a case in point. Individually the items may not say much but collectively they are a perfect fit for the museum’s focus on influences and movements in democracy and political institutions. Now Picot uses Twitter to campaign for democracy and accountability, rights for refugees and to stop climate change.

Baker’s collection of old telephones might not sound electrifying, but up close the presence of a great invention is palpable. Working as a telephone technician at the building from the early 1970s to the late 1980s, he collected outdated telephones, including one used by Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Patterson, who was a Liberal senator from 1987 to 2008, donated a collection of 324 Parliament House souvenirs, mostly porcelain which she has said she used as an “icebreaker” with guests.

In the case of the Bonner collection, it was the late senator’s second wife, Heather Ryan Bonner, who has been the “keeper” of items that cover his early days in Ipswich, his love of boomerang collecting and his religious faith, seen in the book of psalms that is kept in his office. She continues to add to the collection, which also includes his golf socks, belt and boots.

Museum staff are promoting the theme that “collecting is cool”, with backpack “collector kits” that can be used by families and colour-coded activities such as “how to tie a tie” in the Tim Fischer section.

Fischer’s ties might not have been as colourful as the late Al Grassby’s, but as Armstrong points out:

“They tell the story of a man who believes in wearing a tie”. Why? To be noticed, to support causes such as trains and to mark his progress with his old school tie, his Army ties, maiden speech tie and a wattle emblazoned patriotic tie.

“He knows his ties intimately,” Armstrong says.

“Finders Keepers: Collectors and their Stories”, Old Parliament House. Entry is free after museum admission, 9am-5pm daily until mid-2018.

Guitar brothers join other brothers in guitars

By Helen Musa

WHETHER it’s mucking around with Jimi Hendrix riffs as a kid or playing on concert platforms with older brother Slava, one thing is certain, Leonard Grigoryan sees the guitar as the most inclusive instrument of all.

“That’s the beauty of the instrument,” he says, “it’s impossible to restrict yourself to one particular style and not be influenced by other musicians’ possibilities, it’s the only real instrument that can fit into any genre. It’s portable; cheap, too.”

He and Slava – the Grigoryan Brothers –will appear at the Southern Cross Club soon in a “strictly guitar” concert headed by the famous flamenco guitarist Paco Peña and also featuring blues guitarist Phil Manning and jazz guitarist Jim Pennell. They’ll play individual sets, then together for a group finale.

When talking to Leonard, there is no evidence of sibling rivalry, even though Slava, nine years his senior, has been feted internationally as a classical guitarist since he was a teenager.

“Slava and me grew up listening to classical guitar, electric guitar – everything,” he says as he talks of his parents Edward and Irina, both brought up in the musical traditions of the USSR.

“Dad is a violinist and mum is a viola player and neither had any connection to the guitar, except that they both loved it,” he says.

In Russian tradition – they emigrated to Australia from the USSR – the guitar is a folk instrument, but Edward had an idea that it could be more than that and was interested in jazz, too. Once in Australia, he bought a guitar so that he could teach the young Slava to play.

“That was dad’s first ever guitar and it was a learning experience for both of them, but since my parents had such great musical

knowledge, they applied what they knew about other stringed instruments.”

Although Edward had learnt the guitar specifically to teach Slava and later Leonard, nowadays he teaches many guitarists.

The coming concert is eagerly anticipated by the brothers, although it turns out that Slava has already met Paco Peña when he was brought in at short notice to replace

Romero during a 1994 tour and elsewhere.

“Flamenco has always fascinated me and Slava so it’ll be quite a thrill to be up close and personal with one of the masters,” Leonard says.

He’s noticed that flamenco guitar playing is like mother’s milk to people with a Spanish background.

cinema

“I think it’s to do with the fact that you have to start very young and in many families it was so completely normal that the instrument became an extension of themselves – it’s technically demanding but they make it seem effortless,” he says.

And although the Grigoryan brothers are known for the eclectic choice of repertoire, ranging through classical, baroque, contemporary and Latin, they tend to draw the line at flamenco.

“I tried to dabble in some flamenco, but the more you get into it the more you realise it’s easier to learn almost any other instrument than the flamenco guitar,” Leonard confesses.

As for that absence of sibling rivalry, he says, “Slava and I had different paths, but when I was growing up, my ambition was to get good enough so that I could play with Slava… it was something we both thought might happen, but then Slava was always so much better.”

Leonard does sometimes play in other groups, focusing on improvised music, and has released his own solo album, but he is adamant that being part of the Grigoryan Brothers is a conscious decision for both him and Slava, who has of late been concentrating on their duo work.

As for the coming concert, it’s very simple for Leonard, who says: “I’m very excited to be getting on the road”.

“Guitarra”, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, Wednesday, August 23. Bookings to ticketek.com

There’s only one word for ‘Atomic’ Charlize Theron...

By Dougal Macdonald

“Atomic Blonde” (MA)

THERE’S nothing about nuclear stuff in former stuntman-now-director David Leitch’s stylish actioner for which Kurt Johnstad wrote a screenplay based on Antony Johnston’s graphic novel “The Coldest City”.

But the silver-blonde hair of central character Lorraine Broughton would stand out like a searchlight in any crowd unless she was wearing a hat or a wig or, as in a pivotal sequence, when a street full of protesters unfurl umbrellas on cue to hide her from a shooter ready to end her career as MI6’s top field agent.

Early in winter 1989, the Berlin Wall hasn’t yet come down. Russian agents have killed British agent Gasciogne who was carrying a list of known Soviet secret agents that MI6 and the CIA would dearly love to possess. And if the identity of Soviet mole Satchel were revealed in the search for the list, the cups of London and Langley would indeed run over.

This plot may be arrant fantasy built from sheer invention, but Leitch, Johnstad and Johnston aren’t setting out to persuade us that the film’s events have a basis in reality (which may be possible but more likely is improbable). Their intention is to deliver rollicking action full of violence, destruction and mystery, packaged in the novelty of Lorraine, whose field talents, intellectual skills, marksmanship and unarmed combat abilities make 007 look like a schoolboy compelled to repeat the final year of primary.

Also in the cast are Toby Jones as MI6 field controller Gray and John Goodman as his CIA colleague Kurzfeld who are de-briefing Lorraine on her return after the Wall has come down, the list has been located and the mole has met extreme prejudice. No, those aren’t spoilers. Better is to come and I’m not telling.

The best is saved for last. Charlize Theron plays Lorraine. I’ve only one word for this Oscar-winning actress here and in just about every other film in which she has appeared. Whatever their virtues or defects, she’s magnificent.

At Hoyts, Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Dendy

“The Trip To Spain” (M)

AFTER trips around the UK and Italy accompanied by a crew led by noted filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are at it again, this time around Spain where “The Observer” newspaper has asked Steve to research a story about a remake of “Man of La Mancha”.

Steve has major personal and professional issues. He needs somebody he can trust to accompany him, to put up with his sometimes difficult behaviour and polish his ego. Once again, he chooses best mate Rob Brydon, who lives with wife and three anklebiters in a suburban London house waiting for the renovators to arrive. Rob’s happy to accept the invitation. So off they go in the Range Rover to explore Spain, sample the cuisine, meet interesting people, sample restaurants, play games imitating the voices of stars of stage, TV and screen and reminiscing of their encounters with people more notable than they.

I expected better from Michael Winterbottom, whose filmography includes some memorable and challenging British films in a career beginning in 1988 when he was 27.

The quality of the imitation is not bad, but it becomes tedious when it dominates what is little more than a languid ego tripping travelogue.

At Capitol 6, Palace Electric and Dendy

Where the whole world turns

OVER the years, Kingston’s Green Square has been a cool place to hang out. It now has added vibe with the opening of Highgate House in May.

The “global share food menu” takes its inspiration from Asia, Italy, the US and other countries.

We began our food journey with dumplings, house made with spinach, smoked pumpkin and shitake ($14 for five). They received mixed reviews, with several agreeing the flavours weren’t balanced and the texture stodgy. Hmmm, we thought.

We needn’t have feared. Our experience ramped up and we’ll all be back.

We ventured to Hawaii for a poke bowl, a superstar of a dish ($22 and add chicken, tuna, pork or halloumi). We opted for melt-in-the-mouth cubes of raw tuna, sitting pretty on top of brown rice, avo, broccoli, pickled veg, and other delish elements. The burnt orange dressing was superb.

Buttermilk chicken kept us in the US for a bit and we were happy ($22). The dish had bags of flavour, the meat was tender and the pan sauce and lemon yum.

Next, we landed in Italy with a simple but wellexecuted potato and rosemary pizza ($24). The base was lovely and thin, potato pieces scattered evenly, caramelised onion lovely and sweet, and the creamy pecorino delightful with a hint of truffle.

For our daily dose of green, we explored the chargrilled broccolini with confit shallots and smoked pecans ($12). It was fabulous.

Head chef Matt Ouwerkerk, who has moved from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where he worked at the Paddington Inn, Bondi’s Neighbourhood and other eateries, has developed a unique menu. If you’re with a

arts in the city

whole table, you can dig into the chef’s selection ($65 per person).

Highgate House staff are knowledgeable about food and wine. Local wines shine, which gets a big tick of approval. We had a major problem with one dish but the problem was tended to immediately and Highgate

Search for the perfect relationship

CHOREOGRAPHER Shaun Parker’s “Blue Love” is billed as a poetic and satirical take on the clichés of pop culture, romance, coupledom and suburbia. Infused with intense physical theatre, film and dance, the show sees Glenn and Rhonda Flune take the audience on an expedition in search of the perfect relationship. At The Playhouse, August 16-17. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.

FORMER staffer at the School of Music, then principal horn with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Concentus Musicus Wien, Hector McDonald, returns as featured performer in the next Canberra Symphony Orchestra concert, supported by Meriel Owen on the piano, to perform horn works by Krol, Beethoven, Dukas and Messiaen. At Llewellyn Hall, August 16-17. Bookings to cso.org.au

In some establishments, you get the impression that the promise ‘to tell the chef’ never eventuates. Not here.

some establishments, you get the impression that the promise “to tell the chef” never eventuates. Not here.

The décor is fresh, light and bright, with a white, sea-green and mint-green colour theme. I get the attempt to replicate the vibe of “too-cool-for-words” LA, but it’s hard without beach, boardwalks and palms. Still, Canberra has blue skies and the green lawn in Green Square helps.

The venue seems to be more restaurant than bar in terms of set up. Lots of structural improvements have been made, including to the small area facing the laneway at the back. It’s now more comfy and cosy, especially in winter.

Highgate House is hosting a six-course, truffle and wine dinner on August 17.

Highgate House, Green Square, Jardine Street, Kingston. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 3pm until late; Friday and Saturday, midday until late. Call 6239 6891.

House went above and beyond in making up for it. In

1.20pm, Wednesday, August 16. No bookings required.

COMEDIAN Tom Gleeson had no idea how popular he was in what he calls the “bloated public service”, so has put on a second show when he comes to town to perform. “Cheer Up” is at The Playhouse, August 19, 7pm & 8.45pm. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

THE Gospel Folk plan to join with Alchemy Chorus for a lively program of gospel music and folk songs, as part of the Wesley Music

THE poetry of Canberra’s Joshua Bell is the inspiration for Canberra Youth Theatre’s The Company Ensemble’s next work, “Poem Every Day”, which we hear will be “highly theatricalised” in drawing on the practices of Pina Bausch, Omar Naharin and Bertolt Brecht. At Ainslie Arts Centre, Braddon, 7pm, August 17-19. Bookings to cytc.net

THE next concerts by Musica to Camera will be conducted by

Cook, 2.30pm, on Saturday, August 19 and 2pm on Sunday, August 20, in Gunning Shire Hall. Children aged under 15 are free. Tickets at the door, online bookings to musicadacamera.org.au

Hardy plants for small gardens

ONE of the hardiest plants for small gardens are Ericas.

newest gourmet apple raised and bred in Switzerland

I planted groups of Erica darleyensis pink at our coast house 15 years ago and they have been neither watered nor fed. Temperatures drop to zero and reach 42C in summer at Malua Bay and yet, despite all this, they survive and continue to flower year after year.

Erica darleyensis is available with pink or white flowers and is a cross between Erica carnea and E. erigena. They are acid-loving plants and particularly suitable for coastal gardens, being salt tolerant with a long life.

Ericas are winter flowering, so now is the time for planting or potting up containers.

No respectable garden in Britain or Europe would be without Ericas as border plants, in window boxes and as the perfect container plant.

An example of the variety in Holland is illustrated

To see ‘My Fair Lady’ in Sydney. Enter at:

A superb cultivar to look out for is Erica “Mrs. D.F. Maxwell” with deep cerise flowers and dark green leaves,

growing to 40-50 centimetres. Erica carnea, or winter heath, is one of the most widely planted shrubs in cultivation growing as hummocks covered with rosy-red flowers.

JOSEPH Wedgwood, the English potter founded the now famous company with his eldest son John (1766-1844). John was also passionate about horticulture and circulated a paper proposing to start a society for the purpose of encouraging horticulture in all its facets.

As a result on March 7, 1804, John Wedgwood met with six other like-minded people to plan for the creation of a new horticultural society, to be known as the Royal Horticultural Society. He became its first treasurer.

Wedgwood is famous for decorating its pottery with floral motifs and will introduce a new collection this year called “Wonderlust”, inspired by the grand European tours of the 18th century, featuring nature and cultures that inspired many great gardens of that period.

Jottings…

• Max Bourke will speak on “Early days of Cavan, Westbourne etcetera” at the Horticultural Society meeting at the Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm, on August 21.

No charge, all welcome with supper after the talk.

• Plant seed potatoes now.

• When planting a hedge, dig a trench rather than individual holes to enable roots to spread out sideways.

• Prune wisteria back to three nodes (leaf joints) on all long shoots.

• Prune summer-flowering shrubs such as Buddleia or butterfly bush. Prune this plant very hard, even down to one metre irrespective of height.

• Hard to imagine, but there’s a variety of rhododendron, pictured, that’s a major environmental weed in the UK, namely Rhododendron ponticum. It’s such a vigorous grower that it smothers everything in its path, destroys native habitats, restricts land use and is costly to remove with its strong root system.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With Mercury now in retrograde motion (until September 5) proceed carefully with a complicated professional project this week. If you are too hasty (or too stubborn) then you’ll experience communication problems with a work colleague, client or customer. Strong feelings could resurface in close relationships too, as loved ones push your emotional buttons. Simmer down and settle down, otherwise you run the risk of turning a minor matter into a major obsession.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Expect some dramas this week, as Pluto stirs up old grievances with a friend or relative. By all means use your diplomatic talents to help find solutions but, if you sit back and let others make decisions, then you’ll just feel paralysed and powerless. So strive to be much more self-sufficient, especially at work and home. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is challenging. However, if anyone can juggle conflicting commitments, it’s a well-balanced Bull!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Are you feeling hemmed in at home? This week’s stars favour cleaning, de-cluttering, renovating and/or extending your present living space so it’s more open and spacious. Twins need room to breathe! With Mercury (your power planet) now reversing through your home zone, expect some domestic dramas over the next few weeks. Relationships and extra responsibilities go hand in hand and, if you try to escape from commitments, then loved ones won’t be impressed.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Avoid getting drawn into a pointless power struggle with a loved one on Tuesday. With Mercury now in retrograde mode (until September 5) expect some frustrating disruptions and delays involving commerce, cars, computers, travel or phones. And make sure you are especially careful with what you put on social media, as it will be very easy for others to completely misinterpret your true meaning. If you are a clever Crab, then you’ll check and re-check everything before you post.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

With the fiery Sun and Mars both charging through your sign, it’s time for largerthan-life Leos to let your hair down, express yourself and indulge your senses. Be inspired by movie star Mae West (born on August 17, 1892): “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” But Mercury is now retrograde (until September 5). So make sure you process information thoroughly, especially involving personal finances. Otherwise things will quickly become very confusing.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Are work or school worries on your mind? Does a relationship with a colleague or close friend feel as if it’s going backwards? Mercury (your patron planet) is now reversing through your sign. So, with plenty of patience and persistence, you can slowly turn things around. It’s also a suitable time to redefine the persona you are presenting to the world. Be inspired by birthday great Coco Chanel: “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

This week there may be conflict between domestic and professional responsibilities. You’re keen to plunge into a personal project ASAP but make sure you do your homework first. Otherwise there’ll be major mix-ups and general mayhem over the next three weeks. You could also experience problems with a work colleague, family member or close friend who is jealous of what you are achieving. Just flash them a lovely Libran smile and encourage them to follow their dreams.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Tuesday’s tempestuous stars highlight your inclination to jealous, possessive or overbearing behaviour. It’s time to loosen your intense grip on a loved one Scorpio! Otherwise you’ll just drive them away with your dramatic and demanding behaviour. On Thursday you’re in the mood to text and tweet; socialise and circulate. But are you sending confusing mixed messages? And are others happy to hear what you’ve got to say? Strive to be much more discriminating.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Be careful your spontaneous spirit doesn’t land you in unexpected trouble! You’re keen to communicate but, if you rush in and say the first thing on your mind (especially at work) then you could find yourself regretting your haste. With the Sun and Mars transiting through your travel zone, many adventurous Archers will soon head off on an overseas trip, interstate interlude or weekend getaway. But remember Mercury is retro, so double-check your itinerary before you go.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Mercury is now reversing through your travel zone for nearly three weeks. So expect some mix-ups and mayhem involving cars, buses, trains, planes, commuting and/ or holiday plans. And does the gap between your ambitious dreams and your daily reality seem to be incredibly wide at the moment? Gradual progress is being made behind the scenes. So you need to slow down, calm down, and be a super patient Capricorn (with a steady hand and a strategic plan).

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Mercury is retrograde until September 5. So expect communication chaos, relationship rumbles and/or financial frustrations over the next few weeks. It’s also a time when unresolved issues from the past could be dredged up all over again. Don’t let it stop you from being adventurous and taking on challenges. Draw inspiration from birthday great (and uber-Leo) Madonna: “If I can’t be daring in my work or the way I live my life, then I don’t really see the point of being on this planet.”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Expect some communication mayhem over the next few weeks, as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone. Loved ones will certainly test your patience this week. If you are firm and flexible (a tricky balance), then you’ll be able to navigate your way through the constantly changing landscape. Don’t dismiss financial matters though. The devil is definitely in the detail, as you take the time to research, revise and re-do. Loved ones will appreciate your due diligence.

1 Name a

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

(6)

8 What do we call a large store selling a great variety of articles? (8)

9 When one finds the sum of figures, one does what? (4,2)

10 Which item of clothing was once called a “bib and brace”? (8)

11 Which term describes a specialist? (6)

13 Name another expression for mental disorder. (8)

16 What is a trapezoidal zither with metal strings struck by light hammers? (8)

19 What, until decimal currency, was the sum of 21 shillings? (6)

22 Which plastic container encloses a recording tape, etc? (8)

24 When one takes on a child as one’s own, one does what? (6)

25 Name the small organisms that float near the surface of the water. (8)

26 Who discovered New Zealand, Tasmania, and other South Pacific islands, Abel ...? (6)

Down

2 What is a detailed alphabetical key to names, places, and their like, in a book? (5)

3 Which term describes a rigid system of social distinction? (5)

4 Which expression designates patronage bestowed in consideration of family relationship and not on merit? (8)

5 What is a sharp-pointed duelling sword? (4)

6 To invest with ministerial functions, is to do what? (6)

7 What is a very young hen called? (6)

12 Name a particular knitting stitch. (4)

14 Which NCO has the rank above that of a corporal? (8)

15 Name the metallic element with the symbol Fe. (4)

17 Name a NSW town, south-west of Armidale, Postcode 2358. (6)

18 Which establishment is used for gambling games? (6)

20 Which word describes false gods? (5)

21 What, in films, is a person hired as a member of a crowd, etc? (5)

23 What is a short, full, ballet skirt? (4)

Gough Whitlam shaped the Australian nation, before that, the Australian nation shaped him. This exhibition tells the story of the man behind the legacy – the bright Canberra schoolboy obsessed with Greek mythology, the RAAF navigator braving hazardous skies at the height of the Pacific war, and a young father starting a family on the urban fringe.

On show at the National Archives of Australia Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes, Canberra ACT

Closes 3 September 2017