171102 citynews

STAR ATTRACTION

HELEN MUSA previews the National Portrait Gallery’s summer galaxy of film stars

When trust declines, winds of change blow

MICHAEL MOORE

Tyre burst puts young driver under pressure

SONYA FLADUN

Echo of racism amid our hidden history

ROBERT MACKLIN

One more big bash at national fame

TIM GAVEL

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NEWS / slow fashion

Kelli wants to clean up fashion’s ‘wastefulness’

By Danielle Nohra

AFTER seeing the negative effect of fast fashion first-hand, local designer Kelli Donovan wants to bring awareness to what she sees as the wasteful and unsafe nature of the fashion industry.

industry in the world and is also known as the modern-day slave trade,” she says.

Kelli no longer wanted to contribute to the environmental or social impacts of fast fashion and now, back in hometown, Canberra, she uses her label as a platform to educate buyers.

• The Sustainable Fashion Panel is a ticketed event, which will discuss how a product is made from an idea to a sale and how designers can positively impact the life cycle of a product.

During 15 years working as a designer for several large com panies in Melbourne, Kelli noticed they were more interested in the product and making money than the envi ronmental factor.

It wasn’t until she was “burnt out” by the constant pressure of meeting deadlines and 16-hour work days that Kelli stepped back and re-evaluated her career.

Leaving Melbourne, she moved to an organic macadamia farm in Byron Bay with her partner Sean and trained as a yoga teacher.

Through her decade of yoga teaching, Kelli became inspired to combine her love of fashion with her passion for health and wellbeing.

When she merged the two, she came up with the idea of Pure Pod, an eco-brand that produces ethically created “clean fashion”.

“Fashion is the second highest polluting

“Fashion is becoming cheaper and cheaper, there’s not the respect and connection between the clothes and the people, so people don’t really respect the work,” she says.

“Another thing that’s happening with fast fashion, is the cheaper the fashion, the harder it is for people to compete.

“We only have one planet and we can’t keep polluting it.

“Fashion is the second highest polluting industry in the world and is also known as the modern-day slave trade.”

“It’s about looking after where we live and keeping the environment healthy.”

With that in mind, Kelli founded the event “Fashionably Numb” that, for the first time, will be part of the 2017 Design Canberra Festival.

Using the knowledge gained from her sustainable brand, Kelli as well as other industry experts, will raise awareness through three events at her Dairy Road studios, in Fyshwick, on Saturday, November 11.

• The Twilight Ethical Fashion Market, open to the public from 2pm-5.30pm, will bring together national and local designers and makers who practice sustainable design and advocate no-waste policies. Kelli says the market is about showing people that there’s a solution to fast fashion.

• “Art All Day” features a conceptual art installation honouring the 1129 garment factory workers who lost their lives in the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013.

“There is a strong, growing unease from consumers about cheap, poor-quality goods and clothing and the need for the consumer to reconnect with makers’ stories and ethically made, good-quality clothing and products,” Kelli says.

“Whether it’s a natural fibre or synthetic material converted into fabric, the clothing lifecycle goes full circle and eventually the piece of clothing will come to landfill.

“So if it’s synthetic it’s not going to break down into the earth and it will be here for hundreds of years or more until it does.”

Even though people might think that slow fashion is expensive, Kelli says if they actually sit back and add up the costs, they’d be really surprised.

“I can guarantee they’ll spend less money if they buy less, buy better, choose well and have it for longer,” she says.

“Fashionably Numb”, Dairy Road Studios, Dairy Road, Fyshwick, November 11. For more information visit purepod.com.au

Pure Pod’s ethically created “clean fashion”.

Arts & Entertainment 17-20

Cinema 18

Dining 20

Crossword 21

Gardening 22-23

Horoscopes 21

Letters 11

News 3-12

Politics 8

Socials 16

Sport 10

Cover: Abbie Cornish and Heath Ledger in “Candy”. Photo by Hugh Hartshorne. Story Page 17.

for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

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SEVEN DAYS

Jimmy and Kevin turn on the plugger’s charm

It was in Canberra wild rocker Jimmy Barnes met his wife, then 21-year-old uni student Jane Mahoney –a diplomat’s daughter – at an after-gig party.

THE devotion of some rock fans is mighty impressive. Forty-something Cold Chisel devotee Madelin left her Cootamundra home before 6am and headed for Dymocks at Westfield Belconnen. Arriving at 8.30am Madelin – who has been attending Chisel concerts since 1987 – landed the coveted top spot in the queue to meet her hero Jimmy Barnes who wasn’t scheduled to rock up until 12.30pm. But rock up Barnes did and cheerfully signed copies of his latest book “Working Class Man” and posed for pics for over two hours.

CANBERRA is a significant chapter in the extraordinary Barnes’ life story. It

was here the wild rocker met his wife, then 21-year-old uni student Jane Mahoney – a diplomat’s daughter – at an after-gig party, a meeting the Cold Chisel frontman will never forget: “Sitting in the corner of the room, not saying a word, was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She looked like a princess, not someone you would see in a Motel 7 in the outer suburbs of Canberra”.

ANOTHER famous Australian with a strong Canberra connection also recently returned to his old stomping ground. Former PM Kevin

Rudd was back at his alma mater, the ANU, to plug his latest book “Not for the Faint-hearted”. Demonstrating the famous Rudd humility the former Lodge dweller charmed a nearcapacity Llewellyn Hall audience including a 22-year-old woman wearing a “Kevin 07” T-shirt. During the “Conversation with Stan Grant ” Rudd shared opinions of Tony Abbott: “the most destructive and negative politician we’ve produced”, Donald Trump: “a madman” and the Murdoch press as “a cancer on our democracy”.

CANBERRA bashers and cynics were quick to fire up on social media in the wake of “Lonely Planet” listing the capital as the world’s third best city to visit in 2018. Canberra curmudgeon Bernard Keane clearly

disagrees, tweeting to the universe: “Memo to the rest of the world: @lonelyplanet is full of s*@t. Canberra is a great place to bring up kids, but ain’t no holiday destination.”

But “Lonely Planet’s” Chris Zeiher says: “The city has been hiding in plain sight. Rich with history, culture and entertainment, it offers something for every kind of traveller.”

CANBERRA lawyer Mark Blumer has broadened his legal horizons. The founder of personal-injury lawyers Blumers has financed a play being staged by the Tasmanian Theatre Company dealing with one of that state’s most controversial and divisive criminal cases. Blumer is executive producer of “An Inconvenient Woman”, which spotlights the judicial system surrounding the case of Susan

Neill-Fraser, who is serving a long prison term for the murder of her de-facto Bob Chappell on Australian Day 2009.

THE mystery of a lush green tree sprouting from the top floor of the 20-storey Infinity Towers construction at Gungahlin has been explained. According to Wikipedia, the practice known as “topping out” goes back to ancient Scandinavia where a tree was placed at the top of a structure to appease the treedwelling spirits displaced during construction.

AN un-raced and un-named greyhound will soon be carrying the fortunes/future of local greyhound racing. Liberal spokesman for racing and gaming Mark Parton promoted the syndication of the dog (20 members paying $300 each) designed to keep alive a campaign to prevent the Barr government from closing the industry. The Community Values syndicate – so called after Regulatory Services Minister Gordon Ramsay claimed the sport was “out of line with community values” – was reportedly oversubscribed within an hour of release.

AND talk about giving a dog a bad name; I was recently mistaken for a Liberal Party flunkey. Filming a lunchtime Unions ACT rally outside the Assembly – in the wake of Opposition Leader Alistair Coe’s inflammatory comments about unions – I was approached by a union official who demanded my credentials. When he became aware of the facts he backed off with: “That’s okay, then; I thought you were one of Coe’s team”.

Billy battles on for the love of Lynette

By Danielle Nohra

SINCE Lynette Williams died from brain cancer in April, her husband Billy, 67, has dedicated the rest of his life to help beat brain cancer so others don’t experience the same “horrendous journey”.

“In a very personal sense, brain cancer has taken the lives of Lyn, her brother and my father over the past 30 years, which has had a major impact on our families,” Billy says. Lyn was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that begins in the brain,

because the cancer was mess ing up her brain.

“Our lives were changed forever as we took a journey of surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, seizures and continual medical appointments as we learnt the terrible truth about this hide ous disease that attacks the very essence of human life, the brain and our unique and indi vidual personality,” he says.

“It’s really touched our fam ily in a deep way and we feel re ally compelled to be advocates.

“There needs to be more re sources, better access for clini cal trials and more support for families who are suffering.”

There are more than 100 types of brain cancer, but Lyn had the most aggressive and the most advanced, so after surgeries and chemotherapy it came

“It invades the brain and keeps popping up and you can’t do anything,” Billy says.

“We discovered, on this journey, that treatment across Australia is not anywhere near as good as it could be.

“We tried to find a clinical trial for Lyn but there was none and I don’t think it’s good

In the last 20 years there

has been very little progress to improve the survival rates for brain cancer and Billy says there needs to be more funding for research, as well as support from the government and pharmaceutical industries.

“Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease,” Billy says.

“The mortality for brain cancer is equivalent to a car crash a day that has almost

four fatalities.

“The attention to cancer has been, rightly, put on highprofile cancers and because of that, survival rates and treatments have increased.”

Now, Billy would like to see attention placed on brain cancer so it can have a similar effect.

He recently spoke to a Senate inquiry into low survival rates of rare cancers, such as brain cancer.

And soon, with the support of the Australia Ghana Association and the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia, will be hosting a dinner dance to raise funds for two causes that were close to Lyn’s heart.

“The evening will raise funds for brain cancer support and also for a small independent organisation in Ghana, which helps children and adults by providing prosthetic equipment and other services to help their recovery,” Billy says.

Billy and Lyn lived in Ghana for five years, and during that time Lyn became involved in the Orthopedic Training Centre (OTC) there.

To honour Lyn’s life, Billy will be returning to Ghana next year as a volunteer at the OTC to support their work.

“I feel committed to do this, knowing that Lyn would have wanted me to get on with doing positive things,” he says.

“If you’ve got life, live it. Get on with it. Don’t give up. I’m getting on with it.”

“Dinner Dance: In honour of Lynette Williams”, Southern Cross Club, Woden, 6pm, November 11. Tickets $85 or $800 for a table of 10 via btaa.org.au/even or call Billy on 0466 021447.

Talking Tim

ABC sports broadcaster and “CityNews” columnist Tim Gavel is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Canberra North branch of National Seniors Australia at the Raiders Club, Hardwick Crescent, Holt, 10.30am, on Thursday, November 9. Visitors welcome. More information at 6241 9395.

Twilight fair

CARNIVAL rides and a sideshow alley are on offer at the Curtin Primary School’s Twilight Fair at the Theodore Street campus, from 5pm on Friday, November 10. There will be plants, cakes and crafts for sale.

Kids’ bush dance

THE Monaro Folk Society is hosting a kids’ bush dance with an experienced caller teaching dances. The Tin Mugs bush dance group will be playing the music and it all happens at the All Saints Hall, Cowper Street, Ainslie, 2.30pm-4pm on Saturday, November 11. Admission is by gold coin.

‘Star Wars’ tribute

A SPECIAL display marking the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars” will feature at the ACT Scale Modellers’ Society’s scale-modelling competition and display, to be held at UC High School, Kaleen, 108 Baldwin Drive, 10.30am3.30pm, on the weekend of November 11-12. Entry is $5 ($2 for children and seniors). Visit actsms.asn.au

Actsmart offers a range of free programs for ACT businesses including: • support to implement efficient recycling and waste management practices • obligation free onsite energy and water assessments • rebates of up to $5,000 (on a cost share basis) to upgrade inefficient equipment

More than 1000 ACT businesses have already signed up to Actsmart programs.

MUM IN THE CITY / puncture hell BRIEFLY

Tyre puts driver under pressure

ONE recent evening, driving along a road near Woden, my husband, our two kids and I were behind a small sedan that wobbled and then its left front tyre flew off and rolled away on to the footpath.

The car came to an abrupt stop and, as we passed, we could see an obviously distressed young woman at the wheel.

We pulled over and my husband walked back to offer assistance. The cause was quickly apparent. The tyre had punctured and quickly deflated. Despite obvious noise and compromised steering, the young woman had continued driving until the wheel rim neatly severed the tyre tread, which separated and ended up in the bushes by the side of the road.

The driver was beside herself and at a loss about what to do. The operation of the car was a mystery to her. She didn’t know how to change a tyre. She didn’t know there was a spare tyre in the boot. She didn’t know that tyres were filled with pressurised air. When her tyre punctured she had just kept on driving on the flat tyre.

My husband and 15-year-old

The

driver was beside herself. The car was a

mystery; she didn’t know how to change a tyre; didn’t know there was a spare in the boot and didn’t know tyres were filled with pressurised air.

son offered to change the tyre for her and she gratefully accepted.

I don’t make any big judgment here. When I was a new driver many years ago I knew little about how my car worked and it was only after a few incidents and breakdowns that I got the gist of the mysteries of engines, tyres and other bits and pieces. I quite understand the young woman’s confusion and distress. Still, we were startled when some of her friends arrived on the scene. Not one of them knew how to change a tyre, let alone anything else about what might go wrong with a car. One said he’d have to look at DIY clips on YouTube to work out how to change a tyre. It was clear none of them had ever looked under a bonnet. Another went looking on her phone for any app that might somehow help. Another

said that in the future it wouldn’t matter because one would just summon another self-driving vehicle to get to one’s destination.

I’m not sure how representative this small group was, but it did raise doubt about the capacity of a generation so immersed in virtual life on mobile phones that they may struggle to deal with some of the basics of real life.

My son can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a car. Unlike me, who was terrified of learning to drive, he sees a car as his ticket to freedom and independence. He fills the car up for me at the petrol station. He knows how to check tyre pressures, oil and water and is the master of the flat-tyre change.

He has been studiously observ-

ing and asking questions about driving and mechanics for more than a year. I am all for encouraging this. I want him to know as much about the mechanics of a car, how it works, how to drive it and the road rules well before he does eventually embark on what will be yet another important stage of life – exciting for him, scary for his mum – learning to drive.

The young lady we helped was soon on her way. She won’t drive on a completely flat tyre again. Meantime, I wonder whether basic vehicle maintenance and safety should be a compulsory subject at high school and college. It is one of those things that you just can’t learn online.

Free concert

“QUE Sera Sera” is the theme for the annual, free, seniors concert at the Albert Hall, 2pm-4pm, on Sunday, November 12. Individual guests are requested to register with the Council on the Ageing (call 6282 3777) by Wednesday, November 8, for transport and catering purposes. The concert is funded by the Rotary Club of Canberra, whose members also provide transport and serve afternoon tea. The performance is by Sing Australia, organised by its national director Colin Slater.

Michelago market calls

CHRISTMAS market stalls, a big barbecue, vegetarian food, crepes and plenty of home-baked cakes and coffee will welcome visitors to the Michelago annual Spring Fair at the Ryrie Street oval, 10am-4pm on Sunday, November 12. Michelago is 50 kilometres south of Canberra on the Monaro Highway. For children there’s a petting zoo, an ice cream van and sheep shearing demo. The fair starts with yoga at 9am and entry is by gold-coin donation.

Rocks and gems

SONYA FLADUN

ALL things rock-related will be on display at the Canberra Lapidary Club’s “Spring Gemcraft and Mineral Show” in the Mallee Pavilion at EPIC, 10am-5pm, over the weekend of November 11-12. Members’ collec tions will be on display and there will be free demonstrations on cabbing, faceting and silversmithing. Entry $5, $10 family, $2 children/concession.

Seniors seek sale stuff

THE Canberra Seniors Centre is looking for donations to its Christmas Fete, to be held at 10 Watson Street, Turner, 8am-2pm, on Saturday, November 18. Anything in clean, good condition would be welcome, especially clothes, toys, games, books, jewellery and plants. Donations to the centre, weekdays 9am-2pm. Enquiries to 6248 9509.

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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

When trust declines, winds of change blow

By Michael Moore

THE political winds are changing. They are changing internationally as trust in traditional systems declines. Unfortunately, when politics gets messy it is the ordinary people who lose trust in less-than-perfect systems and look for alternatives.

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The Australian High Court has effectively dismissed a handful of elected Federal politicians including ministers. In the US President Donald Trump continues to cause international confusion with ad hoc decisions that have little or no thought of ramifications. The UK is wrestling with the aftermath of Brexit. In Canada, France and NZ the old guard has been overthrown by what they would perceive as young upstarts.

Political systems will never be perfect and there is always room for improvement. Interestingly, the sad resignation of Steve Doszpot, one of the most solid and community oriented members of the ACT Assembly, illustrates how systems can be improved. His replacement will be decided in an efficient, equitable and democratically transparent manner. The replacement of federal politicians who failed the citizenship test this time will take a form of countback ordered by the court. It is usually less transparent, less equitable and much messier.

The High Court decision on citizenship illustrates the robust nature of our Australian Constitution. It demonstrates effective application of the separation of powers operating in exactly the way it has been designed. However, on the other hand, dual citizenship is so common in Australia that the content of the citizenship clause has been exposed as wanting.

Members of the two major parties remain unscathed. However, for Matt Canavan (Nationals) and Nick Xenophon (NXT) the decision must be a huge relief. Was fear of being dismissed by the High Court the reason for Senator Xenophon to return to SA state politics?

Greens Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam showed integrity in admitting their mistake and stepping down from the Senate before the High Court decision. Until dismissed, Malcolm Roberts (One Nation) – who had amongst the

least ever personal votes at last election –toughed it out with the least transparency and the most unconvincing arguments. Canavan stepped down from the Cabinet while the other two ministers remained.

Barnaby Joyce and Fiona Nash (Nationals) toughed it out until dismissed by the High Court. Not only were they both ministers, but Joyce also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party while Senator Nash was the National Party Deputy Leader. The legal validity of ministerial decisions made by them is now likely to be challenged.

The High Court decision will be really tough on all those who have lost their seats. Despite the variation in their philosophies, they have all worked extraordinarily hard for their constituents and for what they believe to be a better Australia. Their political futures are now in limbo.

Meanwhile, President Trump pre-emptively withdrew the US from UNESCO and was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as “brave and moral” before following suit. There appears to be little consideration of the long-term impact of this move. Palestine was recognised by UNESCO in 2011 in attempting to protect world heritage. This has had Israel and its lobbyists in America seething ever since.

As with all political systems, the UN and its range of organisations are not perfect. However, when the leader of the most powerful nation on earth thumbs his nose at the most important body for international co-operation – it sets a clear precedent for others to do the same. In 1945 UNESCO, along with other UN bodies, were established in the aftermath of World War II to seek lasting peace. Pulling out of UNESCO has single-handedly taken international relationships back three quarters of a century. The dismissal of the old guard in favour of a new generation of dynamic young leaders from across the globe provides hope for the future. There are indications that they stand up for what they believe, resist national and international pressures of big business and support stronger democracy rather than government of the corporatocracy.

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

THE GADFLY

An echo of racism amid our hidden history

It was prideful Britishness that was behind their determination to treat the Chinese migrants as interlopers. Indeed, they even passed a law that they couldn’t marry indigenous Australians!

IN all the fuss over Section 44 of the Constitution, no one seems to have realised what was behind the framers’ decision to insert a measure that would prevent Australian residents from standing for Parliament if they had the capacity – whether they used it or not –to be a citizen of another country.

The idea that they wanted to ensure MPs were not going to advocate for any other nation just doesn’t cut it. In 1901 when the first Parliament was elected – and for the next half century – they were all British subjects and consequently were at least dual citizens.

The truth, alas, is an echo of the racism behind the law passed by that first Parliament that for the next 70 years prevented us from developing good relations with our regional neighbours. Yes, it’s the White

Australia Policy, our unique contribu tion to international apartheid. It was aimed directly at the ChineseAustralians who, at the time, were developing the NT and providing the fresh vegetables on Queensland grazing properties that allowed us to develop the wool industry that we rode to prosperity for a century or more.

It was part of a hidden history of our relations with China that I have tried to expose in my new book, “Dragon and Kangaroo”. And I can’t help having a quiet smile at the chaos caused to our current MPs by the actions of their predecessors. It is particularly poignant for the dual British/Australian citizens because it was prideful Britishness that was behind their determination to treat the Chinese migrants as interlopers. Indeed, they even passed a law that they couldn’t marry indigenous Australians! (Marriage equality meant something different then.)

But the Australia-China story is not all gloom and doom. Far from it, there were some wonderful characters in both countries who became

quite influential and much respected. Two Australian journalists, George Morrison and William Donald, for example, were highly influential advisers to Chinese governments. Morrison helped to bring down the last Qing dynasty and establish the first Chinese republic in 1912. His friend and associate, William Donald was the principal adviser to the great revolutionary, Sun Yat-sen, and later worked very closely with

President Chiang Kai-shek until World War II. Indeed, were it not for the Chinese resistance in that conflict tying up a million Japanese soldiers at terrible cost to China, they would have undoubtedly invaded Australia. Here at home, Quong Tart was only nine when he arrived in Braidwood

with his uncle during the gold rush, but became a beloved figure throughout the country. When his uncle returned to China, Quong Tart was “adopted” by the Forsyths, a Scottish family who ran the town’s general store. And thereafter he spoke with a Scottish accent and, as an adult, often wore the kilt.

He became a highly successful businessman in Sydney and ran his own fashionable tea rooms in the city. When he died in 1903 from injuries suffered from a violent burglar, more than 1500 people – including the state’s political and business leaders – followed his coffin to Rookwood Cemetery. It was a constantly astonishing experience to research the book. And I’m not surprised that these latest events have shown just how intertwined our history has been… and shall be.

robert@ robertmacklin.com

“Dragon & Kangaroo” (Hachette, $32.99, e-book $16.99).

Another big bash at national fame

If the Big Bash bid is to go ahead it must first need an assurance there is no pre-determined outcome and that Cricket Australia is open to including a Canberra team.

AS momentum grows for a Canberra bid for a Big Bash cricket licence, those involved in the process should be armed with knowing what’s worked in the past and what’s failed in terms of ACT teams vying to be part of national leagues.

The A League for Canberra bid offers the most recent evidence of the pitfalls. It became apparent that the Football Federation Australia and those pushing for an A League licence in the ACT were on a different trajectory. In the end, despite Canberra registering the only bid for an expansion team, the FFA parachuted the Western Sydney Wanderers into the A League ahead of the ACT.

Part of the problem was the heavy reliance on start-up funding from the ACT government. Around half the $5 million to launch the team had to come from the government. There was a public campaign with potential members pledging their support, but in the end the FFA decided that it wasn’t sustainable in the long term.

The Canberra Cavalry launched a grassroots campaign aimed at demonstrating to those putting the Australian Baseball League together that there was support for a team in the ACT.

With the Australian-based league backed by the American Major League the financial commitment wasn’t as great as the A League but there was still a need to demonstrate endorsement from the community.

The baseball campaign had the slogan “Let’s do it, Canberra” and operated on the concept that if it could secure $20 pledges from 5000 people it would be enough to lock in a place in the league. It reached that number and is now one of the leading teams in Australian baseball.

It wouldn’t have happened if there hadn’t been backing from the governing body from the outset.

The Raiders and the Brumbies faced similar hurdles as they sought places in the NSW Rugby League, as it was known then, and the Super 12 respectively. They, too, had to overcome perceptions to convince others from outside the ACT that there was patronage for teams in Canberra.

The Raiders made its first grand final six years after being admitted and won the first of its three premierships two years later, while the Brumbies remain the most successful Australian team in Super Rugby history with two titles. Both teams had to ensure there was both grassroots and corporate backing.

If the Big Bash bid is to go ahead it must first need an assurance there is no pre-determined outcome and that Cricket Australia is open to including a Canberra team in any proposed league expansion.

The bid team will also need to secure pledges of public support to guarantee patronage in Canberra. Backing will come from the ACT cricket community, but to succeed there needs to be an assurance that people outside “hard core” cricketing

circles will come to games.

In terms of playing talent, a potential team in Canberra would draw from existing players and players who left the ACT to participate at a higher level. Like the Brumbies when they started, there would need to be experienced players from elsewhere.

The bid would also need to ensure that there was equal support for a women’s Big Bash team. Canberra’s encouragement for women’s sporting teams should provide the bid with an advantage that no other city can rival.

Government backing appears to be vital in any bid but the sustainability of the team can’t be reliant on the public purse. From experience, this would send warning bells to Cricket Australia that there isn’t enough corporate assistance.

However, I’m sure there would be financial support from corporates in Canberra and major funding might come from outside the ACT. India is an obvious source given the fanatical approach to cricket on the subcontinent, but also because of India’s desire

for closer business relations with Australia. In those circumstances what better city to showcase an Indian business than the nation’s capital?

The Raiders and the Brumbies have overseas companies as their major sponsors. The Chinese multinational Huawei backs the Raiders, while the Brumbies have the Israeli-registered online trading company Plus500 as their major sponsors.

Over the past couple of years I have been sceptical of any bid for a Big Bash team in Canberra, but the calibre of those currently talking about putting a proposal together has given me confidence that when Cricket Australia decides to expand, the ACT will be in a great position to secure a licence.

Students to get devices from next term

AS of term one next year, all students from years 7 to 11 in ACT public high schools and colleges will receive a Chromebook device.

Education Minister Yvette Berry says: “In many ways these are the textbooks of today and the ACT is the first Australian state or territory to provide them universally in public schools.

“This initiative will ensure every secondary student in Canberra public schools has the same access to a device to enhance their learning through technology. Irrespective of family circumstances, every student will have an equal opportunity to access technology-based learning when and where they need it.

“With a single device as the standard across classes and schools it also means Canberra teachers don’t need to be experts in every platform or spend valuable lesson time trouble shooting multiple devices.

Ms Berry says Chromebook laptops were selected because they best align with existing ACT public school IT infrastructure.

Park full of marques

THE Council of ACT Motor Clubs’ 14th Marques in the Park, a free display of more than 800 vehicles, will be held in the John Knight Memorial Park, next to Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen, 9am-2pm on Sunday, November 12. The event features vehicles from every continent and motoring nation including beautiful, weird, exclusive and wonderful vehicles, bikes, trucks and caravans.

Way with archaeology

AMY Way will talk about the archaeology of Lake George, a massive, resource-rich, upland freshwater lake unique in Australia, at a joint meeting of the Canberra Archaeological Society and the Friends of the Museum at the National Museum, 6pm, on Wednesday, November 15. Visitors welcome, non-members are $5, bookings to friendscaslectures. eventbrite.com.au

Fair with ‘everything’

ST Mary in the Valley Anglican Church, opposite the Calwell shops, promises “something for everyone” at its annual Community Fair, 9am-2pm, on Saturday, November 18. Attractions include plants, jewellery, toys, books, crafts and bric-a-brac.

Hart on hearts

HEATHER Hart will talk about strokes to the ladies of the Tuggeranong Day VIEW Club’s next lunch meeting at the Town Centre Vikings club, Greenway, 11.30am, on Tuesday, November 21. Interested ladies and guests welcome. Lunch is $26 and bookings to 6294 1384 or maleyjan@yahoo.com

LETTERS FAIR TRADING

Cancelled tickets, what to do next

AS temperatures rise and the days get longer, the music festival season gets into full swing across the country.

However, even with the best event planning, sometimes things don’t work out how you expect. For instance, a few years ago, consumers were left out of pocket by the cancellation of almost 50 music festivals across Australia. More recently, extreme weather caused two concerts in NSW to be cancelled or postponed.

How can you protect yourself and what rights do you have?

Under Australian Consumer Law, a business cannot accept payment and then fail to deliver what was promised. So if a festival is cancelled, ticket holders may be entitled to a full refund from the company that sold them the ticket.

Even if the festival goes ahead but is significantly different from what was advertised, ticket holders may also have a right to a refund on the ground that they were misled or deceived. The new line-up may not be what they want to see and the investment on tickets may not have happened in the first place.

So, read the terms and conditions. Yep, the fine-print text spells out the terms. This is your contract with the ticketing agent. If you have suffered a financial loss due to a festival cancellation, such as cancelling your flights or accommodation, refer to the terms and conditions and contact your ticketing agent first.

Also keep a paper or electronic trail. It is safest to buy tickets via a secure online transaction with a reputable, authorised ticketing agent. In the case of something going wrong with the event, you will have electronic records of your purchase.

Consumers who buy tickets with a credit card may also be able to seek a

If a festival is cancelled, ticket holders may be entitled to a full refund from the company that sold them the ticket.

chargeback from their bank if they are unsuccessful in obtaining a refund from the ticket seller.

Knowing what to do and when can go a long way towards successfully achieving a refund.

Here are some tips to protect you from unforeseen cancellations: Do your research – know your rights.

Buy from a reputable ticket seller –read reviews online and talk to your friends and family.

Read the terms and conditions before you purchase tickets to see what you are entitled to.

Buy tickets online through a secure website (look for the https:) Like any purchase, keep all related documentation and receipts.

Bring on those summer festival vibes!

David Snowden is the ACT Fair Trading commissioner.

Victim’s wife says hang on to CTP

AS the wife of an innocent victim involved in a motor accident in 2015, I would like to impress the importance of retaining the current CTP scheme.

I don’t believe that by making any changes to the current CTP scheme, which is quite good, or eroding innocent victims’ rights will reduce CTP fees. We all know that bills and expenses always increase without fail and will never be reduced, particularly when government is involved in any of these decisions.

Effectively we will be paying more for innocent accident victims who will suffer a loss in compensation benefits. This is wrong on every level! Innocent accident victims need all the support they can get, in particular, financial support. In the ACT, we have the best system at the moment, where everyone does get support.

Why would the government be thinking to reduce compensation to any innocent accident victim, when there is plenty of evidence indicating that we need to have the current system kept in place. This absolutely does not make sense as there are more risks now than ever before for all innocent drivers who do the right thing.

Attacking or eroding innocent accident victims of less or no compensation, is NOT a fair or responsible outcome for any road user injured by someone else’s negligence. The government really needs to think again and think very carefully.

Ros

Thomas, Calwell

Lacking historical rigour

COLUMNIST Robert Macklin’s account of the demise of Tasmanian Aborigines (CN, October 12) was simplistic and lacking historical rigour. More Aborigines died of disease than murder and many died of internecine struggles.

The white man was by no means perfect, but he was not the genocidal monster of Macklin’s fertile imagination.

H. Ronald, Jerrabomberra

Very McHappy with response

I AM writing to thank “Canberra CityNews” and the Canberra community for their support of McHappy Day in 2017 – the largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The Canberra community helped us celebrate 26 years of McHappy Day and raise a record-breaking $4 million for RMHC. These donations equate to more than 30,000 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House, ensuring that Aussie families get to stay together while their sick or injured child undergoes treatment.

I want to personally say a big thank you to everyone in the Canberra community who got involved, making generous donations that helped McHappy Day raise more money than ever before.

Barbara Ryan, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia

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HEALTHY EATING NEWS

When post-exercise pangs strike

WHETHER you’re an early riser or prefer to sweat it out at the end of a long day, many of us struggle with what to do when the post-exercise hunger pangs strike.

How can we provide our body the nutrients it needs to recover and avoid raiding the biscuit tin as soon as we get home?

Exercise is all about stress and damage. When we exercise, whether it’s going for a long walk, high-intensity run or lifting heavy weights, we are pushing our body outside its comfort zone. We are stressing our lungs, our heart and damaging our muscles so that they can adapt and improve.

When we finish an exercise session we want to support the rebuilding and repair of these tissues. Protein is the building block of this repair.

Eating protein-rich foods after a workout can help to stimulate “protein synthesis”, which is the building of new body tissues in our lungs, heart and muscles.

Protein-rich foods include: meat, chicken, fish, milk (dairy and soy), yoghurt and eggs.

When you’re ravenously hungry after moving your body, it’s easy to overdo the postworkout snack. I easily find

How can we provide our body the nutrients it needs to recover and avoid raiding the biscuit tin as soon as we get home?

myself getting through three or four sandwich slices of cheese or demolishing several handfuls of lollies before I’ve registered what I’m doing.

The problem with this is that we are often exercising to create an energy deficit (and lose body fat). But if the hunger caused by exercising results in overeating, we have somewhat undone our energy deficit efforts.

Fibre-rich foods can really help to boost the volume of your post-workout snack, without adding too much energy. These foods include: fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cracker/rice cakes.

Delving into the world of sports nutrition you’ll find a lot of information about the best ways to recover from training.

Carbohydrates are a common topic of discussion. There is good research to suggest that including carbohydrate with protein in a post-exercise meal or snack

can improve the muscles uptake of glucose and help to replenish our glycogen stores. This can help boost recovery and help to prepare the body for another bout of exercise.

But whether we need to rapidly recover depends on how intense and frequent the training is. If you are ramping up training for an event, this strategy can be very valuable and it can be worthwhile speaking to a sports nutritionist to determine the best volume and timing of carbohydrate.

However, if you’re including moderate intensity exercise up to five to six times a week, your body is well equipped to recover with a normal pattern of eating. For most of us, choosing the protein-rich and high-fibre snack will meet our post-exercise needs, without overdoing it.

Here are some great postworkout snacks:

• A small, skim, flat white and a piece of fruit.

• 150g-200g yoghurt and 2 tablespoons of muesli.

• Apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter dip.

• Boiled egg and a carrot.

• 50g trail mix.

• Two mini quiches.

• A slice of rye toast with peanut butter.

• 10 rice crackers and 90g tuna.

• High-fibre muesli bar.

• High-protein muesli bar.

• Yoghurt pouch and a piece of fruit.

Clare Wolski is a practising dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call

Mulloon goes to water to win prize

A BUNGENDORE not-for-profit organisation aiming to restore water catchment in southern NSW has been named a State Landcare Champion in the Australian government’s Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices category at the 2017 NSW Landcare Awards.

Gambling harm is any negative impact from gambling. It’s not just about losing money. Gambling can also harm your:

The annual awards recognise the work of Australians to protect the environment and deliver more sustainable agriculture. Winners from each state and territory will be finalists in the 2018 National Landcare Awards.

The Mulloon Institute’s major project – the Mulloon Community Landscape Rehydration Project – aims to rebuild the natural landscape function of the entire Mulloon catchment and boost its resilience against climatic extremes.

Spanning 23,000 hectares and 50 kilometres of creeks and tributaries, the project focuses on creek repair and erosion control and involves more than 20 local landholders.

“We’re really proud to be chosen as a Landcare Champion and are happy to share our successes and mistakes as we organise the regeneration of other catchments across Australia,” said Tony Coote, founder of the Mulloon Institute.

Most people who experience gambling harm are NOT problem gamblers. If you gamble more than $40 a week or more than once per week, you have a higher risk of gambling harm.

act.gov.au/dontplayitdown

DANTE ALIGHIERI Society of Canberra Learn

Italian!

Formal Italian language classes

Enrolment for Term 1, 2018 are open

9 x 2 hour weekly sessions $295 or 18 x 2 hour weekly sessions

$560 (semester discount)

Tuesday or Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Beginners, continuing beginners, intermediate, continuing intermediate and advanced levels

It’s never, ever too late to EDUCATION & SKILLS

IT’S never too late to learn. And with so many training and education centres in and around Canberra, what better time to start than now?

CHRIS

COLEMAN CANBERRA in... is talking

Whether it be to learn a new language, find the confidence to perform on stage or better your existing skills – “CityNews” is showcasing some of the best training providers Canberra has to offer.

GO TO DRAMA SCHOOL IN 2018

Looking

Society shares its love for Italy

THE Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra has been preserving and disseminating Italian culture in the ACT since 1957.

It’s part of more than 500 nonprofit associations (400 outside of Italy) that share a love for Italian culture worldwide.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra shares its love on London Circuit, and it’s there that it teaches people how to speak Italian through its beginner classes, intermediate classes and advanced classes.

Outside of these classes, the society also holds an informal social evening once a week where members can come along, have a coffee and practice their Italian.

“When you’re a member we organise some Italian cultural evenings where we get someone who can speak about things like

Italian art or opera,” says the society’s Daniela Origa.

Daniela says anyone can become a member, they don’t have to have an Italian background.

“A lot of people come because they like Italy or have been to Italy, or want to know the basic skills if they’re going to Italy,” she says.

“It’s important to promote our background and where we come from and also preserve and maintain the cultural heritage of Italy.”

Members can also take part in the society’s choir, Dante Musica Viva, or special events such as trivia nights.

Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 2nd Floor, 180 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6247 1884, email info@danteact. org.au or visit danteact.org.au

Arts education and skills

LAVENDER Art Studios in Phillip has been teaching visual art in a relaxed, fun, and non-competitive environment for more than 18 years.

The art studio program has been devised by artist and art teacher Greg Devenny-Mackay, who has a background in education and is a former administrator of the Rudolf Steiner School. Greg works with art assistants who are specially chosen from within the young people’s art classes to work in the art program and are currently studying disciplines such as architecture, graphic design, art history and digital art design.

“Aside from many, many art awards that attribute specifically to the teaching practice at the Lavender Art Studios, art students have proven very high achievers in various professional fields that require artistic aptitude and knowledge,” says director and art studio manager Elita Mackay.

“Our hands-on support is totally professionally and educationally based.

“Our professionally fitted-out art studio is fully resourced, fully staffed and fully operational.

“We offer arts education that enlightens and supports art students of any age who have clear aspirations towards learning visual arts.”

Elita says many of Lavender Art Studios’ students take skills from the art program and use them successfully outside of it.

“Former and current art students have given many accounts and very fine examples of how the work that they have embarked upon at Lavender Art Studios has definitely helped in the context of their chosen art and education professions,” she says.

Lavender Art Studios, First Floor, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6292 6339, email elita.mackay@

learn something new

Students to get a taste of the West End

NOT only does the Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art offer the only nationally recognised acting courses in the ACT, but it’s also taking a group of students to London next year.

As part of CADA’s Certificate IV in Musical Theatre students will get the chance to go to London to see some top-notch musical theatre and also work with some West End coaches.

Managing director and co-founder of CADA Elizabeth Scott says the course is both joyous and rigorous.

Students will develop their singing technique, build strength as a dancer through ballet, jazz and Broadway dance styles, while learning to integrate acting technique into movement, voice and song.

“This experience will help them understand what their aspirations are, if they want to be part of performance,” Elizabeth says.

And, for those who want to explore their creative side but don’t have enough time for full-time study, CADA’s Certificate IV in Acting on Stage and Screen is offered part time.

“We have an increasing number of part-time students who might be public servants by day, or have another job or are parents,” Elizabeth says.

“Whether people do it as a hobby or a career, we train them at a professional level, whatever their goal.”

Elizabeth says auditions are coming up soon and all audition details can be found on the CADA website.

Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art, 1/9 Lithgow Street, Fyshwick. Visit cada.net.au or call 1300 908905.

WITH a desire to make a difference, the Australian Institute of Family Counselling started in Canberra about 25 years ago and has since grown nationally.

It began with husband-and-wife team, Dr Bruce and Nellie Litchfield, who both had a passion to help individuals and families and saw a need for high quality counselling.

“It has since kept its focus on providing high-quality Christian counselling courses,” says AIFC’s CEO Nicholas Marks.

“We’re what you call a specialist or niche provider, providing quality Christian counselling training from diploma level through to masters.

“People come to study with us for their own personal growth, healing and transformation, as well as to become accredited and go into practice as a counsellor.”

Nicholas says 50 per cent of Australia still

identifies as being Christian and the AIFC caters to those people predominantly but not exclusively.

“We have the highest level of accreditation with the peak Australian Counselling Association,” he says.

“And, we are unique in that we’re a VET training provider and also a higher education provider.”

AIFC has seven campuses around Australia, offering on-campus learning, blended learning and online learning.

But regardless of what learning experience a student chooses, Nicholas says through their training they become part of the AIFC community.

Australian Institute of Family Counselling, head office, 7/92 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 6242 5111 or 1300 721397, email info@aifc.com.au, or visit aifc.com.au

At the AFP Legacy Ball, Civic

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.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Australia’s big stars come out for summer

By Helen Musa

IT’s not every day that curators from two of our national institutions get together, but Jennifer Coombes, from the National Film and Sound Archive, and Penelope Grist, from the National Portrait Gallery, did and the results are star-studded.

narrowed it down to Australian feature films starting with the 1906 feature “The Story of the Kelly Gang” and going right up until “Ali’s Wedding”.

The list of familiar faces is endless, but there are also almost forgotten stars such as Louise Lovely, Lottie Lyell, and “Snowy” Baker, all of whom have fascinating stories that extended captions will delineate.

There’s Peter Finch in the 1938 “Dad and Dave Come to Town”, where director Ken G Hall gave him one of his earlier chances. Grist has become a huge Finch fan during the curating process – “So young,” she sighs.

The NPG’s coming summer exhibition, “Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits”, would have been impossible had not the two curators struck up a conversation during 2014 when the gallery staged an exhibition called “Promo: Portraits from prime time” that looked at professional photographers and the stars of Australian television, music and comedy.

“I realised then that the National Film and Sound Archive has film stills,” Grist tells “CityNews”, meaning photos, not posters, celluloid and digitised movies. The finished exhibition shows how still photographers created formal and candid shots, capturing the actors at work and the characters they are playing.

Grist and Coombes met for coffee, realised that the work of the usually unnamed photographic geniuses in Australia would present a treasure-house of work for exhibition, then pitched the idea to NPG director Angus Trumble who subsequently talked to the chief of the NFSA, Michael Loebenstein, and shook hands with him on it.

The results will be seen not just by Canberrans. A condensed version, “Starstruck on Location”, will also tour Australia until 2020, supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.

It’s been a huge amount of work, Coombes and Grist explain, which involved digitising a lot of material. Luckily the film company Cinesound had bequeathed to the NFSA huge scrapbooks of glamorous photographs showing stars past and present and there were also the casting books from which they found their actors.

“We thought: ‘We really have a show’, but it wasn’t always easy,” Grist says.

For one thing, until around the 1960s, photographers who took the stills were never credited. Nowadays we know names such as Robert McFarlane and Mark Stray, but the two curators had to float a few theories to help them identify the “artists”. Usually they couldn’t but they live in hope that the show will nudge memories. The collection was seemingly bottomless, so they

There are celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, but often in forgotten guises, as with the striking portrait of Kidman in “Dead Calm”, the film that first attracted Tom Cruise to her.

“These images started off as working marketing images,” Coombes says, but she and Grist have discovered that the most powerful of them exude energy and life “because of the strange connection between fact and fiction – often the actors are more interesting in character than out of it.”

Coombes sees the benefit of the exhibition as “to draw audiences back to film and to put our collection back into context,” while Grist sees the works of art as portraiture, in which the photographer “gets the real self”.

Some of the characters are archetypal, such as Mick Dundee, and while there are glamorous shots like that of Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice in “Strictly Ballroom”, not all are glamorous, as when Gillian Armstrong is seen relaxing in dungarees with Sam Neill and Judy Davis, in costume.

Coombes and Grist have hung the exhibition like a movie, in three parts, The Setup, The Journey and The Resolution, “as if you are walking through a screenplay,” they say.

Perhaps the most interesting part will be the Journey section, which deals with turning points, as in “Storm Boy”, where Peter Cummins, playing the father, insists that Mr Percival be returned to nature, or in the 1995 “Dad and Dave” film when Leo McKern expresses emotion as his son leaves home.

“Their faces are their fortunes,” Coombes says of the actors, citing a portrait of Deborah Mailman while performing in “The Sapphires” and Toni Collette as Muriel trying on a wedding dress.

“This exhibition is for people who love film and portraits, and that’s everyone, isn’t it?” Grist says.

“Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits,” National Portrait Gallery, November 10-March 4, 2018, bookings to portrait.gov.au

Troubled Beatrice seeks solace from the midwife

“The Midwife” (M)

TWO women in their fifties. Vegetarian, teetotaller, single-mother Claire (Catherine Frot) lives comfortably if not lavishly on her midwife’s salary in a provincial French city. Beatrice (Catherine Deneuve) lives on a financial knife edge, settling debts with card-game winnings, drinking and smoking too much, enjoying rare steaks and pommes frites, not prepared to adjust lifestyle to acknowledge major health issues.

It’s three decades since they last saw each other. And now, a letter from Beatrice suggesting that they renew their friendship has thrown Claire into a loop.

As a teenager, Claire watched her swimming-champion father betraying her mother by having an affair with teenaged Beatrice. Claire’s life has been one of service. Beatrice’s has been one of confronting challenges that might intrude on her joie de vivre

Writer/director Martin Provost’s film follows the two women as they confront each other in what, for Claire, is uncomfortable boredom. Telling Claire that she is dying from cancer, Beatrice wants company during her last days.

Provost’s screenplay makes assumptions about progress toward reconciliation, requiring both women to shift their ground for reasons less well defined than they might have been. No matter. The story unfolds leisurely, with gentle humour, en route to a finale that respects credibility.

Frot doesn’t rely on beauty to sustain Claire in difficult moments. When she lets her hair down and applies a bright-red lipstick

in one sequence, she delights the eye, but that’s not her main contribution.

While Deneuve at age 74 has thickened a little, her ability to dominate the view has diminished but little since her heyday.

Olivier Gourmet as Claire’s truckie boyfriend adds credibility. And minor characters deliver charming vignettes of life in a rural/ urban environment.

At Palace Electric

“Suburbicon” (MA)

ADVANCE reports about writer/director George Clooney’s cautionary tale of racial hatred and other unpleasant goings-on in a new, middle-American town (“all built out of ticky-tacky and all looking the same”) to

accommodate servicemen returning from World War II, called it a comedy.

Such comedy as it delivers is a discomforting blend of ha-ha and peculiar. Clooney and co-writer Grant Heslov have adapted a never-filmed screenplay by the Coen brothers into a film noir that takes a somewhat jaundiced view of a community in uproar when Afro-American Mr and Mrs Mayers buy a house in a suburb built for white folks.

In 1957, riots indeed erupted in Levittown, Pennsylvania for that reason. But “Suburbicon” draws less on those than on the Lodge family –father Gardner (Matt Damon), mother Rose (Julianne Moore) and 11-year-old Nicky

(Noah Jupe) – dealing with bullies and other crims intent on overturning the even tenor of the family’s life.

Evil plays a major role in developing the film’s plot. Most of it unfolds in the Lodge’s house. Two extortionist bullies set the ball rolling by chloroforming the family during a home invasion. A smarmy insurance agent later arrives to bully Rose into giving details of a claim that may reveal Gardner’s involvement in a malfeasance.

The film’s film noir flavour also provides moments that some might consider comedy. But the smiles come only sparsely, interspersed with death slowly consuming the Lodge family. Nicky’s friendship with young Andy Mayers (Tony Espinosa) provides a coda that Clooney probably intended as a metaphor for later improvements in race relations, which alas continue to plague the land of the free and the home of the brave.

At all cinemas

“Ingrid Goes West” (MA)

INGRID (Aubrey Plaza) is rejected and bored with life in Pennsylvania. But her iPhone offers escape by Instagram, when she discovers a social-media star in California. Taylor (Elizabeth Olsen) seems to have everything going for her – friends, excitement, prospects, a steady relationship, drugs, booze, all the

goodies for which today’s young adults yearn. On arriving in LA carrying a bag of inherited dollars, Ingrid rents a flat from Dan (O’Shea Jackson Jr) and dog-napps Taylor’s dog to open her campaign to win friendship by returning the mutt.

From that beginning, director Matt Spicer’s screenplay sends two ultra-hedonistic young women on what seems to be a rose-strewn path to the good life. Ingrid and Dan become lovers despite his initial rejection of her. Taylor’s hunky brother Nicky (Billy Magnussen) arrives from Paris, broke and full of self-importance.

When Ingrid mislays the iPhone on which she has recorded every evanescent moment of fame and fun with Taylor, Nicky, the rat, finds it and uses it to blow the whistle on how Ingrid began her campaign. Taylor drops her. Ingrid ODs. Fade to black. Surely this is the logical end to her story?

No way. Ingrid’s videoing of her OD has gone viral and, lo and behold, when she awakes sympathetic messages are flooding Instagram. “Ingrid Goes West” offers useful advice – don’t distort the truth; don’t store your indiscretions on your smartphone – on the way to a closing cliché, getting to which is, frankly, a big pain in the butt.

At Capitol 6

MUSIC

Matt’s calling for compositions

By Helen Musa

THE Matt Withers Australian Music Composition Competition is on again, with the first prize doubling to $2000 and total cash prizes increased to more than $3000 plus recording and performance opportunities, too.

Entirely the initiative of Canberra classical guitarist Matt Withers and funded from his own pocket, the competition began in 2014 and has since gained national recognition and a few sponsors.

Previously the competition, open to any Australian composer, has just been for solo classical guitar but for 2018 it’s expanding to take in compositions for guitar and string quartets (two violins, viola & cello).

Queensland visual artist Sue Needham has created a new set of

three works, “Stormy Seashore”, which the composers are asked to use as the inspiration for a seven to 10-minute work and, once again, there will be an award for an emerging artist under 25.

As well, a commission has been supported for a new work by Australian composer/guitarist Richard Charlton.

Full details and entry forms at mattwithers.com.au

When Courtney ‘meets’ Lindy

By Helen Musa

THE “what if” scenario is one of the mainstays of contemporary western theatre.

Epitomised in the 2013 Las Vegas show “Barbra [Streisand] and Frank [Sinatra] – The Concert that Never Was”, it proves the perfect vehicle for the kind of speculative theatre that we’ll see in a new play staged as part of the Ralph Indie season by Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres.

“Love/Chamberlain” is billed as a “hyper-real fantasy portrayal of Courtney Love and Lindy Chamberlain” and shows the pair crossing paths on the Federal Highway at midnight on their way to consult an oracle.

It sounds weird, but then again, as veteran director Cathy Hunt explains to “CityNews”, that strangeness and sense of an impossible encounter is exactly the surreal effect that she and playwright Bridget Mackey were after, much in the manner of Hollywood director David Lynch, the creator of “Twin Peaks”.

“Letters to Lindy” was at The Playhouse last year offering a glimpse of the notorious story of Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, whose baby daughter Azaria was taken by a dingo at Uluru. When Lindy came here to see Alana Valentine’s play many audience members wouldn’t applaud her.

“About this time last year Bridget and I met

singer, songwriter, actress, and visual artist reviled for her marriage to the late singer Kurt Cobain, in whose death rumour implicated her.

Hunt and Mackey decided that a hypothetical meeting was “a fascinating idea… together we researched the several times of their lives when their lives intersected.”

Hunt explains. Lindy was born in NZ; Courtney was sent there to a boarding school.

During the 1990s, Lindy Chamberlain married Rick Creighton and they lived in Seattle. Kurt and Courtney came with Nirvana to Canberra in 1992, a gig attended by cast member barb barnett. In 1992, they rented and lived in a house in Seattle, where he died.

“We’re taking them to some of the places where they could have crossed paths,” Hunt says, “possibly NZ or Seattle or Canberra… it’s a fantastical meeting, a way of showing what would happen if they spoke to each other, it’s impossible, but if they could speak in a dramatic space, this might be what happens… that’s where it is like ‘Twin Peaks’.”

“It was quite complicated, fitting in the research based on timelines and rejigging the order.

“The David Lynch-type idea is that we live in a shadowy, twilight world where things can happen, like meeting someone in a pub or on a highway where something strange can happen… we see what happens to you when you’re out of your comfort zone, like Thelma and Louise going on a journey.

“It’s meant to be dislocating, but I like to think it shows how compassion can be reached with a total stranger,” she concludes.

“Love/ Chamberlain,” Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, November 7 (preview) to November 12. Bookings to eventbrite.com or tickets at door.

ARTS IN THE CITY

Spiegeltent turns into a big-top show

THE cabaret spectacular

“Infamous, The Spiegeltent Big Top” is coming to town. “Sexy costumes adorn ripped bodies, sequins and sparkles decorate long legs supporting the lithe, taut torsos of the performer,” we are told. At Majura Road, November 10-December 16. Bookings to ticketbooth.com.au

THE Russian Resurrection Film Festival returns to Canberra in its 14th year with a retrospective celebrating the 80th birthday of director Andrei Konchalovsky. Of interest to dance and literature lovers will be the new documentary “The Bolshoi” and “Anna Karenina –Vronsky’s Story”. At Capitol Cinemas, Manuka, November 10-15. Bookings to eventcinemas.com.au

THE last of Chris Latham’s concerts this year in his “Flowers of War” series will be “1917: The Night is Darkest Before the Dawn”, featuring compositions by Nigel Westlake, Alex Lithgow, Richard Mills and Elena Kats-Chernin. At the High Court, 6.30pm, November 8. Bookings to theflowersofwar.org

PIERRE Rainero, the style, image and heritage director of Cartier International, has been at the National Gallery this week to unveil diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones from “Cartier: The Exhibition” coming to the gallery from March 30.

GEOFF Grey’s Canberra Wind Symphony is presenting “Lest We Forget” on Remembrance Day featuring stirring works by Elgar, Holst and Tchaikovsky alongside two

Canberra premieres. At St Andrew’s Church, Forrest, 2pm, on Saturday, November 11. Bookings to canberrawindsymphony.com.au

AFTER his first year of residency with the Berlin Philharmonic Academy, young Australian violin soloist Harry Bennetts will perform the (“too difficult to perform”) Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Nick Milton and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, who will also perform Sibelius’s Symphony No.2. At Llewellyn Hall, November 8-9. Bookings to cso.org.au or 6262 6772.

I PROGETTI Chamber Choir is presenting “Illumination”, featuring jewels of the Renaissance choral repertoire, at All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie, 7.30pm, Saturday, November 11. Bookings to iprogettichamberchoir@gmail.com or tickets at the door.

THE Llewellyn Choir will perform a free concert at the High Court of Australia,1.30pm, Sunday, November 5. Registrations to hcourt.gov.au

THE Lanyon Trio – Andrew Lorenz on violin, Robert Harris on viola and Wendy Lorenz on piano – will perform “unlikely” arrangements for their instruments in “Trio with a Twist” at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 5pm, on Sunday, November 5. Bookings to trybooking.com

At Canberra Potters Open Day & Makers Market you can explore our wonderful facility and experience an array of clay based activities including: A hand-building table; have-a-go on the potters wheel; pot a succulent to take home; visit our artist studios: meet our Artist-in-Residence; glaze your own pot for Raku firing; visit our trade stalls for advice & artist supplies; participate in creating our ‘Canberra Mud Map’; demonstrations; wood-fired pizza; entertaiment and more...

DINING / mookie, civic

The best of the burger boom

THERE’S a burger boom happening in the capital. Burgers have always been on menus but more burger joints (I use the term loosely) are opening and more eateries are focusing on sexy burgers, not just any old burgers.

That includes Mookie in the city (relatively new), which dishes up burgers with a twist in a venue with great vibe and a punch colour palette, featuring purples, fuchsias and oranges). Cool design features. Bright. Airy. Inviting.

Mookie’s groove is that it is “inspired by the nature of precision embedded into Japanese culture and the pursuit of flavour that captivates America”.

Order at the counter, grab a buzzer which sports fun sayings (ours told us to loosen our belts, which is fabulous advice) and settle in.

It’s Mookie’s execution that is top notch.

The beef burger features all-natural, grass-fed, free-range Black Angus beef ($11). It’s packed with flavour, slightly pink (medium rare) and so beautifully moist. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and special Mookie sauce delightful. The quality means no greasy after taste (so horrible) or the feeling you’ve got a massive burger stuck at the bottom of your gut. Mookie’s beef burgers are hormone and antibiotic free. You can tell the difference and the three of us declared it Canberra’s best beef burger.

The KFC-style chicken burgers are amazing ($11). RSPCA approved and no hormones. Mookie says they only source chicken from primary producers. As with all burgers, patties are made daily and cooked to order (some places precook and then just top off, which isn’t nearly as nice). The chilli mayo was a dynamite addition.

Totally decadent are the maple bacon fries ($12.50). I was born and bred in Canada so anything with maple syrup commands my attention. These sweet-potato fries are loaded with maple-braised bacon lardons and topped with chives and sweet paprika. Dare you to eat an entire serve. I’d collapse.

Vegetarians and vegans are taken care of with mushroom burgers ($13) and a tofu patty burger ($11). The gluten-free option is a cheeseburger minus the bun ($10.50). It’s encased in two slices of lettuce – clever presentation. Burgers sit neatly in cool paper pockets (neat Japanese style) on a tray lined with paper.

Although we didn’t indulge, my bet is that Mookie’s frozen custard, made fresh onsite, would be delish. It promises to be dense, rich and creamy. Burgers and beers go together like peas in a pod. Mookie features local brews and Japanese varieties. We were disappointed there was no wine. The outdoor dining area is massive and perked up with greenery in pots. Perch yourself at a communal table and watch the world go by.

Mookie, 21 Genge Street, Civic. Call 6147 4887.

Year of power and passion

legend Kurt Vonnegut, set in the US during the 1960s. Chris Baldock, who directed the searing “A View from the Bridge” this year, will stage the comedy of misdirected love, “One Man, Two Guvnors”.

“Radio on Repertory Lane” is easily the quirkiest choice of the season. That’s a suite of radio plays which will, over two weeks, present a thriller, a comedy and a drama. All ears and eyes will be on how director Jarrad West will present “three-dimensional radio” on stage.

Continuing one of the society’s more curious practices, the season announced also includes the first play for 2019, Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”, one of the most revolutionary plays of all time, in which Nora walks out on husband and home. Another favourite director, Aarne Neeme will be back with Rep to stage this

An innovation will be education-focused preview sessions for three of the plays, in which the directors will share their ideas with audience members.

“Power and Passion”, Canberra Repertory Society’s 201819 season, bookings to canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With dynamic Mars (your boss planet) moving through your relationship zone, give loved ones the space and encouragement to really shine on their own. Uranus stirs up your restless Ram side, as you surprise others with an unpredictable move that comes out of left field. You’re keen to explore and experiment but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! Saturn encourages you to think things through. Then you won’t miss a lucky opportunity when it comes along.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

On Tuesday love planet Venus shifts into your relationship zone, where it stays until December 1. Attached Bulls – plan something special with your sweetheart. Singles – a friendship could take a surprisingly romantic detour! With Venus visiting Scorpio (the sign of extremes) expect some ups and downs in an important partnership. As birthday great, singer-songwriter Neil Young observes: “As you go through life, you’ve got to experience the valleys as well as the peaks.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Romance planet Venus joins the Sun and Jupiter in your wellbeing zone. So the fitter and healthier you are, the more you’ll be able to capitalise on this lucky love link. Best aphrodisiacs? Foods like figs, avocados, oysters and chocolate will put some extra pep in your step. This fabulous cosmic connection also encourages you to utilise your work persona in positive ways. When it comes to relationships, strive to get the balance right between being stable and being spontaneous.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

With Venus activating your entertainment and party zone, jump out of your Crab comfort zone and have some fun. Plus, when it comes to your personal and professional lives, strive to keep the lines of communication and creativity wide open. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell (born on November 7, 1943): “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the Sun.” Looking for a new job? Present yourself as someone who really stands out from the crowd.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

For some comfort-loving Cats, home is where the heart is, as Venus visits your domestic zone. If you are attached, a delicious home-cooked meal will rev up the romance factor! Single? You could meet your soul mate through an introduction from a family member. But other Lions will feel super restless! So it’s a wonderful weekend to jump out of your usual routine and go on a grand adventure. Or just go travelling in your mind, as you re-connect with a friend from far away.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Mercury (your ruling planet) is now transiting through curious Sagittarius, which favours education, study, reading, writing, researching and publishing. So find novel new ways to stimulate your marvellous Virgo mind. But are you worried about money matters? Look for proactive and innovative ways to boost your bank balance and increase cash flow. Courtesy of the Saturn-Uranus trine, a financiallysavvy family member could surprise you by lending a helping hand.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Avoid sitting on the side-lines! With Saturn and Uranus stimulating your communication and relationship zones, you have to be organised and innovative if you want to get your message out to the world. So push yourself to post and publish; socialise and circulate; converse and connect. But resist the temptation to be dazzled by superficial outer appearances. With Venus shifting into serious Scorpio, take a deep look beneath the surface to discover a person’s true lasting value.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

This week it’s time to express your deepest emotions in creative and powerful ways that move others. Whether through speaking, writing, painting, photography, acting, singing, dancing, drawing or playing music. As singer-songwriterpainter (and birthday great) Joni Mitchell observes: “I sing my sorrow and I paint my joy.” On the weekend, a patient and progressive approach brings the best results. Especially involving a work colleague, a money matter or a health issue.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Mercury is moving through your sign, which boosts your curiosity, your communication skills and your powers of persuasion. You have a talent for inspiring others but make sure you’re using it in productive and positive ways. You’re not bossy – you’re bold; you’re not impatient – you’re spontaneous; and you’re not pushy –you’re persuasive. On the weekend, Saturn helps stabilise your fiery energy, while Uranus revs up your creative side. So it’s the perfect time to get things done!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’ll certainly be surrounded by intrigue this week, as the planets stimulate your mystery zone and secrets that were previously hidden rise to the surface. So make sure you handle any sensitive information as discreetly as possible. Saturday’s Saturn/Uranus trine encourages you to get the balance right between maintaining the status quo, and gradually introducing some original new ideas. You’ll find experience and innovation are a marvellous mix at the moment.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re keen to communicate as you mix and mingle, talk, text, tweet and post. The Saturn/Uranus trine helps stabilise the parts of your life that are going well. Plus it also gives you the confidence and motivation to question outdated ways of doing things and add some exciting fresh elements. You can successfully balance the old and new in your life. The best way to do this is to keep what’s working, and change what isn’t working. The trick is knowing which is which!

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With the Sun, Venus and Jupiter all jumping through your travel zone, taking a trip will be on your mind. Whether it’s an international holiday, an interstate sojourn or a relaxing weekend getaway, start planning and packing soon! But, when it comes to a work issue or a financial matter, don’t put your head in the sand. Take a good long look at your current situation. Perhaps you can make some strategic and creative changes that will lead to more security further down the track?

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Across

1 Name the Egyptian king who built the great pyramid. (6)

8 Which term describes a symbolic narrative? (8)

9 Which part of speech contains words used to modify another part of speech? (6)

10 What are loose strong trousers, with a bib and shoulder straps? (8)

11 What is an agreement, as to a proposal? (6)

13 To surgically remove a limb, etc, is to do what? (8)

16 What is a sum of money paid to shareholders? (8)

19 When one circulates counterfeit money, one does what? (6)

22 What is a large kettle or boiler? (8)

24 Name the Greek operatic soprano, born in the US, Maria ... (6)

25 To be derisive or contemptuous, is to be what? (8)

26 Which herons occur throughout the world? (6)

2 In which gloomy subterranean abode did Pluto rule? (5)

3 To be corpulent, is to be what? (5)

4 Which term describes malicious injury to tools, machinery, etc? (8)

5 What is the smoke passage in the chimney? (4)

6 To be struck with amazement, is to be what? (6)

7 What is an ornamental band worn on the arm? (6)

12 Name one of a race of peoples widely spread over Europe. (4)

14 What is a flower stalk also known as? (8)

15 Which chisel-like steel tool is used to dress timber? (4)

17 Name the first Australian-born Governor-general, Sir Isaac ... (6)

18 Which term describes layabouts? (6)

20 Name a particular roof worker. (5)

21 What is a baked dinner often called? (5)

23 What is a more or less rigid floating platform? (4)

Christmas

OPEN GARDEN / Campbell

Colour, peace and lots of Tina’s mosaics

MOSAIC stepping stones, wall art, water features and sculptures fill Tina van Raay’s Campbell garden, making it an outdoor gallery of her glass artworks.

Tina will open the colourful, peaceful space to the public on November 11-12 to raise funds for the Canberra Refugee Support Group, which helps refugees to settle into the

“I started creating mosaics after a cancer diagnosis in 2005, when I realised that the only way I was going to get well was by getting back into more creative pursuits,” she says.

“I left my full-time job, sat on my back steps and began breaking glass for my first mosaic and stained glass artworks and I haven’t stopped since.”

Tina says she feels strongly about supporting refugees to adapt to life in their new country, and works mainly with families from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“It’s wonderful to see them settling into life in Canberra and it’s all through being able to help in practical ways, by raising money and awareness,” she says.

“We also provide advocacy and policy advice as well as activities, programs and mentoring.”

On the weekend of the open garden, Tina says the Café Milala on her back deck will serve cakes, coffee and tea, and there will be a shop set up selling stained-glass lanterns, mosaic mirrors and stepping stones made by young women

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Maddie McGuigan

“The pieces for sale are really beautiful and I love that we created them together,” she says.

Tina says she started working on the garden in 2000, and has created a fairy garden that acknowledges all her grandchildren with a mosaic artwork for each one and space to store the artistic creations they make together in her workshop.

As well as an abundance of artwork, the Celtic crossshaped garden is lined with box hedges, overflowing with flowers tucked into every corner, with pond and waterfalls and a mosaic day lounge shaded by a giant London plane tree, complete with a large vegetable garden and the reserve beyond the back fence.

“My husband Rob and I spend a lot of time in the garden,” she says.

“If we’ve been away, the first thing we do when we get back is come and sit out here. It feels like we are in the middle of the country.

“It’s very relaxing and I feel there’s a healing element to the space.”

Tina’s mosaic garden, 28 Vasey Crescent, Campbell, open Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, 10am-4pm. Entry fee $5. Funds raised will go to the Canberra Refugee

KOWHAI is the national flower of NZ and its deep-yellow flowers are stunning.

In Maori, kowhai means yellow and its botani cal name is Sophora microphylla

I took the Kowhai photograph in the Dickson garden of a Horticultural Society member, where there are two plants both about eight metres tall, its mature height (they can be kept smaller).

There are eight species of Kowhai, all native to NZ, and local folklore says when they bloom in spring it’s time to plant sweet potato. Pigment for dye was also extracted from the flowers.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, however don’t be put off by this as many other plants are equally poisonous, such as Daphne.

There are many other Sophora growing in different parts of the world with the most common being Sophora japonica, also known as the Japanese pagoda tree and the Chinese scholar tree. It is one of the most famous of all Chinese trees and is planted extensively as on roadsides and in temple grounds.

Canberra botanist and parks and gardens director in the ‘40s, Lindsay Pryor, in “Trees and Shrubs in Canberra”, suggests Sophora japonica is well suited to Canberra, doesn’t sucker from the roots and gives promise of being a relatively long-lived tree. There are specimens planted outside the Drill Hall at the ANU and as street trees in Hutchins Street, Yarralumla, and Myall Street, O’Connor.

MUSHROOM compost is made up of wheat straw, poultry litter, cotton seed hulls and peat, all of which is pasteurised to kill off harmful bacteria. Once the mushrooms have grown, the compost is discarded and sold for mulching home gardens. It can be used also as a soil conditioner and potting mix additive. However, there is one important proviso. Due to the lime in poultry manure plus added lime to neutralise the acidity in peat, it shouldn’t be used near native plants nor any acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.

distinctive-shaped leaves are smooth and the new growth is light green, it is not the correct

HOPEFULLY we have seen the last of frosts, which means it is time to plant citrus trees. Increasingly popular is

KUMQUATS (or cumquats) are great for making marmalade and liqueur. Like Kaffir limes, kumquats are good for growing in bright sunshine in containers not less than 40-50cm across the top.

clay. Add some pelletised Seamungus fertiliser, a combination of seaweed and chook poo. Fertilise every couple of months with liquid Seamungus. Water every three to four days and mulch with pebbles for effect.

IT’S said the last three months in Canberra have been the driest on record. However, let’s look at some facts: according to the Bureau of Meteorology, we received 69.6 millimetres between July and September. For the same period, the following years were all far drier: 1896, 45.6mm; 1944, 36.7mm and 1994, a mere 13.6mm. While low in rainfall, the last three months have been relatively good gardening weather.

Jottings…

• Try growing Kiwi berry ( Actinidia arguta “Issai”). It’s self-pollinating and produces hairless, bitesize fruit. Expect the first harvest in two years.

• It’s a good time to select Syringa or lilacs now in flower at garden centres.

• Melbourne Cup Day is tomato-planting day, but I’d wait another two weeks.

Greg* owned his own business when he and his wife were involved in a road accident that wasn’t their fault. They suffered injuries which required Greg and his wife to give up their family business. Because they were injured in Victoria, they didn’t receive adequate compensation. If the accident had happened in the ACT, Greg and his wife would have been fully covered.

The ACT Government’s pilot citizens’ jury is currently considering how much compensation is fair for all Canberrans. Your rights will be decided over just a few weekends. As a result of this process, you may lose your right to proper compensation.