180614 citynews

Public servant admits he’s wrong!

MICHAEL MOORE

Games people play to get a crowd

TIM GAVEL

Spare Fyshwick the stinking garbage

LETTERS

Colourful flowers for the colder months

CEDRIC BRYANT

PICTURE PERFECT

HEIDE SMITH looks back on a life in photographs

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COVER STORY / Heide Smith

Celebrated snapper’s

By Helen Musa

AFTER the better part of a lifetime making Canberra and Canberrans look good, photographer Heide Smith is slowing down – a bit.

“CityNews” recently caught up with the virtuoso photographer and her husband (“slave,” he says) of 55 years, Brian, at their just-sold, peninsular hideaway out of Narooma.

Following their latest wedding anniversary and various joint replacements, both have decided to opt for a less taxing lifestyle than managing a property and holiday cottage, so plan to move, possibly to nearby arty Bermagui when they leave Hobbs Point in June.

Heide Smith is famous for “shooting” Canberrans. In 1990 the author Bryce Courtenay compiled a list of high-profile women and she photographed “Because Beauty is Timeless”, where public figures such as

create steam, for her equally notable Canberra Raiders poster project where Heide made League luminaries such as Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart almost as pretty as the women.

Now in 2018, the Smiths can look back on a long joint career of perfect synergy – she as high-energy photographer and he as calming, steadying business manager.

It’s 60 years since the pair met in post-war Germany, where he was posted to the British Army, and since then Heide has enjoyed “a wonderful and exciting life as a photographer”.

When she met Brian she had already passed through an exacting German photographic apprenticeship and become a photojournalist in Hameln (of Pied Piper fame). There, she says, photography was called “a trade – not art”. She still thinks that way and was appalled to hear a Canberra art photographer suggested that that focus is overrated. To her,

covering weddings of ordinary families. Here she fine-tuned the skills that would make her the go-to photographer in Canberra and mentor to a generation of younger portrait photographers.

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“You must make your subject look as good as possible,” she tells “CityNews”. But adds: “Sometimes there’s only so much you can do.” And she will use Photoshop, but only in the way she might have done in the old days, to darken the edges.

A short stint with the Max Townsend studios in Melbourne followed, during which she learnt techniques of colour-gradation, and then they all came to Canberra, where Brian’s Army connections paid off in the form of a commission for a portrait of a general.

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The rest is history. Heide set up business in Fyshwick, initially shooting anything –architecture, board meetings, executive and family portraits and weddings. With Brian now out of the Army and running the business, they had nine full time staff, were publishing books on Canberra and were courted by powerful and influ-

In 1993 she was commissioned by the National Library to photograph the churches and churchmen of Canberra, and throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s she shot all the speakers at the National Press Club, all the governors-general, and even Bill Gates and Paul Keating

But Heide’s heart was not with the rich and famous. Inspired by Irving Penn’s portrait of African tribesman, she shot a series about tradesmen

“I like to photograph people who work hard,” she says, quoting famed Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, whose portraits of working

Then in 1987 came “the pro -

danielle@citynews.com.au;

kathryn@citynews.com.au

picture-perfect past

ject dearest to my heart,” when she documented the lives of the Tiwi people, creating the “soft, flat light” needed to get detail in their faces and combatting the heat of the tropics by rising early. Her first Tiwi book was published by A&R in 1990 and later reprinted, then in 2008 she and Brian published a second book covering 20 years of Tiwi life.

But Heide and Brian had already, in 1998, decided they didn’t want to be “shopkeepers” anymore, so closed the Canberra business and headed for the coast.

At Hobbs Point they have enjoyed the company of artistic luminaries who lived in the region, such as the late glassartist Klaus Moje, the Clarks (Dymphna and Manning) and the recently deceased scientific artist Bob Baker – “so many artists and writers,” says Heide.

And they didn’t stop still. Her workshop is still full of priceless equipment and indeed the south coast offered Heide a chance to photograph ravishing landscapes, to which human face. It also gave her a chance “to get photography out there among the real people”.

She is especially proud of a photograph she took of the old Tathra wharf for a 2003 show about oyster farming exhibited up and down the coast in fish-

fires, and as she looks to preserve her vast photographic collection, some of these rare landscapes may be even more precious than before.

Access to Heide Smith’s photographs, including the Canberra

SEVEN DAYS

David destined to keep Katy’s Senate seat warm

THE steep learning curve in harsh political reality for ACT Labor Senate seat-warmer David Smith just got steeper. Smith’s insecurity over being returned to the bench from whence he was plucked was brutally confirmed by the person he replaced.

Unsurprisingly, Katy Gallagher who has been silent since being disqualified by the High Court for breaching Section 44 is back in the game citing “unfinished business” as the reason for re-contesting her Senate spot.

THE NSW “baby blues” breakthrough win in the state of origin opener shared Twitter space with the news of another NRL-related birth. Host of Channel 9’s “Footy Show” and former Canberran Erin Molan and her partner Sean Ogilvy announced the arrival of Eliza Emily Ogilvy in the hours before the Blues’ win. Fellow “Footy Show” panellist Beau Ryan and “Today” show fill-in Ben Fordham were among a throng of sporting and showbiz types tweeting congratulatory messages. Victorious Blues’ coach Brad Fittler went further, tweeting the opening lyrics of Axiom’s ‘70s hit “A Little Ray of Sunshine”.

FIVE-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has called on officials to cut elite athletes some slack. The Thorpedo is a part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s new

athlete well-being and engagement team and was in town for its first summit. The 11-time world champion said: “We have an expectation around our team that is usually elevated and I don’t think it’s beneficial when sporting organisations are talking about how many gold medals we will win.”

COMEDIAN and children’s author James O’Loghlin has drawn heavily on his Canberra childhood for his fifth book

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“The New Kid”. Like O’Loghlin, the book’s central character Sam moves to Canberra from interstate and faces the challenges of fitting in.

In “The New Kid”, Sam’s adventures begin when he sets out to make himself “the most popular kid ever”. O’Loghlin, who now lives in Sydney with partner actress Lucy Bell and their three daughters, says he misses the wide open spaces of Canberra but not the cold winters.

MALE stripper turned designer gardener whose green thumb is imprinted on the landscape of one of Canberra’s most fashionable addresses has run into some strife. The gossip pages are awash with reports of former Manpower member Jamie Durie’s latest financial woes. Durie’s JPD Media and Design Pty Ltd has entered into voluntary administration after a former colleague sued the TV personality for alleged unpaid commissions. Durie, who had Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement, designed the grounds of the Observatory Living complex at Wright and had his work showcased at Floriade 2012.

STILL on matters botanical and a row of plane trees lining the median strip on Morisset Street, Queanbeyan, are providing a natural canvas for the town’s latest yarn-bombing exhibition. “The Great Queanbeyan Stitch-up” follows the 2017 effort which saw the Monaro Street bridge covered in thousands of squares of brightly coloured, knitted and crocheted squares supplied by scores of locals.

A FLAMBOYANT tone has fallen across another nearby NSW town. Sightings of the “fab five” presenters of the Netflix reality show “Queer Eye” sent fans into a frenzy speculating wildly on the tasteful team’s

target. The program, which gives advice on grooming, interior design, food, wine and culture to straight men, is filming a makeover of a Yass hotel and of a local lad for an upcoming episode.

MEANTIME, a Canberran missing the insightful social commentary and sharp wit of radio veteran Mike Jeffreys will be pleased to know the former 2CC breakfast announcer is back in the capital thanks to a deal between SKY News and WINTV. From the end of June, Jeffreys and his controversial co-commentators Andrew Bolt , Graham Richardson and Paul Murray will be free-to-air on SKY News on WIN. CEO Angelos Frangopoulos says the deal – a first for SKY – will provide “the depth and breadth of news, sports news, weather news and public affairs content, available on SKY News on our premium channels on Foxtel, to even more Australians”.

Joe wants to shout out loud for grant applicants

By Danielle NOHRA

CANBERRA’S John James Foundation is one of the largest not-for-profit, healthcare charities in Australia, but who knew?

the future.

As well as increasing grants, the hospital sale to Barwon Investment Partners also brought the foundation “out from under the radar” in another way.

Its members recently called for a motion of no confidence after the board made the sale without consult ing members.

Now, after nearly a year as its CEO, former rugby union star Joe Roff wants to shout about the great work it does and encourage people to apply for grants.

“The John James Foundation does fly under the radar a bit and a lot of people do say ‘what’s the John James Foundation?’” Joe says.

Led by about 150 medical specialists, it was founded in 2006 by doctors who wanted to give back to the community.

And, the foundation keeps on giving today, especially after its recent sale of the John James Hospital campus in Deakin for more than $100 million.

This year the foundation will double the allocation of grants provided to Canberra charities that undertake critical work in the community in health promotion.

He says the foundation is now in a position where it can provide $500,000 in grants over the next financial year and is confident this can continue into

“This is the largest healthcare char ity in Australia, so I imagine that’s why it’s getting a real focus from the members,” Joe says.

“It’s worth in excess of $100 million and so the governance and the stew ardship, which is being managed very well, is being reviewed by sections of the membership.”

Joe defends the sale saying that board confidentiality was a require ment because a large amount of com mercially sensitive information was shared between the interested parties in the process.

“With a transaction of that size, those people seeking to purchase were provided with information in the IP that is commercially confidential to the foundation and vice versa,” he says.

He’s confident that the sale will benefit the foundation and increase its philanthropic activity and says this was one of the key drivers of the sale.

“We do that [philanthropic activity] through community grants, medical education and supporting disadvan-

taged students to complete medical degrees,” he says.

“One of the subjects that’s quite exceptional is we send medical special-

ists to the Solomon Islands. “Canberra doctors volunteer their time by providing treatments and surgeries.”

The foundation’s mission is to exist for the benefit of the community and Joe says the proceeds of the sale now enable the foundation to expand on this, by doubling the grants.

“I’m very confident it [the grant money] will stay at that level and we will start seeking new initiatives to invest back into the community as well,” he says.

“The foundation will take its time to ensure that the proceeds of the sale are utilised effectively to gain the maximum positive impact.

“We’re hoping to announce a partnership with an autism education association soon, too.”

Traditionally, the John James Foundation gives about 20 grants each year of varying size and scale.

But in addition, the foundation is looking for partnership opportunities in the charity space or medical

“I want Canberra to have a greater awareness of what the John James Foundation is and how our private medical doctors and specialists are giving back to the community,” he

“It’s a great place to work and create things that support Canberra under the legacy of the John James Foundation through the hospital.”

Further information about the grants and to apply visit jjf.org.au

POLITICS / flu vaccine debate

Public servant admits to being very wrong!

ADMITTING to “getting it wrong” is hard for anyone. It is particularly difficult for a senior public servant when the tradition has been to obfuscate or to create a smokescreen.

When Australia’s chief medical officer Brendan Murphy admitted that he (and the department) had got it wrong over availability of the flu vaccine, it reflected a much more open and transparent approach than is normally associated with the public service.

Prof Murphy demonstrated strength of character when he addressed the issue of shortage of flu injections for “under 5s” at the Biennial Immunisation Conference held in Adelaide last week by the Public Health Association of Australia.

He said that demand had outstripped supply considerably. The predictions made by the department fell way short of the more than 30 per cent increase that was demanded by consumers.

He went further, speaking about the much more nuanced approach needed regarding encouraging people to vaccinate. The “No Jab – No Pay” and the “No Jab – No Play” policies may have encouraged those who missed vaccinating. However, understanding those who are “less accepting” and “less engaged” will need more work to improve vaccination rates.

Coverage rates for Australian children under one year old have now reached 94.05 per cent across the country, with the ACT at 94.87 per cent. This is just a whisker short of the 95 per cent goal. However, in the long term, Australia should be aiming even higher to eliminate some of the endemic diseases that are so harmful, particularly to children. Health advocates recognise there are risks associated with vaccination, but those risks are minuscule compared to the risks associated with the diseases.

Debate

over the shortage of flu vaccine has probably been more of a positive than a negative as more Australians are now demanding access.

“influenza is common; although usually mild, severe disease can occur even in otherwise healthy adults and children. The vaccine is far from perfect, but is one of the best tools we have to reduce your risk of complications”.

Openness and transparency are simply good governance.

Debate over the shortage of flu vaccine has probably been more of a positive than a negative as more Australians are now demanding access. Another message from the National Immunisation Conference for older Canberrans, was the protective factor of the flu vaccine against heart attack in the elderly. This was a side message – but an important one.

Babies have been the focus of most of our vaccination rhetoric. However, without losing focus on babies and young children, it is now time to consider in more depth where the greatest need lies. University of NSW academic, Prof Robert Menzies, argued that although 6.7 million Australians are eligible for vaccination, it is the over-65 age group that are medically at the highest risk, but are also the most under-immunised group.

Influenza vaccine was just one topic on the agenda. One of the great success stories of vaccination in Australia and internationally, is the decline in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections that are a precursor to cervical and other cancers. The virus also causes genital warts and, in Australians under the age of 25, there has been an almost 90 per cent decline in new cases of these warts since the introduction of the vaccine.

In the hard-to-reach groups and reluctant vaccinators, those who have real doubts about the value of vaccines or those who are simply opposed, the combination of carrot and stick might be much more effective than just using the virtual cane. This is an important lesson for those politicians who until now have thrived on tough “anti-vaxxer” rhetoric. It is time to take a more thoughtful approach. Improved understanding of the part played by vaccination is critical. As Prof Allen Cheng told the Immunisation Conference: “Hyperbolic predictions and unreasonable claims potentially erode trust”.

The flu vaccine certainly is not perfect. He suggested that messaging should explain

Internationally, Australia is one of the most successful immunisation countries in the world. We can still do better. However, good governance, openness and transparency are absolutely critical to ensure that there is not a “fake news” backlash as has been seen in some countries. Prof Brendan Murphy has demonstrated the importance of openness. Let’s hope such an approach is infectious!

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legisla tive Assembly (1989-2001) and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government.

Games people play to get a crowd

AS the Brumbies contemplate strategies to get people back to games at Canberra Stadium it might be worth casting an eye on the upcoming Soccer World Cup in Russia.

The public stink between the Wallabies and the Brumbies in the lead-up to the game against the Sunwolves helped secure one of the biggest crowds of the season for the home side. The edict to rest three key Brumbies was a marketing masterstroke as the community rallied behind the decision to defy the Wallabies’ coach.

Marketing sporting events is not rocket science. To leave the comfort of home or pub and attend a live sports event possibly requires something more than simply the sport to entice fans. Nowadays, spectators are looking for an experience, preferably a good one that is memorable.

So the key to ensuring spectators at live sports’ events is to ensure a better experience than watching it at home on television.

The Raiders have done it over the past two seasons with the Viking Clap, which differentiates between watching it on television and going to the ground. It has now become a highlight of going to games at Canberra Stadium. It was adapted from the Viking chant-

To leave the comfort of home or pub and attend a live sports event possibly requires something more than simply the sport to entice fans.

clap performed by supporters of the Iceland football team during their incredible run in Euro 2016.

In fact, copying from one team and using it for another is commonplace in sport. A number of football teams use “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as an anthem. The best-known and most rousing version occurs before Liverpool’s home games at Anfield. The original composition by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the musical “Carousel” became a hit for Gerry and the Pacemakers before it emerged into one of the greatest anthems for teams of all time.

The musical adaptation of the William Blake poem “Jerusalem” is given a run before and during many a sporting contest in the UK.

Many will tell you a passionate haka performed by the All Blacks can be just as emotional as the game itself.

The Port Adelaide Football Club has taken on board the INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart” as its unofficial anthem sung before home games. I have also heard it at Newcastle Jets’ games as the team

walks on to the field.

Speaking to many Brumbies’ fans there are a variety of reasons why some don’t go, while others wouldn’t miss a game.

For some it’s the inconvenience of going to games; others will say they don’t like the style of play when compared to the “golden” days. The music played at the ground during games annoys some but is enjoyed by others. It’s the cost of car parking and food that annoys others; the list goes on. I also think the constant talking down of rugby as a code doesn’t help.

There’s also the perception that Canberra Stadium is past its use-by date. At times you wonder whether people who were at one time happy to go to Canberra Stadium are now unsatisfied because they are constantly told it’s sub-standard.

For all the negatives, the game against the Sunwolves had a

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tremendous positive vibe generated by a week of publicity. If I were the Brumbies, I would be keeping a close watch on the Football World Cup where many unique sporting engagement techniques will be put in place for the first time. I have seen this previously at events such as the Olympic Games where marketing comes to the fore to ensure there is a feeling that it is a major event, irrespective of the sport. The Australian Open tennis tournament is one occasion that turned tennis into an extravaganza.

There is another theory that passionate sporting fans will turn out in force if their team is winning and playing in a positive style. For the Brumbies, the key is combining both the football and the entertainment to ensure going to the games is a memorable, unique experience for all who turn up.

All that glisters...

LESLEY Unwin will be talking about jewellery to the ladies of the Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club at their next monthly dinner meeting at the Vikings Town Centre club, Greenway, from 6.30pm, on Wednesday, June 27. Dinner costs $27 and enquiries to 6291 7716 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Abba and orangutans

THE Abba movie sequel “Mamma Mia! Here we go again” is the feature film for the Wildlife Guardian Fund and the Orangutan Project’s fundraising movie night at Palace Electric Cinema on July 20. All proceeds raised will help fund community wildlife units to patrol and protect endangered orangutans, gibbons, clouded leopards, sun bears and other rare species in Borneo’s Sabangau rainforest. Tickets (including a drink at the bar) are $27 before June 30 and available from orangutan.org.au/ get-involved/events

Good oil on Olive

ALEX Reynolds will regale Canberra South Branch members of National Seniors Australia with tales of Australian Olive May Kelso King, a rally driver, mountaineer and World War I ambulance driver. Non-NSA members are welcome to attend. At the Weston Creek Labor Club, Teesdale Close, Stirling, 10.30am, Wednesday, June 27. There’s a $3 contribution towards morning tea. Contact the branch via nsacanberrasouth@gmail.com

Scones with that?

IF the prospect of buying warm winter clothing for all ages, blankets, doonas, towels & linen, shoes and boots doesn’t appeal, the temptation of scones, soup, muffins and hot dogs should! It’s all awaiting patrons of the next St Ninian’s clothing sale, corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, Friday and Saturday, June 22-23.

NEWS GRUMPY

A Swig to start saving the planet

By Kathryn VUKOVLJAK

COFFEE lover and local designer Blake Winterbottom has created a spill-free, reusable coffee cup called Swig – and his 40-day Kickstarter campaign to help him bring it to the Canberra market smashed its $10,000 goal in 51 hours.

The campaign is still running and Blake, 28, says he’s been blown away by the support and amount of interest in the cup.

“All the work and research really pays off when you can see that people are happy with the design – it’s simple, fresh and different,” he says.

Blake says he came up with the design after a friend showed him first-hand the amount of plastic waste dumped on Aus tralian beaches.

“We were at Airlie Beach and my friend Ben Reid took me out on a boat to some of the more remote beaches and they were covered in plastic,” he says.

“I’d thought of it as a problem that was bigger than me, but he

and suggested kindly that I was in a position, with my design background, to make a difference and create products that could change how people act and buy things.”

ate, Blake, says he liked the idea of reusable coffee cups until he got one.

“From a design point of view I found they were easily compromised if one little part broke,”

“There’s a lot of good things about them but I wanted to see if I could come up with something

After carrying out market research, Blake came up with a simple design in two sizes using silicon rubber, which is easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odours, and a glass insert that gives a clean taste. He says the silicon also protects the glass, provides grip and the lid creates a strong seal that doesn’t leak.

Blake graduated from UC in 2013 and moved to WA to work for an industrial design company, where he met his Swig business partner Mitchell Lang, who works on the marketing side of the company.

Blake and Mitchell ran a Kickstarter in 2017 to successfully launch an ice tray design called the Ice Bandit, which is so far available in Texas.

“If I can stop people buying single-use cups, that feels good and I can make a difference in that way,” he says.

“Design is good but if it’s not fulfilling a purpose it’s pointless.”

Blake says the Swig cups will be available in Two Before Ten in early 2019.

More at designxblake.com

Is it littering on the street or what?

Reader BJORN MOORE, of Gowrie, is grumpy at the way ‘The Chronicle’ is delivered to his suburb

I HAVE issues with the delivery method of “The Chronicle”.

I have witnessed it being thrown from the window of a moving vehicle (I assume this also occurs elsewhere across the ACT).

It has been acknowledged that previous methods using “walkers” has been adapted over time to it being thrown from a vehicle.

I have raised written concerns on two separate occasions with my local Legislative Assembly member over the last few years.

I am concerned about this delivery practice because I believe:

• it is illegal to deliver in this manner,

• it amounts to littering, and

• it is a safety issue.

Tossing an object out of the window of a vehicle is illegal –even having your arm out the window is illegal.

In my suburb the reality is that the paper doesn’t even come close to inside the property boundary line and, therefore, it is

effectively littering on the street.

The street and footpaths are often swamped with this paper. Some pick it up and bin it, while others don’t and hence they become a mess with cars running them over and the rain soaking them. It’s a terrible look.

While laws are ignored and broken in the delivery method of this paper, I hope a person is never struck by a vehicle because the driver is distracted while throwing an object out the window. How can this delivery method be considered acceptable?

Any unsolicited paper/ advertising not hand-delivered in the mail box, should be placed at local shops for people to choose if they want to pick it up or not. This situation really makes me grumpy.

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

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Spare Fyshwick the misery of stinking garbage

THERE are many issues of community concern in regard to the current CRS waste proposal for transferring all of the red-bin and commercial waste presently received at Mugga landfill to be relocated by rail to Woodlawn landfill (Tarago) some 70 kilometres away. It is planned to load the waste, including stinking garbage, in the retail and commercial heart of Fyshwick some 264 metres from the future suburb of East Lake designed to home 9000 residents.

No other site has been considered by the proponent or by government planners. Community letters have received no response from Planning Minister Gentleman and chief planner Ben Ponton from January 2018. FOI response has, in some cases, been refused, taken from two to four months and, in the meantime, ACT Planning has facilitated and progressed a most unpopular and unsustainable proposal through the issuing of a scoping document and notified a draft EIS process.

The proposal, the “one-stop solution to waste management” delivers one Sydney company a monopoly over waste management in the ACT and makes the organic waste proposals and reduce, reuse, recycle of the recently released “Waste Feasibility Study” redundant.

The proposed waste-transfer terminal shed will be the largest in Australia and some four kilometres from Parliament House. Why would anyone think it was a great and innovative idea to move this garbage from its present rural broadacre setting to urban retail Fyshwick; concentrating diesel trucks and increasing health and

safety risks for everyone?

There is no benefit to community and all profit to this developer.

To speak out in opposition to the draft EIS make a submission to EPDCustomerServices@act.gov.au; the notifiable instrument is NI2018-27 notionally for a Materials Recovery Facility and rail freight hub at Ipswich Street. In reality, the waste-transfer terminal to receive 300,000 tonnes a year will rail at least 80 per cent of the waste to landfill at Woodlawn and we will be paying in every way you care to assess.

Barbara Moore, Kingston

dose of dorin

them when trying to meet their dream of home ownership. I refer to the “no stamp duty” and the demise of the homeownership grant in the Budget speech.

Has he the gumption to answer the following questions of his Budget surplus claim when considering the following: How much over budget is the light rail (can he quote a true amount)?

What will be the final cost of the 2km Gundaroo/Mirrabei Drive duplication fiasco?

What is the total ACT government loan – how far in debt for all its costly public works?

As the ACT government shareholder in EVO Energy (ActewAGL) how much are they in debt as I understand they have trouble meeting their monthly interest instalments?

I look forward to reading his answers.

Humbug, Mr Barr, to your Budget

HUMBUG to the so-called 2018/19 Budget surplus splash of cash. With the hike in rates/ utilities and the like, the ACT government may be able to pay the monthly interest on its borrowings plus add to its cronies’ superannuation largesse.

I am wondering how Bah (Barr) can sound off about being the longest-serving Australian treasurer, one who has literally destroyed our future and that of our children. God help

Ray Leister, Amaroo

It isn’t broken

THE wedding of Harry and Meghan has once again sparked the debate of Australia becoming a republic.

Why, when we have had two referendums that resulted in a “no” vote, are the “yes” voters still insisting we go to another referendum for a republic?

I thought we were a democracy and not a bunch of spoilt children spitting their dummy because of not getting their

own way.

Why will becoming a republic make a difference? The Queen does not make any decisions for Australia, she does not tell us what to do.

What are the financial costs? A heck of a lot more than we can afford at the moment and a heck of a lot more than people would realise. The legal system will need to be rewritten, as will the constitution and this could take years and many millions of dollars (not to mention the court cases that will fail as the new rules are ironed-out).

All the Public Service departments including Parliament will have to change, as will all the paperwork, letterheads etcetera.

Like a lot of countries that are republics, we could end up with a dictatorship that keeps changing the rules for their own benefit.

There’s an old saying that I think applies, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Vi Evans via email

An ‘expert on everything’

SO, reader Vi Evans is an expert on everything from same-sex marriage to the plight of Aborigines (“Why do we need reconciliation day?”, CN, June 7). Perhaps “CityNews” should consider giving he or she the role of editor.

Gordon Neals, Wright

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Musical Dianne strikes the right note for a gong

The irrepressible Dianne Anderson has been rewarded for her years of organising musical events and her tireless work with choral societies by being appointed a member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Also recognised was former MLA, the late Steve Doszpot, who died in late November, for his contribution to the community of the ACT. Beyond his Assembly work, Steve held senior positions in the ACT soccer community. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Sharing an OAM is John Milne, who was honoured for his service to Australia-Thailand relations.

Other recipients in the ACT and region include:

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mrs Jennifer May BOWKER , Garran: for distinguished service to Australia-Middle East cultural relations through the preservation of traditional creative and visual arts, and as a textile artist and educator.

Emeritus Professor Robin Mary CREYKE , Waramanga: for distinguished service to administrative law, and to education, as an academic and author, to public administration and tribunal practice, and to professional bodies.

The Honourable John Charles KERIN AM ,

Mr Bruce James MILLER: for distinguished service to public administration through diplomatic roles and bilateral trade agreements, and to fostering cultural and strategic partnerships with Japan.

MEMBER (AM)

IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mrs Dianne Elizabeth ANDERSON, Red Hill: for significant service to the community through support for not-for-profit choral societies and music events.

Mr Robert Andrew BRADLEY: Moruya NSW: for significant service to sport through management and community development, and as an advocate for health and water safety initiatives.

Ms Linda Kay CREBBIN, Casey: for significant service to the law and to the legal profession in the ACT.

Mr Geoffrey Roger McNAMARA: for significant service to secondary education, particularly in the disciplines of science and astronomy.

Ms Gael Lauraine NEWTON, Dickson: for significant service to the visual arts as photography curator, and as an author and researcher, particularly of Southeast Asian photography.

Adjunct Associate Professor Andrew Harris SINGER , Downer: for significant service to emergency medicine as a clinician, educator and administrator, and to professional medical organisations.

Dr Andrew Scott SKEELS, Bruce: for significant service to medicine, particularly in the field of palliative care, as a clinician and educator.

Professor Colin Houston THOMSON, Griffith: for significant service to medical research, particularly to research ethics, to education, and to professional organisations

MEDAL (OAM)

IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mrs Pam Margaret BECKHOUSE , Monash: for service to people with a disability.

Mrs Deborah Anne BOWDEN, Jerrabomberra, NSW: for service to the Crown through administration of the Australian honours system.

Mr Cecil Raymond BURGESS, Gundaroo, NSW: for service to local government, and to the community of Gundaroo.

Mr Richard Ian CORDY, Kambah: for service to rugby union.

The late Mr Steven John DOSZPOT: for service to the community of the ACT.

Mr John James HARRISON, Evatt: for service to veterans and their families.

Mrs Doreen Ruth HENSON, Farrer: for service to the community through the Baptist Church of Australia.

Mr Kanti Lal JINNA , Flynn: for service to the multicultural community of the ACT.

Mr Vincent Joseph KANE , Ainslie: for

KITCHEN RENOVATIONS

Give yourself a pristine area to prepare food and entertain guests. We can construct the kitchen you’ve always dreamt of.

service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Mrs Lynne KOERBIN, Merimbula, NSW: for service to people with a disability, and to community health.

Mr Geoffrey Alan LARKHAM , Yass, NSW: for service to rugby union.

Mr James LITCHFIELD, Cooma, NSW: for service to primary industry, particularly to merino sheep and beef cattle breeding.

Mr Lyall Robert McCARTHY, Curtin: for service to rowing.

Dr Barry John McGOWAN, Cook: for service to community history.

Mr Percy John MILNE , Chapman: for service to Australia-Thailand relations.

Ms Margaret Ellen NING: for service to conservation and the environment.

Commander Francis John OWEN RANR (Retd), Murrumbateman, NSW: for service to the military maritime sector, particularly to submarines.

The Venerable Emeritus Margaret Anne RANSE , Page: for service to the Anglican Church of Australia, and to the community.

Ms Alison Lee RUSSELL-FRENCH, Curtin: for service to conservation and the environment.

Ms Elsie Belphina SERIAT, Harrison: for service to the Indigenous community of Thursday Island.

Mr Brian John TRIGLONE , Torrens: for service to choral music in the ACT.

HONORARY MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr William James REID, Chapman ACT: for service to the sport of full-bore shooting.

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

Whether it’s a full renovation or a simple update or two, we’re here to help you get the bathroom that you desire.

WARDROBE DESIGN

Get enough storage for your personal belongings and clothing. We have custom designs to fit whatever space you have.

STUDIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Increase your productivity with a room designed for you. We also provide custom entertainment units to meet your needs.

We are licensed builders and have a team of highly qualified carpenters and joiners. We provide free measurements and quotes, including 3D drawings, to make your renovation as easy as possible.

Remembering freedom’s struggle

CROATIA celebrates Statehood Day on June 25, marking the nation’s Declaration of Independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991.

About a month earlier the people voted 93 per cent “yes” to independence. It was a dream come true for many Croats –including those in Australia – but powerful

Serbian-aligned forces inside and outside the country were willing to fight to keep it from self rule.

Although independence did not take effect until three months later on October 8, which is now celebrated as Independence Day, the declaration on June 25 also sparked the beginning of Croatia’s War of Independence, which lasted until 1995, and so Statehood Day is a solemn reminder of this terrible conflict, too.

On their National Day, Croatians express

gratitude to all who took part in the creation of independent Croatia, including its defence and liberation.

Independence after the end of the Cold War was a new beginning for a nation with a long history, stretching back more than 1000 years to the age of kings and emperors.

Croatia has always belonged in Europe, culturally, historically and geographically, and its accession to the European Union on July 1, 2013 brought it back in from the cold.

Marko Body Repairs

Family care for crash repairs

IN the ‘60s, because of political reasons, Marko Nazor was forced to leave Croatia and has since made Australia home.

Marko started Marko Smash Repairs Canberra in 1982 and has been servicing Canberra since.

Marko’s son Ante says it’s important to reflect on how far Croatia’s independence has come since his dad migrated to Australia from Sumpetar, a village in Split-Dalmatia County.

The family business provides all smash repair needs from minor to major accidents, all private and custom works, as well as all insurance claims.

Marko Smash Repairs Canberra supplies and sells tyres at Mitchell Tyres & More at the front of its building.

Ante says the service is second to none, in an industry where repair shops are becoming massive, we are still family owned and run.

“Our customer service is way ahead of our competitors,” he says.

Marko Smash Repairs Canberra, 74 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3088 or visit smashrepairscanberra.com.au

Set amongst landscaped grounds, Adria Village is a warm and welcoming community of people from all around the world. We pride ourselves on cultural diversity and celebration, and offer a wide range of activities to cater for all interests. We provide care for Croatian and all other nationalities.

Adria Village fosters individuality and independence, providing support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment. Adria Village in Stirling offers residential care for 42 residents, incorporating 2 respite rooms, and Special Care. The Village also contains 36 independent living villas. All villas have 2 bedrooms, a courtyard and a garden, and residents enjoy a peaceful and welcoming community lifestyle.

Our aim is to provide a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, reflecting your rights to dignity, respect, privacy, safety and the best quality of life. Contact our friendly staff today to arrange a personal tour.

Village with a touch of home

PROVIDING a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, Adria Village in Stirling has been delivering low and high-level aged care for more than 22 years.

Established in 1989 by the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Adria Village provides support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment, while encouraging individuality, independence, and active participation in a broad range of cultural, social and religious activities within the village.

The Adria Village Board, management, staff and residents keep a close bond with the Croatian embassy and even visit it once a year.

The village contains low and high-level residential care for 42 residents, as well as 36 independent living villas in a landscaped environment with mature trees and gardens providing homelike and natural surroundings.

Adria Village general manager, Iva Vujica, says the villa residents have their own independent community room.

She says: “They often visit with the hostel residents and have high teas together, choirs come in to perform, and they also go on outings together.”

As well as organised social programs the village provides multilingual staff, bus services, regular mass, an on-site chapel, a psychologist, podiatrist, chemist, hairdresser and pharmacist.

Adria Village also provides special care units for residents with dementia and any other special needs, and has two respite care rooms for shortterm care by arrangement.

Adria Village, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, adria.org.au, 6288 0198.

SAM CATANZARITI MENSWEAR in Allara Street, Civic advertising feature

‘We get customers from recommendations because of our reputation, our service and our quality.’

If Sam’s style is good enough for a prime minister...

MOVING from the chaos caused by development in Civic but still remaining central, Sam Catanzariti Menswear has relocated to a bigger and more comfortable space on Allara Street.

Famous for dressing high-profile politicians and foreign dignitaries, owner Jovan Nikolevski says Sam Catanzariti Menswear is rejuvenating along with the rejuvenation of the city. The new store is near Crowne Plaza, next to Canberra Casino.

The iconic store has a long history, which starts in 1956 when Sam, the original owner, opened its doors to Canberra as the first tenant in Monaro Mall.

Armed with a love of fashion and an eye for perfection, Jovan started working with Sam in 1987 and then later took over the store.

“When I left I said to Sam that when he retires I’d like to be the first person he speaks to about taking over,” he says. “Sam, true to his word, did contact me first.”

It was when Jovan tried on his first suit, a two-button, centre-vent suit, that he realised he was made for fashion.

“When I put on that suit, I felt so comfortable, like a different person that I was meant to be,” he says.

“My passion came from a love of fashion, I love

it and I’m a people’s person, too.”

Sam established Sam Catanzariti Menswear, as a business dressing highprofile politicians such as former Prime

Minister Gough Whitlam and Jovan, with his people skills, has since taken his lead dressing people such as Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and former PM Kevin Rudd. Proud of his experiences with some of

Australia’s most well-known pollies, Jovan has created a wall of fame in the store to celebrate these occasions, which often turn into long-term customers.

“A lot of people say: ‘If it’s good enough for a prime minister, then it’s good enough for us’,” he says.

“We get customers from recommendations because of our reputation, our service and our quality.”

Just recently, Jovan says, a woman came in and gave him a suit, bought in the ‘60s and formerly owned by her late husband, which was still in great condition.

He says this speaks for the quality of the fabric at Sam Catanzariti Menswear.

Sam Catanzariti stocks suits and shirts for all occasions from business attire to weddings and school formals.

“We also stock a large range of hire suits and accessories for all formal events includ ing weddings, black-tie functions and school formals,” he says.

Most of the stock is made from Italian fabric, which Jovan says is woven in Italy because they use the best machines that weave the finest cloth from merino wool.

“It’s more breathable for all-year-round wear,” he says.

“If they want something different then we can tailor-make something using different fabrics, different styles, different colours and different fits.

“Fit is extremely important because we

all have different body shapes, so if it’s tailor made, it’ll fit 110 per cent.”

At Sam Catanzariti Jovan says he has a range of menswear to suit every budget and offers the best price on quality apparel all year round, which he can match with a custom tie or a pocket handkerchief.

“We can even tailor-make them so they match the dresses of the bridesmaids for weddings,” he says.

With 40 years in the industry Jovan’s relaxed yet enthusiastic approach when attending each customer’s needs and his perfectionist attitude will ensure his clients are dressed the best for any special occasion.

Suits galore and more at Sam’s… a range to suit every budget and the best price on quality apparel all year round.

SAM CATANZARITI – FOR THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN

We have moved into our bigger and better premises on Allara Street

Sam Catanzariti has been servicing Canberra since 1956 and today owner Jovan, who has worked in the industry since 1978, continues the tradition of exceptional service and value. Sam Catanzariti stocks suits for all occasions from business attire to weddings and school formals.

We stock the finest Italian and Australian brands worn by Prime Ministers and foreign dignitaries. We also stock a large range of hire suits and accessories for all formal events including weddings, black tie functions and school formals.

• Small business accounting and taxation services

• Cashflow and business performance analysis

• Xero silver champion partner

For expert advice on better business efficiency

Call John Howlett on 6100 4732 or 0411 283746 Email: john@lpcanberra.com.au

Escape to Endless Beauty in relaxing and peaceful Hall Village.

• Tuesday-Wednesday 9.30am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 8pm Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

• Gift Vouchers Available

• 02 6230 9703 Shop 3, 2 Victoria Street Hall

The little, rural village with

SURROUNDED by open country, Hall is a small village to north of the Canberra, which features historic buildings that existed before the establishment of the ACT.

Away from the chaos of a city, but still in close proximity, Hall Village (population 271 people at the 2016 census), attracts many outsiders and locals alike for its small-town, country feel.

In 1881 the NSW government surveyed the area where Hall sits today for an official village and chose a site on Halls Creek.

The new village was initially called Ginninderra in 1882, but after protests from local residents was renamed Hall, in honour of the first landholder in the area, Henry Hall.

In 1954 the main street of Hall (which had been part of the state highway system since 1935) was named the Barton Highway.

In 1980 the highway alignment was shifted to the west as part of a dual carriage upgrade, bypassing Hall completely.

For accountant John, Hall added up

CHARMED by the peacefulness of Hall, the community and the closeness to Civic, John Howlett opened his accountancy firm, Lincoln Partners Canberra six years ago.

Owned by a group of friends (not a chain, John says), Lincoln Partners Canberra is one of three separate firms in the ACT and NSW region which focuses on providing quality business and accounting advice.

John, who has been an accountant for 21 years, says: “We’re only small so we work closely with our clients, forming close relationships with them.”

Lincoln Partners Canberra, 3/10 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6100 4732, email john@lpcanberra.com.au or visit lpcanberra.com.au

Simone’s approach to beauty is to keep it simple

ORIGINALLY from the small country town of Harden, Simone Stevens took over Endless Beauty three years ago because Hall reminded her of where she grew up.

From a young age Simone loved doing her hair and painting her nails so it was natural for her to navigate into a career of beauty.

Simone’s mum, Annette, who does waxing and eyebrow tinting in the salon, says Endless Beauty provides a personalised service.

“We don’t rush you in and rush you out, we get to know the person and we treat them like family,” she says.

Endless Beauty offers services such as spray tan, formal and bridal make-up, manicures, spa pedicures, eyelash extensions, shellac and bio sculpture gel overlay.

Simone also offers facial treatments, which use dermalogica, face mapping and steam therapy, as well as bio sculpture gel overlay, which provides a healthier manicure and pedicure that doesn’t damage nails.

Endless Beauty, Shop 3, 2 Victoria Street, Hall. Email endlessbeautyhall@hotmail.com, call 6230 9703 or visit Endless Beauty on Facebook

Where people can pop over for a tasting

FOLLOWING in his great, great grandfather, George McEwin’s footsteps, Andrew and his wife Marion McEwin, established Kyeema Wines in 1986, which is now Capital Wines in Hall.

George, an iconic gardener and orchardist, was one of the first men to plant vines in the Adelaide Hills and now Andrew, a respected winemaker who grew up there, has an old SA vineyard clone here in Canberra.

“The cool climate and long ripening season of the district produces exceptional quality fruit with intense flavours,” Marion says.

“Our Kyeema vineyard shiraz is from an old SA clone, sourced from vineyards used by Penfolds.

“Our vineyard is one of only a few Canberra vineyards to produce shiraz from this clone.”

Graduates from Charles Sturt University, Capital Wines’ winemakers Andrew McEwin and Phil Scott love producing quality varietal wines that have been consistently awarded over the years.

With the cellar door at Hall only 15 minutes from the centre of Canberra, Marion says people can easily pop over for a tasting, such as the epicurean tasting, which offers four wines expertly matched to four tastes of food.

“Our acclaimed Ministry series makes a wry comment on our political masters given our location close to the political hub of the nation,” she says.

Capital Wines, 13 Gladstone Street, Hall. Call 6230 2022, email info@capitalwines.com.au or visit capitalwines.com.au

lots to discover

The Daughters serve ol’ fashioned country charm

JUST a hop, skip and jump up the road, the Daughters at Hall, Jenny and Jess, invite the public to pop by for a slice of Hall’s good ol’ fashioned country charm. Served with a smile in the 126 years young, general-store-turned-café, Jenny and Jess say they can be found nestled along the main street (just two doors up from Nanny’s veggie garden), happily whipping up beautiful family recipes, sweet treats and milkshakes using the freshest, locally farmed ingredients. Their family has been part of Hall since the early 1800s when their great, great, great grandmother first fell in love with the region, and seven generations of daughters later they can proudly say that they’re still there. Jenny and Jess say pull up a chair at their family table, join them in their story and know that anyone will be welcomed by warm smiles and hearty home cooking amongst family, friends, and soon-to-be friends.

Daughters at Hall, 5 Victoria Street, Hall. Email cafe@halldaughters.com.au, call 6230 2457 or visit halldaughters.com.au

Anita’s wholistic approach

to health

AS a local, Anita Kilby couldn’t think of any better place to open Hall Natural Therapies, saying the quiet suits her.

She established Hall Natural Therapies over four years ago and offers an wholistic look to health.

Anita was always interested in naturopathy, but she says, like many other naturopaths, she entered into her career after a personal experience.

When her sons were little they had eczema and no matter how many creams were prescribed it just kept coming back.

“I finally saw a naturopath, who identified that my boys had an issue with wheat, so I took them off wheat and it cleared up,” she says.

Eventually, she was able to put wheat back into their diets without any issues, but she says what really drew her in was the approach, which was natural, less harmful, and well, easy.

“I take an wholistic look at a person’s health, their lifestyle, their diet, their family history,” she says.

Every new client starts with a long consultation so she can get the big picture of a person’s health.

“Overall, I want my clients to understand how their health concerns have developed and what they can do to improve their health,”

Hall Natural Therapies, 2/10 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6230 9680, email anita.kilby@bigpond. com or visit hallnaturaltherapies.com

Long-time friends of Hall

AFTER establishing a long association with Hall, the Yass-based, family run busi ness Ray White Rural is a strong advocate for Hall and the capital region.

Ray White’s principal Simon Southwell was raised on a farm just outside of Hall and now his son George, a property marketing specialist, continues a relation ship with Hall through his participation in clubs and associations.

The family has owned properties in the district since 1863, which George says means their knowledge of Canberra is second to none.

“There’s not many agents who can say they’ve been involved in the area since the 1860s,” says George.

“[My dad, Simon,] started with Ray White 27 years ago and then I moved into the family business on an official basis four and a half years ago, following what I describe as the longest apprenticeship in history, starting around six years old.

“We are the business owners, which means you’re dealing with us straight away so when there’s something that needs to be done, it’s not two or three people down the line – we get it done.

“We pride ourselves on communica tion because we believe it’s the biggest thing lacking in real estate.

“We have a passionate team, who love what we do and have fun with it, too.

“We certainly try to ease the burden of the process by handling the stress and communicating openly.”

Licensed in the ACT and NSW allows Ray White Rural to service the whole of

the ACT and the surrounding NSW region.

Ray White Rural, 93 Comur Street, Yass. Call 6226 4400, email george.southwell@raywhite.com or visit raywhiteruralyasscanberra.com.au

Ensuring that their clients receive the best results!

“We look forward to being able to help you, as a committed team of locals with all your real estate needs” George Southwell

Selling property is all we do! Licensed in the ACT and NSW

THE SHEARING SHED HAIR SALON

VISIT THE VILLAGE OF HALL

The hairdressers headed for Hall

SIXTEEN years ago, after already lengthy careers as hairdressers, Kylie Harmey and Kylie Hartshorn wanted to open their own salon and, since Hall didn’t have one at the time, decided it was the perfect place for The Shearing Shed Hair Salon.

Also drawn in by the lovely community and country feel, Kylie Harmey says they enjoy working in a place with such a beautiful outlook, that’s easy and peaceful.

“You can park right at the front for free and we’re only about 10 minutes from Gungahlin,” she says.

Kylie, who has been hairdressing for 33 years, absolutely loves her career, especially meeting new people.

“Same with all our girls,” she says.

“We’re in a really big salon, there’s eight girls here, and they’re all very caring and friendly.

“They love what they do and really care about people walking out happy.”

Kylie says The Shearing Shed Hair Salon does everything and for anyone whether it’s children, men or women.

“We do a lot of colouring, we still do perming, as well as chemical straightening and hair for formals and weddings,” she says.

The Shearing Shed Hair Salon, 2-4 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6230 2284, email theshearingshed@

Friendly country care for pets

PET owners can escape the concrete jungle of Civic with Hall Veterinary Surgery’s “friendly country care”, says head receptionist April Maney.

Established more than 30 years ago, the purpose-built hospital looks after all companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets.

With its tagline, “a passion for pets and their people”, April says pet owners can be guaranteed a friendly and easy service provided by the family run surgery.

“We’re very tailored, we’re not a one-size-fits-all surgery. Instead, we recognise that every pet is unique,” she says.

“We provide anything from general healthcare to preventative care, as well as surgery diagnostics and dentistry.

“We run an in-house dental program for patients, entitling them to free six-monthly dental check ups and discounted Grade 1 Dental Scale and Polish procedures.

“We want to reduce (and prevent) the amount of pets who suffer from a severely painful mouth,” she says. Hall Veterinary Surgery can also offer behaviour and training advice.

“A big drawcard is avoiding the city and coming out to the peaceful village of Hall,” April says.

Hall Veterinary Surgery, 33 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6230 2223, email reception@hallvet.com.au or visit hallvet.com.au

Chris loves outdoor jobs

may not be from Hall, but he loves the outdoors and says Hall is one of his favourite places to work.

Chris established Chris’ Garden Care five years ago.

Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, coupled with his passion for being outside, Chris offers services such as garden restoration, tree pruning, garden maintenance, green waste removal and deck and fence construction.

“I like the rural character of Hall and think the people there are great,” he says.

Chris’ Garden Care. Call 0468 695561 or email cgsact@gmail.com

Tammy’s eclectic store is rustic and different

TAMMY Petriella’s love of upcycling led her to open Jellybug Treasures, a store where she can share her upcycled furniture as well as new furniture, unique gifts, homewares and Australian-made paint.

Only four months new to Hall, Tammy says her eclectic store is a great place to find something rustic and different, while experiencing a personal service.

The name “Jellybug” stemmed from Tammy’s love of ladybugs and “Treasures” represents her passion for bits and pieces and random stuff, which she incorporates into the store with items such as globes, mirrors, clocks, frames, canvases, blankets and outdoor settings.

She’s also a stockist of Made By Paint, which is Australian made with no bad chemicals and a wide range of colours.

When upcycling, Tammy loves to use Made By Paint’s bright colours and at the moment is a fan of “Bay Side”, a bright teal colour.

“Upcycling is giving new life to old drab furniture, which turns into one-off pieces that you can’t find anywhere else,” she says. Tammy is currently running workshops, which she says is a great way to learn how to use the paint as well as learn a number of painting techniques and finishes.

“Customers bring in a small piece of furniture and at the end of

Jellybug Treasures, 7/12 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 0402 225278, email tamjpet@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page @JellyBug Treasures

Creative flair in a friendly community

WANTING to give her clients a boutique-salon feel, Emily Cowling knew Hall could provide just that, which is why she opened Luxe Hair Studio on Victoria Street a year ago. Now, settled in to what she describes as Luxe Hair Studio’s “raw and minimal” designed salon, Emily is enjoying expressing her creative flair in a friendly community.

Starting her career at the age of 14, Emily brings with her years of experience, while her co-worker, Shavon is armed with more than 12.

“We offer a personalised service to each client because we understand that everyone is different,” she says.

Both Shavon and Emily specialise in balayage but Emily says that they can do everything except for perming.

Luxe Hair Salon, 2/8 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6170 6296 or email luxehaircanberra@gmail.com

Asphalt just a phone call away

THE EXPERTS OF PHILLIP Thriving in the centre of everything

PHILLIP is named after Arthur Phillip, the first governor of NSW. As the commercial and geographical centre of Woden, Phillip contains many of the district’s key facilities and has its own commercial area located along Botany, Townshend and Parramatta Streets, including Colbee Court, Dundas Court and Altree Court.

Specialising in French cars

SPECIALISING in French models but with the abil ity to work on any car, the small team at Alpine Motors Canberra has been providing its clients with a personalised service since 1987.

“Our team of mechanics are dedicated to providing an efficient, friendly service,” says receptionist Randalph Swan.

“We have a close relationship with our clients and a majority of them have been coming back for years.”

He says the three mechanics are fully trained and experienced, and regularly attend workshops to further develop their knowledge and skills.

They deliver services such as break check-ups, air-conditioning service, roadworthy certificates, engine upgrades and radiator repairs and services.

Alpine Motors Canberra also has a compre hensive engine diagnosis service to diagnose any running faults or to improve the engine efficiency.

“We aim to give customers an excellent service experience by providing clear, honest communication and exceptional workmanship, so your vehicle will consistently perform at its best,” he says.

Alpine Motors Canberra, 22 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 6282 2350, email service@alpinemotorscan berra.com.au or visit alpinemotorscanberra.com.au

LOCATED above the Hansel and Gretel Coffee Shop in Phillip, is an established and welcoming art studio full of artistic vitality and creative zest, says the manager of Lavender Art Studios, Elita

“Lavender Art Studios, with its standout purple signage is certainly a very happening art space,” she says.

Offering art classes for children, young people and adults, as well as discounted framing and discounted art material, Elita says it’s the perfect place

Staffed by a team of professionals who care about helping students of all ages develop their artistic skills and techniques, Elita says Lavender Art Studios is a relaxed environment for

“Offering a laid-back atmosphere,

the studio is cultivated by astute purposeful interactions and managed with a strong code of respect,” she says.

“This approach supports the creation of many varied works of art.”

She says Lavender Art Studios is known for student care and is underpinned by Greg Devenny-Mackay’s dynamic art program, an expert art program that has been designed by him to give art students the opportunity to experience a vast array of extensive, lively and energetic subject matter and art mediums such as charcoal, pastel, pencil, mixed media, watercolour and oils.

Lavender Art Studios, First Floor, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6292 6339, email elita.mackay@lavenderartstudios. com.au or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au

Keeping up and keeping clients informed

WHENEVER there’s any new legal advancements or changes, Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators makes sure its clients are aware of them.

The form was first established in 1986 and Ashilpa Khanna, the wills and estate planning lawyer, says “We’re constantly learning and growing, which is important as lawyers, so we can be aware of any new advancements because if the lawyer doesn’t know, then how would the client be expected to be informed?

“Keeping up to date with changes benefits the clients in a lot of ways. For example, a new case might come up where similar facts are looked at in a new light.”

Ashilpa says knowing about this different outcome could be helpful in relation to a client with a similar case.

Capon & Hubert also has staff who bring with them decades of experience, such as Ken Hubert who is heavily involved in the legal community.

“It’s important to have a practitioner like him with over 35 years of legal experience because he holds a lot of weight to his word in the office and in the community,” she says.

Capon & Hubert covers areas of law, such as family law, children’s matters, domestic violence, dispute resolutions, mediation, conveyancing, commercial, criminal, probate and wills and estate planning.

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Tyres, mechanics and more

DRAWN to the supportive community of Phillip, Jeremy Callaghan and his wife Robyn decided Tyreplus was the perfect location for a

Jeremy, who is backed by 20 years experience as a mechanic, and Robyn took over the Phillip location a year ago and have been overwhelmed by the supportive local community.

“We’ve really been enjoying seeing regular faces come back and

Tyreplus (also known as Woden Tyre & Exhaust) offers all car, 4x4 and light truck needs such as tyres, exhausts and mechanical

“We have a background in mechanical services including diesel

“We want to be your one-stop-shop in all car servicing including logbook services and with local knowledge we can attend to things

Tyreplus, 6/8 Botany Street, Phillip. Call 6282 3410, email phillip@tyreplusdealer.com.au or visit phillip.tyreplus.com.au

At

and Hubert Lawyers we ensure that your estate goes to family or friends of your choice.  Having a valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate. We understand your situation is different and may require a unique specialist approach.

Celebrating the sounds of success

CELEBRATING 50 years since its inception, Duratone Hi-Fi owner Fay Cull is proud to have introduced highquality audio equipment to Canberra’s music lovers half a decade ago.

through his contracts at ANU and then, following requests from the public, established the shop in Phillip in 1973.”

The story behind Duratone Hi-Fi began in 1968 when her late husband Charles, who was head of Germanic languages at ANU, started an audio club with other professors who shared a love for classical music.

They were into esoteric European equipment, which at the time was not being imported to Australia, so Charles and his friends set up importing agencies to bring them here.

“It started as a hobby to satisfy the needs of him and the members of his club,” Fay says.

“He started this network of audio enthusiasts

Even though the shop’s still in the same location, Fay says it has changed with the changes in technology and continues to change.

“In those early days, the primary source for music was the LP record [vinyl] and reel-to-reel tape,” she says.

“The first significant change was the introduction of the compact disc, or CD.”

Today, Fay says Duratone Hi-Fi has embraced new technology such as audio streaming.

Duratone Hi-Fi, corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip. Call 6282 1333 or visit duratone.com.au

And there’s a lot to choose from, each with its own catchy name such as the most popular dishes, “Oi Imma Little Avocado”, which is smashed avo on sourdough, with poached egg, roast beetroot, feta and sprouts and the “Cluck-a-doodle-doo Burger”, which is grilled chicken on a bun with Asian slaw, cheese and lettuce.

On the coffee side, Phattreeya says they’re working on collaborating with “Pay Me” so they can provide free reusable cups with a coffee.

“Our coffee is very smooth – it has that kick that you need but it’s also smooth,” she says. Wheat and Oats, 2/22-24 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 6828, email wheatandoat@gmail.com or visit @wheatandoats on Facebook

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Truth, the whole truth and nothing but documentaries

AS filmmaker, director, curator, critic and lecturer, Simon Weaving well knows that truth is stranger and stronger than fiction, and in his Winter Film Series for the National Gallery he’s set to prove that once and for all.

Weaving has form in this department and, with Deborah Kingsland, founded the “Stronger than Fiction” doco festival in Canberra, due to screen again in August.

But first there’s the NGA series, one that’s been lighting up the gallery in the icy months for six years.

“In the last two years of directing the Canberra International Film I screened a couple of movies about art at the gallery and when I left I caught up with them and we kept going,” he tells us when “CityNews” catches up with Weaving by phone to his office at the University of Newcastle.

The aim is to stage the very latest films about art, fashion and culture, and Weaving is quick to assert that the drama in films about those subjects is every bit as powerful as

Arts editor HELEN MUSA previews a film festival of the very latest films about art, fashion and culture full of as much drama as can be cooked up in fiction

anything that can be cooked up in

Mind you, one of his greatest hits at a previous festival was “La Banda Picasso” (“Picasso’s Gang”) in which the famous artist and his mates are accused of trying to make off with the “Mona Lisa” from the Louvre – “A sort of rollicking Spanish comedy,”

Weaving says and a mix of fact and fiction.

“So we do screen dramatic shows, but it’s all about stories and the best documentaries have the best stories,” he says.

What’s really getting him going is the Australian premiere of “Shadowman”, the story of Richard Hambleton, one of the founders, along with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, of the street art movement who disappeared for

more than 20 years after succumbing to drugs and homelessness.

American director Oren Jacoby, who’ll be doing a Skype Q&A to Canberra, tracked Hambleton down and tried to bring him back into the international art market where the long-dead Basquiat sells for squillions.

“It plays like a thriller,” Weaving says. “I was blown away and I hadn’t even heard of him, he had the misfortune not to die young – it’s quite a rollercoaster.”

But he’s not telling us the ending and, as they say in showbiz: “You’ll just have to be there to see what happens.”

There’s an unintentional link in the festival with another art-related film, “Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait”, about the director of the 1996 film

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“Basquiat,” in which David Bowie played the part of Andy Warhol. Schnabel went on from being the darling of the Manhattan art scene to winning awards for his filmmaking at Cannes.

On a quieter note, Robin McKenna’s film “Gift”, shot in British Columbia, Rome, Nevada and Australia, explores how artistic expression and generosity of spirit are an antidote to materialism.

Weaving’s “not-to-be-missed” film is one about about the art market, “Maurizio Cattelan: Be Right Back”. Italian artist Cattelan is the man who tried to interest Donald Trump in a gold toilet called “America”, shocked the Catholic Church with his wax effigy of Pope John Paul II struck by a meteorite and staged a fake Biennale in the Caribbean, inviting great artists who arrived to find nothing more than 15 artists in the swimming pool.

“It’s a funny and provocative film, but is the film itself a fake?” Weaving asks. “The film may have fallen under Cattelan’s spell a bit, but no it’s not fake” – Weaving has checked it out.

The Winter Film Series, James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery, 6.30pm Wednesdays, until July 11. Bookings to nga.gov.au

AT A GLANCE:

• June 20, “Shadowman”

• June 27, “Gift”

• July 4, “Maurizio

Cattelan: Be Right Back”

• July 11, “Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait.”

Four rolls and a trip to Kansas

“Kodachrome” (M)

MARK Raso’s film of Jonathan Tropper’s screenplay based on AG Sulzberger’s 2010 “New York Times” article “For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas” offers no real surprises.

That event provides an agreeable-enough backdrop to family discord during a 3200-kilometre drive in a red Saab drophead carrying magazine photographer Ben (Ed Harris) in the last stages of terminal cancer, his son Matt (Jason Sudeikis) who hasn’t seen his dad in more than a decade and his full-time nurse Zoe (Elizabeth Olsen) who knows what’s what about her irascible patient rather better than she knows about herself. The screenplay deals with the prickly interactions among the three while the car crosses the American landscape and its cities and towns.

Nothing remarkable about that framework. So why hang a feature movie on it? The answer is the Leica camera that made Ben’s reputation and paid his bills. And the reason for the trip is to deliver four rolls of Kodachrome before the last laboratory on earth able to process them shuts down permanently at the end of the week.

There are enough conflicts along the way to generate and maintain the viewer’s interest without explaining why those four films underpin the story. What are the pictures that Ben wants to see again before he dies? Where is confrontation taking father and son? What about the chemistry between the two men and their feisty and rather beautiful companion?

Rather slow (25 ASA) Kodachrome was the only process permitted to enter “National Geographic” magazine’s doors – no exceptions. The shots accompanying the movie’s closing credits tell us why. Not even Ektachrome, its successor in the last years before digital imaging became the norm for photography, matches their blissful quality.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Limelight

“Ocean’s 8” (M)

IN 1960, Steven Soderbergh gave life to “Ocean’s 11”, a heist comedy-thriller of remarkable fecundity – its core concept has now given birth to a string of sequels telling the same story in different garb.

If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all.

The target of the crime changes, the membership of the gang reflects who’s hot at the time on the Hollywood list of

suitable actors. How then to inject a bit of freshness into the latest remake? A flash of invention! Create an all-female gang and move the caper to New York and the first Monday in May, when Anna Wintour hosts the best and beautifulest at that must-beseen-at event, the fundraiser ball in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Ocean’s 8” is director Gary Ross’ first foray into the “Ocean’s…” franchise and which of its two core themes might have taxed his skills more is a moot point. Viewers can play spot-the-celeb among the bling. Or they can wonder when the heist is going to fall on its face and see the long arm of the law put a stop to the fun. Or they can try to sort out the membership of the gang of experts assembled by Debbie (Sandra Bullock), sister of the original Danny Ocean. Apart from Cate Blanchett as Debbie’s 2ic, Helena Bonham-Carter as a dress designer and Anne Hathaway as the actress chosen to wear the fabulous three-kilo, diamond necklace that’s the gang’s prime target, I couldn’t identify who was playing the lower ranks in the gang and assume that they have made their names in American network TV, which is not something you’ll see me watching.

Of its kind, “Ocean’s 8” is a jolly enough romp, about which nothing matters much if at all.

At all cinemas

“Hereditary” (MA)

CIRCUMSTANCES beyond my control obliged me to leave the screening of this curate’s egg of a movie, touted as a great horror film, about an hour before it ended but quite early there was a passage that confirmed an impression that had been building in me since about an hour previously.

It’s director Ari Aster’s feature film debut after a small handful of short films produced, directed and written by himself. In it, Toni Collette plays housewife and mother Annie whose forebears and siblings have all died in mysterious and awkward circumstances. Her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) puts up with her somnambulism. Their 18-year-old son Peter (Alex Wolff) had been smoking weed before he crashed the car in which he was bringing his 13-year-old sister Charlie (Millie Shapiro) home after a kids’ party went pear shaped for her.

What was a 13-year-old doing at such a party? Well, when Peter asked to borrow the car, Annie insisted that Charlie accompany him, since the kids were too young to have access to alcohol.

Where had Annie been all her life to that point? It solidified my feelings about the film. Annie’s emotional friability was compounded by a woman member of a community group saying she is a medium and inviting her home to make contact with Charlie in the afterworld. I understand there are people who believe that to be possible. I am not one such and when I got a message about a problem needing my attention, I was not dismayed to leave the film early.

I was impressed by Toni Collette’s displays of Annie’s anger, hysteria, fear and general emotional instability. Apart from that, nothing I saw during my time watching “Hereditary” persuaded me of either credibility or horror. Horrible, horrid, perhaps.

At all cinemas

Now it’s pop’s turn for voices in the forest

By Helen Musa

“VOICES in the Forest” may have evaporated, but John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaite and the Black Sorrows, with Vika and Linda Bull, will perform at the inaugural Anthems Music Festival in the same season at the National Arboretum on November 17. Registrations for presale to anthemslive.com.au

SUPERSTAR cellist Steven Isserlis will play Shostakovich’s first cello concerto with the Australian Chamber Orchestra on the 1726 Marquis de Corberon Stradivarius cello at Llewellyn Hall on June 23. The program will feature world premieres of the new work, “A Knock One Night”, commissioned by Mirek Generowicz from Elena Kats-Chernin and a work by US composer Samuel Adams. Bookings to aco.com.au

THE Queanbeyan Art Society is holding an arts/crafts market stall in City Walk, Civic, September 22-October 1, running alongside its eleventh Charity Art Show. It’s inviting groups, societies and individuals to exhibit and sell art in the heart of the city. Applications at qarts.com.au or email qartsociety@gmail.com

GUITARIST Matt Withers has announced the winners in his Australian Music Composition Competition. The $2000 first prize went to Wade

Gregory for “Water Music”, the $750 second prize to Rick Alexander with “Storming” and the $500 Emerging Composer prize was won by Nava Ryan for “Solitude”. Withers and the Acacia Quartet will play the works at the National Arboretum on August 18. Bookings by July 31 to mattwithers.com.au

THE Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire is back from the “Various Voices”, the 14th European LGBTI Choir Festival in Munich, and as expected director Leonard Weiss has handed over the baton to respected Queanbeyan music teacher Dee McFaul. Inquiries to canberraqwire.org.au

THE BipARTisans is a new drop-in choir that meets for Friday lunchtime rehearsals at the NGA throughout winter. Canberra musician Dianna Nixon will create arrangements and backings to make it easy for all to participate. Meet at the information desk on Fridays at noon. Free, but bookings recommended to nga.gov. au or 6240 6632.

THE Windsong Series will see pianist Simon Tedeschi and violinist Andrew Haveron perform a program of romantic music by Kreisler, Rachmaninov and Grieg. Windsong Pavilion, Four Winds Road, Barragga Bay, Bermagui, at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 17. Bookings to iwannaticket.com.au

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Musician Ben finds the words (and the music) to propose MUSIC

By Helen Musa

WHEN musician Ben Drysdale wanted to find a really romantic way of proposing to his future wife Kaila, he looked no further than his own music.

Now the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist from Canberra’s funk and soul outfit, East Row Rabble, is releasing an EP and the single he used to propose, “Good For Me”, an occasion he counts as “a culmination of my two greatest achievements to date” – the other one was his marriage to Kaila in November, 2016.

Established in 2011, FORM Gallery is Queanbeyan’s largest privately owned gallery and only seven minutes from the Canberra Airport.

Specialising in local and national contemporary art, exhibitions are rotated every three weeks during the gallery calendar.

There are two gallery spaces as well as a generous stockroom.

Commissions are welcomed for your home or work space with any of our exhibiting artists. Visit Queanbeyan’s largest private gallery

0430 359 776 formstudioandgallery.com.au 1/30 Aurora Ave Queanbeyan Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Closed ACT School Holidays

Producing albums and playing music are only just some of the activities for this busy Canberra artist. Three days a week he’s a co-director with Cara Matthews and Robin Davidson of Rebus Theatre for Social Change, for two days a week he manages Belconnen Community Service’s “Gallery@BCS,” he plays regular gigs, and last year he found time to take a six-week honeymoon in the US and to perform as an actor with The Street Theatre in its poetry-based production, “Under Sedation”.

But first to that romantic proposal. Kaila, now a youth worker at the special assistance Galilee School, was the younger sister of a high school friend and he hadn’t seen her for 20 years.

“We had some casual courting, but it took me about six months to convince her that we were really together,” he tells “CityNews”.

Music to the rescue. When things weren’t going so well, he played her “As the Hail Rains”, a sad folk song he’d written in 2015 for his award-winning “Beth n Ben” album – it did the trick and they were back together.

Drysdale later used “Good For Me” to propose to Kaila at the Woodford Folk Festival on the hills overlooking Queensland’s Glass House Mountains – that worked, too, and the couple were soon married.

With all this going on, the album he had

Ben Drysdale… “It took me about six months to convince her that we were really together.”

put down in 2016 at Sam King’s Merloc studios in Watson with musicians Cameron Smith, Tim Bowyer, Josh Buckler, Niall Howe, Adam Rown and Angus Ogborne had lain fallow. But Drysdale, normally an acoustic performer, was galvanised into action after attending the “Grow My Music” seminar in Sydney during August last year and hearing, “you need to put something extra in when recording, because listeners are not getting the live energy that you always get in gigs.”

Via the conference convener, Martin Brown, he met music producer Jon Reichardt, who has worked with hip-hop heroes the Hilltop Hoods and Bliss n Eso but who now uses music to tackle mental health issues, who insinuated extra layers of guitar and also organ. The EP was mixed by King and mastered by Canberra’s Kimmo Vennonen. The result is self-described as “a slick mix of funk, reggae, blues and soul with upbeat party horn lines”, with Drysdale’s songs exploring world issues and daily curiosities with “honesty, hope and a little cheekiness”.

East Row Rabble EP release and single “Good for Me” at the Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner, 8pm, on June 22.

Family tradition meets unique Filipino flavours

WHEN you enter the world of Watson, make time to dine at Lolo and Lola by Waterhouse Bakers, a friendly Filipino eatery that dishes up amazing flavours.

Lolo and Lola began as a bakery stall at Westside Acton Village. It was wildly popular so when Westside closed, owners and chefs Jay and Kim Prieto decided on a “Plan B”. They discovered a place at Watson shops, where Cherryripe Brasserie used to be, and brought on executive pastry chef Cristina Uy, who they met at culinary school in the Philippines.

Lolo means “grandfather” in Filipino and Lola “grandmother”. The food celebrates family, tradition and the unique flavours and colours that showcase the cuisine from this part of the world. That includes the super-duper purple “ube”, a chiffon yam cake we’re determined to try on our next visit. And we might even give the Pork Isaw a go. It’s a Filipino delicacy – grilled pork intestine skewers with spiced vinegar ($13.50 for three pieces).

The service was amazing and we’ve not seen smiles that big in a long while.

which is good for up to four). The pork belly was super crispy on the outside and the meat beautifully tender. We happily dipped the bite-sized pieces into the dish of spiced soy-vinegar dip. Totally addicting.

We were delighted with the oh-so-fragrant beef curry loaded with meat, capsicum, peas and a secret recipe of spices. We initially wondered if the coconut milk would make the dish too rich but needn’t have worried – the balance was perfect ($17.50).

The menu is small, featuring around eight shareable

($17.50 for a regular size and $37 for the shareable size,

For greenery we shared the Ensaladang Labanos salad greens with fresh veggies and soy-pickled white radish – a different combo of flavours and some welcoming crunch ($14 regular size). It helped cut through the curry.

The portions at Lolo and Lola are so generous, we couldn’t finish our dishes. Sadly, there was no room for dessert, but we drooled over the look of the Filipino crème caramel with salted peanut meringue ($15). We also spotted the coffee chiffon cake with mocha buttercream ($8). Yum.

The décor features large photos mounted on the walls showcasing the Philippines, including intriguing street food scenes. And we loved the massive wooden carved utensils at the eatery’s entrance.

Lolo and Lola isn’t licensed and doesn’t offer BYO. Specialty cold drinks, such as a purple yam and young coconut thick shake ($6), and speciality hot drinks, such as a Filipino chocolate ($5), make up for this.

The service was amazing and we’ve not seen smiles that big in a long while.

Lolo and Lola offers a Filipino afternoon tea on the last Sunday of every month from 3.30pm-5.30pm. It is booked out well in advance, so get in early if you’re keen.

Lolo and Lola, 3 Watson Place, Watson. Open Wednesday and Thursday, dinner only; Friday and Saturday, lunch and dinner. Sunday, lunch only.

GARDENING

The stunning flowers of winter

IT’S not right to suggest winter in the garden is dreary and lacking interest when there are shrubs available that offer stunning flower colour over the colder months.

Many such winter-flowering plants also excel in rich fragrance starting with Daphnes.

The stalwart of the Daphne family is surely the old favourite, Daphne odora. The plant in our garden has so many buds waiting to burst into bloom it would be an impossibility to try to count them. Another is Daphne odora aureomarginata with its yellow-tinged leaves. Robin White’s book “Daphnes – a practical guide for gardeners” (Timber Press) is the “bible” of these magnificent plants in which he describes more than 200 varieties of Daphne.

Then there are some of the most spectacular flowers in the world that come from the most severe weather conditions imaginable, the Himalaya. The rhododendron family, which includes azaleas, are budding up so fast some in our garden couldn’t wait and are already in flower.

Buy and plant them now with the

offers the added pleasure of watching them gradually open into all their glory.

While not so spectacular, the Pieris family still presents a wonderful show with its common name of Pearl Bush. The long clusters of white or pink flowers resemble a string of pearls. Its bush’s red leaves provide a lovely backdrop to set off the emerging flowers.

Then there is the truly unusual winterflowering Clematis napaulensis. This, along with a few other select clematis, such as “Wisley Cream” are totally bare in summer. Then the colder it gets they sprout leaves and flowers all through winter.

IT is always distressing to see another independent garden centre close its doors. Having gone through the process many years ago, I feel for the owners, in this case Don and Lisa Franklin, of Parkwood Garden Centre, in West Belconnen.

It is hard to compete against the “giants” with their massive buying and advertising power.

I have watched numerous garden centres in Canberra and Queanbeyan close in recent years.

Their owners gave personalised attention combined with professional horticultural advice.

Plus they supported their local community with donations of plants to school fetes and the like.

Don Franklin will continue with his horticul -

and horticultural advice (0438 622653 or info@ donfranklin.com.au).

ANYONE really into certified organics needs to be aware that most potting mixes have chemical, slow-release fertilisers in the mix. This is promoted as a selling point to give plants a good start in life.

Even cow manure is not necessarily organic, depending on what the animals have been fed. In cattle feedlots the animals are fed with additives to enhance their growth. Even if they’ve only eaten grass, how do we know if this has had massive amounts of superphosphate added. And most chook poo is from battery hens fed with large amounts of hormones!

Jottings...

• Winter’s a good time to clean out the garden shed, firstly getting rid of expired chemical fertilisers.

• Sharpen secateurs and loppers in readiness for the pruning season.

• Remove dead branches of Japanese maples and prune to improve shape now rather than spring when the sap is flowing.

• Pat and Warwick Wright will discuss “Who’s the smartest – plants or animals?” at the next meeting of the Horticultural Society at the Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest, 7.30pm, on Monday, June 18. All welcome.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Tuesday favours love and creativity. Then, with the Sun moving into your home zone (on Thursday) family becomes your number one priority. So your motto is from birthday great, Meryl Streep: “My family really does come first. It always has and always will.” You’re keen to jump in and act with lightning speed on the weekend, but others may need some time to adjust. Smart Rams will aim to get the balance right between being spontaneous and thinking things through.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

So much to learn; so little time! It’s the perfect week to channel energy into educating and expanding your mind. Your communication skills are also firing, as you extend your peer group and make creative new connections. Family comes first on Tuesday, when you work on building firm foundations and fostering affection at Casa Taurus. Singles – with lucky Jupiter on your side, the best place to look for love at the moment is online. So start updating your profile pronto.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The mid-week Mercury/Jupiter/Neptune trine is wonderful for brainstorming adventurous ideas, which could lead to an inspired light bulb moment! Your creativity and communication skills are firing, but there’s also a tendency to scatter your energy all over the place. So focus yourself. On the weekend the Sun shines a spotlight on money matters. If your finances are in a mess then you need to develop some solid fiscal skills, ideally with the help of a professional.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The magical Mercury/Jupiter/Neptune trine is terrific for educational matters, travel plans, creative pursuits and compassionate endeavours. Then the Sun moves into your sign on Thursday, which kicks off your month to shine in the spotlight. Saturday’s sparky stars see you initiating an exciting project, as you feel less reactive and much more proactive. Be inspired by birthday great Meryl Streep: “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Lions appear to be brazenly bold on the outside but sometimes (on the inside) you feel like a much less confident kitten. This week it’s time to enjoy your eccentricities, talk up your talents, promote your accomplishments and tackle surprises with plenty of crazy brave chutzpah. If you don’t believe in yourself; why should anyone else? As birthday great Nicole Kidman observes: “Life has got all those twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Jupiter stimulates your study gene and boosts your innate curiosity. So make sure you fill your week with plenty of pleasurable social activities and exciting learning experiences. And – courtesy of Neptune – creative ideas could strike at any moment. So have your phone, tablet, laptop, pen and paper, paint brush or musical instrument within easy reach, and then you won’t miss a thing. It’s also a wonderful week to explore fresh horizons with an exciting and entrepreneurial friend.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Venus favours romance, friendship and fun. It’s also a terrific time to network and socialise with colleagues, as you mix business with plenty of pleasure. Librans are clever and capable but are you confident enough for big time success? The Sun shifts into your career zone, so step up and assume a leadership role. But your deft diplomatic skills will be required on Saturday, when someone is spoiling for a fight. Step in and play the peace-maker – but don’t get caught in the cross-fire!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Don’t be shy Scorpio! With Jupiter jumping through your sign (until November 8) do your best to promote yourself big time, as you push forward in a positive and proactive way. You also have much to gain from sharing ideas with a compatible colleague or a creative friend. If you’re looking for a new job, now’s the time to strike as lucky Venus enhances your professional persona. But resist the temptation to sweat the small stuff on Saturday. Relax and go with the flow.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Are you impatient for adventure, excitement and success? Awesome opportunities are circling around you, but they’re not immediately obvious. They are hidden in unexpected places, waiting for you to discover them. Spontaneous Sagittarians love to spring into fiery action but – at the moment – some of your best work will be done quietly, behind the scenes. Others may not notice what you’re currently doing, but your efforts will be well-rewarded in the months ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Are you experiencing problems with a partner (of the romantic, business or platonic variety)? Drop the “I’m right” attitude and strive to communicate in more consultative ways as you inspire others with your inclusive ideas, networking skills and community spirit. Venus activates your ‘money-from-others’ zone so it’s a lucky week for finances. But avoid getting drawn into other people’s power plays on Saturday. Uranus encourages you to do your own thing instead.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

On Tuesday (with peacemaker Venus activating your partnership zone) do your best to turn up the charm and smooth over problems with a frustrated friend or a cranky colleague. But expect some drama on Thursday or Friday, when a close relationship could take a decidedly unexpected detour. Make sure you get active on the weekend Aquarius! The Sun-Uranus connection favours exciting escapades, spontaneous shenanigans and avant-garde adventures.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Do you underestimate and undervalue your kind heart and creative talents? This week Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune encourage you to express your compassion and creativity for all the world to see. It’s also a wonderful week to enjoy a romantic interlude with your partner, fix a floundering friendship or find a fabulous new love. But don’t sit around passively waiting for Cupid’s arrow to strike. With the Sun shining in your romance zone, you need to be proactive.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Across

1 Which compact, opaque variety of quartz is commonly used in decorative carvings? (6)

7 The echidna is known as the spiny what? (8)

8 Name the capital of Spain. (6)

9 Which term describes that which is held in secret? (2,6)

10 Name an expression that suggests something of foreign origin. (6)

11 The essence of which plant is used as a flavouring, especially in making liqueurs? (8)

14 What are halos also called? (8)

18 To be impenetrable to light, is to be what? (6)

19 In law, what is a bar or impediment? (8)

21 What is the antelope also known as? (6)

22 To support underneath, is to do what? (8)

23 What is a dish served at dinner before the main course? (6)

Down

1 Who won the Stawell Gift in 2008, Sam ...? (8)

2 What is fool’s gold known as? (6)

3 What do we call those who follow left-wing political principles? (8)

4 Name a term describing that which is auricular. (4)

5 To which class of the vertebrates does a human belong? (6)

6 Which oxide occurs naturally as haematite? (6)

12 What, in the US, do they call petrol? (8)

13 Name a large heavy kind of terrier. (8)

15 To be mentally deranged, is to be what? (6)

16 What is an agent who buys or sells for a principal? (6)

17 Name a particular part of an engine. (6)

20 What is an insect in the stage between the larva and the imago? (4)

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