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Anna’s sewing class offers

By Danielle Nohra

AS “fast fashion” continues to gain momentum feeding the throw-away culture, one Canberra woman is trying to slow it down by passing on, what might be considered, a lost skill.

Anna Perkins, 57, of Ainslie, learnt crochet and embroidery in the ‘60s and, except for a brief semester at CIT, is a self-taught sewer.

Her love for textiles, which stemmed from a fascination with the family doll collection, now sees her reclaiming materials and making them into items such as clothes, quilts and bags under the brand Fair Chance Pants.

Through upcoming, practical work shops this year, she’s hoping to pass on these skills and reclaim a place for sewing in the current “fast fashion environment”.

“Over the past 10 years I noticed big changes were happening,” she says. “The piles of clothing, linen, bags and so forth being thrown away were growing into huge mountains.

“At the same time, natural fibres such as cotton and wool were disappearing quickly, being replaced by synthetics.”

Alarmed by what she saw, Anna now aims to help demonstrate and promote the use of reclaimed textiles

“Many of the skills I use every day have not been taught to younger generations [and] those who have learned them, don’t always have the time, support or opportunity to use them,” she says.

“My workshops [which use mending styles and techniques from India and Japan] are creative and supportive.

dedicated time to learn and practice their skills.

“We use reclaimed fabrics, which get people thinking about how they can reuse fabric and reduce waste.”

So far, Anna’s workshops have only seen female participants, particularly women with independent children and women in their 20s but she’d like to

engage with more teenagers and men.

“In Australia, sewing and textile crafts have generally been associated as a women’s interest and skill set,”

“But I know of men picking up these skills now and I’m sure there are men in Canberra who share textile and sewing interests.

“It would be great to know more about men’s interests in this regard.”

SEE-Change executive officer Edwina Robinson, 52, of O’Connor was recently confronted when one of her adult sons asked her to sew on a button.

“As parents we haven’t taught those skills that we were taught,” she says.

Like Anna, Edwina grew up in the ‘60s, where she was taught machine sewing, hand sewing and making patterned garments and while it’s not a hobby for her, she believes it’s a great skill.

In 2017, after becoming more conscious of where her clothes were coming from, Edwina completed a year-long challenge where she didn’t buy any new clothes.

It was during this time that she ran into Anna and asked her to run a workshop for SEE-Change.

Fascinated by Anna’s mending styles and passionate about slow fashion, Edwina continues to mend her clothes and fight against fast fashion.

“We eat every day and lots of us are conscious of what we eat but we also get dressed every day and we never

think: ‘Where do our clothes come from?’” she says.

“If you go into most second-hand shops these days, I reckon about 80 per cent of the clothes are synthetic.”

Now, Edwina tries to invest in materials such as linen, wool and silk.

“The test for me is if you can put it in your garden, if you can compost it then it’s okay,” she says.

During Edwina’s year without clothes, she had one lapse, when she forgot to pack undies for a weekend trip away.

“Mentally, I sorted through the alternatives and decided the best option was to buy three simple cotton pairs,” she says.

“As penance, back home in wintery Canberra, I placed one cotton and one synthetic pair of knickers into our worm farm.

“Once the weather warmed, I opened the can of worms. The cotton pair were shredded to a fine filigree with only the elastane waistband holding the thing together.

“The synthetic undies, although dirtied, could have been soaked for a couple of days, washed and hung out to dry, without anyone knowing they’d been hibernating in a worm farm.”

Anna’s next workshop is at CARDIF Collective, Cusack Centre, 27 Eyre Street, Kingston, April 14. Registrations to aptextileproject@gmail.com

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Cinema 20

Crossword 23

Dining 21

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

Letters 10

News 3-12

Politics 7

Socials 14

Since 1993: Volume 24, Number 6

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalists: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au; Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

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Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

WHEN IT MATTERS

Actsmart about heating your home

Reducing energy bills and saving money is quick and easy. Borrow the DIY Home Energy Action Kit from any ACT library

The Carbon Challenge is a fun way to become sustainable at home. Will you take the challenge? It’s FREE actsmart.act.gov.au

SEVEN DAYS

‘Ban-the-bonking’ may

be the billboard answer

PM Malcolm Turnbull’s bonk ban was begging to be ridiculed from its very conception, but it does offer the ACT a radical marketing opportunity.

The presence of, say, “Canberra – the bonking stops here” billboards at the border and the airport would be guaranteed to put the territory on the map. Just a thought.

For more information and bookings: visit actsmart.act.gov.au email actsmartadvice@act.gov.au or phone 1300 141 777 All workshops are free with limited places available. Bookings are essential.

AND just how many “Bonking” Barnabys will be painted for next year’s Bald Archies exhibition is unclear, but it’s certain the member for New England will hang prominently in the irreverent art competition.

This year’s 25th staging of the so called “eccentric icon” of the art community – showing at the Watson Arts Centre until March 12 – is dominated by same-sex marriage with portraits of Labor Senator Penny Wong, conservative MPs Tony Abbott and Cory Bernardi, and actor Craig McLachlan who stands accused of sexual misconduct during his time on the “Rocky Horror Show”.

HAWKER locals are unhappy over the passing of a favourite local. “Tom” the tomato plant had been growing tall and strong through a crack in the footpath in front of Olive at Hawker restaurant but was the victim of a government weed-spraying program.

Olive at Hawker owner George Yianoulakis said many villagers had been following the progress of the late-blooming Romaes variety, some even watering it. One local delivered a gnome named “Ollie” to fill the void created by the botanical blunder. Curiously, “Tom” was initially replaced with a large potted capsicum, but in recent days, a new “Tom” has turned up.

been forced to defend his Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury. Opposition corrections spokesperson Giulia Jones says: “Escapes from the prison and Canberra Hospital, the accidental release of a prisoner and two recent deaths in custody had brought Mr Rattenbury’s performance under question.”

THE post-election allegation of sexual assault by an ACT Greens volunteer has apparently forced the party to implement training.

“The Australian” reports it received a leaked email that reveals volunteers will be required to undertake consent training. The newspaper says the email – sent to Greens members by ACT Co-conveners Emma Davidson and Penny Kyburz – “details three complaints made during the 2016 election campaign relating to workplace bullying, mismanagement of a volunteer’s mental health and an alleged sexual assault.”

FORMER Hit 104.7 breakfast co-host Tanya Hennessy is back on Canberra radio. The comedian and emerging multimedia star who abruptly quit the capital in November will host the Hit network’s national weekend 7am-9am slot. Hennessy, a finalist in “Cosmo’s” 2017 Woman of the Year and winner of the Video Junkee Breakthrough award has also written a book, out in June.

CELEBRITY spotters had a field day with a host of famous faces in town for the Ricky Stuart charity pro-am golf at Royal Canberra. Dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jimmy Cassidy teed off with Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Shane Warne in the event which raised more than $100,000 for the Ricky Stuart Foundation, launching its second respite facility, Emma Ruby House – named after Stuart’s daughter Emma Stuart – later this year.

RARELY far from controversy the annual National Multicultural Festival tossed up a few new “issues”. One festival goer posted on social media “extremely disappointed, disheartened and offended to find out there was an anti-abortion [Right to Life] tent”. Another says they felt “conned and misled” upon entering the “Human Rights” tent to discover it was staffed by Church of Scientology members.

THE Alexander Maconochie Centre continues to punch above its weight in negative news commentary. On top of achieving the unenviable mantle of being (statistically) among the worst prisons in the nation for prisoner-on-staff assaults, CM Andrew Barr has

Festival organisers say they will review stall holders for next year after complaints were received over the Right to Life stall.

Discover a home to suit your lifestyle

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Josh takes the lead for Lachy’s special dog

By Danielle Nohra

AS a teenager, Menslink helped Josh Turk through, what he calls, “your not-so-typical teenage issues”, so later on in life it was fitting he took on a role as mentor to give someone the help he once had.

Initially Josh, 29, of Casey, wasn’t sure what to expect from his mentor role, but over the last couple of years he’s formed a genuine relationship with 15-year-old Lachy Kelly, of Weston Creek.

Like Josh, Lachy faces daily “notso-typical teenage issues” after he was born with an unnamed severe congeni tal heart defect but that doesn’t stop the two, who even catch up outside of Mens link events, to play Xbox, cook pizzas, go to the movies or, mostly, talk (over phone calls though, Lachy is a terrible texter, says Josh).

While Josh loves hanging with Lachy, there is something much bigger he wants to help him with, so he’s started a “GoFundMe” page to raise money to get him a medical alert service dog.

Lachy’s heart beats three times faster than normal, so on a typical day he can’t play contact sport, can get tired just from sitting, deals with lower-back pain from surgeries and, worst of all, risks experiencing a “medical crisis”.

“We are raising money for Lachy to get a medical alert service dog to provide a combination of physical tasks and

emotional support services,” Josh says. Specifically, the fundraising will go towards buying a service dog (which will likely be an Aussie Shepherd), its training, pet insurance and general upkeep.

To cover the costs Josh is asking for $8000 in donations, with the “GoFundMe” page already close to $3000.

Lachy’s mum and primary carer,

Lisa Kelly, says she is overwhelmed with the support.

“Even though I have a strong mother instinct, this dog will give that extra support if something happens and his heart stops working,” she says.

Lachy’s younger sister, Sophie, 13, who has been a registered young carer for him since she was nine, would love to see her brother have a service dog to

look after him and keep him company.

“The impact on his mother and sister would be massive,” Josh says.

“They would be able to feel like Lachy is in safe hands when not with them, it also enables them to get some more independence as they have been his primary carers since he was born.”

Josh, who works full-time at Defence Housing Australia, is studying a Masters of Business and has a young baby, also can’t always be there for Lachy and says a medical alert service dog is so important for his current age.

“He is entering manhood and having the dog would ensure that if a critical issue is about to happen with his heart, he is in a position to act and save his life,” he says.

“There is also an inherent companionship that comes with having a dog and it’s something that he would greatly benefit from, too.

“Lachy’s condition is very sensitive. The sooner we can raise enough funds to secure Lachy a service dog the better.

“A medical alert service dog will have the ability to assist with monitoring him from a cardiac point of view, by sensing if Lachy is in a medical crisis both before it occurs and before Lachy is aware that such a crisis is imminent.

“The service dog can also be trained to seek out other individuals when Lachy is experiencing a medical crisis.”

Donations to gofundme.com/ servicedogforlachy

One big, last garage sale

AFTER raising $95,000 over more than four years from regular charity garage sales at her home, Wendy Napier, of Towards a Better World, has announced a final sale at 5 O’Grady Place, Wanniassa, 8am-noon on Saturday, March 3. The proceeds fund projects promoting sustainability and self-reliance in poor communities. She says: “Our work will continue but, sadly, we no longer have the resources to run the regular garage sales.” She promises the closing-down sale will offer “heaps of great bargains with our usually low prices reduced up to 50 per cent on a huge range of baby, kids, adult and household items”.

Bag a bargain

UP-Opping is holding another of its “fill-a-bag-for-$5” sales. It provides the bag and customers can fill it with clothing, shoes, books or bric-a-brac. At 82 Limestone Avenue, Ainslie, 10am-2pm, on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3.

Calling nice nerds!

CANBERRA Seniors, in Watson, is looking for volunteers with the ability to teach basic to intermediate computer skills. The club is also keen to hear from anyone who can maintain a local area network. More information 6248 9509 or email cseniors@bigpond.com

POLITICS Democracy undermined as political trust falters

INTEGRITY and corruption were issues for almost all parties and candidates at the last election. An Assembly committee chaired by Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury, reported in November with nearly 80 recommendations for an anti-corruption and integrity commission. Agreement has been reached. It is time for action.

“If I were in NSW and this came before me I would have sent if off to the Independent Commission Against Corruption,” said former NSW auditor-general Tony Harris, who had more to say to Dan Bourchier on ABC Breakfast: “It would have been an obligation under the Act, any suspicion of wrongdoing or corruption would have to be referred to the ICAC”. The issue being discussed was the land deal between the Labor government and the “Tradies” in Dickson. The Labor government paid $3.9 million for the club and rented it back for the nominal charge of $1 a year. This is the same club that houses the headquarters of the CFMEU, which works closely with the Tradies and donated $38,000 to the Labor Party before the last election.

ACT auditor-general Dr Maxine Cooper opened her scathing report on the land deal pointing out the government “did not achieve the sale objective of pursuing an open, contestable and transparent market process and there are indications it did not achieve value for money from the sale”. Open and transparent are two of the hallmarks of integrity in government. It gets worse. Dr Cooper suggests that the ACT government, through the Economic Development Directorate, was at high risk of selling the land to the Tradies in breach of the Planning and Development Act 2007. The auditor-general has put this down to “weaknesses in how it managed the tender process”. Those weaknesses meant a windfall gain on one of the blocks “estimated to be in the range of up to $1.57 million to $1.82 million” and on another for an “estimated $830,000”.

The auditor-general identified that an associated entity, a major donor to the Labor Party, wound up with a windfall gain of more than $2.5 million. This gain was made on a deal that lacks appropriate documentation, lacks openness and lacks transparency. Surely such a revelation requires deeper investigation by a body with appropriate investigative as well as coercive powers.

It is not clear that there was any political interference. Perhaps it was just incompetence. There were considerable changes made

The auditor-general identified that an associated entity, a major donor to the Labor Party, wound up with a windfall gain of more than $2.5 million.

compared to the original request for tender (RFT). Although very critical of the process, the auditor-general did note that there was “no evidence that the Economic Development Directorate sought the government’s approval prior to dispensing with these RFT requirements”. With the benefit of coercive powers, as proposed for the ACT Anti-Corruption and Integrity Commission, the suspicion of political influence could be examined properly.

Opposition Leader Alistair Coe described the “scandalous land deals between the ACT Labor-Greens government and the Tradies are far worse than we thought”. He personalised the accusations by adding the “report is a grave indictment on the Chief Minister”. His attempt is to create a “where-there-is-smokethere-is-fire” scenario. The trouble is we simply do not know.

In the same week as the auditor-general’s scathing report, the ACT Supreme Court Chief Justice, Helen Murrell, found anomalies in the use of delay by the ACT Planning and Land Authority as a failure to perform its statutory duties. However, considering recent changes in legislation, she saw it as “futile” to overturn the decision in favour of the Canberra Greyhound and Racing Club who accused the government of failure to “follow proper legal processes”.

Our democracy is being undermined as trust in politicians and political institutions drops to an all-time low. Distrust and suspicion might be useful tools for an opposition. However, unless there is some way to test the veracity of such propositions, the whole process is undermined.

The last word regarding such issues in the ACT belongs to Tony Harris: “The trouble in the ACT is we don’t have an ICAC at the moment.”

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

Seniors wanted

CANBERRA Seniors is hosting an information session, 11.30am-1pm, Tuesday, March 6, to launch its membership drive. Visitors will receive free finger food, tea and coffee while learning about the centre at 10 Watson Street, Turner. Nicole Lawder, the ACT Opposition spokesperson for seniors will be there. More information from 6248 9509.

Lots of wheels

Calling all Swans

SWANS-ACT is looking for new members to share the excitement of supporting the Sydney Swans over the coming AFL season. The group regularly travels by coach to watch home matches in Sydney and barracks before the big screen at the Woden Southern Cross Club on the away games. Pat McLindin is happy to tell you more on 6286 1819 or email mclindin@ grapevine.com.au

UP to 1000 veteran, vintage, classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, caravans and motorbikes are expected to be on display at this year’s Shannons Wheels Charity Day. The vehicles come from members of the 75 clubs affiliated with the Council of ACT Motor Clubs and from interstate. Local country singer and guitarist Tessa Devine will perform twice during the day. At the Queanbeyan Showground, 10am-3pm, on Sunday, March 4. Entry by gold-coin donation.

Tireless Kakenya’s fight for the village girls

Ahead of her visit to Canberra, internationally acclaimed Kenyan Dr Kakenya Ntaiya tells KATE MEIKLE about the power of her education and how she’s changing the lives of young girls from her village.

WOMEN have always been behind in history, says Dr Kakenya Ntaiya, CNN Top 10 Hero and one of “Newsweek” magazine’s “150 Women who Shake the World”.

“We have had to fight so many battles to be able to have the same opportunities as men and not be defined by our households and to make a bigger contribution in the world,” she says.

In the lead up to International Women’s Week the founder of a ground-breaking girls’ school in rural Kenya is visiting Canberra as part of a national speaking and fundraising tour.

For Kakenya, International Women’s Day, on March 8, is a time to pause to reflect on how far women have come.

“There is so much we need to achieve. International Women’s Day unites us – but there’s still so much to do,” she says

“Female genital mutilation still happens in my country. It is about control, traumatising girls and making them not equal. We need to do more.

“I came from nothing. I slept on the floor, walked barefoot,” Kakenya says of her childhood as a Maasai village girl. It was a tough childhood, but not uncommon.

“I never wanted my mother’s life. My father was abusive whenever he was home. I was the oldest child out of eight children and expected to help my mother raise them. It was a hard life and I knew that if I got married it would be harder,” she says.

Life as a Maasai girl is entirely based at home – washing, cleaning, milking cows and collecting firewood. Harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) are common, with 80 per cent of women in Kakenya’s community having been cut and one

in three girls married before they turned 18. Only 17 per cent of girls complete primary school.

“Most girls dreamt of being a wife and mother at a young age, it was the thing to do. I knew I needed an education to have a different life,” says Kakenya, who was engaged at five.

She experienced female genital mutilation as a young teenager in preparation for marriage. Her life was set to follow the traditional path of ending school to become a wife and mother, but Kakenya dared to dream. She negotiated with her father to return to school after undergoing FGM.

Kakenya finished high school and was accepted to attend uni versity in the US, gaining a PhD in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

It was when she went to college that she began to dream of opening a school for girls in her hometown. She says she could see more clearly the hardships endured by women in her community and how life for her old school friends was so hard.

“It was then I knew things had to change. And that education would be the key,” says Kakenya.

The Kakenya Center of Excellence, an all-girls boarding school in the remote Maasai village of Enoosaen, was opened in 2009. The girls are protected from arranged marriages and FGM and encouraged to dream big.

“I dreamt of creating a place where numbers of girls come in, they are empowered and make an impact on the world,” says Kakenya.

“I started with 10 girls and now we have educated over 350 girls.

“Now my first students have made their way to finish high school and are ready to start university and tertiary studies this year.

“This is where supporters in Aus-

tralia are helping make the dream come true – sending these young women to university is critical to launching them into the world, helping them become something in society and making a change in the world. To have a job, support their families and community.”

The Women for Change scholarship program has ensured each of the 24 high-school leavers will attend university or tertiary studies. Three will attend universities in Sydney.

Women for Change is a committee of the cricketing charity, the LBW Trust, with a mission to empower women through education.

Kakenya’s visit to Australia last year saw the community donating to support the tertiary scholarships of all 24 students. This year, Women for Change hopes to support the next cohort of students to transition to tertiary studies.

“Change is happening in my community, girls are not doing all the work every day at home and are now focusing on their school

work instead,” says Kakenya.

“They are being given a different perspective to become what they want to. The biggest change that has happened is acceptance that this is a different generation of women who are not going to have their mother’s life.

“And when the fathers see girls being successful and transitioning to university or college, they want that for their daughters.”

Kakenya’s universal message to women is simple – if you believe it, it can happen.

“We all want the best for ourselves but sometimes we get frightened or scared. My message is to persist. You will be amazed by people who will believe in you and help you achieve your goals.”

“I say: ‘If Kakenya can do it, anyone can’.”

Dr Kakenya Ntaiya speaks at Ernst and Young’s International Women’s Day event on March 5. More information and to donate at womenforchange.org.au

Here’s what’s happening in Canberra around IWD:

Wednesday, March 7

YWCA Canberra and Griffin Legal is inviting Canberra to #PressforProgress and join in a conversation with four women leaders from diverse industries and sectors. The event launches YWCA Canberra’s report “Lead the Change: the pathway to gender equality”, which takes stock of how the ACT is progressing in gender equality.

The Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Civic. 10am-noon, March 7. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

FORMER presidential aide to Nelson Mandela, Zelda La Grange, will speak at the IWD breakfast, run annually by the Australian Human Resources Institute, about her long career in the male-dominated world of politics.

“AHRI International Women’s Day Breakfast”, QT London Circuit, 7.30am-10am, Wednesday, March 7. Enquiries to 0399 189243 or via ahri.com.au

THE UnionsACT Women’s Committee and We Are Union Women Activist Network is hosting a panel discussion. The movie “Battle of the Sexes”, which depicts a collective and intersectional feminist fight for equality, will be shown.

“We Are Union Women International Women’s Day Movie Night”, Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street. 6.30pm-9pm, March 7. Bookings at eventbrite.com.au

Thursday, March 8

MOTIVATED by endometriosis, dancer Liz Lea will unveil a world premiere with her solo show, “RED”. She warns it contains matters “of an adult nature, references to surgery, illness and high heels”.

“RED”, QL2 Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, March 8-11. Bookings to red2018.eventbrite.com.au

SOROPTIMIST International ACT and Monaro celebrates International Women’s Day with a networking night that features a panel of international ambassadors who will discuss creating “A Better World for Women”.

“A Better World for Women”, University House, 1 Balmain Crescent, Acton. 5.30pm-7pm, Thursday, March 8. Bookings at eventbrite.com.au

CAITLIN Figueiredo is guest speaker at the ACT Branch of the Pharmacy Guild’s IWD dinner. The night will celebrate women in the workplace, including Caitlin, who is the youngest member of the UN’s Inter-Agency Task Force for Youth Development.

Onred Restaurant, Red Hill Lookout, 7pm-10pm, Thursday, March 8. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

‘WE’RE

ONE OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES IN THE WORKFORCE BEHIND THE DEFENCE FORCE’

LETTERS Invasive weeds in Downer gardens

I AM overcome with the invasive weed Vinca major (periwinkle) in my rented house property at Downer.

When I lived with my daughter next door, we were always complaining about this invasive pest from all sides of the fence.

I have had some success with Roundup and detergent spray.

But a quick look around Downer shows many gardens full of invasive

weeds and shrubs, including my place, which is probably the worst example.

These plants are only going to keep growing and annoying neighbours if something isn’t done to protect our environment.

I propose we have a Clean Up Our Block Day and remove Vinca major as a first step.

Jennifer Burgess, Downer

What was Tanya thinking?

I WOULD normally agree with columnist Mike Welsh, but his comment in “Seven Days” (CN, February 15) on Tanya Plibersek taking the “next step” (into leadership of the ALP) I can’t agree with.

In my opinion, Plibersek showed

a huge error of judgement in agreeing to stand alongside both Shorten and Bowen to support Sam Dastyari ahead of his eventual resignation. What on earth was she thinking of?

Ric Hingee, Duffy

There are thousands of businesses in The Workforce Behind The Defence Force. And opportunities for more to get involved are growing by the day.

Over the next decade, the Australian Government is investing $200 billion in our defence capability, and this will open the door to a number of Australian small businesses including those in technology, manufacturing, R&D, logistics, construction and IT.

To discover the business opportunities in the defence industry visit DefenceIndustry.gov.au

THE WORKFORCE BEHIND THE DEFENCE FORCE

Woes

about the Great Wall

I NEVER was much good at maths – as everyone knows – but does it really make good financial sense to quarry 700+ tonnes of rock from Wee Jasper, craft 20,000+ individual stones (many by hand – I’m watching them at work on the unfinished

inner side) and use 1000+ cubic metres of concrete, at an overall cost to ACT ratepayers of some $1.2 million, to build that Great Wall of Curtin just to keep the rabbits out?

Max McGregor, Curtin

Plant deciduous trees

IT’S a scientific fact that when a rainforest is burnt enough, it becomes forest; that when forest is burnt enough, it becomes woodland; when woodland is burnt enough, it becomes savanna and that when savanna is burnt enough, it becomes desert. This is what has happened to our land.

Many deciduous plants, such as trumpet vine, are highly favoured as food by honeyeaters. The Curtin horse paddocks have the best bird life of any around Canberra and have a thriving deciduous tree and shrub population.

An added benefit of these trees is that many don’t drop limbs the way eucalypts commonly do. Planting deciduous trees is an important action that will salvage our dying Australian landscape as well as proper water management.

I realise that burning off is necessary to prevent huge bushfires, but the only way to change the environment and make it truly greener and less conflagratory is to plant green, deciduous trees. They improve the soil, provide browsing for stock, raise the water table, provide shade in summer and light in winter, provide protection from fires (as they are fire retardant) and are a source of homes and food for many Australian birds and mammals.

Our

The part of ActewAGL that looks after the electricity and gas networks has changed its name to Evoenergy.

You’ll still talk to ActewAGL, or another retailer, about your energy bills. But Evoenergy will now deliver your electricity and gas through our networks to you.

This change was brought about from a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator.

While our name has changed, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to you.

We will continue to maintain the electricity and gas networks with a high standard of service, safety and reliability.

Energy for the future.

Contact Us

You can continue to report unplanned outages on the emergencies and faults lines.

Electricity 13 10 93

Gas 13 19 09

actewagl.com.au/evoenergy @EvoenergyACT @EvoenergyACT

Hard lessons loom amid high risks

MY instinctive reaction to the decision of the ACT government to segregate NSW children wishing to attend school in Canberra was that it was a mean and tricky thing to do. It was certainly not very neighbourly.

The ACT government has identified a small number of “pathway” schools in north and south Canberra with low to very low enrolments of local children and has mandated that these few schools are the only schools that children from NSW may attend.

The first question to ask about this plan is why the identified schools have low enrolment. The issue is undoubtedly complex and one which all governments in the ACT have grappled with over time. It may be that apparent under-enrolment in a school is simply a reflection of an ageing community or changing demographic. However, I think we all know that the issue is far more complicated than that, particularly as it relates to the informal and at times intuitive way in which parents make decisions about the suitability or quality of a school.

Some schools do, regrettably, attain a negative reputation, almost always undeserved but which nevertheless results in many parents voting with their feet and enrolling their children anywhere but in that school. The impact on such a school compounds and may result in a process of residualisation, whereby those schools ultimately have higher proportions of children with higher or special needs and a school community that ranks well below the national average in the index of community socio-educational advantage.

Irrespective of or perhaps in light of this I could not, in reflecting on the decision to funnel NSW children into a few low-enrolment schools, shake the feeling that it represents

In reflecting on the decision to funnel NSW children into a few low-enrolment ACT schools, I couldn’t shake the feeling it represents a form of discrimination.

a form of discrimination which I am not convinced is either justified or healthy and will inevitably cause resentment and bitterness.

It also occurred to me how true it is, especially in politics, that what goes around comes around. I know if I was from, say, Yass, Collector, Bungendore, Googong or Queanbeyan and my child was being discriminated against by the ACT government I would be straight on to the mayor of Yass or Queanbeyan or the local State member of parliament (one of whom is handily also the Deputy Premier of NSW) demanding their intervention.

If they asked me what it was I thought they might do to influence a change of heart in the ACT government I would suggest they look for an issue where the ACT needed NSW more than it needed them and preferably one which engaged the ACT’s hip pocket nerve.

They should look, for example, for an issue where the NSW government has the final say on a matter where the ACT is financially exposed. One possibility might be the role the NSW government will play in deciding whether or not to provide planning approval for the 5000 houses the ACT Government has contracted to build on land in NSW under the terms of the Ginninderry Joint Venture Agreement.

The joint venture between the ACT government and Riverview Development Pty Ltd involves a 60/40 division of costs, risks and benefits for 11,500 units of housing. It is proposed that 6500 of the houses will be built on land in the ACT purchased under the

joint venture by the ACT government from Riverview and the remaining 5000 houses will be built in NSW on land owned by Riverview (Corkhills).

There is planning approval for the 6500 houses to be built in the ACT on land owned by the ACT government but, according to the Ginninderry Joint Venture web page, there is no approval for houses to be built on the NSW land owned by Riverview. In the absence of planning approval, the proposal at this stage, so far as the NSW land is concerned, can be fairly described as “speculative”.

Put simply, it is speculative in the way that the purchase of shares in Bitcoin or a bet on a greyhound are speculative.

I don’t know what if anything the joint venture agreement has to say about the consequences for the apportionment of returns to the joint venture partners if the NSW end of the deal doesn’t proceed.

However, if the 60/40 split endures irrespective of the failure to gain NSW planning approval for housing on the Riverview-owned land, with the consequence that no houses are built in NSW and all the benefits to flow from the joint venture accrue from just the land owned by the ACT, then it presumably follows that the ACT government could potentially be out of pocket by tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars.

If that is the case and the NSW government hinted that planning approval was dependent on NSW children attending school in the ACT being treated fairly and equally then I think, if I was the ACT government, I would be easily persuaded to discontinue treating children from NSW as second-class kids.

And there’s a thought, assuming the full development proceeds where will the children who will live in the 5000 houses to be built by the ACT government in NSW go to school? Yass?

Without digressing (too much), the decision by the ACT government to build 5000 houses in NSW does seem oddly inconsistent with the repetitive mantra from it about the urgency of the need for densification.

We are being told constantly of the need to stop urban sprawl so as to ensure that the suburbs of Canberra don’t extend to the border. All the while the Chief Minister, his Ministers and Greens coalition partners have been saying this, they have signed a contract and been actively engaged in the implementation of a plan to develop a massive housing estate on the other side of the border.

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

Ron’s the one

RON Forrester is the new president of the ACT Council of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and Frank Exon his vice-president. “The PR industry and, more widely government communication, plays a critical role in the national capital – and our aim is to support and enhance the professionalism of the people involved,” says president Forrester, the strategic communications adviser to the Chief of Air Force. Frank Exon is the assistant director, Internal and Transformation Communication at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Singers wanted

CANBERRA Community Chorale is looking for singers to share its first 2018 concert, featuring a selection of English choral music from Taverner to Britten, to be held at Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, in July. A non-auditioned choir, rehearsals are at Cook Community Hall, starting at 12.30pm-2.30pm on Fridays. Interested singers are welcome to attend two rehearsals before joining. More at canberracommunitychorale.com

Community grants

LOCAL not-for-profit and community groups can apply for grants up to $1000 from the $300,000 available from Stockland’s annual, national CARE Grants program. It offers micro-funding to local groups, clubs and programs that support health, leisure, recreation, employment, education, social engagement and skillsdevelopment initiatives. Applications before March 23 via stockland.com.au/caregrants

Free-lesson week sets the tone for new music centre

CANBERRA’s largest independent music educator, Canberra Music Tuition has been committed to music education for 21 years and is now launching its third location, in Fyshwick, which will join its Belconnen and Weston Creek centres.

Founder Nick Pearson says each

Cooleman Court and now, Fyshwick across from Canberra Outlet Centre.

Nick, who was born in the ACT and graduated from ANU, taught in schools locally and played professionally before opening Canberra Music Tuition, which he describes as an environment that fosters and nurtures music education.

“My job as a professional muso is to really raise the awareness of music and what it brings to someone’s life,” he says.

the importance of music appreciation, which Nick says brings an understanding of the arts and an understanding of expression in life and emotion.

“We’re not trying to produce professional musicians, we’re trying to educate the audience,” he says.

“Most people don’t want to be professional musicians, they want to enjoy the music and love it, and that’s what we want to foster.”

But no matter what the student’s goals are Canberra Music Tuition specialises in one-on-one tuition, allowing lessons to progress based on the needs of any individual.

Its teachers are from a range of backgrounds and a majority have tertiary training, which means they’re providing a technically based experience with sound knowledge in instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, strings, woodwind, brass, vocal and drums.

Canberra Music Tuition teachers also run in-school tuition programs in many ACT and NSW schools, making music education available to more students in more locations.

However, students aren’t limited to children. They start from as little as six-months in the “Little Bop Rhythm & Pitch” group classes, to specialised instrument classes for school-aged children, teenagers and adults, with one

woman in her 60s who recently enrolled to learn the drums.

The “Little Bop Rhythm & Pitch” was launched last year for six-month-olds to five-year-olds and brings families together to celebrate the value of music and learn musical fundamentals.

“From a little kid if you get rhythm and pitch, that stays with you forever,” Nick says.

“In particular we find it’s a great activity and healthy bonding experi ence for grandparents and grandkids to do together.”

The unique program incorporates a wide variety of topics and genres, notably echoing the musical rhythms found in everyday life. This year the course will include traditional Abo riginal themes and stories for a more diverse and well-rounded approach to music education.

But no matter what the age, to cel ebrate the opening of Canberra Music Tuition in Fyshwick, all three locations will open their doors for a “free-lesson week”, where anyone thinking about taking that step into music can try instruments from Monday, March 5 to Saturday, March 10.

Canberra Music Tuition, Unit 1/24 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick. Call 6299 9154, email fyshwick@canberramusictuition.com.au or visit canberramusictuition.com.au

SOUTH COAST CALLING

Now’s the right time for a beach getaway

AS the summer crowds fade away but the warm water continues, early autumn is a great time to go on a beach getaway ahead of the winter cold.

Luxury family holiday down by the beach

ANY time of year is perfect for a relaxing getaway to Lilli Pilli Sublime, whether it’s taking advantage of the warm days or escaping to somewhere pleasant in the winter.

Situated only five minutes’ drive from the heart of Batemans Bay, Lilli Pilli Sublime is a spacious, single-level, four-bedroom luxury beach house that can accommodate eight people.

Everything has been thought of at Lilli Pilli Sublime, from its free wifi and Foxtel to full provision of linen and beach towels.

“It’s just a matter of packing the bags and heading down,” says its owner and manager Angela.

“We’re pet friendly, too, so you don’t have to leave your dog in a kennel or with your neighbour.”

Angela says there’s a local vet who runs a “doggy daycare” in case owners want to go on a day trip.

It’s also close to the Mogo Zoo, cafes, specialty stores, local beaches and bush tracks.

occupied in its rumpus room with games and snooker table, while parents can enjoy quiet time in the outdoor entertainment area.

“There’s a lot to do at Lilli Pilli Sublime, whatever the weather,” she says.

The property can cater to family members of all ages with a cot and baby items. Its entertaining area has a full outdoor kitchen.

It also has a DVD collection, library and a Nespresso coffee machine, and it’s also pet-friendly on application for well-mannered pets.

Angela can also arrange romantic getaway packages, dining packages, beauty packages and can help organise other activities including fishing, golf, surf school and kayaking.

Email lillipillisublime@me.com, call 0412 800857 or visit lillipillisublime.com.au to find out more.

At home with the ocean and lake

WITH accommodation backing out on to the beach and a short walk to a lake, Merimbula’s Grandeur Apartments has everything the lake and ocean has to offer.

Manager Sharon Le Strange says guests can step out the back door and enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, surfing, sail boarding and stand up paddle boarding.

Just 100 metres away there is also Mitchies Jetty, where visitors can take a fishing charter or go on a dolphin and whale watching trip, depending on the season.

Sharon says Grandeur’s one, two or three-bedroom, self-contained apartments are in a quiet, sunny and north-facing position.

“All the upstairs apartments have water views and every apartment also overlooks the large heated pool, toddlers’ pool and barbecue area,” she says.

Relaxing spot for a memorable holiday

LOCATED centrally in Merimbula, The Palms Apartments are a short stroll to the town centre and its closest beach Spencer Park.

Manager Sharon Le Strange says the laid-back beach town of Merimbula makes a relaxing and memorable holiday.

“We have six, modern, large, fully self-contained, two-bedroom units for you to enjoy for the duration of your stay,” she says.

With five standard apartments and one deluxe apartment, Sharon says they’ll suit any occasion whether it be family holidays, honeymoon, golf trip or fishing trip.

“Each apartment has a private balcony, some with wonderful views of Merimbula Lake and beaches,” she says.

“They are fully self contained with a fully operational kitchen. The master bedroom has a queen-size bed, large wardrobe and ensuite equipped with hair dryer. The main bathroom also boasts a corner spa to relax and unwind in.”

The Palms Apartments, 63 Main Street, Merimbula. Call 6495 1835, email info@thepalmsapartments.com or visit thepalmsapartments.com

Lilli Pilli Sublime is a destination unlike any other. We offer holiday accommodation in a spacious, delightfully decorated 4 bedroom house with rumpus/games room, and a Moroccan themed outdoor kitchen area with BBQ. LPS is nestled in the stunning surrounds of Lilli Pilli Beach Estate in an idyllic position overlooking natural bush land on the outskirts of Batemans Bay, NSW. For families, couples, executives or anybody who needs to get away from it all, relax and wind down, LPS offers something special. We provide WiFi, Foxtel with all channels, playstation with games, Nespresso Coffee Machine, linen including beach towels and baby

items. We accept our guests well mannered dogs on application.

The LPS vibe is very much a tropical one with its hot and cold private outdoor shower. Its Bali inspired garden adds a touch of paradise and is pleasantly styled with Asian stone sculptures, fountains and bamboo.

Guests can enjoy the many beaches in the area; Lilli Pilli Beach is just a 300 m walk. Take in the fresh ocean air and sounds of the wildlife.

Luxury comfort and style - these are the three principles upon which the hosts have built the LPSublime experiences.

everything Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast has to offer

Stay centrally at The Palms Apartments, Merimbula.

We have five modern and one deluxe (pictured right) large fully self contained two bedroom, two bathroom apartments for you to enjoy for the duration of your stay. Each apartment has a private balcony, some with wonderful views of Merimbula lake and beaches.

We are a short five minute stroll from both Merimbula’s town centre and our closest beach at Spencer Park. Book now for a relaxing time and a memorable holiday.

The Palms Apartments Merimbula

63 Main Street, Merimbula, NSW 2548

Phone 02 6495 1835 • www.thepalmsapartments.com

ONE MAN’S HAWAII

Reader JOHN BONE, of Aranda, is grumpy about the disregard motorists have for the rules of the road

IT never ceases to amaze me just how much disregard is shown by motorists in Canberra for the absolute basic rules of the road.

Speed signs, stops signs, give-way signs, permanent road markings and traffic lights all seem to be shown an alarming level of disregard by motorists.

WHAT’S the best thing to do with a month off between jobs? Assuming you accrued a bit of leave in the old job and managed to save a few dollars, a quick trip isn’t a bad idea.

Then, with tickets to Hawaii on offer for under $600 return just after you’ve handed in notice… it’s aloha, here we come!

This isn’t a travel review, I’ll save that for a podcast (“Travel First” available soon from all good podcast providers). Instead, here are a few things where the ACT, a legislative island in NSW can be compared to the US island state in the Pacific.

When buying anything in Hawaii, you can’t get a plastic bag. Not even a heavy duty one. They gave plastic bags the flick a few years ago and all that’s on offer are paper bags. And it seems most of them are made from recycled paper. Worth looking at as part of the review of the plastic bag ban. One to Hawaii.

Many of the restrooms in Hawaii have an automatic flush capacity, activated by sensors. American toilets flush differently from ours, they start with an almighty rush as negative pressure beyond the S-bend empties the bowl before more water is piped in.

When this initial suction rush happens unexpectedly a fraction of a second after you sit down it’s not terribly enjoyable. A point to Canberra there.

Hawaiian highway driving is a wonderful experience for a Canberran. You know all those times you’re on the parkway, trying to do the right thing by staying in the left lane to allow faster drivers past on the right, only to see slower drivers sitting in

Hawaii gave plastic bags the flick a few years ago and all that’s on offer are paper bags.

the right lane? In Hawaii, the slow drivers are supposed to stay in the right lane.

Of course, more often than not, their system works about as well as ours does. We’ll call that a draw.

This article comes after a week on the actual Island of Hawaii, which is home to two magnificent attractions: the mountain Mauna Kea and the volcano Kilauea, neither of which we got to experience properly due to the weather.

I’ll admit I arrived on the Big Island at about the same time as the wet season, so I was expecting rain, but this was rain on a biblical scale. I admired the way most residents continued on during the heaviest rain I’ve ever seen as though it was nothing, but it closed off the road to the mountaintop and the only view available at the volcano was of cloud. Thick, all-encompassing, grey cloud.

Canberra gets over the line here by virtue of all-weather access to most things. 2.5 to 1.5.

This provisional scorecard may be updated once I’ve seen more islands, but it does perhaps underscore why Canberra was rated so highly in a recent interna tional travel survey.

All these “risk controls” (if I may use the term) are put in place for very good reason and yet every day, motorists run the gauntlet and flirt with danger!

• STOP signs: These are pretty much a no brainer. Stop means just that; stop! No ifs, buts or maybes! It seems to be extremely difficult for motorists to grasp on to this concept. Only the other morning, on my way to work, I was half way over the Aranda exit fly-over only to be met with a small truck barrelling through the stop sign with absolutely no hope or intention of stopping!

• GIVE WAY signs: Again pretty much a no brainer and yet still motorists continue to pull out dangerously causing fellow motorists to brake quite heavily and increase the possibility of causing a rear-end collision from following motorists.

• SPEED SIGNS: These are not a “if you wouldn’t mind, please try to keep to the posted speed limit”. They are mandatory and there to ensure that our vehicles travel at the safest determined speed over the nominated section of roadway. Statistics show that ACT drivers are travelling at an average of 10km/h above the posted limit.

• TRAFFIC LIGHTS: How many times do we see motorists accelerating when approaching traffic lights that have just turned amber, only to inevitably run the red light?

Probably the most frightening thing is that a high percentage of these motorists have been taught to drive by their parents and are now, in turn, passing on the same culture to their children. It leaves little hope for any improvements.

In my opinion, it should be mandatory for drivers to have at least three one-hour sessions with a qualified driving instructor before being given a probationary licence.

Come on fellow Canberrans, take a chill pill and brush up on your road rules. Our roads will be a much safer and happier place for everyone if we all abide by the rules and give ourselves a little more time to get to our destinations. Who knows, you could even avoid an accident or serious damage.

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated purely to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au

The drink with an exotic history

DATING back as far as the 10th century and possibly even further, coffee is thought to have originated in

coffee products,” Ben says. “Our aim is to bring you the freshest and richest premium quality coffee so that you truly experience the espresso taste of life.”

When walking into Biginelli’s, customers experience a deli-feel, with stock such as tinned tomatoes at the front, which are also for sale.

“We can talk about what to use something for and what goes best with it,” he says.

Biginelli’s in Kamah is one of two Biginelli’s, with its other at the Canberra School of Music, on the city side of the ANU.

Biginelli’s, 3/48 Mannheim Street, Kambah. Call 6296 7544 or visit biginelli.com

Single-blend taste of the PNG highlands

WITH a new outlet, Cafe Niugini Arabica is now selling its “world best”, single-blend coffee out of an espresso bar in Woden at the bus interchange as well as its long-term home in Duffy.

The coffee is organically grown on Australia’s own doorstep –Papua New Guinea, in a village farming community in the highlands, which is then brought to Canberra and locally roasted in Duffy.

One of Niugini Arabica’s store owners, Theo Levantis, says pure product is the best product.

“The reality is, when you blend coffee with coffee grown elsewhere you ruin the coffee. It is like blending a quality red wine with an ordinary red wine — it will never be as good as it was,” Theo says.

“Our product is a single-origin coffee from only one area in Papua New Guinea.”

Theo and the other two owners – Charles and Satish – were inspired to open up their cafe when working together in Papua New Guinea.

“Our name ‘Niugini Arabica’ derives from the way the locals refer to their country (spelt phonetically),” Theo says. The coffee beans are grown in the fertile highlands, near the town of Goroka, at elevations above 2000 metres.

“It’s here that some of the best coffee on the globe is grown,” he says.

“In Australia, we have a massive coffee culture, yet the world-best coffee next door is unnoticed.

“The beans ends up in Europe and, for some reason, Australia hasn’t caught on yet.”

Niugini Arabica, Shop 4, Duffy Place, Duffy and Woden Interchange. Call 6288 4740.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Posh Sandra finds her feet Dougal Macdonald

ARTS IN THE CITY

‘JC Superstar’ is back for more

“JESUS Christ Superstar” has wowed audiences for more than 40 years, says Canberra Philharmonic –and no wonder, a full-on rock musical set against “the greatest story ever told” and told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Jim McMullen directs, while Will Huang gets to play the rebellious Judas, a role he has understudied before magnificently. At Erindale Theatre, March 8-24. Bookings to philo.org.au or 6257 1950.

Liz goes deeply into the ‘RED’

By Helen Musa

FIVE years in the making, dancer Liz Lea this month unveils a world premiere with her newest, solo show, “RED”. Lea, the current “City News” Artist of the Year, is obviously planning something outrageous, describing her one-woman “dance extravaganza” as fearless, fierce and powerful.

She warns that it contains matters “of an adult nature, references to surgery, illness, and high heels”.

A mixture of dance, simultaneous cinematography and spoken word, Lea says it’s “elusive, fractious and fabulous… bringing on the bawdy and banishing the banal.”

She has said little about the fact “RED” was motivated by “that insidious disease, endometriosis”, something she has endured for the 20 or so years of her professional dance career.

While the core of the show is a look at Lea’s own experiences, she prefers to see “RED” as “a rom-com that deals with health and well-being”.

She says the show exposes not just the disease, which affects so many women around the world, but how she handled it by ignoring it – not a good idea. But errors in judgement often lead to comedy, so when asked if there will be laughter in “RED” she replies: “I hope so”.

In creating a work about her life, Lea has collaborated with dramaturg Brian Lucas, choreographers Vicki van Hout, Virginia Ferris and Martin del Amo, cinematographer Nino Tamburri, film editor Arianna Bosi, composer Alexander Hunter and lighting designer Karen Norris.

Spectacular red costumes will feature in some of the key sections of the work, but there are other costumes as well and a couple of surprise guests that she’s not prepared to identify.

Lea admits it’s quite a big show for a tiny venue like the QL2 Dance studios, but says: “For me, the QL2 performance space is the place where over 18 to 20 years, a lot of my journey has taken place”. That journey has involved illness, but she hopes to explore that under question of self-care “in a comedic voice”.

And the title?

“Red indicates the blood that runs through the body – no matter what race, religious creed or gender you are, it’s the same,” she says.

As well, with the help of Gorman Arts Centre, where the performance space is located, she has also mounted a costume exhibition of 20 costumes from 20 years of Liz Lea Dance called “20:20 a Retrospective”.

“RED”, QL2 Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, March 8-11. Bookings to red2018.eventbrite.com

MARGARET Hadfield, Canberra artist and 2006 winner of the Gallipoli Art Prize, has joined historian Dr Kathryn Spurling to open the new Artistic Vision Gallery, dedicated to finding discarded paintings in op shops, auctions and garage sales then rescuing, refurbishing and selling them. All welcome to the official opening at 7/51 Tennant Street, Fyshwick, 2pm-4pm, on Sunday, March 4. Inquiries to artisticvisiongallery.com or 0418 237766.

SHAKESPEARE by the Lakes enjoyed extraordinary audiences in Tuggeranong Town Park, Glebe Park and by the river in Queanbeyan for “Much Ado about Nothing”. Producer Taimus Werner-Gibbings tells us: “The vision is a capital region tradition of free, summer Shakespeare year after year... but every year will be finance and funding dependent.”

SUPERSTAR clarinettist Sabine Meyer will make a journey through musical fairytales when she tours

for Musica Viva with the Alliage Quintett – four saxophones and a grand piano. They’ll be at Llewellyn Hall at 7pm on March 6. Bookings to musicaviva.com.au

CANBERRA Opera will perform “Love and Loss”, pieces from Puccini and Verdi, at the High Court of Australia, 1.30pm, Sunday, March 4. It’s free, but registration is essential to hcourt.gov.au

COMEDY star, David Strassman returns to Canberra with his new show “iTedE”, billed as his most technically advanced stage production. Advanced puppetronics help Strassman and his puppet characters bring mayhem and theatrics to a set by New York designer Luke Cantarella. At Canberra Theatre, March 6-10. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700. Then at Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, March 11. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

“OPEN Doors Open Minds” is a free training program for staff and volunteers of community organisations developed by Rebus Theatre. Throughout March Rebus is using the model of forum theatre with a cast consisting of people with disabilities. The program is suitable for informal groups such as book clubs, sporting organisations, arts and cultural organisations, faith groups or large, funded organisations. Details via email to ben@rebustheatre.com and bookings to eventbrite.com.au

Posh Sandra finds her feet in a council flat

“Finding Your Feet” (M)

“FINDING Your Feet” leaves few, if any, boxes unticked as director Richard Loncraine turns loose a principal cast drawn from the upper stratum of Britain’s performing arts talent on a screenplay covering just about every emotion in the panoply of human feelings. The story revolves around a pair of geriatric sisters and draws in an equally well-matured supporting population in a working-class area of London. Seen it before? Not like the way Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft tell it.

Sandra (Imelda Staunton) arrives unannounced, bag and baggage, at her older sister Bif’s (Celia Imrie) council flat. They haven’t seen each other for quite some time. Why now? Sandra has just learned that her tennis-loving husband in a more affluent suburb has been playing away with her best chum. Sandra seems to expect that the world owes her a living, drinks too much and morosely lies about the place contributing nothing.

Unmarried Bif is a fun girl who sees life as what she makes of it, not a great housekeeper because she’s often out and about doing cultural and social good things including an older folks’ dance group that has a major function in the film’s progress. She’s buddies with Charlie (Timothy Spall) who lives alone on a canal boat moored alongside one that’s home to widower Ted (David Hayman).

This quartet of top English actors plays characters providing the backbone for a story that generates delighted laughter for its witty dialogue and hilarious situations

“The dialogue is compelling and the ending moving and thought provoking.

John Pollak

Sydney Arts Guide

Timothy Spall as Charlie and Imelda Staunton as Sandra in “Finding Your Feet”... a story that generates delighted laughter for its witty dialogue and hilarious situations.

levels whenever it bumps into another of ageing’s vicissitudes. The package works wonderfully well. Life goes on. The sisters interact credibly, reminding us that there’s more to movies than youngsters obsessed with appearances. And when it comes time to roll the closing credits, the film delivers a wonderfully-unresolved, feel-good moment.

At all cinemas

“Winchester” (M)

NO, this Australian-made film by brothers Michael and Peter Spierig isn’t about the 1989 murder of a senior ACT police officer, but

in the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, maker of the “Gun That Won The West”.

In 1906, Mrs Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren) summons Dr Eric Price (Jason Clarke) to the rambling house some 80 kilometres east of San Francisco that she is having built as a home for the ghosts of all those folk whose lives ended when somebody shot them with a Winchester rifle.

Sarah believes that those ghosts deserve something more comfortable than floating aimlessly about in the ether. She wants to expiate the shame, guilt, embarrassment, whatever, that comes

from getting very rich from making and selling the implement that led to their deaths.

And she’s scared that a cohort from among all those ghosts wants to get even with her.

“Winchester” is the fifth feature film created by the German-born Spierig brothers and the fourth that they have co-written. It has a good cast, including Sarah Snook as Sarah’s niece. But its execution is clunky, its suspense values are not really scary and its practice of foretelling them with a musical signature is less than smart. And while subtitles proclaim a measure of authenticity, including a closing reference to the massive San Francisco earthquake of later the same year, it’s hard to accept its ghostly underlying

At Capitol 6, Hoyts and Dendy

“A Fantastic Woman” (M)

IT’S not easy to differentiate between “androgynous” and “gynandrous” when referring to people (although “gynandrous” has a specific botanical meaning not relevant here).

However it’s classified, in Chilean writer/ director Sebastian Lelio’s courageous and sensitive film, the meaning is the same. It’s transgender. A female personality in a male body. Or vice versa. The terms “shemale” or “tranny” are nowadays often used for the

THE PROOF IS REALLY IN THE ‘PROOF’

This award-winning play centres around a mathematician, his two daughters, a former student and a mathematical ‘proof’ discovered after the mathematician’s death. Proof is a passionate and intelligent story about the uncompromising nature of genius and a family’s struggle to cope with the ongoing burden of mental illness.

{Proof }

By David Auburn

former. “Homosexual” covers either.

In Santiago, middle-aged Orlando (Francisco Reyes) and Marina (Daniela Vega) have celebrated his birthday. Their relationship is loving, passionate, caring. They go back to their apartment and presumably make love. But early next day, after falling down the stairs, Orlando dies in hospital.

Orlando has a wife, brothers, parents. Only one of the brothers, Gabo (Luis Gnecco) shows any sympathy for Marina who has suddenly lost all that she loves. The reason is more than having been the lover of an important member of the family. It is because Marina was born with a penis.

And so was Daniela Vega who plays her.

She has a sweet mezzo-soprano voice, a beautiful body and a presence that dominates a film covering a wide gamut of what being transgender means without apologising or proselytising about it.

Here’s what she’s been quoted as saying: “The end goal of the movie is to make sure that people ask questions, not to provide them with answers. It’s to make them reflect. I want them to raise questions.” Which strikes me as deserving consideration.

At Palace Electric and Dendy

…superb start for this new company. I am sure we will see a lot more from them in the future. It only has a short run so put a spot in your diary… Talking Arts Theatre Now

Lights, action, eat… Enlighten time

By Helen Musa

WITH this year’s triple imperative to “eat, see and explore”, the Enlighten Festival can proudly boast that it will be illuminating Canberra for its eighth year over the coming 16 days.

Transforming the capital with after-dark attractions, Enlighten successfully blends arts events with the razzle-dazzle of mainstream entertainment.

A case in point is “Neon Circus”, on March 2-3 at the National Gallery, where “neon circus” performers meet giant projections of artworks. Visitors can join in by creating their own digital avatars in the weird section “NGA Play: Indieguerillas” then parade in head dresses inspired by local fauna around gravity-defying sculpture and later hit the floor of the NGA’s grand Gandel Hall for the global dance craze “No Lights No Lycra”. Canberra Glassworks is also pursuing the neon theme, with Harriet Schwarzrock’s pulsating life-size glass hearts filled with neon gas.

The normally respectable National Library is urging patrons to “get groovy” as it celebrates 50 years since the building opened in 1968. In keeping with the era of its birth, Friday nights will allow children to

“twist and shout”, while on Saturday nights, talent such as Brass Knuckle Brass Band and Jack Biilmann will perform ‘60s tunes. All the while, projections will light up the classic building’s exterior.

Around the corner, staff of the Museum of Australian Democracy, at Old Parliament House, will stay up with after-hours openings of galleries and King’s Hall will be home to a new collaborative art installation.

Deep in the bowels of Parliament House, geologist Wolf Mayer will take visitors on

DINING / salotto, kingston

an excursion to view the “unconformity” of a rare rock formation where two rock masses, 10 million years apart in age, meet underneath the very meeting-place of politicians.

These days the Enlighten Festival is not restricted to the Parliamentary Triangle, so across Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ “Light and Dark Night Tours” encourage exploration by lantern on these ranger-guided tours –followed by dessert.

New Santa’s stays true

By Wendy Johnson

WHEN I first came to Canberra more than 20 years ago, one of the first restaurants I was introduced to in Kingston was Santa Lucia, owned by the Catanzariti family, who opened their small and inviting establishment in 1975.

I was sad when Santa Lucia left the area and delighted when –many moons later – they returned once more, opening Salotto on Kennedy Street.

Salotto by Santa Lucia remains a family-owned restaurant, which has been passed down three generations. Today it’s run by Pasquale Catanzariti and remains true to its original idea of providing wholesome, inexpensive, yummy Italian food, the kind “nonna” would dish up with love.

Salotto is divided into three sections – dining, bar and outdoors. I’ve dined there many times and on the most recent occasion with a small group. We ordered several dishes to share.

We loved the Carpaccio Di Manzo, raw beef sliced ever-sothinly and dressed with a simple, yet effective, extra virgin olive oil and lemon dressing ($19.50). The roquette salad, topped with a generous serve of shaved parmesan, adds a fresh element.

Next up was a delish serve of

away in olive oil in a cast-iron pan sitting on a wooden board ($19). It’s a decadent dish, but worth indulging in. I mean, who doesn’t love sizzling prawns?

We adored the homemade ravioli filled with roasted pumpkin and ricotta. Don’t expect small squares. These are large pieces of ravioli served in a buttery cream sauce infused with sage ($16.50). It’s light, flavoursome and not too creamy.

I’ve indulged in many Salotto pizzas ($19 to $24). A fave is the prawn pizza with garlic and chilli. Pastas include eight options ($22 to $26.50). Salads include a warm Verdura – greens and cannellini beans slow cooked in extra virgin olive oil and garlic (you can opt for chilli as well).

It’s a delight ($9). I’ve often ordered the roquette salad but have asked Salotto to cut back or remove the red onion ($14), preferring simplicity

occasion we enjoyed the Caprese, with ripe tomatoes, basil and buffalo mozzarella, dressed elegantly, including with balsamic vinegar ($14.50).

Salotto’s interior décor is warm and rich, with an exposed red-brick wall running down the dining area and a wall of colourful posters. Tables, with red-checkered tablecloths, are easily configured for large parties. The alfresco area enjoys plenty of sun. It’s a mix of smaller, individual tables and larger, communal tables with fixed-bench seating (challenging at times for those in skirts or dresses).

Staff are friendly and accommodating. Salotto works hard at offering a relaxed, non-pretentious experience.

and

there will be similar exploratory tours and showings of films such as “Abra Cadabra”, a 3D cosmic fantasy film based loosely on the Pied Piper and voiced by John Farnham and Jacki Weaver. Naturally, 3D “abra goggles” will be provided.

Even the Canberra International Music Festival has leapt into the act by staging the appropriately-titled “Lights on Luminescence” at the National Portrait Gallery. That’s a reference to the eight young Canberra

Chamber Singers –

There are bands, exhibitions, roving performers, giant architectural projections, exotic food, balloons, fireworks, symphonic music in the park and a big happy birthday celebration at the end, all aimed at lighting up the nation’s capital.

Enlighten Festival 2018, most major events are free. Booking details at enlightencanberra.com

In praise of ‘naked ladies’! GARDENING

BIG, bold and beautiful is the only way to describe belladonna lilies presenting their huge flowers at this time.

used to line driveways, along with agapanthus, on country properties, they almost thrive on neglect. They relish full sun; indeed, they need full sun for the bulbs to ripen and are extremely drought resistant.

purple coneflower. Once again, with plant breeding, this is now available in a wide variety of colours such as the deep orange shown here.

Phone David Norris on 0418 465 716

Still referred to by many as “naked ladies”, a name that has survived generations, the botanically correct name is Amaryllis belladonna It is one of the largest bulbs and, equally, one of the hardiest. Often

The pink variety has been traditionally the most popular, but with modern plant breeding other colours are available from pure white, creamy white and one that is described as solferino-purple (a deep pink).

Bulbs can be transplanted in late summer/autumn or after flowering and only partially buried with the neck protruding or even half the bulb above the ground.

I tried growing Echinacea several times without success, surviving one season and then dying. I put this down to too much shade and tried again last year with spectacular success in full sun all day.

And by way of a reminder: I always suggest planting in groups of three, five or seven for the best visual effect. Now, with self-seeding, I have a group of more than 15-20, as pictured here!

Echinacea is a member of the daisy family native to eastern and central US. The name comes from the Greek “ekhinos” meaning hedgehog, referring to the spiny central disc, very similar to sunflowers.

Like belladonnas they are drought tolerant and the secret for successive flowering over a long period is deadheading. Almost immediately new shoots and more flowers will appear.

and this has continued to this day, although I suggest you have a discussion with your doctor before using Echinacea for this purpose. It is the perfect plant for honey bees and to attract butterflies. Most garden centres now have them in stock in various colours.

Jottings…

• Don’t put tea bags, avocado skins or fruit stones (i.e. peach stones) into the compost heap, they don’t break down.

• March is caterpillar time. Eliminate them with Yates Dipel, a natural bio-insecticide, non-toxic to humans.

• Harvest pumpkins by cutting off and leaving a length of stalk. Pour paraffin wax (the same for sealing pots of jam) to seal the other end from air to stop rotting off.

• It’s a good time to enrich the veggie bed with the proceeds of your compost heap and plant English spinach seedlings.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With so many planets in your privacy zone, the week starts slowly for Rams as you contemplate and ruminate. Then Mercury and Venus move into Aries, and Mars connects with Uranus. So sudden opportunities will be ripe for the picking. However if you are too hasty and hot-headed, you could find yourself charging into an unpredictable situation that’s hard to handle. By all means be brave and bold, but don’t forget to employ some discretion and discrimination as well!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Are you confused about which path to follow in the future? Pay close attention to your dreams. They are full of creative ideas and symbolic wisdom that can lead you in the right direction. Taurean painters, artists, writers, musicians, photographers and performers will feel particularly inspired this week, as you tune into the magical muse within. And some Bulls will unexpectedly bump into a lover from the past. But do you really want to travel down that rocky road again?

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week you’re keen to connect with others as the planets kick-start your professional and networking zones. It’s a terrific time to mix and mingle; converse and communicate; innovate and inspire; text and tweet. People are waiting to hear what you’ve got to say as you brainstorm your creative ideas (in person and online). Then step up to the plate, walk your talk and start delivering! If you’re bored with your current peer group, be proactive about introducing some fresh new faces.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

From Tuesday onwards, the more proactive you are (especially at work) the better. But Pluto and Saturn could trigger an intense experience that is emotionally draining. So avoid winding up a family member, pushing your partner’s reactive buttons or getting into an altercation with an authority figure. Attached Crabs – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession. Singles – you could find yourself drawn to someone with a powerful personality.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

This week the dynamic planetary patterns detonate your daredevil side and kick-start your stagnant motor. So it’s time for languid Lions to leap out of your usual routine and do something wildly different. Travel, education and publishing are particularly favoured, as you expand your mind to include avant-garde friends and adventurous new activities. But resist the temptation to embellish stories, tell tall tales or be bossy and bombastic with others (especially work colleagues).

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Interpersonal relations should go well this week, as you zero in on the specific needs of family members, close friends and colleagues. You love to be of service, and others will certainly find plenty of ways to occupy your time and talents. But don’t blow the abundance of goodwill (and positive karma) you accrue by being cranky and super critical on Sunday. Heed the wise advice of fellow Virgo, writer Samuel Johnson: “We should keep our relationships in constant repair.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mercury and Venus both move into your relationship zone, so it’s a suitable time to sit down with a loved one and talk through sensitive issues that have been bothering you. Clear communication and deft diplomacy are definitely the keys to peaceful partnerships at the moment! Attached Libra – the weekend is a wonderful time to take your sweetheart on a spontaneous adventure. If you’re single, a seemingly ordinary date could head off in a surprisingly unexpected direction!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With Jupiter journeying through your sign, and Pluto (your patron planet) linking up with the Sun, you’re emanating some serious charisma this week! So make sure you appreciate and celebrate the smart and sexy Scorpio you are. As actress (and birthday celebrity) Eva Mendes says: “I believe you should celebrate who you are.” The weekend is your special time to shine, when you’ll be able to impress and influence other people in positive, powerful and long-lasting ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians tend to go to extremes. And you’re walking a fine line at the moment as you strive to get the ratio right between being expansive and exuberant in the outside world, and being personally disciplined and focused (especially financially). Mars and Uranus send an unexpected opportunity your way this week. But you must grab it when it comes along or it will just pass you by. With dynamic Mars moving through your sign, there’s no substitute for being passionately proactive.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun and Pluto fan the flames of an idea, boost creativity and tutor you in the art of multi-tasking. There’s also a buzz around your home or work place that speeds up successful outcomes. Others are smitten by your powerful and professional style of delivery, as well as the message behind it. But avoid handing out criticism, no matter how ‘constructive’ you think it is. Many people will be on the defensive and, if you criticise their efforts, then expect the sparks to fly!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Are you feeling restless, reckless and rather rebellious? This week your ruler Uranus hooks up with manic Mars, so you’ll be in crazy-brave mode as you set about demolishing any obstacles that litter your path on the road to more personal freedom. The future beckons, and you’re in a mad hurry to get there. But don’t be in such a rush that you miss magical moments along the way. Sunday is a great time to get your adrenaline going with some vigorous exercise in the great outdoors.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Perceptive Pisceans have an uncanny sixth sense and you’ll be using it in spades on Monday when the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Neptune meander through your sign. Creativity and compassion are also highlighted so make sure you express this side of yourself to the fullest. You love solving other people’s problems but, as the week progresses (and Mercury and Venus move into independent Aries) you’ll have to step back and let them fight their own individual battles.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Across

4 Which soft pliable leather is prepared from the skin of a goat like antelope? (7)

8 What is the balanced interrelationship of organisms and their environment? (7)

9 Name a large sailing vessel formerly used by Spain. (7)

10 Which medical practitioner performs operations? (7)

11 What is another term for a perfume? (7)

12 What is a private in the Royal Australian Engineers? (6)

14 Name a town in south-western WA on King George Sound. (6)

18 Where do waterside workers carry out their work? (7)

21 Informally, to be married, is to be what? (7)

22 Which US city is the capital of Georgia? (7)

23 What are Australian crayfish called? (7)

24 What are cured herrings known as? (7)

Down

1 Name a particular temperature scale. (7)

2 Which Spanish word means “the fox”? (5)

3 What is an alternative name for methylmorphine? (7)

4 What do we call a baby swan? (6)

5 A book of maps is known as a what? (5)

6 What are the islands of the central and southern Pacific called? (7)

7 Name a rocket, or the like, that carries equipment into space. (5)

13 Name the most renowned Australian racehorse. (4,3)

15 What is a cradlesong called? (7)

16 Which language is spoken mainly by Jews? (7)

17 What are compositions also known as? (6)

18 What describes any seaweed or marine vegetation that is cast ashore? (5)

19 Which term relates to the scene of any action or event? (5)

20 To be bitterly pungent, is to be what? (5)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Tax plan puts Bryan in a better place

Bryan has turned 60 and wants to draw his super. He has some other investments and called by for my advice about his next move.

He has a CSS pension of $40,000 indexed for life.

"The tax you pay on this pension is negligible because of the special taxation pertaining to CSS super," I told him.

Bryan had told me he had $475,000 in another superannuation fund as well as $60,000 in shares and about $50,000 in savings accounts.

"If you earn other income then this is taxed at the rate of 34.5 per cent including Medicare levy. In contrast, when you draw a pension from your other fund you will pay no tax on that pension and no tax is payable in the fund.

"If you don't draw a pension from the fund, that superannuation fund will pay 15 per cent tax on both your contributions and earnings."

Bryan said he was thinking of drawing $200,000 from super and investing that in term deposits while investing the cash in indexed trusts.

"Well, Bryan, that might be a good idea if you did not have a CSS pension because, as I said earlier, additional earnings are taxed at 34.5 per cent. So you are exchanging tax of zero per cent or 15 per cent, whereas this strategy would incur tax of 34.5 per cent for earnings outside super.”

Bryan said he felt that by diversifying asset classes, he should get better returns.

I said: “You are quite correct. So you might want to take advantage of the lower tax rates in superannuation.

"The fund manager should ensure that the fund is adequately diversified across the asset classes, which should increase your returns while minimising risk based on your risk profile. I would suggest that you sell your shares realising any capital gains and put the proceeds into superannuation before you start to draw a pension.”

Bryan was worried that he would then have to pay capital gains tax, which could be a lot as he inherited the shares and they were quite cheap at the time.

“I have a suggestion for that," I said. "You should be able to get a tax deduction until age 65 for contributing $25,000 to super. So you could make a $25,000 contribution and the tax deduction should wipe out the tax.

"We can fine tune it when we know the exact amount of the gain. It is also important to ensure that you don’t exceed the $1,600,000 cap for the maximum that you can hold in superannuation. I calculate your CSS pension to be assessed at $640,000 and the other pension is currently $475,000 so your total superannuation is currently $1,115,000. This means that you still have $485,000 available within your cap. Until you are 65 or you reach the cap, you can also contribute $100,000 a year which is not tax deductible.

“So, from a tax perspective, I recommend that you put $25,000 from the capital gain into super as a tax deduction once the capital gain is known.”

Bryan could see he would be better off in the long run – "I just hadn't thought of the tax position.”

If you need advice on tax and superannuation contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co.

Stylish apartments & townhouses designed for seniors

Choose an exceptional lifestyle

By the not-for-profit specialists in retirement living and seniors’ care, Goodwin.

Why would you consider living anywhere else?

Generous floorplans

No home maintenance

Indoor and outdoor living

Access to an exclusive Clubhouse

No stamp duty

Secure parking

Adaptable to mobility needs Home care available when needed

Close to shops & medical services

To make a viewing appointment, please call 6175 5057 centralbygoodwin.org.au 20 Galore St, Crace

image only

EXCLUSIVE OFFER! UP TO $2,500 TO COVER YOUR MOVING COSTS

PLUS NO STAMP DUTY NO RATES NO MAINTENANCE

APARTMENT 136

2 1

Choose architecturally designed comfort with this large, modern two-bedroom home with NE facing balcony and study nook, ideal for downsizers who need room for overnight guests or extra space for hobbies or work. Beautifully appointed, the kitchen features Bosch appliances and has an abundance of cupboards and bench space. The open plan living-area, walk-through robe, generous ensuite and powder room provide a touch of luxury, while the exclusive residents’ clubhouse, plus dining and shopping on your doorstep offer exceptional lifestyle. EER 7.5

Approx 99m2 + 10m2 balcony

Price: $468,000

Open: By appointment please phone 6175 5057

TOWNHOUSE 97

1+E 3 1

Choose architecturally designed comfort with these large, modern two-storey townhouses located in The Central complex. Ground floor accommodation includes master bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, openplan living areas and a stylish kitchen. Upstairs are two additional bedrooms each with built-in robes and one with its own balcony. The townhouses face north, have private courtyards and double garages. From the eight beautiful townhouses at The Central, only one is available. EER 6.5

Approx 139m2 + 33m2 outdoor living

Price: $695,250

Open: By appointment please phone 6175 5057