171012 citynews

The ‘disgrace’ that is Tasmania

ROBERT MACKLIN

Daze of the old schoolyard

CHRIS COLEMAN Keep climbers under control

CEDRIC BRYANT

WEIRD WONDERFUL

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Snakes ‘aren’t that bad’, say Emma and Luke

By Danielle Nohra

NORTHSIDE couple Emma and Luke Dunn

are on a mission to show Canberra that snakes “aren’t that bad”.

In fact, 28-year-old Emma says they play a really important role in the ecosystem, so while it’s okay to not like them, killing them isn’t necessary. And, illegal.

The pair met when working at what was then called the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary and, after a “romantic weekend getaway” to a venomous snake-handling course, they petitioned the ACT government for the first, private, snake-catching licence in Canberra.

The government agreed, so in 2015 Emma and Luke started Canberra Snake Rescue & Relocation, which specialises in removing unwanted venomous snakes and other reptiles from homes, offices or worksites.

Since then, they’ve had to rescue snakes from some odd locations in the ACT.

One of the strangest requests was rescuing a red-bellied black snake from a fish shop in the Belconnen marketplace while people were still shopping.

“Luke has also been on a harness to rescue three brown snakes, winched down in a ditch on a worksite,” Emma says.

“After we rescue native snakes we relocate them within our licence regulations, ideally away from human-frequented areas.”

But, Emma says it’s not as simple as just putting them in some nearby bushland. They both have to make an ecological decision as to what’s best for the snake or there could be dire conse -

quences such as introducing disease.

“We’re in it because we actually care about them, so we wouldn’t put them somewhere, where cats could attack them,” she says.

“We do it because we love snakes and we know a lot of people don’t.”

Emma and Luke want to share this love, or at least a respect for snakes, by using their knowledge to educate the public.

“Our aim is to educate people through snake awareness, school displays and other organised displays,” Luke, 23, says.

“We’ve started doing displays and we can go in

and chat to schools.

“We now run a snake-awareness presentation aimed at staff so they know what to do if there’s a snake in the school grounds. If the teacher is able to control the situation and not panic then it is better for everyone.”

Emma and Luke want to remove the fear around snakes, which they say is the fear of the unknown.

“The first time our daughter, [Amelia, 2], saw a dog she panicked and screamed, but put a [pet] snake in front of her and she’s happy,” Emma says.

Luke and Emma urge people not to under-

estimate their children and teach them about poisonous snakes and what to do if approached by one.

“The likelihood of coming across a snake is high but the likelihood of having contact with a snake or being bitten by a snake is low,” Emma says.

And, she says there’s not really an ideal time to avoid snakes because it’s usually during the hottest part of the day, which is when it’s too hot for humans as well.

“The best thing to do is go out when needed but know how to react if there’s a snake nearby,” she says.

Snakes can even still come out at night when it’s warm and Emma advises pet owners to keep their animals on a leash, especially if there’s long grass around.

“People think that snakes will attack you and chase you if they see you, but if one comes towards you, it’ll usually go past you,” she says.

“If they’re trying to get to a burrow they’ll risk going past you to go towards a spot that’s safe. They don’t stop and bother you on the way.”

“If you see a snake close by, try your best to keep your distance without moving too quickly,” Luke says.

“If you stay still they don’t notice you as much and don’t see you as a predator.”

Emma says: “Each snake is an individual, and as much as people don’t believe us, they have a personality, too.”

Snake Rescue & Relocation have a call-out fee of $50, with an additional $20 for removal. Call 0405 405304 or email canberrasnakerescue@hotmail.com

Arts & Entertainment 18-21

Cinema 20

Dining 21

Crossword 23

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

Letters 8

News 5-10

Politics 8

Socials 12-13

Cover: One of hyperreal artist Patricia Piccinini’s fragile hybrid babies. Story Pages 18-19.

1993: Volume 23, Number 38

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Just Jill seeks justice for ‘extremist’ photo slur

A LOCAL woman described as “just a public servant in Canberra” has called in lawyers believing she’s been labelled an “extremist”.

Jill Moran says she “felt sick to the stomach” after viewing her photo next to an article on the Coalition for Marriage website. Phil Johnston, from lawyers Slater and Gordon, who is representing Ms Moran pro bono, says: “The allegations of violent protesting, of bullying and intimidation with regards to Jill are just patently false”. Johnston says Ms Moran’s photo was taken at a peaceful rally and her behaviour has been “misrepresented”.

HOW black does a black spot have to be?

Peak-hour motorists using Kingsford-Smith Drive (between Belconnen Way and Southern Cross Drive) who frequently witness multivehicle crashes and daily near-misses could be forgiven for wondering when the area would be considered for the program. The

process for nominating Black Spot locations is embedded with evasive caveats that may discourage members of the public from making submissions.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website explains: “Sites which fail to meet eligibility criteria with regard to crash history or are not supported by a road safety audit, cannot be considered.”

STILL on colours.

Mercifully, the noisy chorus of “yellow and black” has faded to a dull roar since last week’s Richmond

Tigers AFL Premiership. But some local fans seem determined to squeeze the last drop of colour from the drought-breaking win. Two large gum trees outside a Torrens home still proudly wear the gold and black streamers, suggesting the homeowners are anticipating a long, dry, dusty stretch “between drinks”.

ACCORDING to a national magpie swoop alert website (magpiealert.com), Canberrans

are seriously under attack. The site reveals we have a swoop rate of 15.1 per cent, up from 7.3 per cent last season.

On the website, an Amaroo cyclist reports: “Flew at me, squawking like crazy. This bird is smarter, grabbing on to my jersey to peck at my cheek.”

A pedestrian pushing a child in a pusher at Jacka says: “Magpie attacked my four-yearold on the scooter.”

And from a Richardson resident: “Swooped by my ear. Loud crack as it snapped its wings, rendering hearing loss for an hour.”

MEANTIME, Canberra postie John Kanard

has revealed his secret to soothing the savage, swooping magpie. The Australia Post employee and part-time “magpie whisperer” has made peace with the magpies on his round by feeding them muesli bars. Schooled in the art of ornithology as a youngster, Kanard says it’s simply a matter of gaining the bird’s trust. “Feed them when it’s not springtime and when spring comes along they come up and say hello expecting to be fed,” he says.

Deputy ACT Opposition Leader Nicole Lawder has been galvanised into action in the aftermath of the Las Vegas gun

tragedy. The member for Brindabella, while “dismayed by former PM John Howard’s comments about marriage equality”, says the man – whom she credits for her political career – has “left a lasting legacy on our community for his actions on gun control”. Posting on Facebook the Liberal MLA said: “It’s been hard for me to sit back and say nothing in the wake of yet more unspeakable gun violence in the US, even though I have been criticised in the past for speaking up after similar tragedies –criticised as another politician is scoring cheap points on the back of a tragedy”.

WITH the footy season dusted (Tiger fans excepted) Canberra’s cricketers have dragged out the whites for another season and it would appear – in the veterans’ category – “stumps” appears to be a long way off. This season there are more players over 70 participating in Canberra cricket. And in November, the Veterans Cricket ACT will host more than 30 teams for the national over 60s carnival with former test captain Graham Yallop (Victoria) and Ewen Chatfield (NZ) coming to the capital.

AND on national security issues this well known Page “resident” may give the new facial recognition technology a run for its money!

Corporate Lorcan thrives on doing good

By Danielle Nohra

AFTER nearly 30 years in senior management, CEO of Communities@Work Lorcan Murphy, 47, is doing all the things he loves, but instead of making shareholders wealthy he’s doing something positive for the community.

“Following years of shareholders and bottom lines, it’s nice to do something that has a better outcome,” he says.

Dublin-born Lorcan, who has been in Canberra for about five years, stepped into the role almost two years ago and has used his background to focus on running the social enterprise as a business.

“I’m just the custodian of the organisation for a set period of time, who’s there to keep it fit and healthy and make sure it’s sustainable,” he says.

“We use an analogy that the organisation is good but we want it to get to great.”

Communities@Work turns over $37 million a year, employs about 700 Canberrans and generates a surplus to “do-good” in areas such as food, clothing, education and accommodation.

Even though some community services are provided on a fee-for-service basis or funded through government contracts, the charitable programs at Communities@Work rely on strong corporate, philanthropic and community support.

And, all the stuff it does in the charitable space is contingent on its childcare services,

which began in the ‘70s by a group of mums who took turns minding each other’s children.

Now, Lorcan says, not only does Communities@Work offer quality childcare services, but also the benefit of positively contributing to the community.

Similarly to the Communites@Work business model, Lorcan doesn’t believe in just doing what’s in his job description, but rather everything he is capable of doing, in every situation.

From a young age Lorcan knew the area he would assist others would be in the business world.

“I was pretty confident from an early age that I would find myself in the world of business and commerce as a career,” he says.

“My parents ran a family business while I was growing up and this was something I was very interested in.

“As a youngster, I always had ideas. My parents liked to remind me of my interesting entrepreneurial tendencies and schemes. I started a fully-fledged business when I was 18 procuring and selling computers.”

Lorcan describes Communities@Work as a relationship business that means many things to different people, such as childcare for a parent or a place to get quality clothes.

“It’s a fantastic organisation and it’s been in existence for 40 years,” Lorcan says.

“And we’re always looking for good people and are never short on jobs for the right people.”

Information about Communities@Work via commsatwork.org

The leopards have changed their spots. Not!

THE big lie is alive and well. Apparently, Big Tobacco is going to deliver a “smoke-free world” while coal mining giant Adani and its supporters are going to introduce “cleaner coal” to reduce the impact of climate change.

We are supposed to believe the leopards have changed their spots. They are suddenly interested in healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy environment rather than profit from their devastating commodities.

(Roll around the floor laughing!)

Appearing before a Federal Parliamentary Committee last week a spokesman for the tobacco giant Phillip Morris said: “I know that many Australians have long viewed tobacco companies as part of the problem, but we will demonstrate that our company is changing and we’re bringing practical, science-based solutions to the table in pursuit of our smoke-free vision”.

(Continue the belly laugh!)

He went to explain: “Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of premature death and disease in Australia and around the world”. Big Tobacco knows it can no longer

The big lies, along with large donations to political parties, undermine our democracy in favour of a ‘corporatocracy’ where big business can purchase policy outcomes.

deny. Despite every claim they now make in Australia, they are vigorously marketing their lethal product to new and larger markets in low and middle-income countries.

(Not a laughing matter!)

Big Tobacco has a track record on the big lie. First, tobacco companies, including Philip Morris, spent decades denying tobacco causes illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Second, they went for the next big lie ...“just filter it”. The argument was that filtering would be less harmful and would therefore save lives.

(Laughable!)

The current big lie attempts to reframe the debate in terms of health: “The principal cause of those diseases is not the tobacco and it’s not the nicotine; it’s the way nicotine is delivered… if smokers could use

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cleaner forms of nicotine, their risk would be substantially reduced.” Despite a track record and overseas behaviour, we are now supposed to believe tobacco companies are interested in health.

(Still rolling around on the floor in sidesplitting guffaws!)

It is the same big lie. ANU professor Emily Banks and colleagues, studying 200,000 people, demonstrated that about two thirds of smokers will die 10 years younger than non-smokers.

Extrapolating Philip Morris’ “smoke-free world” argument would mean, for example, with a 50 per cent success rate about a third of people smoking alternatives will die five years younger than non-users of their (mostly unassessed) products.

BRIEFLY

The big lie is also embedded in the fossil-fuel industry. For years the industry has denied climate change has any relationship to human activity. Conservative politicians repeat the claim, tobacco-company style, despite irrefutable evidence to the contrary.

Nationals Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan prefer to talk about “high-efficiency, low-emissions” coal plants as part of the debate over the taxpayers’ subsidy of Adani. Attempting to use more technical language because the notion of clean coal is so laughable it should fool no-one. But it does. This is how the big lie works.

These unhealthy industries also challenge our democracy. As Monash academic, David Holmes pointed out, “fossil-fuel companies already receive $2000 in rebates and subsidies for every $1 they donate to Australia’s major political parties”. Unfortunately, this return on investment undermines human

and planetary health.

The big lies, along with large donations to political parties, undermine our democracy in favour of a “corporatocracy” where big business can purchase policy outcomes. The reality is that this is not a laughing matter.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health. He is CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia and President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

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College hits its Big Four-O

ST Francis Xavier College is holding its 40th anniversary celebration, called SFX FEST, on the college grounds in Florey, 11am-4pm, on Saturday, November 4. Founded in 1976, SFX is a co-educational Catholic school and SFX FEST is open to current and former students and their parents, staff members and other members of the wider community with a connection to the school.

That evening, from 6.30 pm, the college will host a cocktail catch-up at Ainslie Football Club. Former students and staff are invited to come along to meet and mingle with old friends. Both events are ticketed through eventbrite.com.au

Hymnfest invitation

ANYONE who loves singing hymns is welcome at the fourth annual Hymnfest for an afternoon of community singing of traditional, modern and contemporary songs around the theme “How Great Thou Art”. The Mosaic Choir will also perform. It’s at the Mosaic Baptist Church, 18 Dallachy Street, Page, from 2pm on Saturday, October 21, followed by afternoon tea. Entry is free.

Trivia fundraiser

THE Bold Bandannas are hosting a fundraiser for the ACT Cancer Council with a trivia night at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, from 7pm, on Saturday, October 14. Tickets are $20 with tables of eight to 10 people. Bookings to 6288 7752 or 6231 0761.

Learning from failure

DR Oliver Macgregor will speak on “Failures, Disasters, Fractures and Lithic Technology” at the next meeting of the Canberra Archaeological Society and Friends of the Museum at the National Museum, 6pm-8pm, on Wednesday, October 18. Entry is $5 for non members. Bookings to friendscaslectures.eventbrite.com.au

Sarah’s view of care

SARAH Charlton, from Palliative Care ACT, will be speaking to the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club at its next lunch meeting at the Versatile Restaurant, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls, from 11.30am on Wednesday, October 25. Visitors and interested ladies welcome. Lunch is $35 and bookings before noon on Monday, October 23, to 6166 2874 or 6255 7450.

delusions

I AGREE with columnist Chris Coleman (CN, September 28), but he forgot one thing, able-bodied people parking in disabled spaces.

You might hear them say: “But it was only for a few minutes”, but what they don’t realise is when a disabled person drives past within those few minutes and the park is occupied what do they do? Double park and think: “I’ll just wait, they’ll only be a few minutes”. I think not.

Pat Dickson, via email

Wrong dame

How quickly we forget our history. Prime Minister Joseph Lyons’ wife was Dame Enid, not Dame Edith (CN, October 5, Yesterdays column).

Meta Sterns, via email

THE GADFLY goes to Tasmania

Disgrace of our ‘foreign object’

MY crusade to bring our natural and man-made place names out of the vile colonial shadows into the sunlight of modern Australia has struck a foreign object. We call it Tasmania.

Actually, it was the first time my wife and I had been there together though we’d each made flying visits in our youth; and in neither case had it made much of an impression. Not so this time.

After 10 days I was more than happy to cut the ties and let it float all the way back to Britain where they’d all much prefer to be anyway. They only pretend to be Australian so they can keep the GST money flowing in.

Unfair? Well, maybe. But consider this. They simply refuse to recognise their appalling history. And worse, they turn it on its head.

When the Brits arrived in 1803 the Aboriginal people numbered 7000 comprising nine “nations”. By the 1820s Governor George Arthur ruled the island with a gospel in one hand and a gun in the other. And since the Aboriginal people declined the one he gave free rein to the other.

In 1828, he declared martial law and for three years his soldiers had carte blanche to shoot them on sight. He organised a “Black Line” comprising every ablebodied colonist to sweep across the island, mustering them into the Tasman Peninsula and killing the runaways. After seven weeks the attempt was abandoned, but by 1832 only 300 Aboriginal people remained alive. They were transported

to Flinders Island in Bass Strait and by 1874 the genocide was practically complete.

The place is dotted with massacre sites, but the visitor would search in vain for any memorial or admis sion of fault.

The treatment of the convicts reflected the same hateful attitudes of race and class. Arthur demanded that it be a “place of terror” and the sadism it spawned was equalled only by the horrors of Norfolk Island and Macquarie Harbour on the island’s west coast. Yet Port Arthur today is all manicured lawns and phony “ghost tours”. It’s like a shrine to the oppressors. And the latest renovations are designed to house wedding receptions!

Major-General Sir George Arthur.

After 10 days I was more than happy to cut the ties and let Tasmania float all the way back to Britain…

names. Endless memorials to Arthur and his successors Collins and Franklin. And for the rest, it’s like a map of England with the rivers Gordon, Mersey and Cam; towns like Sheffield, Exeter, Brighton, Swansea, Stanley, Devonport, Ulverstone, Longford, Gladstone, Derby and (would you believe?) Runnymede!

Towards the end of our journey, I engaged a local ranger at a restored mansion owned by an English company that privately shot out the Aboriginal men, women and children of the area. I pointed out the single mention of the horror in a display. It said: “Some historians say that the company might well have been partly responsible for the demise of the local

I said: “A bit euphemistic, don’t you

The whole thing is a damned disgrace. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been sur prised, but throughout the island and its tiny houses and settlements, Tasmania’s “heritage” is celebrated in the place -

He blushed. “I had to fight to get that mention,” he said. “People here are a bit sensitive about it.” I turned away in

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It’s time for the better man to rise Remember the daze of the old schoolyard?

FOUR years ago the then-Labor government, in the run up to a general election that it was clear it would lose, implemented the policy of mandatory, indefinite off-shore detention for asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat.

Labor’s policy was embraced by the incoming Liberal government. Despite the New Guinea Supreme Court finding over a year ago that the detention of asylum seekers on Manus Island breached the human rights of the detainees and was illegal, they remain trapped in New Guinea.

The consequences for the welfare of the men detained by us on Manus have been profound and tragic. Six of them are dead. Almost all of them have experienced trauma as a result of their incarceration and treatment by Australia, which will have severe negative consequences on them for the rest of their lives. We have knowingly harmed these people.

As recently as the last few weeks the Minister for Immigration, Peter Dutton, again characterised the asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru as “economic refugees” despite the fact that a clear majority have been accorded refugee status.

Two months ago an Iranian refugee, Hamed Shamshiripour, died on Manus Island. His death prompted Roger Cohen, a columnist with “The New York Times” to express the depth of the disgust that he and people around the world, including in Australia, feel about Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers.

He said: “Australia has reduced the men, women and children on the islands (Manus and Nauru) to namelessness, referring to them by registration numbers. Asked their names, kids often give a number. It’s all they know. At least the digits are not tattooed.

The consequences for the welfare of the men detained by us on Manus have been profound and tragic. Six of them are dead. Almost all have experienced trauma as a result of their treatment

“As refugees have committed suicide, been killed or sexually abused, Dutton has dismissed them as illiterates bent on stealing Australian jobs.”

Another refugee died on Manus Island last week. It is reported that he committed suicide.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have been silent about his death. Nevertheless, one hopes that suggestions they will each have privately reflected that at least he didn’t die at sea are too cynical.

My fear is that the continuing refusal of both the ALP, of which I am a member, and the Liberal Party, to engage with the community or be open about how they intend to bring this shameful episode in our history to a close will inevitably end in more deaths and further physical and mental harm.

It is clear that the two parties are engaged in a morally bankrupt contest of wills – a kind of Russian roulette – with the first to blink to be immediately damned by the other as “soft” on border protection and pilloried as such all the way to the next election.

While the US has agreed to swap some asylum seekers it is almost certain that hundreds will be left behind and that their mental torture and trauma will continue unless or until they are repatriated to Australia or a third country that can guarantee their welfare.

by Australia.

It is past time that the government and the opposition found the maturity and humanity to resolve this matter. If the two parties cannot agree on a way forward then it’s time that the better man of the two leaders rose to the demands of the occasion, accepted responsibility for the harm done, apologised for their and our collective failure as a nation and resolved to find a new way.

A first step, which I urge the leader of my party, Bill Shorten, to take could be to contact the family, in Sri Lanka, of the latest asylum seeker who died on Manus Island, extend condolences on behalf of the Labor Party and Australia for his death, apologise that he died in our care and undertake to facilitate the repatriation of his body to his grieving family.

Surely that is what all good people in Australia would expect if it was their son who had died and would applaud if our leaders extended that simple courtesy and respect to others on our behalf.

Jon Stanhope was ACT Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011.

BRIEFLY

By Chris Coleman

“SCHOOL. Where you make the friends you’ll have for the rest of your life.” Ever hear that line? Or use it yourself?

Remembering drug victims

ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris is among the speakers at the 22nd Annual Remembrance Ceremony for those who lost their life to illicit drugs. Hosted by Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform, the ceremony will be held at the memorial site, Weston Park Road, Weston Park, Yarralumla (opposite the junction with Prescott Lane), 12.30pm-1.30pm on Monday, October 23. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Open to all, and anyone with a loved one they’d like remembered at the ceremony should call 6169 7678 or email mcconnell@ffdlr.org.au

View to the Cup

THE ladies of the Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club are getting in the mood for Melbourne Cup at their next monthly dinner meeting when the theme will be the colour purple and there’s a prize for the best dressed. It’s at the Town Centre Vikings Club, Greenway, 6.30pm, on Wednesday, October 25. Dinner costs $27. Visitors welcome and enquiries to 6291 7716 or tuggeven@gmail.com

How true is it? A quick survey around my workplace exposed it as a lie. The highest was “a dozen at best” but the most common response was a low, single-figure number. Even in these days where the definition of friend has changed courtesy of Facebook, the uniformly small number surprised me. For me, it would be four at best. So what do you do when school-reunion time rolls around? In a couple of weeks, my high-school class of 1987 will gather in Canberra to remember the days of the old schoolyard. I know it’ll be a good time; the reunion 10 years back was great fun. It was well-organised; we had dinner, had a few drinks, all said “we must keep in touch” and then went our separate ways. For a decade. This time there’s been a lot of talk about getting together. A date was reached – several months ago – by consensus on social media, but since then nobody’s actually done anything and, with just a couple of weeks to go, it’s time to act. I’m one of a seeming handful of the guys who are in Canberra at present, so it seems logical that those still in town should do the legwork. But how much legwork is the right amount? I’m torn. As I said, the 20-year event was a great night. It was put together by a group with a long lead time and it worked well. Now? Well the clock is ticking. Is it enough to pick a venue, get a rough idea of numbers and say: “See you there”?

And how do you handle the people you didn’t get on with 30 years ago? The ones you have genuinely avoided for those three decades? It may sound harsh, but be honest, in any group of more than a hundred people put together by nothing more than birth dates, there are going to be some people you don’t like. Ten years ago it was a fairly easy matter. It was a big gathering and there wasn’t enough time to speak to everyone. This time it’ll be a much smaller group. I guess it’ll make working the room more interesting.

A traveller’s tale

CHRIS Miller will conclude her travel tale, “The TransSiberian Railway – an adventure, not a holiday”, at the next meeting of the Canberra South Branch of the National Seniors Australia. Non-members are welcome, too, at the Weston Creek Labor Club, Teesdale Close, Stirling, from 10.30am on Wednesday, October 25. More information via email to nsacanberrasouth@gmail.com

Overcoming despair

AL-ANON offers anyone fearful of someone else’s drinking the chance to meet others who share this problem, learn about the disease of alcoholism and replace despair with hope and self-confidence. Choose from 10 meetings a week in the ACT. Call 1300 252666 or find details at al-anon.org/ australia/alateen

Regardless, I’m sure it’ll be an interesting night. I’m in a good place in my life at the moment. I’m one of the few who’s (still) doing what he wanted to for a living, indeed to tweak the Billy Joel song “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant”:

Things are okay with me these days. Got a good job. Got a good office. Got a good wife. Got a good life. And the family’s fine.

I really do hope it’s the same for the rest of the class. Or at least those who are still with us, because that’s the other certainty; sadly, some of our classmates have left the room far too soon.

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SCENE / around canberra

At the Taiwanese National Day, Parkes

We

Inner-south centre with EXPERIENCE CURTIN

THE inner-south suburb of Curtin is named after Prime Minister John Curtin, a charismatic, compelling orator widely respected for his strong and inspirational leadership during World War II.

In 1964 the first families moved into the suburb and many of the early settlers liked the rustic surrounds – sheep grazing over the back fence and a creek with yabbies on the northern side of what would become the overpass to Hughes.

Now, 53 years later, Curtin has been recognised as a close community that offers retail convenience and professional services the equal of anywhere else in Canberra.

Brett brings an Olympic drive to real estate

ITS development in the marketplace and staff investment recently won Peter Blackshaw Woden and Weston Creek the title of “REIACT Medium Residential Agency of the Year 2017”, says principal Brett Hayman.

Centrally located in Curtin, Peter Blackshaw Woden & Weston Creek is independently owned and its professional team can assist people in all areas of Canberra and its surrounding NSW suburbs.

“We’re a medium-sized agency but we have the knowledge behind us to compete with bigger brands and bigger agencies,” he says.

Brett says the family-owned real estate business is humble yet hungry, puts all its stakeholders first, such as buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and maintenance people.

Brett, who won an Olympic Games silver medal for rowing, sets himself and Peter Blackshaw Woden and Weston Creek a high standard in real estate, just as he did in sport.

Principal Brett Hayman.

His passion for real estate drives his undertaking to help clients with their property objectives and desires.

Peter Blackshaw Woden and Weston Creek, 12/20 Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6282 4488, email sales@pbwwc.com.au or visit peterblackshaw.com.au

lots of reasons to make a visit advertising feature

through your journey,” he says.

And, to make each journey easy, Curtin Dental has a new online booking system so patients can book at their own convenience.

“Rather than waiting until Monday morning to

them choices. We respect the patients and follow up on promises,” he says.

Curtin Dental, 20 Strangways Street, Curtin. Call 6285 2222 or visit curtindental.com.au

Welcome to Tim’s ‘local meeting place’

IN 2011 Redbrick opened as a “local meeting place” in Curtin for people to come and enjoy a coffee in a relaxed environment, says its owner Tim Manning.

Drawn to the supportive local community and the building’s red brick interior, Tim says it was the ideal space to open the cafe.

Redbrick roasts its own coffee beans and has since developed its own style, which is described by Tim as sweet, clean and balanced.

“We work with premium, direct, trade coffee that comes directly from origin and is quality-focused,” he says.

“We have created a relaxed environment, which comes with a professional service.

“People are welcome to come with their family, their kids, their pets and still get an attentive service.”

Redbrick has a simple menu with many of its ingredients sourced from farms and dairies around Canberra.

Tim says people can enjoy Redbrick’s relaxed and welcoming environment every day of the week.

Redbrick, 4/31-35 Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6285 1668 or visit redbrickcoffee.com.au

Optician with an eye to personal service

DESPITE the redevelopment of part of the Curtin Shopping Centre, Curtin Optical is still there providing a personalised service, says its owner Corey Nicholls.

Curtin Optical’s independence from large chains allows it to give customers a quality service, and Corey says his team goes that extra step to be helpful and provide product knowledge.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 20 years, Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists – Renita Chou, Susan Hallissy and Margaret McCreath – available for appointments from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Corey and his team stock a wide range of eyewear, contact lenses and accessories.

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical are providers to the ACT pension scheme and also DVA.

A winning lunch for Melbourne Cup

FOR a great day out this Melbourne Cup race day, visit the Statesman Hotel in Curtin, one of Canberra’s most iconic hotels since the 1960s.

Before the city’s club scene emerged, the Statesman was a popular meeting place for patrons from Parliament House and other public service offices in nearby suburbs.

Hotel manager Michelle Hood says the venue was frequented by journalists, politicians and public servants in the booming political era.

“If the Statesman walls could talk there would be many political scandals to tell,” she says.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability. This also includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service.

In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles.

In its full workshop facility, Curtin Optical’s Corey is a fully-qualified optical mechanic and offers an express service on most (stock) single-vision jobs, including rimless spectacles.

Curtin Optical’s in-store services have a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or email looking@curtinoptical.com.au

Located in one of Canberra’s leafy central suburbs, Michelle says the Statesman offers a personal friendly service in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

It has two bars: the Terrace Bar and H2O Bistro and the sports bar where tradies and punters meet to enjoy the full TAB facilities.

“Our drive-through bottleshop is also a favourite destination for our locals with all the benefits of Local Liquor pricing complemented with a large range of fine wines and boutique beers,” Michelle says.

For the Melbourne Cup, the Statesman will be hosting its race-day function, which will include a seafood buffet, fashions on the field, entertainer Tony Haley and trivia.

The Statesman Hotel, 1 4 Theodore Street, call 6281 1777, statesmanhotel.com.au

Fresh

Roast

Roasted

DESSERTS

Fresh

Selection

Spot Joe the rider to win prizes

DURING Motorcycle Awareness Week, which runs between October 14-21, “JOE Rider” will be driving around again to raise awareness for motorcycle safety.

Canberra motorcycle advocacy group, the Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT (MRA ACT) started Motorcycle Awareness Week in the hope the awareness will flow over into every other week of the year.

MRA ACT’s senior vice president Mike Kelly says essentially it’s about raising the visibility of a motorcyclist on the road.

“You often hear people say ‘sorry mate, I didn’t see you’ from a motorist who has either hit a motorcycle rider or had a near miss,” Mike says.

“The JOE Rider” campaign asks other road users who see Joe to email joe. rider@internode.on.net with the location and in return their name will go in the helmet for a chance to win a prize, such as the daily $50 petrol voucher.

Mike says Joe can be on the road any time of the day or night so drivers are urged to always be alert and watch out for Joe, who will be driving around Canberra and Queanbeyan.

During the week MRA ACT will

• An excellent refresher course

• Riders do all exercises at their own pace

• 3 hour theory night held from 6pm the night before*

The MASTERS course is tailored to the needs of long-term licensed riders from the ACT and surrounding region, who have not had any formal rider training in the last 10-15 years and want to return to motorcycling after a lengthy break. The practical day covers safe, defensive riding techniques. Each exercise is preceded by an explanation and demonstration of relevant techniques for safe riding.

The ACT Government subsidised cost of the course is $150.

* Theory night held at: Stay Upright, 65 Hincksman Street, Queanbeyan For more Information email: act@stayupright.com.au or phone: 6297 1144

also be raising money for breast cancer with its “Pink Ribbon Ride”, which begins at 10am on October 14. Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT, email info@mraact.org.au or visit mraact.org.au/

JOE Rider will set off on Saturday, October 14 to ride for the week for rider awareness. Riders wearing vests with “JOE” on the back can be on the road any time of the day or night so always be alert and watch out for Joe. If you see “JOE”, you have seen a rider. Look for “JOE” and log your sighting at: joe.rider@internode.on.net

Duratone Hi-Fi PTY LTD

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The appeal of hyper

By Helen Musa

“THERE’S something in the human condition that draws us to realism,” says Jaklyn Babington. “Some of the most popular art shows everywhere involve realism.”

Babington is the senior curator of global contemporary art practice at the National Gallery of Australia, which is poised to open its “weird, wonderful and uncanny” exhibition, “Hyper Real”, 50 works in sculpture and video art by 32 artists, varying from the huge “Pregnant Woman” by Ron Mueck to ANU graduate Patricia Piccinini’s fragile hybrid babies.

Real, super-real or hyperreal, to curator Babington, no matter what it’s called, there’s a universal fascination with likeness in art.

“That’s why people like portraits,” she says.

“There is something about a really labour-intensive process where this has so much attention to detail. More and more audiences are turning to photography and video art, too.”

All this may come as a surprise to patrons used to the NGA’s lush summer blockbusters of 19th century and mainly Impressionist art – and the gallery knows it.

First to the title, “hyper” comes from

Greek and means “over”, also interpreted as “exaggerated” and “beyond”. The term was first used in the ‘70s but, as Babington explains, the movement really started in the ‘60s and is closely associated with American artists such as Chuck Close, Duane Hanson and John De Andrea.

As younger artists took inspiration from these pioneers, she says, new plastics and other industrial materials made it possible for them to create the illusion of reality, so that the sculptures in “Hyper Real” will “trick” us into thinking they are real.

“We all love to be momentarily tricked,” Babington says, evident when at the recent media launch of “Hyper Real” very small children were riveted by the realism of Mueck’s nude, pregnant female figure.

Babington believes hyperreal art is popular with the public even when it’s not in fashion for art connoisseurs.

She says the public gets it immediately.

“There is the element of shock and surprise. They don’t know if it’s real and it unbalances the intellect,” she says.

“It’s human to categorise and our sense of that becomes confused – we have that ‘flight-orfight’ reaction.” It won’t be all three-dimensional. Figures in the series “Inverso Mundus” (“the world turned upside

mania Wendy Johnson

art in the real world

down”) by the Russian collective AES are a complicated mix of still photography, digital art and animation.

The series is derived from subversive, 16th century engravings that show animals slaughtering humans, children overcoming teachers and the poor overthrowing the rich.

Babington says there are fewer females than males exhibiting in the hyperreal genre, but believes Patricia Piccinini’s “scientific but fantastical and surreal” hybrids bring a unique perspective.

Piccinini’s floating creature “Skywhale” brought her one kind of fame, but her show in Brazil sold out last year. “Patricia starts with the familiar and then inserts components that we can’t quite define and categorise,” says Babington.

Melbourne’s Sam Jinks, also hot on the international art circuit, draws inspiration from the past and his latest work, “The Deposition”, commissioned from him by the NGA and still in process, will show an older maternal figure with her middle-aged son, conjuring up the many paintings of Jesus being taken down from the cross and the famous “Pieta” showing the Virgin Mary and her dying son.

Jinks was initially trained in special effects, Babington says, and brings “meticulousness” from another art form.

The same may be said for Mueck, born in Melbourne, trained initially in the family puppetry business, later moving into creative film industries and ultimately becoming an international sculpture superstar, where we claim him but he rarely claims us.

As Babington puts it, “all these artists are global – is it an AC/DC thing?”

Sam Jinks’ 2010 work “Woman and Child” comprised of silicone, pigment, resin, silk and human hair.

“Hyper Real”, National Gallery of Australia, October 20-February 18. Bookings to premier.ticketek.com.au or 132849.

Presented by QL2 Dance 13 & 14 October 2017

Theatre 3, Acton Tickets: QL2.org.au

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Problems when Johnny comes marching home again

By Helen Musa

EVER since Agamemnon came home from the Trojan wars to meet a sticky end, directors and writers have been obsessed with the theme of “coming home” and founder-director of the Veterans Film Festival Tom Papas is no different.

Keen to renew and revitalise the festival, now in its third year, Papas has devised a thematic focus on what happens to veterans when they come home, perfect in promoting

a greater understanding about veterans, their families, first responders and the impact of war on society.

The festival is beginning to get inquiries from people who saw it on the website and this year he and his committee have considered 275 Australian, international, competitive and non-competitive films, of which he calculates 30 per cent are “fantastic”, 30 per cent “good” and the remainder first-time films.

The “coming home” is best illustrated by Jennifer Kramer’s US film “The Sand Box” in which a 10-year-old boy, Finn, sees his dad return from a tour in Iraq a changed man, haunted by the memory of a tragic event.

That theme, Papas tells “CityNews”, is just one of many that will be explored as the festival expands from three to five days. With more international feature films and plenty of “shorts”, it covers a wide range of genres and interests.

The “coming home” theme has given rise to its own genre of film – think of Jon Voight and Jane Fonda in the 1978 film of the same name.

“There is automatically drama in homecoming,” Papas says, things change.”

Animation is all the go this year. In a session of shorts that will act as a fundraiser for Australian War Widows, audiences will see films from the US, Iran, Australia and

Russia, but notably, three animated films from Tehran.

It is a 75-minute animated film from the US that draws the most accolades from Papas. Montana animator Andy Smetanka cut out thousands of paper figures and coloured backgrounds and filmed them, one frame at a time, on a Soviet-era Super 8 camera for “And We Were Young,” the “standout highlight” of the festival.

But not everyone loves animation and he draws attention to “Miro,” a short film from Victoria filmed “in the old Tarantino Django style.” Indigenous actor Mark Coles Smith plays a veteran who arrives home at the end

of World War II to find his land taken, his people gone, his daughter stolen and his service record treated with contempt. But it ends on a positive note.

Finally, there’s a film from the Australian Army itself, “Silence is the Accomplice”, dealing with serving soldiers and their experiences with family and domestic violence. On hand will be the Chief of Army, Lt-Gen Angus Campbell, to talk about the film before it screens on Sunday, October 22.

Veterans Film Festival, at the Australian War Memorial, October 18-22. Details and bookings to veteransfilmfestival.com

to Ballroom

FROM BROADWAY TO BALLROOM STARS SEASONED OPERA PERFORMERS LIZA BEAMISH AND LACHLAN BAKER AND THE 2015 WORLD DANCE COUNCIL CHAMPIONS EMMA AND RHETT SALMON. IT’S A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL SHOW WITH A SPECTACULAR FUSION OF BALLROOM DANCING AND SONG. A glittering fusion

musical theatre, opera and dance.

Long, lovely ‘Song’ struggles to the end

“Song to Song” (M)

WRITER/director Terrence Malick’s style observes the human condition with sensitive awareness, sometimes capable of confusing the viewer with the resulting complexities. So it is with “Song To Song”, an enigmatic title explained in a subordinate thread that turns out not to be critical to the main body of the plot.

Plot? What plot? Malick tells a story in grabs that move from hither to yon, from now to before or after. It’s the first of two long movies that I saw on the same day that stars Ryan Gosling, surely one of Hollywood’s current top names. He plays aspiring musician BV, married to Faye (Rooney Mara). His friend Cook (Michael Fassbender) lusts after Faye. Cook’s wife Rhonda (Natalie Portman) might have a wandering eye. And in what’s best described as a cameo performance of a character who might have been more clearly delineated, Cate Blanchett plays Amanda.

Those are the main characters in a film that takes 128 minutes to unreel and looks beautiful in short, often annoyingly so, clips often unconnected to what characters are doing.

“Song to Song” looks pretty and sounds good. The cast does well. So it’s sad that discovering what it is trying to tell us is so difficult.

At Palace Electric

“Blade Runner 2049” (MA)

REALISTS among filmgoers understand that sequels often don’t deliver the same goodies as those their forebears bequeathed.

This sci-fi sequel has connections to Ridley Scott’s 1982 dramatisation. This time Scott is billed as producer. Hampton Fancher wrote both screenplays. And reprising Deckard, the blade runner who began the story, Harrison Ford arrives toward the end to give the plot some zip.

“Song to Song”... looks pretty and sounds good.

“Blade Runner 2049” runs for 163 minutes. And that’s too damn long despite being another big production starring Ryan Gosling, this time playing K, a Los Angeles Police Department detective assigned to destroy replicants.

What’s a replicant? A robot built with outward human characteristics and assigned to tasks that authentic humans no longer care to do. When early model replicants got a bit uppity, people such as Deckard were sent to root out and destroy them. The popular name for those guys was blade runners.

K finds that 30 years ago, a replicant did what was deemed impossible – had a baby. LAPD Lieutenant Joshi (Robin Wright) brooks no digression from K’s task of finding the child now an adult.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s staging wallows in self-indulgence. Long, unnecessary CG sequences send flotillas of wacky, hi-tech, cop cars flaunting that most fundamental natural law – gravity.

What I enjoyed most is a jukebox video of Ol’ Blue Eyes singing what I consider his most poignant ballad –“One For My Baby…”. Until Deckard and K stoush it out, the rest is tedium.

At all cinemas

“Final Portrait” (M)

“FINAL Portrait” is another slice of reality based on a real character, the Swiss/Italian artist Alberto

Giacometti. Don’t know him? A key player in the surrealist movement, he is memorable no less for the portraits and landscapes he painted and sketches he drew than for Geoffrey Rush’s delicious portrayal of him in the feature-directing debut of prolific actor Stanley Tucci. As Alberto, Geoffrey plays a character blessed – cynics might say cursed – by idiosyncracity.

Telling about Alberto painting a portrait of his friend, Paris-based American journalist James Lord (Armie Hammer), “Final Portrait” makes a brief voyage, actually filmed in London, among Paris’ back alleys, bistros and brothels with Alberto’s friend James needing repeatedly to delay his return to New York because Alberto kept painting over what he had done and beginning afresh. In the end, James called a halt. Alberto painted nothing further, dying in January, 1966, from pericarditis and chronic bronchitis. The painting eventually got shipped to New York. It’s undoubtedly worth a great deal now.

Tucci’s screenplay delivers great humour and compassion. While Alberto’s work rather defies easy categorisation, Rush’s portrayal of him is a helpful coda to go on with.

At Palace Electric and Dendy

DINING / grease monkey, braddon

A taste of Monkey mania

JONES and Co in Kingston has closed. And guess what’s taking its place?

Grease Monkey. Yup, Grease Monkey, which specialises in burgers, beers and shakes.

One of my regular dining part ners is not a big burger fan but we decided to head to Grease Monkey in Braddon on a long weekend since so many rave about the place. It opened in mid-2015 with another in the planning.

We ordered a bottle of wine, slightly surprised that they top off at $60 a bottle for a burger joint. The one we selected was out of stock. Long weekend was the explana tion. We found another from the compact list which starts at $35 for whites and $37 for reds.

Grease Monkey is pretty casual. You order and pay at the bar and then perch yourself on a seat. There were several dog patrons and lots of kids – Grease Monkey is comfy being a family affair.

My friend ordered the “Greasy” and I, wanting something different, chose the “Pitt Stop”. Burgers range from $15 to $20. You pay for extras such as $2 for a gluten-free bun (although Grease Monkey is clear it’s not a gluten-free kitchen), $1 for cheese or pickles or $2 for extra sauce.

My bun came in a basket with fries (all burgers do). It was packed with slow-cooked barbecue pork brisket, topped with apple-cider

got messy and soggy quickly (which, for many, is half the fun of chowing down on a burger). The slaw was an interesting addition and the mayo spicy and tangy. The “Greasy” wasn’t a massive hit. The meat patty was thin and somewhat dry. Paying extra for bacon helped matters substantially and we agreed the pickles were pretty perky.

In honour of those who aren’t big fans of beef, you can opt for the crumbed portobello mushroom “burger” or the tempura-battered hake burger or even the southern fried-chicken version (kind of like KFC in a bun). A steak version is available if mince isn’t your thing.

Snacks include truffle mac ‘n’ cheese ($8), jalapeno poppers ($8)

ARTS IN THE CITY

Grease Monkey aesthetic is fun and light hearted. The place has a laidback vibe (it used to be the Repco Car Service workshop and was built around the 1950s).

Grease Monkey has heaps of deals, including happy hour, Mon day to Friday (4pm to 6pm), special drink offers on Sundays and an offer on Tuesday (you buy the burger and get a free bevvy). DJs ramp things up on Friday and Saturday nights.

Grease Monkey, 19 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Call 6174 1401. A surcharge of 10 per cent ap plies on public holidays.

Fashion with an artisan touch

CANBERRA Region Feltmakers have got together with the ACT Textile Arts Association to stage the “Fibre Couture” fashion parade and high tea, showcasing locally made artisan clothes and accessories. At Belconnen Arts Centre, 2pm, during the weekend of October 14-15. A bazaar is open Saturday, noon-5pm, and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Bookings for the parade to fibrecouture.eventbrite.com

CANBERRA Glassworks general manager Beverly Growden is off to become programs curator at the National Gallery of Australia, but not before she and Tuggeranong Arts Centre CEO Rauny Worm head to the Bite the Big Apple arts and cultural management course in New York. Now the search is on for a replacement at the Glassworks. Details at canberraglassworks.com

THE High Commission of Canada and the Environmental Film Festival are co-hosting a special event screening of the Canadian documentary “Let There Be Light”, which focuses on the race to find fossil-fuel-free energy. Director Mila Aung-Thwin will introduce the film and take part in the panel discussion. At the National Library, 5.30pm, on Wednesday, October 18. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

ART Song Canberra’s next concert will see mezzo-soprano Jill Sullivan explore the mysteries of the night in “Night Songs”, with Robert Harris on viola and Alan Hicks on piano. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday,

October 15. Tickets at the door only.

“SPRINGTIME Stories” is an afternoon of stories suitable for adults and older children, with music, by Lawrence De Costa and Harrison Whalan, presented by the ACT Storytellers Guild at Kangara Waters Community Centre, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, from 2.30pm, on Sunday, October 15. Bookings to 0407 410374.

THE National Capital Orchestra, under the baton of Leonard Weiss, will perform the Brahms Double Concerto Op. 102, with husband-and-wife string duo, violinist Dimity Hall and cellist Julian Smiles. Also on the program are Respighi’s “Belkis, Queen of Sheba” and the Canberra premiere of “Chambers of the South” by local composer Natalie Williams. At Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, Saturday, October 21. Bookings to ticketek.com.au

STUDENTS from the Open School of Music’s “Top Acts” program, which offers two streams of study in classical music tutored by ANU staff, will perform at the High Court, 1.30pm, on Sunday, October 15. Free, but registra tion to hcourt.gov.au

Dining- out guide...

GARDENING

Keep climbers under control

CLIMBER plants can present a problem in small gardens with the speed and spread of growth.

Regular trimming can keep them under control to a certain extent, but at the risk of cutting off flower buds.

I just love clematis and have five growing on horizontal wires over seven metres long and more than two metres high, which is far too much of a spread for, say, a small garden or townhouse courtyard.

Now there is an answer with dwarf clematis, which I saw for the first time at the Heritage Nursery. They grow to just two metres tall, ideal for growing on a frame in a pot on a balcony or round a verandah pillar.

Look out for a variety of colours with tantalising names such as Clematis “Picardy”, C. “Parisienne”. C. “Chantilly”, C. “Bijou” and more.

ON my recent visit to the UK, I saw a report that the Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society, had enlisted nature lovers to report back on bee-

friendly flowers. The results showed that 47 per cent preferred Digitalis or foxgloves and 25 per cent chose Helianthus or sunflowers.

I AM always thinking of ideas for hedges other than the standard pittosporum, viburnum or photinia.

One plant rarely used for hedging and yet is perfect with a completely different look is Elaeagnus ebbingei “Silverberry”. It has a distinctive shiny silver leaf contrasting with other greens in the garden. Providing the soil is reasonable, it’s quite fast growing, easily to three metres, but is happy to get a regular clipping to keep it lower.

SLUGS and snails are on the march. Be aware that many snail baits contain metaldehyde (the green pellets) or methiocarb (blue pellets), both fatal to dogs. I know this from bitter experience having killed our very special spaniel. The pellets are also fatal to blue-tongue lizards.

Never put snail bait in heaps or spread willy-nilly over the whole garden. Snails aren’t attracted to all plants, so lightly sprinkle around susceptible ones.

The old idea of sinking a bottle in

the soil with some beer in it works, likewise special snail traps from garden centres.

Acclaimed as the world’s most effective, Multiguard Snail and Slug Killer has no dangerous poisons with the active ingredient being iron. As with all garden products, always read the label before use.

WISTERIA conjures up images of romantic cottages with the powerful fragrance wafting through the air.

Pictured here is such a scene, on the front verandah of a late-19th century cottage, with wisteria growing in conjunction with Euphorbia wulfenii, a wonderful contrast.

Wisteria sinensis, or Chinese wisteria, has been cultivated in that country for more than 1500 years and admired as much for its blossoms as its dragon-like gnarled and twisted trunks.

The Australian authority on wisteria is Dr. Peter Valder, whose book “The Garden Plants of China” (1999) is a must for any garden library.

American botanist Thomas Nuttall named wisteria after Caspar Wistar (1761-1818), a North American physician and early promoter of vaccinations.

Wisteria sinensis was introduced into Western gardens from Canton in 1816 and is possibly the most-popular variety, with stems twining anti-clockwise on posts.

Philipp von Siebold introduced Wisteria florabunda, or Japanese Wisteria, into Western gardens from Japan in 1830. This one twines clockwise on posts. An interesting peculiarity that, to my knowledge, no one can explain. You can try every method possible to make them go the other way, it just does not work.

Wisteria colours range from pure white to deep mauve/purple.

To enjoy wisteria to its best is to grow it over a high, strong pergola or frame to allow the racemes to hang down and still be able to walk under the flowers.

I cannot emphasise enough the word strong as the trunk and stem can reach an incredible size as illustrated here. The wisteria was originally growing over a timber frame that collapsed under the weight of it, especially when in full flower. Note the small piece of remaining timber pergola encircled by the plant! As this was at an historic homestead, the timber frame was replaced with a strong, galvanised metal frame.

Jottings…

• Now fuchsias are sprouting leaves, cut out dead branches and prune back stems to about three leaf joints. Feed with Maxicrop “Triple Strength” seaweed fertiliser. This encourages flowers, equally important for all veggies, especially tomatoes.

• When trimming back geraniums use the older stems from last year for cuttings.

• It’s still an okay time to core or dethatch lawns, call Paul Howard on 6231 2920 or 0412 483846.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Restless Rams need to keep active and roam free. With Mars (your power planet) visiting your wellbeing zone, it’s imperative that you exercise regularly and spend time in a stimulating natural environment. But, if you blurt out the first thing on your mind on Wednesday or Thursday, you’ll spend the rest of the week patching up the problems you’ve created. So strive to be more strategic; think before you speak; and avoid raising sensitive subjects with prickly people.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Are you having romantic rumbles or platonic partnership problems? This week, with Mercury and Jupiter joining forces in your relationship zone, have the confidence to speak from the heart and say what’s really on your mind. Other people may not agree with your comments, but they will respect you for being open, honest and authentic. Thursday night’s New Moon signals a fresh start involving a health issue, work colleague or favourite four-legged friend.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Wednesday looks wonderful, as Jupiter brightens your mood and broadens your thinking. Then Thursday’s New Moon lights up your creativity zone which highlights self-expression and entertainment. Friendships are favoured, as you share fun activities together. But tread carefully with an unpredictable parent or a tearaway teenager. When it comes to a close relationship – are you pulling your weight? Saturn is restricting your freedom, but it’s also giving you structure.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Prepare to play Domestic Diva as you clean, de-clutter, and tweak the feng-shui in your cosy Crab cave. Motivation is especially high on Monday, when you’re ready to tackle a pile of paperwork or a project that’s been on the backburner. But don’t get so carried away with good intentions that you neglect important details along the way. It’s also time to get talking with a frustrated family member, as the New Moon encourages you to view things from their unique perspective.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

It’s time for listless Lions to get your mojo back as Saturn gives you an energy boost; you tap into your personal power; and motivation is high. Making lucky connections via social media is favoured, and vigorous physical exercise will also put you in a positive (and frisky) frame of mind. But is a relationship with a relative on rocky ground? If you tune into the harmonious vibes of Thursday’s New Moon, you’ll find calm cooperation will get you a lot further than fireworks!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Mighty Mars is marching through your sign so it’s time to be bold and brave, as you tackle challenges with extra vim and vigour. Plus find creative ways to encourage more health, harmony and happiness at Villa Virgo. Caring for loved ones will leave you with a warm inner glow. Thursday’s New Moon motivates you to build up your money muscles and be more financially savvy. When it comes to joint finances, expect the unexpected – and prepare accordingly.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Stylish Librans have a passion for fashion. And this week’s New Moon (in your sign) is the perfect time for a hot new hairstyle, a marvellous makeup makeover or a creative wardrobe revamp. And with Venus also visiting your sign, you need to tap into your inner beauty and zest for life. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt: “Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Wednesday is fabulous for business, social and educational activities when Mercury and Jupiter link up in Scorpio. But your usual routine is likely to get shaken and stirred this week, especially at work. And a health issue could come to a head and demand to be addressed. If you find yourself feeling unsettled and frazzled then meditation, yoga or some other form of quiet contemplation will help calm you down. Go with the celestial flow and listen to the wise voice within.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your attention span will be tested, when a project demands that you concentrate for more than 60 seconds. If you focus your mind and deepen your thinking, then you’ll get the job done. The Mercury/Jupiter connection increases your natural sparkle and optimism. So aim to be generous rather than garrulous; and spontaneous rather than slap-dash. Be inspired by Sagittarian writer George Eliot: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Monday is marvellous for powering through projects and ticking the to-do list. But unpredictable Uranus stirs up your career and home zones on Thursday. So prepare for work worries, domestic dramas or family fiascos. Explain to loved ones that you need plenty of personal space, and make sure you pace yourself. Your dry sense of humour will see you through! As Capricorn acting legend Maggie Smith observes: “Usually you can find a funny side to practically anything.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s time to create your preferred future and follow your destiny. And don’t be dismayed by temporary setbacks and stressful delays! The universe is testing your determination to stick to your desired course and keep the dream alive. Draw inspiration from birthday great Oscar Wilde: “We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars.” Be careful what you say (in person and online) on Thursday. An impulsive comment could lead to problems, so choose your words wisely.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

An extra professional approach will take you far on Monday. Then Thursday night’s New Moon lights up your lust zone so, if you’re attached, you can look forward to a racy rendezvous with your sweetheart. Mercury and Jupiter activate your travel zone, so some flirtatious communication with a sexy foreigner (in person or online) is likely for some singles. But can you distinguish between a soul mate connection and a dating disaster? Let your trusty intuition be your guide.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

3 In which Queensland city was Greg Norman born? (5,3)

7 Name the coat of wool that covers a sheep. (6)

8 What is an instrumental composition, irregular in form, and suggestive in improvisation? (8)

9 Name a brandy, especially one made in France. (6)

10 Which style of bowling is used in playing softball? (8)

11 On which weekday did Australia Day fall in 2007? (6)

14 Which term implies “in addition “? (2,4)

17 What is the art of flying by mechanical means? (8)

18 To create something, is to do what? (6)

19 What, colloquially, is a sudden collapse into a state of utter confusion? (8)

20 Which band is used to hold up stockings? (6)

21 Name a popular board game. (8) Down

1 What is an embarrassing mishap in film and TV production? (7)

2 To have made a movement with the object of deceiving an adversary, is to have done what? (7)

3 What is quicksilver more commonly known as? (7)

4 What do we call one’s sister’s sons? (7)

5 To set, or place apart, is to do what? (7)

6 Which term describes that which is immeasurably bad? (7)

11 To have eaten sumptuously, is to have done what? (7)

12 Name the metal resembling platinum, with the symbol Ir. (7)

13 What is an alternative expression for a craftsperson? (7)

14 Name the rooflike shelters for protection from the sun. (7)

15 Which type of knot is a sheet bend? (7)

16 To wash and iron clothes, is to do what? (7)

Joe's business has grown so much in the past year that he came to see me about an unexpected headache.

"I seem to spend a lot of time filling in spreadsheets and typing invoices," he complained. "I really need to streamline the administration side.”

I was pleased to see that, after a slow start, his business' turnover had doubled in three years and was increasing again.

"Joe, you are making excellent progress, but as you grow you'll find you have to use different techniques in your administration otherwise it becomes too time consuming.

“There are a few different options that might be suitable. Would there ever be any point in your having an Ipad and issuing invoices on the spot when you do a job?”

Joe sighed and said, no. All his customers were on monthly invoices so there would be no point. He just wanted to do the invoices quicker and more efficiently.”

I asked Joe if had used any software packages in the past.

“Yes, I have. Some I liked and some I didn’t, but the one that I enjoyed using the most was the one written specifically for my industry,” he said.

I told him that that one sounded like the one to use.

"I'd just like to see the latest version to make sure that it interfaces to our software so it's easy for us to turn your records into BAS’s and income tax returns without additional cost,” I said.

“You may remember that I did say you will need to use different techniques.

"Firstly, you need to ensure that every transaction goes through your business account. If you need to purchase something and you don’t have funds in either your business account or the credit card, the best thing to do would be to lend the business account the funds to make the purchase and then make the purchase through that account. That way we make sure that we have captured all your transactions.

"The other thing that you need to do to ensure accurate accounts is that whenever you finance an item of equipment please send us a copy of the finance agreement straight away. That way we ensure that we have correctly claimed the GST and we can do the ongoing calculations for depreciation and interest.

“As you now have an employee you will also need a payroll program, but from what you have said that is probably integrated into the whole system, which will make it easy for you and is always easier than doing an Excel spreadsheet.

"Provided it is set up correctly, it will also provide accurate holiday and sick-leave records for you. We can assist you with setting it up and I am sure that the provider will have a help desk for ongoing software problems.”

Joe left my office a relieved man, saying: "I'll arrange a meeting with you and the supplier so that we can progress this and I would really appreciate your guidance on whether you think this software will solve my administration problems.”

If you have any queries about your business, tax or administration contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

This is an important question that needs to be answered by the pilot citizens’ jury. They will be considering it over the weekends of the 14th–15th and the 28th–29th October.

Whether you’re an innocent victim in a motor vehicle accident, a cyclist or a pedestrian, you could be denied access to medical treatment, and experience loss of income, or suffer ongoing physical and psychological pain without fair compensation, as a result of this process.

Don’t lose your CTP rights.