CityNews 180816

COVER STORY / flower art BRIEFLY Mystery over special ‘moment’

Art and flowers for heart’s sake

By Helen Musa

“FLOWERS are my paint,” says florist and make-up artist

David Reid of a joint springtime venture with art photographer Lori Cicchini.

“Dressing people up with clothes is another kind of paint, and makeup too,” he adds as we consider a reflective image by Cicchini of Canberra model Stefania Ferrario embedded in roses and native Australian foliage.

The image is one of many created in an “art for art’s sake” venture emerging from Canberra’s creative community. Cicchini and Reid have created an art form where flowers, fashion and make-up merge with fine photography. Using Canberra models, including Ferrario, a notable advocate for diversity in the

Their joint credentials are formidable.

Reid is a florist and make-up artist by day, but at heart he’s an artist. Born in Kuala Lumpur of mixed Chinese-Indian heritage, he was raised in Canberra and went to Lake Ginninderra College then on to study fashion at Canberra Institute of Technology, where he found himself increasingly fascinated by make-up.

“I’m a person who loves to create things and make things pretty,” he says.

It was make-up that took him to glamorous places as he created covers for “Harper’s Bazaar” and “Marie Claire”. In Sydney he once did make-up for Cate Blanchett without recognising her.

One of his most exciting make-up gigs saw him take a call from fellow CIT fashion student, Leigh Gow, now executive director for Huayi Brothers Fashion Group, who whisked him by plane to Shanghai to become makeup stylist to the queen of punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood, when she opened Fashion Week there in 2011.

Cicchini, whose photography has been variously described as “emotive”, “narrative”, “dark and provoking”, studied at Merici College before taking out a Bachelor in Photography at CIT and launching into her brilliant career.

“Off the wall and quirky – that’s how people see my work,” she tells “CityNews.”

She won first place for her fine-art nudes in the 2015 International Photography Awards, when she was also named Australia’s Top Emerging Fashion/Editorial Photographer in “Capture Magazine”. She was named this year’s Australian Institute of Professional Photography ACT Illustrative Photographer of the Year.

She’s exhibited in a National Portrait Gallery retrospective, at CSIRO Discovery Centre and at PhotoAccess, of which she is a dedicated member and where she will hold workshops later in the year to show

how she develops her concepts.

In a big solo “Tela Umana – Human Canvas” at Sydney’s M2 Gallery during the 2018 “HeadOn” photo festival, she exhibited “almost demonic” work inspired by Caravaggio alongside her “Wallflowers” series.

The collaboration between Reid and Cicchini began several years ago.

“Dave approached me with a concept and asked if I was interested in collaborating – I said yes,” Cicchini says.

“The face of the model is a canvas or a piece of paper,” Reid says. In much of the collaborative work with Cicchini the faces of the models are in fact painted. This is where his work becomes art.

Cicchini has her own ideas: “I lean

towards showing the inner person. I’m not interested in weddings, babies, family portraits, I’m interested in making art… Dave does make-up and floral art – we build something together.

“Dave will come up with an idea and find out who the model might be. He wants to draw on his make-up and styling palate and I want to interpret it in my way… one time I had a vision of red fabric on the model’s head and it turned into a beautiful art piece.”

Front cover: Canberra model Stefania Ferrario embedded in roses and native Australian foliage. Photo by Lori Cicchini; floral design and make-up by David Reid.

QUEANBEYAN’S “Mistress of Mystery” (and “CityNews” social history columnist) Nichole Overall is mercilessly teasing her editor with the promise of news of a major, exciting launch on Thursday, September 27, but revealing nothing more than: “Over the last few months, a small group of dedicated volunteers and I have been planning and preparing a special ‘moment’, something of a celebration of a rather unusual kind.

“While it will be Queanbeyan based, it’s wideranging and inclusive of the greater region. It’s also something of a kind not seen here before and we’re hoping it will be a quite personalised and interactive experience for locals and visitors alike.”

Subject to reading about it here first, readers are urged to save the date.

Warm clothing sale

THERE’S a sale, offering warm clothes for all ages, blankets, doonas, towels and linen, at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, August 17-18. The kitchen will serve scones (cooked on the premises), soup, muffins and hot dogs.

Meet, greet and vote

THE Canberra South Branch of National Seniors Australia will hold its annual general meeting at its monthly get together at the Weston Creek Labor Club, Stirling, on Wednesday, August 29. There will be an extended morning tea to discuss matters relating to seniors. Non-NSA members are welcome to attend. There’s a $3 contribution towards the cost of morning tea. Enquiries to nsacanberrasouth@gmail.com

Open day for seniors

THE North Belconnen Day Centre, which supports seniors by promoting wellness, fun and friendship, is having an open day and free sausage sizzle at the Melba Uniting Church, 30 Conley Drive, 11am-1pm on Saturday, August 25. More information from 0481 185205.

Come dancing

THE Canberra Seniors Centre is inviting the public to trip the light fantastic in an evening of dance at its hall at 10 Watson Street, Turner, on Wednesday, August 29. It’s preceded by an hour-long, free dance lesson at 6.30pm. The $10 entry includes a light supper. Booking enquiries to 6248 9509 or cseniors@bigpond.com.au Volume 24, Number 30 Phone 02 6189 0777

Hawker’s big miss and hit moment The bizarre bus routes

A HIGH number of motor vehicle accidents, from minor to major, get reported from around the region but none as bizarre as one in Hawker.

Astonished motorists watched a vehicle careen down Springvale Drive and across four lanes of Belconnen Way missing all traffic. The car then mounted the footpath, continued down the driveway of a house, smashing through a steel gate and double garage before coming to rest!

RUPERT Murdoch may own the tollbooth on the information superhighway but he can’t control the Canberra fog. The mogul’s private jet was redirected to Sydney when Friday’s near pea-souper closed Canberra airport. The 87-year-old Murdoch, who has a weekender near Yass, returned to Canberra later in the day.

The “Sydney Morning Herald’s” Andrew Hornery reports there were no sightings of bride Jerry Hall

THE Barr government has craftily turned the old marketing adage of less is more on its head. Thanks to a “where-do-my-ratesgo?” pie chart included in recent rates assessment notices, cranky ratepayers are assured that we actually get “more” for our money.

The chart reveals 6 per cent of our rates dollars is directed at “more jobs for our growing city”, while “More support for

When it comes to rates, the Barr government has craftily turned the old marketing adage of less is more on its head.

families and inclusion” takes away another 8 per cent; 23 per cent goes on providing “More schools, better schools” and “More services for our suburbs” swallows up 13 per cent.

A LONG career in politics doesn’t necessarily thicken the human hide. Labor member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly has cancelled his “CityNews” delivery to his Queanbeyan electorate office deeming our mag “not electorate specific”. Might my piece last week suggesting the MP may have gone too early with his support of embattled Lindsay MP Emma Husar be the real reason?

AND on long political careers, the yet-to-be-pre-selected Kel Watt is demonstrating traits necessary to achieve success in politics. The former union man, hoping to contest the Federal seat of Canberra, was quickly on the front foot over a smear campaign waged against him among Labor members. Now Watt is calling on ACT Labor secretary Matt Byrne to resign or be sacked over the murky dirt-sheet affair.

TRANSPORT Canberra will need to take extra care with the words it uses to

navigate its way through the weighty and fraught issue of overweight bus drivers. Calls for a ban on drivers over 130 kilograms come after a driver was seriously injured when a seat collapsed mid-trip two years ago. Diplomatic phrasing is needed with the transport authority still smarting from the on-line smacking it received over an alleged “condescending” invitation for a “Ladies Come and Try Day”.

The initiative by TC to boost the number of female drivers backfired with many on social media taking offence at the “sexist” tone of the message.

CANBERRA’S bright lights and dark nights feature prominently in Barnaby Joyce’s new autobiography “Weatherboard and Iron”. With his marriage in trouble and struggling with depression, the Nationals MP confessed to self medicating with alcohol, “carousing in Canberra’s bars” and spending “years wandering and getting closer to other women”. Joyce also reveals how “on many sleepless nights, he walked at midnight

to pray at a ‘special’ rock at Red Hill above Canberra”.

TWO high-profile Canberrans joined a massive social media “people-inglasshouses” pile-on of broadcaster Ray Hadley following news of his son’s arrest on drugs allegations. Former Immigration Department spin doctor Sandi Logan tweeted that Hadley “thinks he can influence everyone and anyone. But it’s not a radio show; it’s real life now Ray”. And former Raiders’ “bad boy” Todd Carney asked would Hadley “have the same sympathy for an NRL player in the same situation or would he ridicule him like he was a criminal?”

IT wouldn’t be magpie swooping season without MLA and avid cyclist Mark Parton being targeted. The former radio man was surprised to cop his first swoop so early, reporting he was “got good” by a maggie on August 4.

I OFTEN enjoy Mike Welsh’s Seven Days (CN, August 9). I like Mike, am increasingly dismayed by the bizarre bus route changes (eg Hawker to Kippax but not Jamieson), perhaps a feature article might be in order to fully expose the full incompetence of this (hint)?

At the risk of looking like a shopping list:

• Mike Kelly was unwise to wade into the defence of Emma Husar as he has. Party loyalty is one thing, but good judgement should be paramount.

• If Mike Welsh would like a Hawke memento, perhaps he might see if the Sydney Institute still has autographed copies of “Wednesdays with Bob”. Much better value, too, than a raffle tea towel.

• Lacking dynastic background like Mike Welsh, I nonetheless found it is disappointing he was dismissive of our nation builders. The Downers, like Kingston (also from SA) and the likes of Barton, Deakin and Fisher amongst many made a great contribution to establishing our nation and this city. Many are forgotten, even our Malcolm Mackerras was prompted by me to include Fisher amongst our top PM’s.

We are a lucky country, and many good things have been done, despite the overdone cynicism about politicians.

Martin Gordon, Dunlop

Oh, Shane, the price the poor will pay for this

IT was hard not to feel a tad sorry for the opposition spokesperson for housing, Mark Parton, following his failure to gain the support of the ACT Greens for his proposal to grant the owners of rental properties a land-tax holiday if they reduced rents by a commensurate amount.

Greens member Caroline Le Couteur had, after all, publicly floated the very same proposal herself. Presumably in the face of Labor Party opposition to giving up any revenue from any source for any purpose, Caroline and Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury silently caved in and refused to support the motion proposed by the opposition.

I have to say it is not an idea that I would have supported either. I would have preferred Labor and the Greens to do what was recommended by the Taxation Review and abolish land tax altogether.

In its response to the Taxation Review in 2012 then-treasurer Andrew Barr agreed in principle to do just that. The fact that Land Tax has not been repealed but in fact increased over the three years between 2013-14 and 2016-17 at an annual rate of 10.35 per cent from $79 million to $106 million explains in major part why the Labor/Greens promise to ensure that the implementation of the Taxation Review recommendations would be revenue neutral has been broken.

Labor and the Greens have

Analysis of the ACT Budget uncovers some quite startling detail. Most remarkable perhaps is the revelation that the claimed surplus is an illusion.

announced that Land Tax will increase by a further 45 per cent over the next five years. I imagine the fact that the Greens have supported these massive hikes in Land Tax was an additional consideration in their decision not to support the Liberal Party motion. To have done so would certainly have exposed the depth of their hypocrisy.

Shane Rattenbury.

The fact that the ACT Budget is as much a statement of the priorities and policies of the Greens Party as it is of the Labor Party exposes the extent of the Faustian bargain that unites the two parties. As a Minister and member of the Cabinet, Shane Rattenbury has signed off on every single decision and initiative contained in or reflected by the Budget and the consequences that will flow from the way in which funding has been allocated.

Analysis of the Budget uncovers some quite startling detail. Most remarkable perhaps is the revelation that the claimed surplus is an illusion. It has been achieved, in the

main, by deferring, in contradiction of the government’s own stated policy, the expensing of hundreds of millions of dollars of large-scale generation certificates until after the next election. What this deferral has done is distort the operating balance by $132 million in this financial year alone and will create, of course, a massive black hole in the first Budget after the 2020 election, when the certificates are apparently now to be surrendered. Is it just me or is it especially cynical that the Greens have agreed to use an accounting treatment of a program designed as a centrepiece of the national response to climate change and as a measure of progress in meeting the Renewable Energy Target in a way that misrepresents the Budget position? Is nothing sacred?

I get the impression that concerns about the way in which large-scale energy certificates have been treated in the ACT Budget are water off a duck’s back to Rattenbury. He did, after all, sign off on the Budget. The

Budget has his signature on it and while he also signed off on behalf of Caroline Le Couteur, I’m sure the contest between pragmatism and principle, which Shane seems to have resolved in favour of pragmatism or “whatever it takes”, continues to torment Caroline who appears to be genuinely concerned by the opportunity costs that result from the funding which the Greens top-priority projects have been allocated.

The two biggest winners in the Budget are Economic Development, which includes expenditure on renewable energy and tourism, and Transport, which includes, of course, the cost of the tram. These two functions receive by far the highest increases in funding in the Budget at 9.9 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

Funding for almost all other functions pale in comparison and a number have indeed suffered cuts. The tram and renewable energy are indisputably the Greens’ two signature policy issues and the funding they have been allocated reflects the price the Greens have demanded for their unquestioning allegiance to the government.

However, the price the community will pay as a result of the bargain

struck between the two parties is the consequential funding cuts which Labor and the Greens have agreed to make to other functions. These include a cut of 3.7 per cent (compounding) to Environmental Protection (the first casualty of which is the decision to defund Frog Watch – oh, Shane; oh, Caroline, how could you?), a cut of 0.6 per cent (compounding) for Social Protection, and effective cuts to Housing and Community Services and to Health in relation to both of which the agreed growth in funding is less than inflation.

It goes without saying that all of these cuts will impact disproportionately and dramatically on the most poor, disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised people in our community.

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

POLITICS / stephen-smith under fire

Union takes a big stick to ‘complacent’ minister

WHEN the CFMEU organises a campaign against a Labor government – something is awry.

More than a campaign! The CFMEU blitzed Canberra suburban letterboxes with a leaflet attacking the Workplace Relations Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. And it worked.

The rest of Canberra must be wondering what it takes to get this minister to respond to the community. If a major union cannot get action without taking such extreme steps, what can ordinary citizens expect?

The CFMEU leaflet accused the minister of failing workers and identified the short-changing of workers employed on the light rail project by government contractors.

The clever part about the union blitz is the way it touched a series of sensitivities of ACT Labor and the ACT government. Protection of workers, the light rail project, failing unions, breaking promises and letting down Labor Party members. The appeal went broader accusing the government of allowing Canberra to be “the wage-theft capital” and of the ACT government of being “partners in crime” with “bad bosses”.

The ACT secretary of the CFMEU, Jason O’Mara, also threatened to expand the campaign to include phone calls and door knocking if the issue remained unresolved.

In 2016 Labor had promised a code

to be agreed between government and unions to protect union workers’ rights. The code was to ameliorate the Federal government’s workplace approach under Michaelia Cash.

A draft of the code was released in February and then nothing. The draft code was to safeguard a worker’s right to associate and create an active role for unions in the induction of workers. It was to avoid a trigger that might conflict with the Fair Work right-ofentry provisions. As part of its blitz, the CFMEU also lodged a $700,000 claim in the Federal Court on behalf of workers on the light rail project. It took a lot more than a crowbar, but finally, Rachel Stephen-Smith moved. If the CFMEU needs to take such strides to move a minister on

something that Labor has promised, it raises a series of questions:

• What chance does an ordinary citizen have of influencing her?

• To what extent is the approach taken by the CFMEU inappropriate bullying?

• Is the minister so complacent (or so stubborn) that she will not move until such levers are put in place?

• Is the rest of the government asleep?

Rachel Stephen-Smith finally introduced the Secure Local Jobs Code into the Legislative Assembly, demanding companies hold a certificate committing them to a raft of workplace rules.

She claimed the intention was to “guarantee the highest ethical

CPC Psychic & Spirituality Expo

Canberra 2018

standards on government-funded projects” and, later, “what we are doing is using our purchasing power to set a benchmark for the standards that we would expect employers to abide by across the ACT economy”.

In introducing the legislation the minister put a brave face on the government’s approach saying: “Canberrans want to ensure that taxpayers’ money goes to companies that treat their workers fairly, that uphold their rights”.

If the CFMEU can’t get action without taking extreme steps, what can ordinary citizens expect?

The code will be tested by an Assembly committee now charged with considering the ramifications.

The Liberals’ Andrew Wall has warned the code will “price local small businesses out of the ACT procurement process”. This is something the committee will need to consider very carefully. It will also need to look at the costs to business, the make up of the proposed six-member oversight council and the impact of a registrar to examine the audit certificates required of businesses.

If the minister’s approach up to

this point is any indication – the committee will need to work hard to ensure that this code is not simply the work of the department with minimal ministerial oversight. What is needed is a sensible approach taking into account the needs of ACT businesses as much as the needs of ACT workers. Whatever the outcome, the standard has been set. With a complacent government, it is not enough to simply present facts, rely on evidence and encourage good decision making. In the ACT, the art of gentle persuasion of the “critical friend” seems to be giving way to the big stick.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell govern ment. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Driving more traffic chaos to Weston Creek

WHEN people gather to discuss a major housing development, it is wise for politicians to identify with the issues. This is not rocket science – but not every politician gets it.

After presentations to Weston Creek residents from the developer for the former AFP site in Weston, three politicians were given the floor.

The Liberal, Jeremy Hanson, was on message. He expressed concerns for several issues and notified all that he was door knocking.

The Greens’ Caroline Le Couteur was spot on when she focused on the real problems with this development, being the original zoning (very questionably generic) and the lack of appropriate traffic and transport infrastructure that should have preceded development on this site and elsewhere across the Molonglo Valley.

Labor’s Bec Cody got very animated about the opening of the new dog park the following weekend. Being of this government, she made no mention of the planning and development

Yet again the ACT government’s method of traffic planning is to deal with traffic and transport problems once the worst has been inflicted on residents.

issues people had been discussing. Hers was an exercise of distraction. It did not work and more on that later.

The good people of Weston Creek had gathered to hear the latest presentation by the developers of the site, the Village Building Company. The site in question is on the corner of Unwin Street and Heysen Street and the developers are proposing a mix of around 245 units, apartments and townhouses. The site is about 58,600sqm and is zoned RZ4 (Medium Density Residential).

Most questions during the hourlong session were about traffic and infrastructure. While the developers offered answers to issues relating to the site, they were not able to provide much about the complex traffic, transport and parking issues outside their development site. As Caroline Le Couteur suggested, these issues date back to how this site was zoned in 2008.

This part of Weston Creek is already suffering from complex traffic issues

brought on by the massive developments throughout the Molonglo Valley that have sent loads of traffic through the nearby streets. This development, while being carried out according to the zoning, is destined to massively add to the problems that are hitting daily commuters due to the blatant lack of forward planning for the increases in traffic.

Unfortunately the developers on the night had to bear the brunt of these frustrations. It turns out that yet again the ACT government’s method of traffic planning is to deal with traffic and transport problems once the worst has been inflicted on residents. The people of Gungahlin know about this – and are still suffering while the government works away to correct the damage that was done years ago. As was said on the night, this is the future for Weston residents.

The other big problem at play in Weston is the zoning. The current zoning works against delivering architectural results that fit alongside the aesthetics of these established suburbs. This is the same across many established suburbs being subject to redevelopment. Campbell

The developers do what the zoning allows. In Weston it will be a 21st century set of units, townhouse etcetera surrounded by reasonable landscapes – in fact very nice central open spaces. But this monotone mass of similar buildings will be stark alongside the well established urban landscapes of Weston – now celebrating 50 years.

The government’s generic zoning requires so little to address the neighbourhood character. This is minimal planning. The zone system needs to be scrapped and replaced with something relevant to each suburb that addresses good design, requires varied architecture, promotes aesthetics and

that matter to Canberra’s future as the bush capital.

The chair later commented that Bec Cody may have been wrong about the dog park, saying it was not so ready. It seems that Cody’s enthusiastic distraction (look over here) fell a little flat and on the night she had not much to offer these residents. As does her government.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters. He has written on public housing before at the-southern-cross.com/people

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Hear this: how coach Tim doesn’t miss a trick

IMAGINE the constant strain of missing out on what is being said, of asking people to repeat themselves, of lip reading every conversation.

This is what Woden local Tim Hull had been dealing with for years and now that he has been fitted with hearing aids from Specsavers Audiology, he is encouraging others to take action for their hearing.

“I’d known about my hearing loss for a long time and increasingly it had been taking more and more of a toll on my overall happiness and wellbeing,” he says.

“I’d been putting off being fitted with hearing aids for years and now that I’ve finally taken the step I wish I had done it a lot sooner.”

Tim is a father of two and coach of the Queanbeyan Tigers AFL Senior Women’s team.

“I was struggling to hear my daughters and wife around the house and I was particularly straining on the footy field, if a player was more than a few metres away or not facing me so I could lip read I had no idea what they were saying. I found this very frustrating and exhausting,” says Tim. “It is a relief to feel normal again. I feel like every day is less stressful, which means that my

energy levels are higher than they’ve been in a long time.”

Tim became aware that Specsavers Woden and Specsavers Tuggeranong now offer audiology after his wife was in store for her regular eye health check and was offered a free, five-minute hearing screen.

Luke Fratturo, audiologist at Specsav ers Woden and Specsavers Tuggeranong says helping customers like Tim is what he loves most about his job.

“I know what a difference hearing aids can make to a person’s quality of life and I find helping people through their rehabilitation journey really rewarding,” says Luke.

I also enjoy being able to offer highquality products at such affordable prices.

“When I launched Specsavers Audiology in Woden and Tuggeranong in late 2017, I knew there would be a lot of people out there who had been putting off doing something about their hearing loss.

“Research says that one in six Australians experience hearing loss yet only one in three does anything about it. These people are missing out on living their lives to the full.”

Tim says the process of being tested and fitted was smooth and thorough.

“Luke was fantastic at explaining the testing process and the function of the different hearing aids,” he says.

Audiologist Luke Fratturo and Tim Hull… “I know what a difference hearing aids can make to a person’s quality of life,” says Luke.

“I have also been really impressed with the level of support both during the fitting stage and afterwards. I’ve been back to have them adjusted to ensure they are giving me the most benefit.

“I’ve been telling all of my friends about how much my new hearing aids have improved the quality of my life and my family has certainly noticed the difference in me, my daughters demand I wear them at all times!”

Specsavers Audiology is accredited as a qualified hearing service provider by the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, which provides eligible people with access to hearing services such as hearing assessments, subsidised hearing aids and aftercare services.

Bookings and more information at specsavers.com.au/hearing. Alternatively, call Specsavers Tuggeranong on 6293 1590, or Specsavers Woden on 6281 1365.

HEARING CHECKLIST

IF you experience any of the following tell-all signs, you may benefit from expert advice from a free, 15-minute hearing check at Specsavers:

1. Do you have the TV or radio turned up louder?

2. Do you find telephone conversations hard work?

3. Do you ask people to repeat things?

4. Do you have difficulty following conversations in groups of people?

5. Has someone suggested you might not be hearing as well as you used to?

Specsavers Woden and Specsavers Tuggeranong are taking bookings for free, 15-minute hearing checks. If further testing is required, comprehensive hearing assessments are being offered for $49. If you require hearing assistance as a result, Specsavers has a range of hearing aids designed and built by leading manufacturers, which feature cutting-edge innovations in hearing assistance.

Specsavers Tuggeranong (Near Big W) 6293 1590

Specsavers Woden (Next to the Food court) 6281 1365

ALL ABOUT DICKSON

The plane truth about old days in Dickson

DID you know that Dickson, with its leafy streets, singledwelling houses and doublestorey duplexes, was once Canberra’s original airport?

Between 1926 and 1928, a small runway called Northbourne Aviation Ground was located where the Dickson Library and playing fields are now.

In September, 1928, Dickson was gazetted but the suburb was not settled until the ‘60s.

According to the 2016 census, Dickson, which is named after Sir James Dickson, a Queensland advocate of Australian Federation and one of the founders of the Australian Constitution, has a population of more than 2000 people.

1b 20 Challis St, Dickson ACT eco beauty and wellness

(02) 6257 1886 info@authentix.com.au www.authentix.com.au

Canberra’s first closed colon hydrotherapy • Eyelash Extensions

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Waxing

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MON: Appointment only  TUE/WED: 9am – 5pm  THU/FRI: 9am – 8pm SAT: 9am – 5pm SUN: Closed

Bulk food without the packaging

THE Source Bulk Foods has been helping Canberra reduce its packaging waste and food waste for almost a year, says its owner Emma Mason.

Passionate about the environment, Emma and her husband opened The Source Bulk Foods to take part of the Australian franchise, which eliminates the need for fancy packaging and single-use plastic.

“We all know the damage that waste is doing to the environment and our waterways,” she says.

“Making the switch to The Source will make a dramatic impact on your weekly waste and encourage you to be more mindful about your consumption choices.”

The Source sells a variety of dry pantry items, teas and cleaning products such as grains, nuts, lentils, beans, dried fruit and honey.

“About 85 per cent of our products are organic and we always like to source from Australian farmers when we can,” she says.

There’s also a range of gluten-free products and flours, which aren’t common in supermarkets.

“We encourage you to bring in your own jars, containers and bags for refill, or we have brown paper bags,” she says.

“You can bring in your own olive oil bottle or shampoo container and refill, instead of having to buy a whole new bottle.”

And, mango-lovers might want to bring a big container because Emma says their preservative-free, dried mangoes are not just popular in Canberra but across Australia.

The Source Bulk Foods, 7/30 Dickson Place. Call 6262 9483, email dickson@thesourcebulkfoods.com.au or visit thesourcebulkfoods.com.au

Eco beauty and wellness salon

WANTING people to feel good and look good, Authentix, an eco beauty and wellness salon in Dickson, offers services for inner and outer beauty, says managing director Shahnee Froome.

“There was only so much we could do topically so if we deal with the inner-health issues, then the outer health will speak for itself,” she says.

“Which is why I decided to introduce colon hydrotherapy in the salon.

“The colon hydrotherapy cleanses the bowels, but at the same time it also cleans the blood, lymphatic system, kidneys, liver and helps boost your immune system.”

irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, sleep, Crohn’s disease and concentration.

But Authentix also has many other services such as facials, waxing, spray tanning, eyelash extensions, manicures, pedicures, relaxation and hot-stone massage.

“We focus on using animal-friendly products and we have a certified organic skin care range from Byron Bay, which delivers client results without all the added toxins,” she says. Shahnee says the Authentix team all love what they do and pride themselves on delivering impeccable customer service in a relaxing but energetic atmosphere.

Shahnee, who has had amazing results herself from colon hydrotherapy, says her clients have, too, boasting that it helps with things such as weight management,

Authentix, 1B, 20 Challis Street, Dickson. Call 6257 1886, email info@authentix.com.au or visit authentix.com.au

Stylish shoes for wide feet

DICKSON Poddiatry Clinic has a big range of stylish, flexible and supportive shoes for people with wide feet or orthotics, says podiatrist Mark Clayton.

Handmade in Israel from Italian leather, Mark says these shoes, which are called NAOT, make it fashionable to walk in comfort.

“When you buy a pair of orthotics, most of the shoes don’t have enough depth or they’re not stylish,” he says.

“These have good, modern styles and a big range. [In fact] we’re proud to be Canberra’s largest supplier of world-renowned, orthotic-friendly NAOT footwear.”

Mark, who’s been a podiatrist for more than 30 years, says he entered the industry because he liked the idea of helping people.

His experience helps him find new ways to keep people’s feet healthy, such as wide, medium and standard sized NAOT shoes, which fit most feet. NAOT, which means “oasis” has been crafting its footwear for more than 60 years.

AFTER initially opening in 1964 as the Canberra Tradesmen’s Union Club, the Tradies in Dickson continues to be a place of great food, entertainment and accommodation, says marketing and business analyst Kirstin Redding.

The club comprises many sections such as Essence Restaurant, Blueys Cafe and the Canberra Wine House each with its own atmosphere. The club also has a big focus on local products such as its coffee, some of its meat, produce and fresh bread.

“Essence Restaurant offers dishes from The Tradies’ iconic schnitzels to a carefully selected range of favourites such as crispy skin pork belly and lamb shanks,” Kirstin says.

“Blueys Café serves breakfast daily, delicious fresh sandwiches and wraps, gourmet burgers and hotdogs,

cakes and desserts, milkshakes and thick shakes.

“[And] the Canberra Wine House offers a range of deliciously fresh local produce platters, which are heaped with cheeses, fruits and meats.”

Then, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Kirstin says the lounge hosts solo and duo artists to set the mood.

“The Sports Bar is a popular place to watch a sports game or for a hit of pool and there’s generally a buzz in the air,” she says.

“Overall, the atmosphere throughout the club is relaxed and feels like home.

“No matter who you are and what you’re in the mood for we have everything you need in the one place.”

The Tradies, 2 Badham Street, Dickson. Call 6162 5656 or visit thetradies.com.au

FREEInitialConsultation* ALL ABOUT DICKSON

Fast, fact-based service

BASED at Dickson Place, the Himalayan Business Group is a multi-faceted education and visa consulting company, which focuses on a high degree of customer service when delivering education, migration, mortgage and travel services.

Its strength is in its ability to provide prompt and fact-based service delivery to its clients.

“Our ability to ‘cut-through’ issues, make practical and realistic assessments of the opportunities and challenges, and work with clients with different needs are highly regarded,” says a HBG spokesperson.

“Each member of the HBG team brings to a project their specific skills and experience, to ensure the right expertise for your particular needs.”

HGB is also based in Brisbane, Kathmandu and

Himalayan Business Group, F3, Level 1, 25 Dickson Place. Email canberra@himalayanbusiness.com, call 6193 4085 or visit himalayanbusiness.com

Clinic’s doctors cover all the bases

DICKSON Medical & Travel Clinic has been providing a high level of care to its patients and the community since it was established in 1987 by Dr Alan Shroot and colleagues. Dr Shroot was joined by Dr Les Buczynski the following year, and since then have been working together as

The practice offers standard general practice services such as diabetes and asthma management to travel medicine vaccinations and occupational medicine such as employee medicals and screening.

With a support team of nurses onsite and a range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, dental and pathology in the same complex Dickson Medical & Travel Clinic says it offers a comprehensive service to all its patients.

Dickson Medical & Travel Clinic, Unit 6, 151 Cowper Street. Call 6257 3853 or visit dicksonmedical.com.au

the heart of Dickson

“THE people’s local pub in the heart of Dickson”, the Ducks Nuts, is a place where people can relax and grab a traditional pub meal, says venue manager Neil Batterley.

Or, he says, they can taste one of the signature dishes such as the duck chips or duck burger.

The contemporary sports bar opened in 2016 and has since been offering locals a place to watch sports matches on more than 20 television screens.

“We are the place to watch all the big ticket boxing and UFC fights live,” he says.

“We have over 15 beers on tap, and we love to work with locally owned breweries such as Bentspoke on our beer collaborations giving the customer something unique, just to Ducks Nuts.

Ducks Nuts offers weekly specials such as $20 all day roast on a Sunday, $15 schnitzels on a Monday, $15 steaks on Tuesday and $15 burger and beer on a Wednesday.

“As well as some amazing sharing dishes like our ‘Ducks Nuts Platter’ which is always a crowd pleaser,” Neil says.

“The atmosphere is one of a relaxed and inviting environment, where we like to think of the customer as part of the Ducks Nuts family, where nothing is too big or small for us to do for them.”

Ducks Nuts, 30 Woolley Street. Call 6230 7675 or visit ducksnuts.net.au

Customer care and cheap prices

SINCE opening in 2015, Chemist Outlet at Dickson continues to deliver personalised customer care, with fast script services and low prices, says owner Rhonda Warne.

Over the years she says they’ve increased their range of products and are constantly trying to be the cheapest on the north side.

“Our customer service is like any community pharmacy but we also have discounted prices,” she says.

“We have a price point that people can handle. They’re more likely to keep taking medication that they need if it is affordable.”

Chemist Outlet offers services such as blood-pressure checks, diabetes and cholesterol screening, ear piercing from $35, free webster packs and free prescription delivery service on the northside.

Rhonda says some of their popular products and services are their discounted fragrances, cosmetics, aids for daily living, venosan compression stockings, free webster packs, sms prescription service and blood-pressure checks.

Chemist Outlet Dickson, 1/42 Dickson Place, Dickson.

ALL ABOUT DICKSON

Gym dedicated to beating ‘bad habits’

ANYTIME Fitness in Dickson has been going above and beyond to motivate its members for eight years now, says manager Kerri O’Donnell.

“We always say we care. We care about our members and we try and make sure they achieve their goals,” she says.

“And if they’re not achieving their goals, we’ll give them a call and ask them why and try to make sure they start visiting the gym again.”

It’s mainly bad habits that get in the way, which is why Kerri says Anytime Fitness tries to motivate them in an encouraging way to beat those bad habits.

“It takes 21 days to form a good habit,” she says.

And there’s many options to form that good habit, whether it be alongside Anytime Fitness’ personal trainers or exercise physiologists, or in its small group classes such as boxing, Pilates and HIIT.

With 500 Anytime Fitness gyms across Australia and almost 4000 worldwide, which can be accessed at any time, Kerri says it’s easy to keep those good habits.

“There’s so many of [Anytime Fitness’] around, you’ll always find somewhere to train,” she says.

Anytime Fitness Dickson, Level 1, 17 Woolley Street. Call 6230 1333 or visit anytimefitness.com.au

Nail spa likes to keep things fresh and healthy

RUN by two sisters, Holy Nails and Spa Salon uses non-toxic chemical products so its customers experience a fresh salon when receiving any treatment.

Holy Nails and Spa Salon offers treatments such as acrylic, shellac, manicures, pedicures, waxing and eyelash extensions.

“We prioritise having a safe and hygienic environment for customers to be in,” says Holy Nails and Spa Salon.

“We ensure this by sterilising our equipment after each use and sanitising the equipment in separate sealed bags where they are then ready to be used again.

“We constantly update and create new and beautiful designs for our customers.

“We strive to ensure that all of our customers who come into our salon are satisfied with our professional service and quality.”

Holy Nails and Spa Salon, 3/25 Dickson Place. Call 6262 7432 or visit holynails.com.au

SCENE / around canberra

At the Grant Burge wine dinner, Southern Cross Yacht Club, Yarralumla

Southern district with long history and big buzz

CAVE paintings and Aboriginal artifacts discovered in the area confirm that the Tuggeranong region has been occupied by the Ngunnawal people for more than 21,000 years.

These days the district is home to a group of popular, established suburbs consolidated around Lake Tuggeranong and vast pastoral leases that extend south of the suburbs of Banks, Conder and Gordon. The boundaries of the district are constrained by the Murrumbidgee River to the west, the border with NSW to the south and east, and pastoral leases that mark the district’s boundary to the north, including the remnants of the Tuggeranong Homestead.

Youth club calls

on Canberrans to take the plunge

CANBERRA Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) is calling on Canberrans to take the “plunge” and abseil or zipline from Woden’s tallest commercial building to help them raise funds to deliver more programs.

“We’re looking for up to 400 people to register, get on board and raise funds to support more young people across the region,” says executive manager Cheryl O’Donnell.

Serving the local community for more than 60 years, PCYC offers a range of low-cost and high-quality programs and activities to engage young people and the community.

If people take the “plunge” from October 25 to 28, Cheryl says the money will enable them to deliver more staff and programs in areas such as mental health, training, bullying or cyberbullying.

Teaching children in a ‘safe’ environment

LEAD by qualified teachers in a warm, safe and stimulating environment, Kidstart Education and Activity Centre in Wanniassa helps young children grow and develop next to the safety of someone they know.

“From the ages of five months to three years, children attend with a parent or carer for a one-session-a-week educational playgroup program,” says director Kristen O’Connor.

Not only does this let adults socialise with other adults and children with other children, but Kristen says it allows carers to be involved in seeing the children through various developmental phases.

“Parents get to be involved without having to do any of the work,” she says.

“These programs rely on the parents helping their child with the different activities to provide encouragement and support.

“The weekly session is designed to enhance a child’s overall growth and development in social, physical and intellectual areas.

“Of particular importance is the development of motor skills and co-ordination which are critical to a child’s development and future learning,” she says. Designed to enhance social skill and exploration

The name Tuggeranong comes from a Ngunnawal expression meaning “cold place”.

Canberra PCYC already offers a wide range of sporting and recreational options in an inclusive environment, such as Firebelly, which is a Wednesday night program that includes touch football, boxing and use of the gym.

Cheryl says these programs create an environment of belonging, which increases a person’s health and mental wellbeing.

PCYC also offers targeted programs for young people exhibiting anti-social behaviour, disengagement from school or engaging in

low-grade, petty crime.

“Whatever journey people may have been on, it is our mission to empower people to create pathways to a better future for themselves,” she says.

Canberra Police Community Youth Club, 17 Grattan Court, Wanniassa. Call 6296 7822, email erindale@ pcyc.net.au or visit pcyc.net.au

sessions include music, movement, dance, gym, gross motor activities, fine motor activities, percussion as well as stories, rhymes, jigsaws and games. And, there’s no need to wait to enrol because Kristen says children can be enrolled during any time of the year.

Kidstart Education, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa, at kidstart.com.au or call 0422 406622.

Swim school with families in mind

MORE than just a swimming school, Aqua Harmony Enriched Learning Partnership has created a community of services for its families to make their lives easier, says assistant manager Jody Crawford.

Recently celebrating its 20th birthday, Aqua Harmony Enriched Learning Partnerships began in a hay shed on Cotter Road before moving in to its new facility in Kambah four years ago.

“The new facility gave us the scope to think of other ways we can help support our families,” Jody says.

Now, under the roof of Aqua Harmony, Jody says they also offer sensory programs for babies under 12-months-old, a cafe, which provides stimulating toys for children, so their parents can enjoy a coffee, and they have recently started a sleep consultation service.

“We’re trying to help meet the needs of the families who come to us,” she says.

“Our biggest focus is making sure that what we give our families is community based and child based.”

But Jody, who has been a swimming teacher for 20 years, says teaching children to swim is still an important service they offer.

“In Canberra and Australia it’s hugely important based around water,” she says.

“Right from very young we’re teaching them how to get back to safety.”

Aqua Harmony Enriched Learning Partnership, 4-6 Jenke Circuit. Call 6231 0765, email bookings@ aquaharmony.com.au or visit aquaharmony.com.au

advertising feature

Funky cafe with fun on the menu

FULL of high energy and great food, The Public Place in Chisholm refuels its customers with food and lifts their mood with loud music and fun, says owner Sandra. It’s a family-run, “funky, trendy and industrialstyled cafe”, serving a lot of gluten-free and vegan options.

“We do a mix of healthy food and we use a lot of superfoods and grains,” she says.

“We have a really big breakfast and lunch menu as well as a really big display of cakes and housemade pies, sausage rolls and pastries.”

Every day there’s about 45 different cakes on display, which change regularly, and the whole top shelf is gluten free.

Sandra says there are also a lot of raw slices and protein balls and meals such as the “anytime fitness lunch”, which is popular post workout.

Sticking to fresh and seasonal products, the menu changes every three months with newly inspired meals to match the season.

“We’re always reinventing ourselves,” Sandra says.

“[And] because we’re in Chisholm shops, there’s heaps of free parking, there’s a wheelchair ramp and there’s a kids’ area inside the cafe.”

The Public Place, 42 Halley Street, Chisholm. Call 6292 9952, email info@thepublicplace.com.au or visit thepublicplace.com.au

• Led by university qualified & experienced

• Fun and stimulating activities that provides both enjoyment and learning

• Sessions include music, movement, dance, fine & gross motor activities as well as literacy and numeracy

• Emphasis on development of motor skills, academic and social skills

PUBLIC PLACE

TEMPTING TUGGERANONG

Indian grocer with a wide taste

WITH a dream to own his own grocery store and a passion for customer service, Sachin Malhotra recently opened Swagat Grocers and Convenience Store in Tuggeranong.

working in other supermarkets, saw the need to provide a variety of Indian and various groceries for people in the area.

Experts in Complex Foot & Ankle Problems

Sachin, who has more than nine years’ experience

“We wanted a store that, while it is still an Indian grocer, everyone would feel welcome in and find items that they both love and use in their kitchens,”

The family-run store has a wide range of products such as lentils, flour, cooking oils, rice, ready-to-eat meals, frozen and fresh vegetables, herbs and spices, quality cosmetics and herbal items from India.

“Not to mention our very popular chai that goes beautifully with our cookies,” Sachin says.

“Our chai has become very popular among customers as we have a wide range to select from.”

Customer service is an absolute must for Sachin, who loves to listen and talk with people of all ages

“We are always looking to source stock that not all the other grocers currently have and encourage people of all cultures to our store,” he says.

“Customers are able to order an item that isn’t in stock and we are more than happy to go above and beyond to provide the best customer experience.”

Swagat Grocers and Convenience Store, shop 2/310 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6293 9676.

Team keen to keep patients moving

TRYING to get people as functional and mobile as possible is a huge focus for the team at ACT Podiatry.

Principal podiatrist Jane Earl says ACT Podiatry passionately supports the notion that mobility enhances quality of life.

“Whatever your goals are we will try our best to ensure your feet don’t let you down,” she says.

“Our capacity to treat the whole spectrum of podiatric complaints using an extensive range of treatment options, including surgery, stands us apart from other clinics.”

With a thorough knowledge of foot mechanics, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon Dr Clayton Clews is another reason why ACT Podiatry stands out because of his experi ence as a surgeon and podiatrist.

“There are very few disorders of the foot and ankle to which he has not been exposed or developed experience in,” Jane says.

And, new to the team this year is Aaron Wicks, who brings experience from his background in aged care.

Jane says he will join ACT Podiatry in helping get people up and enhance their physicality.

After adding a practice to Weston Creek more than a year ago, ACT Podiatry now helps patients with their mobility in the Weston Creek area as well as Tuggeranong and its surrounds.

ACT Podiatry, Suite 8 (Ground Floor), corner of Reed Street and Scollay Street, Greenway. Call 6287 4889 or visit actpodiatry.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Musical portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots

By Helen Musa

WITH Josie Rourke’s historical drama film “Mary, Queen of Scots” due for release, the doomed Mary, Queen Elizabeth I’s arch-rival, is all the rage around the globe and Canberra, it seems, is no exception.

The enterprising Louise Keast, co-founder with fellow soprano Shikara Ringdahl of the “Revival House Project”, which focuses on bringing fine art song to Canberra, is now deep in a cross artform presentation coming up at Tuggeranong Arts Centre featuring beautiful songs, especially those by Robert Schumann, related to the fate of the hapless Scottish Queen.

At a mere 25-years-old, very young for a soprano, Keast has been seen in several operatic productions in Canberra and most recently in her presentation of Spanish song, “Spanisches Liederabend”.

She has recently moved with her partner to rural Victoria and has her eyes on the operatic scene in Melbourne, where she is now taking classes with dramatic contralto Liane Keegan.

Meantime Ringdahl, who won five awards in last year’s Australian Singing Competition, has been in Tel Aviv and Germany, where her new singing teachers have encouraged the

THEATRE Theatre group reaches out to community

By Helen Musa

AS part of National Science Week, a dedicated group of Canberra theatre practitioners is developing an original work about pressing environmental issues.

Rebus Theatre, founded in 2013 by director Robin Davidson, actor/muso Ben Drysdale and Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art graduate Cara Matthews, aims at creating theatre for social change, turning the spotlight on contemporary science, marginalised members of society and people with disabilities.

“CityNews” caught up with co-director Davidson just after the company completed its first day of creative development of the new work, “Moving Climates.”

Rebus has run theatre classes addressing disadvantage, teamed up with the Mental Health Foundation ACT to do a work about trauma, hosted a variety night in celebration of International Day of People with a Disability and run workshops for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

A “rebus”, we learn, is a puzzle where pictures are used to represent words and the company has perfected the use of “forum theatre” where participants practice real life skills in an entertaining way. In short, this is not showbiz.

Davidson is one of the real stayers in Canberra’s theatre scene. A member of Canberra Youth Theatre from age 10 to 18, he went on to a theatre media course in Bathurst, where he performed in schools, prison and the wider community. After living in Sydney, Coffs Harbour and the Philippines, he returned to the ACT to focus on giving a human face to theatre.

listen to the stories of climate scientists, how they feel about their work and how they feel about being reviled,” he explains, as he outlines the process by which he and Drysdale, as co-directors, have worked with Matthews, dancer Alison Plevey, digital artist John Carolan and composers Ruth O’Brien and Adam Thomas in responding to the experiences of scientists, some of whom have had death threats.

“We go to that human story,” Davidson says.

Rebus steers away from stereotypes, using a series of interviews with scientists as the basis for the new work. Audiences will see their faces on a screenscape devised by laser technology whizkid Carolan, but whether their names and work positions will be screened is up to the scientists themselves, who have had to deal with cynicism, and campaigns of abuse and attack.

but rather a development involving six paid days in a rehearsal space.

Davidson and Drysdale are aiming for about 30 minutes of performance and 15 to 20 minutes of feedback. The ultimate aim will be to stage a fully realised production, for which they will seek ArtsACT funding and/or crowdsourcing.

“We are reaching out to the community,” Davidson says, “but this needs to be in a theatre because of the projections – we are reaching out to people who don’t normally go into the theatre situation.”

“Moving Climates”, Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, August 17, 18 and 19. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

The two Marys will be raised on a plinth, “so we can look more like museum statues of Mary”, while pianist Ella Luhtasaari and violinist Helena Popovic will be below them. Keast and Ringdahl are normally addicted to the German lieder, but in this case, because of the subject matter which they say is “far more theatrical,” the presentation will be more like opera, with the very human aspects of Mary and a fictional confidante emphasised.

At the centre is Schumann’s famous “Gebet” (“Prayer”, based on Mary’s actual prayer before her beheading) but there’ll also be art songs by Elgar, Wagner, Loewe and Joachim Raff and arias from Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda”.

In researching the performance Keast, a former history student, also found a set of 25 songs about Mary, set by Raff, and has selected eight of them none of which, she believes, has ever been performed in Australia.

Keast does not shy away from an overtly romantic view of Mary and says: “I was inspired by a woman who was ultimately condemned and beheaded; in her life she was so isolated.”

“A Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots”, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 7pm, Friday, August 24 and 5pm, Sunday 26 August 16. Bookings to tuggeranongarts.com

ARTS IN THE CITY

One last night of debauchery

By Helen Musa

ANU Musical Theatre Company is about to stage “Dogfight”, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the duo known for “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman”). The show follows a bunch of marines through a last night of debauchery on the eve of their deployment to a conflict in South-East Asia. At Belconnen Community Theatre, until August 25. Bookings to dogfight.getqpay.com

CANBERRA Writers Festival (August 23-26) continues this year under its chosen theme “Power, Politics and Passion”, and is billed as the place to be for “top-class journalists, big names from across the globe, thriller and crime authors, military and defence writers, political commentators, children’s and young-adult writers”. More at canberrawritersfestival.com.au

UK production “The Simon & Garfunkel Story”, with Philip Murray Warson as Paul Simon and Charles Blythe as Art Garfunkel, will take audiences through the musical story of the famous duo, performed with a full band. At Llewellyn Hall, Sunday, August 19. Bookings to ticketmas

Gelato Cakes

Made to order

Erindale Theatre from August 23 (preview) to September 8. Bookings to philo.org.au

BRINDABELLA Orchestra will perform pieces by Coates, Tchaikovsky, Mascagni and Rossini, while solo guitarist David Wardle will perform the 1st movement of Haydn’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, arranged for guitar and strings by Jovan Pesec. At North Belconnen Uniting Church, Conley Drive, Melba, 2pm, Sunday, August 19. Entry by donation.

QL2 Dance has struck it lucky with Rafael Bonachela, artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company, and dance pioneer Prof Shirley McKechnie agreeing to replace Sir William and Lady Deane as patrons after the pair recently relinquished their position, held for 14 years.

GUITAR duo Slava and Leonard Grigoryan will reprise a happy experience from 2016, when they were invited to perform a series of concerts with the Beijing Guitar Duo, Meng Su and Yameng Wang, in the Shandong province of China. The four guitarists will perform at The Playhouse, August 20. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

In crisis on Chesil Beach

By Dougal MACDONALD

“On Chesil Beach” (M)

DOMINIC Cooke’s adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel and screenplay deals deftly and credibly with an important matter that hopefully the sexual revolution has now overtaken and modified.

The courtship between Edward Mayhew (Billy Howle) and Florence Ponting (Saoirse Ronan) began at Oxford on the day they met and each learned of being awarded a First, his in British History, hers in Music and Violin. In 1962, they go after their afternoon wedding to a nearby hotel for dinner and what normally happens on the first night of a new marriage.

It’s not a success.

Why? Two attractive and intelligent people have approached the moment with joyous memories fresh in their minds of vows taken earlier that day. Edward has read passages aloud to her from a book nowadays probably out of print titled “Love, Sex and Marriage”, a useful description of the mechanics of the matter but

with none of the reasons why on 23 out of every 28 days women can copulate simply for the pleasures. His performance lacks finesse or passion. Florence doesn’t like the experience and runs out. Edward finds her sitting alone on Chesil Beach where the film’s crucial passage takes place, a two-hander confrontation taking no prisoners as it reveals where the shortcomings in the relationship have been waiting for their moment to emerge.

Coming to that point and its thereafter forms a significant proportion of the film’s time, remembering university days, families, discovery of shared enjoyments and differences. Those passages involve a cast of some of Britain’s most skilled actors whom you’ll recognise from supporting casts of TV series and spend time trying to remember their real names.

Today’s brides can and should be better informed about what to expect on their wedding nights. Their new husbands may or may not be. The denouement of “On Chesil Beach” will make men of good conscience weep, as indeed it should.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Limelight

“The Spy Who Dumped Me” (MA) REVIEWS of some movies present more reasons to dismiss with faint praise than merely to deploy them into the nearest dumpster. The only reason not automatically to consign writer/director Susanna Fogel’s debut feature movie spoofing the 1977 Bond film to that fate is that it’s a spoof and spoofs have an obligation to take the mickey out of their origins. Twice during the closing credits, it comes back to recall and spoof earlier moments.

Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon play Audrey and Morgan, 30-ish New Yorker gals who get a surprise when Audrey’s ex-boyfriend (Justin Theroux) shows up in their apartment seeking help to deliver a data stick which may or may not be hidden on or within one of the girls or somebody else; in any event, a package of tremendous political importance. What follows is a gallivant through selected European capitals punctuated by scads of shooting, punching, traffic breaches and close-ups of characters signifying fear to the max by exposing their tonsils and screaming. If that’s what you feel like watching, go for it. Just don’t expect any of it to make sense. Remember, it’s a spoof. You may even laugh a bit. At all cinemas

DINING / bitten goodfoods, braddon COMEDY

All about being organic

IT’S pretty hard not to be smitten about Bitten.

Bitten Goodfoods is Braddon’s first grocer and you can grab a bite to eat while there, with a small number of tables out front and several lined up at bench seating inside, with the area featuring a massive cactus and other indoor plants. If you prefer, you can grab take away.

Bitten is all about organic, chemical-free fruit and veg, pasture-raised and/or grass-fed organic meat and poultry, vegan and vegetarian dishes and other “good stuff”. It’s on the ground floor of the new Palko Building, Lonsdale Street, and after you’ve enjoyed a bite or a tea or coffee, you can head to the back and shop for groceries, chemical-free body and beauty care and eco-household items.

Even if you’re not a “health nut”, Bitten dishes up great food, like the Singapore curry I dug in to on my first visit. Bitten offers a full range of mega smoothies and has Kombucha on tap (fermented, not stirred). They’ll serve the Kombucha “straight up, muddle into a mean mocktail, fizz over ice-cream or blend into a slushie infusion”.

While Bitten focuses on all things healthy, everything is very accessible for a wide range of customers, both on the café and grocery sides. Meals are reasonable prices and hot-meal specials rotate.

The vast majority of ingredients are organic. The Sri Lankan curry bowl (only $18) featured brown coconut rice and was loaded with colourful barbecue organic vegetables. Fresh herbs graced the dish. The curry sauce was packed with flavour and the cool and smooth coconut raita soothed my palette. All up, it was a fantastic lunch.

On my visit, the specials board (written on brown paper behind the counter where you order) also featured deconstructed baba ghanoush ($20), a Paleo Mediterranean lasagne ($20) and a Greek Briami (mixed roasted vegetables) ($16). Soups, to warm your tummy on cold Canberra winter days, come in a small cup ($6), a large cup ($8) or a bowl with sourdough ($14).

Toasties are $13 and the Quesadilla with jackfruit, toasted blue corn tortillas, spicy salsa and other goodies sit at $16.

The pana cakes and chocolates look amazing, although I didn’t indulge. While they’re raw, organic, vegan and handmade, free from dairy, soy, gluten and refined sugar (whew), Bitten promises they’re delish.

Bitten Goodfoods, ground floor, 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Open seven days.

APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE @ CAPO.ORG.AU

Closing Monday 1st October 6pm 2018

Winners Announced AUCTION NIGHT l

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2018

Holding up the moon

By Helen Musa

HERE’S something different – a comedy festival that comes with the “of ficial endorsement” of the ANU Physics Society and the Science Society ANU.

“Yes, it’s 100 per cent true,” Canberra comedian Chris Marlton says of the coming night of local stand-up comedy, “Floating Moon”, quickly adding that it’s “just a comedic idea – the moon is going to crash into earth if we don’t hold it up with laughter.”

Ever vigilant in astronomical matters, “CityNews” found that two days after the festival, on August 26, there will be a full moon, but alas, Marlton reveals, what they’re billing as a lunar ritual is only “faux science”.

“We want people to know that there are a lot of talented comedians living here in Canberra,” Marlton says.

He and his nano-tech mate Rafael Florez wanted to put together an event featuring short comedy interludes and music with the aim of doing weirder and edgier material while creating a unique ambience.

With local comedian Frances McNair as MC, they’ve managed to snare some top comic talent, including former Canberra Comedy Festival headliner Anthony Tomic. Marlton himself joins comedians Maddy Weeks, Nick Schuller, Taylor Coughtrie, James McMahon, Al Thorne and Laura Emerson on stage.

First up will be five, short, comic segments and in the second half, two longer ones. The short films will relate to the lunar theme to give the event some kind of street cred, while local sound artist and “vibrational high-priest” Benjamin Harb will provide live soundscapes “beamed directly from the lunar surface” (you can take that with a grain of salt) during the intermission.

Scientifically inclined readers can safely ignore the billing as “part gravitational proof… open to all lovers of theoretical physics and space-time logic”.

“Floating Moon” ANU Pop Up Club, 7.30pm, Friday, August 24. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

Get

Much to do as spring advances GARDENING

WITH barely a couple of weeks until the official start of spring there are early blossoms out in abundance, the first being Prunus mume or flowering apricot.

As local gardeners know, spring really starts in late September not the first day of the month. But that’s no reason to be complacent; there is much to be done in the garden to set the scene for colour from now until autumn.

The primulas, polyanthus and violas will continue to flower until well into September and here lies a problem. It takes at least eight weeks from the time the summer bedding plants, such as petunias, are planted until full flowering. So are the primulas and violas pulled out while still flowering, say, in the first week in September and replaced with petunias, which will then flower about early October?

Polyanthus can be left in and treated as a perennial simply by dead-heading and giving it a feed. Ideally, a combination of annuals and perennials works well.

INITIALLY, ground preparation is vital, whether it’s for annuals, perennials or trees and shrubs. For heavy clay soils adding a deep-penetrating liquid ground breaker such as the

ANNUALS in particular require regular feeding. I cannot overemphasise this point.

“I fed them when I planted them,” is the usual response when I am contacted about the poor showing of flowers.

I prefer liquid plant nutrients, as the goodness goes directly to the roots. With the delicate leaves of

habit from the time of planting. Regular dead heading of spent flowers also encourages new blooms.

THE other pest for all garden plants is snails and it’s important to be extremely careful when using bait, especially when there are pets around. Years ago our cocker spaniel died after I had left a packet of one of the nasty varieties in our garden. The bran-based Multicrop Slug and Snail Killer is so much safer.

Snail-loving blue tongue lizards can also be killed from eating snail bait or slugs that have ingested bait.

SPRING is the time to think about repotting, especially plants that have been in the pot for years with roots possibly growing into the ground! Always buy pots with straight sides. Shaped, ornamental pots may look nice but trying to remove a plant, short of smashing the container, is almost impossible.

Jottings...

• For rosemary, plant Rosmarinus “Chef’s Choice” for the best

KITCHEN RENOVATIONS

We

WARDROBE DESIGN

Create storage for your belongings & clothing. We custom design to your space.

Time to think about repotting for the summer display.

flavour when cooking.

• Time is running out to get “barerooted” plants in the ground. Many plants, such as roses and berry plants, have only just been potted up in the last couple of months. Treat them as bare-rooted plants as the roots will hardly have had time to grow.

• Frosts are far from over, so keep citrus plants covered at night.

• Well-known, English, TV gardener Monty Don has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s UK Birthday Honours List.

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

Full renovation or simple update. We help you get the bathroom that you desire.

STUDIES & ENTERTAINMENT

A room designed especially for you. We also provide custom entertainment units.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With Mercury now direct in your creativity zone, make sure you capitalise on your fiery creative talents. But don’t power ahead with actual projects until next week, when Mars (your ruler) finally moves forwards. You can easily become totally self-absorbed with your ideas, moods, dreams and daily dramas. But, with the Full Moon and Neptune highlighting your humanitarian side, it’s a wonderful weekend to re-connect with others, roll up your sleeves, and help those around you.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Now that Mercury is moving forwards again, a frustrating family matter should gradually get better. Avoid being a stubborn Bull though! You’ll find the more flexible and understanding you are, the more quickly things will improve. Then the weekend Grand Earth Trine and Full Moon bring friendship, your peer group and your social circle into firm focus. Think about how you can network with sympatico people in more innovative, creative and productive ways.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Hallelujah and praise the stars! After a long and exceedingly exasperating three weeks, Mercury (your patron planet) is finally moving forwards. So your natural talent for endless questioning, constant chatter and continual movement will start returning in spades. As writer (and birthday great) Dorothy Parker observed: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” Put your mercurial mind to work with a stimulating new job, project or activity ASAP.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Mercury is now direct but disruptive Mars is still reversing through your relationship zone. So communicating with loved ones will continue to be frustrating until next week. You’ve certainly got inspiring aspirations for the future. But don’t commit to an ambitious new plan unless you’re sure you have the time, energy and motivation to follow through on your well-meant intentions. Especially involving a joint venture, a group endeavour or a community project.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Thank goodness Mercury is finally moving forwards in your sign! Communication should start to improve and projects that have been delayed will receive a welcome nudge. But personal energy levels won’t pick up until next week, when Mars moves forwards in your wellbeing zone. The weekend looks wonderful, as the Sun (your power planet) trines Uranus and Saturn. Which will boost your Cat charisma and heighten your creative touch and/or financial flair.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Over the last three weeks, many Virgos have been in hermit mode. You’re starting to feel more sociable but things won’t really pick up until next week, when motivation planet Mars moves forwards in your social and entertainment zone. Under the influence of the Full Moon, the weekend is a wonderful time to start reconnecting (in meaningful ways) with family and friends. Plus – under the influence of the Grand Earth Trine – it’s also a fortuitous time to formulate a practical new plan.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Communication should gradually improve, as Mercury moves forwards in your friendship and networking zone. Do all you can to smooth over disagreements and get things moving in a positive direction. Sunday’s Full Moon highlights your health and wellbeing zone. Choose an exercise that you really enjoy. Be inspired by actress Blake Lively (who turns 31 on Saturday): “I really don’t like the gym. I like experiences. So I take any chance to ride a bicycle or go on a hike.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Don’t waste precious time worrying, especially at work. Mercury is direct so connect with colleagues, tell them what’s on your mind, and keep them up-to-date with your plans. The weekend Full Moon (and Grand Earth Trine) encourages you to look at a relationship with a child, lover or friend in a perceptive new light. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting! So perhaps it’s time to re-set boundaries and road-test some creative new strategies?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Adventurous Archers… it’s time to start planning your next holiday, as Mercury is now moving forwards in your travel zone. Exotic destinations with colourful cultures will appeal to your restless gypsy gene. Family matters take centre stage on the weekend, when the Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on a domestic drama. Avoid being superficial and slap-dash. Smart Sagittarians will look for an innovative approach that leads to a satisfactory long-term solution.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

With Mercury now direct, plus the Full Moon activating your conversation and international zones, it’s time to link up with people from all over the place. The weekend’s powerful Sun/Uranus/Saturn Grand Earth Trine also provides a golden opportunity for you to influence people in a positive and productive fashion (both in person and online). Which is what Capricorns can do so well! Use this week’s planetary patterns to communicate, converse and connect.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Has a relationship been rather stressful over the last three weeks? With Mercury moving forwards, things are set to improve as you work together to achieve a win-win outcome. However, the weekend is not a good time to go on a shopping spree or lend money to others. You’re liable to make financial decisions based on your emotions, which will fluctuate wildly under the full moonbeams. The Grand Earth Trine encourages you to take an unusually sensible and steady approach.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Mercury is now moving forwards in your daily routine zone. So the pace of life will gradually pick up, and communicating with other people will progressively improve. Then the Full Moon lights up your sign on the weekend. It’s the perfect time to be the most confident, creative, perceptive and persuasive Piscean you can possibly be. As American actress (and birthday babe) Blake Lively wisely observes: “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.”

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Across

4 Which athletics spear throwing contest is an Olympic Games event? (7)

8 To burst inwards, is to do what? (7)

9 To have gone back on one's word, is to have done what? (7)

10 Which parts form the working gear of a horse? (7)

11 Which term describes the important features of a thing? (7)

12 Name one of the warmer four seasons. (6)

14 What is the art of painting on a wall or ceiling? (6)

18 Name an alternative term for brown coal. (7)

21 What are Australian returned soldiers called? (7)

22 What is a large-headed, short-haired, heavilybuilt variety of dog? (7)

23 Which hard rubber is also known as vulcanite? (7)

24 What are the incarnations of gods? (7)

Down

1 Which chess pieces move obliquely on squares of the same colour? (7)

2 What is an extended musical drama? (5)

3 What do we call the supervisor of a group of workers? (7)

4 Name the largest of the Channel Islands. (6)

5 Name the most brilliant of the planets. (5)

6 Which persons have achieved fame in particular fields? (7)

7 To jog someone with the elbow, is to do what? (5)

13 What do we call the decorations of any office or order? (7)

15 Name the capital of Burma. (7)

16 Which ballroom dance is similar to the foxtrot? (7)

17 What are chocks also known as? (6)

18 Name the seventh sign of the zodiac. (5)

19 Which federal republic forms a subcontinent, south of the Himalayas? (5)

20 Which dark-brown ink was originally prepared from the secretion of the cuttlefish? (5)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Courier receives some tax surprises

Kenzo has just started a courier business and his company is going to buy a new van for deliveries.

He came to see me because he'd heard that if he bought items valued at less than $20,000 he could claim an outright deduction for them.

"The van costs about $35,000 so I can’t get that below $20,000, but I thought that if I was invoiced for the GPS and the stereo separately then I could claim the full deductions for those items. Is that correct?” he asked.

I told Kenzo there were a number of rulings and determinations that set out the view of the Australian Taxation Office on what's a separate asset for the purpose of the $20,000 instant write off.

"The ATO says it is the whole vehicle that is the depreciating asset and to which the $20,000 instant write off applies," I told him.

"The function of the vehicle is to provide transportation. Where there is a GPS integrated into the vehicle either from the original build or from a later modification it forms part of the vehicle. So the GPS is added to the existing asset and depreciated with the van as one asset.

"Hence these items can’t be claimed separately for the $20,000 write off.

"However, this is quite different to where you buy a portable GPS which retains its own function separate to the vehicle. "The function of the GPS is to be a navigation system, it is separate to the vehicle, it can be removed from the vehicle and it should be claimed as a separate item for the $20,000 write off.”

Kenzo had another question: could he use the vehicle for a small amount of private use at the weekends, for example going to the coast?

I told Kenzo that the ATO just recently had issued new guidelines on what is considered to be a small amount of private use for a vehicle provided by a company to an employee.

"The first item to consider is that any diversion in travelling from home to work and vice versa is less than two kilometres," I said.

"Then you need to consider any individual trips you might do. These must be less than 200 kilometres return. So a trip to the coast or to Sydney does not fit within the guidelines. You would be best to use your partner’s car for those trips. "If you satisfy the less-than-200-kilometres-per-trip requirement then you need to ensure that the total number of kilometres travelled in a year for private purposes is less than 1000 kilometres. If all these conditions are met you will not need to pay any fringe benefits tax on the van.”

Grateful, Kenzo left my office saying: “Thanks Gail, now I know that what I thought was straightforward isn’t so I really appreciate your help.”

If you need help with any new purchases and the application of the tax laws contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

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