CityNews 181011

Rising rates park misery on Melrose Drive

DAVID ROLFE

2020 vision thing looks pretty grim

PAUL COSTIGAN

Debate heats over preschool push

MICHAEL MOORE

Seamy side of the eternal city HELEN MUSA

PICKINGS RICH

DANIELLE NOHRA talks music, awards and wardrobes with Canberra’s cool Grammy winner, Tony Rich

WAREHOUSE LOF TS & APARTMENTS COMING SOON TO WODEN

Opening this Spring Register Now to be among the first to inspect 35 & 45 Furzer Street Woden

Built in 1968, Alexander & Albemarle are undergoing a rebirth. Repurposing much of the existing structure, the office towers are set to be transformed into residential apartments like no other — A&A.

With a European industrial warehouse aesthetic, A&A will offer a 3.4 metre ceiling height of raw concrete with exposed soffits, premium finishes of wool carpets, timber floors and double glazed windows. The ground floor will be activated by a brewery, gym, restaurants, cafés and other retail spaces making A&A a truly unique place to live.

Proving babies can drink from cups

By Kate MEIKLE

A SEVEN-month-old baby can use a cup, says Curtin speech pathologist and inventor Wendy Saclier.

“I want to give children independence and confidence. They want to do it on their own and that’s important for all children,” she says.

And it’s all about the tucking of the chin that is optimal for concentration and control that children need to learn in order to drink independently.

“We concentrate best in a seated position. We tuck our chins when eating, drinking but also when we are reading and writing,” says Wendy.

“Babies learn to anticipate things from below their gaze, so I recommend babies are offered new things from below rather than above as it gives them better control. They can see what’s happening and don’t get a fright.”

Having worked with babies and young children for more than 20 years, specialising in early intervention support, Wendy saw an influx of sippy cups and bottles on the market and became increasingly frustrated by a lack of appropriately designed drinking vessels. Wendy saw an opportunity to create a

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Letters 12

News 3-12

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just for them, in particular to help young children with feeding difficulties.

She invented the WREMS drinCUP in 1998 and it was trialled at childcare centres and local child health organisations over that time. Now Wendy is hoping to share the cup with families once again and has launched a website to take orders.

“There is a lot of grazing these days and distractions of sounds and lights. It is common for children to sit and eat in front of the television. What I am

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Grammy-award winner Tony Rich. Photo by Lori Cicchini. Story Page 11.

building into the cup is a social element where children have to concentrate,” she says.

The cup’s simplistic symmetry is designed for small mouths, with two handles. It is clear plastic so children can anticipate and control the contents of the cup. It also features a picture of a cat on the inside bottom, to encourage children to seek and find it, rather than be distracted by images on the outside of a cup.

“The outside lip is curved to encourage the pursing of lips, and swallowing using

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the back part of the tongue,” says Wendy.

Wendy says that it is a skill that every child must learn and she dedicated her career to helping children with feeding issues.

“There is so much joy when you see a child master independent drinking, it is such a special part of working with families and helping build a child’s independence.

And, yes, babies can drink from a cup!”

wrems.com.au

Taking ‘Rome’ down under

NATIONAL Museum curator Dr Lily Withycombe will talk to the Friends of the ANU Classics Museum about the creative logistics behind the delivery of the British Museum’s “Rome: City and Empire” exhibition, including gallery design and museum interactives. Her presentation, “Bringing ancient Rome to Australia”, will also consider some of the reasons behind the enduring popularity of ancient Rome in Australia today. At the Larry Sitsky Room, ANU School of Music, 6.30pm, Tuesday, October 16.

Seniors online

As part of “Get Online Week”, the Canberra Seniors Centre is offering an opportunity to learn how to get the most from phones, tablets and computers during a relaxed, informative day with a free lunch thrown in. It’s at the centre, 10 Watson Street, Turner, from midday, Tuesday, October 16. More information at 6248 9509.

Of coats of arms

JENNY Higgins will talk about the work of the Heraldry and Genealogy Society of Canberra at the October 24 lunch meeting of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club. The meeting starts at 11.30am, lunch costs $35 and interested ladies are welcome to attend. Call 6262 2556 before 9pm, Sunday, October 21 to confirm.

SEVEN DAYS

Netball great defends Erin’s footy flop NEWS Spot motorcycling Joe to win a prize

CHAMPION netballer Liz Ellis has gone into bat for Canberra sports reporter Erin Molan after the axing of the NRL “Footy Show”.

Molan, who took over hosting the dated Channel Nine winter staple, has been the target of a social media assault with many accusing her of “killing” the 25-year-old show.

But Ellis says Molan “took on hosting an iconic TV show and gave it her best shot. She, along with the team who made the show, couldn’t turn it around.”

Nine’s sport boss Tom Malone said of Molan: “She’s a great broadcaster” and will play “a prominent role on Nine’s sports broadcasts going forward”.

NOT all shock jocks are the same, a fact now clear to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young . Ms Hanson-Young’s confusion over the major players in the infamous 2011 “ditch-thewitch” rallies on the lawns of

Parliament House has forced her to apologise and earned a lecture on the benefits of research.

Promoting her new book “En Garde” on Melbourne talkback radio, Ms HansonYoung confused Ray Hadley with his stablemate Alan Jones, alleging poor treatment of then PM Julia Gillard In accepting Hanson-Young’s apology Hadley suggested the senator do her homework in the future.

CANBERRA overachiever Bec Goddard has joined the Canberra Capitals coaching panel for the new season. The inaugural AFLW premiership coach says she hopes the new role and new code will enhance

her overall coaching skills. Goddard’s appointment is part of a wider campaign to end the Capital’s WNBL championship drought, stretching back to 2010.

STILL on the Capitals and four-time Olympian Lauren Jackson’s autobiography “My Story, A Life in Basketball and Beyond” is bound to sell well in the capital. Born and raised in Albury, Canberra provided the springboard for Jackson’s brilliant career. Arriving in 1997 as a 16-year-old to take up an AIS scholarship, Jackson went on to help the Canberra Capitals to four WNBL championships. On Jackson’s retirement in 2014 Caps coach Carrie Graf said: “Lauren has simply been iconic to women’s basketball. She leaves a great legacy of winning.”

A 10-DAY trek from Sydney to Canberra by United Indian Association members raising funds for drought-affected NSW farmers, ended on the beginning of celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday (October 2). The Indian-Australian “Walk for Farmers” walkers finished their journey at Gandhi’s statue in Glebe Park. A UIA spokesperson says the walk was “to say thank you to the farmers who toil hard to bring food to our table.”

FORMER ACT chief police officer Roman Quaedvlieg, recently involved in a politically bruising stoush with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, appears to take inspiration from the man who advocated non-violent activism. Quaedvlieg,

controversially sacked as commissioner of the Australian Border Force, chose Gandhi’s birthday to tweet: “Is it just me, or is the right moving further to the right and the left moving further to the left? I’m no Gandhi but wouldn’t we all be better off moving closer to the middle?”

CANBERRA real estate is front and centre after the listing of former PM Malcolm Turnbull’s part-time pad on Kingston Foreshore. The two-level three bedroom penthouse, purchased in 2006 for $1.8 million is expected to fetch around the $2.5 million mark at auction.

AN exhibition of drawings of bus shelters built for our public transport system in the 1970s has opened at the Canberra Museum and Gallery. The sketches by artist Trevor Dickinson depict 52 of the iconic concrete shelters first installed in 1975. He’s tracked down most of the almost 500 structures. Many are still in active service, but this spare pair has been retired and now acts as a smoko hut for workers at

DURING Motorcycle Awareness Week, which runs between October 13-20, “Joe Rider” will be driving around to raise awareness for motorcycle and scooter safety.

Canberra motorcycle advocacy group, the Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT (MRA ACT) started Motorcycle Awareness Week more than 10 years ago in the hope the awareness would flow into every other week of the year.

MRA ACT’s vice president Jen Woods says the week was built around “Joe Rider”, a campaign that asks motorists to look out for Joe while reminding them to share the road.

She says if road us ers see Joe and email joe.rider@mraact.org. au with Joe’s location and the time they saw him, in return their name will go in the helmet for a chance to win a daily $50 petrol voucher.

Joe’s out there.

“[Throughout the week], we’re essentially asking other road users to look out for motorcyclists and scooters,” she says.

Jen says one of the biggest issues is tailgating (not allowing a three-second gap) which is particularly dangerous if traffic stops suddenly.

“We also want people to be aware that motorcyclists are allowed to lane filter to the front of traffic if traffic is going 30kmh,” she says. Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT, email info@mraact.org.au or visit mraact.org.au/

A PASSION FOR LIFE

Work, life and play collide in DKSN, Canberra’s new, carefully curated lifestyle precinct. Complemented by exceptional restaurants, vibrant retail and state-of-the-art office buildings, DKSN’s 1, 2 and 3-bedroom designer Cape Apartments are now selling.

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election

The 2020 vision thing looks

WITH the 2020 ACT election two years away (October 17, 2020), it is timely to speculate on the performances by our local politicians and look back to the 2016 election.

The Labor Greens coalition government came to power not because the Labor Party was embraced with enthusiasm, more because what choice was there?

The Liberals were screaming negative messages about the tram and were seen to do a Tony Abbott with “nope, nope, nope” to everything. They had some positive messages but these were pushed aside by their own negativity. They looked and acted like an opposition party, not one ready to govern.

The Liberals’ ultra-conservative side jumps into prominence every so often and puts itself at odds with the fairly progressive and humane attitudes within the Canberra electorates.

For instance, it does not do the Liberals much good to be seen attending a Sydney Liberal meeting and voting with the con-

The Labor Greens coalition came to power not because the Labor Party was embraced with enthusiasm, more because what choice was there?

servatives on cutbacks to the ABC and then recently agreeing with the voting in the Senate against giving the ACT the right to make its own legislative decisions. On top of this, the perception continues that Senator Zed Seselja’s influence continues with his fundamentalist, flat-earth views on important social and humane matters. Not a good look.

People agree that Canberra’s hospital system works well most of the time. However, recent revelations suggest there is a need for a wideranging independent review. But that does not mean it requires a royal commission as being argued for by the ACT Liberals.

The trouble being that the ACT Health Minister does not exactly exude transparency and so there is not a lot of trust in her government’s handling of health and hospital matters. Then there is the irony of the ACT Liberals calling for a royal commission when their federal cousins continuously resist calls for

important royal commissions. Perceptions count.

As for the Greens, there were hopes that they would influence major changes around planning and development. Instead, by being in Cabinet, they own the outrageous decisions made by the Barr government on inappropriate development proposals.

Up go the towers, down come the trees, say goodbye to biodiversity and all the birds, ignore heritage and invent new ways to discredit the voices of the community groups – all seen as being part of the Labor Greens methodology for advancing the government’s (not residents’) agenda for Canberra.

People did not vote in 2016 to change our beloved bush capital into yet another city with walls of glass and steel – what another writer calls machine-architecture. It would be great to see some really innovative architecture and landscapes along Northbourne; just don’t hold your breath. Which brings me to the latest of this government’s way of dealing with residents.

Before the 2016 election people complained about the power given to

the Land Development Agency and planning bureaucrats to do what they wished with the suburban infrastructure. Planning got even more horrid and complicated.

To solve this, the government put in place an Urban Development Minister, a Planning Minister, a new Minister for Community Facilities, the City Renewal Authority, the Suburban Land Authority, the ACT Planning Authority and the infamous Planning Directorate – alongside the National Capital Authority. That has definitely made things simpler!

We must mention the chances of independent candidates to get elected under our ACT government’s democratic processes. With so little trust in the major three, one would

hope that independents could pop up in our assembly. Sadly, given recent changes to how things are done, the best we can offer is – “best of luck with that!” It would take an enormous effort, starting about now, for any independents to be elected in 2020. This is a real shame.

So how are we travelling on our democratic journey towards the 2020 election? Not good. The Labor Greens are definitely on the nose – but acceptable alternatives are yet to identify themselves. Anyone?

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

OPINION / dealers under pressure

rise parks misery on Melrose Drive

Is it the beginning of the end for the Melrose Drive motor trade? In Phillip, rapacious commercial rate increases are putting pressure on dealers’ ability to competitively sell cars and employ people. Here long-term industry figure DAVID ROLFE puts the case for moderating rate rises...

CANBERRA is a great city to live in and it has been extremely giving to my family and our group of businesses over a long period of time.

When you’re in an extremely privileged position it is difficult to assess whether you have been dealt an unfortunate card in your business dealings.

After a great amount of soul searching I believe we have, as have our car-dealer competitors in the Phillip precinct.

Here’s why: on one of our large blocks of land that comprises three dealerships, the unimproved land value leapt almost doubling from $5,991,000 to $10,655,000 on July 1, 2017.

This equated to a jump in our commercial rates from $332,855 to $432,916 for the 2017 year. For the 2018 year, these rates jumped further by $107,732 and for 2019 I estimate them to jump another $220,000. That’s a 100 per cent rise in three years! I’m hoping this will level off in 2020, subject to any subsequent valuation increases and formula rate hikes. Despite making appeals to the ACT Revenue Office in early July, I’m advised they will not

necessarily be replied to until January next year.

There are thousands of Canberrans who are doing it tough with residential rates increases and large heating and cost-of-living expenses, but I think that most fair-minded people would agree that these Phillip commercial rates increases are extraordinary and lead to some pertinent questions:

• Is the valuation system based on most recent sales in the Phillip area fair and were the valuations before 2017, 100 per cent off the mark?

• With more recent building sales in the last two years involving relatively poor sales outcomes, there has been no downward effect on the rates charges. Will these now be compensated for?

• There has been no proportionate change in Belconnen and Gungahlin commercial rates. Is this a good result for North Canberra motor dealers or simply a delay until the trams are up and running?

• There have been several sales of dealerships in the last short period. Is this largely due to the rates rises and concerns about economic viability in

our share of heavy lifting and are extremely grateful to the Canberra community for their continuing loyalty and custom, but we already contribute significantly through a range of territory and federal taxes and employ thousands of staff. We also try to do the right thing in terms of community and charity projects.

How are dealers expected to absorb increases like this when we are often constrained by manufacturers’ pricing edicts while juggling increasing costs in wages, rents and rates? Every expense item in our operation is under the microscope including jobs, which we did

to consider moving from the central convenience of Phillip to the likes of Fyshwick, Queanbeyan and Hume. Does this spell the beginning of the end for the Phillip motor trade? Will our clients appreciate going out of their way for sales and servicing?

The Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have heard my calls for some equity in regards to our rates charges. It’s time to review this injustice.

David Rolfe is the dealer principal of Slaven Mazda, which is located on Melrose Drive, Phillip.

Black Mountain

THE Friends of Black Mountain are inviting wildflower lovers to celebrate the spring flowering on Black Mountain with a social ramble in the tradition established by Dr Nancy Burbidge in the 1960s. Led by enthusiastic local botanists, ecologists and conservationists, participants will discover the diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides. The Friends will have several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions. BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes. It starts at the Belconnen Way entry, just before the Caswell Drive turnoff (watch for balloons or banners), 9.30am sharp until noon, on Saturday, October 13. Booking is essential (to ensure enough guides) at friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or 0437 298711.

• Affordable for all the family

• General & Cosmetic Dentistry

• Strict Infection Control

• Relaxed Atmosphere

• Flexible appointments

• Emergency cases

• No hidden costs – options discussed

• Ground floor and free parking

• HICAPS available

• CDBS Medicare

Simply choose OFFER 1 OR 2 and call 6170 6900 to make an appointment

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL RIESLING CHALLENGE

Record entries set a big challenge for judges

CANBERRA will host the largest collection of Rieslings in the Southern Hemisphere when the 19th Canberra International Riesling Challenge gets underway on Monday, October 15.

Celebrating the golden wine that is Riesling, this year’s Challenge welcomes its first international judge from China as Ms Fongyee Walker joins the judging panel.

The event was conceived and grown in Canberra initially to benchmark Canberra District Rieslings against those from other parts of Australia. The Challenge is now an internationally recognised event and the largest single varietal wine show in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting competing wines from Riesling-producing countries and regions from around the world.

This year, the Challenge will judge a record 567 Rieslings from 240 wineries from six Rieslingproducing countries. This is the highest number of entries in the history of the Challenge and comprises 410 Australian and 157 international entries.

For the third consecutive year there are record entry levels from Australia, record entries from France and the Czech Republic contributing to the highest ever number of European entries. US entries are at the second highest level on record and the highest since 2009; and NZ entries are at their highest level since 2014.

All of the major Riesling-producing regions of Australia have large numbers of entries, including 27 entries in four classes from the Canberra District. The most stylish of grapes Riesling is considered to be the grape that most reflects the region and the vineyard where it comes from, with some regions having a very distinctive regional character.

The quality of the wine is largely determined by the quality of the grapes. According to well-regarded wine importer Terry Theise, in his book “Reading Between the Wines”: “Riesling knows soil more intimately than any other grape, perhaps because it ripens so late in the fall and is thus on the vine longer than other varieties, and because it thrives in poor soils with deep bedrock strata into which it can sink its probing roots. “Riesling is beloved of all who grow it for being so co-operative – the furthest thing from a diva. It survives all but the most brutal frost, is hearty in its resistance to disease and yields well without sacrificing flavour – perhaps because it ripens late in the fall when everything is taut and crisp and golden. Riesling wines are the afterglow of the contented world.”

Good-quality Riesling is confined to cool-

climate wine districts, where the required climate is achieved either by latitude or by altitude. While growing Riesling in the Canberra District is relatively new, the region is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best Riesling regions in Australia, and the world.

Australian Rieslings are renowned as being for the most part bone dry while delivering a fruity refreshment that is rarely matched elsewhere; Canberra District Rieslings certainly emulate this characteristic. Semi-dry styles are becoming more popular because of their ability to match with a wide range of foods.

Unlike most grape varieties, Riesling can be made in a range of styles from very crisp and dry, to semi-dry, to sweet and luscious dessert and aperitif wines.

In some parts of the world the grapes are picked after they have frozen on the vines to make icewine, and for almost 200 years Riesling has been used to produce a sparkling wine known as Sekt. Both these styles will be amongst the wide range of styles to be judged at this year’s Challenge.

How the Challenge is judged

Judging will be held at the Albert Hall between Monday, October 15, and Thursday, October 18.

All the Challenge judging is conducted on a regional basis and is designed to promote and explore the regional differences that Riesling expresses.

The wines are presented for judging in regional groupings but to prevent any perception of regional bias the judges are only given the vintage and the sugar levels (style) of the wines.

They are not aware of the regions they are tasting. Regions with large numbers of entries in a particular class are broken up into small judging groups between the two judging panels to further hide their identity. Regions are only revealed in the results catalogue.

Reflecting the international nature of the Challenge and Riesling, judges are drawn internationally as well as from Australia.

This year judging will be under the chairmanship of NZ Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, with the international judges being Fongyee Walker MW, Director of Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting, Beijing and Jim Trezise, Founder of the International Riesling Foundation and President of Wine America from the US.

The Australian judges are Trent Mannell (NSW), Alison Eisermann (NSW), Greer Carland (Tasmania) and Steve Baraglia (SA). The Challenge also has a group of associate judges who are developing their knowledge of Riesling. They are Celine Rousseau (Canberra District), Rafe Nottage (Tasmania) and Will Gilbert (Orange, NSW).

Lots to learn and enjoy

Riedel Riesling Master Class –‘Perceptions of Riesling’

Featuring Riesling expert Fongyee Walker who will guide participants through perceptions of Riesling in China – the world’s fastest-growing wine market and, increasingly, a wine-producing country. This session will include tastings of Rieslings made in China.

The second part of the master class will feature a journey through the high-altitude, sub-regions of the Orange District under the guidance of Bill Shrapnel, from Colmar Estate. Bill will present a range of Rieslings demonstrating the terroir differences across the region and Riesling styles.

Friday October, 19, 11am-3pm, Hotel Realm, Barton. Convenors Fongyee Walker (China) and Bill Shrapnel (Orange District). Tickets are $100. Bookings required.

Awards Presentation and Celebration of Riesling

Taste the 2018 award-winning wines and others from a museum collection while the 2018 awards are announced. This is a cocktail-style event with canapes and fine Riesling.

Friday , October 19, 5.30pm to 7pm, High Courtyard North, Hotel Realm, Barton. A limited number of tickets are available at $85. Bookings required.

Hotel Realm Riesling Dinner

The Hotel Realm chef will match five courses with current award-winning and rare Australian Rieslings. Friday, October 19, 7.30pm, Buvette Restaurant, Hotel Realm. Bookings required, tickets are $90. Book at buvette@domahotels.com.au

Canberra International Riesling Challenge ActewAGL Trade & Consumer Tasting

Taste the entries for yourself. This is an opportunity to taste some of the best Rieslings the world has to offer. Many of these Rieslings are not easily obtained in Australia.

Tickets are $50 and include a souvenir Riedel tasting glass and a copy of the official Challenge results catalogue. A number of the 2018 judging panel and stewards will be on hand at the tasting to answer questions.

Saturday, October 20, 11am-3pm, Albert Hall, Yarralumla (Trade representatives and exhibitors from 10am).

Bookings not required, tickets $50.

Bookings and enquiries for these events to info@rieslingchallenge.com or call 6286 7515. Booking forms at rieslingchallenge.com/events

POLITICS / education and the election

Debate heats up over extra preschool push

THE debate over lowering the age of universal preschool to three years has added a fresh paradigm to political debate in Australia.

Rather than personal attacks that have been the mark of so many recent debates, the issue has identified a major philosophical divide between the political parties.

Labor’s proposal, announced by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, for 15 hours a week of free preschool education to three-year-old children will apply to children attending state-government-run preschools, or subsidised for those getting preschool education at private childcare centres.

Education is shaping up to be a major issue in the coming election. However, the debate goes well beyond education to an arm wrestle over party philosophy and ideology. Voters will be challenged to support a party that promises to lower taxes or, alternatively, to one that will look after the welfare of all Australian children –independent of socio-economic status.

If only it was that simple.

Labor’s preschool plan is to cost $1.75 billion over three years from 2019.

Labor promises to deliver “a quality, two-year program that boosts development in the most important years of a child’s development”. Government rhetoric is criticising the proposal as

ill-thought out. However, in February a meeting of state and territory education ministers concluded this concept in early childhood education would be the “single most impactful reform Australia could undertake”. They identified a “compelling” case for the “investment”.

The concept of investment rather than simply expenditure also differentiates the coalition from the opposition. Watching every dollar in order to reduce expenditure is laudable to a certain extent. However, the evidence is clear that when investment is made in early childhood education there is a

to Tehan: “This is a big headline number, it’s big spendage by Bill Shorten, which means that your taxes will go up.”

“Your taxes will go up” is developing as the tag line for the coalition government as it prepares a scare campaign against Labor’s promises.

“Your taxes going up” did not seem to be a problem when the coalition spent big to win the private school (and particularly the Catholic) vote.

A long-running battle between the Catholic Church and the coalition was finally settled by the Morrison government at a cost of $4.6 billion over 10 years.

Apparently expenditure by the conservatives is through good economic management. However, other proposals can only be achieved through “raising taxes”.

remarkable return after a decade. This is why around two thirds of OECD countries already invest in three-yearold education.

“All it shows is that Labor will be a big-spending, big-taxing government,” was the response of Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan to the announcement. He went on to criticise Labor’s plan by arguing for increasing rates of participation of four-year-old preschoolers before bringing younger children into the mix.

However, the main message, reiterated by Prime Minister Scott Morrison was about tax. According

Shorten presented an alternative view. The coalition tax breaks for huge multinational corporations have little to do with “your taxes”. They have much more to do with who has made a donation to the political party and the influence that might be brought to hand – invariably using the internationally discredited “trickle down” economic arguments.

According to Shorten on the

three-year-old announcement: “It’s re-imagining childcare into early childhood education and I think Australia, parents and the kids will all be the winners.”

He is also hoping this assists Labor to become an election “winner”.

Voting decisions are more complicated than increased taxes versus the community good. As Paul Bongiorno identified in the “Saturday Paper”: “Labor focus group research has found uncommitted voters mark down the Liberals for shambolic disunity and self-centred rivalries.”

There can be little doubt that the struggle between the reactionary elements of the coalition, the conservatives and the liberals will cost votes.

The education issue may fade a little compared to other key election issues. However, the stark contrast that it reveals between the major parties makes it easier for voters to make a sensible choice.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

Grammy-award winner Tony Rich… “Canberra is very enriched with creativity, music and art but it’s missing some components to showcase the talent.”

/ cover story

Grammy star Tony keeps a secret in the closet

DANIELLE NOHRA meets a Grammy-award winner who calls Canberra home, well half of the time.

GRAMMY-award winners often talk about keeping their gramophone-shaped achievements on display in their homes, but that’s not the case for Canberra’s own Grammy-award winner Tony Rich.

Tony, who lives half the year in Canberra and half in America, says his Grammy is sitting in the closet in Harrison.

“I don’t feel the need to have it on display,” says Tony.

The 46-year-old won the “Best R&B Album” award in 1996 for “Words”, which had his hit single “Nobody Knows” on it.

But Tony doesn’t describe his music as R&B and says there was no R&B songs on the album.

“I never charted on any R&B charts and never played on any R&B stations,” he says. “So it was strange.”

And what seems even stranger is his choice to make Canberra his half-home, but, he says, his seven-year-old son likes to say he lives nowhere.

He’s one of four of Tony’s children, who are the main reason he’s back in America every second month.

“I move around in America [too]. I have a place to stay in Atlanta and a place in Los Angeles but I’m never there long enough to call either of them home,” he says.

Not having a permanent home is part of the reason his Grammy is sitting in a closet in Harrison but also, Tony says, he doesn’t want to look at it while creating music.

“I appreciate it, but I don’t make music in the hopes of getting it,” he says.

Tony’s move to Canberra is often questioned but it’s a simple boy-meets-girl story.

“I met someone on Facebook and really, really liked her and wanted to see her, so came out,” he says. “I liked it so I just kept coming back. It’s kind of like America but a little bit better.”

As he moves around a lot, Tony says meeting people on Facebook isn’t out of the ordinary.

Because he had two mutual friends with his now current partner, Tony came up in her Facebook suggestions so she added him and he said “hi”.

“I always say ‘hi’ [when people add me on Facebook] but people don’t usually believe it’s me,” he says. “Two or three of my best friends I met on social media.”

Tony’s since formed a real love for Canberra, but he says its music scene needs work.

“Canberra is very enriched with creativity, music and art but it’s missing some components to showcase the talent,” he says.

“I would love to see Canberra really have a thriving music and art scene.”

Creativity has always been a big part of his life and it was as a nine-year-old, growing up with musicians such as Prince and Stevie Wonder, where he developed a “flame” for music.

“I would mimic people singing songs and my older brother would tease me and say I sounded like a country singer,” he says.

“When I was 15 my band teacher at high school said: ‘What are you going to do?’”

Tony told him he wasn’t going to go to college and said in the time it takes his classmates to finish college, he would be a professional musician.

“We all graduated high school in 1989 and all my classmates were set to graduate from college in 1993,” he says.

“In March, 1993, I moved to Atlanta and was signed to a label. I actually achieved it before they finished college.”

After moving to Atlanta, Tony saw the opportunity to pull his brother into the situation and told LA Reid, the co-founder of LaFace Records, that they produced records together (even though they didn’t).

His brother, Joe Rich, ended up writing his hit single “Nobody Knows”, which has since been covered about 20 times.

Tony, who mostly writes his own songs, didn’t have a clue it would take off like it has and says he put the song on the album because he wanted his brother to have a part in it.

“Making an album is really personal to me,” he says. “The inspiration comes from anything that moves. It could be a location, it could be a place, a person, a situation, a relationship – all kinds of things.

“Then the talent comes out when you’re able to communicate a message from that inspiration.

“You have three to five minutes to say something. The talent comes from taking limited resources and making something that sounds original.”

At Capon 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.

‘Phoney spin’ on the future plans for West Basin

ONE has to wonder at the City Renewal Authority’s proposal for West Basin.

Do not be fooled by Malcolm Snow’s article “First the lakeside parks then the development” (CN, September 27), it is phoney spin.

He states the public will have more than three hectares of lakeside park. How about being honest Mr Snow, the Australian public is losing the three hectares’ lake bed that will damage the urban form of the three lake basins, so carefully created in the 1960s.

Then the public will lose the seven hectares of Acton Park for the apartment enclave that will clear out 100 trees.

You are privatising all of Acton Park and privatising vistas of the lake. You are also obliterating the lake edge and wildlife habitat. The “lucky” public is to have a concrete walk beside a retaining wall if they can get to West Basin. West Basin development was proposed initially to politicians by slick planners in the NCA to appease the development crony club. It is intensely damaging to our city.

The way Griffin’s name is used to gain approval is a ploy to destroy Griffin’s lakeside park and damage the basin. Another part of the ploy is to grass the lake infill so it appears as extended park until the road is constructed for apartment access. Once it is all done the public will have little access, no parking and plenty of cold winter shadow over their miserable public strip. It is not

superior design nor is it people-focused design, as claimed by Mr Snow.

There are clever public landscape designs in Australia such as the Home of the Arts in the Gold Coast with its landscape surrounding a public gallery with cinemas, a stunning auditorium and a children’s pond. It hosts weekly farmers’ markets and all sort of events. It is a vibrant public area without apartments.

Juliet Ramsay,

Burra

Drones affect birdlife

As residents of Barr Smith Avenue, Bonython we are totally against the drones flying over our suburb.

For all the previous reasons noted in previous articles, they are noisy, intrusive, record data on each flight path noting address, people, number plates, people at bus stops and store this information overseas. Where is our privacy?

We walk around the Stranger Pond Reserve (which backs on to Pine Island) and are always mindful of these drones – always looking up. The pond has been home to a pair of nesting swans and their families, ibis, pelicans, cockatoos, parrots and other bird life that have been there in the 20 years we have lived in Bonython. Our grandchildren loved the area. Since the drones only the wild ducks remain.

The drones are based only a short distance from this water way which is right in their flight path and walking distance to our street.

To the owner: take your drones away, we want our suburb back!

Marilyn and Robert Newham, Bonython

‘Demand tariff’ rip-off

THANK you to Mr M McGregor, of Curtin, for his “Grumpy” column (“Supply and demand, they’ve got you”, CN, October 7). I, too, have recently been upgraded to a smart meter and by default put on ActewAGL’s “demand

tariff” and find the way that usage and demand is calculated is a rip-off. I would like to know why the ACT government has allowed this to happen, especially at a time when governments are promising to bring down our electricity bills.

I am on the demand tariff so it only has one demand time – 5pm to 8pm – and I have adjusted my usage during these hours. However, this would be virtually impossible for a family to accomplish. The only other choice for smart meters is the time-of-use tariff that, in my view, has way too many different time periods and rates for anyone to remember when to use appliances and when not to and, as Mr McGregor pointed out, has two demand times not one.

I am disappointed (but unfortunately not surprised) that ActewAGL show no loyalty to their long-time loyal customers (30+ years in my case) or in fact to their customers in general with this new way they are ripping money off us.

Laura Jane, via email

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at: 9b / 189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911 Write to us

• An excellent refresher course

• Riders do all exercises at their own pace

• 3 hour theory night held from 6pm the night before*

The MASTERS course is tailored to the needs of long-term licensed riders from the ACT and surrounding region, who have not had any formal rider training in the last 10-15 years and want to return to motorcycling after a lengthy break. The practical day covers safe, defensive riding techniques. Each exercise is preceded by an explanation and demonstration of relevant techniques for safe riding. Course is subsidised by the ACT Government.

* Theory night held at: Stay Upright, 65 Hincksman Street, Queanbeyan

For more Information email: act@stayupright.com.au or phone: 6297 1144

The aim of Motorcycle Awareness Week is to boost awareness of motorcycling by other road users so they drive accordingly.

JOE Rider will set off on Saturday, October 13 to ride for the week for rider awareness. Riders wearing vests with “JOE” on the back can be on the road any time of the day or night so always be alert and watch out for Joe. If you see “JOE”, you have seen a rider.

Look for “JOE” and log your sighting at: joe.rider@mraact.org.au

All JOE Rider sightings go into the daily draw for a $50 petrol voucher.

For more information visit: www.mraact.org.au

GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY FESTIVAL /

October 20

‘The event is a chance for the Government to thank traders and residents for their patience during the construction’

Celebration showcases Hibberson Street shared zone

AFTER major construction, Gungahlin’s improved town centre will officially open with a vibrant and lively festival to showcase the reinvigorated space.

Through music, activities, entertainment and stalls the Gungahlin Community Festival, from midday to 7pm on October 20, will demonstrate how the Hibberson Street shared zone can be used to create an active space for community events.

“We want to show off the great work that has been done to improve access and safety in the town centre including the Hibberson Street shared zone,” says Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris.

“The event is also a chance for the ACT Government to thank the traders and residents for their patience during construction.

“It’s going to be a fun day for the whole community, with entertainment highlights including a roving band, people on stilts and two stages featuring music, diverse entertainment and activities.”

Located on the grass out the front of Gungahlin College, the Local Stage will see Canberra musicians such as MAXO, Mickey Sulit and Bill Olson.

Then over at the Community Stage, situated at Gungahlin Place, Minister Fitzharris

will officially open the event at midday.

Following the official opening there will be performances and talks from authors and local groups such as Kulture Break, Bollywood dancers and the Jazzy Jumpers.

Event manager Demi Aloisi, of Show Pony Events, says people can visit about 20 stalls from Gungahlin that include Sportsmans Warehouse, Fernwood Fitness, Laser Clinics Australia, Transport Canberra and City Services who will answer questions about key infrastructure projects in the area.

“There will also be a Brumbies players’ signing” she says.

“And, people can take advantage of the great food venues around the town centre as well as a food and drink stall run by Eastlake Gungahlin near the Local Stage.

“People can have a drink, sit on the grass and there will be an art wall for kids to get involved in.

“It’s a really great day for families to come down. There’s a lot of activities for the kids.

“It’s also an ideal opportunity for people to walk around Gungahlin stores and see what they have to offer.”

The festival will have a passport for eight different stores/stalls in Gungahlin and if people get it stamped by each one they’ll be eligible to be in the draw for a $200 cash prize.

Gungahlin Community Festival, midday-7pm, October 20.

12:00pm–1:30pm – MAXO

1:30pm–2:30pm – Alec Randles 2:30pm–4:00pm – Michael Misa and Dalvean 4:00pm–5:00pm – Eleanor Ailie Duo

5:00pm–6:00pm – Mickey Sulit 6:00pm– 7:00pm – Bill Olson

12:00pm–7:00pm – Pot a Plant

12:00pm–7:00pm – Roving Entertainment 12:00pm–6:30pm – Passport (with raffle drawn at 6:30pm on community stage)

LOOKING SOUTH advertising feature

Suburban trio reflects Australia’s political history

LOOKING south from Lake Burley Griffin, at the doorstep of Woden Valley, are a trio of established neighbouring suburbs; Curtin, Hughes and Garran.

Hughes is named after Australia’s seventh Prime Minister William Morris “Billy” Hughes (1915-1923). Streets in the suburb are named with the theme of World War I armed services personnel and contemporaries of Mr Hughes.

Garran features a writing theme, with streets named after Australian writers, and remembers Sir Robert Garran, “Australia’s first public servant” – the first federal government employee after the federation of the Australian colonies. He served as the departmental secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department from 1901 to 1932. He died in Canberra in 1957.

And Curtin is named after former newspaper editor and the 14th prime minister John Curtin, a charismatic, compelling orator widely respected for his strong and inspirational leadership during World War II, who died in office in 1945. Its streets are named after state premiers.

Bank with its heart in the community

NOT just a bank, Bendigo Bank Curtin offers all the services of a regular bank but also gives back to the community and always strives to bring its customers joy, says branch operations manager Diana Malik.

“Whatever profit we make, we’re also putting money back into the community,” she says.

“For example, a month ago we held an event for the India Australia Association of Canberra.

“We held a barbecue, collected gold-coin donations and then every single dollar went to assist people in India affected by the floods.”

But when it comes to the banking side

of things, Diana says the staff build deeper relationships with their customers and help them achieve their financial objectives.

“Our staff know most of our customers by name,” she says.

From a child’s PiggySaver account, to someone’s first purchase of a car, Diana says Bendigo Bank wants to help its customers throughout these financial milestones.

“And, the interest rates for our products are lower than most other banks,” she says.

“We also have a financial planner, Neil, who can help with retirement plans, superannuation and estate planning.”

Bendigo Bank, Unit 1, 20 Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6260 5140 or visit bendigobank.com.au

Seniors Information Service

Get information on:

• Seniors Cards and discounts

• Government and community services

• Transport

• Housing

Ask us anything! If we don’t know the answer we will find out for you

6282 3777

Or drop in to the Hughes Community Centre

2 Wisdom Street, Hughes ACT

• Retirement and Aged Care

• Events and entertainment

• Community and social groups

• And more!

www.cotaact.org.au

Helping Canberrans age gracefully

FOR the rest of the year Council on the Ageing representatives will be out every fortnight at local shopping centres to meet Canberra seniors and talk with them about any issues they’re facing, says COTA CEO Jenny Mobbs.

As the ACT’s peak organisation for all issues relating to older Canberrans, Jenny says these visits are about raising COTA’s profile and they’re also a chance for COTA to find out what the big and small issues are.

“Then, we’ll be presenting that information back to the ACT government,” she says.

“We’ll also be taking out a whole range of pamphlets about everything from retirement villages to social groups to activities for grandparents and carers.”

And, Jenny says, they will be talking to people about the seniors discount card that COTA manages for the ACT government and which also gives seniors more than 60 discounts to business across Canberra.

But, if people don’t manage to see a COTA representative near them, Jenny says they’re always

information and advisory line.

“We can point them in the right direction for anything they need,” she says.

“Our main purpose is to help Canberrans age gracefully and help them with services across Canberra.”

COTA ACT, Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes. Call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au

sensation

And,

“Rather

Awards winners with a love for Indian food

SINCE settling in Curtin two years ago the chefs and co-owners of Daana, Sanjay and Sunita Kumar, have been recognised twice for their south and regional Indian-inspired food.

Last year, Daana won the Savour award for best new restaurant in Canberra and this year, in September, it won the best Indian restaurant award for the ACT.

Both Sanjay and Sunita say the recognition is exciting and a reinstatement of their efforts to showcase the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine to Canberra.

“For us at Daana it has become a journey of helping guests understand and appreci ate the nuances of the vastness of Indian cuisine,” Sunita says.

She says they do this through their weekly regional specials where Daana showcases unique menus and a seasonal a-la-carte menu, which presents hidden gems from South Indian kitchens.

And, on October 12 and 13, Daana will celebrate its 100th menu (or thalis) with a grand Indian buffet, which features more than 30 dishes from 29 states of India.

“Our research tells us that we’re possibly the only restaurant in Australia and perhaps the world to do this,” Sunita says.

“It’s a huge undertaking for a chef to do this so we’re really proud of that.”

Daana, 83 Theodore Street, Curtin. Email chef@daana.com.au, call 5105 1048 or visit daana.com.au

Imaging with an eye on the patient

GARRAN Medical Imaging opened more than three years ago to offer Canberrans state-of-the-art equipment and quality services with a patient-centred approach, says practice manager Nick Ingold.

“There’s a decent amount of imaging services in Canberra, but we knew patients deserved better, so we endeavoured to set up a practice that is 100 per cent patient focused,” he says.

From the independent site on Garran Place, Nick says Garran Medical Imaging’s local doctors and staff continue to destress the patient journey through its imaging services such as MRI, CT scans, DEXA scans for bone densitometry and whole-body composition

Garran Medical Imaging has been developed from a desire to provide better outcomes for patients and referrers.

Our experienced team are here because we care about you. We have mapped the patient journey for your benefit so that you will have a comfortable, stress free experience. We are 100% patient focussed and passionate about

analysis, ultrasounds and nuclear medicine.

“We work with the patient and the referrer to provide a better outcome,” he says.

Being a reasonably new practice, Nick says all of the equipment there is brand new and state of the art.

“In particular our nuclear medical scanner xSPECT is the only one in the region,” he says.

“It can produce really high resolution images that no other nuclear machine can produce locally.”

Garran Medical Imaging, Suite 1, 2 Garran Place, Garran. Call 6225 7070, email reception@garranmedicalimaging. com.au or visit garranmedicalimaging.com.au

Comprehensive clinic offering:

• MRI - 3T System • CT - Advanced Multislice

• NUCLEAR MEDICINE - Including xSPECT/CT and Quantitative Analysis

• ULTRASOUND - General, Musculoskeletal, Obstetric, Doppler / Arterial / Venous Studies & Specialised Elastography

• INTERVENTION, PROCEDURES & CONSULTATIONS

• GENERAL X-RAYS • FLUOROSCOPY

• OPG - DENTAL IMAGING

• WHOLE BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS

• DEXA BONE DENSITOMETRY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Seamy side of the eternal city

By Helen MUSA

EVEN as the National Museum of Australia celebrates the noblest Roman of them all in “Rome: City and Empire”, Bell Shakespeare is letting slip the dogs of war in a gritty iteration of “Julius Caesar” that shows the seamier side of the eternal city.

The famous characters are there – the great conspirators, Brutus and Cassius, the brilliant but vain Caesar himself, his anxious wife Calpurnia, Brutus’ forbearing wife Portia, the eloquent Marc Antony and hovering on the sideline until the last act, Caesar’s boyish heir Octavius, soon to become Augustus Caesar.

It’s the third time they’ve staged it in Canberra and associate director at Bell Shakespeare James Evans is directing. Despite his name, he has no familial connection to Bell’s artistic director Peter Evans.

A graduate in acting from NIDA, he played Buckingham in “Richard III” a couple of years ago and, with an MA in English, from the University of Sydney, has facilitated Shakespeare masterclasses in schools, universities, theatres and juvenile detention centres, while also hosting leadership and communication workshops for the company.

What motivates as a director, he tells “CityNews”, is very clear – “Shakespeare’s language… it’s the words, the language and the relationships.”

This is the first time Canberrans will see one of his productions and he’s picked a beauty, for the immensely popular play has hardly been off the stage since it was first staged in 1599.

Evans denies that “Julius Caesar” comes around with some frequency, saying: “Not really, 2011 was the last time, but it’s one of those plays which is so dominant in our minds that it just feels as if it was recent”.

That 2011 production featured huge scaffolding, symbolic of Rome, and some cast members got scaffolding licenses, but this tour takes in 28 different venues – “Alice Springs tonight, Darwin the next”, as he says, so designer Anna Tregloan had to make it easy to pack into a truck – a big truck with a moving billboard on the back that can revolve into different angles. It allows the screening of a huge, charismatic image of Julius Caesar.

“There’s a sense of the city, an industrial feel,

the smell of smoke,” says Evans.

Caesar is assassinated halfway through the play, so he is hardly the central character.

“Shakespeare directs us towards Brutus, but Cassius and Marc Antony all have their significant moments in the play,” Evans says.

The shifting relationship between Brutus, played by Ivan Donato, and Cassius, played by Nick Simpson-Deeks, is particularly fascinating in this version.

After the assassination, when Cassius suggests a proactive stance, the cautious Brutus makes a serious mistake and lets Antony declaim his “Friends, Romans and countrymen” speech.

“Brutus takes over, but not to the conspirators’ advantage,” Evans says, “Cassius was right.”

American-born actor Kenneth Ransom is playing Caesar and his uncanny resemblance to Barack Obama looks calculated.

“It is, very much so,” says Evans.

“Julius Caesar has great charisma, but he’s also funny at times and he’s not too much of a vile tyrant in this version.”

Audiences should also prepare for a couple of other casting surprises. Antony is played by Sara Zwangobani and Octavius by Emily Havea who, he notes, “has the last line of the play, letting us see the next generation of leaders”.

Evans is not keen to make heavy allusions to contemporary political assassinations, saying: “Audiences will draw their own conclusions, especially in Canberra.”

He believes the content is relevant to Australia but equally relevant all over the world, hence the international-looking cast of 10.

“Much more diverse than any other cast we’ve ever had,” he says.

Bell Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, The Playhouse, October 12-18.

Belconnen Community Theatre

October 26th – November 3rd

An Early Christmas present for everyone

Bookings: canberraticketing.com.au Phone 6275 2700

Tempo Theatre Production

African Dance Classes

Canberra has a thriving African drum and dance scene with the next 8-week African dance course now taking enrolments. Work up a sweat while learning the funky moves of traditional West African dance in high energy classes led by world-renowned Mohamed Bangoura and accompanied by live drumming.

All levels welcome and bookings essential.

7.35-9pm Thursdays, 18 Oct – 6 Dec @ Duffy Primary. Ph: 0414 236 323 or email: info@drumeffect.com.au

For more info or to book your place visit drumeffect.com.au

NSW Est. 1838

Sept 28 until Oct 14 qbn@qbncityofchampions.com.au 180Mementos.wixsite.com/qtown

DANCE / Canberra Dance Theatre’s 40th birthday

Dancers on toes for big show

By Helen Musa

THERE are few dance companies in the world that can claim to have been founded by a brilliant international scientist, but Canberra Dance Theatre, now celebrating its 40th birthday, is one such.

It was created in the early ‘70s by scientistdancer Graham Farquhar, who was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2015, named Senior Australian of the Year in 2018 and was also the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize for his work in plant biophysics and photosynthesis.

Since then the CDT has cornered the Canberra market in combining original and exploratory modern dance practice with deep community involvement. Present-day classes and performances range over Hilal Egyptian dance, performance for children and teenagers with additional needs, dance for daring over 55s in the “GOLDs”, (Growing Old Disgracefully) classical ballet and exotic fan-dancing.

Notable dancers working with CDT have included Aussie dance heavyweights such as Cheryl Stock, Kai Tai Chan, Bernadette Walong, Graeme Watson, and the luminous dance couple Patrick Harding-Irmer and Anca Frankenhaeuser, who so often appeared in original works for the company.

But as well as those dance movers and shakers, there was space for up-and-coming talents, first seen with the company. This writer remembers moments of exquisitely quiet dance by Chi Long and Douglas Amarfio, who both went on to dance careers interstate and overseas.

The company began in the early ‘70s when Prof Farquhar, himself a ballet dancer and now patron of the company, created the National University Dance Ensemble, with the wicked acronym “NUDE” raising a few eyebrows. He was joined by Diana Shohet and Lorna Marshall.

Ensemble, with Stephanie Burridge becoming the first artistic director and staying for an extraordinary 23 years. The organisation was incorporated in 1981, and in 1989 under Burridge’s watch, the name was changed to Canberra Dance Theatre.

After Burridge left to pursue an academic career, which has resulted in her becoming South-East Asia’s most prominent dance historian, Amalia Hordern, Megan Millband and 2017 “CityNews” Artist of the Year Liz Lea followed as directors.

The organisation’s artistic director is now Jacqui Simmonds who, she tells “CityNews”, grew up in Canberra knowing about CDT, returning after many years away just 18 months ago. The business manager is Canberra theatre and dance identity Neil Roach who, with Simmonds and volunteers, manages the office, dance programs, community performances and classes.

ARTS IN THE CITY

“Come to us, come and try,” Simmonds says to

It falls to her to stage a three-day celebration of 40 years since Burridge took over – she’ll be here from Singapore.

Central to the program is a new contemporary ballet work by K-Ballet star Fusako Skelton. Other segments will be Burridge’s gothic work, “Mist” featuring Frankenhaeuser with violin played by Kailin Tong, a re-staging of “Annette”, from Lea’s work “Great Sport!” which won the company a 2017 Australian Dance Award. Elizabeth Cameron Dalman’s “Woman of the River” will be performed by Amanda Tutalo, an Amalia Hordern solo, “Pamoja” and a work performed by Frankenhaeuser and Harding-Irmer.

And the ending? A new comic work “Happiness is...” collaboratively created with Emma Saunders.

“Happiness Is… 40 Years of Canberra Dance Theatre”, The Street Theatre, 7pm, October 12-13 and 5pm on October 14.

An epitaph for lost ‘Bluey’

By Helen Musa

“EPITAPH” is a new museum theatre work resulting from a partnership between the Australian War Memorial and The Street Theatre. Scripted by Ross Mueller, it tells the story of Frank, a returned serviceman, helping Maggie in Ballarat to write an epitaph for her young son “Bluey”. It will be performed regularly in the memorial’s galleries for a year, with its premiere weekend on October 12-14.

THE Palestinian Film Festival Australia is back for its ninth year, with a program of features, shorts and documentaries. In Muayad Alayan’s new film, “The Reports on Sarah & Saleem”, a Palestinian woman and an Israeli man begin an illicit affair at the height of the Palestine-Israel

conflict in Jerusalem. Events Cinemas Manuka, October 18-20. Book at palestinianfilmfestival.com.au

MEANTIME, the Japanese Film Festival, curated by The Japan Foundation, will play at Dendy Cinemas, October 17-21. Book at dendy.com.au

“PAPA & Sons” is a musical homage to Johann Sebastian Bach and his very talented offspring, to be performed by the Sydney Consort at Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday, October 14. Book at trybooking.com or tickets at the door.

CANBERRA Youth Theatre’s Emily Sheehan and Kyle Walmsley are staging “Faster”, an original devised work with actors aged between 14 and 17 years that uses physical theatre and live painting, performed at breakneck

speed outdoors in the West Courtyard of Gorman Arts Centre, 7.30pm, October 18-20. Book at cytc.net

“BELONG” is a new contemporary dance work created by professional choreographers Jodie Farrugia, Olivia Fyfe and Luke Fryer, in collaboration with QL2’s junior ensemble performers aged 8 to 19. At Theatre 3, Repertory Lane, Acton, 6pm, Friday, October 19. Book at canberrarep.org.au

“CITYNEWS” artist of the year Liz Lea’s hugely popular 2017 venture “Bold” drew dance experts into town from all over the country and beyond. Now we hear “Bold II” will hit the ACT again in March. Contact theboldfestival@gmail.com

TEN-string Spanish classical guitarist Matthew Fagan will be joining Young Steinway Artist Nicholas Young performing from classical masterpieces, flamenco styles of Paco De Lucia and Paco Pena and modern jazz. “España El Vito – The Spirit of Spain” at Wesley Music Centre, 7.30pm, Friday, October 19. Book at events.humanitix.com.au

THE 9th Australian Burlesque Festival is visiting Canberra, promising “glamorous tease, exciting neo-burlesque and more exotic seduction”. Called “Varietease”, it is billed as the largest burlesque festival in the southern hemisphere and features artists including Bunni Lambada, Lucy Lovegun (pictured), Dolores Daiquiri, Betty Lovecat with Canberra’s Viridian Mint and Empress Eyrie – Helen Musa

“Varietease”, The Abbey, Gold Creek, 6.30pm, Friday, October 19.

Juvenile ‘Venom’ is a test for the imagination

“Venom” (M) 100% overcast – stars there but not visible!

THE cinema’s universe contains little that hasn’t been tried before. Most of its basic themes work well enough to stand repetition. But anything can happen when corporate bosses tell their creative satraps: “We need to give them something they haven’t yet had”.

This sci-fi-horror movie might have been able to collect a star or two had it been more careful to respect the audience at which its producers, Marvel Comics, seems to have been aiming.

That’s how a survivor from a space freighter crash in Borneo (which a subtitle says is in Malaysia) ends up in a sealed container in the research lab operated by evil squillionaire Drake (Riz Ahmed) from where it accidentally escapes to expand and set forth on its mission – to take over planet Earth.

“Venom”... a face-full of fearsome teeth that it appears to use by baring, thereby scaring its victims to death.

film with authenticity. Were their brains so addled by what they’d seen on TV or cinema screens that they mistook those influences for real life? Stranger than fiction.

The heist theme is well-enough-known from scads of movies. The one I remember with most satisfaction is Jules Dassin’s “Topkapi” (1964) from an Eric Ambler novel. That was a clever heist with a crime-doesn’t-pay outcome and great tensions. “American Animals” reflects only that outcome. The rest is a study of preparation followed by commission of the theft in which the four young men lose the plot big time.

Flicka” that seems not to have made much impact in Australia) is one of two separate cinema productions of Anton Chekhov’s play released this year.

The acting is fine, the location is verdantly pleasant, the story in three acts is worth telling. While enthusiasts may deplore its truncation of the original, enough of Chekhov’s acerbic mixture of comedy, romance and misfortune remains to deliver its observation of Russian middle-class life in 1904.

Who can stop this terrible blob of ooze able to morph into whatever shape it pleases, capable of enveloping and controlling the actions of its victims and freely disobeying every natural law of motion as it rampages through the city to the accompaniment of a loud music score?

A TV network’s star news reporter, that’s who! Played by the film’s notional star Tom Hardy, Eddie in short order loses his job and the respect of his recently proposed fiancée so sets forth to deal with the evil newcomer.

To call that malign creature a venom

is to do a terrible injustice to every self-respecting vertebrate, mollusc, coelenterate, insect and other terrestrial life form that hunts its next meal by injecting real venom through its fangs or immobilises its prey as food for its developing young. Marvel Comics’ venom has a face-full of fearsome teeth that it appears to use by baring, thereby scaring its victims to death.

This is juvenile stuff likely to beggar the imagination of any human with more than an egg-cup-full of functional brain. If you’ve read this far, that cannot possibly be you. Can it?

At all cinemas

“American Animals” (M)

THIS is the first cinematic feature directed by Bart Layton, whose moving-images career thus far has been in writing and producing TV documentary series.

“American Animals” incorporates its five real-life protagonists in delivering its story. The film also uses actors to portray them. In 2004, four of them stole valuable rare books from the Kentucky University library (the fifth is the librarian who kept the university’s rare-book collection).

After release from prison, they made themselves available to Layton as consultants to provide the

DINING / the millhouse café, queanbeyan

Nothing’s a trouble at the Mill

By Wendy JOHNSON

THE Millhouse Café in Queanbeyan is a treasured spot for locals, with the owners saying they know money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy great coffee (so true!).

We had never been but were in the area and thought we’d give it a go. It’s a distinctive, heritage-listed building at the busy corner of Collett and Morisset Streets. It was built in 1883 as the manager’s residence for the local flour mill and has preserved many aspects of the original structure. The Millhouse Café was absolutely pumping on our visit, perhaps even more so because some of the restaurants on Crawford Street were closed off by police because of a shooting in the middle of the night… no doubt many gravitated to the Millhouse for brekkie.

The garden area out the back has plenty of tables on the lawn area, a piano, lots of toys for kids to play on. Individual rooms inside were full… and then there are a few tables out the front, in the sun. That’s where we settled in.

Awesome coffees came out quickly, which was a super start.

that. Prices are really reasonable and portions generous.

My friend’s bacon and egg roll was only $7.50, a bargain given it had two eggs and plenty of bacon on a large toasted roll. It was excellent. Extras such as bacon, mushrooms, tomato and spinach are $3 each. The full breakfast is $16.50, with bacon, mushrooms, chorizo, tomato and two eggs cooked how you like, with toast.

I wasn’t into anything super heavy and so ordered the vegetarian breakfast ($16). It was delightful. The spinach was incredibly tasty (beautifully sautéed) and the mushrooms equally so. The hash brown crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and my two poached eggs cooked perfectly (I like them not too runny,

element of the dish was stone cold when it arrived so I headed inside to the kitchen with my plate to ask for another go. It was perfect and service with “sorries” all round. While it’s not an excuse, the place was truly pumping and my bet is partly with overflow because of the crime scene.

If you have a sweet tooth, the French toast looked sensational ($13). If you’re health conscious, there’s a bircher muesli soaked in apple juice ($13).

Smaller options include toast ($4), raisin toast ($4.50) or banana bread ($4.50).

The total package is entertaining enough but early revelation of the denouement is a constant background, leading to relatively low tension and conflict levels. It’s not easy to like the four young men. Nor does knowing in advance where it’s going to end diminish an underlying morality statement. That may lead audiences to feel unexpected sensations in response to its message. It’s certainly a heist movie but it’s equally about how social values have receded in the US.

At Palace Electric and Dendy

“The Seagull” (M)

DIRECTOR Michael Mayer’s second feature after a career in telemovies (the first being a 2006 remake of an American classic, “My Friend

Leading a strong cast, Annette Bening plays ageing actress Irina, spending a summer holiday at her family’s country estate. Saoirse Ronan plays Nina, an aspiring actress setting out to seduce Trigorin (Corey Stoll) away from Irina. Elisabeth Moss is strong as Masha for whom life holds few prospects. Billy Howle is Konstantin who shoots the seagull as a gift for Nina. Brian Dennehy is fine as Irina’s brother Sorin.

This year’s other film version was made by South African writer/director Christiaan Olwagen. I’ve no idea how often Chekhov’s play gets performed nowadays. I liked Mayer’s film more than the stage production I saw in Melbourne several years ago with Sir Ian McKellen in it.

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

Thursday 1 November 2018 / 6.30pm - 10.30pm

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GARDENING

In praise of rhododendrons

NATURE is truly amazing; no matter how hard the ground, bulbs have a way of pushing their leaves through in places that I cannot remember ever planting.

I am also looking at the buds of that spectacular plant, the rhododendron, as they struggle through into flower. The nature of its delicate petals makes it hard to imagine the plant comes from one of the coldest areas of the world, Himalaya.

MEMBER of the famous banking family, Lionel de Rothschild (18821942) possibly bred and promoted more rhododendrons than any other person.

In 1912 he bought a 100-hectare Hampshire estate in southern England and started on his hobby of breeding plants. World War I interrupted his vision, but after the war he bought an adjoining estate of 1000 hectares to establish the famous Exbury Gardens. He expanded his special interest in breeding rhododendrons and azaleas by organising plant hunters to bring specimens from China, Tibet and Himalaya.

To establish his gardens the woodland undergrowth had to be cleared, so he employed 250 men from surrounding farms who then double dug initially about 100 hectares, adding peat but no

inorganic fertilisers. A borehole was sunk and an irrigation system spread out from the water tower to reach all parts of the garden through some 35 kilometres of underground piping.

He employed an additional 60 experienced gardeners plus a further 15 to work in the breeding program in the glasshouses.

Neither money nor effort was spared in pursuit of horticultural excellence raising some of the most magnificent hybrid rhododendrons ever seen.

Exbury Gardens is open to the public and, believe me, not a garden to be missed if you are in southern England. April to June is the best time to visit.

IN Commonwealth Park we see the usual unreal display of flowers of Floriade, open until October 14. This year’s theme is “Pop Culture”, of which I am sure no one can really work out.

One story worth mentioning is of the inimitable head gardener Andrew Forster, who is responsible for organising the massive job of planting out the site. This is his 22nd year.

Some years ago the City Parks

powers-to-be, in their infinite wisdom, moved Andrew to other duties at the start of planting. Almost immediately they recognised the error of their ways and Andrew was quickly brought back to sort things out.

Well done, Andrew, the results speak for themselves once again with a sea of colour.

ONE can hardly miss seeing the bright blue of Ceanothus Blue Pacific (or Californian Lilac) in many gardens.

It is quite different to almost any other evergreen plant and it’s very important to lightly prune it every year immediately after flowering from the day it is first planted. If left for a few years and then hard pruned, it won’t grow again on the old wood.

CONGRATULATIONS to mayor

Tim Overall and the Queanbeyan Palerang Council with their Captains Flat improvements.

The council’s horticultural staff recently planted a fruit grove around the Colin Winchester Oval.

The trees include pears, almonds, apricots, cherry, fig, plum and pomegranate. The trees will be

maintained by the local community. This is all part of a wider project to upgrade community facilities at Captains Flat funded by the NSW government’s Stronger Community Fund in conjunction with the local council. Our local “town council” take note.

Jottings...

• Time to select rhodos and azaleas as they come into flower at garden centres, but make sure of the space available for growing rhodos and check the labels, they grow from dwarf varieties one metre tall to more than four metres.

• Use only certified organic fertilisers when preparing the soil for planting.

• Rhodos and azaleas require filtered shade, under deciduous trees is ideal, allowing winter sun and summer shade.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

A romantic or platonic relationship could be strained as Mercury, Mars and retrograde Venus regurgitate an unpleasant problem or an unresolved issue from the past returns. The worst way to deal with it? With an arrogant attitude and an unforgiving heart. The best way to handle it? With an abundance of patience and diplomacy! Be inspired by the wise words of writer-activist (and fellow Aries) Maya Angelou: “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Are your dreams achievable? Or are you being unrealistic about a project that’s due to be completed? Perhaps you need to get others on board and delegate more? If you think creatively, work hard and capitalize on your group connections, then you’ll eventually taste success. Communication is emphasized (especially with loved ones) so expect plenty of phone calls, texts, tweets and emails. But avoid saying something rash to a stressed friend or colleague on Friday.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Your wonderfully witty side could blossom, as you brainstorm ideas and amaze others with your quick-witted quips and clever comments. But – if you are too hasty – then you could put your foot firmly in your mouth. Plus, when it comes to a relationship issue, are you desperately trying to fix a frustrating situation? Prepare for some resistance from others (especially a colleague or friend). Quick-fixes won’t work. Instead, you need to slow down and think things through.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The planets push your insecurity button, which will activate your protective Crab claws. But you’ll find the more defensive you are (and the more resistant you are to change) the more exhausted you’ll feel and the more difficult the week will be. So strive to get the balance right between maintaining the status quo (with things that are working) and changing the aspects of your life that aren’t functioning well. A close relationship certainly needs to be re-evaluated and renewed.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

This week Venus is in retrograde motion plus Mercury and Mars aggravate fiery tempers and poor communication. Which could lead to triple trouble in matters of the heart! So prepare for some domestic dramas or relationship hassles. Perhaps a family problem re-surfaces or an-ex-lover suddenly reappears? (But do you really want to do that complicated dance again?) On Friday night, make sure you tune into the wise and magical wonderland that resides in your dreams.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Creativity is highlighted but don’t be deterred by ongoing challenges. Hard work and calm consultation will take you far! When it comes to work, a study project or a social media matter, you have the potential to achieve success but it won’t come without plenty of elbow grease on your part. And avoid over-reacting on Friday. Criticising others (or blurting out the first thing that comes into your head) is a recipe for trouble. So bite your tongue, sit tight, and bide your time.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

What a wonky week for partnerships of the romantic and platonic kind! With Venus (your ruling planet) retrograde plus Mercury and Mars creating mischief, relationships won’t run smoothly. So do your best to communicate calmly and clearly – as you put out interpersonal spot-fires along the way. Attached Librans – angry words could create some distance between you and your partner. Singles – a promising date could turn out to be a thoroughly disappointing dud.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

With Venus reversing through your sign, it’s time to rethink your approach to a personal problem. (And don’t underestimate the power of your intuition to point you in the right direction.) Talking things over with a trusted friend will also help you view the situation from a creative new perspective. On Friday you’re impatient to say exactly what’s on your mind. But your words could inflame a sensitive situation, so press pause and think things through before you speak!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Many people will be particularly over-sensitive and over-reactive this week. It would be best to keep idiosyncratic ideas and controversial comments to yourself. Plus avoid getting drawn into petty arguments and pointless debates (especially online). Money matters also look complicated, as abundance planet Venus is in retrograde mode until November 16. So hold off making important business decisions and momentous financial moves until a more suitable time.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Venus (planet of love and friendship) is retrograde. This week you may feel as if you’re going backwards with your partner or peer group. And be careful that your perfectionist streak doesn’t get out of control! The more you try to make things and situations and people ‘perfect’ (including yourself) the more you’ll attract push-back from others. So do your best to focus on the process rather than the outcome; and the journey rather than the destination.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Procrastination is out and being passionately proactive is in, as you make the most of Mars charging through your sign. So get motivated, initiate ideas and walk your talk. Just make sure you get the balance right between thinking things through and taking action. With Venus retrograde, there will be frustrating problems along the way (especially involving a boss, colleague, client or customer). But there are no excuses for inaction. Nothing ventured; nothing gained!

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Your imagination, creativity and intuition are firing. But the lines between fact and fantasy could easily become blurred so it’s not a good time to make important decisions (especially involving love, work or money). Be a patient Fish and wait. And avoid brooding over your mistakes and worrying about the past. Regrets will get you nowhere. So your motto is from writer-illustrator (and fellow Piscean) Dr Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Copyright

Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

4 Which figure is in the form of a rectangle? (6)

7 Which rocky island in San Francisco Bay once served as a federal prison? (8)

8 Who wrote "They're a Weird Mob", John ...? (6)

9 Name a particular variety of the Welsh corgi. (8)

11 What was the second given name of GBS, the dramatist? (7)

13 Which term describes a deified mortal? (7)

15 Name the profession of one who treats the body by rubbing, kneading, or the like. (7)

17 What is a quick, sharp return in speech or action? (7)

20 What are countries entirely surrounded by other countries? (8)

23 Which upright shaft or structure is used as a support? (6)

24 Name the champion Australian female soccer team. (8)

25 What are proverbs also called? (6) Down

1 What is another term for a seaweed? (4)

2 Name the Hindu religious and political leader, Mahatma ... (6)

3 What is a ship's prison called? (4)

4 Which form of oxygen is present in the upper atmosphere and screens the earth's surface from excess ultraviolet radiation? (5)

5 Which cavity in the windpipe contains the vocal cords? (6)

6 Name the point that is diametrically opposite to the zenith. (5)

9 Which colloquialism describes an elderly chap? (6)

10 Which part of the body lies between the thorax and the pelvis? (7)

12 What do we call the remains of anything broken down or destroyed? (6)

14 What is an angle in a golf fairway? (6)

16 Which of the molluscs have a single spirally coiled shell? (6)

18 Name Homer's epic poem describing the siege of Troy. (5)

19 To buy something on time payment is to buy it on what? (5)

21 What is the given name of the stage and film actor, Ms Blanchett? (4)

22 What are periods of time known as? (4)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Hot to trot but not sure how?

“We have decided to expand our book-selling business, but we’re not sure what to do next.”

That was the challenge Tanya and Rocco set for me during a visit recently.

“Early in the financial year is the perfect time to review your figures, examine your strategic plans, and focus on your key opportunities for the coming year,” I told them.

“And we have a great tool to use as the starting point –the Mindshop Growth and Profit Solutions Diagnostic. It identifies your top three issues and the strategies you need to put in place to address them.”

“We feel that we are in a vacuum not knowing which way to turn,” Rocco said, agreeing that the couple had been lacking direction.

I told them we would look at things such as selling skills, their market, their team, technology, cash flow and how waste could be reduced.

“From that, we distill the 10 key success factors for your business,” I said. “We then pick out the top three and do intensive work to enhance them. “We have found that the key success factors that frequently come up are profit, your team and sales/marketing. It is particularly important that we identify these issues now so that you do not perpetuate inefficiencies into the future.

“I then follow that up with personal development work. If your business is going well but your personal life is in tatters, it is very hard to run the business effectively.”

Tanya and Rocco nodded in agreement, asking what was included in the personal development sessions?

“We look at such things as quality family time, dealing with negative people in your life, your health, how you handle stress, time management, goal setting, motivation, job satisfaction, exercise, personal relationships, your ability to delegate, intuition and the amount of fun that you have,” I told them.

“Again we distill the 10 key success factors and pick out the top three for some more in-depth work. The key success factors that frequently come up are work/life balance, time management and health.

“Once we have a clear picture and commitment from your team we can then move on to the next stage.

“There are some fairly clear areas such as increasing sales and decreasing expenses and this process enables us to work out how to improve these things. We may then look at strategic plans and other relevant processes, but that depends on the results we get.”

Tanya was excited, keen to start and said she was ready to move on with their expansion. Rocco agreed, saying he couldn’t wait to start the process, too.

If you need help with your business, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.