New voices add choices to Canberra’s drivetime radio
Franc o p h o nie Day
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By Kathryn Vukovljak
A PETITION OF 5000 signatures
for a light rail stop in Mitchell will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly on March 19, says Julian Kusa, secretary of the Mitchell Traders Association.
The petition for the stop on the corner of Flemington Road and Sandford Street was started in October and now has 4300 paper signatures and 699 e-petition signatures. It will be presented to the Assembly by Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris.
“We’re hoping the petition will give the government enough encouragement to make public when the light rail stop will be operational,” says Julian.
“Businesses in Mitchell want certainty. We can’t make business decisions based on, ‘you’ll get a stop in the future’, because the future could be 10 or 30 years down the track.”
Julian says the original light rail design included two optional stops for Mitchell at Lysaght Street and Sandford Street in 2013, but both were dropped from the final plan.
He says that while it’s understood that the Mitchell stop will be costed in Stage 2 of the light rail project, busi-
ness owners need written confirma tion of when this will be.
“The light rail is not a one or twoyear project, there are many stages to go and we just want confirmation that the stop is going ahead and when,” he says.
As part of having a light rail stop, Julian says there’s an expectation from the MTA that all public transport will be integrated, including footpaths, cycle lanes, a bus interchange, bicycle station and a Park and Ride facility.
“The 2011 census showed that Mitch ell outperforms Braddon, Dickson and Gungahlin as a business precinct, and employs more than 4000 people.
“We were baffled as to why, if the government wants people to use public transport, did they bypass this business district? It doesn’t make sense to us.”
Julian says the reasons given were low usage and the increase in travel time from Gungahlin to Civic caused by stopping in Mitchell, but he believes the lack of a functional stop creates the impression there’s nothing worth going to Mitchell for.
“The general public will think there’s nothing here, which is abso lutely not true,” he says.
“Mitchell is a growing and changing business district, it’s not just indus trial and brothels.
“We have yoga studios, sports rec reational facilities, children’s dance
Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.
WHEN IT MATTERS
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Local business owners, from left, Graham Moorby from Hertz; Hayley Luck, Universal Express Group; Quentin Ainscough, Jindebah Coffee; Linda and Ral van der Weyde, Choices Carpets; MTA secretary Julian Kusa, Therma Quilts and president Anthony Manning, Phoenix Gym, with the petition.
Photo by Kathryn Vukovljak
SEVEN DAYS
Liberated, Virginia lets her opinions run free
VIRGINIA Haussegger’s favourite day of the year is International Women’s Day. The director of the University of Canberra’s 50/50 by 2030 initiative says her new job affords her space to speak openly on women’s issues.
The former Canberra ABC TV news anchor told an IWD gathering, including former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce and former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick , that her role at the national broadcaster “became too difficult” as there “was an attitude that you were not to express personal opinions”.
Ms Haussegger said March 8 was “a moment to grab the opportunity to make a bit of noise and acknowledge the progress we’ve made”.
THE courts on which Canberra tennis star Nick Kyrgios polished his early game have
fallen into shameful disrepair. Established by professional player Todd Larkham’s family, the Hawker Tennis Centre’s courts are almost overgrown with weeds and strewn with rubbish with dilapidated out buildings covered with graffiti.
But the future of the site is back on the front burner with developers seeking discussions with the Friends of Hawker Village group. The complex is zoned “restricted access recreation” which saw a DA for a child-care centre lodged in 2016 knocked back by the ACT government.
KINGSTON Square was recently overtaken by the excitement and glamour of a film set.
A day of shooting for the second series of the Foxtel drama “Secret City” took place at the Otis restaurant in Jardine Street. Filming for the political thriller, which stars Jacki Weaver and Marcus Graham , and features locals hired as extras, continues at several locations across Canberra until March 26.
CANBERRA bred AFLW trailblazer Bec Goddard has called for a blind selection process to eliminate gender bias in the league’s coaching ranks. Only two senior and four assistant coaching roles in the league are held by women.
Goddard, who coached the Adelaide Crows to the inaugural AFLW premiership, says gender should be taken out of the equation.
“I’d love to see a blind process where the name is taken off the CV and you therefore don’t know if the coach is male or female and
you can see from their experience, it makes it a merit-based process if they’re good enough to get the job”.
ACT Senator Zed Seselja has finally conceded a small portion of his parliamentary perks. The Assistant Minister for Social Security and Multicultural Affairs is (along with all Canberra based MPs and senators) entitled to claim an allowance of $90 per sitting day “for meals and incidental expenses”. Seselja will no longer claim the allowance after pocketing almost $13,000 since 2013. The allowance is not claimed by Katy Gallagher, Gai Brodtmann and
dose of dorin
become a better player, a smarter player. I definitely believe I can handle the NRL.”
MEANTIME, the Raiders have ditched AC/ DC’s “Highway to Hell” as their run-on theme, returning to the familiar sound of the club’s original song. The Green Machine composer Les Gock from the ‘70s glam-rock pop band Hush will be on hand to blow the Viking horn in round two.
Andrew Leigh although he has claimed it in the past.
ONE-time NRL bad boy Todd Carney may have another shot at the big time with the North Queensland Cowboys. The deal, yet to be ratified by the NRL integrity unit, would see him at his fourth NRL club. After a well-documented and controversial career the 2010 Dally M winner says: “I think I’ve
THERE are fears an internal ACT Health investigation into bullying at Calvary Hospital, following the suicide of nurse Andrew Earl in 2017, will be a whitewash. Earl’s friends, who claim bullying contributed to his death, are concerned staff are not being made aware of the inquiry and are using social media to encourage anyone with a story to come forward, posting on Facebook: “The investigation will only make a difference to the bullying culture at Calvary if more people contribute.”
Hawker Tennis Centre courts… almost overgrown and strewn with rubbish.
START FRIDAY 16TH MARCH
SATURDAY 17th MARCH: Celebrations start with Breakfast from 8am
FRIDAY 16th MARCH
MARCH
SATURDAY 17th MARCH
NEWS / Bungendore Harvest Festival BRIEFLY
Local farmers want to show and tell
By Danielle Nohra
A GROUP of Bungendore farmers gathered a few years ago and came up with an idea for a weekend festival, where people can meet the farmers, learn about their food and celebrate local products.
Calling it the Bungendore Harvest Festival and backed by the Southern Harvest Associa tion, it kicked off last year and now, in its second year, will again be showcasing local growers and winemakers but this time with a focus on how the product can be used.
“This year, we’re showing people the final product, and how we actually use our own pro duce,” says festival director Penny Kothe.
“Instead of just buying the groceries, there will be a greater offering of brunch, lunch and dinner options.
“This will give guests the chance to try before they buy, and get ideas for how they can use the produce themselves.”
Penny, who was part of the original organising committee, runs a small farm, Caroola Farm, with her husband Paul McKinnon, which produces a variety of meat and vegetables.
“I think [local producers] should be celebrated for supplying fresh food into the local market,” she says.
The weekend-long festival, from March 16 to 18, will celebrate food, farming and fibre in a variety of ways.
Penny says Friday, March 16, will be “A Taste of Bungendore”, where Bungendore restaurants and pubs will be welcoming guests to indulge in a delicious dining experience.
The festival will take place in marquees along the footpaths in Ellendon Street between Malbon and Gibraltar Streets and at participating businesses.
Penny says stallholders have almost doubled from 35 to more than 60 this year.
Last year’s success also saw the Southern Harvest Association receive a grant from Destination NSW, which will allow greater infrastructure to be brought in to create a broader festival experience.
“This will include a stage to showcase live music and entertainment, and ensure guests receive the authentic Bungendore country town experience,” she says.
self”, on Sunday, March 18, will spread out to the farms, gardens and wineries, where visitors can participate in farm and winery tours, wander around local gardens, enjoy traditional Devonshire tea or do wine tastings.
“It’s a great celebration of fresh food and produce, as well as celebrating the Bungendore community,” Penny says.
“We hope that it will become an annual, regional event that gives people more exposure to how food and wine is grown.”
PROCEEDS of the 2018 Autumn Antiques and Collectables Fair will be aimed at supporting cancer patients and their families in the ACT and surrounding areas via the local charity Rise Above. Run by the Rotary Club of Canberra City, the fair features 23 antique dealers from around Australia and organisers promise “high-quality antiques and collectables at realistic prices”.
It’s at the Albert Hall, 6pm-9pm, Friday, March 23; 10am to 5pm, Saturday and 10am-4pm on the Sunday. Entry is $8, concession $6 and accompanied children under 14 free. Light meals, morning and afternoon teas will be available in the supper room.
Kate for dinner
KATE Gardiner, of the Canberra Museum & Gallery, is guest speaker at the next monthly dinner meeting of the Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club at the Vikings Town Centre club, Greenway, 6.30pm, on Wednesday, March 28. Dinner is $27 and interested ladies are welcome. Bookings to 6291 7716 or tuggeven@gmail.com
Birds-eye VIEW
GEOFFREY Dabb will entertain the ladies of the Weston Creek VIEW Club with a talk about “Birds, Common and Uncommon” at their next lunch meeting at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11am on Tuesday, April 3. Lunch costs $28 and interested ladies are welcome. Call 6288 7625 by Thursday, March 29.
Celtic harp in concert
CATH Connelly is presenting a Celtic harp concert at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Ainslie, next month. She weaves stories through her concert of tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as some original compositions. It’s on Friday, April 6 and tickets, at $20, can be booked at 6248 7420.
The produce-swap stand at the Bungendore Harvest Market.
POLITICS Assembly has another run at the right to die
IN 1993 the ACT Legislative Assembly became Australia’s first jurisdiction to have a voluntary active euthanasia bill tabled. Within two years the power to pass such legislation was taken away from the ACT and the NT.
A new attempt is being made to reconsider the rights of the dying and the rights of territory legislators.
The Federal parliament voted to remove the power in 1995 when the legislation was being used in the NT and was being debated in the ACT. The decision to remove this right from the elected representative body was especially painful for me as the MLA responsible for introducing the original bill.
A report of a Legislative Assembly Select Committee that examined the original legislation considered the matter a “vexed question of compassion and personal freedom”. It remains so. However, it also remains a matter of a right to self-determination for Territories.
The amendment to the “Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988” was a simple case of Federal MPs deciding that they knew better than local, elected members of Territory parliaments.
The amendments were an appalling demonstration of arrogance, misuse of power and ideology trumping local democratic processes. The coalition of conservatives in the Liberal Party under the leadership of Kevin Andrews and the right wing of the Labor Party under Tony Bourke ignored the rights of Canberra people to self-determination in favour of their own religiously motivated ideological approach.
Time passed. In 2017 the Victorian Parliament introduced and passed similar
The amendments were an appalling demonstration of arrogance, misuse of power and ideology trumping local democratic processes.
legislation. Fiona Patten, long-time Canberra identity and now Victorian MLC, was one of the driving forces behind the initiation of the Victorian “Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017”. The Victorian Legislation ensures that adult patients wanting to access the scheme will face two independent medical assessments before being able to obtain a lethal drug. The Federal government does not have the power to override state legislation in the same way as they did to the territories.
Even those who oppose such legislation acknowledge the discussion on voluntary active euthanasia spurs debate and action around making palliative care more effective.
For example, the 1994 ACT report provided a catalyst for more investment and interest in palliative care eventually leading to the building of Clare Holland House as the ACT hospice next to Lake Burley Griffin.
The ACT Assembly is looking for ideas to test the Federal government. MLA Bec Cody has been appointed as chair of an Assembly select committee into end-of-life choices. The committee is taking submissions until March 23 and will examine palliative care, the choices people make and voluntary assisted dying. It will also consider “the impact of Federal legislation” and “the process for achieving change”.
“Active euthanasia takes the prime decision making process out of the hands of the doctor and returns it to where it rightly belongs, to
the individual” was a point I made in June, 1993, when introducing the “Voluntary and Natural Death Bill”. My view has not changed.
I also remain committed to my concluding remarks in the tabling speech: “The challenge in this bill has been to draw up legislation which focuses on the rights of the patients as central to its purpose. It regulates where there is no regulation and gives very clear guidelines for both patients and doctors to follow. In a death-denying society, it will hopefully bring about respect for an individual’s right to choose the time and quality of one’s death without fear.” A genuine choice is achieved when the best possible palliative care is available.
The 2018 select committee into end-of-life choices reopens that debate. Perhaps members of the Federal parliament will recognise that the ACT was not so much out of step with the rest of the country as a little before its time. It is high time the pieces of stupidity amending the self-government acts of the territories were overturned and appropriate powers restored. Territory MPs and voters are entitled to the same rights and powers as MPs in Victoria or any other state.
Higher density doesn’t add up
LUISA Capezio (“We’ve got our share of infill, says Campbell”, CN, March 8) attempts to make the case for a “balanced” approach to infill.
On the one hand, she says that “urban intensification is necessary” and that the higher proportion of mediumto-high-density development has been “welcomed” and is “highly valued” by residents of Campbell.
On the other hand, she spends most of her piece discussing how Campbell residents disagree with the government’s plans for more high-rise and highdensity apartments in the suburb.
Much public comment has already concluded that higher density is all about more rates to pay for the expensive tram project, and endless junk building to keep developers and unions happy, no matter what the cost to the city structure and its residents.
Murray May, Cook
What if the whole densification policy is flawed in the first place? Urban ecologist Prof Patrick Troy (ANU) has done considerable work on this and the claimed environmental advantages of higher density don’t add up, particularly with regard to water and energy issues. Social issues also don’t score well.
CELEBRATING WOOD AND CRAFTMANSHIP WITH EVAN DUNSTONE
Comfortable chairs are as important to health and well being. Modern society has turned us into a sitting animal, even if we do our best to resist through lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, “comfort” is a term often misunderstood.
There are basically two forms of chairs; those that promote active sitting and those that promote passive sitting. Car seats are a pretty good example of a chair that promotes passive sitting. Because of the nature of driving, a car chair essentially locks you in place.
Active sitting is promoted by a chair that requires the sitter to “work” to maintain position. The ultimate example of such a “chair” is a Pilates ball. If you sit on a Pilates ball, you are required to use your core strength to maintain position. Once you have developed the core strength, Pilates balls can be actually quite comfortable, although they not a particularly practical solution to every day sitting.
As a Churchill Fellow (2001) in contemporary chair design, I have spent my whole professional life thinking about how to promote active sitting in a way that is both healthy and fits in with our modern lifestyle. My Cataract Ergonomic Rocker (pictured) is a chair that can be used as either a dining chair or an office chair. The carefully considered range of movement, coupled with the shaped timber seat and the positive lumbar support, makes for a chair that promotes active sitting. Active sitting is the key to improved concentration and comfort over long periods.
Evan Dunstone
CHURCHILL FELLOW 2001
Workshop/showroom open 7am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturdays – or by appointment.
Canberra radio now has two new announcers with familiar names for the drive home
to musical memories
By Danielle Nohra
RADIO has taken announcer
Cathy Dinn on a nomadic journey across the nation and now it’s brought her home to Canberra, where she will be taking 2CA listeners home from 2pm to 7pm on weekdays.
“A blessing and a curse of the job is you do move around a lot,” she says. “Radio jocks tend to be nomadic, you go where the gigs are, so it’s nice to get to settle into a pocket that I know.”
Cathy, who was born in England, emigrated to Australia with her family in 1980 and spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Canberra.
She remembers calling radio DJs on 2CC at the age of 14.
A couple of years later she started working for a local community radio station, which was more like a “TAB station” because it had music until about noon and then broadcast the races for the rest of the day.
“So there I was a teenager talking about scratchings and selections,” she says.
But her real drive to get into radio was a love for music, all music, including 2CA’s “Forever Classic” hits, which feature songs from the ‘60s to the ‘80s.
“It’s all about music for me, I’m not interested in being famous,” she says.
A love for classical music came from her days working at the celebrated, now former, Abels
record store in Manuka.
Moving from FM music stations has let Cathy delve into all kinds of music, saying: “If you have a love for one, you have a love for all”.
So she’s excited to be playing classic hits for a change after having to keep on top of Taylor Swift’s love life at NewFM in Newcastle.
Cathy says her favourite interview was with CanadianAmerican alternative rock singer Alanis Morissette, who’s well-known for the song “Ironic”, which peaked at number four in 1996 on the “Billboard” charts.
“We sat on the floor of her dressing room and talked about love,” Cathy says.
And while Cathy has had the chance to meet lots of fabulous people and do interesting things, she says the most “OMG!” moments are when she meets reality TV stars.
“I love reality TV, I’ve met loads of famous movie stars and I’m not always excited, but reality stars [do make me excited],” she says.
While Cathy has been lucky enough to meet lots of famous people through her job, it was in Grade 4 at St John Vianney’s in Waramanga, where she met her best friend Gabby Millgate, famous for saying: “You’re terrible, Muriel”, in the 90s’ movie “Muriel’s Wedding”.
They’ve remained friends ever since and now as housemates in Theodore, not too far from where they grew up.
Cathy Dinn, 2CA, 2pm-7pm, weekdays.
By Danielle Nohra
CANBERRA’s new talkback drivetime announcer
Richard Perno plans on asking all the hard questions.
“I’m not here to please anyone but the listeners,” Richard says. “I’m here to pull them (his subjects) in line.”
Sydney-born, Richard first started working in a country station in Young during the ‘70s and since then has been on air in places such as Sydney, Dubbo, Brisbane, Hobart and, most importantly, Canberra. Like most people, Richard says a passion for music pushed him towards a career in radio – and the prospect of free CDs.
“I did music for many years and got tired of saying the same things after songs and then gravitated into talkback,” he says.
Richard’s first Canberra stint was for 2CA in the ‘80s and then at 2CC in the late ‘90s when it first became a talk station.
While in Canberra, he moved briefly out of radio to work for independent Legislative Assembly member Helen Cross, who remains a close friend.
“All journalists should do that, [work in parliament], so they know where the manure comes from,” he says.
Over the last 40 years Richard’s seen Canberra grow incredibly and says he’s happy to be back here, in what he calls a great place with a “hot pot” of friends.
And what will “Canberra Live” be like with Richard? Well, he says it’s going to be food for the ears and theatre for the mind.
“It’s drive, so it’s fast paced, lively and changing all the time,” he says. “If it’s happening, it’s on the show.”
Richard describes his radio style as “straight up and down”. He says he wants the answers.
Richard replaces Chris Coleman, who has left 2CC to work in the ACT police media team after 32 years in radio.
Richard Perno, “Canberra Live”, 3pm-6pm, weekdays.
Richard Perno… “I’m not here to please anyone but the listeners.”
Photos Ana Stuart
Cathy Dinn… “It’s all about music for me, I’m not interested in being famous.”
ART / Myuran Sukumaran’s paintings
Doomed painter’s life flows from death row
Art reviewer JOHNNY MILNER is moved to describe the executed Myuran Sukumaran’s paintings as “wonderful” with a real connection to life.
“ANOTHER Day in Paradise” is the first major exhibition of works by Myuran Sukumaran, whose brutal fate shocked Australia.
An opening event at Tuggeranong Arts Centre included talks by the Federal Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek, Sukumaran’s brother (Chinthu) and artist Ben Quilty (a close friend and mentor). The speakers relayed personal accounts and spoke of the broader issues surrounding his art and its political legacy.
Sukumaran was arrested in Indonesia in 2005 for his role in a heroin smuggling ring, which became known infamously as the “Bali 9”. Following years of incarceration at Bali’s Kerobokan Prison, a lengthy trial and multiple appeals, he was executed by a firing squad in April 2015. It became an event of Australian national interest and emotion, raising questions regarding the reformative justice system, capital punishment, the ugly affectations of nationalism and the cultural and political rifts between Indonesia and Australia at that time.
The sense of injustice surrounding Sukumaran’s execution was intensified by his apparently complete rehabilitation, evidenced in many ways. These include his positive influence on other inmates, the establishment of a cultural centre providing courses
and workshops, the completion of tertiary qualifications and an extraordinary output of artistic work, which as Plibersek noted, helped him to “find joy from the bleak” and “hope in hopelessness”. So encouraged, and despite the death penalty redefining his life, Sukumaran occupied himself in prison applying daubs of paint to canvas, using the medium to heal and help others. And absolutely central to his absorption in painting while on the path to execution was the amazing support and teaching offered by the artist Ben Quilty, who also co-curated the exhibition.
On entering the space, one encounters groups of works – mainly portraiture – that provide insight into Sukumaran’s personal story. One suite, titled “Family and Friends”, profiles his close relatives. Another series, consisting of nine paintings, feature the puppet masters who held Sukumaran’s life in the balance, including politicians such as Indonesian President Joko Widodo and former Australian prime ministers.
These nine highly political paintings are mirrored on an adjoining wall by nine portraits of the co-accused Bali smugglers, including his companion Andrew Chan.
Sukumaran’s self-portraits – which at times evoke the work of painters
and even tormented, but each the product of direct gestures applying great swathes of vibrant paint to the canvas. A centrepiece of this series is a painting of a human heart with the tubes that attach it to the living body.
execution island Nusa Kambangan, in the few days leading up to his death. It’s difficult to comprehend how he would have felt painting these works and hard to think of any other circumstance like it. But as Quilty explained:
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“Myuran was on a mission to learn how to harness his visual language, and in the last 72 hours you got the sense that he was on fire.”
His final painting is an Indonesian flag smeared with red paint – it hangs from the ceiling and is signed by those executed on the same day. The symbolism is clear and so too is the plea for humanity. These are wonderful paintings. They have a real connection to life. They are so far away from the “iconic” landscapes of earth dotted with sheep that Australian art too often celebrates.
Sukumaran’s paintings connect with the true and deep history of art in this world and in a way that perhaps even evokes a time where aesthetics were not the all and everything of images. Rather what is inscribed on the surfaces of his canvases are the essentials of human response to what was happening around him. And of course Ben Quilty, whose own paintings are stylistically connected to what Sukumaran has produced, has achieved so much by filling the last moments of a fellow human’s once-only life.
“Another Day in Paradise” is complemented by several commissioned works from other artists that respond to Sukumaran’s oeuvre and explore issues such as the death penalty and human rights.
“Another Day in Paradise”, paintings by Myuran Sukumaran, at Tuggeranong Arts Centre until April 29.
The Suburban Land Agency is pleased to present 194 residential blocks of land for sale by ballot in Wright and Coombs.
Come along to the Ballot Information Expo where you will be given more information about the design of Wright and Coombs, the buying process, what you can build, as well as information about the Mingle community development program and wider Molonglo Valley region.
Representatives from the Suburban Land Agency and many other ACT Government Directorates will be in attendance to answer your questions.
When: 9:30am to 3:00pm, Saturday 24 March 2018 Where: Charles Weston School Coombs 80 Woodberry Street, Coombs ACT
For more information contact the
Myuran Sukumaran’s untitled double self-portrait embracing, 2015, oil on canvas.
Photo by Brenton McGeachie
HEALTHY EATING BRIEFLY
Feel a lot better about carbohydrates
MANY people complain of feeling bloated, craving carbohydrates as soon as they start eating them or just feeling that their body doesn’t “process” carbs very well.
Our digestive system is designed to break down food into individual chemical molecules and absorb those molecules into the bloodstream.
Our bodies have evolved to break down carbohydrates through the en zymes in saliva and the small intestine and then use them for energy through a process called glycolysis.
The main difference in our modern lifestyle is not how our body processes the carbohydrate, but how the carbohy drate gets to our body.
In the past, in order to consume carbs we would have to pick plants, grind grains and cook meals from scratch. It took time and effort (and often money). Now it’s just a matter of pulling into a drive-through. So, rather than demonising carbohy drate as a nutrient or eliminating foods that are rich in carbohydrate, we can make some small changes to the way we eat them and feel a whole lot better:
Slow down
One of the biggest contributors to abdominal discomfort after eating carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes is just being overly full.
It takes time for the stomach to send the brain the signal that it’s full. And
rate of carbohydrate breakdown and absorption, which lowers the Glycaemic Index (GI) of your whole meal.
• Mix pasta with spiralised veg or veggie peels to bulk out the meal.
• Add extra veg to a sandwich.
• Put tomato or cucumber slices on crackers.
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a third.
• Pick two or three sweet things to enjoy each week rather than every day.
ONE MAN’S HAWAII
Skip the confectionary section when grocery shopping.
Exercise
Everyone’s carbohydrate and energy needs are different and are influenced by how much we move. The more we exercise the more energy is needed, which means the more carbohydrate you can afford to eat within an energy budget.
What’s more, when we exercise our muscles become better able to use carbohydrate as fuel due to an increase in insulin sensitivity. The more muscle we have, the more carbohydrate we are likely to use as fuel.
Build a little bit more movement into the day:
Get up and do a lap of the office every hour.
Do a lap of the block before walking through the front door in the afternoon.
Do squats or lunges while cooking dinner.
Clare Wolski is a practising dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call 6174 4663.
A Big 40 meeting
WESTON Creek Community Centre is hosting a public meeting to discuss plans to celebrate its 40th year anniversary in April. The meeting will be at the centre, Parkinson Street, Weston, from 5.30pm on Monday, March 26. A wide range of representatives from local residents, members, users of its facilities and local businesses will participate in and form an organising group to plan for this special occasion. RSVP to 6288 0144 or email info@ westoncccentre.org.au
Cheap plant sale
“THOUSANDS of plants at ridiculous prices,” is the promise for the autumn plant sale of the Australian Native Plant Society, to be held at the Botanic Gardens, 8.30am-1.30pm, on Saturday, March 17. BYO bags and boxes. Plant lists will be available just before the day at nativeplants-canberra.asn.au
Watch the Cats
THE Canberra Cats are inviting followers of the Geelong AFL team to join them to watch matches on the big screen at the Woden Southern Cross Club during the following rounds: 1 (March 25), 3 (April 8), 7 (April 28), 9 (May 19), 10 (May 26), 13 (June 17), 15 (June 29), 19 (July 28) and 21 (August 11). Organisers say most of these games are not on free-to-air television. For more information email canberracats@gmail.com
Discovering the ‘lo’ in aloha!
HAWAII may be a place that thrives on tourism, but isn’t exactly set up to be tourist-friendly.
The actual island of Hawaii, often called the Big Island , is just 150 kilometres across at its widest point, and in that small land mass are 11 different climate zones.
So, quite literally, if you don’t like the weather where you are, drive an hour to find something completely different. Tropical rainforest, polar tundra or hot desert, they’re all there.
Throw in volcanoes and the two tallest mountains in the world when measured from their base below the ocean, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the Big Island is a tourist mecca, but it is still largely unspoilt by tourism development.
Yes, there are many resorts, but for mine
the Big Island is where you’re still most likely to have a “real” Hawaiian experience without the tourist veneer.
Maui was our second stop and to say we weren’t really prepared for the prices there is an understatement.
Overnight accommodation generally comes at rates even Sydney’s notoriously expensive hotels would baulk at charging. Plenty of relatively modest hotels had offerings at $AU1000 a night. Then on top of that there’s the nightly “resort fee”, which it seems every place charges, of around $AU50 a night. Then there’s parking… it adds up.
The food on Maui was exceptional, with roadside stalls proving especially good.
What you need to weigh up about Maui is whether the stunning scenery, the great food and the tourist drives are worth the seemingly unending stream of people after your money. Not just the resorts, but the streetstalls offering “discounts” for activities such as whale watching or helicopter tours in exchange for your willingness to sit
through a timeshare purchase presentation.
Our final few days were spent in Honolulu. Waikiki Beach was a disappointment, hotels and other buildings encroach right up to, and indeed on to, the sand. One hotel has even been built over the beach to install an infinity pool, which means you can’t access the sand at all between it and the water.
There’s plenty of shopping, the USS Arizona Memorial is worth doing (despite the number of tourists taking inappropriate selfies) but again, as a tourist you’ll need to do a bit of work. A couple of examples; set your GPS
for Pearl Harbor and you’ll wind up at the operating Naval Base on the wrong side of the harbour. And there are no signs on your way to warn you of that outcome. If you’re on the road looking for the massive Dole Pineapple Plantation, you won’t see anything to indicate you’re on the right road until you get there.
Don’t get me wrong, I had a good time, but for a holiday, at times Hawaii was just a little bit too much work.
And with this, as I return from vacation to take up a new job, I sign off as a columnist for “CityNews”. I hope you’ve enjoyed my take on events and items near and far as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing them with you.
Haleakala Crater on Maui... elevation is around 11,000 feet and the summit can be reached by car.
Photo by Chris Coleman
At L’Arche Genesaret 40th anniversary dinner, Woden
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ALL ABOUT QUEANBEYAN
The city of surprises that’s
HOME to more than 57,000 residents, Queanbeyan is the largest city in south-east NSW. Its name is the anglicised form of “quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”.
Queanbeyan also boasts a surprising range of retailers and services.
Memorials that come with care
AFTER working as a stonemason for a business that wasn’t “caring”, Tony Nemeth started Oskar Memorials in 1993 to give people in Queanbeyan, and Canberra, a “caring” experience in a time of grief.
Sales manager and son-in-law Steve Peake says Oskar Memorials is a family-run business, which is empathetic and listens to its customers.
“Unfortunately, we’ve experienced what the customer goes through, we have all lost family members, so we really empathise with them,” Steve says.
“If some people don’t have the money, we will work something out to suit their budget.”
Oskar Memorials provides services such as building monuments for all areas of the cemetery, it makes headstones out of all-rock materials and makes bronze plaques to be added to headstones.
“We try to start off by meeting the customer at the cemetery so we can look at the plot and explain the process,” Steve says.
Oskar Memorials offers free quotes and Steve says the company has a high reputation with all the funeral directors in Canberra.
the robots, experiencing failure, problem solving and moving on to success,” she says.
“Students and teachers are totally absorbed in the experimentation and fun as the glowing spheres whiz around the floor.”
The aim of the program is to introduce robots to a large cohort of 140 students who will then pass on the
For an obligation free quote phone 6299 7711 or 0414 940 836 or email oskarmemorials@netspeed.com.au 34 Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan
Oskar Memorials, 34 Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 7711.
access more technology. This includes laptops for classrooms in years 2 to 6 and building on skills in creative writing in particular.
Jerrabomberra Public School, Coachwood Avenue,
Big plans for school-holiday fun and activities
WITH the school holidays coming, the non-profit or ganisation, YMCA Queanbeyan, has lots of fun activities for children to do in its Queanbeyan and Bungendore school holiday programs.
CEO Peta Virgo says there’s lots of activities for the children to do, such as a trip to the circus and in-house activities such as cooking and craft.
“We want to get them off their devices and get them more active and having fun,” she says.
Starting from April 16, the two-week long program has 8am starts and a 6pm pick-up each week day in a Queanbeyan and Bungendore location.
YMCA Queanbeyan also offers programs and services such as vacation care, “Get Up and Go”, which is an elderly fitness program, “Kindergym” and gymnastics.
Peta says the “Get Up and Go” program is very beneficial for seniors because of its social and fitness aspects.
YMCA Queanbeyan runs “Get Up and Go” classes three times a week, which suit beginners to advanced.
“Kindergym”, for ages one to five is also beneficial, says
Peta, because it is great for fine and gross motor skills. “The social aspect for parents is great for new mums too because it gets them out of the house,”
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Where everything matters in good health
GOOD health does not belong to a single entity, says podiatrist Allan Donnelly, which is why Qcity Podiatry and Health Care has a podiatrist, a diabetes educator, Bunny Upathumpa, and a dietitian, Tracy Harb.
“Allied health means just that. An alliance with different allied health practitioners,” Allan says.
“Good communication is enhanced when the communicators see and talk to each other.”
For this reason Qcity Podiatry and Health Care offers a comprehensive and personalised range of services, which Allan says will continue to grow.
Qcity Podiatry and Health Care also provides a close relationship with its clients because, Allan says, everyone and everything matters.
“Our practitioners take the time during your consultation to assure you of the treatment options and management strategies available to you with the best possible outcome,” he says.
“Our relationship with our patients reflects the service we want to give and the service our patients wish to receive.”
And, since opening 10 years ago, Allan Bungendore, Jerrabomberra, Queanbeyan and Canberra.
Qcity Podiatry and Health Care, Cassidy’s Arcade, Shop 13, 72-74 Monaro Street,
a staff of five and a vision of supplying quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director, Neil Thompson.
“The company mantra from day one was ‘Quality Windows, Fast’,” says Neil.
Since then, Skyview has grown and seven years ago expanded to a 2500sqm factory in High Street, Queanbeyan. Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.
“All windows and doors are manufac-
Qcity Podiatry and Health Care
Friendly school that’s big on community
FOR nearly 50 years Queanbeyan East Public School has been providing strong academic programs to the community, says school administrative manager Fran Fisher.
The medium-sized school brings together a mix of urban and rural children, which Fran says allows an environment where teachers, students and parents are well known to each other.
“Queanbeyan East has endeavoured to develop a true kindergarten-to-year-6 ethos with a warm, friendly and welcoming environment where students, staff and parents feel valued,” she says.
from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.
“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.
“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”
Skyview Windows, 77 High Street, Queanbeyan, call 6232 9977.
“The culture and atmosphere of the school is characterised by a strong sense of pride, open communication and a strong commitment to working as a supportive, positive team.”
Queanbeyan East Public School has an established library, a computer room, as well as classroom computers and interactive whiteboards.
It has a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, the performing arts, technology and sport.
“We also offer a free Transition to School Playgroup for children 0-5 years to help build important skills for starting school, meeting other local families and connecting with our community,” she says.
Queanbeyan East Public School, 10 Yass Road, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 2619, queanbeyae-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au or visit queanbeyae-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
From left,
dietitian Tracy Harb, diabetes educator Bunny Upathumpa, and podiatrist Allan Donnelly.
SEEKING SOMEONE TO RENT OR SELL YOUR PROPERTY?
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“OZ Property…modern conveniences with good old fashioned service” Ring us for an obligation free appraisal 6297
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Andreas Haas – Licensee/Principal 27 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan
ALL ABOUT QUEANBEYAN
assist people with all health issues.
Dr Sujith Kamath says that although Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic is a private, non-corporate, family orientated medical centre it has evolved to have the availability of multiple services under the one roof, including general practitioners, practice nurses and visiting specialists. In the clinic’s allied health area there are physiotherapists, an exercise therapist, a podiatrist, psychologists and an occupational therapist.
“We are committed to training the future generation
Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic
Dr Uzma Kamran
Special interests are Sexual Health and Paediatrics, with experience at Canberra Sexual Health.
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Dr Sandeep Sunkaraneni
Special interests are ENT Medicine, Cardiology / Respiratory Chronic Disease Management.
Experience as a GP in Canberra since 2012
Available Monday to Friday
“Regularly you will see medical students and nursing students learning from our GPs and nurse team.” The clinic also has a series of services for employers such as pre-employment medical assessments, injury management, fitness to drive, functional capacity assessment, occupation vaccinations and drug and alcohol testing.
Queanbeyan GP Super Clinic, 150 Crawford Street,
OZ Property Real Estate, a boutique agency with a “good, old-fashioned service” has been in Queanbeyan for nearly 15 years, says principal Andreas Haas.
Andreas, who has been working in real estate for nearly 30 years, says his firm is friendly, approachable and has its own niche in the marketplace.
“For buyers, we ensure that they have all the information that they need to know on a property, good or bad,” he says.
“For renters, we show rental properties after business hours, which means a quick turnaround for landlords and easier opportunities for tenants to view after 6pm.
“For landlords, I like to provide some form of maintenance plan and budget so that they keep on top of the property maintenance and therefore benefit from good rent and good tenants, and this reflects on tenants being satisfied longer and not moving every 12 months.”
Oz Property Real Estate, 27 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 7799, email ozproperty@ozemail.com.au or visit ozpropertyservices.com.au
OZ Property Real Estate principal Andreas Haas.
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Big school with big plans for students
KARABAR High School is a proud comprehensive public high school located in Queanbeyan, with an enrolment of 900 students, says principal Andrew Turvey. Academically recognised by the NSW Department of Education, Andrew says Karabar High School provides a challenging education where students develop deep thinking skills by working with like-minded peers.
“Each of these programs has a selection process that mirrors the professional processes to achieve success in these fields.”
And, Andrew says Karabar High School has a highly successful agriculture program whose participants have competed and won ribbons in shows such as the Royal Melbourne Show.
ALL ABOUT QUEANBEYAN
Mechanical repairs with a personal touch
FOR about 33 years, John Res
Mechanical Repairs has serviced the Queanbeyan and Canberra region maintaining its quality service with personalised care.
Led by husband-and-wife team John and Deb Res, John Res Mechanical Repairs specialises in automotive repairs, servicing, brakes, clutches, gear box work, air-conditioning repairs and servicing and auto electrical. They can also do log book services, NSW registration and gas registration checks.
“Because we’re small – custom ers can talk directly to the owner – the person who owns and runs the business, opposed to when you go to a dealership and you speak to the service manager,” says Deb.
“When people come here they don’t feel like they are just another number.”
Deb says they have knowledge able and experienced staff with their head mechanic backed by 21 years’ experience and two others with about 10 years’ experience.
“It’s about quality not quantity,” she says. “We tell our staff to do the work that you would want done to your car for our customers.
“Being a family business makes a difference, it makes it more personal and we try to give a more personal service for clients.”
For customers getting their car serviced, they have a courtesy car available for those who live outside Queanbeyan and we can do dropoffs within Queanbeyan.
There’s no rush at Jim’s cafe
THERE’s never a rush to leave at Hotch Potch Cafe in Queanbeyan, with its owner Jim Murphy saying it’s an old-fashioned, country-style cafe, where customers can take their time and enjoy its good service.
“We don’t rush people out the door, we like them to hang around and talk to each other,” Jim says.
to come and seek help and get support.”
Whether it’s issues such as a relationship breakdown, stress at home or exam stress, Zora says day-to-day stresses can turn into major problems if neglected.
John Res Mechanical Repairs, 33 Kendall Avenue, Queanbeyan West. Call 6297 8557.
Headspace Queanbeyan’s purpose is to give young people the opportunity to be heard.
“Call the centre or pop in and we can go from there. We can make an appointment with one of the youth
such as an LGBTI support group, a dog space group and a tattoo art group, where young people can drop in and not feel obliged to talk about personal matters but to interact and have a good time.
Visits from Delta Therapy Dogs. 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, drop in 4-5pm. 12-25 year olds.
Tattoo Art: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, drop in 4-5pm. 12-25 year olds.
SPECTRUM:
Social and supportive group for LGBTIQ young people. 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, drop in 4.30-6pm. 16-25 year olds. ONGOING GROUPS – JUST DROP
Headspace Queanbeyan staff.
Hotch Potch cafe owner Jim Murphy.
Gallery that puts the artist first
FORM Studio & Gallery was established in 2011 by gallery manager and artist
Claire Primrose to complement an already vibrant arts community in Queanbeyan.
Conceived as a space where the artist is central, Claire says FORM Studio & Gallery provides a platform for exhibiting artists of all backgrounds and genres.
“Our guiding principle is that if we look after artists well, the rest will fall into place,” she says.
“We aim to work as partners with the artists who exhibit with us, as well as ensuring that every artist, established or emerging, young or old, friend or stranger, has an equal opportunity to show in the space, based only on the quality of her/his proposed exhibition.”
As a former local, high school visual
arts and dance teacher with a passion for art, Claire was inspired to open FORM Studio & Gallery, bringing with her skills to manage and mentor.
“In addition to managing a gallery, I am also a visual artist, who focuses on drawing and painting,” she says.
“My work can be described as abstracted landscapes that are inspired by the NSW Snowy Mountains.”
FORM Studio & Gallery uses a model that is almost a cross between a project space and a commercial gallery, which exhibits local and national contemporary art, exhibitions that rotate every few weeks.
FORM Studio & Gallery, 1/30 Aurora Avenue, Queanbeyan. Call 0430 359776, email claire@formstudioandgallery.com.au or visit formstudioandgallery.com.au
Cabinetmaker Steve can’t stop building
OWNER Steve Milutinovic started his own cabinetmaking business in 1983 and, 35 years on, Bordeaux Construc tions and Bordeaux Kitchens now specialises in home renovations, extensions and new homes.
But that’s not all, Bordeaux also can complete com mercial fitouts and joinery, with its fully licensed builders in NSW and the ACT.
“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” Steve says.
“We offer full trade co-ordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project.
“Our custom-built cabinetmaking workshop can also build joinery items to suit your needs whether for home or office.”
Steve says Bordeaux offers obligation-free quotes, competitive prices and will work with each customer to achieve their desired outcome.
Bordeaux Constructions and Bordeaux Kitchens, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4642, visit bordeauxbcm. com.au or search @BordeauxBCM on Facebook.
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ist law firm covering all aspects of law but specialising in family law, criminal law and conveyancing.
Ian, who has practised in the area of family law for more than 30 years, has significant experience when dealing with complex property matters or difficult matters involving children.
He is joined by solicitor Juanita Zankin, who also practises in family law.
Henry, who practices predominantly in all areas of criminal law in both the
he says.
“Robbie Freestone, Julie Devine and Sharon Shaw have vast experience in all areas of conveyancing and pride themselves on making sure each and every conveyance is handled with care and diligence.”
FORM Studio & Gallery manager and artist Claire Primrose.
THE Connect and Participate Expo, on March 24, is basically an “O-Week” for adults, an interactive, fun event with live music, demonstrations and activities, says event organiser Nadia McGuire.
It’s an all-inclusive, all-ability, all-age, family-friendly day that has something for everyone. There will be special inter est groups, sporting groups, art groups, music groups, bands, dance groups, choirs and volunteering groups.
“The aim is to provide opportunities for people from the community to con nect with the community,” Nadia says.
“It’s about providing opportunities for people who might be socially isolated and want to get out there.
“This is a way to remove barriers and participate in something you enjoy.”
Nadia says there are many benefits of joining a group, which is not only beneficial for a person’s mental health, but also their physical health.
Canberra’s Black Tower Squad, which is part of the 501 Legion Southern Cross Garrison, has been going to the expo, at the Kingston Old Bus Depot, since it started in 2014.
Squad leader Mick Ferris says it’s basically a social club for people who have a passion for “Star Wars”, cosplay and also the community.
Mick’s been part of the group for a few years and says it’s like a second family to him.
He says it’s open to anyone who wants to join and has a mix of people from all backgrounds.
The Black Tower Squad volunteer their time at events and, as a payment, they ask people to donate to the Black Dog Institute, but Mick says it’s not mandatory and he purely enjoys dressing up and making people happy.
The squad also volunteers at hospitals and Mick says the best thing is walking into hospitals in costume and seeing children’s faces light up.
“We all love ‘Star Wars’, we love the legion and we love costumes,” he says. Another group there on the day will
be Canberra Bike Polo, which is essentially a sport played on bikes, where people hit the ball with a mallet to try to score goals.
Canberra Bike Polo has been at the expo for about three years and its secretary Nick Dixon-Wilmshurst says as much as it’s a sport it’s also a community of many people who travel around the world to play.
Canberra Bike Polo has taken Nick to places such as Seattle, Malaysia and Singapore.
“It’s a co-ed sport and we’re welcoming to anyone, any gender, any age, any sexuality, we’re very accepting,” he says.
With a great atmosphere and plenty of entertainment, including comedian Laura Campbell, who will be the MC of the event, Nadia says the Connect and Participate Expo will ultimately be a great day out for anyone.
Connect and Participate Expo, Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, March 24.
• VIEW Clubs of Australia – Area AA Canberra and surrounding areas
• Volunteering and Contact ACT
• Woden Community Service
• YMCA Canberra
DANCE, THEATRE, CIRCUS & RE-ENACTMENT:
• 501st Legion Southern Cross Garrison
• ACT Square Dance Society Inc
• Bellyup Bellydance
• Calisthenics ACT Inc
• Canberra Dance Theatre
• Canberra Repertory Society
• Drama Starsacademy
• The Flamenco Centre Canberra
• Folk Dance Canberra
• Jumptown Swing
• Monaro Folk Society
• National Military Reenactment Group
• Nia Canberra
• School of Flow Arts
• Silver Soles Cloggers Inc.
• Tango Social Club of Canberra
EDUCATIONAL, LANGUAGE & CULTURAL:
• ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA)
• Canberra Irish Language Association
• CIT Solutions Centre for Short Courses
• Canberra Blues Society
Canberra Brass Inc
Canberra City
Fishermans Club
• Canberra Speleological Society Inc • Canberra Walkers – BungyPump walking group
• Diamond Phoenix Dragonboat Club for Women
• Dragons Abreast Canberra
Pedal Power ACT • Sailability CYC
Table Tennis ACT
Tennis ACT
2018 – STALLHOLDERS LIST
CONNECT AND PARTICIPATE EXPO 24 MARCH
ANIMALS:
• ACT Companion Dog Club
• ACT Greyhound Support Network
• ACT Rescue and Foster
ARTS & CRAFT:
• ACT & Region Machine Knitters Guild
• Belconnen Arts Centre
• Canberra Calligraphy Society
• Capital Stitchers - ACT Neighbourhood Group for the Australian Sewing Guild
• Canberra Quilters Inc
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
• Belconnen Community Men’s Shed
• Belconnen Community Service
• Brindabella Rotaract
• Communities@Work
• Diversity ACT
• Heart Foundation ACT
• Inner South Canberra Community Council
• Lions Clubs International
– Canberra/Queanbeyan Region
• Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc
• Northside Community Service
• Rotary Club of Tuggeranong Inc
• SHOUT Inc
• Das Zentrum Australian-German Institute Inc
• East African Community Association
• Navitas English
• Rostrum Australia (ACT)
ENVIRONMENT & HORTICULTURE:
• Cactus & Succulent Society of the ACT
• Canberra Lapidary Club
• Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra
• The Fuss Pot
• National Parks Association of the ACT
• Volunteering for the Environment
MARTIAL ARTS:
• Kung Fu Wushu ACT Inc.
• Martial Movement
MUSIC & SINGING:
• Austrian Choir Canberra
Tuggeranong Netball Association • Wheelchair Sports NSW
SPECIAL INTEREST & OTHER:
• Canberra Astronomical Society
• Canberra Bulls Motorcycle Speedway Club Inc
• Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club Inc
• Canberra Rocketry Group Incorporated
• Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild
• Capital Tigers – Offical Richmond Supporters Group
• Girl Guides ACT & SE NSW Region
• National Trust of Australia (ACT)
• Omnia Adventurers and Social Club Inc
• Philatelic Society of Canberra Inc
• Taoist Tai Chi Society
• Traditional Boat Squadron of Australia
• Usui Reiki Network
Some of the many Connect and Participate Expo participants… ACT Fencing Association’s Michael Spencer, Bellyup Bellydance’s Amanda Finn, Southern Cross Garrison 501st Legion’s Shaun Boer and Rob Birtles, Folk Dance Canberra’s Rebecca Lane, Canberra Bike Polo’s Nick Dixon-Wilmshurst and Dairy the dog.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sérgio’s a sucker for a song
Arts editor HELEN MUSA talks to the most famous Brazilian musician of all time – Sérgio Mendes
“I’M a melody person – I love song, Sérgio Mendes says when he calls from Los Angeles, where he lives.
“Brazil has wonderful songs; it’s music you can dance to, it’s very happy, uptempo, sunny and romantic,” he enthuses.
That partly explains why Mendes, now a happy 77 years of age and in the pink of condition, is the most famous Brazilian performer of all time.
He’s coming to the Canberra Theatre with all his great hits and a few new numbers. He’s been to Australia before but never to the national capital and declares himself excited about it, especially when he hears about the architectural connections between this designed city and Brasilia, the capital of his homeland.
But before we talk about music, there is the question of dates to settle.
Why Brasil 66? Why not keep updating?
“I got a little tired of numbers, ‘66 was the year I recorded ‘Mas Que Nada’, it was natural to stick to it,” he says. “We tried Brasil 77 and Brasil 88, but there was no Brasil 99.” He has noticed, though, that publicists are using the expression “Brasil 2018”.
The number comes from 1966, the year
Alice pulls some strings for a new performance
By Helen Musa HARP virtuoso
Alice Giles is about to inject the Four Winds Festival with a new breath of life – literally.
For at the Easter music festival at Barragga Bay, always so popular with Canberrans, Giles will be installing four small “wind-harps” to help catch the breezes from the north, south, east and west in a unique musical experiment and collaboration.
Giles is one of the many brilliant musicians who left the ANU School of Music years ago and lives with her family in Yass while keeping up her teaching practice on weekdays at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Now, in collaboration with American composer and old friend Tim Geller, she’ll be performing a “soulful” new composition that he has developed specifically for the annual beachside music event.
But on wind-harps?
“When I went to Antarctica in 2011 I took a small Tasmanian harp with me and the wind played it,” she says.
“It’s all about strings and resonance – you put the strings outside and winds pass through – that’s a beautiful sound, wind going through strings.”
“We’ll be inviting that life force on to the stage… with the help of four wind-harps representing the four corners of the earth.”
Giles has no fears of a still day, as she believes that down there, by the ocean, it’s pretty well guaranteed that there’ll be wind from some direction.
“I will be playing on my concert harp, but there will also be four, small, four-lever harps, loosely strung with nylon strings that will pick up the winds,” she says.
When Giles was on tour to Massachusetts, they caught up and she asked when was he going to write something for her again.
“Tim said he was more interested in theatre pieces, but I was tied up, so I said no; but then when James invited me to Four Winds and told me he was looking for some theatre-style pieces I suggested a work by Tim... it was all rather serendipitous,” she says.
Four Winds 2018 Easter Festival, March 28 to April 1.
Carnegie Hall, part of the world bossa nova movement.
After being introduced to Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, who signed Mendes and his group to A&M Records, in 1966 they set about recording the album featuring “Mas Que Nada”.
“It was the first time an international hit had been sung in Portuguese, it’s still being sung and everyone knows it,” he says with some pride.
ARTS IN THE CITY
wrote more than 500 songs including “The Girl from Ipanema”. He still finds the music of Jobim inspiring and says it made him decide to record always with a Brazilian feeling, “even when I reinterpret songs like ‘The Fool on the Hill’ and ‘The Look of Love’.”
Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66, Canberra Theatre, April 5. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
Much work from wandering Wendy
By Helen Musa
THE often-outrageous artist Wendy Sharpe is back in town with an exhibition of works on paper, mostly painted on location, joined by oils, Venetian screens and painted Chinese fans all inspired by her travels to France, Italy, Antarctica, Cambodia, Mexico, Laos, India and country Australia. “The paintings and drawings are not postcards or reportage, they are about the actual experience of being there,” Sharpe says. ”Wanderlust”, at Aarwun Gallery, Federation Square, Gold Creek, March 24-April 15.
ADOPTING the persona of “Alternative Prime Minister”, comedian Mark Swivel gives a “slightly drunk Ted talk” as part of the Canberra Comedy Festival and creates a “Ten Point Plan for a Country Worth Living In”. At The Street Theatre, 5.30pm, March 24-25. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.
SOLOISTS Robert Macfarlane, Greta Claringbould, Andrew Fysh, Christopher Roache, Maartje Sevenster and Jeremy Tatchell join the Canberra Choral Society’s massed chorus and orchestra, all under the baton of Andrew Koll, to perform Bach’s sublime “St Matthew Passion” at St Christopher’s Cathedral, 7pm, March 24. Bookings to trybooking.com.au
MARCH is Endometriosis Awareness Month and photo-artist Margaret Kalms is mounting a fundraising
exhibition inspired by experiences of 26 women sufferers of the illness. The event will also show “RED” – a film of dancer Liz Lea, a talk by researcher Melissa Parker, a talk about alternative therapies and a presentation by Jessica McGowan from Canberra Endometriosis Network, plus a fashion parade. At Ainslie Football Club, 2pm, Sunday, March 18. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au
CLASSICAL guitarists Matt Withers and Callum Henshaw, with pianist Anthony Smith, will perform Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Magical Madrigal” as part of the Wednesday Lunchtime Concert series, at Wesley Music Centre, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, March 21. Entry by $10 note or donation, no bookings required.
When Four Winds director James Crabb invited Giles to perform, she reports: “I thought to myself: ‘I’ve done this with one, I could do it with four’.”
And to composer Geller, Giles’ experimenting with wind-harps was a case of “pulling pitch from the wind, lending a sounding board to the life force itself.”
The result is to be “Breath Dance”, a 12-to15-minute composition to be premiered in the festival’s big sound shell by Giles, with Geller on hand, too.
“It’s been 35 years since I wrote a piece for Alice – we’re long overdue,” Geller says.
Wendy Sharpe… “Woman with Roses – Day of the Dead”... Aarwun Gallery.
Sérgio Mendes… always records with a Brazilian feeling.
“12 Strong” (MA)
THE tag “Based on a real event” that often starts a new movie nowadays can portend many things, from apology to papering over cracks in its dramatic wallpaper.
Doug Stanton wrote a book about America’s first military response to 9/11. Then he went on to produce this movie about it. “12 Strong” is more than a Doug Stanton vanity. Danish director Nicolai Fuglsig’s second feature, filmed in New Mexico, tells how a dozen US Army Green Beret special forces troops spent three weeks in October 2001 linking up with CIA-backed Afghani warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban) to take the town of Mazar-i-Sharif before winter’s onset would prevent getting there, fighting and getting back out.
What was at Mazar? An estimated 50,000 Taliban armed with military detritus left by the last army that tried to conquer what has been called “the graveyard of many empires”.
And apart from a few perhaps unnecessary visits to the homes of the three men leading the unit, that provides almost a complete précis of the film’s plot.
Is it worth seeing? That depends on the viewer’s taste. In its favour, “12 Strong” minimises references best described as clichés of the war movie genre and spends an agreeable amount of time as Dostum explains to Capt Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) the Afghani political, ethical and religious elements underlying the conflict. One quite horrifying (and perhaps contrived) sequence has for its apparent purpose to explain another moral justification beside 9/11 for getting so militarily involved so far from home.
The rest is skirmishing as the unit works its way toward Mazar, using horses to speed up the approach toward the target and, in the climactic battle sequence, to perform what may well be history’s last cavalry charge and the final fight during which B52 bombers at 30,000 feet create some spectacular explosive images. Go the Birdies!
One might quibble about how Hollywood depicts guys on the ground loosing off multiple bursts of small-arms fire without seeming to take aim yet having other guys falling down dead as a result. But all we can do about that is accept and overlook for the straightforward telling of a reality-based story with acceptable credibility.
At Hoyts, Capital 6 and Dendy
“The Mercy” (M)
THE tag “Based on a real event” that often starts a new movie nowadays can portend many things, from apology to papering over cracks in its dramatic wallpaper.
I’ve tried to fathom a reason why this film telling the story of a man who pursued his dream unto death at sea should have the title “The Mercy”. It’s about Donald Crowhurst’s (Colin Firth) commitment, which some might call obsession, to a dangerous undertaking for which he lacked experience or equipment.
Facts are scant after Crowhurst sailed away from Teignmouth in Devon on October 31, 1968 with the stated intention of following in the wake of Francis Chichester by competing in a single-handed, roundthe-world yacht race sponsored by a London newspaper. Only two facts are definite. He disqualified himself under race rules when he came ashore in Argentina to repair a hole in one of the hulls of his 12-metre trimaran
“Teignmouth Electron”. And the boat was discovered on July 10, 1969 abandoned and drifting south-west of the Azores.
Aboard were logs describing his progress in the race and his thoughts about life, the universe and everything.
On that ephemeral evidence, director James Marsh has used a screenplay by Scott Z Burns to confect a movie that for several reasons misses its target. Above all it’s short on realism.
“Aha”, do I hear somebody say, “what feature movie is totally realist?” Answer – in this case, it doesn’t greatly matter.
Firth does a good job of portraying a man who knows he’s abandoned a wife (Rachel Weisz) and three children to pursue a big fib in the hope of winning the race winner’s prize by fraud and deception. The rest depicts the minutiae of on-board life in mostly calm seas, interspersed with moments ashore with his sponsor (Ken Stott) and a go-getting journalist (David Thewlis), trying to raise public interest.
In short, “The Mercy” is a conjectural filmic portrait of a man in personal crisis, as if peril on the sea wasn’t crisis enough. Low tensions, low conflict values. In one word, bland. In another, unconvincing. In yet one more, disappointing.
At Palace Electric and Dendy
Colin Firth.
WINE DINING / highroad, dickson
To be Frank, it’s all about the blend
By Richard Calver
FRANK Arnold goes by the title of the “Mayor of Manuka”. To say the least, he is a distinctive character.
From the balcony of what he fondly referred to as the Spanish hacienda on the corner of Furneaux and Bougainville Streets, which housed his graphic design studio and his home, he felt like the master of all he surveyed and he let that be known.
Now in nearby Griffith, Frank remains the opposite of shy. As Robert Greene said: “Do not wait for a coronation; the greatest emperors crown themselves.”
We recently caught up after Frank acted as the auctioneer at the “Colours in Canberra” artists’ exhibition at Regatta Point, where some of Frank’s own works were displayed. He was resplendent in a red velvet suit and carried and entertained the crowd through a warm evening as the sun blasted into the area where the paintings were displayed.
Frank is known for his love of red wine. So I rocked up to dinner, at Bambusa in Manuka (BYO and licensed), with a bottle of Gemtree Vineyards 2013 Uncut Shiraz. This is one of the best value for money wines I have purchased, at around $18-$25. The vines are grown biodynamically in the McLaren Vale.
The wine needs a little air to release an initial astringency. But it has good grip and a long finish with a likeable blackberry aftertaste. And we proceeded to have a very interesting conversation about wine.
Frank was forthright: “Bloody shiraz.”
“You know,” he says, “invariably these days the wines on sale are shiraz.”
So, by and by, Frank ordered a Beelgara The Vines Cabernet Merlot 2015. It was pleasant enough Riverina wine but after the shiraz, for me, it lacked sufficient mouth feel. To be as blunt as my mate Frank, it represented nothing but a non-bumpy journey down my throat.
It is $28 a bottle at Bambusa. I later looked it up and the web search told me that Beelgara is now one of Australia’s top 20 largest wineries. The 2015 The Vines Cabernet Merlot is $99 a dozen from the winery so it is a good quaffer if you enjoy a blend. And there we have it: the wines on sale ain’t necessarily the shiraz varietals.
Frank powered up his critique: “Look, you have to like a smooth finish. What I like is the fact that blended wine takes more skill and
Take the high road with coffee
it forces the winemaker to consider my tastebuds.
“If I am going to drink shiraz, it’s the wine I prefer to drink after softer cabernet merlot. Because getting the best blend makes it better to drink, like a good Bordeaux, which is a blend. The wine has sufficient body but it’s not gonna knock you off your f….ing chair like some of the shiraz on offer.”
“Agree about skill in blending but Bordeaux has six varieties that are strictly controlled by the appellation… it’s a little different,” I say.
“Look, if the Australian winemaker has the guts to blend I respect the finesse,” Frank says.
“They’re applying art and they are using their gift. In the old days we started with the crappy wine, moved to a good one and then always had port. But you know, these days I respect a good blend is a good blend, soft and smooth, my drink du jour.”
We drank the wine and continued the engaging conversation. As always, the friendship was reinforced. And remember, friendship is like peeing in your pants. Those all around you can see it but only you feel the warmth.
HIGHROAD takes the high road with coffee, a practice inherited from its sister establishment, Ona Coffee.
Coffee is “the thing” at both places and it’s no wonder. Ona is founded and directed by Sasa Sestic, World Barista Champion 2015.
A massive spot, Highroad oc cupies what was once Suburban. It’s had a makeover, favouring a much lighter, brighter take on life. There are windows, windows everywhere, warm wood interior design elements, different seating zones and types, and an overall comfy yet contemporary vibe.
It was lunchtime and hats off to Highroad for having two menus – a regular and one devoted to vegetarians and vegans. A kids’ menu is also on offer.
We were intrigued by a fair few dishes on the menu (available up until 2.30pm; then it’s bar snacks from 3pm; and then share plates and mains for dinner from 6pm). Would we go for the 40-degree salmon? Veggie bowl? The amazing-sounding omelette? In the end I selected the chicken salad and my friend the beef burger.
The salad looked amazing and tasted amazing ($18) and was the perfect portion for lunch. It was packed – and I mean packed – with super healthy ingredients and I was chuffed with myself for ordering it. I visualised giving myself a gold star for achieving the food guide’s daily veggie requirement.
The dish was a wonderful mix of grilled chicken, broccolini, heirloom tomato, quinoa tabbouleh, pickled chickpeas (delish), sumac labneh, boiled egg, and corn and jalapeno salsa. Awesome flavours.
My friend’s beef patty was super moist with melted brie on top. Matters were tarted up with a tasty mustard aioli and pickled shiitake ($20). Did we mention
the fab fries?
Spying the very fancy dancy machines at the bar, we ordered coffees. Highgate takes its coffee very seriously, so seriously it’s not even funny. We made the mistake of ordering a cappuccino and immediately felt like we’d committed a crime. We were told (politely but firmly) that one cannot “taste the coffee” in a cappuc-
cino. So we said to bring whatever Highroad recommended. I admire the chase for the perfect cup of coffee, but we were visiting over lunch and didn’t want to focus on becoming caffeine experts.
Highroad’s service was painfully slow at first, even though the place wasn’t fully occupied. Lots of staff were wandering about but not appearing to
We made the mistake of ordering a cappuccino and were told (politely but firmly) that one cannot ‘taste the coffee’ in a cappuccino.
pay attention, at least to us. When our order was finally taken, things ramped up and it was service with a smile (apart from a little frown over the cappuccino incident). We had to flag someone down to get the bill. Local and interstate craft beers are available and Highroad has pulled together an intriguing wine list.
Highroad, corner of Cape and Woolley Streets, Dickson. Call 6181 7799. Open seven days, starting from 7am weekdays and 8am weekends. Closing times vary (some days “late”).
Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sunday and
Frank Arnold… “I respect a good blend is a good blend, soft and smooth, my drink du jour.”
Coffee time at Highroad… they take coffee very seriously.
Photo by Maddie McGuigan
Bringing beauty to your backyard
GARDENING
Unusual ground cover with a very old face
I’M always on the lookout for plants that are a bit different to recommend for home gardeners.
The important criteria is their suitability for growing in this area. They need to survive the extremes of heat and cold and everything in between and there are many plants discussed in garden magazines or on TV garden shows that definitely don’t fit into this category.
One such plant fits all the criteria, namely Persicaria, with more than 150 species growing around the globe. Persicaria has been growing in British gardens since before the 1400s and has been used for medicinal purposes since that time.
Persicaria are not well-known here, but one variety being sold locally, Persicaria affinis, has now been added to our garden. This variety hails from the Himalayas region from Afghanistan to Nepal.
With a height to about 20 centimetres and a 60-centimetre spread, it’s an ideal ground cover. The flower spikes range from pale pink to rose red from mid-summer to well into autumn. The leaves of this perennial are green in summer changing to delightful russet shades in late autumn. A “Country Life” magazine article describes Persicaria affinis as “a durable oriental carpet of incomparable decorative value”.
“ARE Your Garden Plants Going Bush?” is the title of a pamphlet produced by the ACT government and I recommend it. While not listed in the ACT as an environmental weed, agapanthus is considered to be one in areas such as the Blue Mountains National Park. Agapanthus is super tough, thriving in hot summers with a minimal amount of water, often seen lining long driveways on country properties.
While the common variety has blue flowers, there are others ranging from white to purple. Due to the mass of seeds produced and easily spread with wind once dry, it’s recommended that after flowering to cut the stalk to ground level to prevent plants from spreading seeds into perhaps nearby bush or parkland. I noticed some large groups in Glebe Park that are now
ready for such treatment.
DISCUSSING hydrangeas recently, I overlooked mentioning Hydrangea quercifolia or oak-leaf hydrangea with the huge distinctive leaves. Now the equally huge flowers have finished flowering and the leaves are just starting to turn to the most stunning autumn colours. It needs room to grow; certainly ours have grown to 1.5m tall with a similar spread. It is extremely hardy and in mid-winter it can be given a good, hard prune. I prune ours back to about 50 centimetres high.
A TIMELY autumn reminder: remove plastic timers from taps for watering systems before Jack Frost strikes. The timers usually have some residual water that freezes and cracks the plastic body. Likewise, remove sprinklers from the end of hoses and roll the hose up after use and store under cover.
GARDENS have been desperate for rain for the last two months; tap water is just not the same.
Looking back over weather bureau figures since 1870, there have been only about 10 years when local rainfall exceeded 100 millimetres for February. Before the downpour on Sunday, February 25, only 2.4 millimetres had been recorded for the month. However, our prayers were answered with 117 millimetres registered in our garden in 24 hours. Wow!
Jottings...
• Frosts can arrive unexpectedly at any time now. So while I recommend autumn planting for most shrubs, leave planting of citrus until late spring.
• A planting reminder, when planting hedges dig a trench rather than individual holes. The roots will develop sooner for quicker growth.
• Time to cut back the strappy leaves of Iris unguicularis or winter-flowering iris to within two centimetres of its life, allowing the sun to penetrate deep down for flower formation.
Persicaria pictured at the UK Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden… grown in Britain since the 1400s.
Oak leaf hydrangea in all its autumn glory… it’s extremely hardy and in mid-winter can be given a good, hard prune.
PUZZLES PAGE
Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
The Sun charges into your sign, so Rams are full of extra energy and enthusiasm. You’ll feel fiery, restless and rather rebellious but pace yourself or you’re likely to blow a fuse! Especially with Mercury reversing through your sign (from Friday onwards). Things won’t go according to plan and plenty of patience is required over the next three weeks until Mercury goes direct on April 15. It’s Equinox week, so slow down and try to keep a sense of balance and perspective.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Busy Bulls - have you been burning the candle at both ends? You’ve got a lot of extra responsibilities on your plate but try to put aside some special ‘me time’ this week. Solitude is certainly soul food for you at the moment. Mercury is retrograde from Friday through until April 15. So be patient and look for crucial information that is hidden deep beneath the surface. Then you will understand the current complexities better, and the path ahead will be much clearer.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
With four planets stimulating your hopes and wishes zone, your motto for the week is from birthday great, feminist writer Gloria Steinem: “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” But – with Mercury going retrograde – there’s a tendency to jump in and say things you don’t really mean, especially with colleagues and friends. So think carefully before you open your mouth!
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Crabs tend to side-step problems (or just put your head in the sand). With four planets in Aries, try a more direct approach as you face challenges head on. With Mercury reversing through your work zone (from Friday) a tricky relationship with a colleague requires attention. You have much more in common than you realise. Aim to communicate your ideas in confident, positive and proactive ways. As birthday belle Reese Witherspoon observes: “Confidence is everything.”
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Don’t fence Lions in! This week the Sun, Venus, Uranus and retrograde Mercury activate your adventure zone. So it’s time to experiment and explore, as you make the most of every minute of the week. You’re keen to communicate with friends from far away but be careful when it comes to social media. If you post a rushed message on the run, you’ll regret it later on. And, if you find yourself getting drawn into a fiery exchange, then strive to be balanced and fair-minded.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
When it comes to a close relationship or a financial matter, all is not as it seems. Life isn’t just about what you can see, study, discuss and dissect. There are many things that are hidden from the eye (or just plain mysterious). So look a lot deeper – then you can discover what’s really going on. But avoid signing important contracts over the next three weeks, as Mercury reverses through your joint finances and ‘money-from-others’ zone. Instead, be extra patient and wait.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
If you expect other people to be cooperative then you’ll be disappointed when they unsettle you, especially later in the week. So make sure you choose your words wisely, otherwise you’ll just upset loved ones or colleagues. A relationship problem is brewing so do all you can to diffuse it diplomatically, as you discuss a subject you may not necessarily feel comfortable with. It’s Equinox week so try to be fair and balanced, and see things from differing viewpoints.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
As we celebrate the Equinox on Wednesday (when day and night are of equal length) strive to bring more balance and harmony into your busy Scorpio world. Then retrograde Mercury confuses communication (especially with colleagues) from Friday onwards. If you are concise and cooperative, then you can still get your message across loud and clear. When it comes to paid or volunteer work, the next three weeks is a good time to research, revise and revisit.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
With the Sun shifting into your entertainment zone, curiosity and enthusiasm are high. It’s also Equinox week so stop rushing and try not to overdo things! Smart Sagittarians will calm down and recalibrate to a slower, steadier and more sustainable pace. From Friday onwards a relationship with a child or friend could go through a tricky patch, as retrograde Mercury confuses communication and heightens sensitivities. A dash of diplomacy will see you through.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
It’s Equinox week, so do your best to achieve more balance in your busy life. And is your home a peaceful haven? With Mercury reversing through your domestic zone (from Friday until April 15) it’s time to clean and de-clutter your living space. But how will you decide what to keep and what to discard? Draw inspiration from designer, writer and birthday great William Morris: “Have nothing in your house which you know not to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
This week’s stars rev up your transport zone, so you’ve got a need for speed (which makes you more accident-prone than usual). Slow down Aquarius! Less haste and more concentration will ensure you arrive at your various destinations safe and sound. With Mercury reversing through your social networking zone, doublecheck all of your posts before you press send. Over the next three weeks, it will be oh-so easy to send the wrong message to the wrong person!
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The Equinox falls on Wednesday, which favours meditation (or contemplation) as you aim for more equilibrium and perspective at Casa Pisces. Then Mercury (planet of communication and commerce) reverses through your money zone. So avoid signing contracts and buying big ticket items (like a computer or car) between March 23 and April 15. Plus be careful how you pass on information. If you procrastinate and are imprecise, then you’ll be misunderstood.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018
4 Ottawa is the capital of which country? (6)
7 What do we call one who makes candles? (8)
8 Which NSW border city is associated with Wodonga? (6)
9 Name a drink which is often taken as an appetiser. (8)
11 In which places are horses kept? (7)
13 What, perhaps, is an update of a driver’s licence? (7)
15 To ignore someone, is to do what? (7)
17 That which is situated in the quarter towards which the wind blows, is termed as what? (7)
20 What is a less familiar term for an edible snail? (8)
23 To which animal family does an ox belong? (6)
24 Name the disease in which the ability of the body to use sugar is impaired. (8)
25 What are contracts granting the use of property for rent? (6) Down
1 What is an alternative term for a fellow? (4)
2 Which dinner dish is served before the main course? (6)
3 What is a semi-solid mass, as of coagulated blood? (4)
4 What is a trade, requiring special manual skill? (5)
5 Which term describes very wealthy and powerful people? (6)
6 Name another expression for a funeral song. (5)
9 What is an antenna also called? (6)
10 Which tracts of land are completely surrounded by water? (7)
12 What is a company of seven performers? (6)
14 Poetically, what are country lads called? (6)
16 What is a pantry also known as? (6)
18 To run away to marry, is to do what? (5)
19 What are the stalks of tall grasses that grow in marshy places? (5)
21 Which less readily-known expression means “goodbye”? (4)
22 What do we call members of the bovine family? (4)
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Self-managed may not be the super way to go
Eric and Jools came to see me keen to set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF).
“All my mates have one and I am paying so much in fees to my fund that I am sure it will save me heaps of money,” said Eric.
He said they had about $220,000 in their super funds.
“I have to alert you, Eric, that the costs of having your own SMSF are quite high and I generally don’t recommend that you set one up with less than $250,000, I said.
“But you are close to that figure, so it might be possible. What are you planning to invest in within the fund?”
Jools said she thought it would be a great idea to buy their office premises and that way the fund would have a good asset and, if they sold their business, the premises could be rented to the new owner.
”That’s a reasonable strategy but I must point out that buying property in an SMSF, particularly when you have a loan, requires very careful planning,” I advised her.
“An additional structure to accommodate the loan is required and you have to be very focused on all the rules. Just making a simple mistake could jeopardise the whole plan.
“Before we look further at the property aspect, I need to remind you that the purpose of an SMSF is to provide retirement benefits to the members when they are in the retirement phase.
“However, more importantly, it’s a legal requirement that the fund has an investment strategy in place.
“The strategy of the SMSF should include things such as how much exposure there should be to the property market and how appropriate that is for the existing members.
“You always need to remember that if the asset is not liquid and the SMSF needs to pay out a death benefit then the building may need to be sold to pay out that benefit.”
“So, as you are both still quite young and in good health, I would recommend that you put in place a short-term, a medium-term and a long-term strategy so that you are satisfied that the liquidity will be available in the future for any situations that may arise.
“I must also point out that there are restrictions in an SMSF so that if you buy a residential property you cannot use it yourself and you cannot acquire it from any associates as defined.
“If you borrow to purchase the property, the SMSF will be required to borrow using a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). This is a different type of loan that requires that you set up a trust to purchase the property and the lender only has recourse to the property held in the trust and not to all the SMSF’s assets. Not all financial institutions offer LRBA’s.
“You also need to make sure that you can cover the loan repayments, diversify into other investment classes in accordance with the strategy and that you can satisfy all the other ATO requirements, which we can discuss later.”
Eric was grateful, saying “thank you, I hadn't realised it would be quite so complex. “Me, neither,” said Jools.
If you need advice on your SMSF or buying property within the fund, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
Solution next edition
Join us this month and hear from a panel of experts who will help you to answer some of the questions around selling your home, nances and downsizing.
Making The Move Information Session
Wednesday 28th March 10am - 12pm
RSVP’s are essential, to book you place please call 1800 550 550 by Friday 23rd March.
FOR A YEAR! Reserve before 31st March and Live Fee Free for a Year!^
* The information contained in this advertisement (including pricing) was correct as at March 2018, but may change. Whilst Lendlease endeavours to ensure that the information in this advertisement is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy. Prospective purchasers must make and only rely on their own assessments and seek their own professional advice in all respects. ^ T&C’s apply please see Sales Manager for full details. The Grove Retirement Village 1 Monty Place, Ngunnawal ACT 2913
