Well written, well read
Malcolm, you ignored the lessons of history
ROBERT MACKLIN
Help yourself to fight colds and flu
CLARE WOLSKI
Beating Laurie to a belt notch
MIKE WELSH
Vegans need to read wine labels
RICHARD CALVER
The rise and rise of oboist
CHAYLA UECKERT-SMITH
By Danielle Nohra
KNOWN as a modern-day Mary Poppins, baby and toddler sleep guru Karen Faulkner speaks to an overwhelming number of desperate mums who are told their child “just doesn’t want to sleep”.
Recently Karen, the founder of Nurture Parenting, talked to two mums who, after spending five days in sleep school, were informed their babies had failed.
“I feel parents need hope that their life can be okay and their babies can sleep,”
Ever since training as a midwife 28 years ago Karen realised she was able to easily read and understand what babies and children needed. She went on to obtain qualifications in areas such as psychology, nursing, baby massage, child behaviour
and baby yoga, which enables her to tackle sleep problems from all angles.
But Karen wants the issue fixed on a larger scale and wants to see a national approach, which supports parents, prevents sleep problems and promotes self-settling.
“If England and [parts of] Australia can provide this preventative service why are the other states and territo ries not following suit?” she says.
Karen, who’s based in Sydney, will be in Canberra from August 26 to 28 for the Canberra Baby & Beyond Expo, and hopes to advise and help strug gling parents.
“There’s been a big knee jerk re sponse away from controlled crying to a no-cry approach,” she says.
“Parents are told by midwives, sleep school and health professionals to hold and feed their babies to sleep as it won’t do any harm.
“However, continue to do this past four months and the baby has huge sleep associations you can’t undo without crying.”
For local Gordon parents Rebecca, 33, and James Elton, 35, Karen’s work has been life changing.
When their daughter, Olivia, 3, was around 12 months she went backwards with her sleeping habits.
“She just deteriorated so badly and so quickly,” Rebecca says.
“She was waking every two hours and I was feeding her to sleep.”
During that time Rebecca says they were mentally and physically exhausted.
“We were constantly tetchy with each other and not putting enough into the relationship that we should have,” she says.
After seeing a few professionals with no breakthrough the couple came across Karen who, within three hours (and some homework), solved Olivia’s sleeping problems. And, in turn im-
proved Rebecca and James’ wellbeing.
Karen says parents might also suffer depression, anxiety, puerperal psychosis, relationship stress and breakdown, and physical health problems such as auto-immune disease.
“Babies are delayed in development, poor weight gain and feeding problems because of lack of sleep,” she says.
“I’ve seen eight-month-old babies unable to sit unsupported or roll over, but within a night of sleep training
they are able to pull to stand.
“I’ve had babies at 10 months breast feeding up to 20 times a night and eating no solid food at all in the day. Then you’re looking at iron deficiency and other nutritional problems.”
Since the sleep industry in Canberra is unregulated Karen wants to do more to help educate parents.
“The levels of training with private sleep consultants is often very limited,” she says.
“Many of the certified sleep consultants in Australia have only done 80 hours of distance learning via podcasts from an American-based private sleep consultancy.
“Midwives’ knowledge of baby sleep is limited to 28 days postnatal and whilst feeding to sleep may be okay advice in the short term, in the long term it will cause sleep to come undone.”
Karen is currently setting up a not-for-profit social enterprise called Mama Nurture & Co, which will provide a village in the form of fully trained and experienced volunteers.
“I’m recruiting grandma-type volunteers, retired nurses, midwives, social workers and teachers to help provide the village, prevent sleep problems and improve parenting confidence,” she says.
Canberra Baby & Beyond Expo, Exhibition Park, August 26-28. Book via capitalevents.com.au
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Oboist Chayla Ueckert-Smith. Story Page 9. Photo by William Hall.
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by Ian Meikle,
Road, Mitchell.
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THE retirement of the Canberra Press Gallery giant Laurie Oakes has unearthed many of the classic yarns Oakes told over his 50-year career. One though, the Cheryl Kernot /Gareth Evans affair, which Oakes revealed on National Nine news in July 2002, stands out. Oakes has never claimed an exclusive on the story (apparently, everyone knew) but a few hours before his large belt was to gain another notch, my former colleague Mike Jeffreys, and Crikey.com.au founder Stephen Mayne, became the first to let the cat out of the bag on local radio 2CC. Some things the public does have a right to (Ker) know.
THE “Strewth” column in “The Australian” has provided a form guide on the large field of potential contenders to replace Oakes and it would appear a woman is the best man for the job. Annabel Crabb has emerged as an early favourite.
political chief Mark Riley
Chris Uhlmann joined
Pardon the crustacean pun but becoming the ‘new’ Oakes may be a sideways career step for the talented Crabb.
Sky News anchors Kieran Gilbert and David Speers on the second line of betting.
Outsiders for the gig include Seven’s senior reporter Chris Reason and former “Australian Women’s Weekly” editor, Helen McCabe. If you like a long shot, 2GB’s Ben Fordham could be the smokie.
STILL on Ms Crabb, her latest TV offering “The House” (ABC, Tuesdays at 8pm) demonstrates the 2013 Silver Logie winner’s (most popular new female talent) unique range.
Seamlessly segueing from breaking bread with polished politicians in their kitchens to taking the nation on a behindthe-scenes tour of Parliament House suggests a seriously trusted performer.
Pardon the crustacean pun but becoming the “new” Oakes may be a sideways career step for the talented Crabb.
ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja fears
Christians and other religious believers could be persecuted for resisting change in the same-sex marriage debate.
In an email to the electorate Seselja, who will be voting no, says: “Now is the time for those of us with shared values to speak up for our beliefs firmly and respectfully in the public debate and to hold to our convictions”.
The senator also predicts a one-sided media campaign citing bias for the “yes” vote in most coverage and commentary to date.
DISCRETION will be key for public servants using social media if they wish to keep their jobs. New guidelines issued by the Australian Public Service Commission warn “anything you say in public or which ends up in public” represents public comment and could breach employment conditions.
Community and Public Sector Union national secretary Nadine Flood says: “The rules don’t strike the right balance between protecting impartiality of the public servants and allowing everyday participation in democratic debate.”
your business want to save money and be environmentally responsible?
STILL on social media and cordial relations between two Canberra AFL clubs were threatened after a prank, involving the burning of the guernsey of one club by a player from the other, was filmed and posted on social media.
IT was standing room only at Wednesday’s “Politics in the Pub” at the Civic Pub in Braddon. Labor senator Sam Dastyari casually plonked on a barstool and, with a few beers on board, shared entertaining political insights including former Labor leader Kevin Rudd’s multiple personalities.
The pre-eminent practitioner of the pub test was in hipster territory flogging his new book “One Halal of a Story”. Due to a large turn out many, including Reclaim Australia supporters who threatened to disrupt the event, were locked out. To the troublemakers, Dastyari cleverly twisted the highly offensive, far-right bumper sticker telling them to eff off, we’re full.
ON the other hand, I recently failed a pub test. Propping up the bar at a suburban Melbourne hotel before the Carlton/Essendon game on August 5 I was randomly approached by a crew from Channel 7’s new footy show “The Front Bar” seeking my thoughts for its “Pub Test” segment. Sadly, my astute and highly entertaining contribution to the AFL TV footy show war remains on the cutting room floor.
DR Kai Xun Chan, an early career researcher whose work looks at how plants respond to drought conditions, has been named ACT Scientist of the Year.
Dr Chan’s research looks at the effect of drought conditions on plants, and the ability of some plants to sense drought stress. His career breakthrough was the identification of a novel stress sensor protein that controls the pores on leaves of drought-stressed plants. His work is helping to find ways to improve drought tolerance in crops.
Dr Chan moved to Canberra to study at the ANU from Malaysia 10 years ago. He subsequently completed two degrees at the ANU. The ACT Scientist of the Year Award aims to inspire young people to consider a career in science and STEM more broadly.
Dr Chan will take up a prestigious Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2018, which will give him the opportunity to further promote the contribution that Canberra scientists and innovators are making worldwide.
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.
PERSONAL freedom is a precious commodity in modern liberal democracies. Well, when it suits those in power. For them it means freedom from interference with business, freedom from government impost on making money and freedom from regulation. Ironically, these same advocates for their own freedom so often use moral grounds to restrict the personal freedoms of others.
Freedom is just one part of the picture. The catch-cry of the French Revolution was liberté, égalité, fraternité. These three pillars have been seriously eroded nationally and internationally as a laissez-faire approach to market economics and a swing to conservatism distorts liberty, ignores fraternity and undermines egalitarianism.
Consider égalité. The growing discrepancy in wealth within Australia and across the world highlights national and international failure regarding equity. Illustrative of the loss of this principle is the report early this year by development charity Oxfam showing the world’s richest eight people hold as much wealth as the poorest 50 per cent. Oxfam pointed to the cause as “aggressive wage restraint, tax dodging and the squeezing of producers by companies”. It is not just the poorer countries. The World Economic Forum also released its own “inclusive growth
Knowing they will lose on the floor of parliament they are desperately hoping ordinary people will get sick of the debate and will not make the effort to vote.
and development report” in January showing median income had fallen by an average of 2.4 per cent between 2008 and 2013 across 26 advanced nations.
Is this égalité?
The erosion of égalité is directly related to the modern philosophy of neo-liberalism which now dominates the Liberal Party locally and nationally – although Australian neo-liberals prefer to call themselves conservatives. Their idea of freedom applies primarily to money. Hardly a sitting week goes by in any Australian parliament without a pitch for further deregulation, demands for cuts in taxation and another limitation on the power of workers.
Ironically, conservatives who demand their own freedom from interference, have overwhelmingly been willing to interfere with women’s control over their own fertility and only a couple of decades ago argued for homosexuality to be illegal and now oppose marriage equality.
The proposed $122m postal vote on marriage equality illustrates the desperate measures they will take to maintain interference in others’ lives. Knowing they will lose on the floor
of parliament they are desperately hoping ordinary people will get sick of the debate and will not make the effort to vote.
Liberty also applies to freedom of speech. When it suits. The anger with the ABC and willingness to interfere illustrates the point. The current government is working hard to undermine the public broadcaster. This is in marked contrast to the support for domination of the Australian commercial media by a small number of wealthy mates.
Ironically, the argument used to undermine the principle of fraternité invariably invokes the responsibility of the individual. The idea is that the individual should work hard and take care of themselves. The reality is fraternity demands an appropriate balance between personal responsibility and good government stewardship. Personal responsibility is the foundation stone for arguments against universal health care. Shift govern-
ment responsibility to the individual. Create small government. Let no-one interfere with what you are doing. If they do, invoke the “Nanny State”, which distorts liberty by framing it around interference. As Philip Pettit pointed out, it allows domination by the elite. It is fuel for the fire of neoliberal philosophy. Being dominant is the backbone of conservatism. To truly live in a free society requires not just one, but all of the concepts of liberté, égalité, fraternité
The outcome just might include having governments take their stewardship role regarding fraternity and equity more seriously rather than attempting to shift responsibility on to individuals who cannot manage or are down on their luck. It just might allow people the freedom to make their own decisions about who they love or allowing them control over their own bodies.
Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legisla tive Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
JOHN Armstrong, the ACT executive officer of the cycling advocacy group Pedal Power since 2010, has resigned. “He is leaving a strong and stable organisation that will continue to work in the best interests of people who ride bikes in the ACT,” says president Jane Brooks.
FORMER Foreign Minister and ANU chancellor Gareth Evans will talk with Laura Tingle about his new book, “Incorrigible Optimist. A Political Memoir” at an Eat Drink and Be Political Dinner at University House on Wednesday, October 11. Tickets are $70 and bookings to anu.edu.au/events or 6125 4144.
FOLK Dance Canberra is heading to the Balkans on Saturday, September 2, for an afternoon of dancing from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Greece and Romania with music by Balkanski Bus, a multiethnic band from Sydney. There will be performances by Dusha Balkana, from the Australian Academy of Balkan Dance & Culture, and dancing for everyone led by choreographer and teacher Yorgo Kaporis. Hackett Community Centre, 114 Maitland Street, 2pm-5pm, September 2. Cost is $15 and enquiries to 6231 4472.
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To see ‘My Fair Lady’ in Sydney. Enter at:
WITH heavy snow in the Snowy Mountains, current weather conditions are posing specific risks for people venturing out into the back country and alpine areas.
Anthony Evans, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service area manager, said: “It is important to be careful and take safety precautions when visiting Kosciuszko National Park, particularly at the moment after such heavy snow falls.
“Snow often comes with high winds, which can create overhanging cornices, and the recent storms mean there may be cornices in places not normally expected.
“Although far less common than in the northern hemisphere, avalanches do occur in Australia and the safest place to enjoy the snow is in the less-exposed areas below the tree line or on resort grounds and established cross-country trails.
“Cornice collapses and slab avalanches have been observed in the Snowy Mountains over the last week, and
Snow in the back country… the safest place to enjoy the snow is in the less-exposed areas below the tree line or on resort grounds and established cross-country trails.
unless you have specific training and experience in avalanche conditions you should avoid steep slopes above the tree line.”
“Remember that conditions in alpine areas can be changeable and extreme, particularly over winter. Check weather forecasts and talk to NPWS visitor centre staff about local conditions so you can change plans accordingly.”
He advised visitors to the Park during snow season to travel in a group of at least three people and let others know their plans.
“The right equipment is so important – bring a tent and sleeping bag specifically designed for the alpine conditions, a bivouac bag or space blanket for emergencies, layers of warm, waterproof clothing and plenty of food,” he said.
“Sun protection is important in the snow, even on overcast days. Maps and a GPS are also essential. Don’t rely on mobile phones as reception is poor in the mountains and batteries go flat very quickly in the cold.
“Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are strongly recommended by NPWS and are available from the NPWS visitor centres at Jindabyne, Perisher and Tumut. Loaned free of charge requiring only a refundable deposit. Trip intention forms can also be lodged at one of the NPWS visitor centres or online.
“The NPWS and other authorities are involved in numerous search and rescue operations every year, many of which result from visitors underestimating the conditions and sometimes overestimating their own capabilities.
“If you are out in the back country and need help, call early. Delaying your call, particularly after nightfall, can seriously restrict rescue efforts.”
More on alpine safety at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ safety/alpine-safety
By arts editor Helen Musa
AS Canberra Youth Orchestra celebrates its 50th birthday, excitement is mounting for young oboist Chayla Ueckert-Smith, the 2017 CYO Concerto Competition Winner.
Ueckert-Smith will soon be performing the entire “Concerto for Oboe and Strings” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a piece she chose after hearing it performed at a music camp in NZ and thinking it was “the most beautiful thing I had ever heard, I just had to play it.”
“I was so thrilled to be chosen,” she tells “CityNews”.
“It’s a challenging piece for me in terms of things like stamina and technique and it has all these different moods and characters… it’s passing a personal boundary to be able to learn this.
Judged by ANU School of Music head Kenneth Lampl, string player Tor Frømyhr and early music expert Paul McMahon, the competition saw shortlisted musicians perform a movement from a concerto of their choice with pianist Anthony Smith.
Ueckert-Smith came in first, while violinist Shirani Mudaliar was a highly commended artist and will perform a movement from Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 at Llewellyn Hall.
Born and bred in Canberra, Ueckert-Smith trained in the Kodaly method from age four or five then studied guitar. Encouraged by her mother, once an oboe player, to sign up for the Majura Primary School band, she found there was only one oboe spot left and in a move, she says, defines her character, announced: “Yes, I want to do that”.
After taking pre-tertiary courses at the ANU, the 22-year-old joined the CYO in 2013, also playing in the James McCusker Orchestra. She’s now completing a double degree in music and visual arts, majoring in the more “meditative” art of ceramics, but eventually hopes to study with oboist Eve Newsome at Griffith University in Brisbane.
Along with the concerto, the CYO is also planning a spectacular performance of Hindemith’s
“Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber”, Shostakovich’s brassy Festive Overture and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”. Young musicians are certainly excited by these testing performances, but the CYO’s past is worth talking about, too, and conductor Leonard Weiss is proud that Canberra Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Barbara Jane Gilby was in her very first year, while composer Stephen Leek and music professor Malcolm Gillies are also alumni.
Weiss, aged 24 and planning on turning 25 (“half the age of the CYO”) by the time the orchestra plays with James Morrison late in the year, can scarcely contain his enthusiasm, pointing out that recent statistics show Canberra having the highest rate of youth participation in music for the whole country.
As one of the youngest conductors on the block, he juggles a breathtaking schedule, conducting the National Capital Orchestra, the Canberra Qwire, Shades of Monday, Echo Voices Community Choir and sometimes the Musica da Camera String Orchestra and the Maruki Community Orchestra, all the while holding down a day job at Canberra Grammar.
Weiss wants to “engage in and challenge the musicians” with a variety of musical experiences and Canberra is the ideal place to do this, with generous musicians such as Gilby, Louise Page, Tobias Cole, and David Pereira prepared to invest time into young artists.
During the Canberra International Music Festival he conducted the CYO in orchestral video-game music. Some said “how exciting”, but others told him: “That’s not really orchestral music and we don’t want to play it”.
But Weiss was vindicated. “It’s amazing how all that changed after the performance – it’s such a big, popular medium,” he says, suggesting that the mixture is good and that, anyway, “after two or three weeks they’re hungry for a big symphony or concerto”.
They’re about to get that in spades.
Canberra Youth Orchestra, Concert 3, Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, Saturday, August 26, bookings to premier.ticketek.com.au
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Dear Malcolm,
Sorry to be a killjoy, but saving some ghastly calamity it now seems that you and your Coalition mates are on the way to the political wasteland. Tony Abbott has done you in.
Actually, that’s a little unfair to Tony. The downhill slide really began when you chose not to go to the polls straight after you gave him the push. You would have won a famous victory, Malcolm, and left him without a feather to fly. Shorn of any future in Australian politics he’d have been happy with your offer of High Commissioner to the Court of St James. Exit Tony, back to the land of his birth, never to be heard from again. And the reactionaries could go jump.
Instead you ignored the lessons of history – vide Julia Gillard – and look where that got you – back in The Lodge by the skin of your teeth, your wallet a million bucks lighter and the reactionaries on the rampage.
And here’s the thing – you love being prime minister so much that you’ll do anything to keep them happy. You’ll abandon everything you used to stand for – from serious action on climate change to the republic to marriage equality – just so you can show the family (and the mirror) that you did what you said you would all those years ago. “Made it, Ma! Top of the world!” And just like Jimmy Cagney in that old Warner Brothers’ movie, for a few more moments at the top you’d even pander to an old copper like Peter Dutton with a “super ministry”.
Honestly! Peter Dutton!
To justify it, you said you’d modelled it on the British Home Office. So, how’s that working out for the Brits, Malcolm? Do you really want us to emulate their record of bus bombs, knife attacks and car killings?
I’ll tell you how bad it is. Awful Bill Shorten is starting to look like a viable alternative PM. Not for his personal qualities (such as they are) but because he and his team are on the right
You love being prime minister so much that you’ll do anything to keep the reactionaries happy. You’ll abandon everything you used to stand for.
side of history, while you don’t really have a team, just a bunch of boofheads who look more like the NSW rugby league boys in the last five minutes of an Origin match – a hopeless rabble.
Now I don’t want to be altogether negative, so let’s see what’s to be done to turn it all around? It’s a toughie, Malcolm. You’re so deep in the political ooze that it would take a Wonder Woman to pull you out. And I’m afraid she’s otherwise engaged. There’s always Lucy, of course. We’ve hardly seen or heard from her since she took us on that very short tour of The Lodge…
(Much later) Sorry, mate; I’ve wracked my brains and I’m stumped. Security stuff won’t do it; there’s no more boats to stop, the Trump transcript was devastating and you can’t complain about the debt and deficit because now it’s yours. It really looks as though you’ve done your dash. But at least there’s the sliver of a silver lining: you only need to stick around for another few weeks as PM and you’ll have outlasted Tony! In these days of the prime ministerial passing parade, Malcolm, that’s something.
No, really…
All the best RM robert@ robertmacklin.com
THE government’s handling of technical amendment 2012-06 raises serious questions about the integrity of planning in the ACT.
The Planning and Land Authority initially said that the amendment added new precinct maps and new precinct codes to the Territory Plan, and relocated provisions to precinct maps and codes.
By making these changes as a technical amendment the authority avoided the Planning and Development Act’s requirements to present them to the Minister and to the Legislative Assembly.
When questioned about the legitimacy of its use of the technical amendment process the authority contradicted itself by claiming that the amendment “merely relocated provisions to precinct maps and/or codes”.
The Planning Directorate threatened me with “further action” if I should publicly repeat “unwarranted accusations of misleading conduct” in relation to the authority’s contradictory statements.
On June 19 the director-general of Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development distanced the directorate from the authority’s conflicting positions, saying: “There is nothing further that I can usefully add”.
But on July 20 the Chief Minister’s Directorate endorsed the claim that the amendment “merely relocated provisions to precinct maps and/or codes”, wrongly claiming that it “is a reasonable and unremarkable summary of the main thrust of TA2012-06”. The directorate repeated the threat of “further action.”
Leon Arundell, Downer
I WISH to applaud Colliss Parrett for his eloquent letter (CN, August 3) in praise of greyhounds. I, too, agree that they are magnificent creatures and that we should never “degrade” them by preventing them from running freely.
Sadly, that is where our opinions part company because I believe they should be able to run freely no matter how fast or slow, for the joy of it, not for a profit.
As long as people run greyhounds for a profit, there will always be dogs that pay the price for being slow. Some get lucky and are re-homed but most of them just become “wastage”.
Alison Tinker, via email
HUMANS have nearly reached Nirvana. Either by self-decision or someone else’s, one can now choose not to be born; to recreate on drugs and/or alcohol; change gender, marry traditionally or not; have same-sex marriage; live together unmarried; divorce your partner or children; children to divorce their parents; buy weapons legally or illegally; refuse to pay bills if they are too high; refuse to stand for the judiciary, national anthem, the Queen; own vicious dogs; import contraband; avoid tax, have or have not dual citizens representing you in parliament; enjoy or not endless appeasement as in 1938, and choose how, when and where to die
Any human not happy with this smorgasbord of life choices should trek to where no man has gone before...
Colliss Parrett, Barton
THE Slovenian embassy in O’Malley is inviting the public to an open day dedicated to the reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Between 10am and 4pm, on Wednesday, September 6, the embassy is joining the initiative of the Berlin International Literature Festival, which each year organises a worldwide reading of a text that has a special relevance to the times we live in. This year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was chosen.
It has been translated into more than 500 languages and can be read at the open day in any language. Translations can be found at ohchr.org/EN/ UDHR/Pages/SearchByLang.aspx
In addition to reading a part of the declaration, participants are at liberty to express their feelings by making comments, reading a poem or playing a song. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.
The event will be live streamed to join others around the world participating in the initiative.
RSVP is not essential but an email to sloembassy.canberra@gov.si or a call to 6290 0000 would be appreciated.
The Slovenian embassy is at 26 Akame Circuit, O’Malley.
NOW’s a good time to look after the immune system, which is a sort of microscopic defence force for your body.
Its mission is to protect peace and harmony within your body by seeking out and destroying harmful invaders (pathogens) such as viruses and bacteria.
Here are some of the key nutrients that support the immune system to fight off colds and flu:
Protein
PROTEINS are the building blocks of our whole body and all of the layers of our defence system are made from proteins. For instance, you need protein to build and repair your skin, the first line of defence. Without adequate dietary protein, damage to this barrier would take longer to rebuild and would allow more time for an enemy pathogen to invade. Make sure you include a source of protein with each meal to support your immune system.
Quick tips:
• Have a boiled egg with breakfast or as a snack at work.
• Add a four-bean mix to your lunch.
• Pour some lentils or beans into a warm winter soup.
Water
Water helps kidneys remove chemical toxins from the bloodstream. It also aids in the production of mucus to trap and flush out enemy pathogens and helps to carry immune
cells to the site of infection through the lymph vessels. Being well hydrated is vital for these processes to happen effectively.
Quick tips:
• Drink a glass of water with each meal and snack.
• Include herbal teas throughout the day.
• Flavour water with fresh fruit, cucumber or mint.
Vitamin C
VITAMIN C helps the immune cells to engulf and destroy enemy pathogens. Although many people try to treat their cold or flu with vitamin C supplements, research suggests our best strategy is for our normal diet to include enough from food.
Very high levels of vitamin C are found in red capsicum, oranges, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, broccoli and moderate amounts in most other fruits and vegetables.
Quick tips:
• Pack two pieces of fruit for lunch each day.
• Chop up some capsicum sticks to have with hummus at afternoon tea.
Vitamin
REGULAR, adequate vitamin D helps to improve our physical and chemical barriers to infection. Vitamin D helps to create a chemical called cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide, which helps to neutralise invading pathogens in our nose, throat and lungs.
Vitamin A
VITAMIN A may be important for the training and development of lymphocytes, which are like the special forces of your immune defence force. A deficiency in Vitamin A has been linked to an imbalance of lymphocytes and poor signalling between lymphocytes
While liver is the richest source of vitamin A, you can also get it from sweet potato, spinach, carrots, rock melon and red capsicum.
Quick tips:
• Make sweet potato mash instead of white potato.
• Chop up a carrot to have with a sweet potato dip as a snack.
• Include an orange vegetable with every dinner.
Zinc
ZINC plays a vital role in cell division. Your immune cells need to multiply quickly in the event of pathogen invasion. Inadequate zinc intake has been linked to a suppressed immune system.
The best food sources of zinc are meat, fish and poultry as well as cereals and dairy foods.
Getting outside every day is the most effective way of ensuring adequate vitamin D. Ten minutes of sun exposure to your hands and face between 11am and 2pm is sufficient for most people to meet their requirements for vitamin D.
Quick tips:
• Have a 200g tub of yogurt as a snack each day.
• Include red meat for dinner 2-3 times a week.
• Use chicken or tuna in your lunch sandwich. Resveratrol
THIS little-known food chemical helps to activate immune cells called natural killer cells (great name for an immune cell, if you ask me). Resveratrol also increases the number of signalling chemicals, called cytokines, which alert immune cells to join a battle against a pathogen.
You can find resveratrol in the skins of fruits such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries and mulberries. Resveratrol can also be found in peanuts, red wine and dark chocolate.
Quick tips:
• Add blueberries or raspberries to your morning porridge or cereal.
• Have a handful of red grapes as a snack 1-2 days a week.
• When including chocolate in the diet, opt for dark chocolate.
Clare Wolski is a practising dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call 6174 4663.
TICKETS for next month’s fifth Fashfest, which will showcase the work of more than 40 fashion designers, are on sale at fashfest.com.au
To be held at the National Convention Centre, September 28-30, it will feature 12 indigenous designers who will present a high-end look created from textiles made in remote NT communities. There will also be a show dedicated to six designers from NZ. Local and independent designers will also feature in the six-show season, including Karen Lee, BT, and Zilpah Tart. New independent labels include De Challie Haute Couture, Gabrielle Spencer Bridal, Gehrich and Thunder Thighs.
WOMEN of all ages are invited to attend a free Pelvic Floor Workshop presented by a physiotherapist from ACT Health. It will provide information and self help strategies for women experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them. At the Phillip Community Health Centre, Corinna Street, 1pm-4pm, on Tuesday, September 12. Bookings to 6207 9977.
At the Sir James Hardy Wine Dinner, Yarralumla
Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.
It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.
Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.
Join our classes and enjoy yourself in a fun and relaxed social environment at our studio in Isabella Plains
• Junior classes
6pm Monday’s
• Adult Beginner & Intermediate classes
7.30pm Wednesday’s
• Social DancE
8pm - 10pm Monday’s
• Private Dancing Lessons Individuals or Groups (perfect for wedding parties)
All Classes are now held at: Isabella Plains Primary School Hall
130-140 Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains
Phone:
Email: dale_harris@bigpond.com
Web: dalesballroomdancing.com.au
Principal: Dale Harris
CAVE paintings and Aboriginal artifacts discovered in the area confirm that the Tuggeranong region has been occupied by the Ngunnawal people for more than 21,000 years.
These days the district is a set of popular, established suburbs consolidated around Lake Tuggeranong and vast pastoral leases that extend south of the suburbs of Banks, Conder and Gordon. The boundaries of the district are constrained by the Murrumbidgee River to the west, the border with NSW to the south and east, and pastoral leases that mark the district’s boundary to the north, including the remnants of the Tuggeranong Homestead.
The name Tuggeranong comes from a Ngunnawal expression meaning “cold place”.
WANNIASSA Dental Surgery is a locally owned, long-standing part of the Erindale community, operating since 1984 and with its current owners since 1994.
“We are a family practice offering all aspects of general dentistry as well as cosmetic, preventative and restorative services, including same-day crowns,” says the Wanniassa Dental team.
The Wanniassa Dental team says it has four, long-serving, principal dentists and a hygienist who together offer a special and personal touch, focusing on patient care in modern premises with state-of-the-art equipment.
Wanniassa Dental Surgery also offers easy, online, direct billing to private funds.
“Wanniassa Dental Surgery’s philosophy is to give the best service in a safe, skilled and caring environment. The team is all about giving patients the best treatment that meets their needs,” says Wanniassa Dental.
Wanniassa Dental Surgery, 1st Floor, 43 Comrie Street, Wanniassa (opposite Erindale Shopping Centre). Call 6231 0001 or visit wanniassadental.com.au
will dance you into the medals
DALE’S Ballroom Dancing offers social, medal and competition dancing.
“Social dancing provides you with fun, relaxation and the opportunity to make new friends,” says principal Dale Harris.
Led by Dale since 1997, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing in Isabella Plains caters for all ages from six to 60-plus and offers a range of beginner and experienced classes from social classes, competition training, wedding groups and private lessons.
Dale says children from ages six to 16 attend their medal classes, which is a great way for young dancers to perfect their technique.
“Canberra has many venues for social dancing, from our weekly social night to formal balls, and medal dancing provides a well-earned sense of achievement,” she says.
“There are 10 medals in each of the three styles of Modern, Latin and New Vogue, which will take you from the basic steps to the steps performed by the professionals.
“Competition dancing provides participants with challenge and glitter, from the hard slog of the local competitions to the thrill of taking the floor at the Australian Dancesport Championships. There are levels from 1 to 5 to rise through for all age groups juvenile to senior. Whether you prefer socials, medals or competitions we will help you get the most out of ballroom dancing.
“You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing or how much fun it is. It’s a great way to meet people in a friendly comfortable environment, you’re crazy if you don’t give it a go,” she says.
Visit canberraballroomdancing.com.au or call 6296 4009.
SOUTHSIDE Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre creates a partnership of trust and respect that empowers its clients towards better health, says its director Bjarne Kragh.
“The person that is in their body knows their body better, so it’s a partnership,” he says.
With locations in Tuggeranong and Lanyon, Southside Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre has a big, versatile team who can cover all physiotherapy needs such as men’s health, women’s health, children’s health, arthritis and sports physiotherapy.
Bjarne says Southside Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre can help patients with anything, such as helping elderly people who can’t lay down for fear of not being able to get back up or someone who wants to get strong enough to cycle from Denmark to Paris.
“It’s always a nice feeling to be able to help someone achieve a goal,” Bjarne says.
“The challenge is to solve the puzzle in whatever movement dysfunction patients have.
“Most people come in with either pain or movement dysfunction and it’s our job to help improve it.”
Southside Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, 146 Scollay Street, Tuggeranong and 3/17 Sidney Nolan Street, Lanyon. Visit southsidephysio.com.au
TUGGERANONG Arts Centre has a special piece with an historical aspect coming in September, says CEO Rauny Worm.
Patrick White Playwright, Jackie Smith and world famous cabaret stars Finucane and Smith, present “The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez”, a story about the wildest showgirl in the 19th century, Lola.
Lola horsewhipped the editor of the “Ballarat Times”, swung down mineshafts on a single rope with champagne in hand, escaped arrest dressed only in her jewels, showered with gold nuggets and insults and was swathed in scandal.
She will be played by triple best-actress award winner and direct descendant of Lola, Caroline Lee, and also Parisienne dance siren Holly Durant.
On the night drinks will be available at the bar, and Lola herself will be in attendance for autographs.
“It’s such a prestigious show and it’s in Tuggeranong, people should take advantage of that,” Rauny says.
“The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez”, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway. September 13, 8pm. Call 6293 1443 or visit tuggeranongarts.com
AS a primary school teacher and a parent Kristen O’Connor was frustrated to see a number of children struggling once they started school.
“They had not developed a love of learning and exploring,” she says.
In 2006 Kristen became the director of Kidstart Education and Activity Centre with the aim to develop a child socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually.
She says this is done through a sequential program full of fun and stimulating activities that provide enjoyment and learning.
“I felt that the right program could provide children with the academic and social skills required for formal schooling by introducing structure and routines in a play-based fun and creative way,” she says.
Children from five months to five years can benefit from programs at Kidstart.
Kambah abuzz with coffee and pizza nights
BIGINELLI’s has brought the Mannheim Street shops in Kambah to life with its community feel and Wednesday pizza nights, says owner Ben Biginelli.
With Italian roots in Torino, north of Italy, Ben’s mum, MaryAnn makes artisan food using her special family recipes.
Ben’s grandma came to Australia after World War II when Mary-Ann was a toddler and brought with her the knowledge of traditional Italian recipes, which Mary-Ann has since taught the chefs at Biginelli’s.
Ben says the Wednesday pizza nights, which start from 5.30pm, book out most weeks because everything is made from scratch, including the dough.
While Mary-Ann’s speciality is the food, Ben brings a passion for coffee.
“We specialise in all aspects of fine coffee and coffee products,” Ben says.
Biginelli’s, 3/48 Mannheim Street, Kambah. Call 6296 7544 or visit biginelli.com
“From the ages of five months to three years children attend with a parent or carer for a one-session a week, playgroup program, where parents stay and participate,” Kristen says.
“Then we run an independent preschool program for our three-year-olds.
“Then the four and five-year-olds attend interdependently and our preschool program is designed to complement the government preschool program and children attend one session a week for our literacy program.
“We are very proud of the fact that the children who graduated from our first three-year-old class (in 1996) are currently in their second year of university.”
Kidstart Education, 65-67 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa, at kidstart.com.au or call 0422 406622.
WITH one in six Australians affected by hearing loss – an estimated 3.5 million people – hearing loss is on the rise, according to organisers of Hearing Awareness Week.
The number of Australians who are hearing impaired or deaf is increasing because of long-term exposure to excessive noise in the workplace, the environment and a result of an ageing population.
Hearing loss is projected to increase to one in every four Australians by 2050. To raise awareness of these issues the ACT Deafness Resource Centre Incorporated (DRC) will hold its annual Expo for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired at the Hellenic Club in Woden on August 24, from 10am-3pm.
THE Deafness Resource Centre is often the first stop for anyone seeking advice about some degree of hearing loss, says its CEO Glenn Vermeulen.
“It is a daunting and unknown time for people in this position, as they always imagine the worst,” he says.
“In many cases we show them the light at the end of a dark tunnel and provide them with confidence to start their hearing-loss journey.”
The ACT Deafness Resource Centre is a not-for-profit community organisation that offers information, referrals, resources and advocacy to the deaf and hearing-impaired communities in the ACT and surrounding regions of NSW.
It will be running the Hearing & Health Expo on August 24, which will see more than 40 exhibitors from the hearing industry in the one place.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a person to learn about hearing loss and how best to manage it from some of the best hearing professionals in the country,” Glenn says.
“There will also be a number of other health-related organisations on hand to discuss any other concerns you may have.”
The ACT Deafness Resource Centre has a drop-in opportunity for service users to access immediate assistance for hearing issues.
“We are able to link our clients to other hearing or health-related services, providing them with a holistic approach to managing their hearing loss,” Glenn says.
“We offer assistive listening device products for trial and sale such as adapted telephones, personal FM systems, baby cry alarms, flashing-light doorbells and smoke alarms.”
Glenn says Hearing Awareness Week is a time where people with hearing loss can be “heard” and recognised as important and valued members of the Australian community.
“Hearing loss is the invisible disability. This means that hearing loss and deafness is misunderstood,” Glenn says.
“Look after your hearing. Don’t listen to music at high volume, always wear hearing protection in noisy environments and don’t stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ears.
Dr Vass’ independent approach to hearing
DR William Vass, from Dr Vass Hearing, bases his practice on reaching the best outcome for each patient, regardless of whether they need a hearing aid or not.
He’s an independent owner not bound by any hearing-aid companies.
Having established his practice on honesty, integrity and ethical standards, Dr Vass admits that this approach doesn’t result in large profits but, he says, that’s not why he became an audiologist.
For this reason Dr Vass is a long-standing advocate for an increase in regulation and transparency within the hearing industry.
“I entered the profession over 30 years ago to help people with hearing loss and my patient-centred approach has always remained my focus,” he says.
During Hearing Awareness Week Dr Vass says people should reflect on hearing loss and issues surrounding hearing.
“At the first signs of hearing loss people should have an assessment,” he says.
“Just like opticians, hearing should be checked on a regular basis because you might have hearing loss and might not realise the extent of it.”
According to Dr Vass, prevention is the best advice, so people need to avoid listening to loud music and protect themselves when working around loud noises.
Dr Vass, Suite 14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Call 6282 2717, email williamvass@bigpond.com or visit hearingclinic.com.au
‘There’s
By Dr Vass
A question that is common in my practice is ‘do I offer free hearing tests’ and my answer is always ‘NO’ and I never will. Like the saying goes ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’, everything has its price. If you are being offered a free hearing test you need to ask yourself one important question, ‘why is it free?’.
This approach is a sales pitch, it’s a lure to get customers into a clinic and sell them hearing aids. It is also a tool used by sales focused clinics to collect personal information to add to their company database and onto a mailing list. The more recent trend of offering patients incentives such as ‘make a booking today for a free hearing test and receive a shopping voucher’ is even more alarming.
I am passionate about hearing health and I believe that the knowledge and advice that I share with my patients is invaluable; not something that can be matched by a free shopping voucher.
will never pressure a patient into purchasing hearing aids. I do not receive sales commissions or work to meet sales targets. I am passionate about hearing health and I believe that the knowledge and advice that I share with my patients is invaluable; not something that can be matched by a free shopping voucher. I believe in providing a professional service to my patients, not selling to them.
- Dr Vass
My philosophy is simple, my patients and their wellbeing come first. I welcome anyone to contact my office on 62 822717 and make an appointment if they are seeking help for hearing loss or in need of a second opinion.
As an independent Doctor of Audiology, I take my profession seriously. I have never and
Audiometrist
Helen King... “We are a personal and professional hearingaid practice that is here to service the hearing needs of Canberra people.”
“We are a personal and professional hearing-aid practice that is here to service the hearing needs of Canberra people with 100 per cent commitment to achieving the best possible solution and ongoing follow up support,” Helen says. She comes from a family of audiometrists. Her father was in the business for 40 years and her sister has her own hearing business in Tamworth. Helping is a big part of Helen’s personality and so it was natural for her to fall into a “caring” profession. She wants to make sure each patient feels comfort-
Awareness Week Expo showing people information regarding all types of products such as apps. In light of Hearing Awareness Week, Helen says people aged over 50 and people who work in a noisy industry should get checked every couple of years.
“And if you notice any sudden hearing loss you should contact your doctor immediately,” she says.
Helen King Hearing Solutions, Unit 1/30 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6162 4545, email helen@hkhearingsolutions. com.au or visit hkhearingsolutions.com.au
• Are you having difficulty coping with your hearing loss?
• Would you like to learn tactics you can use to hear better?
• Would you like to find out about improving communication with your family in the home?
• Are you having difficulty coping with your hearing loss?
• Would you like to learn tactics you can use to hear better?
• Would you like to find out about improving communication with your family in the home?
• Would you like to meet and learn with other hearing impaired people?
• Would you like to learn to Lip read?
• Would you like to learn what you need to know before buying hearing aids?
By Helen Musa
“POWER, Politics, Passion” is the triple-headed slogan of the Canberra Writers Festival, but it’s a lot more subtle than it sounds.
According to the festival director, Vickii Cotter, it’s in no way intended as a flashback to the Carnell government’s once-derided “Feel the Power” catchphrase, but is rather an all-encompassing set of ideas.
“In Power, Politics, Passion we have essentially three streams…power doesn’t have to be in politics, but this is a festival that is just starting out finding its feet, so it’s great to have those themes, it helps us to create a brand,” she says.
Cotter says that while “Power” may be expressed in terms of politics, “it’s so broad that it gives us a lot to talk about, like women at work, a session with Virginia Haussegger, Jamila Rizvi and Catherine Fox and women in the media with Kathy Lette, Katharine Murphy and Haussegger”.
Noting “quite a market for writings about military matters”, they’ve programmed a military stream, with writers such as Robert Macklin, Ian McPhedran and Ian Townsend. There’ll also be a crime stream, which can take in power and the passion that she believes underlies the work of all writers.
Directing the event for the second year, Cotter has been working with a team that includes Sydney arts consultant Jennifer Bott, designated “artistic” director for the year and chair, and Canberra “No, Minister” author, Allan Behm.
“After last year we had terrific feedback from the national institutions and the festival has really taken off,” she says.
There will be more than 100 events, including “in-conversation” sessions, workshops, book launches, themed events and a silentreading party running at eight national venues.
The opening-night dinner at the Portrait Gallery will feature “a rollicking tale of real food” by gourmet farmer Matthew Evans.
There will also be a hunt for the elusive French black truffle followed by a gourmet lunch and a truffle-infused author talk by Sunni Overend, at
The Truffle Farm, Mount Majura Road, Majura. For a fledgling festival, Cotter believes the line-up is impressive, with international guests such as London journalist, Reni Eddo-Lodge; Rutger Bregman, deputy editor-in-chief at “Der Spiegel”; German writer and journalist Dirk Kurbjuweit, and Andy Martin, the first surfing correspondent to the London “Times”.
Fiction writers from overseas include Tracy Chevalier, best-known as the author of “Girl with a Pearl Earring”; Elizabeth Kostova, whose new novel “The Shadow Land” is set against the culture of Bulgaria, and Samantha Shannon, whose “The Bone Season” series fits into the festival’s science-fiction stream.
Canberra authors appear in the political stream, at book launches and in several workshops, but indigenous writers are conspicuous by their absence, although Cotter assures “CityNews” that a Saturday media workshop is a way “to make a start on creating a more diverse program”.
Powerful media identities are to the forefront throughout the program, with the festival’s “Ministry of Truth” session garnering Bregman, Senator Katy Gallagher, Katharine Murphy, George Megalogenis and Tony Jones to navigate a new era of newspeak and fake news. Elsewhere, the “All Stars Panel” will see Tracey Spicer, Richard Fidler and Julia Baird discussing questions of Australian identity.
Closing night ticks a couple of boxes with “Girls Night In: Live and Dangerous”, an onstage event at Llewellyn Hall featuring author Kathy Lette, comedian Jean Kittson, fashion journalist Maggie Alderson, Canberra-raised interviewer Jamila Rizvi and social commentator Jane Caro, who also appears on a panel called “Women’s Defining Moments in Australian History”.
And the feather in the festival’s cap?
That would have to be “The Harry Potter Show with Professor Frankie” on Saturday at the National Library with Prof Frankie Falconette, designed for ages 9-12. It’s free, but you’ll have to book.
The Canberra Writers Festival, Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27. Bookings and details at canberrawritersfestival.com.au or 132 849.
Rupert Boyd, home from New York with his wife, the American cellist Laura Metcalf, to perform “Boyd Meets Girl” in Bungendore on August 26.
By Helen Musa
CANBERRA-raised classical guitarist
Rupert Boyd will be home from New York with his wife, the American cellist Laura Metcalf, and they will perform in “Boyd Meets Girl” at Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, 6pm for dinner, on Saturday, August 26. Bookings to 6238 1688.
“ARCHÈ” (Greek for “the beginning”) is Melbourne Ballet Company’s director Simon Hoy’s unique take on “Swan Lake”, coming to The Q with a nod to the Greek myth of Leda and the swan, it’s choreographed to music by music by Tchaikovsky, Einaudi, Morricone and Elgar. At Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, August 25-26. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.
“INTIMACY” is a work from Melbourne company Ranters Theatre, based on a
real-life experience when artistic director Adriano Cortese invited strangers back to his apartment for a party. From the anecdotes, disclosures and life stories, a play was born. At The Street Theatre, August 23-27. Bookings to thestreet.org. au or 6247 1223.
THE Oriana Chorale’s “Northern Lights” concert will feature work by Arvo Pärt, selections from Rachmaninov’s “Vespers,” and works from Scotland, the Baltic States and Scandinavia. At the Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston, 3pm, Saturday, August 26. Bookings to trybooking.com
ROBYN Mellor’s eight-voice female ensemble Polifemy, joined by Peter Young as guest artist on the organ, will be presenting music inspired by Mary’s hymn of praise, “The Magnificat”. At Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 4.30pm, on Sunday, August 20. Bookings to robynick@
homemail.com.au or tickets at the door.
“NEIL Roberts: chances with glass” is an exhibition focusing on the much-missed late artist’s relationship with glass as “object, medium and signifier”. Curated by Barbara Campbell and Jane Cush, it runs at Canberra Glassworks until October 15.
COMPOSER and pianist Larry Sitsky will focus on the music of Anton Rubinstein when he performs five miniatures followed by the Sonata No. 1 Op. 12 in “Wednesday Lunchtime Live”, Wesley Music Centre, 12.40pm, August 23. Tickets at the door only.
THE Takács Quartet will perform classics by Haydn and Beethoven as well as a world premiere of a work, “Child’s Play”, by Musica Viva’s artistic director Carl Vine. At Llewellyn Hall, Thursday, August 24. Bookings to musicaviva.com.au
“An Inconvenient
I WONDER how many elected politicians, captains of industry, financiers, opinion pundits, media stars and others vicariously engaging in opinion forming understand the difference between climate and weather, or how those two environmental influences interact on life on this planet of ours.
In this film, former US vice-president Al Gore, a decade after the release of “An Inconvenient Truth”, looks back upon those years, illustrates what has happened, explains how it happened and gives us an undeniable and uncompromising warning about what will happen unless the teeming millions who feel powerless to prevent the degradation of nature’s life-supporting mechanisms, rise and say: “Enough”.
In this remarkable documentary by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, Gore says we can make change happen, similarly to the great social changes of the last few decades. And he warns us that if we don’t set about preparing for it now, turning the decision makers’ chorus of “no” into “yes” may be too late.
It’s a beautiful film, supporting Gore’s arguments with visible evidence accompanied by statements from folk whose positions in lower levels of public life give them a measure of street cred.
It’s a frightening film, documenting events already in place that will pose enormous problems in reversing or at least preventing from progressing further.
It’s a clarion call to influential naysayers to take note of and act upon its verifiable science.
If ever there was a film that should be
obligatory screening to the world’s decision makers, this is it. Joe and Betty Average need to see it, too. Our grandchildren will not thank us unless the rot gets stopped in a very short time.
Am I scared? You bet I am. And so should you be.
At Capitol 6, Palace Electric, Hoyts Woden and Dendy
“Wind River” (MA)
UNTIL its end, when titles proclaim an unexpected purpose, Taylor Sheridan’s second feature as director seems to be essentially a well-crafted outdoor actioner. “Wind River” is a subtly-stated homage to the only definable group of people not separately specified in the US Census – Native American women.
Utah Fish and Wildlife Service ranger Cory (Jeremy Renner) assigned to deal with
cohesive, far better value than any fantasy drama based on a so-called comic book hero.
“The Time of Their Lives” (M)
IF you are an indefatigable watcher of British TV series dramas you may have seen the name Roger Goldby listed as director. He’s made episodes of some memorable series, including a favourite of mine, “At Home with the Braithwaites”, which hopefully the ABC might resurrect ere long.
“The Time of Their Lives” is a sweet geriatric tale in the vein of perhaps “Thelma and Louise”.
a cattle-killing lion (common name for a cougar) discovers the body of a young native American woman halfway up a snowcovered mountain range.
Several groups have an interest. The state police. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, because the body was found on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The FBI because it looks like murder in Federal jurisdiction. The local native American community. A bunch of oil exploration drillers, one of whom has been in a relationship with the victim.
Among all those groups, the only man with outdoor skills is Cory whose business is wildlife, not law enforcement. Jane (Elizabeth Olsen), the FBI agent on the case, is fresh out of basic training and, as becomes obvious, her depth.
One might quibble about several aspects of “Wind River” that invite closer examination, but they don’t greatly diminish its ability to make an impact even before those titles reveal its underlying intention. It’s intelligent, well-performed and dramatically
Helen (Joan Collins) is a faded movie actress bored out of her skull in an English retirement village and desperate to attend the funeral in France of a director for whom she has an obsessive memory. She’s broke. She also resents people’s failure to recognise and fawn over her after so long on the shelf.
Priscilla (Pauline Collins in a role not dissimilar to her award-winning portrayal of Shirley Valentine) has spent 40 years mourn
ing the drowning of her four-year-old son for which she feels responsible on account of not then having been able to swim. Now she swims every day in a poignant attempt to expiate her failure. A soulless marriage to grumpy and demanding Frank (Ronald Pickup) has drained her emotions.
The story tells how Helen and Priscilla meet, make common cause, get to France without having to pay, have adventures including stealing a car that inevitably runs out of petrol and get a lift in a 2CV, that courageous little French automotive workhorse, driven by Alberto (Franco Nero), a dishy bloke with a splendid country home. No prizes for guessing which of them is going to score with Alberto. Or for foreseeing the aftermath of his last night on earth, dead on the floor of a hotel suite. More follows toward a conclusion that makes statements about friendship and compassion.
It’s a likeable, lightweight comedy showcasing two British actresses (one octogenarian and one seven years younger) who have no difficulty in convincing us that they have not yet passed their use-by dates.
At Palace Electric and Capitol 6
NEW eateries continue to pop open as fast as cherry blossoms in spring. The latest at the Foreshore – right on the water at Trevillian Quay – is The Kingston Collective.
The space is divided into three areas – a small bar with tall tables and stools, a relaxed café-style space and a dining/lounge area with big, fabric parlour chairs in steel greys and dove tones. Here you dine with lovely linen napkins.
The Kingston Collective’s menu isn’t uber extensive, but that’s just fine. It’s always quality over quantity for us foodies.
We shared the salty fried haloumi, which had a lovely texture (not too squeaky) and was enticing with wild figs and a yummy port wine reduction – a perfect share plate ($12). We also enjoyed sharing
The Kingston Collective’s menu isn’t uber extensive, but that’s just fine. It’s always quality over quantity for us foodies.
the lightly crumbed and tender quail kievs (nice to have quail and not chicken), with a decadent café de Paris butter ($14). The dish promised truffle in the aioli and we didn’t doubt it was there, but thought it very subtle.
We were keen on the beef cheek ragu, especially since it was a crazy cold Canberra winter night, but it wasn’t on the menu (sigh), so two of us selected scotch fillet instead (300 grams for $30). The meat was tender, the mash pretty good and the wild mushrooms a lovely addition. You can choose jus or café de Paris butter. One of us ordered jus, rich with flavour, and the other the butter, which couldn’t quite melt on the meat because it wasn’t hot enough.
Another of our party opted for the pork
belly with Jerusalem artichoke ($27). The pork was tender and the trick, we discovered, was to make sure each piece was dipped into the cider jus for the full impact of flavour. The dish arrived with brussels sprouts and sorrel.
For sides, we enjoyed the taste of the broccolini with preserved lemon and pine nuts ($8). Other sides include roasted root veggies, hand-cut chips and a mixed-leaf salad with pomegranate and walnuts.
While we didn’t indulge, we were pleased that most desserts feature nice touches of native Australia, such as the macadamia and wattle biscotti, native plum, lemon myrtle crumb and eucalyptus cream ($10 to $15).
A small warning if you’re sitting in the “parlour area” and are a party of four. The tables are small and can
A GOOD friend has become a vegan. Vegans don’t use animal products. There is an underpinning philosophy that rejects animals as commodities, a position with which I have a great deal of sympathy. Despite that stance, I have not yet subjected my friend to the full complement of vegan jokes. My family-friendly favourite though:
Why did the tofu cross the road?
To prove he wasn’t chicken.
Whilst it is common for those who adhere to veganism to closely examine foods for animal products, it is not usual for the same levels of scrutiny to be applied to wine.
But some wines are likely to be rejected by vegans because they contain egg or milk products. Egg whites are regularly used in the production of wine. After wine has finished fermenting, it contains particles. These particles are grape pulp as well as skins and stems, especially where the grapes are pressed a second time. That is why “first press” wines command a premium: they have less of the sometimes bitter component of the residue of stems, for example.
Other particles include dead yeast cells and tannin particles. Now gravity would ultimately mean that the particles fell to the bottom of the wine vat and you would have the ability to siphon them away. But to accelerate that process, winemakers “fine” the wine. That is not an additional tax but the process of clarifying the wine.
Some wines are likely to be rejected by vegans because they contain egg or milk products.
The fining agent, usually albumen but sometimes bentonite clay or milk, is poured on to the surface of the wine. As the fining agent sinks to the bottom of the vat, it carries with it those pesky particles making the wine clearer and less tannic. The process therefore makes the wine taste softer, more palatable. I was therefore quite taken aback when my vegan
friend arrived for a vegetarian dinner I had duti fully cooked with a bottle of Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay 2016. I knew this was an under-$10 wine but that was not my reason for surprise as it is quite quaffable albeit inoffensive. No, it was because there on the back of the label (and I read wine labels obsessively) was a note that said: “Produced with the aid of egg and milk products and traces may remain”. I didn’t draw attention to this fact but instead offered a chardonnay that I thought would go well with the baked aubergine and which I had placed in the fridge. Obviously both of us thought chardonnay an appropriate variety to go with the veggie meal. The Byron & Harold Chapter and Verse Chardonnay 2015 ($28) is from WA and has a lovely melon, oaky flavour. But armed with the knowledge that the Lindemans had contained traces of animal products, I scrutinised the label on the WA wine of choice. Argh: there on the back of the wine label was the statement: “Tradi tional fining agents used (milk)”. Should I disclose this to my friend and go hunting for another appropriate but regrettably unchilled wine? An ethical dilemma solved by my preference and his ignorance: I poured the wine.
“Where ignorance is bliss tis folly to be wise.”
Thomas Gray
ONE of the first items in planning a garden is to consider where the paths should go.
Originally in Canberra every governmentbuilt home had just two paths, invariably straight; one to the front door, the other very narrow, to the rotary clothes line at the back. I couldn’t count the number of times I pulled up these paths when redesigning a garden.
An older home is often bought for the extra space for a real garden; a lawn area for children plus perhaps veggies and chooks.
When planning, consider having a circular path around the perimeter of the garden connecting all the various aspects. For small children this makes a great, safe tricycle path as well as for the wheelbarrow. I have used this idea with a variety of shrubs between the path and the house or lawn. The kids love this, disappearing from view as if they were in the jungle.
A path connecting to the clothesline, on to the garden shed, back door and to the side gate is better than making tracks across the lawn, often causing irreparable damage.
I have illustrated here an example with paths using Binks 400mm x 400mm concrete pavers, which are made in Canberra. In a small garden this size is ideal, wide enough for walking or a wheelbarrow.
The cheapest material for paths is decomposed granite, commonly referred to as Paddy’s River gravel. If well compacted there will be very few weeds and it will take all weathers. However, if you have polished timber floors it’s important to remove shoes, which can catch bits of gravel in the tread. I have been to homes with slippers by the front door for visitors.
WHEN making garden beds for veggies keep them to no more than 1m-1.5m wide, which ensures vegetables or herbs can be picked from either side without having to tread on the beds. It also makes it easier when replanting the next season’s crop.
In some garden
out for
magazines it illustrates paved patio areas with spaces between the pavers of perhaps 50 centimetres planted with mondo grass or thyme. This may look good in a magazine, but from experience it doesn’t work. It is impossible to water these plants adequately and, with the reflected heat, they quickly die.
• Always lay pavers and bricks on washed river sand, never on crusher dust.
• Choose locally made pavers. In the event of a problem it makes it easier to sort out.
• When using recycled bricks always put the “frog” or dent down. If facing up water collects and freezes in winter.
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Your life is set to expand in exciting ways, as the fiery Solar Eclipse energises your entertainment sector. So clear your throat, polish your maracas, and find yourself a captive audience as you perform and party like a pro! It’s also the perfect time to nurture and nourish your close friendships, as you focus on common interests and shared dreams. Tuesday is the best day to get things done, when the Mars/Saturn trine helps you make progress in practical and productive ways.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Monday and Tuesday favour home and hearth, as the Solar Eclipse highlights your domestic zone. On Thursday and Friday, Venus makes a tricky aspect to unpredictable Uranus. So Bulls can expect a busy and somewhat bamboozling couple of days. Things will certainly speed up – and you don’t work well when others try to hurry you. Have the confidence to find your own preferred pace. The weekend is wonderful for family matters, fun friendships and fortuitous meetings.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Don’t be a timid Twin this week! Monday night’s Solar Eclipse encourages you to find fresh ways to connect with others – whether at home, at work, at play or in your local community. Short trips and education are also highlighted, plus expect plenty of phone calls, snail mail, texts and emails. You could also strike it lucky online via a beneficial connection or a social media post that goes viral. Just make sure you capitalise on any fortuitous opportunities that come your way.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Show me the money! You’ve been talking about saving for something big (like a car, holiday or home deposit) for a long time now. This week, with Mars and the Solar Eclipse (and then Venus) firing up your finance zone, resist the urge to be flash with cash and careless with credit. Instead, be a canny Crab as you put your money where your mouth is and actually start saving. Plus do an inventory on your inner wealth, as you examine your self-esteem and core values.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
The Solar Eclipse lights up your sign Leo. So it’s the perfect time to initiate a pet project, refresh your physical appearance, review your personal beliefs or embark on a rollicking adventure. Lightning flashes of inspiration are likely to strike suddenly. But make sure you communicate clearly, or there’ll be some crazy chaos along the way. Now’s the time to walk your talk, as you put passionate plans into productive action. Don’t just dream about it – get out there and do it!
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
It’s time to temporarily retreat into your Virgo cave, as Monday’s Solar Eclipse cruises through your contemplation zone. Enjoy solo activities like meditation, yoga or long walks in nature. You’ll also be surrounded by innuendo and intrigue. What others say won’t necessarily be what they mean, so make sure you read between the lines to uncover what’s really going on. The weekend is wonderful for travel, education, business ventures and local community connections.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Leading Team Libra will be a breeze this week, as you impress others with your enthusiasm and hard work. Socialising with colleagues or working within a group situation also brings many benefits. You’ll find your leadership and communication skills are especially appreciated on the weekend, when you set a positive example, roll up your sleeves and get things done. Plus, with Venus shifting into your networking zone, it’s not what you know… it’s who you know!
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Scorpios are smart and strategic, but are you confident enough for big time professional success? Don’t sell yourself short! The coming week is your time to shine, as the Solar Eclipse activates your career zone. On the weekend, Saturn and Jupiter stimulate your desire to help a friend or family member in a practical and hands-on way. So your motto for the moment is from Mother Teresa (born on August 26, 1910): “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
We all know serious Saturn is still moving slowly through your sign, and you’re sick and tired of challenges, obstacles and delays. Stop sulking and complaining Sagittarius! This week Jupiter (your power planet) connects with Saturn and sends a potentially lucky break your way. Just make sure you are alert enough to recognise it, and enterprising enough to utilise it for maximum benefit. As Bruce Lee (a fellow Sagittarian) said: “To hell with circumstances… I create opportunities.”
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The Solar Eclipse stimulates your intrigue zone so no secret is safe, as you uncover clues and pick up on cues that others miss. Be careful what you unearth though – you may stir up issues from your own less-than-perfect past. Lust and loot also loom large, as you work through issues involving intimacy or joint finances. On Sunday, Saturn connects with Jupiter. So – if you’ve done the hard work required –then you’ll be able to capitalise on lucky breaks that come your way.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
It’s all about close relationships this week when Mars, the Solar Eclipse and Venus illuminate your partnership zone. Love, lust, loyalty, companionship, co-operation and compromise are the buzz words, as you snuggle up close with someone special. Attached Aquarius – your partner is acting as a mirror, reflecting back your strengths (and weaknesses). Single Aquarius – you’re in the mood to flutter your eyelashes (or flex your pecs) and flirt up a storm!
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Solar Eclipse week is the ideal time to ditch bad daily habits and start afresh. It’s a juggle to get everything done but keep calm and don’t lose your cool! You’re unusually focused, but are you focusing on the right things? Work, health and fitness are the main areas where you need to make some long overdue changes and adjustments – the sooner the better. Your fertile imagination is firing on the weekend, but don’t get carried away with ridiculous ideas that have no reality.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017
Across
4 What are burial chambers also called? (6)
7 Which AFL team won the 2001, 2, 3 premierships? (8)
8 What is a summary of one’s work experience? (6)
9 Which other expression describes abnormalities or their like? (8)
11 To join together again, is to do what? (7)
13 What is a word opposed in meaning to another? (7)
15 Which place is set apart for young children? (7)
17 What is otalgia more commonly known as? (7)
20 To grow in intensity, is to do what? (8)
23 What do we call a dealer in textiles and cloth goods, etc? (6)
24 What is one of the rulers in a state governed by a few? (8)
25 Name Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund ... (6)
Down
1 What do we call the black and white squares of a crossword puzzle? (4)
2 What is a more familiar name for an Inuit? (6)
3 Name an island province of Indonesia, east of Java. (4)
4 Which other term describes poetry? (5)
5 Which expression implies that which is bearlike? (6)
6 Name one of the palindromic towns, found in NSW, Postcode 2720. (5)
9 To be impenetrable to light, is to be what? (6)
10 What are weasels also known as? (7)
12 Which protein is capable of catalysing a chemical reaction? (6)
14 Name a heavy fabric, for covering floors. (6)
16 Name a sovereign of a Muslim kingdom. (6)
18 What is the main trunk of the arterial system? (5)
19 Name a long-legged, long-necked, long-billed wading bird. (5)
21 Who was the first son of Adam and Eve? (4)
22 What is the skill in dealing with difficult situations? (4)
Elaine recently lost her husband Charlie and, keen to wind up his estate, came to see me with a few tax questions.
My first question was to ask Elaine if she had a solicitor acting for her.
“No. I didn’t think that was necessary," she said.
"We owned the house we lived in and had three investment properties. I received proceeds from an insurance policy and there is some money in the bank.
"I applied for and was granted probate as the executor for his estate. Ownership of one of the investment properties has been transferred to me as Charlie only owned one per cent of that property. I was going to follow the strategy that one of my church friends told me in relation to the others.
“My friend had explained that he had sold his office premises and rolled the money into his superannuation fund and, as he was over 65, he took the money straight out.
"He explained that it would be possible for me to do that with the investment property so that I don’t have to pay capital gains tax on sale. The gain will be at least $200,000 so the tax would be quite high. My question is when do I do this?”
I told Elaine that she certainly could sell the property, pay the tax and roll the balance into her superannuation fund.
"But you cannot roll the proceeds from the sale of residential property into a superannuation fund," I advised her.
"Your friend was selling a business asset and the tax act allows proceeds from the sale of business real property to be rolled into a superannuation fund provided that certain conditions are met. You are not selling business real property but you are selling real property without a business connection.
“You are allowed three years for the estate to be in administration. If you sell the property while it is still owned by the estate you pay tax on 50 per cent of the capital gain and the estate pays tax on the other 50 per cent.
"So your share of the capital gain would be $100,000, 50 per cent of that is exempt so you would pay tax on $50,000 at your marginal tax rate, which would be about $16,750. The estate’s tax would be about $7,600. So your total tax bill would be $24,350. If you take ownership of the property and then sell it, your tax bill would be about $38,350, which is $14,000 more.”
Elaine said: “Oh, my goodness, Gail. I really would have been in trouble if I had gone down the path recommended by my friend.” She then said she wanted to draw some money out of superannuation and pay off the mortgage on the investment property she intended to keep.
I said: “I am presuming that the mortgage interest is about 4.5 per cent, which after allowing for tax would be about 3 per cent. Whereas the superannuation fund you are in has paid in excess of 9 per cent long term which equates to 4.65 per cent. You will be better off if you leave the money in your superannuation fund and continue to pay the mortgage.
Elaine was pleased with my advice and left saying: "Thanks so much. I would have made a few wrong decisions if I hadn’t seen you. I will make another appointment with you after I see my solicitor.”
If you need help with estates, tax planning, superannuation or any other tax-related matter, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will be giving all eligible Australians the opportunity to express their view on whether Australian marriage laws should be changed to allow same sex couples to marry.
Survey forms will be sent to all eligible Australians on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.
To participate, you must be enrolled. Enrol, check or update your details at www.aec.gov.au or pick up an enrolment form at any AEC office or Post Office.
The roll will close on Thursday August 24 for this survey.
Information Line 1800 572 113 available from Monday August 14. Open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm (local time).