170928 citynews

Parton puts a cat among the pigeons

MICHAEL MOORE

Parking, the wild frontier that beggars belief

CHRIS COLEMAN

Who’d be a coach? They all would!

TIM GAVEL

Derelict blots on the Canberra landscape

SONYA FLADUN

DEATHLove &

Dutch soprano SIMONE RIKSMAN returns for a ‘pocket’ opera of painful love on the French frontline

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NEWS / breast cancer awareness month

Buddies with bosoms at their heart

By Kathryn Vukovljak

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with one in nine women in the ACT being diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85, early detection is something we all need to be aware of, says president of Bosom Buddies Shelley Atkins.

“The rate of diagnosis in Canberra is slightly higher than the national aver age, possibly because we are more breast aware and use self-examination and mammograms preventatively,” she says.

“Our survival rate is higher because of this too, and so continuing to raise awareness of early detection is a huge part of what we do.”

Shelley says Bosom Buddies is hosting a celebration of life, with music, dancing and entertainment at the Southern Cross Yacht Club on October 23, both for awareness and to bring people together.

The group is also relaunching its waterproof shower tags, says Shelley, which can be hung in the shower to remind and encourage women to check their breasts regularly, to know what their “normal” is and to take note of any changes.

“A part of what we do is organise social meet-ups, tours of the National Gallery, talks and fundraisers,” Shelley says.

“But we also provide information bags, including flyers, a cushion and a discreet handmade fabric bag to conceal bags of bodily fluids in hospital. We make around 600 of these a year, which are fully approved by the hospital, and the amount is increasing.

“We are also able to organise financial support in special cases for someone wanting a wig or a bra.”

Bosom Buddies is an all-local, mainly volunteer-run support group for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and the small team of four say they’re dedicated to supporting women who have had a breast-cancer diagnosis.

“We’ve been around for 22 years, and started out as a buddy group for a local

woman, Shirley Fitzgerald, organised by her friends,” says Stephanie Norris, secretary of the management committee.

“They soon realised there were other women in a similar situation that perhaps didn’t have a group of supportive friends and Bosom Buddies grew from there. I’ve been there, I’ve had a diagnosis and it can be a shock. You don’t really know what to do and who to talk to.

“You can get all the medical advice in the world, and you do get tunnelled into GPs, oncologists and surgeons and all the rest, but there’s nothing like good old-fashioned friendly advice from someone who knows.

“What we offer is emotional support, like suggestions of what to take to

hospital, how you and your family can cope and how to ask for help. We don’t counsel. It’s just woman to woman. We’re buddies.”

Shelley says the group can also support the husband, family, or friends of the person dealing with cancer, can do hospital visits, and are happy to refer people to other resources.

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel or mimic what other organisations are doing and we know we can say, there’s this resource there that you can access,” she says.

“We’re also about to start having a presence at the drop-in clinic at Calvary, which may simply be an invite to our social events or to make a cup of tea for someone who needs it.”

Bosom Buddies offers free membership in the first year while undergoing treatment, then it costs $30 a year or $50 for three.

“Our goal is to raise awareness, support women and fundraise,” says Shelley.

“All of us in the group have a connection to breast cancer, whether it was us or a close family member. We know what it’s like.”

Bosom Buddies’ Annual Australian Breast Cancer Day Celebration, Monday October 23 from 6.30pm at the Southern Cross Yacht Club, Yarralumla. Tickets $45 members, $50 non-members. Call 0406 376500 or email admin@ bosombuddies.org.au

Festival for living green

THE seventh annual Living Green Festival, will be held around Albert Hall, 10am-4pm, on Monday, October 1. There will be music and entertainment, workshops, talks and cooking demonstrations. The more than 80 market stalls will include food from around the globe – Italian, Turkish, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese and Ethiopian – catering especially for vegan, lactose intolerant and gluten intolerant visitors. For kids there will be free face painting, games and art and craft activities.

Home help

THE French, award-winning hit movie “The Belier Family” will be screened at The Q Theatre, 6pm, on Friday, October 6, as a fundraiser for local charity Home in Queanbeyan. Tickets are $75 and include drinks, hot snacks and the movie. Tickets from theq.net.au or at the box office, call 6285 6290.

Pompey’s lost theatre

FRANCES Muecke will be “Looking for Pompey’s Theatre” during her free public lecture for the Friends of the ANU Classics Museum in the Larry Sitsky Room, ANU School of Music, 6.30pm, on Thursday, October 12. The honorary senior lecturer in Classics and Ancient History will discuss Pompey’s vast theatre, inaugurated in 55 BC, the first permanent theatre in Rome. Bookings are not required.

Arts & Entertainment 23-25

Cinema 24

Dining 25

Crossword 27

Gardening 26

Horoscopes 27

Letters 10

News 5-11

Politics 8

Socials 14-15

Sport 11

Since 1993: Volume 23, Number 36

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Meegan monitors the poppin’ during the boppin’

STRIVING to maintain its mantle as a progressive jurisdiction the ACT will trial a pill-testing program at the Spilt Milk music festival in November.

Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris says “while the government does not condone drug use” the groundbreaking, free, anonymous service means “young people who are considering taking drugs can be informed about what’s really in their pills and how potent they are”.

AN iconic luxury hotel is coming to Canberra. In fact it may already be here. Making the bold claim is Geocon MD Nick Georgalis after purchasing the West Block building in the Parliamentary Triangle from the Federal government. Georgalis plans to restore the historic building to “the most famous hotel in Australia” and “one of those ‘must see’ icons when people visit Australia’s

national capital, like Raffles in Singapore or George V in Paris”.

The developer, who recently also purchased the Garema Centre building, says of the latest acquisition: “We want Australians to have maximum opportunity to enjoy its history, as they are able to do with Old Parliament House.”

THE embarrassing “lowest crowd in professional era” headline following the Wallabies win over Argentina at Canberra Stadium, could have been even more humiliating if not for a concerted “complimentary” ticket campaign. One local was bemused when collecting her free double pass to be told that she could have more, “stacks more, if she wanted”. Stack being the operative word as there was a very tall pile of complimentary tickets waiting to be collected.

A CANBERRA teenager has become the pin-up for the “No” campaign after being sacked for posting support for the “It’s OK to say No” campaign. The 18-year-old Christian says she was punted from her casual job as children’s entertainer by the business owner who told her in promoting the “No” vote she was homophobic and spreading hate speech.

UNSURPRISINGLY, another Canberra connection to the divisive SSM survey debate has gone national with former prime minister Tony Abbott endorsing

Brindabella Christian College’s right to campaign for a “No” vote. College principal Bruce Handley sent a four-page letter to parents “out of love and for love” urging them to become involved and vote no.

But ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry has cautioned schools to respect LGBTIQ members of their community. Abbott says Berry is out of line: “If Woolworths and Qantas can speak their mind without anyone bullying them, why can’t Brindabella speak its mind without anyone bullying them”.

then promptly leaving politics. Although the political “dogs are barking” that only 50 per cent of Barr’s pledge will be honoured. MEANTIME, the shadow minister for gaming and racing, Mark Parton , has put a fruitful “gap in his manners” in the Assembly. The former radio man has greatly enhanced his burgeoning reputation as either Liberal Leader Alistair Coe’s “head-kicker” or an instinctive political operator. Parton questioned a “selective” inclusionism fostered by the Barr government which he said “failed straight, white males over the age of 30”.

THE fight in the dog in the fight is about to be tested as the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club vows to continue its fight to prevent a ban on the sport in the ACT. But CM Andrew Barr remains determined to uphold the ban vowing not to “do a Mike Baird ”. Barr says he won’t follow the former NSW Premier’s lead of backflipping on a greyhound ban and

STARVED of finals action since 2011, the UC Capitals basketball team is looking to the new season with confidence with star US import Jordan Hooper, fresh from a season with the WNBA Chicago Sky touching down. The 25-year-old power forward from Nebraska, who made the All-American team in 2014, says she appreciates another chance to play in Australia after a stint with the South East Queensland Stars two years ago.

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Danielle ‘raizes’ hope from tragedy

By Danielle Nohra

AFTER her best friend died at 21, Woden’s Danielle Dal Cortivo decided to do something with her life that mattered.

Still unsure of what exactly that was, and inspired by a documentary, she travelled to Tanzania with a friend to do some volunteering in an orphanage.

When returning home her desire to make a difference hadn’t faded and discussing the trip with her brother Lincoln, who works as a carpenter, he shared his idea of building a house then giving it to a family in need.

From that conversation the charity “raize the roof” was formed with the aim to build a house, sell it and give the proceeds to causes close to their hearts.

“I really wanted something we could be a part of that was bigger than us,” Danielle says.

Now, 11 years on, at the age of 33 she says they hope to have the house, built by contributions from tradies and corporates, finished by early next year.

The house, which is at 17 Clancy McKenna Crescent, Bonner, has mainly been constructed by Lincoln, their brother Nelson, as well as their dad, cousins and close friends.

But, on top of that, Luton Properties has sponsored the house and a variety of local organisations have taken part in its construction.

Danielle says help is still wel-

comed though, with work needed to be done on its plumbing, electrical work, gyprocking, installation of the kitchen, tiling, painting and landscaping.

The proceeds of its sale, expected to be in the region of $1 million, will go to two charities. Half to the Starlight Foundation, which gave Danielle’s best friend a dream holiday to Sea World before she died.

“I like that Starlight provides ‘fun therapy’ to help distract people who are having an awful time in hospital,” Danielle says.

And the other half to an orphanage in Botswana.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking to the ‘mummas’ at the orphanages and consulting with a broad range of stakeholders,” she says.

“The next step is to go back and speak collaboratively with them to come up with ideas to make a lasting effect.

“It’s important to be careful that we’re not just tokenistically helping, it’s a cross-cultural challenge.”

For Danielle, raize the roof is about giving the children an opportunity to create the life they want.

“I think about how incredibly blessed I am to be born in Canberra, into a family where education is valued,” she says.

“These children were born into a different environment and their life takes a different trajectory.”

But living in Australia, Danielle

has been lucky enough to have the options to create her own path in life.

And while working on raize the roof, she also took a leap of faith, quit her job as a public servant, went back to university and studied a masters degree in public health.

From there she surprised herself and became CEO of the Asthma Foundation ACT, where she daily helps tackle asthma, which kills about 400 people a year in Australia.

Recently Danielle won “Executive of the Year” in the Canberra Women in Business Awards, for her work as the Asthma Foundations ACT and Victoria CEO.

During her three years as CEO Danielle has boosted funding for both foundations and expanded services.

With her full-time work as a CEO, her charity work and her consulting business, it’s a wonder where she gets time to do it all, but Danielle says she doesn’t have Netflix or Stan so that helps!

“I do still watch, but this is a lot more fulfilling than hours of TV,” she says.

“Someone once said to me, take on a real problem and all these little challenges that exist in our lives will disappear.

“Personally, I love learning and achieving things and being part of things that inspire me.”

Donations to raizetheroof.org.au

Parton puts the cat among the pigeons

MARK Parton certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons when he attempted to paint 30+ white males as a hard done by minority group. Perhaps this was a poor argument, but there is a fair chance Parton determined it was good politics. However, the Liberal MLA’s arguments ought not to be easily dismissed as some seemed to think.

There is no doubt that Aboriginal people, migrants, refugees, people from LGBTIQ backgrounds and women have not had the advantages of 30+ white men. This is why conservative leaders such as John Howard and Tony Abbott have been hankering for a return to the “good times” of the 1950s.

In that era the middle-class white male with the “little woman” at home looking after the kids and preparing dinner for the homecoming was living pretty well.

The challenge has been that where there is an attempt to rectify inequality between groups of human beings, those who previously had the advantage are going to lose some of their benefits. This is why so much effort was made in the ‘80s and ‘90s on affirmative action in government services and some industries.

The catalyst for Parton’s comments was a private member’s motion by Labor MLA, Tara Cheyne, intended to support the government’s funding for promoting inclusion of women, gay and lesbian Canberrans, refugees, indigenous Australians and other vulnerable people. In the nature of oppositional politics, Parton was attempting to turn the motion on its head.

The issue that was identified by Parton was one of inequity rather than one of inequality. On equality stakes at a population level, 30+ males are still doing very well. However, they do feel threatened and Parton has tapped into this. Consider being white, male, 30+ in a government department that has set catch-up goals to improve the status of women and specific minority groups. Those 30+ males will now miss out as they watch the promotion ahead of them of perhaps less-qualified and less-experienced women and Aboriginal workers. From their perspective this

Consider being white, male, 30+ in a government department that has set catch-up goals to improve the status of women and specific minority groups.

must seem inequitable. And it is inequitable for the group that is now missing out.

Where Parton’s argument holds some water is around the difference between equity and equality. There are times when equality is not equitable. For example, consider two boys with their bikes. One is new and the other has been built from bits and pieces collected from the dump. A benefactor has two new tyres. Equality would demand one tyre to each. Equity would demand both tyres to the boy who really needs them.

It is clear that over-30 males are dominant across almost all spheres of power in our society. This is slowly changing. However, as it changes the opportunities for those males who are not in those powerful positions are as inequitable as it has been (and in many cases remains) for women, Aborigines, migrants and refugees of the past.

As part of his argument, Parton refers to the mental health issues of 30+ men. Delivering on expectations of society is a huge challenge for some, particularly with regard to being a good “breadwinner”, a good family man and an upwardly mobile worker. The disproportionate number of suicides in this group of men may, at least in part, be explained by failure to live up to such expectations.

In seeking a more equitable society our leaders need to consider a more nu anced approach than thinking equality is the only measure. Equity is much more important.

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LETTERS ONE MAN’S CANBERRA

Parking, the wild frontier that beggars belief

BACK when I was learning to drive here in the ACT it was a fairly simple process. Extra attention was given to how to approach roundabouts and my driving instructor regularly said to watch out for the cars with NSW number plates, because you never knew what they were going to do.

Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique

234 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan RSVP – Kim Williams

Perhaps I’m looking at the past through rose-coloured driving glasses, but as someone who moved away from Canberra for several years, it seems that while I was elsewhere, the rule at the top of the list for our Y-registered vehicles these days seems to be “every man for himself”.

Merging? Forget about going car by car from alternate lanes, it’s get as far forward as you possibly can. Beating those two extra cars and forcing other drivers to make a gap to fit you has to be worth at least a couple of seconds off your journey time.

Speed limits? Nah, they have to be optional. Or advisory. Although to be fair on today’s drivers, this really hasn’t changed much, there are just more cars trying to go fast.

Mobile phones? Well, it used to be you only had one if you were a yuppie wanker, so using one while you were driving gave you the chance to show you were one. Today, almost everyone has one, meaning a great leap forward for equality as – despite the demise of yuppiedom – almost everyone now has the chance to be a wanker.

But the real, wild frontier of Canberra’s roads today is not any of these moving violations, it’s parking. It doesn’t matter what kind of car park, roadside, public, private, it’s not that the rules don’t apply, they may as well not exist.

I recently moved into a new apartment complex where there are about a dozen visitor spaces. They’re clearly marked with the word “VISITOR” in large yellow letters. The idea that they’re not for residents to park in has been reinforced by newsletters to residents. Has it worked? Of course not!

Visitor spaces aren’t really for visitors, they’re for people who’ve bought a unit with one car space to park their second car in! As is the communal driveway space outside your garage door. Especially if it impedes every other resident on the complex. Roadside parking is a lottery

Forrest didn’t ‘snaffle a barony’

I AM usually in awe of columnist Robert Macklin’s attention to detail. However, as a great great great nephew of Sir John Forrest, I take issue with his accuracy in “The Gadfly” of September 14.

Beating those two extra cars and forcing other drivers to make a gap to fit you has to be worth at least a couple of seconds off your journey time.

now. Get close to the kerb? Nah, leave a metre and a half. Or park on the nature strip. Or across a driveway. And forget about staying 10 metres from an intersection, or 20 metres if there’s a set of traffic lights.

Gungahlin’s suburbs in particular seem to be a haven for this, and it’s worse in the town centre, where the customers for the plethora of food outlets have taken to parking on pedestrian crossings and in left-turn lanes in the evenings.

But the final element of “every man for himself”? And this is a doozy. It’s the growing trend when someone has finished with their car, to park it somewhere and walk away.

My journey to work is three kilometres. Recently, I was able to pass not one, not two, but five abandoned vehicles. The parking inspectors have gradually been putting their hi-vis stickers on them and arranging removal, but at least one still hasn’t been touched, even though I am reliably informed it was reported months ago.

Maybe instead of “every man for himself” we should all hark back to the ‘80s, and take some advice from one of the great police dramas of that time, “Hill Street Blues”. Every week after roll call the advice was: “Let’s be careful out there”. There has to be something in that, surely.

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

CHRIS COLEMAN

Macklin asserts Forrest “arrived in Australia as a servant”. Of course, he did no such thing. Forrest was born on the Forrest family property at Leschenault, near Bunbury, WA, on August 22, 1847. After schooling at the then-Bishop Hale’s School in Perth (now Hale School), where he did very well academically, he was apprenticed to the assistant surveyor – a position with training leading him to his later explorations. Forrest went on to be Premier of WA and a Federal minister in the new Commonwealth Parliament, including Minister for Defence, Treasurer, Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Prime Minister.

As a result of his contribution to public administration, he was created Baron Forrest of Foret (the family’s Scottish ancestral home). He did not, as Macklin disparages “snaffle a barony”. Another of Sir John’s descendants, Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, continues to work towards significant public improvement and yet another, Natalie, is that well-known Canberra news presenter.

Rowley

Tompsett, Nicholls

No tax break for Raiders

A $3.6 million tax break for the Raiders’ apartment development in Braddon would be yet another example of the ACT government encouraging clubs to abandon community service in favour of financial gain.

Some years ago, without submitting a development application and in breach of the Territory Code, the Raiders constructed 200 car-parking bays on their Braddon club site.

The planning and land authority bizarrely claimed that it could not act unless the Raiders lodged a development application. The Raiders breached their lease by erecting a sign to advertise their parking, without first obtaining the written consent of the territory.

Using similar bizarre logic, the authority argued that the sign in question met the lease condition because a smaller sign in a different location complied with the Signs General Code. The Braddon club lease was generating parking revenue of $300,000 a year when it was deconcessionalised, but the government accepted the Raiders’ valuation for the original lease, and $600,000 after deconcessionalisation. The Raiders now value the lease at $7.7 million.

This implies that the removal of concessional status increased the value of the lease by a whopping $7.4 million, rather than the $300,000 on which they paid a lease variation charge. A further $3.6 million tax break would be merely the icing on the cake.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Time to move on, Tony

I AGREE wholeheartedly that it was wrong to make homosexuality illegal. I think Michael Attwell’s letter (CN, September 21), if he was serious (which I doubt), was very silly. I believe it was more tongue in cheek.

But, Tony Whelan (CN, letters, “Time to grow up, Michael”, September 28), I think you are talking about years ago, not now. There is a lot of homosexuality in the military and the police. I have worked with a lot of homosexuals who did not hide it and they were not sacked, abused or mocked. We all got on with no mention of their sexuality.

I have had many friends over the years that are homosexual and not once did any of them complain about being abused, sacked, unable to get jobs or beaten.

Anyone who is fat, thin, tall, short, coloured or just plain different suffers abuse at times, that is human behaviour even though it is wrong. So maybe, Tony, it is time you grew up and moved on.

Vi

Who’d be a coach? All of them!

IT’S a question I have often asked of coaches: “If you predicted the life ahead facing the prospect of being sacked at any time or experiencing frustration like you had never imagined, would you become a full-time coach of a major sporting team?”

One hundred per cent of respondents say: “Absolutely, yes”.

You wouldn’t expect anything else given the profile of people who take on such roles.

Coaches need to be the ultimate multi-tasker with the ability to deliver an understandable game plan, they must know their athletes and what makes them tick, and they need to be firm but empathetic at the same time to get the best out of their charges.

Coaches rejoice as much in an athlete’s family’s joy after a victory as they do with the athlete.

reveals he went on to gain a place in the 400 metres freestyle and win gold. The pressure endured by coach and athlete was something few of us will ever experience. How she handled it as a coach is a credit to her strength of character more than anything else. One thing that shines through is the role her support network played in helping to maintain stability.

Excellence coach, Jan Stirling , led the Australian women’s basketball team to gold at the World Championships in Brazil in 2006.

That’s just the athletes and players covered! Then there’s the board, management, sponsors and families.

Over the past couple of months I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with coaches in Canberra about how they handle pressure and what makes them successful and have come away with the understanding that they are among the most impressive and driven people I have encountered.

At times there is self-doubt, but at the same time, a strong belief in what they are doing. Their eye for detail would leave many an auditor in their wake.

The empathy they show towards their athletes is extraordinary. Canberra swimming coach Tracey Menzies still expresses emotion when she relives the pressure in the lead up to and during the 2004 Athens Olympics after the reigning world champion in the 400 metres, Ian Thorpe, was disqualified after falling from the blocks at the trials. History

Lisa Alexander has coached the Australian netball team since 2011. They are currently the number one team in world netball and the reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallists from Glasgow. Despite her success, Lisa says she is still learning, still seeking influences from outside her sport.

Time spent with England rugby union coach Eddie Jones, for instance, is now part of her coaching philosophy. One thing that emerges following a talk with Lisa is her desire to keep challenging herself and her players.

The way she handled pressure during the 2015 World Cup campaign in Sydney is a case in point. She had to counter the weight of expectation as much as anything else. Lisa had to make sure her side remained confident after losing their final pool game to NZ 52 to 47. The Diamonds recovered to win the final against the Silver Ferns 58 to 55.

Another Canberra-based Centre of

There were plenty of curve balls thrown at her side including an unexpected bye in the first round when their opposition failed to arrive on time. They played the home team Brazil twice before defeating Russia in the final.

Jan comes across as a no-nonsense style of coach but with the ability to know when players need empathy.

All three coaches expressed how important family is to a successful athlete. So much so that the coaches rejoice as much in an athlete’s family’s joy after a victory as they do with the athlete. All three made sure they knew as much about the athlete’s family and support network as possible.

It says a lot about a coach when they have the ability to recognise that there are many influ ences, not just technical and physical, which are part of the DNA of a success ful athlete.

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Derelict blots on the Canberra landscape

I AM perplexed. I find it hard to understand how our politicians and top bureaucrats can walk and drive past enormous monuments to administrative and commercial paralysis and not do something about it.

Two such monuments stand in the Woden business and shopping precinct – the derelict Alexander and Albemarle buildings. The Federal Department of Health walked out of those buildings some seven years ago, and they are still awaiting demolition. They are now an absolute disgrace in the centre of Woden, an embarrassing contrast to the new and innovative office buildings that surround them. Despite some efforts to maintain security, vandals have enjoyed themselves for years. Broken windows and doors, boarded up doors and graffiti give this central part of Woden all the charm of an abandoned Soviet industrial site.

Seven years is a long time to sort out the future

Broken windows and doors, boarded up doors and graffiti give this central part of Woden all the charm of an abandoned Soviet industrial site.

of properties in the heart of a major administrative and commercial centre, especially in the context of a buoyant property market. I read that there has been a stalemate between the owners, Doma Group, and planning regulators. I don’t know the intricacies of all that, but years of progressive neglect have produced an eyesore that is quite unacceptable from the viewpoint of the community. Across town it’s a different story,

but the long delay in determining the fate of the vacant Federal Government-owned Anzac Park East building and its twin Anzac Park West is even more extraordinary. Located at the lower end of Canberra’s iconic Anzac Parade, Anzac Park East has been empty for 20 years. Vandals have been active there as well and the signs of neglect and extensive decay have long been evident. It might have once been re-purposed and refurbished but now it’s apparently too late for that.

SONYA FLADUN

According to the reported conditions for sale set by the Department of Finance

it may be another four years before demolition takes place and construction of new buildings at these very prominent sites in the centre of Canberra gets under way. By then it will have taken a quarter of a century to sort the problem.

Not far away another Doma Groupowned building, the former CSIRO headquarters on Limestone Avenue, Campbell, also stands abandoned, plastered with graffiti and the target for vandals and indeed looters who are quietly stripping the building of copper piping and anything else of value. Decisions about the heritage status of the building will apparently take

some time, as will planning decisions by the National Capital Authority. Meanwhile, another eyesore has been created through delay and neglect. Undoubtedly the reasons are complex, and specific to each site, but it does seem Canberra has a persistent problem with vacated government buildings falling into administrative and commercial limbo.

Perhaps Federal Government bureaucrats don’t focus enough on the interests of their own home city. Many seem to regard Canberra as a temporary camping group rather than our national capital. Perhaps the ACT government is hamstrung in its dealings with its big brother to deal effectively with the planning and administrative decisions associated with surplus Federal government property in Canberra’s commercial centres. Perhaps developers need to be given strict time limits on the redevelopment of sites in key areas of the city. Perhaps the Federal Department of Finance, the National Capital Authority and the ACT government all need to try harder to work together. One way or another our politicians, bureaucrats and property developers have managed to create a series of eyesores in the heart of Australia’s national capital. Sometimes policy failure can stare people in the face but they still can’t see it. Surely, they can do better.

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL RIESLING CHALLENGE

‘Golden’ Riesling comes of age in Canberra

Highlighting the golden wine that is Riesling, the Canberra International Riesling Challenge is about to come of age as it celebrates the 18th Challenge, October 9-14.

The event was conceived and grown in Canberra and is now internationally recognised as the largest, single-varietal wine show in the southern hemisphere attracting competing wines from Rieslingproducing countries and regions from around the world.

This year the founding chairman of the Challenge, and well-known local Riesling producer, Ken Helm has stepped aside with well-known Canberra businessman James Service taking over to lead the Challenge. Ken remains on the show committee so that his wine knowledge and wisdom are still available to help the Challenge continue to grow.

This year the Challenge will again judge more than 500 Rieslings from seven countries. For the second year in a row there are record entry levels from around Australia, with the other major countries being Germany, NZ, the US and France. This year, Hungary has joined the Challenge for the first time. All of the major Rieslingproducing regions of Australia have large numbers of entries, including 25 entries in five classes from the Canberra district.

About Riesling RIESLING is considered to be the grape that most reflects the region and the vineyard where it comes from, with some regions having a very distinct regional character. The quality of the wine is largely determined by the quality of the grapes.

Good-quality Riesling is confined to cool-climate wine districts, where the required climate is achieved either by latitude or by altitude. While growing Riesling in the Canberra district is relatively new, the region is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best Riesling regions in Australia – and arguably the world.

Unlike most grape varieties, Riesling can be made in a range of

Lots to learn and enjoy

DURING Riesling week there are opportunities to build knowledge and enjoy tasting the world’s best Rieslings among experts from Australia, Germany, NZ and the US

Jim Murphy Riesling Tasting

A commercial tasting featuring Rieslings from the Canberra District and our sponsor wineries.

Jim Murphy Market Cellars, Fyshwick, noon-6pm, Saturday, October 7. Bookings not required

styles from very crisp and dry, to semi dry, to sweet and luscious dessert and aperitif wines.

regions they are tasting.

In some parts of the world the grapes are picked after they have frozen on the vines to make ice-wine, and for almost 200 years Riesling has been used to produce a sparkling wine known as Sekt.

How the Challenge is judged

JUDGING will be held at the Albert Hall between Monday, October 9, and Thursday, October 12.

All the Challenge judging is conducted on a regional basis and is designed to promote and explore the regional differences that Riesling expresses.

The wines are presented for judging in regional groupings but to prevent any perception of regional bias the judges are only given the vintage and the sugar levels (style) of the wines. They are not aware of the

Regions with large numbers of entries in a particular class are broken up into small judging groups between the two judging panels to further hide their identity. Regions are only revealed in the results catalogue.

Reflecting the international nature of the Challenge and Riesling, judges are drawn internationally as well as from Australia. This year judging will again be under the chairmanship of John Belsham, from NZ, with the international judges being Steffen Schindler, marketing director of the German Wine Institute and Jim Trezise, president of the International Riesling Foundation and Wine America from the US.

The Australian judges are Trent Mannell (NSW), Alison Eisermann (NSW), Greer Carland (Tas) and Steve Baraglia (SA). The Challenge also has a group of associate judges who are

berson (Canberra district), Daniel Hetherington (WA) and Jonathon Holgate (NSW).

The Golden Wine

The event is not just about judging wines, but the promotion of the Riesling styles to the consumer, winemakers, and sommeliers through seminars, masterclasses, food matching and a massive consumer tasting.

The Riedel Riesling Masterclass (“Old and New, Rieslings from Germany and Canberra District”), will follow the pattern of showcasing Riesling trends and styles from an international competitor country and from an Australian Riesling region. The Hotel Realm will hold a Riesling dinner where its chef will match food with rare, award-winning Australian Rieslings. Both events take place at the Hotel Realm, Barton, on Friday October 13.

Riedel Riesling Master Class, “Old and New, Rieslings from Germany and the Canberra District: Featuring Riesling experts who will guide participants through the current Rieslings’ styles and trends from Germany, and sub regions of the Canberra District.

Enjoy the versatility of German Rieslings including conventional and innovative styles – dry to semi-dry to sweet, sparkling, natural, orange and aged Riesling.

Journey through the sub-regions of the Canberra District enjoying the Rieslings that are attracting the attention of the wine writers and understanding the differences between the sub-regions. Includes a session on biodynamic Riesling.

Hotel Realm, High Courtyard North, 11am-2.30pm, Friday, October 13. Convenors Steffen Schindler (Germany), Chris Carpenter and Ken Helm (Canberra District). Tickets $100. Bookings required.

Awards Presentation and Celebration of Riesling

Taste the 2017 award-winning wines and others from a museum collection while the 2017 awards are announced. This is a cocktail-style event with canapes and fine Riesling.

Hotel Realm, High Courtyard North, 5.30pm-7pm, Friday, October 13. Limited number of tickets available, $80. Bookings required.

Hotel Realm Riesling Dinner

The Hotel Realm Chef will match five courses with current awardwinning and rare Australian Rieslings

Hotel Realm, Buvette Restaurant, 7.30pm, Friday, October 13. Tickets $90. Bookings to buvette@domahotels.com.au

Canberra International Riesling Challenge ActewAGL Trade & Consumer Tasting

This is a unique opportunity to taste some of the best Rieslings the world has to offer. Many of these Rieslings are not easily obtained in Australia. Tickets are $50 and include a souvenir Riedel tasting glass and a copy of the official Challenge results catalogue.

Some of the 2017 judging panel and stewards will be on hand at the tasting to answer questions on Riesling.

Albert Hall, 11am-3pm, Saturday, October 15. Bookings not required, tickets $50.

Bookings and enquiries for these events to info@rieslingchallenge.com or call 6286 7515. Booking forms at www.rieslingchallenge.com/events

At the Menslink Business Breakfast, Civic

At the United Services Institute dinner,

At the Defence Widows Group lunch, Lyneham

sundayROAST

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

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

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

“I became an Optometrist over 20 years ago because I wanted to help people achieve their best vision. I was prescribed my first pair of glasses at the age of four so I have had a lifetime of experiencing the challenges that poor vision can bring. In my spare time, I love cycling around Lake Burley Griffin with my family and enjoying everything else that our beautiful city has to offer.”

Moon Festival on the rise

By Kathryn Vukovljak

TRADITIONAL Chinese decorations, lanterns and knots will fill Civic Square on October 1 to celebrate the Canberra Moon Festival, as well as food stalls, performances, myths and legends.

Organisers Iris Tang and Suzana Li say they wanted to bring a big outdoor cultural Asian event to Canberra and last year they organised the first Moon Festival, a midautumn harvest celebration that originated in China.

“It’s an important traditional festival and symbolises harvest and reunion, and it’s become popular throughout many Asian cultures,” she says.

“Traditionally, the whole family will get together to celebrate the Moon Festival with a big meal and moon cake, which is a pastry cake made differently in each culture.”

Suzana says each year the festival is held on the autumn equinox according to the lunar

calendar, when the moon is at its furthest point from the earth. Iris says she hopes this year’s later October date will bring better weather than last year’s event, when they had to relocate to the Old Bus Depot Markets because of rain.

“It’s a family-friendly event, with no alcohol and plenty of kids’ activities and performances, including Lucy Sugerman, who’s half Vietnamese, from ‘The Voice’ and a very

beautiful projected, live, sand art of the myth of the Moon Fairy,” says Suzana.

This year’s theme is “Tie us Together”, or “Knot”, as Suzana says their dream is to make it multicultural and bring more nationalities together.

“We want to spread a message of unity, of working together to create a better, nicer community and a better world through this festival,” she says.

“We’ve named it Canberra Moon Festival – the festival itself carries the meaning of unity and isn’t only celebrated by Chinese people, so we wanted even the name to encourage everyone to be involved.

“It’s not just a cultural event, it’s for everyone in Canberra, with representation for all nationalities’ food and artistic performances.”

From a combination of community and professional performances from Thai traditional dances, Korean pop dance, Chinese dance, martial arts and a lion dance, Iris says the event will also include a pop-up grocery store and 17 different food stalls.

“We’re hoping to attract up to 10,000 people this year, last year’s event we had 6000 so it’s possible, as we are supported this year by the Multicultural Office, Canberra Theatre Centre, OzHarvest and sponsored by Keggins, La Casa Property Group and Mondiaux Security,” she says.

Suzana says the festival is structured better behind the scenes this year as well.

“Last year we were just a team of people, but this year we formed a not-for-profit, called Eastar, to host this one festival, and we see it as a good platform to be able to support charities and local artists, tourism and the economy,” she says.

As part of this, Eastar has partnered with OzHarvest and the entry fee to the event will be through donating two excess food items. It’s possible to pay too, with a gold coin.

The 2017 Canberra Moon Festival will be held 1pm-8pm, Sunday, October 1, Canberra Theatre Centre forecourt, Civic Square.

MELBOURNE

CUP FASHION

All about looking great for Cup day

TRACKSIDE, lunch-side, fun-side… Melbourne Cup Day is always a great time to dress up and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re dressing for a glamorous afternoon at the races or a swanky Cup lunch around the town, here’s where you need to be before Tuesday, November 7, Melbourne Cup race day.

truly ‘boutique’ experience

WHETHER customers are looking for a complete outfit or that special piece to highlight someone’s personal style, Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique provides exceptional service, says its owner Debbie.

Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique caters for a range of occasions whether it’s a formal function or an elegant get-together.

And, with spring in the air, Debbie says now is the perfect time to update the wardrobe. She can help choose that special piece and bespoke millinery, that will not only be a stunning statement for the race season, but she can also work these pieces into a fabulous wardrobe capsule that will carry customers through the warmer season.

“The boutique consistently stocks a core range of quality brands so you can build that personal wardrobe style that you can add special pieces season upon season as they catch your eye,” Debbie says.

Debbie Maree’s Fashion Boutique, 234 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 3335.

Jasmin matches tans for any occasion

THE best accessory to show-off someone’s Melbourne Cup Day outfit is a spray tan, says Faux Tanning Studio’s owner Jasmin Moore.

With more than 25 shades, from a light glow to a deep bronze, Jasmin says there’s enough choice so the client shines for any event or in any outfit. And to make sure of that, Faux Tanning Studio makes its appointments half-hourly so there’s time to do a consultation with each client before the tan.

This way, Jasmin says, Faux Tanning Studio can ask the clients if they have an event coming up, what the event is, what colour is the outfit or is it just an everyday tan?

“We take that into consideration and then choose the perfect tone

STEP OUT IN STYLE ON RACE DAY

for the client’s needs,” she says.

“We also take lots of care and pride in our spray tan application, making sure that we use a special technique so that the client’s hands and feet are flawless, with no signs of spray tan.

“We use quality equipment to make sure the client doesn’t have over-spray, which also guarantees no orange tones.”

But at the end of the day, Jasmin says, no matter what the event or occasion, clients will walk out with their happy endorphins charged.

Faux Tanning Studio, Shop 7, Andrews Arcade, 42 Giles Street, Kingston. Email fauxtanningstudio@gmail.com or call 0424 190260.

Maria loves helping women feel beautiful

AFTER struggling to find quality clothing for most of her life, Maria Wolters opened Honeysuckle and Lace, a women’s fashion store, four years ago in Kingston.

And recently it has been moved to a bigger location on 39 Jardine Street, which means that Maria has more room to share her passion in women’s fashion.

“I fell in love with women’s fashion because I love helping women feel beautiful, confident and comfort able,” Maria says.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXPERTS

Locals who know how to make things great

AN old, boring piece of furniture can be transformed into something exciting and “new” through professionally guided improvements or DIY repurposing.

The term “do-it-yourself” has been associated with consumers since at least 1912, primarily in the domain of home improvement and maintenance activities.

In the ‘50s, DIY became a popular trend for people undertaking home improvement and various other small craft and construction projects as a creative-recreational and cost-saving activity.

Here “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help make all things house related look new again…

Cabinetmaker Steve can’t stop building

OWNER Steve Milutinovic started his own cabinetmaking business in 1983 and 34 years on, Bordeaux Constructions and Bordeaux Kitchens now specialises in home renovations, extensions and new homes.

But that’s not all, Bordeaux also can complete commercial fitouts and joinery, with its fully licensed builders in NSW and the ACT.

“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” Steve says.

“We offer full trade co-ordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project.

“Our custom-built cabinetmaking workshop can also build joinery items to suit your needs whether for home or office.”

Steve says Bordeaux offers obligation-free quotes, competitive prices and will work with each customer to achieve their desired outcome.

Bordeaux Constructions and Bordeaux Kitchens, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4642, visit bordeauxbcm.com.au or search @BordeauxBCM on Facebook.

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Interiors • Exteriors

THE second-generation family busi ness, Eureka Street Furniture, which started in Brisbane 31 years ago and stretches as far north as Cairns, now has a store in Fyshwick.

The Fyshwick Eureka Street Furniture store opened its doors in early September and special ises in recycled and solid timbers, genuine leather and soft comfort able lounges.

Eureka Street Furniture’s chief operations officer Daniel Brisblat says the majority of the products are exclusive.

“Our buyers travel the world to buy genuine and unique pieces at affordable prices to our customers,” he says.

“We also have a lot of Scandi navian furniture, which is really on trend and unique at the moment.

“And when you visit our store you’ll notice many of the products you see would have featured on home-renovation and lifestyle programs.”

Eureka Street Furniture Fyshwick, 78 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 0414 or visit eurekastreetfurniture.com.au

BORDEAUX KITCHENS

(Associated with Capital Cabinetmaking) Specialise in custom-built design and joinery

• Kitchens • Vanity and laundry units

Commercial Joinery

• Shop/office • Home office

• Experienced tradesmen and full trade co-ordination available

BORDEAUX BATHROOMS

• Designed with you with your budget in mind

• High standard of workmanship

• High quality finish

• Completed on time, every time

BORDEAUX CONSTRUCTION & MANAGEMENT PTY LTD

THE team at Solace Creations are passionate about energy-efficient and sustainable homes and are on a mission to double glaze Canberra.

Business owner Karen Porter says Solace Creations has the largest double-glazing showroom in Canberra.

“I can’t understand why we have a code in place that says we must insulate our walls and ceiling, yet there is no rule to insulate windows or doors,” Karen says.

“Windows and doors make up about 30 per cent of our wall space and putting in a single piece of glass does not provide any insulation value.”

Solace Creations has won several awards over the last couple of years and is a locally run family business.

Karen says in investing in replacing windows customers will notice that their houses have more consistent temperatures, fewer draughts and a saving on heating and cooling bills.

CEDRIC

Solace Creations works with a range of preferred suppliers from Melbourne along with a Canberra manufacturer and all its products are Australian-made and tested to the Australian Standard.

Karen says: “We can help you create solace in your home. And solace means comfort.”

or visit solacecreations.com.au

EX- GOVERNMENT FURNITURE

Land spiral inspires homeowners to rebuild

AFTER the dramatic increase in Canberra’s land prices, homeowners in well-established, inner-suburban areas are finding it more cost effective to start again rather than renovate, says Blackett Homes sales manager Rick Meir.

Established in 1981, Blackett Homes is a family owned and operated business, which provides experienced end-to-end design and building services to help navigate its clients who want to rebuild.

“What that allows them to do is not compromise their design because they get to design a home to suit their needs, their block and their budget,” Rick says.

If interested clients aren’t yet sure what their ideal “design” might be, there is an upcoming, new display home opening in Denman Prospect for people to gather inspiration.

Initially, Blackett Homes meets with its client, on-site, for an obligation-free assessment.

“Should the homeowner wish to proceed we arrange a meeting and introduce them to our architectural designer,” he says.

“Once the client is happy with the new home concept we work with them preparing customary inclusions and contract details.

“And then, we look after the demolition approvals and construction, right through to the hand over of keys.

“The approval process can be arduous, so to have a one-stop-shop makes for a timely process.”

Blackett Homes, Mode 3, Level 1, Suite 121, 24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Call Rick on 0408 588770 or visit blacketthomes.com.au

“There

he says.

“It’s

or via facebook.com/exgovfurniture

COMES STANDARD WITH BLACKETT HOMES

HUMES FRONT DOOR

2550mm CEILING HEIGHT

WE’RE DELIGHTED TO INCLUDE THE LUXURY UPGRADE ITEMS BELOW IN ADDITION TO OUR HIGH LEVEL OF STANDARD INCLUSIONS.

MIELE OVEN & COOKTOP

Miele Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop

KM 2012 G — 65 cm wide, 4 burners including wok burner

Miele CleanSteel Electrical Oven

H 2260 B — Retractable dials, 8 functions, 56 Lt capacity, 4 rack levels, PerfectClean

INSULATION

R2.5 external wall insulation

R5.0 ceiling insulation to living areas

ALARM

Ness Eco 8 Alarm System: Four internal sensors, internal and external sirens, external alarm light, colour touch pad

2550mm CEILING HEIGHT THROUGHOUT

Brickwork over front elevation window and doors painted FC sheet infills to balance of windows and doors

HUMES FRONT DOOR

XS-24 stained maple veneer 2040mm (h) x up to 1200mm (w)

SHOWER RECESS NICHES

To bathroom and ensuite

300mm (h) x 500mm (w)

AIR CONDITIONING

Ducted two zone Toshiba reverse cycle air conditioning system

BE it a fluffy kitten, a loyal dog or a talkative parrot, for many people pets can seem like family members. And, while we always want the best for our loved ones, why not our furry, feathered or scaly friends? Here are some expert vets who really care for pets.

Gungahlin gets a dedicated cat hospital

SINCE it began in 1955, as a house-call practice, Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital grew with Gungahlin and now has 10 vets and more than 25 nurses.

Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital says it continues to offer excellent, compassionate veterinary care from its purpose-built hospital opposite Gungahlin Oval.

And, it’s delighted to announce the construction of a dedicated cat hospital in

Gungahlin, which will be on the same block as the existing veterinary hospital, but with its own space so cats never have to see a dog again!

As for emergencies, Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital knows that accidents happen at the worst times and says local residents have the benefit of 24-hour-care for animals, in hospital, with dedicated emergency vets to see owners and their pets out of hours.

This service is provided by emergency vets and nurses of Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service, who use facilities and equipment of Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital. One emergency that may arise during the warmer months could be caused from paralysis ticks, which can make pets sick and could even be fatal.

Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital advises pet owners to seek veterinary advice and

WITH concerns that the paralysis tick has adapted to Canberra’s climate, Dr Jana Stevenson, who is the head of Curtin Veterinary Clinic, urges pet owners to use preventative measures.

Even if pets aren’t going near the coast this year, Dr Jana says owners should still make sure that they’re treating their pets regularly.

With vague symptoms, which might not show up for days, Dr Jana says if owners take the risk and go without treatment, they could lose their pet.

Curtin Veterinary Clinic can give advice and treatment for paralysis ticks as well as a broad range of general veterinary services, including X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds

purchase the most effective tick preventative products to use at least a week before travelling to the coast.

Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital, 21 Crinigan Circle, Gungahlin. Call 6242 7276 or visit gungahlinvet.com.au

plus orthopedic and soft-tissue surgeries.

With the slogan, “your pet’s personal vet”, Dr Jana says the clinic strives to be a pet’s personal vet and, wherever possible, they try to ensure that each pet sees the same vet in the same consult room every visit.

“It’s all about the personal touch, we really try and work very closely with people to get to know them and their pets,” she says.

“For most people, dogs and cats are part of their family. We don’t want people to ever feel like they’re just another number.”

And with the nice spring weather, pet owners are invited to join the Curtin Veterinary Clinic’s family at its free Saturday morning group walks, which leave the clinic at 7.30am, and welcome anyone, even if they’re not a client.

Curtin Veterinary Clinic, 31-35 Curtin Place. Visit curtinvet.com.au or call 6281 0990.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Pocket opera of love, blood and guts

COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

PAINSTAKINGLY, Christopher Latham has pieced together a “pocket” or “jukebox” opera about the role of women in World War I.

Latham is the brains behind the World War I-targeted project “Flowers of War”, which in 2015 saw his “Gallipoli Symphony” streamed live around the world when it premiered in Istanbul.

His new production, “The Healers”, made up of 22 pieces for voice and orchestra from the era, features Dutch soprano Simone Riksman, who had grown men and women weeping when she appeared at the 2014 Canberra International Music Festival.

She plays a Belgian nurse and Austral ian tenor Andrew Goodwin the wounded Australian soldier. Because of what Latham calls the “blood and guts, and too much mud” theirs is a love that cannot be spoken.

Riksman, who is enjoying a burgeoning career in Europe, is an expert on the work of Lili Boulanger, who died during the war before realising her potential to become, in Latham’s view, “our greatest female composer”.

The soprano’s closeness to the work she’ll be singing will combine with what Latham calls her ability to “feel the emotion of her roles more than any other person I’ve met.

“She’s like a method actor, like what Lee Strasberg said of Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe… and there’s something about her that looks like a World War I nurse,” he says. Latham, a dual citizen of Australia and France, argues that both melodic music and Impressionism were destroyed by the war and has been at pains to consider the closeness of his performers to the subject. The one-armed clarinettist Maurice Jaspart will be performed by clarinettist Tom Azoury, while Catherine McCorkill, as the nurse who treats him, has in real life suffered a nerve injury. David Pereira plays the wounded stretcher bearer and cellist, Maurice Maréchal, Caroline Almonte plays the Red Cross volunteer and the piano, and Latham plays Boulnois.

“I wanted to prove that healing is pos

Marathon music jam to support refugees

ALL Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie, the Canberra Refugee Action Committee and representatives from Daramalan College are organising a marathon 10-hour concert to support refugees.

“Jam for Refugees”, which aims to raise money to help refugees and to raise awareness concerning the treatment of refugees, will be held at the Cowper Street church, 10.30am-

8.30pm, on Friday, October 13. The concert will consist of a series of 30-minute performances featuring, the organisers promise, some of Canberra’s finest musicians, all giving their time and talents free. Performances include school groups, choirs, soloists and instrumental groups. While predominantly classical, the jam also includes jazz and folk groups. The Hall Rotary Club will run a sausage sizzle between noon and 6 pm with proceeds going towards refugees. Entry is by donation at the door.

determined that it would technically turn them into actors.

It’s no accident that former “CityNews” Artist of the Year, Latham, was recently appointed as the first musical artist in residence for the Australian War Memorial – his views that Australia’s colossal losses in the Great War have left a “deep bruise in our psyche” require musical attention.

His appointment is aimed at enriching the memorial’s music collection and also giving “a human face to our nation’s losses”, necessary, he says, if you consider the “obscene amount of suffering”.

Two other upcoming concerts he is presenting are: “Monet’s Flowers of War”, where “the rock star of French art” is sitting in his garden at Giverny near the Western Front painting darker and darker waterlilies, as Australian flautist Jane Rutter performs at the James O. Fairfax Theatre, NGA, September 29 and 30.

At the High Court on Wednesday, November 8 there will be a performance of “1917: the Night is Darkest Before the Dawn”, including a sneak preview of the “Diggers’ Requiem”, a mighty piece for which he commissioned works from Nigel Westlake, Alex Lithgow, Richard Mills and Elena Kats-Chernin.

“The Healers”, High Court of Australia, Tuesday, October 10. Subscriptions and bookings to theflowersofwar.org or team@theflowersofwar.org

Baritone David Pearson in the title role of “Sweeney Todd”... “Vocally, this is the biggest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

Dark role fulfills David’s dream

By Helen Musa

“THERE’S a hole in the world like a great black pit,” the central character sings again and again in Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, but it’s a darkness that attracts and repels at the same time.

This is the Stephen Sondheim musical that critics have most likened to an opera and to perform its magnificent music is the dream of a lifetime for David Pearson, one of the finest voices in Canberra’s musical theatre scene.

Pearson, a former student of School of Music opera guru Anthea Moller, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, but he’s done little acting in recent years, apart from a bit of work at The Street Theatre and a role in a short film.

“Having kids is a big part of it,” Pearson tells “CityNews” as he prepares for his role.

“My wife Alyssa and I have three little darlings to keep us busy.”

By day he works for University of Canberra in its recruitment and markings marketing section but now, by night, under the watch of director Richard

and musical director Leonard Weiss,

returning to what he loves, performing on stage.

And what a role to come back to.

Sweeney Todd, an honest London barber is wrongly accused of a crime and transported to Australia by a corrupt judge. After 15 years he returns only to be told that his wife has poisoned herself and his child is the ward of the same judge. It’s a recipe for madness and he embarks on a murderous quest to dispose of the judge and all those who symbolise the heart of darkness that is London.

Pearson is no stranger to “Sweeney Todd”, having performed in the chorus for the Royal Academy’s production.

“Vocally, this is the biggest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he says.

“There are many vocal leaps and key changes and time changes and it most definitely should be referred to as an opera.”

Luckily he faces the challenges in good company, with final-year, Gungahlin College student Meaghan Stewart as the pragmatic pie-maker Mrs Lovett. She may be ahead of her time, but Pearson is just coming into the right age to play Sweeney Todd and judges his voice has matured to the point where it is exactly right for the role.

“When I was younger I was a lighter baritone, but age and gravity take effect so I’m getting a

and the

FOR REFUGEES

more rounded bass voice and I like to sink my teeth into those lower harmonics,” he says.

The teeth-sinking metaphor has us agreeing not to use any more eating analogies for the most terrifying part of the show is that the central character disposes of his victims in Mrs Lovett’s pies.

It may be Sondheim’s comment on economic rationalism, but it is still pretty revolting.

“The back story is quite tragic, the man returns to London… he hears that his wife has taken poison and that his daughter has become the ward of the very man who imprisoned him, I can see why he goes into this terrible rage against the system and the judge who is at its foundation,” says Pearson.

But not even Pearson can stomach the idea of Sweeney Todd as a tormented hero.

“From where I’m sitting, inside his skin, I can justify his actions based on the foundation of loss, grief and fear, but there are so many innocent people who are killed, so he may not be considered a dark hero – he is too black… it’s the dark underbelly of the beast that Sondheim is exploring.”

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, Gungahlin College Theatre, October 6-21. Bookings to stagecenta.com or 6253 1454, 10am-4 pm weekdays.

Mountain doco scales new heights

By Dougal Macdonald

“Mountain” (G)

ASKED: “Why does anybody climb a mountain?”, George Mallory answered: “Because it’s there!” Mallory’s corpse spent 75 years on Mt Everest waiting for somebody to discover it.

The only reference to Mallory I saw in Jennifer Peedom’s documentary is a fleeting glimpse of his memorial stone. With “Mountain”, Ms Peedom has more tasty fish to fry, a stunningly beautiful documentary travelling the globe to observe mountainous regions and consider their nature, purpose, influence on weather and climate and their interaction with humans.

It’s not entertainment in the accepted sense. Which is not to say its 74 minutes don’t grip its audiences by their most sensitive parts before sending them back to their little world, perhaps bewildered, certainly amazed, challenged, breathless and above all excited by the vicarious experience of going where few humans other than those who live among mountains really understand.

And there’s real music performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, directed by Richard Tognetti. Beethoven is a perfect companion to breathtaking images as the film approaches its conclusion.

In cinema’s scary-ness pantheon, “Mountain” out-does every sci-fi fantasy, every horror exploitation. How? By its firm grasp on reality. By its truth on our planet. By the sheer complexity of mountain systems that people can’t just walk up, but aren’t dissuaded by that little impediment.

At Dendy, Palace Electric

“Australia Day” (MA) MIGHT Foxtel be a symbol for the future of our feature film industry? Its frequent presence in director Kriv Stenders’ film (his “Red Dog” is

a symbol for the Pilbara landscape and Aussie mateship) is subtle but inescapable.

As a stage for its plot about disadvantaged racial identities, Stephen Irwin’s screenplay pays scant homage to the day of the title. Aboriginal, Chinese and Lebanese characters tell separate stories that ultimately, with some but not complete success, come together.

Highway Patrol senior constable Sonya (Shari Sebbens) is attending a crash in which a teenage girl has died. Sonya, with Aboriginal forebears, feels she has failed by not stopping another girl from fleeing. This is April (Miah Madden), also with Aboriginal forebears, seeking her mother whose life is beset by booze, drugs and indiscriminate moral choices.

Lan Chang (Jenny Wu) is fleeing brothel life when she comes to the notice of Terry (Bryan Brown) who tries to help her. Yaghoub (Phoenix Raei) is something of a burden to his Lebanese mother.

Terry provides the film’s backbone. He has terminal cancer. The bank has foreclosed on his farm. In town to mend the bridge with his police detective son (Matthew Le Nevez), Terry has also brought his reliable .303 rifle.

It runs for 134 minutes. There was one walkout about a third of that time. I understood why.

At Dendy

“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” (MA)

THIS is the first (another has been announced) sequel to the 2014 comedy actioner about a secret British spy agency that operates out of a London tailoring shop. Like its predecessor, it stars Colin Firth as Harry, out-secret-agenting lesser secret agents such as J. Bond and J. Bourne. The plot is well advanced before Harry makes an appearance. Until then, we must make do with Harry’s young acolyte Eggsy (Taron Egerton) who is cast from the same mould. There is a villain, more correctly, a villainess. Her name is Poppy and the luscious Julianne Moore plays her with consummate ease. Poppy wants to become even richer. So she arranges to infect the world’s population with a malign illness then offers to supply the antidote for a fee. Uncle Sam isn’t going to let that happen without a fight.

We’ve seen this film’s like in various guises. Its chiefest virtue is that it knows the value of humour to leaven its doughy improbabilities. For that reason, I commend Elton John playing not only piano but also a Statesman operative. He, Ms Moore and a pair of mechanical killer dogs turn out to be the best parts of a film that would have taken no harm by leaving more of its 140 minutes on the cutting room floor.

At all cinemas

DINING / Brod at Capital Brewing Co.

Burger heaven at the end of the walk

THERE’S nothing like a burger and a beer, especially after a long walk. Three of my regular dining mates reported this to be the case after they walked from Kingston to the Capital Brewing Co. for lunch on a sunny Sunday. I drove. Not because I don’t love to walk but because I was frantically busy.

The Capital Brewing Co., Dairy Road, Fyshwick, has a great vibe and if eating outside, the games on the lawn area keep kids (and adults) amused. Elsewhere there’s a cubby house and high chairs. Dogs are welcome.

You eat just inside the tap room, with its glistening, state-of-the-art brewing system, custom built. But back to the beer and the grub. Brod has moved in, pumping out giant, beautiful flame-grilled burgers, dogs and chips. You gotta wrap your hands around these babies while getting stuck in or you’ll end up in one helluva mess.

Here’s how it works. You enter and head to the bar (at least this is how we do it). The core range of ales includes: Coast Ale, fresh, crisp, clean; Trail Pale Ale with floral notes of pine and citrus; and Evil Eye Red IPA, which the boys behind the brewery say is “bursting with citrus hop flavours, paired with a full-bodied caramel malt base and

Photo by Maddie McGuigan

You gotta wrap your hands around these babies while getting stuck in or you’ll end up in one helluva mess.

roasty finish”. Seasonal, outer and cider ranges are also on offer. Be prepared to line up and wait and then wait some more if it’s busy. That’s for drinks at the bar and then at Brod (formerly BrodBurger). The good news is that Brod texts when your order is ready. We all ordered burgers with blue cheese. The flame-grilled, beef patties are loaded with pickles, onion, American mustard, ketchup and tomato relish. They’re astonishingly juicy and can be ordered with brie, swiss or cheddar. We’re all blue fans. Only problem was that my burger had no cheese at all (sad face). There was no way I was going back in to correct the order. We had waited for yonks already and I was starving so

just dived in.

Brod’s burgers range from $14 to $15 and are worth every bite (baby sizes available). The massive broddog comes with “the works”, including bacon coleslaw, pickles, ketchup, corn relish, sweet potato ribbons and shaved cheese ($11) –not for the faint hearted. A good old American dog is available ($7) and chips are piping hot, thin, crispy and salty ($6.50 for large).

Capital Brewing Co. is fun and well worth the trip. Like the lads behind the venture, the place is chilled – as chilled as the beer.

Capital Brewing Co., 1 Dairy Road, Building 3, Fyshwick. Open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to late.

ARTS IN THE CITY

March in for military music

By Helen Musa

“MARZIALE” is a concert of military music featuring the Band of the Royal Military College, directed by Maj. David Bird. They’ll be joined by music students from the ANU School of Music and the Canberra City Pipes and Drums. All proceeds to Legacy. At Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, Saturday, October 7. Entry by donation.

DIRECTOR Nina Stevenson and musical director Lachy Agett are presenting holiday fun for kids, this time with Malcolm Sircom’s musical “Olivia!”, a tongue-in-cheek story of a downtrodden orphan girl who becomes a star of the London stage. At Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, Launceston Street, Woden, until Friday, October 6. Bookings to trybooking.com

THE Sydney Consort’s next concert, featuring recorder virtuoso Hans-Dieter Michatz, looks at neglected works of baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann. At Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, Sunday, October 1. Bookings to sydneyconsort.com.au

ARTISTS Lyn Cottingham and Isla Patterson have captured the vagaries of the climate in their exhibition of contrasting paintings, “Worlds Apart”, with oil paintings of the Antarctic and watercolours of the Kimberley respectively. At Yarralumla Gallery & Oaks Brasserie, Weston Park Road, Yarralumla, until October 27.

CONTEMPORARY music duo Tess Said So (Rasa Daukus on piano and electronics with Will Larsen on percussion) is back with “Schallen”, a live, remixed soundtrack to the eerie, gothic visuals of silent movie “Nosferatu” with mezzo-soprano AJ America. In the Main Hall, Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera Street, Braddon, 8pm, October 7. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

CHILD Players ACT has engaged emerging director Kitty Malam to direct a 1980s take on Hans Christian Andersen’s most chilling tale, “The Snow Queen”, in which Gerda sets out to save her best friend Kai from the icy queen of the north. At Belconnen Community Theatre, Swanson Court, Belconnen, October 5-7. Bookings to childplayersact.com.au

GUITARIST Callum Henshaw will be playing Catalan folk songs and works by Houghton, Brouwer and Barrios at Cooinda Hall, Kangara Waters, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, 2.15pm, Sunday, October 1. Tickets at door only.

THE surprise treat of Sculpture in the Paddock, running daily at Cooma Cottage on Yass Valley Way until October 8, is the show of youth sculptures inside the cottage itself. Principal of Yass High School Sandra Hiscock says the delighted students have sold more than $1200 worth of artwork so far.

GARDENING

Perennial attraction to borders

A FLOWER border is really a loose expression and has no definitive width or length.

I have received comments regarding recent illustrations of long flower borders with readers bemoaning the limitations of the standard small garden in Canberra.

But home gardeners can have a border as small as three metres long and one metre wide.

It’s important to keep in mind the height and spread of plants, which are much easier to predict with perennials than shrubs.

Anyone with the time might like to take a sheet of graph paper and draw circles in the squares representing 50 centimetres, then draw a line for groups of three or five of the same plant. These will represent the particular plant for colour effect and flowering in the various seasons.

Here are a few suggested perennials (height x width) for a small garden or border that should be available at local garden centres.

All are hardy in Canberra’s climate extremes and most have been grown in our garden for many years. There are also many varieties of the same plant, as an example Dianthus can range from pure white to deep crimson or pink.

• Dianthus “Sugar Plum”, 30cm x 30cm.

• Dianthus “Memories”, 30cm x 30cm.

• Geum “Flames of Passion”, 30cm x 40cm.

• Lychnis “Passion”, 45cm x 45cm.

• Limonium “Perezii Blue”, 60cm x 40cm.

• Salvia “Blue Mound”, 45cm x 45cm.

• Salvia “East Friesland”, 50cm x 40cm.

• Stokesia “Purple Pixie”, 40cm x 40cm.

• Tulbaghia “Border Stars”, 30cm x 20cm.

Equally, these can be planted into a 2m x 2m garden keeping the tall ones at the back

NORMALLY, I am wary of mail-order plants because a buyer

doesn’t really know the quality of plants until they arrive.

However, there is one mailorder nursery, Lambley Nursery of Victoria, that I have visited and the standard is excellent with an enviable reputation (lambley.com.au).

THERE are few, if any, new books on native plants specifically about the Australian National Botanic Gardens. That is until now with the publication of “Discovering Australian Flora – Australian National Botanic Gardens Experience” by Fanny Karouta-Manasse (CSIRO, rrp $35).

It is a pictorial record par excellence of life at the gardens – from the living flora to fauna, from trees and shrubs to birds, hedgehogs and water dragons, all worthy

inhabitants of the gardens. With a degree in plant biology and a PhD in marine biology, the author is well qualified to present this highly professional photographic record of our country’s incredible biodiversity. Karouta-Manasse joined the Friends of the Gardens and is a volunteer at the National Seed Bank.

Jottings...

• Check out the “Fairy Wings” selection of lavenders at garden centres.

• It is not too late to sow sweet pea seeds.

• Feed, feed and feed every plant in the garden now!

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Harmonious partnerships and creative coupledom are highlighted as the Full Moon, Venus and Mars rev up relationships and joint ventures. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with an Aries sense of adventure) then you’ll sail through challenges and taste sweet success. Balance is the key. So your motto for the moment is from actress Claire Danes (who has Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra): “Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Courtesy of the Full Moon and Saturn, you’re not in the mood to mix and mingle. So keep a low profile this week as you relax, recharge and self-nurture. But secrets from the past could boomerang back, as some old karma catches up with you. Expect vivid memories to return, or the resurfacing of a sensitive issue. It’s also important to get the balance right in your daily life. Perhaps it’s time for some chores, routines, activities, bad habits (or people) to be shown the door?

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week the Full Moon focus is on friendships – how to nurture them, keep them and then let them go if you have outgrown each other. You’ll find mutual interests are essential to long-term platonic relationships. Attached Twins – stop being scatty and superficial! Your partner is hoping for some sensible and balanced advice. Looking for love? It’s time to get real Gemini, as you make a flirtatious admirer prove themselves before you ride off into the romantic sunset.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are you making the most of your mind? With Venus and Mars activating your communication zone, expand your thinking to encompass bold ideas and creative concepts. It’s also a good week to increase your public profile; complete a professional project; give a speech; or launch a website or social media campaign. But don’t underestimate the hard work it will take to keep the wheels of progress turning. Patience and persistence are the keys to ongoing success.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

The Full Moon revs up your gypsy gene and activates your adventure zone. So it’s the perfect time to escape somewhere special, whether it’s a much anticipated holiday or a spontaneous weekend getaway. With Mars and Venus linking up in your money zone, don’t let fleeting whims and luxury fever get in the way of longterm financial planning. Your mantra for the moment is from fellow Leo, artist Andy Warhol: “Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Venus and Mars link up in your sign so it’s a terrific time for romance, relationships, socialising and creating. But the big lesson to learn is how to diversify and delegate. No one (not even a super effective Virgo) is indispensable. And expect some dramatic developments to do with lust or loot, as the Full Moon stimulates your sex and money zone. Single? With Saturn squaring Venus, it could be difficult to differentiate between a dream date and a smooth operator so tread carefully.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Expect some relationship rumbles, as the Full Moon stimulates your partnership zone. Singles – look for love with an amorous Aries or an adventurous Aquarius (but don’t let them walk all over you). If you are attached, now is the time to stand up for what you believe in. Otherwise your proactive partner could take the reins and ride the relationship in the direction and manner they prefer, with little input from you. A shared vision is vital for romantic longevity.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

You have strong likes and dislikes and you don’t do things by halves. Especially when there’s a Full Moon! You love to call the shots and be in control but you’ll find another ‘c’ word – cooperation – will get you a lot further this week, with less tantrums and tears. Positive Pluto aspects promise romantic passion, increased motivation and personal power. Don’t over think things though! As Bill Gates (a fellow Scorpio) says “Often you have to rely on intuition.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The Full Moon falls in your drama zone so expect a week full of extremes –everything from passion and flamboyance to arguments and dummy-spits. A troubled teenager or a feisty friend may try to push your buttons so try to keep your composure, and don’t give them the satisfaction of a response! Professional projects are favoured – as long as you don’t be a Sagittarian smart-aleck. Instead, hold your tongue and listen to the advice of a trusted colleague, teacher or mentor.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun’s in your career zone, which boosts your ambitious streak. You’re keen to get ahead but don’t trample over others on your climb to the top! Aim to get the balance right between your personal and professional lives. Relationships will certainly be complicated this week when passion is combined with power plays, and romance is coupled with responsibility. So expect some dramas, as the Full Moon triggers prima donna moments or Saturn stirs up partnership problems.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Venus is visiting your ‘money-from-others’ zone which often coincides with financial luck and a boost to cash flow. But with Saturn squaring Venus, any gains could be gobbled up by burgeoning bills and increasing expenses. So plan accordingly and don’t fritter good fortune away. Thursday and Friday are fabulous for love and passion, as romantic Venus and sexy Mars hook up in your intimacy zone. Singles – find a personal project you can pour your energy into.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With Venus and Mars pairing up in your partnership zone, you’ll feel more motivated to sort out relationship problems than at other times. And you have a good chance of success. Especially if you are proactive about finding solutions, and are prepared to compromise. But (courtesy of the Full Moon) money matters could come to a head, when you realise your bank balance and your wish list are worlds apart. So maybe it’s time to boost your cash flow or re-design your dreams?

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

4 Which metal is the highest in the order of electrical conductance? (6)

7 What is a beekeeper called? (8)

8 What is a doll, or crude representation of a person? (6)

9 Name the skill in making quick and witty replies. (8)

11 What is also called cajolery? (7)

13 Name the eighth sign of the zodiac. (7)

15 Which term describes an infirm or sickly person? (7)

17 What is an ornamental shoulder piece worn on uniforms? (7)

20 Name another term for a sailor. (8)

23 What are shades for windows? (6)

24 Name the practice of seeking the welfare of others. (8)

25 The leafstalks of which plants are used raw in salads? (6)

Down

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

2 In which place are miscellaneous articles sold for charity? (6)

3 What is an authoritative decree also called? (4)

4 What is iron, in a modified form? (5)

5 Those jailed for the term of their natural lives are known as what? (6)

6 What, in golf, is a score two below par? (5)

9 Which word describes that which is daringly close to indelicacy? (6)

10 Name another term for vulcanite. (7)

12 What is a different expression for being the more distant? (6)

14 Name a NW coastal Tasmanian town, postcode 7320. (6)

16 What is an ancient contrivance for calculating? (6)

18 What is a single throb of the heart? (5)

19 Which other term describes a composition? (5)

21 What is the highest male voice? (4)

22 The term Orient implies what? (4)

Kelly came to the office seeking an explanation of what she'd heard were changes to the company tax rate.

“Well, Kelly, the company tax rate changes are quite straightforward, it's the dividend franking rate that's actually creating confusion,” I told her.

“For the year ended June 30, 2016, your company was defined as being a small business as its turnover was less than $2 million and the tax rate was then 28.5 per cent for a small business.

"For the year ended June 30, 2017, a small business was defined as having a turnover of $10 million or less and the tax rate reduced to 27.5 per cent. For the year ending June 30, 2018, there is no change to the small business turnover definition but more businesses will become entitled to use the same tax rate. That rate will reduce to 25 per cent by June 30, 2026."

I told her that the thresholds were not relevant as she clearly ran a small business and would do so into the future. Suffice it to say, larger companies would be paying 30 per cent on their income including investment companies that didn't trade.

The confusion was with the franking credits.

"When you receive a dividend from a company the dividend is generally franked. This means that it has a tax credit attaching, which the shareholder receives the benefit of when they lodge their personal return," I explained.

"The franking credit is allowed at the relevant rate. Until June 30, 2015, you had paid tax at 30 per cent and your dividend was franked at 30 per cent. When the rate went down in 2016 you paid less tax but were still able to frank your dividends at 30 per cent.

"However, this year the rate has reduced to 27.5 per cent. The balance in your franking account has mostly resulted from tax paid at 30 per cent but you can only frank your dividends this year at 27.5 per cent. The impact of this is that you will pay more tax in your personal return on any franked dividends that you receive.

“Not only that, but you will be paying a greater percentage of tax in the future as the tax rates drop and if you liquidate the company down the track you will probably not be able to utilise all your franking credits.”

Kelly said that the situation seemed a "bit weird" and did the same thing happen with shares in her super fund?

“Not exactly," I said. "As most of those companies would have a turnover greater than $50 million, they are currently not entitled to the lower tax rate so the company would be paying 30 per cent tax and you would be receiving franking credits of 30 per cent. If and when those companies become entitled to a lower tax rate then your franking credits would be at that lower rate. So the system is a little confusing at this stage.”

Kelly said: “I think I understand. but I'm sure there will be more questions over the next few months.”

I replied: That's fine. I'm here to help you in any way I can, Kelly."

If you need any assistance with your any aspect of your tax or business

The future of your right to compensation is up for grabs.

A citizens’ jury is about to determine your right to fair compensation. That’s 50 people being asked to decide CTP policy over three weekends.

This is a job that Government should do.

The outcome will affect your future claims in the event of a road accident, whether you’re in a motor vehicle, on a bicycle, or a pedestrian.

You could be denied access to medical treatment, and experience loss of income and ongoing pain and suffering without fair compensation.

Why should you and your family suffer when it’s not your fault?

Protect your right to CTP compensation.