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Melissa’s sensitive about decluttering

By Danielle NOHRA

SINCE Melissa Freasier started helping people (particularly seniors) downsize and declutter more than two years ago, she’s seen some rare and fascinating things.

“I was at a job recently where the lady had genera tions of interesting papers such as old ticket stubs and tourism brochures,” says Melissa, 39, of Garran, who started working with downsizers after helping both her parents and parents-in-law declutter and organise their homes in their retirement years.

“On her behalf I was able to rehome some of those papers to different museums.

“She had been saving them with the prospect of giv ing them to a museum so she was glad.”

It’s not uncommon for items to go to museums and Melissa says people want to see their things go to a good home.

“People really regret downsizing quickly because they regret not having things go where they want them to,” she says.

“People really like being able to support charities. There’s some really worthy organisations out there and people want to see their items going to their favourite charity.”

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 17 per cent of residents aged over 65 live in inner Canberra, and, Melissa says many of them choose to spend their later years in a retirement village, which is why she began Caring Transitions.

“Sometimes, family is either too far away or too busy to help, so more and more empty nesters are outsourcing the task of helping to downsize their home,” she says.

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Cinema 21

Crossword 23

Dining 21

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

News 3-8

Politics 7 Social photos 15-17

Rd, Mitchell 2911

Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Cover: Mallika Raj celebrates Diwali. Photo by Graham Tidy. Story Page 18.

Photo by Danielle Nohra

“This is the ultimate move that I have the distinct pleasure of helping people with.”

But Melissa, who says she hasn’t yet met anyone over 50 who doesn’t think they have too much stuff, also loves giving advice to people looking to downsize on their own.

She’s running a free workshop at the Hughes Community Centre on Wednesday, November 14, where she will be sharing her decluttering knowledge with the community.

“At the downsizing seminar they learn how to start on their downsizing projects, what to do with all their objects and other tips and tricks for making the pro -

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cess easier,” she says.

“People are often paralysed with the prospect of where to begin.

“A lot of it is trying to find good homes for things because people don’t want their memories going to the

“They also don’t want their children to have to deal with it later. They want the control of where everything ends up.”

Melissa says a good place to start is in the garage and recommends having an “outsider” come in as a sounding board throughout the process, whether it’s a family member or friend.

It can be a pretty overwhelming process, physically and mentally, so she advises breaking the downsizing process into chunks of two or three-hour periods.

But, she says it can be fun, too, and suggests doing an activity, where people go around the room and put red stickers on everything they don’t want.

“Then bundle everything up and put it in the boot of the car and take it away,” she says.

For “just-in-case items” Melissa says ask yourself: “Is it worth less than $20?” And if it is, they might get a little comfort knowing they can get it again down the track for a small amount.

“Just in case may mean never,” she says.

“It’s about calling things by their real name, like: ‘A book I may never read again’.

“Once people get on a roll, they do find they’re able to get going with things.

“I’m not a fan of giving away sentimental items or promoting Japanese minimalism.

“It’s about people having the things they want and being able to find a good home for the things they don’t.”

Caring Transitions’ downsizing seminar, Hughes Community Centre, 11am-12.30pm, November 14. Bookings to 6260 4679.

Good men wanted

MENSLINK is looking for good men to mentor young fellas aged between 10 and 18. “A mentor will be a normal bloke with a decent amount of life experience able to commit to catching up with his mentee for a couple of hours a fortnight over two years,” says Menslink. More information and an online application at menslink.org.au

Sharing sonnets

THE Canberra region Fellowship of Australian Writers is hosting a workshop, presented by Dr CS Cooper, covering the basics of poetry including some of the typical formats of English poetry, such as sonnets. “Penning Poetry – Making Musical Miracles”, 11am-1pm, on Sunday, October 28. Enquiries to jenniferj.warren@bigpond.com or 0408 434954.

The ‘just right’ fete ST Ninian’s Church in Lyneham is holding a “Goldilocks’ Fete” (“not too big, not too small, but just right) at the corner of Mouat and Brigalow Streets, 9am-1pm, on Saturday, November 3. Among the offers will be Christmas cakes, cakes and cookies, homemade spring rolls, salads, delicious desserts, a barbecue, Tongan tasties, Devonshire teas, flowers and vegetables, craft, treasures, jewellery, books and pre-loved clothing.

SEVEN DAYS

Media barking wrong on dogs, says cranky vet

A LOCAL vet has blamed irresponsible media treatment of recent dog-attack statistics for growing community fear of dogs.

Figures released showed a 25 per cent “spike” in dog attacks between July 2017 and June 2018 (459). The frustrated vet, from a large suburban practice, says there is no discernible increase in the number of attacks but rather a rise in reporting attacks.

WITH the nation buzzing with royal excitement thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , convener of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy ACT Gary Kent says while it would have been great to host the pair, they may have created “enough goodwill” to be considered for future vice-regal duties.

MEANTIME, local blogger Lauren Dubois has counselled royal mother-to-be Meghan Markle, offering her “something I share with my friends when they are expecting”.

Instagram post includes the memory of being able to “go for a drive by yourself and turn the music up really loud. Listen to the filthiest gangsta rap you can find and shout out all the explicit lyrics” and “walk into a room. Remember why you’re there”. Dubois signed off “all the best babe, you look fab. Hope you can look as glam and happy as I did at the end”.

Parliament House to Parliament House. Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) from north-east Victoria, northern NSW, the south coast, New England and two groups from Queensland rallied to demand the government free the children on Nauru.

THE pollies are back and so are the protestors. Up to 700 students, farmers, pensioners and even a fully frocked man

ALSO back in town, a rare and threatening visitor; the cane toad. A pair of the pests was apprehended in suburban Campbell, worrying scientists and locals alike. The boffins say the two adult females probably “hitch-hiked” here late September and it’s unlikely they’ve set up house. But experts have confirmed the toads are a biodiversity

threat. Cane toads were spotted in O’Connor last year.

SEEMS Zed Seselja can’t take a trick. The ACT Liberal senator’s mathematics let him down badly in August when he surfaced as the “national public face” of Peter Dutton’s failed leadership coup.

And now Zed’s copped a pasting after voting for Senator Pauline Hanson’s “it’s OK to be white” motion in the Senate.

The Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance pleaded ignorance to an association between the clearly racist wording of Hanson’s motion and white supremacists.

STILL in the Canberra “bubble” and the constant mantra of the truncated term of the Turnbull government seems to have left town for regional Australia. The latest APS employment numbers reveal “jobs ‘n’ growth” has decentralised leaving Canberra more than 500 public service jobs lighter. The latest round of job shedding reportedly leaves the APS with its lowest numbers in 12 years.

NO surprise to those involved in educating local children that an inquiry into student violence against teachers took two years to complete. The ABC revealed a seriously flawed process after an investigation focused on the Education Directorate’s response of incidents stretching back to 2016.

GREAT to see kids still getting a genuine thrill out of climbing on a fire engine. Young

Oliver and his sister Audrey were leaving a Mitchell coffee shop with their mum when station officer Des Falconer and his crew pulled up in a firetruck. As some of the crew headed inside for a brew, Des spotted two sets of young eyes bulging at the giant yellow machine and invited them to jump aboard.

FINALLY an acceptable piece of public art. Possibly to reflect the city’s seemingly permanent “under-construction” status and associated kilometres of temporary safety bordering and fencing, a “pop-up” stack of colourful WFBs (water filled barriers) has been unveiled on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin near the High Court. The plastic faux granite work may be among the first pieces of recent public art not bagged by local punters.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2018

CANBERRA MATTERS

ON October 11, some residents in and around Dickson received an invitation from the Planning Directorate’s Team-Section-72.

Their invitation said: “Join the design workshops for the renewal of Section 72 Dickson. At this workshop you will have an opportunity to influence the renewal of public space, streets, paths, landscape, infrastructure upgrades and how future land uses and built form can be integrated with existing developments.”

I have not included more of the directorate’s words – as it is pure spin that avoids stating the real intentions of this long, painful and frustrating exercise. They want to sell great chunks of the land, allow apartment blocks to be built and use some of the money raised for social housing. Rather than sending a message back to Team-72 and yet again setting out just how wrong this is and what a golden opportunity this could be for inner-north cultural and arts facilities, here’s an open letter to a

Dear Shane, it is time to be seen, to talk and to identify with the aspirations of those you represent. Are you up for it?

local politician:

“Dear Minister Rattenbury, I am writing to you, as the Greens have remained largely silent on what is being proposed for this important and underutilised site in central Dickson.

Hopefully this letter will be a catalyst for you to respond positively and agree that it is timely for the Greens to identify with the locals in their concerns about the goings-on around the Dickson Parklands (Section 72 to the bureaucrats).

To be clear, there is huge support for more social housing in the area, just not on this community site. As the population grows, there will be an increasing need for community, cultural and arts facilities. This site is the last one available and could be enhanced to provide a huge range of day and evening services for a diverse range of people. The site has a large number of well-established trees and complex biodiversity that should

be retained so that the Parklands contains a busy and attractive set of community/arts facilities within a beautiful green setting.

These matters are complex and are well documented in responses from many residents and expressed clearly during previous workshops – only to be largely ignored. Or worse still, comprehensive submissions have been misrepresented in the reporting by the bureaucracy.

All these issues and how the consultations are not well organised or run, are community, environmental and cultural issues that were once of interest to the Greens as people understood them. I am not so sure this is the current thinking here on the northside.

The Greens seem to have blended with Labor on such matters and are viewed as now owning the questionable planning processes and subsequent developments.

A number of community representatives have stated that they will most likely not attend the coming workshops given the short notice and prior commitments. They are also of the opinion that everything that they

have wanted to say has been said and documented several times; so is there any point to even trying to work with Team-72 given that their behaviour during recent presentations has been to reject locals’ views and to present a biased view of what could happen on the parklands site?

We have heard many spurious reasons for the site to be redeveloped; such as the need for housing in the area – this while towers appear almost daily across Dickson and who knows how many suburbs in the sky (apartment towers) are in the pipeline for Northbourne Avenue. Or how close any housing could be to the tram when it will be a kilometre or more

(more than the recognised 400 metres to access transport easily).

Dear Shane, residents are seeking your participation as a politician in this government. Residents need a local politician who will work with them to see their submissions and questions addressed and taken seriously. It is time to be seen, to talk and to identify with the aspirations of those you represent. Are you up for it?”

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

POLITICS / the battle for wentworth

Libs plumb new depths in dirty campaigning

Making a foreign policy announcement that would cause so much concern amongst so many of our allies and near neighbours without proper process is a new electoral low.

THE Wentworth by-election was electioneering at its worst. Appalling. Blatant. The notion of responsible government flushed down the toilet. Desperation.

No wonder former Liberal leaders distanced themselves.

When a credible independent, such as former Australian Medical Association President Dr Kerryn Phelps, puts her hat in the ring it provides an opportunity for an electorate to punish a wayward government.

The most transparent thing about Scott Morrison’s foreign policy debacle was how clearly it illustrated Liberal Party desperation. An attempt to win the Jewish vote in Wentworth by such a controversial announcement as moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem was simply insane. But it played second fiddle to perceived dual electoral advantages for Liberal candidate Dave Sharma. Firstly, the move highlighted his

NEWS

role as ambassador to Israel and his move from the foreign office to seeking a political career. Secondly, the seat of Wentworth has a considerable Jewish community. If they voted as a block this tactic may well have been enough to secure the seat for the Liberals. This stupidity backfired on the government, allowing Phelps the high moral ground. Her argument was that the Prime Minister simply operated without due process. She told an election forum: “To announce it without bipartisan discussion, without comprehensive analysis of the defence, security and trade implica-

New awards for clubs

FROM rallying to help in emergencies, to providing accommodation for families in crisis, Canberra community clubs have been recognised for their outstanding contributions made to local communities in the first Clubs & Community Awards.

Eleven winners and one highly commended award winner were chosen by a trio of judges that included the Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann; philanthropist Paul Walshe and Menslink CEO Martin Fisk.

“This is the first time these awards have been held here in the ACT, says organiser ClubsACT CEO, Gwyn Rees.

“We have patterned them on existing awards presented in other jurisdictions, including NSW. The goal is to take time to note the many things our local clubs do every day, often quietly without wanting or expecting recognition, to support our community.

“While we talk a lot about the community contributions valued at more than $30 million clubs make, what they do for our community is so much wider than this.

“We have seen clubs promote inclusion and diversity, support amateur sport for all ages, and generally bring our community together in a positive way.

“When emergency food charity St John’s Care revealed it was struggling to keep up with demand for supplies earlier this year, clubs quickly jumped in to help.”

Awards were made in eight categories and the winner are:

Arts & Culture – large club, Eastlake Group (Friends of the School of Music) and small

dose of dorin

tions… there’s no question that this was a politically motivated decision”.

Morrison’s attempts to argue that this was a foreign policy announcement has the thinnest veil and seriously damages his integrity and credibility. It seems he will say or do almost anything if it might help out in an election.

The announcement provided a strategic political distraction for Sharma who had been arguing: “I accept the science of climate change. I will be a voice in the party to continue to address climate change.” As if he would be able to wrestle control of this policy

large club, Canberra Southern Cross Club (Karinya House); highly commended Vikings Group (Charity of the Year program); Education – large club, Vikings Group (The Path Program); Emergency Services – large club, Eastlake Group (St John’s Care); Health & Wellbeing – large club, Vikings Group (Play Within Your Limits); Heart of the Community – large club, Vikings Group – Reg Bates and small club, Harmonie German Club – Wally and Erika Merkel; Support of Amateur Sport – large club, Vikings Group (Affiliate Club Program) and small club, The RUC at Turner (rugby union and lawn bowls); Youth Leadership – Canberra Southern Cross Club (Live Your Dreams Young Leaders Program).

from the reactionaries who continue to support the coal industry.

It is not the first time a credible independent has unseated an unpleasant or lazy member in an otherwise very safe seat. And it is not the first time that the Liberals have deployed dirty tactics. However, making a foreign policy announcement that would cause so much concern amongst so many of our allies and near neighbours without proper process is a new electoral low.

But things went lower! Circulating an email suggesting a candidate was HIV positive would be about as low as possible. However, this was specifically targeted to also create an association with Kerryn Phelps as an openly gay woman. A puerile attempt to smear, smacking of the tactics of crass student politics or the sort of foolhardy campaigning of young Liberals.

It went further, adding that Dr Phelps was no longer standing. The tactic included suggesting the recipients vote elsewhere and spread the email to their families and friends.

Crass, dishonest campaigning simply discredits all and adds to the negative perceptions regarding politics in this country.

Kerryn Phelps is following in the

footsteps of other very successful independent politicians who have unseated arrogant or lazy Liberal MPs from very, very safe seats. Independent Cathy McGowan has cemented her place in what was once the safe coalition seat of Indi held by Sophie Mirabella. She followed in the footsteps of Independent Ted Mack who, in the 1990s, won the Federal seat of North Sydney from poor-performing Liberal John Spender.

The desperation tactics pursued as soon as the seat of Wentworth came under serious threat illustrates the extent to which the government will discard protocols and policies to improve electoral chances. The next election is not going to be easy for the Coalition. Chances are high for a sustained period of foul, despicable electioneering as the order of the day.

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

US riesling rises to the Challenge

US winery Black Star Farms has won the Canberra International Riesling Challenge’s top award – Best Wine of the Challenge – with its 2017 Black Star Farms Arcturos Dry Riesling. The wine was also named Best Dry Riesling and Best American Riesling. Black Star Farms is located on Old Mission Peninsula in Michigan.

A record number of rieslings from six countries – Australia, NZ, the US, Germany, France and the Czech Republic – were judged at Albert Hall last week.

Under the guidance of chairman of judges Cameron Douglas, seven judges from Australia, the US and China and three associate judges, have tasted the 567 wines over the last four days to find the best wines across a number of styles. Judging resulted in 70 gold medals, 104 silver medals and 205 bronze medals.

“The 2018 Canberra International Riesling Challenge remains the largest and most exacting in the southern hemisphere,” said Douglas.

Daniel Hetherington from Capel Vale Wines in WA received the Encouragement Award for up-and-coming riesling winemakers.

The winner of the inaugural Wines of Provenance class was Trevelen Farm Wines from Great Southern Region in WA with its Trevelen Farm Riesling vintages 2016, 2011 and 2005. Entries for this class comprised three vintages of the same wine/label produced from a single vineyard and winery, with 10 or more year’s age range between the most recent and the oldest vintage.

Why women deserve to feel safe

A REASON two out of three Canberra women don’t feel safe in public at night is due to suggestive images of women, according to Labor Minister for Women Yvette Berry.

The assertion was made when I asked Ms Berry why her government had such a low safety target for the proportion of Canberra women who feel safe at night.

In this year’s Budget, the government set a target for 38 per cent of women to feel safe in public at night, without any designs to improve the target over the coming years. This means that even if the government is successful in meeting its own target, 62 per cent of women will continue to feel unsafe.

As a woman, a mother and a grandmother to seven young girls, I thought it an imperative to question the minister on her government’s record and lack of ambition in this area. Rather than accounting for her government’s actions – or lack of them – Ms Berry pointed the finger to a private company, accusing it of stirring up “unconscious bias” in Canberra by using a sexualised image of a woman in an invitation to an event the company was hosting. It was a dishonourable tactic.

I believe many Canberra women feel unsafe at night partly because of a gradual decline in basic taxpayer-funded services.

I had hoped for recognition that the government owed Canberra women more than its low safety target suggests.

I believe many Canberra women feel unsafe at night partly because of a gradual decline in basic taxpayer-funded services. The government could take steps to improve perceptions of safety by improving lighting in public places, planning a better bus network and restoring Canberra’s police presence.

Having launched a study on this very issue, the Women’s Centre for Health Management found that most women reported feeling unsafe in littered areas with reduced foot traffic and those that are poorly lit.

I have repeatedly urged the government to provide lighting in the public car park behind the CIT in Tuggeranong. More than 12 months later, the car park is still pitch black and the govern-

ment has only last month agreed to improve the lighting – which is likely to take another six months before it is operational.

In April, I submitted a Fix My Street request for a broken light in the car park at Erindale Shopping Centre. I submitted a reminder in June. To date, it still has not been fixed. Most women who park in a shopping centre after sunset would feel unsafe navigating a poorly lit carpark to get home.

Labor’s poorly planned changes to Canberra’s bus network means women will have further to walk from the bus stop in the dark and will have to wait around bus interchanges in the city at night because the government plans to slash direct services between the north and south. Last, but certainly not least, over the past six years the government has taken 35 frontline police officers off our streets

and out of our suburbs, despite Canberra’s growing population and demand for services.

There is no silver bullet to ensuring 100 per cent of women feel safe in public at night 100 per cent of the time. However, I believe that focusing on better local services and a healthy police presence is a starting point to improving perceptions of safety.

These are areas well within the scope and powers of Ms Berry and her Labor-Greens government. If acted on, the government would have a better shot at improving safety targets. Instead, it seems the Minister for Women has in fact abdicated her duty to women by pointing the finger of blame elsewhere.

Nicole Lawder is the Deputy Leader of the ACT opposition.

NICOLE LAWDER

Illegal parking ‘out of control’

Reader BJORN MOORE, of Gowrie, is grumpy that despite so many traffic laws aimed at preventing illegal parking, he reckons they’re never actually enforced

ILLEGAL parking in the suburbs and around local shopping precincts is out of control – and don’t get me started on parking at sporting fields on weekends!

It seems every second house has three cars (some more) that park daily “around” the property.

The problem I have with this is: “Why can’t you use the driveway?” No, of course not; that would be silly – “Let’s park all over the place, so no one is parked-in when they want to leave”.

Dual occupancy and battle-axe locations are the worst – they have ingle-lane driveways, so the front-house occupants park all over the street. Street parking blocks footpaths (breaks them up, too) and creates traffic hazards.

It’s common to see larger vehicles (4WD with trailers) and trucks at the smaller local shopping centres bumped up over the curbside. These vehicles are breaking up the curbing, footpath/ paving the in-ground pit lids and trashing the landscaping (it’s amazing how often these heavier vehicles are “ACT Government” licence plates!).

Our rates have to pay to fix the damage caused by illegal parking – or it never gets repaired and our streets and local shops just look worse over time.

Do you also laugh when the sign post reads “15 Minute Parking”, which is disregarded as much as “Loading Zone” and “Taxi Only” areas? What really gets me grumpy though is we have so many traffic laws aimed to prevent all this type of illegal parking – but it’s never actually enforced.

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au

COOLEMAN COURT advertising feature

In the mood to celebrate

community through entertainment, giveaways and events, says Cooleman Court centre manager Irini Daglis.

With a history of being involved in the local commu nity, the name “Cooleman” was selected by nominated community members 40 years ago and comes from the Aboriginal origin meaning food basket.

In that time the centre was the first of its kind in Canberra and cost $10 million to build.

Last month, to celebrate, Cooleman Court plastered the centre with local stories from the past four decades and this month, the centre will host a “Festival of You”.

The festival will feature a series of wellness-inspired events supported by festival ambassador Rachael Finch.

Irini says Cooleman Court continues to nurture the unique, highly valued relationship the centre has with its customers as well as its retailers, some of whom have been there since the beginning.

“We look forward to building on these partnerships and seeing what the next 40 years brings,” she says. Cooleman Court, Brierly Street, Weston. Call 6288 8800, email info@coolemancourt.com.au or visit coolemancourt.com.au

Bakers Delight, Cooleman Court, 24/8 Brierly Street, Weston. Call 6288 2239 or visit bakersdelight.com.au

Cooleman Court Shopping Centre OPEN 7 DAYS! 7am-7pm Monday to Friday 7am-5.30pm Saturday 7am-5pm Sunday

Community garden party salutes Captain George WESTON CREEK AT 50

ON Sunday, October 28, all Weston Creek residents are invited to celebrate the 50th birthday of Weston Creek at a garden party in the heritage-listed Fetherston Gardens.

The garden party will run from 11am to 3pm on Heysen Street, Weston, to applaud the history of Weston Creek, which was named in honour of Capt George Edward Weston, a former officer of the East India Company who arrived in Australia in 1829, and was superintendent of the Hyde Park Convict Barracks in Sydney.

In 1841, Weston was granted land that, by the 1960s, was established as a residential district as an offshoot of Canberra’s first satellite city in the adjacent Woden Valley.

Construction of Weston Creek’s eight suburbs started with Waramanga and Fisher in 1968, and was followed by Weston and Rivett in 1969, Duffy and Holder in 1970, and Chapman and Stirling in 1972. Each suburb has its own local shops, and they all share the larger district centre of Cooleman Court situated in Weston.

Each suburb is named after a notable Australian and the street names in each suburb follow a specific theme such as Australian rivers, native flowers, or names of surveyors.

Weston Creek, which is now home to more than 22,000 people, has developed a strong sense of community and is also home to many friendly traders and service providers. Here are some of the best…

Anna Policinski

/ Hygiene Our team at rfg Dentistry is committed to providing the

for the whole family.

Travel agent Deb loves booking dream holidays

traveller. Her dad worked for an airline so she spent most of her life travelling with her family, and naturally, when it was time for her to choose a career in 1981, she entered the travel industry.

But, even though she’s travelled the world, Deb couldn’t think of a better place to be than Weston Creek, where she owns Weston Cruise

It’s there where, she says, her and the experienced team love meeting customers face-to-face

with us is when you’re travelling and you need

“When you book with us, you’re booking an ATAS-accredited agency (which is under a travel

“If you book with an ATAS-accredited agency

Dentist daughter continues the care

WITH a passion for serving the community

Dr Naren Chellappah started Weston Dental Surgery about 30 years ago as a caring practice, which provides gentle dentistry.

daughter Dr Nithya Chellappah has since taken over as the principal dentist, bringing the same caring practice into her new role.

Growing up Dr Nithya was taught to serve the community and would watch her dad volunteer his skills as a dentist overseas and in Australia, and he continues to volunteer into his retirement.

“He inspired me to follow his passion,” she says.

“At Weston Dental Surgery we care about everyone who comes through and we enjoy serving the community in whatever capacity we can.

“We pride ourselves in caring and developing a relationship with our patients.

“We’ve had families grow up with my father and now they’re bringing their young families to me.

“Lots of young people come in with anxiety that we’re happy to manage.

“We’re a family-based practice so we welcome family and children to come through for their check-ups.”

Dr Nithya says Weston Dental Surgery is also a big advocator for preventative care.

“Problems don’t have to be symptomatic,” she says.

“When the tooth becomes painful it could be advanced, so it’s always good to stay ahead of the game.”

Weston Dental Surgery, Suite 2, 24 Mahony Court, Weston. Call 6288 9448 or visit westondental.com.au

Well-known for its cruises Deb has had the honour of being named the CLIA Cruise Consultant of the Year in 2013 and then its runner-up in 2016.

“Cruises are quite popular because of the great value that they represent and the all inclusiveness,” she says.

“It’s so easy to holiday in the style of a cruise. You unpack once and every morning you wake up in a new destination.”

While the Croatian coastline and Alaska is popular for its cruises, Deb recently cruised around the coastline of Norway and loved it, but, she says no matter where you are, it’s a great way to see a lot of waterlife.

Weston Cruise and Travel, Weston Arcade, Brierly Street, Weston. Call 6288 4400, email admin@ westoncruiseandtravel.com.au or visit westoncruiseandtravel.com.au

Experts at installing garden sheds

WESTON Creek locals Courtney Durran and her dad, Colin, started ACT Outdoor Structures in 2011, after seeing a need for a business which installs smaller sheds such as garden sheds.

Colin had already been installing garden sheds for more than five years before the opportunity arose for him to start a family-run business with his daughter. Together they install sheds and sometimes cubby houses across the region in materials such as colorbond, steel and timber.

They both love working in the Weston Creek area because, Courtney says, it’s family orientated and has a close community feel.

“But we work all over Canberra,” she says. “Because everybody needs storage. You might have kids moving back home, a growing family or you might be downsizing.

“Everything you can think of – people do need storage.”

Courtney says they can even put sheds in car parks for people in apartments.

“We get a lot of calls from people who want a more secure, lockable storage space,” she says.

And no matter what the shed, Courtney says they install it all from the concrete up.

“We’re a one-stop, local family business,” she says.

“We try to have a quick turn around from the time it’s ordered to the time it’s installed in the backyard.”

ACT Outdoor Structures. Call 6288 1498, 0410 324273, email 0ffice@canberrasheds.com.au or visit canberrashedsandoutdoorstorage.com

Scenic Gem in Caudebec-en-Caux

Join Deb & Dave from Weston Cruise &Travel on our Group departure on 11 July 2019

11 Day Cruise Paris > Paris

From $10,815*pp including return economy airfare (based on Balcony Suite, Category BA)

The Seine isn’t the largest river in Europe, or even France, but it may be the most renowned – and for good reason. This splendid waterway cuts through the heart of Paris, before winding its way along some of the most celebrated sites in northern France.

WESTON CRUISE & TRAVEL

Weston Arcade, Brierty Street Weston ACT 2611 6288 4400 admin@westoncruiseandtravel.com.au

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ing, community focused service, which is constantly changing to meet the needs of the local families, says its director Emma Morton.

Emma, who has been at the centre for 20 years, says it was established 35 years ago and continues to grow with the community.

“We have a settled team and a settled program,” she says.

“We get to see all the children in families go through our services.

“And, because we’re a stand-alone organisation, we’re really responsive to the needs of Weston Creek families.”

Emma says a recent example of meeting the community’s needs was when it changed its approach to allow more places for babies when there was demand.

“We’re all about the children – they come first,” she says.

relationships with the children and their families.

“Once you know a child and know how the family works, then you can work with the family in a more personal way.”

Weston Creek Children’s Centre has two nursery programs for children under two-years-old, two toddler programs for two-year-olds and a junior preschool room for children four and up.

As the director, Emma says she has a huge focus on creating a place that’s safe and welcoming.

“I saw a need for a real genuine preschool,” she says.

“Here, parents never have to worry about their children. Of course they’ll miss them, but they won’t need to worry about them.”

Weston Creek Children’s Centre, 8 Parkinson Street, Weston. Call 6288 5380, email director@westoncreekchildrenscentre.com or visit westoncreekchildrenscentre.com

EXPAND YOUR CHILD’S HORIZON

Weston Creek Children’s Centre is a stand alone community based Early Childhood Service. We provide an emergent curriculum allowing learning activities to arise out of your child’s interests.

• Teacher led Preschool program for both 3 and 4 year olds.

• Educators are strongly committed to the service, several working for the service for over 20 years.

• Rated as Exceeding National Quality Standard in Childcare delivery.

to the community for over 35 years

MELBOURNE CUP FUNCTIONS advertising feature

And they’re racing… straight off to lunch!

AUSTRALIA’s most prestigious annual thoroughbred horse race, the Melbourne Cup, will “stop the nation” yet again at 3pm on Tuesday, November 6.

Each year the stakes get higher, with the first Melbourne Cup winner receiving a gold watch in 1861, which has since increased to about $7.3 million in prize money.

The 3200-metre race started, and continues, on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Canberrans who can’t make the trip can still enjoy the race, the fashion, entertainment and food at locations in the ACT. Here are some of the best…

Think champagne, fashion and a big party

“SPRING racing carnival” is what people can expect from the Melbourne Cup event and its after-party at QT Canberra, says general manager Shannon Craig.

“Think French champagne, high fashion, gourmet canapes and Canberra’s most exclusive location for the race,” she says. As fashion and design are deeply imbedded in QT’s identity, Shannan says it’s collaborated with the impeccably stylish Sarah Kelly who will be the event MC.

“There will be fashions on the field and a competition for most fascinating fascinator, we dare our guests to be out there and get creative,” she says.

Head East for an Italian-style Cup affair

SITUATED on Canberra Avenue, East Hotel’s Melbourne Cup Day

celebration will be an Italian extravaganza, inspired by the hotel’s in-house Italianloving restaurants, Agostinis and Joe’s Bar, says assistant general manager Dion Bisa.

“On the day, there will be delicious food catered by Agostinis, an

Aperol Spritz bar, a Capital Brewing bar, magnums of French champagne to buy, live music and live racing on the big lobby screen,” she says.

But, she says, the highlight will be roving canapes and a sit-down Italian lunch starring housemade pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina.

Bookings to East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston. Call 6295 6925, email stay@easthotel.com.au or visit easthotel.com.au

“[Then], the after-party, which is free to attend, is located on the QT Canberra Deck.

“The deck captures the best of the spring sunshine and features a designer green wall so you can get that perfect instagram snap.

“There will be a live DJ and drink specials to keep you celebrating cup day well into the night.

“[And], our award-winning executive chef Michael Box has designed a mouth-watering selection of light bites that can be purchased at the after-party.”

QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6247 1488 or visit qthotelsandresorts.com

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2018,

Siren sounds a day-long party

SIREN Bar in Gungahlin will once again host a fantastic, fun-filled Melbourne Cup Day, says owner Daniel Gaul.

Siren will be open from 8am for a champagne breakfast, then for lunch it’ll be serving packages at $40 per head, which will feature hot and cold tapas towers, seafood and a complimentary sparkling wine or beer on arrival for pre-bookings.

“Siren Bar will have all the glitz and glamour of best-dressed competitions, show all the racing action from around the country and have sweeps running on every race at Flemington,” he says.

On the day, Siren Bar will also launch its “Summer Pimms Garden” where, Dan says, guests will have the opportunity to win a lunch for four people at Lark Hill Winery, which includes transport.

“Siren also continues to be ‘the’ after-race destination,” he says.

“Finish off your day at the track with everyone’s favourite, Special K, kicking off with live music from 5pm.”

Siren’s also offering patrons the opportunity to use its free shuttle bus to the Canberra racetrack from 10.30am and from the track from 4.30pm – but it’s first in, best dressed as seats are limited.

Siren Bar, corner of Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gozzard Street, Gungahlin. Call 6162 0377 or visit sirenbar.com.au

Press Club’s cup extravaganza

THE National Press Club’s major renovations to its upstairs club lounge and bar has finished in time for its Melbourne Cup Day celebrations, says sales and marketing manager Cathy Bryson.

Using the day to showcase the new light and bright meeting rooms, Cathy says the National Press Club’s celebration will kick off at 11am with VIP drinks and canapes in the Murrumbidgee Room.

“Those who have elected to attend the VIP drinks will then head downstairs to the National Room for a buffet luncheon and the Melbourne Cup event,” she says.

“We have an extravagant buffet with a lot of seafood and then a dessert bar.

“We will have a big screen and people will be able to place bets, and we have lots of lucky door and best-dressed prizes such as a voucher for Mudd The Spa for the Menzies Package.

“The one I’m most excited about, is we have a tour for two people for the Farmers Markets at EPIC.”

Tim Shaw from 2CC will be the MC of the event until 4pm, when people will be invited to move upstairs to the bar and club lounge for live music from Tony Haley and John Black.

“It’ll be a nice and elegant occasion in a comfortable setting to share with a group of friends or colleagues,” she says.

Bookings to National Press Club, 16 National Circuit, Barton. Email npc@npc.org.au, call 6121 2199 or visit npc.org.au

ME LB OU R N E C UP

T UE NOV 6 TH

At Canberra Riesling Challenge dinner, Realm Hotel

PRE-BOOKED LUNCH PACKAGES $40pp

• LIVE MUSIC FROM 5PM BEST DRESSED PRIZES INC. WIN A LUNCH FOR 4 AT LARK HILL WINERY, COMPETITIONS, RAFFLES AND SWEEPS IN OUR ‘PIMMS GARDEN’ LIVE MUSIC, FUN GAMES AND ALL THE RACING ON THE BIG SCREENS!

• LIVE MUSIC FROM 5PM

• CALL OR SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OPEN FROM 8AM - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

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At the Fashfest runway, National Gallery of Australia

SCENE / around canberra

At the Clubs & Community Awards, Woden

Adam is rapidly becoming known as one of the world’s foremost performers and historians of ragtime and early American popular music. He has been a featured performer and lecturer at ragtime and jazz festivals across the USA. The Entertainers

PIANO PARTY

Adam Swanson fell in love with ragtime after hearing Fig Leaf Rag and a few Jelly Roll Morton tunes on his grandparents’ Web TV. He is now is the foremost young ragtime enthusiast in the United States. Adam has been performing since he was ten years old and is the youngest-ever pianist to win the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

“ Adam has accomplished more feats in his young musical career than many artists dream of achieving in a lifetimes work. The Davis Enterprise

At the AFP Charity Ball, Civic

Shining a light on the Indian Festival of Light

By Kate MEIKLE

“DIWALI is like Christmas. We exchange gifts and sweets, it’s an exciting family time,” says Deepak-Raj Gupta, president of the Canberra India Council.

Diwali, known as the festival of light, is the most popular Indian festival and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists. For each religion, Diwali marks dif ferent historical events and stories, but all share a common theme of sym bolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

Deepak-Raj says that there is a large cultural element to the festival and it is celebrated globally.

“It’s a time for all Canberrans to celebrate not only with the Indian diaspora, but other cultures who also observe Diwali such as Nepalese, Singaporean, Malaysian,” he says.

“Diwali is celebrated in other parts of the world, including the White House!”

Celebrated over seven days, leading into Diwali Day on November 7, people decorate their houses with lights and

host friends and family, exchanging sweets and gifts, wishing each other a “Happy Diwali”.

Deepak-Raj says that Diwali has a lot of social and business aspects to it. During this time, people might

decide to buy a new car, property or business. It’s also a time to reconnect with others, give employees bonuses and give gifts to clients.

“We worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and pray that she will be

kind to us,” he says.

Deepak-Raj has lived in Australia for 30 years and fondly remembers Diwali as a child in Chandigarh in Northern India.

“There was competition amongst the kids in the neighbourhood to see who had the most amount of sweets! We also enjoyed the firecrackers,” he says.

Through the work of the Canberra India Council, Deepak has been bringing Indian culture to Canberra, through the World Curry Festival and the popular India in the City performance as part of the Multicultural Festival. In addition to the many community events being held for Diwali, on Saturday, November 3, the council will host a gala dinner at the Hyatt Hotel for the first time. Themed “a night to shine”, the dinner will host 250 people.

“It’s not only about good food and wine, there will be entertainment, a magician, Bollywood and Indian classical dancing, and fun for the family,” says Deepak.

“Canberra is very supportive of different cultural events. We want to spread the message of love, peace and prosperity and enjoy the festival with Canberrans,” he says.

Diwali Gala Dinner, Hyatt Hotel, November 3. Book at trybooking.com.au/YLUW

Diwali Festival in Canberra

• Diwali and Tihar Mela (fair) in Canberra, from 3pm, Saturday, November 3, Glebe Park.

• Diwali Mela (fair), Civic Square, from 2pm, Sunday, November 4.

• Diwali Gala Dinner, Hyatt Hotel, November 3. Book at trybooking.com.au/YLUW

• Hindu Temples and Sikh Temple will hold religious celebrations on Wednesday, November 7.

• Diwali Mela (fair) at Albert Hall, from 11am, Saturday, November 10.

• Hindu Diwali celebrations by BAPS Australia, 6pm-9pm, Saturday, November 10, at Ngunnawal Primary School.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Veterans’ film festival reaches new heights and new future

By Helen Musa

AS we go to press, Canberra glass artist Annette Blair is twisting horticultural probability to create a magnificent “Blue Poppy” trophy for the awards for this year’s Veterans Film Festival.

That award, director of the festival Tom Papas, tells “CityNews”, will go to the film that best promotes hope, recovery and resilience in defence personnel and veterans, and is the result of a new partnership with beyondblue.

The regular Red Poppy Awards will be there for best feature film, best short film and a swag of other trophies for best animation, best female actor, best male actor, best music/sound and best student filmmaker, to be presented at the closing gala on Saturday, November 3.

Competition is an important element in the event, now in its fourth year, and in 2018 there were 275 submissions from Australia and around the world, including the UK, Germany, Iran, the US, France and even Sierra Leone. The short films selected will be interspersed with feature-length films throughout the three-day event.

Moving away from last year’s ADFA location for technical reasons, the 2018 event will be held in the Capitol Theatre, Manuka.

Luckily, he says, Event Cinemas is supporting and assisting him in developing the festival to become a national event, although he is quick to assert: “Canberra will still be our home”.

Another innovation this year has resulted from a partnership with Foxtel that will allow two episodes of the “Fighting Season” to be screened free, with a Q&A following.

“It’s the hundredth anniversary of the armistice that closed World War I, so we wanted to have a good coverage of films from that time then going right through to what might happen in the future,” says Papas.

The festival opens with the Canberra premiere of “Journey’s End”, where a group of British officers in a dugout in Aisne during 1918 are led by a mentally disintegrating officer. It closes with “Anna’s War,” a Russian film about a six-year-old Jewish girl who hides herself in a disused fireplace of the Nazi commandant’s office and sees the world through cracks – comparisons to Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning film “Life Is Beautiful” come to mind.

Into the limelight step a couple of unlikely war heroes. One, an Australian premiere animation starring Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter and the inevitable Gérard Depardieu, is of a stray, stump-tailed terrier, Sergeant Stubby, who is adopted by a young army private, ends up with him in the trenches of France and becomes the most decorated dog of World War I.

The other is about the noble Spitfire, honoured in a feature documentary narrated by “Game of Thrones” star Charles Dance and billed as “an epic, sweeping tale of determination, vision and courage.”

And films looking to the future? One such, an Australian premiere, is “TransMilitary” from the US looking at four individuals putting their careers and livelihoods on the line by coming out as transgender to top brass officials in the Pentagon. This film is “electric”, Papas says. With a 100 per cent rating by film guide “Rotten Tomatoes”, its relevance has been sharpened by President Trump’s ambiguous approach to banning some transgender people from US military service.

Veterans Film Festival, Capitol Theatre, Manuka, November 1-3. Book at veteransfilmfestival.com

Legendary Australian band STARS are “Back Again” to Canberra for the first time in 40 years!

Celebrating their classic albums “Paradise”, “Land of Fortune” ,”1157” and of course the “Andrew Durant Memorial Concert”.

MUSIC / the swinging ‘40s

By Helen Musa

“IN the Mood” is the swinging show so famous in its home country that in 1993 it was chosen as the official entertainment for the US 50th Commemoration of World War II – and it’s been on the road ever since.

Nineteen cast members, including the String of Pearls Big Band orchestra and In the Mood singers and dancers will perform hits such as “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B)” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street” at Canberra Theatre this month.

It’s been here three times before and its creator, music director and pianist Bob Forrest couldn’t be happier about revisiting the hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters.

“CityNews” catches up with him by phone to Williamsburg, Virginia.

Forrest is the master of nostalgia, having created the whole concept of “In the Mood”, a tribute to music of the 1940s and a simpler era.

“It’s been my role to keep the quality of the production up, to have people who can ensure the longevity of ‘In The Mood’,” he says.

“In the Mood” dancers jump to the famous Tommy Dorsey number “Well, Git It!”.

Remembering cheers and tears

“We remember events appropriate to the song… grandparents, children, and relatives all remember certain things in their lives and we pick up on those emotions,” he says.

“It’s great to sing songs with meaning, it’s like poetry set to music.”

While the mood is generally upbeat, his idea is to balance the positive and the negative elements.

“We illustrate to audiences what it must’ve been like to be around in the 1940s,” he says.

“Don’t forget that in the big-band era there was no TV, no internet and swing dance was prevalent – it was so energetic.”

As a musician, he is fascinated by the eclectic origins of big-band music, noting that the song “Stardust” goes back to 1927 and even “In the Mood” itself was Glenn Miller’s reworking of an old song.

“The music was designed a different way, very unique sound. It was not like rock ‘n’ roll, it came out of the jazz movement of the 1920s and fused into the big-band movement,” he says.

grew up enjoying pop music and later lived in Washington DC for years as leader and accompanist of the official chorus and band of the US Air Force.

“Gradually I gravitated to the music of the 1940s, an exciting time in world history with songs written then that are timeless,” he says.

The music makes the story and it has the songs are still loved and are testimony to the trials of people all over the world.”

In Forrest’s view, the 1940s was a “signature decade” in the 20th century, “but it’s the job of our artists to take those songs and turn them into something special.”

ARTS IN THE CITY

Piccinini puts in time for fundraising

By Helen Musa

CAPO’s new patron, “hyperreal” artist Patricia Piccinini, will attend the annual auction and award ceremony, which this year has a “Nautical but Nice” theme to match its lakeside location. The serious business of the evening will be accompanied by fine wines, gourmet food and music from Canberra singer-songwriters The Faumuis. At East Space on Lake Burley Griffin, Saturday, 6.45pm, November 3. Book at capo.org.au

IT’S time for the 2018 “Come Alive!” schools’ Festival of Museum Theatre – the ninth – in which nine schools create and perform their own original plays after researching the National Film and Sound Archive’s collection. At Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, October 28-November 3. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

ANDREW Koll’s Canberra Bach Ensemble, made up of orchestra, choir and soloists soprano Greta Claringbould, alto Maartje Sevenster, tenor Richard Butler and bass Andrew Fysh, perform four mighty Bach cantatas at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, 8pm, Saturday, October 27 and 2.30pm the following day. Book at trybooking.com

CANBERRA’s newest string group, the Grevillea Quartet, created by violinist Shilong Ye and three young professional musicians, will debut with two challenging works – Beethoven’s String Quartet No.1 Op. 18 in F Major and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No.6 Op.80 in F minor. At Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 6pm, Sunday, October 28. Book at trybooking.com

Everywhere his troupe goes, they evoke strong feelings, so he and his artists like to do a meet-and-greet at the end of their show.

“People are crying, we see it, we feel it, the emotion is very special and very serious,” Forrest says.

“In the Mood”, Canberra Theatre, Sunday, October 28.

new patron Patricia Piccinini… annual auction and awards at East Space, Lake

on November 3.

now celebrating its 35th year in partnership with the “Australian Wood Review Magazine”, which is celebrating its 100th issue. To mark the occasion, a sculpture precinct has been inaugurated with the installation of “Sprung”, by the late artist Matthew Harding, dedicated to him as “an artist, father and friend”.

GUITARIST Matt Withers is one of 26 Australian artists selected for Creative Partnership Australia’s “Match” program where fundraising projects will be matched dollar for dollar to an agreed amount. He’ll go to Melbourne soon for a two-day course in networking and other skills and to develop a fundraising project for Guitar Trek’s next album.

IN “Mexico to Oz”, guitarist Francisco Garcia will perform J.S. Bach, Manuel M Ponce, Carlos Chavez and Joaquin Turina as well as new compositions inspired by his new life in Australia. At Wesley Music Centre, 6pm, Saturday, November 3. Book at trybooking.com

The not-nice Copperheads club, but not boring

“1%” (MA)

THIS tale of men (and women) living beyond the outer fringe of Australian society is not a “nice” movie but it is a compelling observation of why they choose it.

Apparently, the title comes from financial industry jargon about how much the boss earns. Apparently, the base threshold is currently in the region of half a mill. It’s the debut feature product from director Stephen McCallum and the second feature by writer Matt Nable. I’m kinda sorry not to have been at the Q&A session when Nable spoke at a recent Canberra preview about what the filmmakers had set out to say. I let what’s on the screen to perform that function.

Early in the film, we met Knuck (Matt Nable) approaching the end of a stretch, relieving inner tensions by sodomising younger inmates. While he awaits release, younger brother Paddo (Ryan Corr) is filling in as president of the Copperheads, a bikie club that hangs out in a well, although not luxuriously, equipped former warehouse where the booze flows like water and blowjobs are on the house. But hard drugs are an absolute no-no.

Club members are a motley crew, shaved heads, faces whiskery to the max, followers rather than leaders, riding big growly motor bikes and nursing social problems. Wearing leathers carrying insignia denoting rank, Copperheads live in their own little world and do no harm to outsiders. How do you join? By invitation and submission to a test of their manhood by still wanting to join

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in “A Star is Born”.

after a brutal beating-up by Knuck.

The film tells what happens when Knucky gets out and resumes his leadership position. Sugar (Aaron Pedersen) has ambitions to become president. Hayley (Simone Kessell) who warms Knuck’s bed and another young woman, played by Abbey Lee, perform clerical, domestic and other female duties at the club.

In 92 minutes, McCallum and Nable deliver a parable about social outcasts, culminating in a credibly-staged battle between Knuck’s mob who want things not to change and Paddo’s mob who want to get rich by being nicer people. The denouement is a cracker. “1%” is certainly not a boring movie.

At Dendy and Capitol

“A Star is Born” (M)

THIS is the fifth, English-language film carrying the title “A Star Is Born” and the eighth telling its story. All come with impressive credentials. This one I’ll remember with satisfaction.

You can understand why Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta changed her professional name to Lady Gaga – otherwise, TV comperes would spend too much air time introducing her. She follows Constance Bennett (1932), Janet Gaynor (1937), Judy Garland (1954) and Barbra Streisand (1976) in English-speaking versions of the story of what happens when a young performer takes the eye of an older star who drinks too much,

Third time lucky for Prego

A NEW pasta place has popped up on Kingston Foreshore. It will be the third restaurant to open at 17/19 Eastlake Parade and we believe this will be third time lucky.

Prego hasn’t changed the structure of the venue entirely, but it has brightened it up considerably, including with a large, neon-yellow branded light inside, which has quickly become the perfect spot for diners to take a fun selfie or two.

Prego is billed as a “pasta bar”, which means you pick your pasta, pick your sauce and then let the kitchen take it from there.

It’s new… indeed we were there within the first few days of Prego opening and the team is super keen on feedback, to the point that the owner touched base with us during our meal and the chef came out after we’d chowed down to ask for our views. It was impressive.

Pastas include spaghetti, casarecce, fresh chilli fettuccine, gluten-free penne, fresh gnocchi, fresh black-ink spaghetti and fresh lemon and parsley linguine (some pastas you pay a little extra for).

Sauces include olive oil (fresh pasta recommended), tomato based and crema. Staff are knowledgeable and

The atmosphere at Prego is great. It’s relaxed, vibrant and engaging. The outdoor dining area is large and a great spot for absorbing the scenery (and people watching).

willing to make suggestions. I decided on the carbonara (loving that it’s made the traditional way with egg liaison) and took the recommendation to try it with chilli fettuccine. It was fabulous and not super heavy ($23, with $4 extra for my selection of pasta). There was loads of prosciutto, cut slightly thick for my liking. I told the chef I felt there was too much prosciutto, but agreed this was also a “preference thing” on my part.

One of our large party had the gamberoni with lemon and parsley linguine ($33 with $4 extra for the pasta). The prawns were plump, the garlic at the right level and the chilli gave the right amount of kick. It could have used a bit more seasoning.

The selection of “secondi” dishes is intriguing. The filet mignon looked magnificent on the plate and tasted divine. It came with potato rosti, broccolini and red wine jus and was cooked to perfection ($32).

Wine pairings are available, with Italian wines by a small supplier exclusive to Prego. They were delish.

The atmosphere at Prego is great. It’s relaxed, vibrant and engaging. The outdoor dining area is large and a great spot for absorbing the scenery (and people watching).

It’s exciting to see this new style of Italian on the Foreshore and each every one of us said we’d be back for more (food and fun selfies).

Prego Pasta Bar, 17/19 Eastlake Parade. Kingston Foreshore. Open Tuesday-Thursday, dinner; Friday lunch and dinner; weekends breakfast, lunch and dinner (10 per cent surcharge Sundays and 15 per cent surcharge public holidays). Call 5105 6064.

marries him, overtakes him in the fame stakes and mourns him when he ends it all.

The 2018 version is a full book for Bradley Cooper. In company with writer Eric Roth, he updated the screenplay by Gene Fowler for “What Price Hollywood” adapting a novel by Adela Rogers St Johns in 1932 and subsequently developed by some very distinguished writers and directors to reflect the passage of the years. Bradley Cooper also directs this 2018 version. And he plays Jack, the alcoholic singer and guitarist who hears this young waif in a gay bar performing “La Vie En Rose” in a cracking version of Piaf’s original.

This film ends 136 minutes later with Lady G singing at Jack’s memorial. It tells the story with acceptable credibility and respectable restraint. Like its predecessors, it looks set to figure large when Hollywood next gazes at its navel at the Oscars.

At all cinemas

“Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist” (M)

THIS documentary is about the life and work of a woman who followed her own star, did her own thing, got rich and became a Dame of the British Empire.

The clothes she designs, builds and sells to like-minded folk (mostly young and dissatisfied with social attitudes toward

them) may be original and carry her label, but watching the processes of building and showing them to potential customers, I had a strong feeling of looking at garments rescued from what op-shops send to the garbage dump. People wearing Westwood garments know why. The rest of the world wonders why.

“Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist” is filmmaker Lorna Tucker’s first feature. I quote a trivia note from the IMDb page about it: “The documentary was denounced by Vivienne Westwood via her Twitter, before it even premiered at Sundance: Lorna Tucker asked to film Vivienne’s activism and followed her around for a couple of years, but there’s not even five minutes activism in the film, instead there’s lots of old-fashioned footage which is free and available online. It’s a shame because the film is mediocre, and Vivienne and Andreas (CEO of the Westwood company) are not.”

Fashion is a fickle jade that all species of media employ people to play with, promote and turn into trends for sale to gullible consumers. The film pays scant attention to Westwood’s status as an icon for individualism and life as an activist. That’s regrettable because she is without doubt a remarkable personality who’s become wealthy by following her own path. Would you like to be her chum?

At Palace Electric and Dendy

•

GARDENING

LILAC is a hard plant to kill, which means it’s one of those that anyone can grow successfully.

It’s almost a given that lilacs, renowned for their colour and fragrance, will do well. Most grow up to three metres and benefit from removing old flowering wood immediately after they flower.

They originate from south-east Europe, China and Korea and are untroubled by our cold winters.

Many modern lilacs were bred by the Frenchman Victor Lemoine and his son Emile, who raised many lovely cultivars in their nursery at Nancy, France, in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Examples of the Lemoines’ work in hybridising lilacs include:

• The semi-double-to-double flowers of Syringa Belle de Nancy (1891) that change from lilac-pink fading to bluish-mauve.

• S. Katherine Havemeyer (1922) with double purple-lavender flowers.

• S. Madame Lemoine (1894) with creamy-yellow flowers turning to pure white.

All these are still grown today and available from most garden centres along with dozens of other tempting varieties.

IN passing, Prostanthera ovalifolia (photographed in Commonwealth Park) along with P. rotundifolia could make companion plants for lilacs with the flower colours very similar. They grow up to three metres, but can be kept small with judicious pruning after flowering. They make a lovely show for any garden.

COUCH grass, despite the complaints, makes an extremely tough lawn. The only problem is that it dies back in winter.

We might think couch in lawns is a recent problem, but reading in “Country Life” magazine on the establishment of Painshill Park in England in 1738, Charles Hamilton, of the Earl of Abercorn’s family wrote: “The soil had to be improved before anything else. Four or five ploughings brought all the couch grass and weeds to the surface. This was then raked up into heaps and burnt”.

AN over emphasis is placed on getting the pH of the soil correct, indicating if the soil is acid or alkaline. Interestingly, at least 75 per cent of all plants are acid lovers.

Thirty years ago I owned a CSIRO soil-testing kit and ended up getting frustrated in that the soil seemed to vary every few yards. I haven’t tested soil since that time.

I simply work to improve the soil in our garden

H E P O D C A N B E R R A

by, firstly, adding compost from my own compost heap, as I know what is in it and, secondly, applying organic mulch in spring to between 50mm-75mm thick.

Mulching is vital to inhibit evaporation with a long, hot summer predicted. Always thoroughly wet the ground before adding mulch. As Mark Griffiths, editor of the “New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening”, writes: “I’ll say what I have been saying since youth, phooey to pH”.

Jottings...

• Our average annual rainfall since 1870 is 619mm. The annual evaporation is a staggering 1800mm! Mulch the garden now.

• Don’t put tea or coffee bags into the compost heap as it takes forever for them to break down and avocado skins never break down.

• Plant perennials for spring-to-autumn colour, garden centres are awash with perennials in flower.

• The Geranium and Fuchsia Society will hold a plant sale at St James Uniting Church Hall, Gillies Street, Curtin, 2pm-4pm, on Saturday, November 3. Entry is $2.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

On Monday, Mercury and Jupiter rev up your natural Ram curiosity. It’s a great day to ask lots of questions, research a project, solve a puzzle, explain a complex concept or get to the bottom of a perplexing problem. Then Venus backtracks into your relationship zone (until November 16). So, guard against being too brisk, brusque and impetuous with pedantic people who test your limited patience. Do your very best to be as cool, calm and cooperative as you possibly can.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

There is much you can learn about love this week. Your motto for the moment is from philosopher (and fellow Taurus) Bertrand Russell: “The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” Venus (your ruling planet) reverses back into your work, wellbeing and daily routine zone from Wednesday until November 16. So be careful you don’t become embroiled in a messy misunderstanding with a friend or colleague. A health issue from the past could also return.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Gung-ho Geminis are usually very quick learners. Early in the week your mercurial mind is set to expand exponentially, as you absorb new concepts and explore exciting new horizons. But then sociable Venus starts reversing through your entertainment zone late on Wednesday. So, the next two weeks is not the ideal time to host a party, plan a lavish dinner or hold a special family celebration. Instead, be patient and wait until after Venus moves forwards on November 16.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

A fabulous idea, a friendly gesture or a complimentary comment will put you in a positive frame of mind on Monday. Use the good vibes to your advantage. But with Venus retrograding into your family zone, avoid bringing up old grudges with loved ones later in the week. You’ll find compromise and cooperation (and plenty of patience) are the secrets to some semblance of domestic harmony at Casa Cancer. Make sure you give your diplomacy skills a decent workout!

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

On Monday and Tuesday the focus is firmly on family matters. Then relationship planet Venus reverses through your communication and social media zone from late Wednesday until November 16. It will be very easy to misread signals and upset a touchy relative, neighbour or friend. Plus be extra careful what you post online, as an innocent comment on your part could be taken out-of-context by someone else. A decidedly cautious and diplomatic approach is the best way to proceed.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury pairs up with Jupiter on Monday which favours business, education, travel, social media and convivial conversation as you link up with like-minded souls. But make sure you pace yourself so your busy mind doesn’t suffer from information overload! And extra care must be taken from Wednesday onwards, when Venus reverses back into your money zone. When it comes to financial matters, smart Virgos will avoid the tendency to overvalue, over-stress and overspend.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Monday is a good day to educate yourself about a pressing financial issue. But peace, harmony and creativity could go out the window (temporarily) when Venus reverses through your sign. Your relationships and social life could also go backwards over the next two weeks. Plus comfort eating is a danger as you imbibe too many fatty foods, sweet treats or sugary drinks. Try to cheer yourself up in ways that aren’t a hazard to your waistline or a hindrance to your health.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Mercury links up with Jupiter in your sign on Monday. Which favours studying, speaking, reading, writing and researching. If you focus on the small details first, they will eventually reveal a much bigger picture. Then Venus reverses into your solitude zone (until November 16). Aim to get the balance right between socialising with like-minded friends, and spending time with a very special person – you. Plus pay close attention to the symbolism in your dreams.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

You’ll find soul-searching comes more easily than usual, as you reflect on mistakes of the past and ponder what can be done differently in the future. You could also receive bonus karmic points for being compassionate towards a family member or demonstrating uncharacteristic composure when faced with a problem. But expect some setbacks, as you contribute your talents and expertise to a group, class, club or organisation. And then receive little praise or feedback in return!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Monday is a wonderful day to network with work colleagues and learn something new. But are you worrying about a professional issue? Avoid being short-sighted and making impulsive moves. A calm, considered approach (with a view to the long-term) is the sensible way to go. When it comes to a personal project, try not to rush and stress over the coming week. Take the time to think things through, and make sure you complete each necessary step along the way.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Are you working or studying on auto-pilot? Have you got stuck in a professional rut? Or are you looking for the same kind of job in the same kind of place? With Jupiter jumping through your career zone until November 8, it’s time to accept adventurous advice and look for challenging opportunities outside your comfort zone. As fashion guru (and birthday great) Anna Wintour says: “I try to remain very open to what others have to say. And it’s very important to take risks.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Jupiter suggests you release pent-up energy via physical activity (like a vigorous gym session or a refreshing walk in the great outdoors) while Mercury encourages a talk-fest. Either way, you’ll feel better if you express suppressed energy in positive and productive ways. But issues involving close relationships, power, intimacy, trust, joint finances or shared resources could go backwards over the next two weeks. Retrograde Venus urges you to review, rethink and recalibrate.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Across

3 Name a type of gin, often flavoured with caraway or cumin. (8)

7 Name a US city in north-eastern New Jersey. (6)

8 Which Turkish city was formerly called Constantinople? (8)

9 What, in the US, do they call a utility truck? (6)

10 To be more irregular, is to be what? (8)

11 Name a colloquial term for a black eye. (6)

14 Name a paroxysmal disorder of respiration. (6)

17 Which term describes murder? (8)

18 What are shrimplike decapod crustaceans called? (6)

19 Which woven coloured cords are worn around the shoulders of military uniforms? (8)

20 Name a particular large lizard. (6)

21 When one votes someone back in, one does what? (8)

Down

1 To enchant someone, is to do what? (7)

2 Who was known as the "Lithgow Flash", Marjorie ...? (7)

3 What do we call the captain of a ship? (7)

4 What are shades of colour, expression, meaning, etc.? (7)

5 To issue a newspaper, or the like, is to do what? (7)

6 What are sunrooms known as? (7)

11 Which term describes a student or a pupil? (7)

12 That which is vast or huge, is said to be what? (7)

13 What is a country, surrounded by the territory of another country? (7)

14 What is the absence of micro-organisms that produce septic disease? (7)

15 Which infectious disease is also called lockjaw? (7)

16 Taree lies on which NSW river? (7)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Two houses, and one tax headache

ISABELLA and Alex have a capital gains tax worry concerning their house and, keen to complete their tax return, came to see me for advice.

They bought the house in Weston in February, 2005, and lived there until July, 2016, when they bought a new house in Wright.

"You may remember that we were thinking of renting out Weston," said Alex, "but somehow we didn’t get round to it and paying two mortgages was killing us.”

They sold Weston in September last year.

They were at a party recently and were told they didn’t have to pay capital gains tax because Weston was their own home.

"That didn’t seem right to me so I would like you to confirm the capital gains tax position for us,” Alex said.

I told them the party information was partly right, but that I would explain the position fully.

"Your principal place of residence is generally exempt from capital gains tax unless you use it for running a business," I said.

"However, when you moved out of Weston it probably ceased being your principal place of residence. Wright then became your principal place of residence. Each member of a couple can have half a principal place of residence. So one of you could nominate Weston as the principal place of residence and the other could nominate Wright.

"However, then the other partner would have to pay capital gains tax on their half of the property. This is very messy and I can see no good reason why you might make this choice.”

Alex agreed saying he was all for simplifying the tax payment.

"Assuming that you will pay the tax now on the Weston property. There are some concessions you need to know about," I said.

"Firstly, you only pay tax from the date that the property ceased to be your principal place of residence. Capital gains tax is calculated from the date of exchange not from the date of settlement. But there is a six-month period when you can own two houses without paying capital gains tax. Lastly there is a 50 per cent discount on the gain when the tax is calculated.

“So there will be some capital gains tax payable for the period when you didn’t live in Weston. It may be possible to still maintain that Weston was your principal place of residence, but that would mean that when you sell Wright in the future that property would have some capital gains tax liability.”

Isabella agreed and suggested they sort it now rather than having to keep records for the future.

I told them my my rough calculations were that on a $300,000 profit each of you will have to pay about $2000 in capital gains tax. "This is because for the period when you only owned Weston it is capital gains tax free, so I apportioned the capital gain to allow for that," I said.

"Then there is the six-month exemption that you are entitled to and the 50 per cent discount. So, at the end of the day, the required payment is very small.”

Alex heaved a sigh of relief and said: “Thank you, Gail, that's a lot less than we had thought and now we understand the calculations.”

If you need any assistance with taxes contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.