5 PAGES Dr Libby’s taking the fear out of visiting the vet
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Big buzz builds for the sweetest of days
By KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK
A SWEET day is promised by the embassy of Slovenia to honour and raise awareness of the importance of bees.
World Bee Day will be celebrated in Canberra for the first time on May 20 with a series of talks, workshops, kids’ activities and plenty of honey sampling, says Slovenian ambassador Helena Drnovšek Zorko.
“Slovenia is traditionally a beekeep ing society and, as a country, we have become concerned at the decline of the bee population,” she says.
“In 2011 we banned some quite harmful pesticides and were amongst the first countries in the EU to do so, so we are quite progressive in this area.
“The Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association has initiated many projects including the honey breakfast, beekeeping school clubs and promotes nectar-bearing plants.
“We want to raise awareness of bees and other pollinators, because their survival depends on the environment and how we take care of it.”
The day to honour bees was adopted last year by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of bees and apicultural products, Bee activities are being hosted by the embassies of Slovenia, Switzerland and take care of pollinators in the garden, celebrating sustainability and showcas -
well as a honey-themed afternoon tea at
For information on “More Than Honey” at the Swiss embassy on Facebook.
Where mums ride for free
MOTHERS ride for free at the Canberra Miniature Railway, 10am-2.30pm, on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.
A railway signal saved from the Canberra Railway Museum now marks the new location for the miniature railway just south of Hindmarsh Drive on the Monaro Highway at Symonston.
A team of volunteers has built a double-gauge railway and it’s now open for rail enthusiasts of all ages to ride the scenic route from the station, over the causeway and up to the top of the hill for a new view of the valley.
Every mum accompanied by a fare-paying passenger will ride for free. Rides are $3.
Food and drinks will be available from the “Dining Car” and party bookings with barbecue access and seating can be reserved for $30 by calling 1300 731954.
Arts & Entertainment 17-19
Cinema 18
Crossword 23
Dining 19
Gardening 22
Horoscopes 23
Letters 8
News 3-10
Politics 6
Socials 16
Cover: Dr Libby Adamson and Bean. Photo by Ana Stuart. Story Page 7.
SEVEN DAYS Crushed Parton calls out government ‘bullies’
THE ACT continues to consolidate its reputation for being at the vanguard of radical social change.
The territory is the first jurisdiction to ban greyhound racing and to offer a pill-testing facility at a music festival. While legislation on both is far from done, the latter issue is being hailed as a success, with the former still requiring some legal loose ends to be tied up.
Meanwhile Opposition spokesman for racing and gaming Mark Parton didn’t hold back on his feelings over the greyhound ban: “We know the Barr government is a pack of vindictive bullies and we dare not get on the wrong side of them or they’ll crush us like they try to crush everyone who dares to have an opposing view.”
CANBERRA celebrity vet Michael Archinal has been dragged into an ABC story on a brand of dog food that is alleged to have seriously impacted the health of dozens of canines. The ABC’s “7.30” program reported that Advance Dermocare investigation after more than 70 cases of
megaesophagus (an enlargement of the oesophagus) were linked to the product. Dr Archinal says while the claims are yet to be proven and Dermocare has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market, he still feeds his own dogs Advance products.
THE long and controversial NRL journey of rugby league champion Todd Carney has taken another turn. The 2010 Dally M player
of the year has returned to Goulburn to help care for his ill mother. The move sparked speculation that the 31-year-old would sign with the Goulburn Bulldogs. Carney was banned from his home town for a year in 2009 after yet another off-field incident that tainted his time at the Green Machine.
THE culling season is on again but this time in addition to Eastern Grey kangaroos, some Canberra ABC staffers are in the “cross hairs”. While the number of ‘roos to be culled has been boosted by 1000 on last year’s target, local ABC insiders report the broadcaster is employing “Hunger Games” tactics to weed
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HIGH-profile real estate identity Richard Luton began May 1 (the 25th anniversary of his entry into the industry) on social media with a special message of gratitude to staff. The energetic and flamboyant agent Instagramed the greeting: “Good morning Super Team, I have woken this morning with a shiver down my spine and couldn’t sleep because I am so excited to share my special day with you.”
STILL on May Day; rallying slogans at union rallies are not what they once were. Before 200 protesters set off on their “Change the Rules” march in Civic they were coached by two officials armed with megaphones who, embarrassingly, had to
rely on notes for the words to a couple of new battlecries.
UNIONS ACT secretary Alex White though was singing from the old song sheet: “Today we will be marching for more secure jobs, fairer pay, a strong independent umpire, and more respect as working people.”
SOME people are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to save a few bucks. Following a recent spike in illegal dumping of commercial rubbish in skips and locked bins in Civic, an after-dark stakeout was set up. During surveillance city rangers witnessed a man push a supermarket trolley heavily laden with plastic bags of rubbish into the area. He left the loaded trolley near a bin then quickly scurried back to his business – 1.2 kilometres away in Braddon.
GOOD news for frustrated motorists seeking parking spots in Civic. Extra spaces will soon be opened up at the Bailey’s Corner car park, truncated after a block of 30 spots was allocated to Assembly members and staff. However, spaces would appear to be scarce at Tuggeranong. As this photo shows creative measures are often required to squeeze into parking spots outside the Tuggeranong secondary college. Snapper Rob van Lier says no-one was injured.
When industry trumps the evidence
BUDGET time is a good time to reflect on influence over governments. It should be the time that governments make decisions to spend money in the most effective ways to improve the lives of all of its citizens. If only!
Governments do not operate in isolation and decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors. Evidence is just one small part.
With great insight Justice Ronald Sackville as a royal commissioner looking into non-medical use of drugs in SA in 1979 stated: “The most persuasive misunderstanding that affects a commission such as ours is the belief that crucial policy questions can be resolved by carefully weighing up the scientific, medical and statistical evidence”.
Unfortunately, the influence of industry has become disproportionate, inappropriate, pervasive and is regularly contrary to community interest.
Look at the banks and wonder why it is that the discrepancy between the ultra-rich and the poorest in our society has been growing at an exponential rate over the last 50 years. But the problem goes well beyond the banks.
Many readers will have seen my own comments on the ABC “4 Corners” program “Tipping the Scales” recently regarding the influence of parts of industry determined
Our democracy is under significant siege from industries that want to dominate our lives with their unhealthy products and the messaging that sells them.
to resist a levy on sugary soft drinks. The evidence is overwhelming and price signals work. Forty-eight per cent of our preschoolers need a filling in their teeth, obesity is out of control. Such a levy should be a lay down misere.
Type 2 diabetes is recognised as a key outcome of over consumption of sugar. We are following in America’s footsteps as identified in “4 Corners”: “Back in 1965 Type 2 diabetes was a disease of ageing… Fatty liver disease was unheard of, except in alcoholics, prior to 1980. This is a disease that hadn’t even been recognised ‘til 1980. You want to talk about epidemics? That is the biggest epidemic of all”.
What happens? Parts of the industry are determined to be disingenuous, to distract and to disseminate. They point out that physical exercise is important. Of course it is. However, the fundamental truth is that sugary soft drinks have a dramatic impact. The evidence is clear. Too bad! The Australian government will not interfere with this industry. The only way they will change their attitude is when they come under enough pressure.
Beverages Council representative
Geoff Parker argues the reason political parties have resisted calls for a levy on sugary soft drinks is they “continue to look to the evidence base and continue to reject this type of tax as some sort of silver bullet or white knight that a sugar levy reduces consumption. Obesity and poor nutrition are complex problems not solved by this or any other silver bullet”. However, like road-accident trauma or tobacco successes in public health we need to take each step. This is just one – but it is an important start. Governments have the power to exercise good stewardship and to intervene in favour of the community interest. Instead, they have chosen to stay their hand.
An excellent insight into their reluctance was provided by Prof Mike Daube in a very brief scan of the Australian Parliament’s Lobbyist Register.
The number of lobbyists in 2017 representing unhealthy commodities included:
• Tobacco – 20 direct lobbying clients and 14 indirect.
• Alcohol – 43 direct and 23 indirect.
• Junk food – 33 direct and 13 indirect.
• Gambling – 31 direct and 16 indirect.
While there may be some overlap in the indirect lobbyists representing multiple interests of unhealthy commodities – it is clear that our democracy is under significant siege from industries that want to dominate our lives with their unhealthy products and the messaging that sells them.
The Budget is a time when governments really demonstrate their credentials and their genuine interest in the public good. The final Budget before an election is an important test for a government. Voters can and should make it part of their consideration on how to cast a vote.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Car nell government. He is the CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia.
THE Tourism Industry Advisory Council (TIAC) has broken away from being a Canberra Business Chamber taskforce to a stand-alone, independent tourism, sports, arts and hospitality representative industry body.
Chairman David Marshall says the broad tourism and hospitality industry has grown to a stage where such a move has become essential.
“It is time not only for TIAC to stand alone but also expand its charter,” he says.
“A new Sports Forum will be established to bring together all the major men’s, women’s, junior and ACT community sports organisations following the disbanding of ACTSport two years ago.
“Also an Arts Forum will be formed and they will both join key industry bodies representing hotels, business tourism, national attractions, ACT attractions, tour operators, clubs, transport providers, wineries, tourism exporters, Visit Canberra and regional NSW tourism. There are also plans to bring major events and tertiary educational institutions into the fold.”
The new body will base its operations at Tourism House, in Quilpie Crescent, Fyshwick.
Messy, fun church
“MESSY Church”, a new, monthly, free event where families can have fun, relax, explore faith and enjoy a meal, will be launched at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church hall, 1 State Circle, Forrest, 3.30pm-6pm on Wednesday, May 16. The launch event will feature a barbecue, reptile display, interactive crafts, games, activities and songs for primary school age children and their families.
No place for scaredy cats (or dogs) at this vet!
By LUCY ALEXANDER
TOFFEE the cat hated going to the vet. It would spit and hiss getting into the cat carrier and yowl all the way in the car.
Once in the consulting room it was nearly impossible to get the cat out of the carrier. Sometimes, in its fear the cat would bite the vet and scratch its owner. Its normal friendliness had disappeared.
Traditional vet medicine has a bad reputation with animals. They remember what happened last time they came through the vet’s door. More often than not it was traumatic.
We know animals have a heightened awareness of scent, so there are lots of smell signals that we humans are unaware of, even outside the vet clinic door. Often – as in Toffee’s case – the animal is distressed before the vet has even laid a hand on it.
But what if a visit to the vet could be a pleasant experience, not simply for the owner, but particularly for the animal?
This was a question at the centre of Dr Marty Becker’s thinking when he began campaigning for the ideas and techniques at the centre of what was to become the “FearFree” movement.
Known as “America’s Veterinarian”, Dr Becker is a pioneer researcher on the human-animal bond as well as a respected veterinarian. He had noticed that an animal’s anxiety when going to the vet was hampering thor ough veterinary care.
The FearFree movement is still in its infancy, but has already developed into a worldwide trend that veterinar ians are adopting. These ideas are advancing veterinary medicine by putting the animal’s welfare – not just physical but also emotional – at the centre of the process of caring for that animal.
When Toffee the cat comes into a clinic using Dr Becker’s ideas there are a few differences that are immedi ately obvious – to the animal. Firstly, it should smell great.
“We use a pheromone called Feliway diffused in the cat consult rooms,” says Dr Libby Adamson, of Northside Veterinary Centre, Braddon.
“It helps to make cats calm and even smoochy. Owners sometimes say: ‘There must be something in the air!’ Well, there actually is.”
Dogs respond to being given tasty rewards for everything that happens in the clinic, from getting on the scales to allowing handling and effective examination.
“We’re having great success with the protocols set out by FearFree thinking,” says Dr Adamson.
Dr Libby Adamson, of Northside Veterinary Centre, Braddon, with Bean the cat… “Owners sometimes say: ‘There must be something in the air!’ Well, there actually is.”
“We had a little terrier, Benny, present with extreme anaemia. It was at death’s door. The dog used to be impossible to handle and would bite the vets.
“We did a lot of work to treat his anaemia, but also worked making his visit positive. After his hospital stay and weekly visits he now runs in wagging his tail, gobbling treats and letting us take bloods from him. That’s
a huge win for all of us.”
If needed, owners are given strategies by the clinic to help their animals have a successful visit. These may include making the cat carrier part of the cat’s everyday experience. Turning it into a comfortable and even enticing space – perhaps with a hot-water bottle and some treats or pheromone sprays.
In a clinic where the FearFree concepts are in use there are waiting areas especially for cats – some even going so far as to have specific shelving designed so cats have a reassuring view of the waiting area from their carriers in an elevated position.
Dr Adamson says the practice uses gentle handling and restraint at all
“Calming music is played in the treatment rooms. If a muzzle is required, basket muzzles are used so anxious dogs can still pant, lick and express emotion as well as accept treats,” she says.
“For a cat like Toffee, we sometimes recommend an anti-anxiety medication 90 minutes before her visit to support her having a good experience of the vet. Then, once a positive visit has been achieved the team build on that to make Toffee relaxed and so we are able to provide her with best care.”
The Braddon practice has two vets out of its five and three nurses of six trained in the FearFree online course.
“What’s actually crucial to understand from an owner’s perspective is that when we’re treating their animal for a serious health scare, if that animal’s familiar with the clinic and happy to be here, it has a head start in recovering,” says Dr Adamson.
“It also makes treating that animal easier so we’re all happy, the team, the owner and the animal.”
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Photo by Ana Stuart
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Bean believed in education
By Danielle Nohra
EDUCATION was vitally important to war correspondent and historian Charles Bean, so it was a special moment for his granddaughter, Anne Carroll, to visit the Australian National Museum of Education to view some of his items.
Travelling from Killara on Sydney’s north shore, Anne came to the museum, which is based in the University of Canberra.
“It’s been particularly special to see the original pamphlet that he was asked to write, which was then read to schools and places of education,” she says.
The document, which Bean wrote for
the Australian Commonwealth Peace Celebrations Committee in 1919, begins with three words: “It is over”.
“These words would have been quite emotional following the Great War,” Anne says.
Anne says the document was a way for her grandfather to ask: “What did it all mean?”
“It all means it’s up to us to take over and make this country the best it can be,” she says. “After World War I he wrote a book called ‘In Your Hands, Australians’, where he emphasises the need for education.
“And he repeated that message in his writings towards the end of World War II. It was education, education, education.”
Anne, who was born when Bean was in his mid-60s describes him as a quiet but gentle, tall, slim man.
“I remember my grandparents gave my brother and I each a fountain pen, which was quite the occasion.
“Looking back now, I realise it was a practical present, but also highly symbolic of him.”
Anne says the decision to name the new Federal electoral division for the ACT Bean was an appropriate choice.
“It’s an apt choice because it takes in Tuggeranong where Charles Bean and his writing team sought peace and quiet after the war,” she says.
He chose to live and work on the “Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918” at the Tuggeranong Homestead.
Australian National Museum of Education, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra. Visit anme.org.au
LETTERS Informs and exasperates!
HEARTY congratulations on your 25-year milestone of crystallising “Well Written, Well Read” news, laced with the human and cultural touch of our treasured National capital, Canberra.
unencumbered by overdone trivia. Long may it be so. And thanks for leading the field with your regular online news updates and the “CityNews Sunday Roast” program on 2CC.
Ochre Medical Centre Kingston has moved into brand new premises in Green Square, Kingston. Our new Medical Centre is in the Green Square Centre, above Capital Chemist and across the road from our old location.
The state-of-the-art premises, will provide the community with a truly unique medical experience. With additional rooms, kid’s play area and the open plan reception, Ochre are looking forward to offering the Kingston community a highly positive patient experience with a focus on the quality clinical care Ochre is known for.
Editor Ian Meikle and his chosen team inform, challenge and, at times, exasperate – but are always prepared to offer refreshing, if not controversial admonition of doubtful bureaucratic and political hype!
The “City News” layout is easy to read for its newsy content,
On a personal note, Ian, thank you for giving your time and expertise through many community service roles – proof of your commitment to Canberra.
Len Goodman and Joyce Goodman, Belconnen
The beauty of diversity
THERE has been a good deal of media coverage recently around rugby player Israel Folau’s latest comments.
I think it is important in our multicultural society and in an increasingly smaller world that we show the utmost understanding and respect for each other’s beliefs.
A wonderful Indonesian Muslim lady, Sinta Nuriyah, who likened religious diversity to a flower garden, said in June, 2015: “There are roses, jasmines, orchids and
Sita Ashok. All of those flowers are beautiful. No one can force the roses to become jasmines or the orchids to become Sita Ashok”. I should add that the Ashoka tree has rather striking flowers and is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
It is not surprising that Ms Nuriyah is on “Time” magazine’s 2018 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Society would do well to follow her example.
Herman van de Brug, Kaleen
Joys of crossword clues
MARTON Barnett (CN Letters, April 19) has made a very relevant point. With their abundant clues, the crossword is one of the more pleasant tasks of the week.
I would be very reluctant to suggest the “CityNews” crossword is now redundant.
Chris Doyle, via email
Bean’s granddaughter Anne Carroll at the ANME.
Historian Charles Bean at work.
Photo by Australian War Memorial
The
style of French cooking at Buvette is ‘light, healthy and modern’
New-season menu sets a challenge for chef Fabien
AUTUMN may be making a late arrival to Canberra this year, but the executive chef at Buvette, Fabien Wagnon, is combining the best of abundant late-summer ingredients with the fruits of autumn to create the restaurant’s latest seasonal menu.
“We try to change with the season, but it depends on where the season is travelling – this year it’s a funny one with the weather still so warm, where is autumn?” says Fabien.
“Some of the goods that should be out are not here yet, for example tomatoes are still very cheap and widely available, while more apples will come a bit later.
“Still, we are bringing in warmer dishes, with a light version of a coq au vin, that’s braised and poached in red wine but the chicken is cooked sous vide and the sauce isn’t too heavy.”
There’s also an ocean trout on offer this season that’s cooked sous vide as well, says Fabien.
“We cure it for three or four hours then transfer it to the
When we serve it, we take the skin off, bring the fish to room temperature, add miso paste on top, glaze it with a blowtorch and serve with bok choy, beans and a ginger beurre blanc,” he says.
“Steaks are a strong feature, as they are every season; we buy good grain-fed, grass-fed meat and wagyu, and it’s always popular. Since fire was invented we’ve been grilling or braising meat so it will always be there, it’s part of life and people like a good steak!”
The style of French cooking is “light, healthy and modern” at Buvette, as Fabien, who grew up in northern France, says he’s not a fan of heavy sauces full of cream and butter.
“Not that there’s anything wrong with the old-fashioned style of cooking but we make it a bit lighter,” he says.
Buvette is also offering more vegan and vegetarian recipes, which Fabien says is working very well.
Fabien says they are also bringing in new desserts, including lavender crème brûlée with an apple and fennel sorbet.
“We’re mixing a bit of autumn and summer in these dishes, and might bring in a chestnut base and keep the sorbet as the season progresses,” he says.
“Truffle season will start in less than two months, so we’re starting to plan that.”
Buvette offers a selection of set menus and banquet options that are ideal for group bookings, special occasions and corporate lunches or dinners. There’s also a semi-private dining section for groups wanting something more intimate.
The set menus showcase the best of Buvette (chef selection), with two-course and three-course menus available for lunch and dinner.
Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6163 1818. Visit buvette.com.au for the latest menu.
Dishes from the new autumnal menu at Buvette... clockwise from top left: Double Baked Gruyere Cheese Soufflé, Chateaubriand, Coq au Vin and Crème Brulee.
Little gallery needs new vision
IT was while I was taking in the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s (CMAG) 25-year collection celebration that it hit me that we do not get to regularly view the breadth and wonder of this collection and, more to the point, just how great the visual arts are in the city of Canberra.
If you haven’t already seen this exhibition, do so soon, it closes mid June. I can assure you it is worth it. Of course with any such exhibition, the curator had to choose for the available spaces, so there are equivalent exhibitions sitting in the storeroom.
Canberra, a city of more than 400,000, is the eighth largest city in Australia. Yet our city gallery does not equate to the size of the population and the residents’ interests in arts and cultural activities. I suspect CMAG is constrained by the ACT government’s lack of vision for what such a cultural facility could offer as part of our local, national and international profile.
I can remember in the late 1980s taking the argument to the then chief arts bureaucrat that Canberra needed a city gallery. The response was along the lines – “That will never happen!’
Luckily, soon after that there was a new ACT Arts Minister and things happened – including a new Street Theatre, ANCA artists’ studios and
This well run city gallery/museum and its fabulous collections are overdue for an investment to allow the local visual arts in all its many forms to be appreciated by a wider audience.
the revamping of the Civic Square heritage building to include CMAG. That was a great leap forward.
Having observed the gallery for many years, having asked around about what people think and having visited a few times lately, I suggest that any appraisal of its future directions and challenges would say that it is well overdue for a substantial investment by the current ACT Arts Minister. Does he appreciate the potential of this gem in his portfolio? Is he up to the challenge?
Any suggestions build on the successes of the present CMAG – and in particular its dedicated staff. Attendance figures should never be the only criteria – but thanks to a range of strategies, including better signage (love those red banners), the attendances have increased from 42,000 in 2010-2011 to 218,000 in 2016-2017. Yet CMAG’s public profile continues to be swamped by the presence of the national cultural institutions.
Part of this could be that CMAG was hidden away inside a heritage building
and does not get the levels of promotions that other cultural facilities benefit from. The current exhibition (“Celebration: 25 years of collecting at CMAG”) demonstrates that local visual arts, be they created by resident artists, visiting artists or works with a Canberra/Monaro theme, when brought together as CMAG has done, we have something to shout about. More locals, visitors and international audiences should know about and get to see this collection.
Our Chief Minister has used such clichés as Canberra is “the coolest little city”. Yet somehow he and the ACT Arts Minister have missed the fact that this well run city gallery/ museum and its fabulous collections are overdue for an investment to allow the local visual arts in all its many forms to be appreciated by a wider audience.
This may require another architectural makeover along with
maybe more storage as well as a budget to match the city size so that CMAG could buy more significant works, stage more local and imported visual arts exhibitions, and package up exhibitions to travel interstate as well as to cities such as Singapore.
So two messages here: Dear Arts Minister, please invest so that we can all celebrate local visual arts so much more.
And…
Dear CityNews readers, get you along to CMAG to see “Celebration: 25 years of collecting at CMAG” as soon as possible – and while there, make sure you leave comments in their visitor book about how we need to see more of the CMAG collections more often.
Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photog raphy, urban design, environmen tal issues and everyday life matters.
Reader TIM ROBINSON, of Lyneham, is grumpy about the government’s indifference to environmental vandalism, especially when residents destroy healthy trees on territory land.
NOT so many years ago the ACT government was very vigilant about the protection of native trees in our suburbs and parkland.
This helped to preserve our native flora and attract a variety of native birds.
Unfortunately, some healthy trees are now being removed by residents with a colonial mentality (if it doesn’t move, chop it down) and an inability to appreciate our native vegetation.
Our ACT government seems to be unconcerned about such environmental vandalism even when residents destroy healthy trees on territory land.
This sort of mindless destruction is bad news for our native environment and is diminishing the natural beauty of our city, not to mention seriously impacting our local wildlife.
Unless Labor/Greens politicians develop a stronger conservation ethic and ensure the relevant departments follow suit we can hardly claim Canberra to be the Bush Capital of Australia.
Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au
GET IT AT GOLD CREEK
The village people with lots to offer
GINNINDERRA Village, later Gold Creek Village, is one of the earliest settlements in the Canberra region. The village changed its name in the 1990s. Located at the intersection of the Barton Highway, which was then the Queanbeyan-Yass Road, and Gold Creek Road, the settlement included the former St Francis School of Ginninderra and the historic Ginninderra Schoolhouse, which was built in 1883. These days the popular destination village has plenty of attractions, cafes and shops, all within walking distance.
Gym fun and more for juniors
SPECIALISING in gymnastics and education, Jitterbugs Gymfun teaches foundation skills in a wel coming and creative atmosphere, says founder and instructor Julie O’Neil.
Julie, who has a background in primary school teaching, says she combines education and gymnastics for children aged two to 12.
“The classes have huge benefits because they develop the whole child physically,” she says.
The kindergym classes, which are for ages two to five, uses themes such as pirates or princesses to inspire children to relax, have fun and learn with others.
“Your child will learn simple gymnastics skills such as tumbling, balancing, vaulting and bar skills on our special equipment designed for little people,” she says.
“We also have brain power time with puzzles and special craft activities that relate to the fortnightly themes.”
As for the gymnastics classes for five to 12-year-olds, Julie says they involve more challenging skills.
“You will see your child progress to developing their co-ordination for cartwheels, handstands, trampoline routines and practicing skills on the bars, vault and minitrampoline,” she says.
A centre for spiritual products and books
THE Crystal Chalice, which has been in Ginninderra Village, Gold Creek, for nearly 14 years, is Canberra’s premier pagan, wiccan and new age shop, says owner Lilitu Babalon.
“We have a brilliant selection of books – of course, our pagan, occult and metaphysical books are our favourites, and we have the best selection in Canberra, both new and used,” she says.
“We also have a wide range of Pagan CDs including Wendy Rule, Fiona Horne, Caiseal Mór and many from overseas, as well as a large selection of new-age music, meditation and teaching CDs.”
The Crystal Chalice also keeps a large stock of statues, fairies, dragons, altar pieces, gods and goddesses, Dia de los Muertos figures, and incenses.
“We have the largest and best range of crystals in Canberra with well over 500 different types of stones and stock around 200 tarot and oracle decks at any one time,” she says.
“Whatever you’re looking for in spiritual products, if we don’t have it in stock, we’ll get it for you.”
And, just 20 metres from the shop is a teaching and healing space called “The Golden Chalice”.
People can rent out the space for workshops, ceremonies, rituals, fundraisers and gatherings.
The Crystal Chalice, Shop 1, Ginninderra Village, 11 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6241 0799 or visit lilitu.com.au
Interior
inspiration with a touch
SITUATED amongst greenery, birds and lots of free parking, Mimosa Interiors has a range of gifts and collectables.
Its owner Christa Sanders says some of the most popular items are clothing by local designer Christine White, quilts by local makers, Australian-made candles and unique textile pieces.
“The patterns on my fabrics are all reproductions from over 100 years ago,” she says.
And if the fabrics don’t take customers back in time, Christa says the store might, with many saying that it takes them back to a different era, to their mother’s or grandmother’s place.
“It’s a big space so people like to spend a lot of time here because there’s so much to look at,” she says.
“We like to let people wander but we also go out of our way to make sure everybody’s happy.”
Residents Stuart and Mrs Hogg and children at Ginninderra Schoolhouse, 1895.
GET IT AT GOLD CREEK
Drive-through chemist helps indisposed clients
CREATING convenience and access, the Discount Drug Store in Gold Creek is Canberra’s first drive-through chemist, says co-owner Nada Ibrahim.
“We want to ensure that the community, especially parents, elderly and disabled, have direct access to medication and health products,” he says.
“People can place their order ahead of time by phone, online or a phone app, and then can just zip through to pick it up.
“We’re not trying to be Maccas, we just want people with kids or sick people, who can’t get out of their pyjamas, to feel comfortable getting the medication they need.”
The drive-through at the Discount Drug Store,
formerly Gold Creek Chemist, is part of its rebranding, which offers greater pharmaceutical services to the community.
Still locally owned and operated, co-owner Nada says the move to a larger site means more conveni ence, more access to professionals and more services.
“The customer service is still very personable and friendly because we’re still locally owned,” he says.
“We’re more than just a discount pharmacy, we do have a suit of services as well as online services.”
Discount Drug Store, Gold Creek, 346 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6253 9702, email goldcreek@discountdrug stores.com.au or visit discountdrugstores.com.au
COCKINGTON Green Gardens’ main attraction is its landscaped gardens and over recent times there has been substantial pruning to some of the old trees, which has opened the space up and given it more depth of field, says general manager Mark Sarah.
bacombe, a district in England.
One of which will be replaced in the upcoming weeks with a more detailed replica.
“There’s so much more material now to make sure that the models are more accurate,” he says.
Gold Creek’s Discount Drug Store co-owner Nada Ibrahim.
Helping tots take to water
BY teaching children to swim at a young age Aquatots is on a mission to help reduce the drowning statistics in Australia, says owner Alena Sarri.
“We teach babies at six weeks of age how to swim and survive at an early age,” she says.
“Babies are surrounded by amniotic fluids in the womb so the quicker you re-introduce them into the water environment, the more natural it is for them to learn to swim. They’re born with the ability to swim.”
Alena says learning to swim also works on the children’s strength, co-ordination and motor skills, using the benefits of the aquatic environment.
Aquatots’ classes cater up to squad level, led by
highly qualified teachers who mostly hold AUSTSWIM and Swim Australia awards.
“We also offer special needs programs, teenage classes and an all-women’s class,” she says.
“They’re small group classes, which teach a life saving skill in a fun and engaging environment.
“It’s a sport so it has lots of mental benefits, physical benefits and builds the immune system.
“There’s no other sport that can work the body like swimming does.”
Aquatots, Gold Creek Country Club, 50 Curran Drive, Nicholls. Call 6162 0507 or visit aquatots.com.au
Whilst
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Places
Mother’s Day Mini Tea
On a mission to help tiny tots take to water.
Photo by Sonja Londt Photography
GET IT AT GOLD CREEK
DESIGNED with child development in mind, Bright Bees
Early Learning focuses on undertaking a variety of learning experiences in a clean, bright, natural environment.
Bright Bees encourages curiosity, inspires learning and a love to have fun and supports social development.
With nine rooms that cater from zero to six years, Bright Bees has a goal to build a vibrant community, where everyone is welcome.
In “The Bunnies” nursery, which is for children from zero to 24-months, there’s four children to every educator.
Babies in the bunnies room keep to their own routines to ensure they feel happy, secure and settled during their time.
“The Tigers” room for toddlers is for two to three-year-olds
and has five children per educator.
In this room, a range of carefully planned activities, which are relevant, imaginative, creative and challenging, are offered to help stimulate and encourage each child’s development.
Then in the pre-school room, which is “The Penguins” room, for three to five-year olds, there are 11 children to every educator.
In this room Bright Bees provides children with wellplanned activities and tasks, as well as resources that inspire and encourage the preschoolers to initiate their own learning.
MANTRA Training & Development, a registered community adult education provider, was founded by its CEO Donna Moulds in 2008, the same year she trekked Kokoda and she has constantly been on the go ever since.
Donna is passionate about the positive, supportive and reassuring environment she has created, giving students a traditional face-to-face learning experience, especially for those who have been out of the workforce a long time, have to transition after a workplace injury or are nervous to start training.
“We provide a supportive environment with lots of flexibility from our trainers who work with students to identify their learning needs,”
Donna says.
“Not everyone is suited to online learning, and that’s a really important factor to consider.”
Mantra Training & Development CEO and founder Donna Moulds.
Gold Creek Village.
Centre director Claudia Gelonese at work with some of her little “bees”.
advertising feature
Enjoying the best of birds – up close and personal
GET up close and personal with a range of birds at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary.
The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has about 550 birds from about 60 different species.
“The aviary is great fun for all ages. You have the chance to get up close and personal with a range of birds,” says Mick Logan, owner and manager of the aviary.
“While not all birds will interact with you, you get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that
otherwise would be hard to see in the wild.
“We give you a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.”
Mick says that people are welcome to take photos of the birds.
“Providing the weather is fine you can have a great time feeding the birds or just observing our feathered friends,” Mick says.
Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au
The Canberra Walk-In Aviary is a 1000 square metre planted walk-in aviary where the friendly free flying birds can be observed, photographed and fed. The Walk-in Aviary’s owners developed the aviary as a way to enjoy and share their extensive collection of feathered friends. It is our mission to allow people to interact directly with the birds. Visitors to the aviary walk amongst more than 500 birds representing 50 different species from Australia and around the world.
Visitors are given a small plate of food and some of the birds will come and interact with you.
Our winter TRADING HOURS
(May – August) 10am to 4pm (Last admission 3.30 pm.)
We are open 7 days a week (Weather permitting) except Xmas Day.
Canberra Walk in Aviary
(Entrance to the aviary is behind the Greengold Garden Centre) Unit 13 Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, NICHOLLS ACT 2913
It’s hard work getting married, but you’re in the business of helping couples enjoy their happiest day with the minimum of fuss.
Just think what you can do for our many motivated, affluent readers (and their families) about to start making wedding plans.
Be an active part of helping to make their choices easy and be certain of being seen in the weeklong “CityNews” glossy wedding guide on May 17 when, in an editorially supportive environment, we showcase your goods and services to Canberra couples planning the big day.
Presented on full-colour, full-gloss, magazinestandard paper stock, the feature will also be included in our weekly digital edition at no additional cost.
We are waiting to make a proposal at 6189 0777 or email weddings@citynews.com.au
PRICE GUIDE BOOKING DEADLINE 2pm, Friday, May 11 PUBLISHED Thursday, May 17
Mike and Robin Matthew
Audrey Weston with Molly and Georgie Saunders Hannah Caskie, Sophie Sorrentino and Lili Mooney
Jason Dexter and Carly Monahan James and Sarah Goodwin Rachael Hyde, Peter Woodhouse and Erin Taylor
Kate Healey, Jacqui Brooker, Jess Healey and Fran Brooker
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Singing and dancing in the name of ‘Fame’
By Helen Musa
“Fame…I’m gonna live forever I’m gonna learn how to fly, high.”
SO goes the theme song from “Fame, the Musical”, that 1988 story of life at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City that was revamped for Broadway in 2003 and hasn’t left the stage since.
The song titles speak for themselves – “I Want to Make Magic”, “Bring on Tomorrow”, “Think of Meryl Streep” and “Dancin’ on the Sidewalk” – and it’s bound to be a dancingin-the-aisle theatrical experience.
Although it could be viewed as essentially an ‘80s musical, the show speaks to director Jarrad West as if it had been written yesterday.
PA High student Carmen can’t wait to be famous, but instead plunges into drugs and despair.
“Carmen might have the killer instinct that makes you a star, but not only do you have to have exceptional talent in theatre, you have to be patient,” says West.
“I say that to the 16, 17 and 18-year-olds who tell me they expect to get straight into WAAPA [WA Academy of Performing Arts].
“Young kids think they’re going to take the world by storm and I think I was the same at that age.”
To him that’s what “Fame” is all about, “it will take time, so you should enjoy the ride”.
But the heady, youthful quality in “Fame” is irresistible and he is aware that “the music has a certain energy that defined the ‘80s and there is so much dancing”.
He has deliberately cast his “Fame” with young people and believes none of the principals are above the age of 21.
The plot, he says, covers four years and the characters in real life would range from 13 to 18-year-olds.
“It’s a tough musical to cast because the casting must be realistic, which requires good acting, but the subject matter requires good song and dance,” West says.
He says directing a musical should be
like directing a straight play when creating character, saying: “You have to pay respect to the material you’re working with and I find it fun to watch the kids responding to that… too many young kids go from show to show without committing themselves to their parts.”
As well as the kids there are the teachers, which are plum cameo roles in the show. He has engaged veterans Janie Lawson as English teacher Miss Sherman, Chris Baldock, as the drama teacher Mr Myers and Steph Roberts as the music teacher Ms Sheinkopf, providing a moral landscape for the story.
In one memorable scene Miss Sherman warns the freshmen that it takes a lot more than dreams to succeed, a good excuse for the number “Hard Work”.
Alas, Carmen is a tragedy waiting to happen. She’s the main focus of the whole plotline, super-talented, but doesn’t want to put in the work.
By contrast, violin student Schlomo, also hugely talented, is more disciplined but falls in love with Carmen – “he is the other side of the coin, it’s the boy and the girl out of sync, an old story,” West says.
The musical is full of ironies like this, but it is not a morality play, as can be seen in his treatment of the final number, a reprise of “Fame” where the now-dead Carmen returns, glowing, to the stage.
“It’s a way of saying ‘I was there’,” he says.
“Fame the Musical”, The Q, Queanbeyan, May 11-26. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.
cast rehearsing “Fame”.
Here comes the Duck
ONE of the best-known jazz bands in Australia, Galapagos Duck, is heading to Bungendore for a gig at the Carrington Inn on Saturday, May 19.
The Duck formed in 1969 for the winter ski season at Charlotte Pass before moving to the Rocks Push jazz club in Sydney. In 1973, it opened the renowned Sydney Basement Jazz Club and was the house band for years.
Galapagos Duck… influenced young musicians over the years.
The legendary band, which enjoys an extensive international following, appears in the pages of many jazz history books and is said to have had a significant influence on young musicians over the years through its many recordings, original music scores, performances and music workshops here and overseas.
Galapagos Duck, Carrington Inn Event Centre, Bungendore, 8pm, Saturday, May 19. Tickets $75 (discount for seniors) and include concert, canapés, an hour of pre-show drinks and parking. Book at trybooking.com
The
Mikayla Brady and Alexander Thorpe at the “Fame” rehearsals.
Maddy Betts as Carmen Diaz and Pippin Carroll as Schlomo Metzenbaum.
An Australian film sure to delight the world
“Breath” (M)
I LIKE to imagine the conceiving of “Breath”, the movie adaptation of the novel of the same name that won the 2009 Miles Franklin Literary Award, as surely a felicitous moment for producer/director/writer/actor Simon Baker and novelist Tim Winton.
It’s a risk-taking Australian film that I hope will travel far and wide, to delight viewers around the planet with its simplicity, its visual beauty, its awareness of those hazardous years during which boys cross the invisible lines separating the years they already know from the years that await them with unknown challenges.
Set in Australia’s south-west corner during the 1970s, “Breath” introduces Loonie, son of a publican, and Pikelet, from a comfortable but unexciting middle-class home. Both will be 14 at their next birthdays. Much of their friendship involves riding their bikes through the bush. They decide to venture into the surf on homemade boards. When an older man Sando gives them a lift home, the boys have no notion where his friendship will guide them.
While “Breath” isn’t a surfie movie, the spectacle and courage of Rick Rifici’s water cinematography both above and below the surface are breathtaking. Ashore, Marden Dean has filmed the forests and shores of the area with great beauty.
Playing what develops into the principal character, new-comer Samson Coulter is a real find as Pikelet, essentially a gentle, impressionable boy for whom taking risks
in the water does not come as a matter of course. Ben Spence, also a newcomer, plays Loonie, whose family problems do him no favours. Simon Baker’s delivery of Sando is what we may expect from this established actor turned cinema polymath.
As Sando’s American girlfriend Eva recovering from a skiing injury, Elizabeth Debicki confronts a clutch of professional obstacles. Why, while Sando and Loonie are away, does she give herself to Pikelet’s undeniably beautiful body? And the sound crew has done her no favours when recording her voice (not her fault). Megan Smart has a minor role as the classmate willing to
go all the way with Pikelet after the school social and doesn’t understand why he opts out. Rachael Blake and Richard Roxburgh play Pikelet’s parents.
I came away from “Breath” feeling a warm sense of pride in this Australian cinema achievement. I know no reason for you not to do the same.
At Dendy, Palace Electric and Capitol 6
“Beyond the Clouds” (M)
SINCE Iranian-born filmmaker Majid Majidi directed his first film in 1992, his narrative and documentary films have been nominated for numerous awards including Best Foreign Language film at the 1998 Oscars.
He may not be well-known in Australia but if “Beyond the Clouds” is a reliable benchmark, we might hope to see more of his work.
“Beyond the Clouds” is a gutsy drama set in Mumbai’s social underbelly. Amir (Ishaan Khattar) is a young, tearaway front-man for drug merchant Rahul. When one deal goes bad, he hides from pursuing cops in the apartment where his estranged sister Tara (Malavika Mohanan) lives.
In the dhobi-wallah quarter, Akshi (Goutam Ghose) lusts after Tara. She’s not having any. In the yard among the washed bed-sheets hung to dry, she defends herself against attempted rape by whacking him over the head with a rock. If Akshi dies, Tara will spend the rest of her life in jail. Amir feels compelled to have her set free.
Meanwhile, Akshi’s wife and her two young daughters are living on the street. In something of an epiphany, Amir brings them into his apartment to escape the
ARTS IN THE CITY
rain. Poverty and concern for Tara’s welfare have driven him close to the point of no redemption. His dilemma will get worse before it gets better. And Rahul has sent two bully-boys to steal the older daughter for sale into the skin trade.
A purist might quibble at moments when a fiendishly detailed plot sends characters into situations that don’t add up, where in the hurly-burly of Indian street-life mothers send children outside while they receive customers, where petty theft is a norm, where the demarcation between law enforcement and the public finds no compassion or forgiveness.
Not a “nice” movie in the conventional sense, “Beyond the Clouds” tells a story of bottom-feeding Indian life with energy and acceptable credibility. It’s India without Bollywood production numbers, which has to be in its favour! It has come to town with no warning. I don’t know how long it will run. I feel a certain admiration for the one cinema chain that has chosen to screen it.
At Capitol 6
Supa Productions presents
Now it’s all about
“IT’S not Les, it’s not Edna, it’s not Sandy Stone. It is really about this character called ‘me’,” says actor Barry Humphries of his new show “The Man Behind the Mask”. At Royal Theatre, Wednesday, May 16. Bookings to tegdainty.com
GEORGE Bernard Shaw’s take on heroism, “Arms and the Man”, is coming to Rep with Ed Wightman as director for the fourth time. In a new venture, the production begins with an educational performance for the preview night. Theatre 3, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton; preview May 17, season May 18-June 2. Bookings to canberrarep.org.au
CANBERRA-trained soprano Lorina Gore, who recently wowed audiences and critics with her performance as Ophelia in Brett Dean’s “Hamlet” opera, has paired with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in a new album, “A Toast to Melba”. We hear it’s selling fast at shop.abc.net.au
Barry
THE Royal Academy of Dance Australia’s gala showcase from its ACT and Riverina area dance schools is billed as an evening out for the whole family. At Canberra Theatre, Saturday, May 19. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
TOBY Cole’s Handel in the Theatre is holding another hilarious “Baroque Challenge” fundraising trivia night to support this year’s production of Handel’s “Susanna”. Tickets include wine and refreshments. At St John’s Hall, Reid, Friday, May 18. Bookings to handelinthetheatre.com.au
MUSICA Viva is bringing Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra to town with “Bach and His World”, the newest multimedia creation for them by Alison Mackay. The all-Bach program is performed entirely from memory on instruments of the composer’s own time and is narrated by actor Blair Williams. At Llewellyn Hall, May 24. Bookings to musicaviva.com.au
FOR its 19th production the Irish Community Players present “Your Man” by Players’ director Ian Phillips.
It’s loosely based on the writings of Irish novelist, playwright and satirist Myles na gCopaleen. At the Canberra Irish Club, Weston, May 12-14. Bookings to 6288 5088 or trybooking.com
ART Song Canberra’s next concert, “Songs from the Belle Epoque”, songs by Fauré, Massenet, Hahn and Duparc, will be performed by soprano Laetitia Grimaldi with Ammiel Bushakevitz at the piano. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday, May 13. No bookings, tickets at the door only.
THE 2018 Australian National Eisteddfod kicks off next week when 87 groups – around 2600 people – come together for the annual bands and orchestras section. A highlight will be the Open Sections concert on Friday, May 18. At Llewellyn Hall and Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, May 17-22. Program and bookings to nationaleisteddfod.org.au or tickets at the door.
A CHANGE of pace for the Canberra Theatre Centre’s season is “Quiet Faith”, created by documentary theatre maker David Williams from hours of interviews with Christian Australians. At the Courtyard Studio, 7pm, Tuesday, May 15. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.
Barry Humphries… at Royal Theatre, May 16.
Simon Baker as Sando with, from left, Ben Spence (Loonie) and Samson Coulter (Pikelet) in “Breath”.
MUSIC
Buddies step into the spotlight together
By Helen Musa
NANCYE Hayes and Todd McKenney have been bosom buddies both on and off stage for years, and now they’ve got their own show of the same name, coming here soon.
When “CityNews” catches up with the effervescent duo by phone to Geelong during a tour that extends from Toowoomba to Hobart, it’s one laugh after another as we all swap showbiz stories.
It’s hardly surprising when you know that both Hayes and McKenney began as hoofers but soon enough moved to centre stage, where they discovered how to tell a hilarious story with a good punchline.
They’ll be playing at The Playhouse, a venue they know well and where they performed together during 2007 in Richard Alfieri’s play “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks”.
That worked. McKenney, known to the general public as one of the judges on Channel 7’s “Dancing with the Stars” had serious ballroom cred, having
DINING
started out in the chorus line, later becoming one of Australia’s greatest musical stars, famous for roles in everything from “Sweet Charity” to “Chicago”.
“We genuinely are bosom buddies,” Hayes says to the obvious question.
“We have been since ‘42nd Street’ in 1989 – my first featured role,” McKenney cuts in.
“Our careers have concertinaed in and out and for ‘Six Dance Lessons’ we were two years in a car on the road and we cemented our friendship.”
She and McKenney both came up the hard way.
McKenney may have appeared in “42nd Street” in 1989, but his big break didn’t come until 1997 when he replaced injured American dancer Jim Walton in “Crazy For You” and came to the attention of agents who cast him to create the role of Peter Allen in “The Boy from Oz”.
The audiences in “Bosom Buddies” will hear much of this as the pair reminisce, reflect, sing and dance.
“And we have questions and answers in the second half of the show,” Hayes says.
“The audiences ask wonderful questions about our careers and personal life.”
They don’t get too nervous about it because, as
Cannoli sweet, cannoli savoury!
By Wendy Johnson
ANDREW Stefanou is nervous that the Italian mafia are going to get him. Get him for making savoury cannoli!
Actually, Andrew isn’t at all nervous. He’s loud and proud about taking a traditional dessert and giving it a good old Aussie twist.
You see, cannoli are worshipped in Italy – and around the world – as a sweet, not a savoury. But Andrew, in his never-ending quest to keep the products made fresh and with love by the “Cannoli Brothers” decided this should change. And change it has.
“Our cannoli are a fine example of an Aussie version based on traditional methodology,” he says.
Andrew is known in the business as “Pappa Cannoli”. His two sons – Julian and Joshua – are the “Cannoli Brothers”. Together they handmake some of Canberra’s best (if not the best) cannoli.
Do try the savoury. The rare roast beef with wasabi mascarpone is sensational. Andrew has fresh wasabi flown to Canberra from Tasmania – from premier producer Shima Wasabi – micro-planning the root and adding it to creamy mascarpone. He roasts the beef and slices it thinly, too. Trust me, this is to die for.
Savoury options rotate depending on what Andrew can source and include Australian asparagus with lemon hollandaise. Produce is king and even though asparagus is technically out of season, Andrew has
would marry him. Husband, musician Bob Bertles, wasn’t there that night, but he will join her for the Melbourne leg of the tour.
“Bosom Buddies” is divided into little parts, such as the childhood section where McKenney appears in dance outfits from his mum’s school. A favourite moment for Hayes is where she sings along with her young 1967 self on screen.
Both describe the show as very family-oriented.
They hope to educate audiences about some of the great names of musical theatre in the past, like Jill Perryman and Betty Pounder – “there is so much Australian talent and we try to keep those names alive,” Hayes says.
As for the songs, although Hayes is a leading light in a movement to put new Australian musicals on stage, she is very clear: “We pretty well do all the old numbers the people want to hear.”
“Bosom Buddies”, The Playhouse, 7pm, May 21 and 1pm, May 22. Bookings to canberrratheatre.com.au or 6275 2700.
sourced some from up north. The Cannoli Brothers also make antipasto and vegetarian cannoli.
While I adore the savoury, I can’t go past the sweet cannoli. The Sicilian Ricotta Crema is wonderfully traditional, sweetened with nutmeg, finely grated chocolate, marsala and candied citrus. The chocolate custard is just as the Italians would have at nonna’s.
Other sweet versions include a vanilla bean crema, fresh blueberry ricotta, coconut and chocolate crema, and a quince and pistachio mascarpone. Yum. Yum. Yum.
In the meantime, I’m hanging in for a new release made with local chestnuts and local honey.
In their commercial kitchen in the city, two types of shell are made – a blonde Italian (light and flavoured with vermouth and white sugar) and a brunette (dark and flavoured with cinnamon and marsala).
“For contrast, we put dark fillings in the blonde cannoli and light fillings in the brunette,” says Andrew.
The process is labour intensive and can involve up to five cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Dough is made and rolled to about 1.5 millimetres. Discs are cut and folded around tubes. The cannoli are then fried until crispy and decadent fillings piped in.
The cannoli are $4.50 each (gluten-free and vegan a bit extra) or $20 for 5. The Cannoli
“Bosom Buddies”... Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney.
Cannoli… worshipped in Italy – and around the world. Photo by Andrew Claridge of Claridge Photography
Brothers are weekly at the Capital Region Farmers Market, Old Bus Depot Markets, the Southside Farmers Market and the relatively new Queanbeyan Market.
FOOD ALLERGY WEEK advertising
Be aware to reduce the risks
RUN by Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, Food Allergy Week aims to raise awareness, help reduce the risk of a reaction and help manage potentially life-threatening emergencies when they happen.
This year Food Allergy Week will run from May 13-19, and during that time calls on all Australians to “Be Aware and Show You Care” by getting involved with activities.
A food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that the body mistakenly believes is harmful.
When a person eats food containing that protein, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, triggering symptoms that can affect a person’s breathing, gastrointestinal tract, skin and/or heart.
There are more than 170 foods known to have triggered severe allergic reactions.
The most common triggers in Australia are eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, tree nuts such as cashew and almond, sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
A LOT of people think they’re allergic to things that they’re not, so it’s important to understand the difference between an allergy and an intolerance, says nutritionist Miriam Pollak, of Canberra Health Network.
“It’s also about making sure that you’re actually getting tested by a qualified health professional like an immunologist or a GP,” she says.
“Unfortunately there’s a lot of online tests that don’t have a sound scientific base behind them.”
Miriam says if people do have a food allergy it’s important to learn where they might find that item in certain food.
OFTEN people experience various symptoms but are unaware they’re related to allergic reactions or sensitivities, says Guy Clews, of Kingston Natural Therapies.
“Food allergies can cause health problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, they commonly cause fatigue, insomnia, respiratory complaints and skin disease such as eczema and dermatitis,” he says.
Guy, who has been a naturopath for about 37 years, says Kingston Natural Therapies treats people holistically, so they’re able to connect the dots.
“Improving wellbeing and eliminating illness is about addressing underlying causes of poor
“It can be overwhelming but when it comes to food, such as packaged food, they might contain allergens that you may not even realise,” she says.
“Allergies are life threatening so it’s important to understand the difference between an allergy and a food intolerance.
“With an allergy, repeated exposure does produce a worse response so having them avoid that exposure significantly reduces incidents.”
Canberra Health Network, Level 1, 71-73 London Circuit, Civic or shop 1, 15 Kingsland Parade, Casey. Call 6247 0733, email enquire@ canberrahealthnetwork.com.au or visit canberrahealthnetwork.com.au
health, not just treating symptoms,” he says.
“If you are suffering from poor health or general discomfort, it is just as important to find the root cause in order to find an effective resolution.
“We start with a comprehensive consultation, where we look at the big picture of someone’s health.”
If allergy is a concern, Kingston Natural Therapies has allergy detection equipment in the clinic.
NATURAL Selection Health Foods, a little oasis of calm in the heart of the CBD, has been supporting people with food allergies or sensitivities for 15 years, says owner and medical herbalist Birdie Walker.
“Anyone with a food allergy or sensitivity knows how important it is to find food that not only doesn’t make you sick, but also tastes good,” she says,
“You don’t have to stop enjoying food just because there are things you can’t eat and the good news is that there is more variety than ever these days.”
Natural Selection Health Foods has a huge range of special dietary foods from gluten and FODMAP-free to vegan, paleo and sugar-free as well as organic and chemical-free skincare and cleaning products.
“We also have a great selection of books packed with information and delicious recipes,” she says. Birdie says her 20 years of experience in the natural health industry means she can share her knowledge with the customers.
“I thought there was a growing need to give people the right advice, which is why there’s a qualified natural medicine practitioner in my store every day,” she says.
Natural Selection Health Foods, 25 Petrie Plaza, Civic. Call 6230 4300, email email@natural-selection. com.au or visit natural-selectionhealth-foods.business.site
THE Muesli Bar’s custom-made muesli means it can cater to people living with food allergy or to any dietary requirements, says chief muesli mixer Lisa Fischer.
“We offer something healthy for breakfast to meet a range of needs,” she says.
The Muesli Bar has a variety of options such as grain-free, nutfree, gluten-free and sugar-free. But also extends to people who have fructose intolerances, need FODMAP friendly food, live a vegan lifestyle or have a sultana phobia.
“And, it’s not just packed with sunflower seeds and sultanas, we pack it ourselves so have a lot of variety in our muesli,” she says.
“People also like to make muesli bars so then children can take them to school, especially now that a lot of schools are nut free.”
The Muesli Bar is open six-days a week in Fyshwick and is at the Saturday farmers’ markets at EPIC and the Sunday southside markets.
The Muesli Bar, 5/64 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call Lisa on 0419 199567 or visit themueslibarcanberra.com.au
Birdie Walker – Naturopath
Nutritionist Miriam Pollak.
Exercise Physiologist
Gemma Conway
Gemma specialises in the management and prevention of persisting pain conditions through evidence based exercise programs, actively restoring physical function and wellness.
See Gemma for the following:
• Persisting lower back pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Mental health conditions • Pregnancy & post-partum
I DON’T know of a more beautiful plant flowering most of the winter than the Camellia sasanqua
This beautiful shrub is a present full of buds just waiting to burst into bloom. Some varieties, such as the “Paradise Sarah”, just can’t wait until winter.
The first flowers are adorning our garden now. Camellia sasanqua gets its Chinese name Mei camellia on account of it flowering at the same time as Mei (Prunus mume), the flowering apricot.
The much-travelled Dr Peter Valder in his book “The Garden Plants of China” comments that Camellia sasanqua don’t seem to be common in Chinese gardens nowadays, which seems strange given its wide popularity.
It is one of the hardiest of camellias, thriving in all conditions from shade to full sun.
One of the most prominent camellia breeders was the now-retired Bob Cherry, of Paradise Camellias, who travelled frequently to remote parts of China. His range of “Paradise” camellias is still available at most garden centres.
As bird attractors, the honeyeaters would be lost without the nectar
The ACT Budget Breakfast is an important event in Canberra’s business calendar. It provides a valuable opportunity to hear the details of the Budget first hand and for constructive dialogue between the Government and representatives of the business community.
The ACT Chief Minister and Treasurer, Mr Andrew Barr MLA will deliver the presentation on the 2018-19 ACT Budget followed by commentary from Commsec Chief Economist, Craig James. The morning will conclude with a panel discussion with representatives from key business sectors within the ACT and region.
THE profusion of plants growing in the Mediterranean region that have been introduced into our gardens is legion. And here’s an interesting one: the Myrtus communis (or myrtle). We have it in our garden and it is heavy with purple berries, so loved by the magpies.
This rather special and yet common plant comes from Sardinia, where the national drink is a purple-red liqueur called mirto. Served chilled and made from the berries and leaves of the myrtle bush, mirto is still recognised not only as an after-dinner drink but for its digestive properties. Myrtle dates back to the ancient Greeks, who grew it for its restorative and medicinal properties.
So that common Myrtus communis in the garden is not so common after all. It is readily available from garden centres.
WITH a long, hot summer combined with large areas of Canberra under construction, dust continues to be a problem that can affect indoor and outdoor plants.
Layers of dust on leaves can cause problems with plants’ breathing. With little or no rain to wash the dust off, it’s up to us to give plants a fine spray fairly frequently. For indoor plants, simply wipe down with a damp sponge.
It’s a similar problem for birds and that’s why a bird bath is so important. As I write, looking out of the window there is a currawong having a good wash, followed immediately by top-knot pigeons and then parrots all in quick succession. This means filling the bird bath more than once a day.
Jottings...
• All spring bulbs should now be planted, but it’s still not too late to dig up and divide bulbs. Particularly Scilla peruviana, which after a couple of seasons grow in a big clump. But it needs to be done now.
• Give all plants, especially perennials, one last feed before winter. Liquid feeding is the best,
soaking immediately down to the roots, rather than pelletised food. My usual certified organic recommendations include Neutrog Seamungus, Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient or Eco-Seaweed.
• Camellia sasanqua makes an excellent, dense, evergreen hedge growing easily to three metres. Plant in a trench one to one and a half metres apart.
• John Bradshaw will talk about “Rocks, Climate Change and Trees – a review of an eclectic career a then and now perspective” at the Horticultural Society’s next meeting at Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm, on Monday, May 21. No charge, all welcome followed by supper.
Cedric’s Camellia sasanqua “Hiryu” hedge in winter.
Myrtle leaves and berries… used to make a purple-red liqueur called mirto.
Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Expect some financial ups and downs over the next few years, as unpredictable Uranus moves through your money zone (for the first time in 76 years). Smart Rams will adjust to constantly changing circumstances, and put extra money aside to tide you over when times are tight. On Wednesday your ruler Mars charges into Aquarius and then squares Uranus. So slow down and pace yourself, otherwise you could end up smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
With capricious Uranus shifting into your sign (for the first time since 1942) expect surprises and shocks over the next eight years. So take nothing for granted, and avoid being an intractable Bull. The more willingly you accept change, the less unsettled you’ll feel. And the best time to start embracing change is now! Be inspired by fellow Taurean, writer Bertrand Russell: “In all affairs it’s healthy to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.”
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
With Uranus moving into your soul zone, adventurous Twins could veer off on a radical new spiritual direction over the next few years. For tamer Twins, regular meditation or yoga sessions will help you approach daily chores with renewed enthusiasm. Expect some weirdly wonderful dreams as well! Your best day this week is Friday, when Saturn improves focus and concentration. So it’s a good time to tackle detailed mental tasks and power through paperwork.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Your friendships will change dramatically over the next few years, as Uranus shakes up your peer group zone. Some old friends will fall by the wayside, while new mates add an avant-garde and adventurous flavour to your world. You could also become involved with a humanitarian organisation, either within your local community or on a more global scale. Venus shifts into your sign on Saturday. So you’ll feel at your charming and charismatic Cancerian best.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Prepare for some major professional detours over the next few years, as erratic Uranus activates your work zone. Maintaining the status quo is definitely not a good idea. You’ll find the more experimental and progressive you are, the more stimulating and exciting the coming career changes will be! Your public reputation could also soar or plummet, depending on your behaviour. So do your best to conduct yourself with style, substance, dignity and discretion at all times.
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Areas involving travel, education and the way you think are set for some unexpected upheavals over the next few years, courtesy of Uranus. If you stubbornly stick to a preconceived ‘perfect’ plan, then you’ll constantly feel flustered and flummoxed. Whereas Virgos who are versatile, adaptable and open to new ideas will navigate these changes well. This Friday looks productive, when Saturn helps you deal with practical matters, solve a problem or practice a new skill.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Over the next few years – courtesy of Uranus – expect some shifts involving sexuality, intimacy, joint finances and/or shared resources. Most importantly, keep your options wide open because things will be changing at a constant rate. The more fluid and flexible you are, the happier you’ll be. On Saturday your patron planet Venus visits your career zone (until June 13). So it’s a suitable time to apply for a grant or a promotion, or work on improving relations with colleagues.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
On Wednesday, revolutionary Uranus races into your relationship zone (for the first time since 1942). So your partnerships – whether of the romantic, platonic or business variety – will be radically reinvented over the next few years. If you are a super stubborn Scorpio who hangs onto the past and resists change, then you’re in for a rocky relationship ride. Be inspired by Scorpion actor, columnist and social commentator Will Rogers: “Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Your life will be shaken and stirred over the next few years, as unpredictable Uranus moves through your daily routine zone. The more avant-garde and adventurous you are, the more exciting those changes will be! Uranus and the New Moon also encourage a more alternative approach to your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Perhaps therapies like acupuncture, yoga, reiki or aromatherapy could help get you moving in a healthier and happier new direction?
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
When it comes to a child, teenager, lover or friend, hold onto your seat and prepare for a rollercoaster ride over the next few years. The less open you are to change, the more dramatic these disruptions will be. Uranus could also send good luck your way. But events won’t unfold the way you expect, as you find yourself stretched and challenged in uncomfortable new directions. As Star Wars creator (and birthday great) George Lucas reminds us: “Good luck has its storms.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Your ruling planet Uranus shifts into the sign of Taurus (and into your domestic zone) for the first time since 1942. So there will be plenty of family changes, additions, upheavals and separations over the next few years. You will certainly begin to see some of your relatives in a startling new light! And this week looks particularly unpredictable, as Mars moves into Aquarius and then squares Uranus. So expect a dramatic and disruptive week of shocks, surprises and shenanigans!
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
In areas involving communication, creative thinking, education and/or your local community expect the unexpected over the next few years! Courtesy of unpredictable Uranus, your best laid plans will come unstuck as you ride a wave of unsettling but stimulating changes. So your mantra for the moment is from lateral thinker (and birthday great) Edward de Bono: “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018
Across
3 Name a bone of the pectoral arch. (8)
7 Which roe of sturgeon is considered a great delicacy? (6)
8 Which enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue often prevents nasal breathing? (8)
9 Name an alternative term for an escutcheon. (6)
10 What do we call one who defames another? (8)
11 Which is the seventh major planet in order from the sun? (6)
14 To have remained somewhere, is to have done what? (6)
17 What do we call a supporter of a cause? (8)
18 What is a dealer in general supplies for the table? (6)
19 Which term describes an answer or reply? (8)
20 Name a renowned actor, Keanu ... (6)
21 When one quietens someone, one does what? (8)
Down
1 Name another term for a teller. (7)
2 What is the hinged, movable flap of an aeroplane wing? (7)
3 Which kind of boxes on rockers are used by miners to separate gold? (7)
4 With which name did Van Gogh sign his paintings? (7)
5 Who was Australia’s Prime Minister 1945-49, Ben ...? (7)
6 To have made certain, is to have done what? (7)
11 What are referees also called? (7)
12 What, in chemistry, is a system consisting of colloidal particles dispersed in a gas? (7)
13 Which mythological animal has a single horn? (7)
14 What are vocalists also called? (7)
15 Name that part of the body of a mammal, between the thorax and the pelvis. (7)
16 To have become a race starter, is to have done what? (7)
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Josh needs a saving plan to buy a house
Josh wants to save for his first home and came by my office to ask about the options available to meet his goal.
I told him there were currently two schemes.
"The older one is the ACT First Home Owners Grant of $7000 for the purchase of new or partially renovated homes and the newer one is the First Home Savers Scheme (FHSS), which lets you to save up to $15,000 a year into superannuation up to a maximum of $30,000,” I told him.
Not interested in a new house, Josh wanted to know more about the most recent scheme.
“It came into force on July 1 last year, but has only recently become law," I said.
"If eligible, you can save into your superannuation scheme up to the maximum. After July 1 this year you can apply for it to be released for your first home. The good thing is that scheme applies to each person so if you are buying a property with another person each of you can participate provided that you satisfy the criteria.
"To be eligible you must not have previously owned a home, there may be special circumstances that could allow you to participate but that is not your situation.
“You must live in the home as soon you can. Once the ATO has approved the release of the superannuation you have 12 months to either purchase your home or sign a contract to build it. You can also apply for an extension of up to 12 months if you need extra time. Once you have withdrawn the funds they must be used for the purchase of your home. If you use them for some other purpose or you do not notify the Tax Office that you have signed a contract you will get an assessment for 20 per cent FHSS tax on the amount withdrawn.”
Josh said: "Well, that's pretty clear; I can just put another $15,000 into super and get a tax deduction for it.”
I said: “You have a concessional cap of $25,000 for which you get a tax deduction and a non-concessional cap of $100,000 for which you don’t get a tax deduction.
"The concessional cap includes the 9.5 per cent super guarantee that your employer pays. If your superannuation guarantee is more than $10,000 you will not be able to get a tax deduction for contributing $15,000. You cannot withdraw the employer super guarantee component. You can only withdraw personal contributions that you have made either by salary sacrifice or by tax deduction. You can also withdraw any non-concessional contributions that you have made provided that the total withdrawn does not exceed the maximum withdrawal amount of $30,000.
“You also need to be aware that the ATO has advised that it will take 12 days to process your withdrawal request. The ATO is keeping the records for this. When you do withdraw the funds you will be liable for tax on the sum of the withdrawal and the earnings less a 30 per cent rebate. In your situation, getting a tax deduction when you pay in the funds will be very helpful.”
Josh was pleased with my advice and said he would talk to his employer about putting this plan in place.
If you need any tax or savings advice contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.
