citynews.com.au / on top of the town’s social photos JULY 19, 2012
Brother, why art thou? Rudd sibling in tilt for the Senate ROBERT MACKLIN
Can this man save your marriage
?
Love takes a lot of skill, says Michael Clark
Chartered Accountants Insolvency Practitioners
www.kazarslaven.com.au
Phone 02 6285 1310 | Fax 02 6215 8450 | Level 3 Engineering House, 11 National Circuit Barton ACT 2600
Stories trees could tell CEDRIC BRYANT
Naughty Greens gild their lilies MICHAEL MOORE
The blah-blah arts blueprint HELEN MUSA
Review your past. Refocus your present. Rebuild your future.
2 CityNews July 19-25
politics
Volume 18, Number 26 / Phone 6262 9100 / www.citynews.com.au
Oh, brother, why art thou? Greg Rudd, Kevin’s estranged brother, is to stand for the Senate, a complication the aspiring former Prime Minister doesn’t need, says ROBERT MACKLIN GREG Rudd’s decision to run for the Senate in Queensland as an independent is a real show stopper. And lest it be thought that it’s some Machiavellian manoeuvre by brother Kevin, let me assure you it ain’t so. The two men have not spoken for months. Greg did not tell his younger brother before the announcement; indeed, he kept it a closely guarded secret from him. The implications are fascinating on two levels – first, for the light it throws on the Rudd family and Kevin’s continuing quest for the leadership; second, its effect on the increasingly complex political scene as the Labor Party confronts its electoral prospects under its current leader. As I wrote in my biography of Kevin, Greg, who was born in 1954, three years ahead of his brother, “tended to bond with his father” while Kevin was undoubtedly mother’s boy. In the little farmhouse at Eumundi, he and Kevin shared a bedroom. Kevin was the tidy one. “I have this perfect picture of him,” Greg said. “I walked in one night and he was standing at the chest of drawers very tense and annoyed, so tense he was almost shaking and he said: ‘Is it so hard to pick up those socks and put them in the drawer?’ I’ll never forget that. I probably said, ‘Yeah, it is’.” In short, while they bear a physical resem-
dose of dorin
blance to each other, they are really chalk and cheese. And their relationship is, at best, rocky. Greg is a genuine political independent. While he worked as a Labor ministerial staffer in the 1990s, he then turned to lobbying and has just as many friends on the conservative side of politics as among the Labor Party. For example, he told Queensland Premier Campbell Newman
of his Senate intentions well before the formal announcement. His father was a Country Party man and Greg has some very close links to the LNP. And he regards the Greens with political disdain. So there is absolutely no guarantee that he will support the Labor side in crucial votes. Yet paradoxically, it is the political potency of the Rudd name – so assiduously promoted by his brother – that will practically ensure he gets elected. And it will come in place of a Labor candidate. At a time when Kevin’s quest to topple Julia Gillard is once again gathering pace, it’s a complication the former Prime Minister just doesn’t need. In their latest move, his forces are trying to blame Julia Gillard for getting into bed with the Greens while Kevin realised all along that they were a viper at the party’s breast. And it’s working pretty well. In a transparent counter-measure, she is attempting to raise her profile in Queensland with serial journeys and announcements of political largesse such as the G20 meeting. But all to no avail. Her reception during her latest swing through the State was consistently hostile. And according to the polls, even her adopted home state of Victoria has turned its back on her. I’m afraid the Gillard experiment is terminal and Kevin’s return is highly probable…unless, of course, it’s derailed by the boy who wouldn’t pick up his socks. robert@robertmacklin.com
briefly Summers to speak AUTHOR Dr Anne Summers will give the 2012 Fraser Lecture, entitled “The Good Fight or the Wrong Fight: Directions for 21st Century Feminism”, at the Belconnen Labor Club, 7.30pm, Wednesday, July 25. Open to the public, entry is by gold coin. RSVP to Andrew. Leigh.MP@aph.gov.au or 6247 4396.
Brett, where are you? BARRY Page, of Kent in the UK has emailed “CityNews” asking for help to identify a man from ACT called, he thinks, Brett who loaned him 20 Euros when he was in Rome. “I had left all my money on my cruise ship. He was travelling with a girl and the couple were really friendly and helped me out of trouble. Unfortunately, my wife accidentally lost the paper which had his name and address.” Anyone remember Barry? He’s on barry@page.org.uk
Save the park ANYONE opposed to the development of Stirling Park, the green open space running down to the edge of the lake in Yarralumla, by the NCA as a diplomatic precinct, is invited to join a working party of the residents’ protest group and the Friends of Grasslands (FOG) to help remove infestations of cotoneaster, firethorn and other woody weeds from along the ridge facing on to Fitzgerald Street. FOG’s experts with formal qualifications in handling poisons and with first aid training will be present. Tools and equipment will be supplied by FOG. It’s 9.30am-12.30pm on Sunday, July 28.
CityNews July 19-25 3
news
Radio personality Angela Catterns at the ABC studio at Dickson... “I love feeling a part of the community with the listeners.” Photo by Silas Brown
Angela hits the Canberra air TOP-rating radio personality Angela Catterns is in the capital for the next month hosting the popular 666 ABC breakfast program, a slot she took to number one in the ratings in Sydney. “I heard the Chief Minister on air talking about some very local issues like pedestrian crossings and I’ll just have to get across those things,” said the Sydney-based personality. Regular presenter Ross Solly is on leave and Angela said she had been tuning into his program to prepare herself for the coming month. Well known for presenting Mornings on Triple J, the National Evening Show on ABC Local Radio, and Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney, where she went to number one in the ratings in
4 CityNews July 19-25
2004, Angela has also broadcast on commercial radio stations 2SM and VegaFM in Sydney, and on WKYS in Washington, DC. Angela said she’s no stranger to Canberra and likes our planned city. “I find it’s a relief to go to Canberra. It’s easy to get around and I love walking around there, too,” she said. “I also really love the seasons in Canberra.” And Angela doesn’t think her style is hugely different to that of Solly’s. “I think he is relaxed and professional, he likes a bit of fun and he likes his music and I would describe myself in the same way,” she said. “The thing I love about the ABC is the sense of community that I get. I love feeling a part of the community with the listeners,” she said.
–Libby Hill
CityNews July 19-25 5
arts policy framework / comment
Vision deserts arts policy THE latest ACT Arts Policy Framework is just plain uninspiring. A far cry from the visionary words of the early 1990s, when the ACT Cultural Council rose out of the ashes of the Arts Development Board, this framework is written in impenetrable bureaucratic language. In the section that deals with creative thinking, we read instead of “funding parameters that empower artists and arts organisations to direct resources to selfidentified areas of artistic enquiry and growth.” And if you wondered what artsACT does, it provides “inter-governmental advice on initiatives and entering into dialogue with arts communities to address sector issues and promote innovative sector development.” As expected, the document ticks all the boxes – community participation and access, artistic excellence and diversity, innovation, creative thinking sustainability and social and economic outcomes. Existing programs include the ACT
Arts editor HELEN MUSA finds herself underwhelmed by the ACT Government’s new blah-blah blueprint for the future of local arts... literary awards, start-up grants for young artists, funding of key arts organisations, ACT Creative Arts Fellowships and outof-round funding and start-up grants. I looked hard to find much that was new, though there was a nod to the 2010 Loxton Report in references to arts hubs and links to business and philanthropic sectors and the national cultural institutions.” Also in line with Loxton, the ACT Cultural Council seems to have been reduced to that of an advisory body to the Arts Minister, with separate peer assessment panels providing “independent expert advice” to the minister on funding decisions. Other more contemporary elements include the development of the Kingston Arts Precinct, an online grants management system, and funding support for the Australia Business Arts Foundation to maintain an ACT office.
Finally and most worrying, is the complacency inherent in the document. Robyn Archer may be busy countering Canberra-bashing with a Centenary program of cultural events for 2013, but from Arts Minister Joy Burch’s idealistic preamble we get words about how vibrant, exciting, excellent, international, etcetera we are. But these are words that cannot disguise the fact that we’re not getting that across to the nation. Alas, the ACT Government is not in a position to fund a significant arts strategy, one that, like Singapore’s hugely successful “Renaissance City” strategic plan of 2000, matched programs with cash. This new report can safely remain in the bottom drawer until 2014, when there will be a chance to review its content “to ensure that it continues to be a relevant and engaged policy”. The full report is available under the “Resources” tab at www.arts.act.gov.au/
briefly President stands for Brindabella TUGGERANONG Festival president Michael Lindfield has nominated to contest the October 20 ACT election as an independent in Brindabella.
Volunteers wanted NATIONAL child protection advocate Bravehearts is seeking volunteers in Queanbeyan and Belconnen to help with its 16th annual White Balloon Day on Friday September 7. Anyone interested can register online at www.whiteballoonday.com.au
Moveable feast Incomplete restaurant renovations have forced a change of venue for the Australia-Thailand Association’s local midwinter dinner. They’ll be celebrating at the Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant, 88 Corinna Street, Phillip, on Saturday, July 28. RSVPs to johnmilne@ ozemail.com.au or call 6288 5487.
Stallholders wanted THE Fadden Primary School Spring Fair is looking for stallholders for the fete at the school, 11am-2pm on Sunday, September 23. Email fadden.springfair@gmail.com
6 CityNews July 19-25
politics
Naughty Greens gild their lillies
Get the latest news straight to your inbox each afternoon from the citynews.com.au newsroom
www.citynews.com.au/subscribe
partners & promotions
8 CityNews July 19-25
THE Greens have been attempting to carve out a space as the political party with a fresh, honest and forthright approach; to be recognised as the political party that can be trusted. In the ACT, the temptation for the local Greens to look better than they really are may just have proven too great to resist. Trust in politicians continues to decline. An Essential Media poll in June found trust in parliament had dropped from 55 per cent of people in a year to just 22 per cent. Although this poll was focused on the Federal Parliament, it should be considered a devastating finding for all politicians. It is a fine line between dishonesty and gilding the lily. Gilding the lily is about telling things in the best way possible – even when it means leaving out some of the less favourable details. It seems this has become standard fare for the Greens. It is a shame that political ambition has taken them across the line because they have many good stories to tell about their achievements. With 100 days to go before the election, they released “100 things the ACT Greens have done for you since the 2008 ACT election” in which they listed some really important achievements and honest claims in which they can rightly take pride, but
The temptation for the ACT Greens to look better than they really are may just have proven too great to resist, says MICHAEL MOORE there are those that push the honesty stakes a little. These include: “Forced the tabling of the Treasury modelling and rationale for the failed UCIT merger”. “Made changes to the law to allow owners of units and apartments to more easily implement sustainability initiatives around their home”. “Amended the Liquor Act to give pub and club owners more warning before licence fees are changed, allowing better planning for small businesses”. “Passed the Education Amendment Act 2008 to increase community consultation before any school closures”. It is not possible for the Greens to achieve these things on their own. They are not a majority party and cannot “force tabling” without support from another party in the Assembly. Similarly, they cannot make “changes to the law” without majority Assembly support any more than they have the power to amend the Liquor Act. Some might suggest it is just loose wording, but there are examples where they
have gone further. The Greens are in the parliamentary wing of government. They are not in executive government and therefore cannot make financial decisions. The Australian Capital Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1988 sets out the powers that are the responsibility of the executive. The Greens first three claims go beyond their power. They might have influenced – but they certainly did not provide “Almost $50m in increased funding for mental health services”, nor did they provide “a new library for the inner-south located in Kingston”, let alone “increased investment in ACT housing”. All of these achievements are part of the role of government. There is no doubt the Greens can claim to have applied pressure for these things – but claiming that they are things that they have “done” is not completely honest and such an approach amounts to deceit. This is the very thing that is undermining community trust in our political systems. Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
cover story
Love takes a lot of skill, says Michael “PEOPLE don’t split because they don’t love each other, they split because of a lack of skills,” says Wanted Man Training founder Michael Clark. Michael, a former primary school teacher, husband and father of one (with another on the way) has been married to Suzanne for more than five years, and says skills are the key to a successful long-term relationship. The idea for ACT-based Wanted Man Training, a business that offers courses to men on how to maintain healthy, long-term relationships and marriages, came to him after three of his friends’ marriages split all within the same month “I thought, this is crazy, this planet is crazy, I have to do something about this,” he says. With the help of psychologists, counsellors and other professionals, Michael put together the Wanted Man Training “curriculum”. In nine months since it started, Michael has seen about 200 men come through his course and he says it has saved marriages. “Information on how to have a healthy, longterm relationship or marriage, that is out there, it’s there in books,” Michael says. “But most men don’t read books; he’s not going to read the books to know what you need to know. “So I thought, what if I make something really blokey, get heaps of bloke food, heaps of bloke
Freyla Ferguson reports
things happening and then you can learn the information in a way that is fun? “Because they don’t want to write, they don’t want to be lectured, they just want to play games and joke around.” Michael said one of the activities includes looking at different relationship scenarios from the man and woman’s perspectives. “Guys love to be analytical, so it’s fun to sort of go ‘oh that’s what’s happening there’ and then suddenly half the guys are like, ‘ah! that’s my marriage, that’s my relationship’,” he said. “It’s not public servicey, it’s just blokey. And before you know it, blokes will start being real with each other because it is a space where you can be real, you don’t have to fear.” Although he is happily married with Suzanne, he said even their relationship needs work. “We did have our own issues; learning about how you fit in with each other’s family and friends,” he said. “And how do you find enough time. Suzanne was my first long-term girlfriend.” He said one concept that helped his own marriage, and the course, was based on Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages” – a book
He also said another key to a successful relationship is identifying “danger zones”, whether it be planning to have children or career changes. “When people know where the danger zones are, they are ready for them, when you know that time will pass you hang in there,” he said. “But when people don’t know, they bail, they think it’s not working.” The courses have been so successful that now single men and teenage boys are coming along to the courses with their dads and have “got so much out of it”. And women will soon have their own version of Wanted Man Training through the City Fernwood gym, where personal trainers will work with women on how to hear what the man in their life is actually saying and also “how to communicate with your guy so he’ll listen”. But for the cynics, Michael has this advice: “I’d say a Holden Commodore is nice, but a Porsche is even better. “Most guys think this is as good as it gets, but Michael Clark...“It’s not about changing you, or it can go so much further just with a few skills doing more, it’s about understanding how she sees on your belt. the world.” Cover and photo by Silas Brown “It’s not about changing you, or doing more, it’s about understanding how she sees the world. that explores five “love languages”, words of “As good as it is, doesn’t mean it’s as good as affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of it gets.” More information at wantedmantraining.com. service and physical touch – and how you can use au those languages to better your relationship.
Battle in the wheel world MARK PARTON reports from the war... I’LL never understand why my morning radio program often becomes a battleground between motorists and cyclists. I don’t get it, but the subject came up again with the announcement of work on the Civic cycle loop. As a regular road bike rider and daily car driver, I’m going to try to bridge the divide and answer five simple questions that non-bike riders may ask... • Why do you wear Lycra? When I first started riding I vowed to never wear lycra. I relented for two reasons: the fabric breathes and keeps me warm and/or cool and the specialist bike tops have built-in pockets that negate the need for a back pack. • Why do you ride on the road when there’s often a bike path right next to it? The off-road bike path network is often incomplete or very indirect. Because my road bike tyres are thin, they need a flat surface. Off-road paths of adjacent cement slabs are often hazardous to ride on. • Why do bike riders all drink coffee? Because we like coffee. • Why should we spend these millions on a Civic bike loop? The cycling network is incomplete. Once you reach the city from the northside, it’s a cycling dead end, unless you’re brave enough to mix it with the cars, buses and trucks without a designated bike lane. It’s a major factor in convincing many Canberrans to not ride their bikes into town and with a bike loop, more riders will leave the car in the garage and ride into town. • Why do magpies swoop cyclists? Don’t know, but my theory is that any bird with such strong links to the Collingwood Football Club is likely to be belligerent, narrow minded and stupidly biased. Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC. CityNews July 19-25 9
scene
B ROUG YOU BY
H T TO
Canberra’s only locally-owned Subaru dealer
At the ‘Magic Flute’ At ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ opening night , Lyneham opening night, The Q
ROLFE SUBARU
At the Press Club, National Gallery with Ita Buttrose
More photos at citynews. com.au Vivian Chiu and Ann Eldridge
Rebecca Levak, Esther Phang and Felicity Blake
Guest speaker Ita Buttrose, Ken Randall and Laurie Wilson
Sophie Carmody with Stephanie Scroope
At Best Western Tall Trees refurb celebration
Margaret Smith and Carla Weijers
More photos at citynews. com.au Amanda Smith and Bryden Rich
10 CityNews July 19-25
Dominic Mico and Brendan Kelly
Rachel and Ed Nixon, Omania Terry and Kate Prior
Michelle Cooper and Nicola Hall
Terri-Hellen Garnor, Tanya Hammond and Leanne Joyce
More photos at citynews. com.au
Belinda Swift, Linda Gilbert, Ann Atkinson and Mark Gaukroger
scene
ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN
At Sacha Jeffrey’s exhibion opening, Honkytonks, Civic
Johnny Day, Laurence Kain and Monica Styles
Klaus Mathaei, Dr Peter Jeffrey, Caryl Hill and Gina Jeffrey
At the Care Solution launch, Knight Frank Office, Civic
Lisa Port and Sally Lisle
Tish Kaiunarathna, Cam Bray and Tom Skeeham
More photos at citynews. com.au
More photos at citynews. com.au Jo O’Sullivan and Catherine Bickmore
Hilary Martin, Kim Linsell, Kim Wilcke and Nicole Heingman
Sacha Jeffrey and Chole Mandryk
At ‘Menagerie’ opening, National Museum of Australia
Greg Lehman, Russell Taylor, director Andrew Sayers, Margo Neale, John Paul Janke and Barbara Paulson
Adria Hu and Mary Linkins
MLA Brendan Smyth and Alisa Duff
Darren Rodda, Kristina Jarnjevic and Kristy Greaves
Judith McDonnell, Beverly Corkey, Rhonda Daniell and John Robinson
Frank Brown and Alistair Coe MLA
Ron Kingsbarry and Alan Hodges
Karen Noble, Joy Burch MLA and Margaret Bowen
Patrick White, Cheryl Pollard and Steve Doszpot MLA
Matt Cuthbert and Andrew Singer
John Hillier and Patrick White
CityNews July 19-25 11
Canberra Confidential Neale’s new Portfolio
AFTER a flirt with a Kingston frock shop, gal-about-town Danielle Neale has returned to hang a shingle in Bougainville Street, Manuka, for her new, high-end real estate agency called Portfolio Collection. Former wife of realty guru Richard Luton, Danielle has, in her own right, years of experience working in the industry. She’s started the new business with her squeeze Jason Davenport, who on his Facebook page says: “I am doing something I love and with the person I love”. Ahh.
Au revoir, Aunty 666 ABC will this month say farewell to marketing manager Carolyn Ludovici, who has won a new high-profile position as the national manager of the Australian of the Year Awards. The awards, run by the Canberra-based National Australia Day Council, celebrate the achievement of eminent Australians including Geoffrey Rush, Prof Mick Dodson and Prof Patrick McGorry. Carolyn will replace Brodie Nicholls who has been in the posie since March 2009 and heads off on maternity leave on August 3. Carolyn says she’s looking forward to the change and with the ongoing partnership between the ABC and the NADC, feels like she won’t really be saying goodbye to
12 CityNews July 19-25
Ron Radford, in time for the gallery’s 30th anniversary.
Hippo balcony?
Danielle Neale and her squeeze Jason Davenport... opening in Manuka. her old colleagues. Nominations for the Australian of the Year awards are open now at australianoftheyear.org.au
Ita bites scribblers THE National Gallery’s Gandel Hall has become the temporary home of the Fourth Estate as it plays host to the National Press Club’s lunches until October while the Barton broadcast basement is refurbished. Publishing icon Ita Buttrose opened the Gallery season with a full house turning out to hear her speak about dementia, media and her autobiography, “A Passionate Life”, and watch her uncomfortably maul the enquiring scribblers. The last address at Gandel Hall, in October, will be given by NGA director
IS there a nightlife renaissance in unloved Garema Place? First the highly successful Honkytonks opens, then last month the doors opened at sumptuous Playground and now the award-winning, first-floor Hippo Bar has an application in with the planning poobahs to build a balcony, with bi-fold doors no less, fronting Garema place (in time for summer nights?). Sounds fabulous, but the sign out front gives wowsers until July 27 to protest.
Jacobs goes crackers... FORGIVE the childish heading, but “CC” was being uncharacteristically sweet last week by chivalrously not revealing the name of the Canberra radio announcer who didn’t know that actor George (“Bond, James Bond”) Lazenby was an old boy of Queanbeyan. But, lo, ABC afternoon announcer Genevieve Jacobs has insisted on outing herself. “I admit it your honour, it was me,” she bravely confesses in a good-natured email. “And I’m not even embarrassed about it. I’m not red faced, not ashamed, not humiliated – just wondering why on earth anyone would bother picking up on it?” Warming, she thundered on: “It’s not my job to know everything – like the vast majority of your own staff, I am a
Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au
generalist journalist.” Okay, okay, already: “It’s my job to ask questions, understand issues, probe local concerns and ask thoughtful questions.” Then the withering: “Quite honestly, publishing comment on such an extraordinarily minor issue strikes me as just the tiniest bit childish.” Ouch!
…and more on George WELL all that notwithstanding, the item provoked a response from one of our several thousand readers over the border, cruelly assuming the then-unnamed broadcaster was a man, and wrote saying: “If that broadcaster didn’t know about Lazenby, he must be blind and deaf. “Though George now lives in Palm Springs, California, he still comes home to Queanbeyan from time to time. He even once took his dear old mum to a CAPO ball. “At the risk of engaging in some shameless promotion for two arty, younger Queanbeyan people, I need to say that playwright Tommy Murphy (son of long-time Queanbeyan solicitor Philip Murphy) was twice winner of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award (2006 and 2007) and has had one play produced on the West End. “And slam poet Omar Musa has just signed a contract with Penguin for his first novel, set in a large, unnamed town bordering on to Australia’s national capital.” Now, look what we’ve started, Genevieve.
One way, wrong way
SO, you’re standing on top of the ladder... there are a bevy of hard-to-read “Winter in the City” flags hanging around the town’s lampposts at the moment. But they are harder still to read on Vernon Circle, around City Hill, where the flags have been hung facing away from the one-way traffic, making the message back to front when you pass them by... and you wonder which way these things are supposed to go?
CityNews July 19-25 13
special feature
What makes good, Fyshwick, today a thriving hub of industry with many speciality shops, wholesalers, furniture shops and more, has a secret past. David Hand’s Smash Repairs… “Fyshwick is nice and central.”
14 CityNews July 19-25
FYSHWICK is one of the oldest “settled” areas of Canberra, having been the site of an internment camp for German and Austrian nationals at the start of World War I. The camp was closed in 1919 and the streets which serviced it became the streets of Fyshwick, one of Canberra’s most significant industrial areas. Many of these streets are now named after industrial towns and regions. Fyshwick takes its name from the Tasmanian politician, Sir Philip Fysh, who was one of those responsible for bringing about Federation in 1901. The Fyshwick melting pot is home to fashion retailers, smash repairers and cafes, that find success from the central location. Josh Hand, from David Hand’s Smash Repairs, says his dad’s business has been in Fyshwick for 40 years. “We’ve had success here because a lot of our business comes from the centre of Canberra and Fyshwick is nice and central. Fyshwick works well for people,” he says. Josh’s brother Jonathan Hand has recently opened 2 Hands cafe on Lyell Street. “There is a really diverse range of people working in Fyshwick,” he says. “It’s a great place to have a business because we’re surrounded by other businesses.” New to the Fyshwick area are Danielle and David Lucas
Cafe 102… “We have dining options that suit everyone”.
old Fyshwick tick? who have recently purchased Cafe 102 on Gladstone Street. David says there is an interesting mix of clients in Fyshwick. “We have dining options that suit everyone from tradies who want takeaway to the business people and reps who want to dine in,” he says. Bin Reynolds has had her business Enchanté in Civic and Fyshwick and says Fyshwick is a much better location for her customers. “The parking is much easier in Fyshwick and people travel from interstate to shop for a wedding or special occasion, so they don’t always want to go into the city,” she says.
2 Hands cafe… “There is a really diverse range of people working in Fyshwick”.
Enchanté… “The parking is much easier in Fyshwick”.
CityNews July 19-25 15
puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / July 23 - 29
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Restless Rams – with Uranus barnstorming through your sign, you’re full of initiative as you step in and take the lead. And mighty Mars also encourages you to be positive and proactive in partnerships. The Sun and Mercury hook up on Sunday, which increases your ability to communicate clearly and creatively – especially with children, teenagers and friends.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
With Venus and Jupiter visiting your values zone, you’re in the mood for fine food and convivial company. Plus you’re keen to spend some cash and give your credit card a hiding. Don’t overdo it Taurus! Make sure you have sufficient funds to finance your lifestyle choices. Single Bulls – look for love with a charming Cancer, a sexy Scorpio or a cool Capricorn.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Mercury joins up with the Sun, so you’ll have energy to burn. Make sure you channel it into productive pursuits (like travel, study or community projects). Mental activities and communication are also favoured, as you pick up information with lightning speed. Geminis love nothing better than a good old gossip but resist the urge to be the neighborhood nosey-parker!
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Work and family are a tricky juggle. Uranus is broadening your professional options (in surprising directions), but Saturn is making sure there are plenty of extra domestic responsibilities as well. Jupiter and Uranus encourage you to let go of the past and stop worrying about the future. No matter how complicated your life is, it’s time to enjoy the here and now.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
The Sun shimmies into your sign so you’re ready to shine. With Uranus in your adventure zone, many Lions are dreaming of exotic getaways that are off the beaten track. If you’re planning a trip, don’t be too safe in your choice of destination. Be inspired by Amelia Earhart (born on July 24): “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” On Sunday, think before you speak.
General knowledge crossword No. 369 Across Down 1 Which two parts of the forearm are each called the carpus? 8 What is a tall, upright cupboard, used for holding clothes? 9 Name an alternative term for a course of travel to a distant place. 10 What are documents containing information about a particular person? 11 To which plant family do peas belong? 12 Which number does the Roman numeral IX symbolise? 13 Name the units of information, usually eight bits, stored by a computer. 16 What, colloquially and affectionately, do we sometimes call Americans? 19 Name one of the various freshwater ducks. 21 What is the monetary unit of Portugal? 22 What do we call one employed to do all kinds of work for another? 23 What is the more common term for an edible marine bivalve mollusc? 24 Name another word for a vassal or subject. 25 Which term describes a person who gains morbid enjoyment in inflicting pain? 1
2
3
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Laidback Librans can be a luxury-loving, lazy bunch as you enjoy the good times and go out of your way to avoid hard work. But with dynamic Mars and serious Saturn both moving through your sign, it’s time to take on challenges and responsibilities with grace, grit and determination. The weekend is the time to embark on an adventure or get passionate about a new project.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Professional projects are favoured – as long as you do all the meticulous research required, plus communicate clearly and creatively. Singles – with Neptune in your romance zone, do you have unrealistic expectations about finding the ‘perfect’ partner? Attached Scorpios – with Venus in your intimacy zone, snuggle up close; it’s time to make love not war!
Solution next week
4
5
6
9 10 11 12 13
14
15 19
16
17
18
20 21
22 23 24 25
Sudoku hard No.84
Solution next week
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
This week’s Jupiter aspects boost your energy levels – and your extravagant side. So you’re in the mood to over-indulge, as you adopt the motto of birthday great Mick Jagger: “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” On the weekend, all sorts of social and outdoor activities are favoured, as you flex your mind and move your muscles in exciting new ways.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Does life seem like all work and no play at the moment? Hang in there Goats – the professional skills you polish now will pay off handsomely further down the track. Venus is bestowing harmonious vibes in your job zone (until August 7). So use the next couple of weeks to smarten up your work space plus patch up problems with clients, customers or colleagues.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Creative thinking will take you far this week Aquarius. If you combine intellect and innovation, you’ll come up with some stunningly original ideas. Being true to yourself (and capitalising on your talents) is the key. With Mercury reversing through your relationship zone (until August 8), clear communication is the secret to positive partnerships.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The Sun and retrograde Mercury are visiting your wellbeing zone, so it’s the ideal time to take a close look at your health and fitness, as you review your diet and exercise routine and then make appropriate changes. You’re full of noble intentions on the weekend (and are keen to lend a helping hand), but don’t take on more than you can realistically handle. Pace yourself Pisces. Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011
16 CityNews July 19-25
7
8
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
You can get an incredible amount done, as you power through paperwork and tie up loose ends. If you have a practical problem, let your intuition point you in the right direction. It’s also the perfect time to research, review and revisit. Some Virgos will bump into an old friend or re-connect with a former flame. Just remember – memories are seductive because they’re so selective.
2 What do we call a breeding place of penguins, seals, etc.? 3 Name an enactment made by a legislature, and expressed in a formal document. 4 Stockholm is the capital of which European kingdom? 5 Name a Greek poem, ascribed to Homer. 6 What describes that which is characteristic of another country, etc.? 7 Name the temperature scale used by Australia. 13 Name a lofty granite mountain near Bright, Victoria. 14 What is another term for the windpipe? 15 What do we call those who secretly act on behalf of others? 17 Name the defendant in a criminal law case. 18 Which bean-shaped organs could be called the body’s “filter plant”? 20 What, colloquially, do we call machines, etc, which continually fail to operate adequately?
Solutions
Crossword No.368 P K D M E T E O R N T E C A U C U S N H S C U E T E M P E R E E D H A N D I C E A T R E C E I V A E O N O S I N E
O N C A P I T W E R A L U K M A P I N E R E R S S
H I M A P A G L A A S C A D I E M I Y
Sudoku medium No.84 P P A H S T I O R E S L E G O A N E T
arts & entertainment
Dougal Macdonald Movie in search of a willing womb
On the journey with Marinos
Rap with Renee
Remember Big hART’s terrific production of “Namatjira” last year?
SHE’S the Aussie Jewish girl with the Helen Musa big, bluesy voice that brought us hits reports such as “It’s a Man’s Man’s World” and she’s worked overseas with Sting, Chaka Now she’s the old one, as she found when she performed an Eminem-style rap number “Die, Khan and Joe Cocker.
Now the same team is back with a version of its best-known work, “Ngapartji Ngapartji”. It’s a unique retelling by creative director Scott Rankin and charismatic actor Trevor Jamieson of the history of Jamieson’s family, whose first encounter with non-indigenous Australia took place during the Maralinga atomic testings of the ‘50s and ‘60s. I saw a version of the show at the Perth Festival some years ago with the full Ernabella women’s choir on stage, and a Pitjantjatjara language lesson right in the middle. The show, like Jamieson’s family, has also been on a journey and actor Lex Marinos has been on much of it. Recently praised for his moving role as the old father, Manolis, in acclaimed ABC drama “The Slap”, Marinos has over the years been a broadcaster on 2JJ, now Triple J, a cult actor in the series “Kingswood Country” and a former director of Sydney Carnivale. Though a Wagga Wagga boy through and through, he found himself typecast in ethnic parts, even playing the Pakistani role in Buzo’s “Norm & Ahmed”. “By the 1990s,” Marinos tells me, “I’d just about had it with mainstream theatre. “The euphoria of 1970s’ new wave had evaporated and the scene had returned to being (I thought) very superficial, frivolous and elitist.” In good time he met Rankin and took part in his 1992 show involving juvenile offenders in Burnie, Tasmania. Later, he took part in other Big hART productions, including, in 2007, “a drive-in” show working with young, single mums. “I think Scott keeps me around because we share a cynical sense of humour as well as a jaundiced attitude to ‘real’ theatre and funding,” he says. One of the highlights was a visit to Pukatja (Ernabella) in SA to show the community how they had told their story. “Their approval was very important and gratifying,” he reports. “Performing in the red dirt in the open air was exhilarating… camp fires lit, big moon, kids and mangy dogs running about, singing and laughter… wouldn’t have missed it for quids.” It is not lost on Marinos that now, after being an “ethnic” actor for years, he is now playing a variety of white men. “I guess he [Rankin] finally realised I am indispensable,” he jokes. “Ngapartji Ngapartji one”, The Playhouse, July 25-28. Bookings to 6275 2700. For details of adjunct talks, an after-show Q&A, an exhibition and a language workshop visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Actor Lex Marinos... “Performing in the red dirt in the open air was exhilarating… wouldn’t have missed it for quids.”
Renee Geyer... “When I work, it’s dead silence”.
She’s even better-known for the election anthem, “Turn on the Lights”, that helped Malcolm Fraser to his victory over Gough Whitlam in the 1975 Federal election campaign. Yes, it’s Renee Geyer and she’ll be here soon, performing at The Abbey in Nicholls. The very mention of the national capital makes Geyer think of politics, and while we’d heard she never talks about that song, instead of the expected rebuff, Geyer is keen to say something. “That was the biggest and most life-changing incident in my career,” she says. “From packed-out theatres I went to not even half-full theatres, all because of that.” In those days, she says, she “was politically not up on everything” and was flattered by the money and the attention. “The Lib party song was not really a song, it was an advertisement; I don’t sing tomato soup songs, and I lump that in with all of those.” Fifty-nine this year and a 40-year veteran of the music industry, Geyer used to feel sorry for people in their 60s, thinking, “they’re going to die soon”.
Motherf***er, die!” in “Sleeping Beauty with a Twist” at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre. She gained a new lot of young boy fans, but they were shocked to see “an old girl” rapping – and rapping well. Geyer has had cause to reflect lately, after a successful bout of Herceptin treatment for a deadly form of breast cancer. “I consider myself a very lucky girl, I was operated on a Tuesday and I was on the stage at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club on the Friday,” she says. “My breast surgeon was so horrified he came to my show, and he never goes to these things… I sang through everything and I feel better for it.” Geyer is at home in Melbourne, where she can perform in more intimate venues than the big halls of yesteryear, a change that led her former manager to accuse her of being a sell-out. “I am a sell-out in both ways – my shows always sell out,” she says. Geyer expects and gets respect as a performer: “When I work, it’s dead silence,” she says. Renée Geyer, The Abbey, O’Hanlon Place Nicholls, Sunday, July 22, bookings to 6230 2905.
‘Flute’s’ highs – and lows opera
“The Magic Flute” Canberra Opera Workshop Lyneham High School, to July 22 Reviewed by Clinton White MOZART’S “The Magic Flute” is a reasonable choice for an amateur opera company. It rollicks along, not taking itself too seriously. The program notes describe as “treacherous” the Queen of the Night’s aria, “The Wrath of Hell is Burning in My Bosom”, however Stephanie McAlister comfortably got to those high F-naturals. Tenor David Smith (Tamino) was strong and true, and Leon Kavcic (Monostatos) was mischievous. In true tradition of the show going on regardless, the should-be-bed-ridden Chris McNee gave a lively and humorous performance of Papageno. Unable to sing, he mimed the words while Gerard Atkinson, who also played Sarastro, sang Papageno from the orchestra pit. Atkinson immersed himself in the part of Papageno and gave it great character. He was less assured on stage as Sarastro. The orchestra, under conductor Jennifer Groom, put in a good effort, with flautist David Smith playing his all-important role beautifully. But, overall, this performance of “Die Zauberflöte” (in English) was stiff and wooden. The lighting was especially disappointing. At times half the audience was bathed in bright light, with half the cast in shadow, pools of light devoid of actors, or a stage full of actors in darkness. In the end, this production of “The Magic Flute” was enjoyable enough but not quite ready for a public performance.
CityNews July 19-25 17
arts & entertainment
Comedy in search of a willing womb Dougal Macdonald cinema
Helen Musa
“Not Suitable For Children” (MA) I SHARED writer/director Peter Templeman’s big-screen debut with “Reel Mums” who’d brought their bubs to watch professional party-thrower Jonah (Ryan Kwanten) questing for a woman to conceive a child with him in three weeks before surgical removal of his cancerous left testicle makes fatherhood impossible. I perceived a certain shared resonance between that theme and those women nursing real-life recent results of conception. There was no way that the screenplay could fool these gals. But a few seats along from me was a man whose incessant falsetto giggle made me wonder whether his experience might have seen the other side of Jonas’ coin. Serious matters, conception and surgical castration. Templeman’s plot works hard to generate laughter. Perhaps too hard. As Jonah unsuccessfully asks past lovers and a lesbian couple to help him achieve an ambition lacking forethought, we see that while he’s a pretty lad, he’s selfish and not the sharpest pencil in the box. He platonically shares his house in what looks like Surry Hills with business partners Gus (Ryan Coor) and Stevie (Sarah Snook). We don’t need crystal balls to tell us where the plot is going. And that, alas, is what lets down a film that looks at a theme of acceptable gravitas yet not so grave that it can’t induce laughter as its creator intended. Forget the brief glimpses of still lifes and empty train tracks that neither illuminate nor advance the plot. The film’s purpose is Jonah’s quest, aided by Stevie, to find a willing womb before it’s too late. The rest is fluff. That said, I’m bound to offer praise for the film’s
‘Brand activities’ hit a new level! arts in the city
Sarah Snook and Ryan Kwanten in “Not Suitable For Children”. Sydney-scapes and an admirable cast dealing impressively with what is, by any measure, a delicate issue with innumerable variations. At Dendy
“Polisse” (MA) FRENCH writer/actress/director Maiwenn built this film in fictional documentary form, a collection of vignettes showing the Child Protection Unit of the Paris police performing casework, embedded in a framework of unit members at play, with family, dealing with organisation politics. Police interviews of paedophiles and pederasts, however disagreeable, candidly say things worth hearing. Although scripted, those passages ring close to credible, as do sequences showing the boys and girls of the unit letting down their hair after really bad days at the office. But passages showing wear and tear that the job inflicts on their private lives lack coherence in the context of the film’s narrative theme and relevance in that of its dramatic energy. We quickly get to know the protagonists but the screenplay wants us to
accept their relationships without question, which we sometimes can’t. This is not to say that “Polisse” doesn’t deliver value. Cop-stuff passages punch above their weight to present an investigative environment that we’ve all heard about, but probably not seen, that we hope will never touch our families. Comic passages invite us to think beyond the moment. Emotional passages offer talented actors chances to deliver heartfelt statements that vary the film’s pace. Maiwenn’s management of sequences involving many participants is deft. Her own performance as a departmental photographer documenting the unit at work strikes me as a vanity. But she’s certainly a handsome creature after the physically-least-attractive man in the unit persuades her to pelt the granny glasses and let down her hair. Despite its shortcomings, “Polisse” can adequately reward people blessed with generosity of spirit and concern for vulnerable youngsters. Which, when you think about it, is everybody except potential clients of the unit. At Greater Union
CANBERRA Theatre is moving into business-speak. It’s developed “a brand for the activities we create around shows”, to be called “Take Part”. As part of taking their Q&As and forums “to the next level”, they’ll have Jonathan Biggins talking about writing his show “Australia Day”, Scott Rankin talking about “ Ngapartji Ngapartji one” and David Page talking about “Terrain”. Since they’re laying on a sausage sizzle before each “Australia Day” performance, we’ll forgive the lingo. AMARCORD means “I remember” and that’s the title used by five top German a cappella singers coming to Canberra soon. Musica Viva suggests: “If you could fuse together the Backstreet Boys and an East German Lutheran boys’ choir, you’d probably end up with something like Amarcord.” At Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, Tuesday, July 24, bookings to www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849. QUEANBEYAN City Council has been busy figuring out what makes a “Queanbeyan and region artist” and now is inviting entries to the 2012 QCC Art Award. The conclusion? Queanbeyanites, and residents of Palerang, Cooma Monaro and Yass Valley local government areas, are eligible. The total prize pool is $2500. Entries close August 6, inquiries to 6285 6170. OUR artists are exhibiting far and wide. Right now print artist Alison Alder is exhibiting in “Roads Cross” in Adelaide and “Ghost Citizens” in Kings Cross, while fellow printmakers Mehwish Iqbal and Fatima Killeen have works in “No Added Sugar” at Casula Powerhouse. BAYREUTH Festival regular and ANU School of Music graduate, soprano Sarahlouise Owen, will join fortepianist Colleen Rae-Gerrard and Calvin Bowman on the harpsichord to perform works by Haydn, Couperin, Rameau, Handel, Mozart and Schubert. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm Sunday, July 22, bookings to www. wesleycanberra.org.au/music or tickets at the door.
Movie pass winners The 10 lucky winners of the “CityNews” in-season passes to the movie “Not Suitable for Children” are: Robyn Singleton, of Braddon; Monika Schmidt, Page; Jennifer White, Queanbeyan; Renae White, Chapman; Lyndsie Nunn, Evatt; Antonia Lehn, Garran; Alana Quinn, Woden; Barbara McCauley, Belconnen; Janine Hudson, Farrer; Debra Speldewinde, Holder.
18 CityNews July 19-25
THERE’S an Emerging Artists Support Scheme show featuring graduates from the ANU School of Art ceramics workshop, Lucas Boswell, Melinda Brouwer, Amy Hick and Erin Kocaj, at Watson Arts Centre, 10am to 4pm, Thursday-Sunday, until August 5. CANBERRA pianist (and doctor) Robert Schmidli will perform Haydn, Prokofiev and Liszt Scherzo and March in a “Lunchtime Live” series concert at Wesley Music Centre, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, July 25. $2 or paper note entry.
Just wild about the Duck Wendy Johnson dining
I LOVE the crisp white bowls with the delicate logo. And I love the way the décor holds interest every way you turn. But that’s not all I love about Wild Duck. I love the modern, authentic-tasting Asian cuisine. Wild Duck is among a group of “fine dining” Asian restaurants popping up in Canberra (Malamay in Barton is an exquisite example). This group is lifting the bar on a wonderfully exotic and interesting cuisine that offers diners endless possibilities. Wild Duck is not just bold on the food front. It is bold to be one of the first to settle in at the Kingston Foreshore. My recommendation is to select a banquet and just sit back to enjoy every mouthful. It’s offering an experience as much as fantastic food that thrills co-owners Shan Gao, Jack Zhong and chef Wei He. The first décor element that strikes you is the intricately carved wooden doors. And Wild Duck’s rich, warm colours, soft lighting, teak furniture and private booths immediately create “the mood” (private rooms also available). Everything is delicious. Banquets start at $48 per person for seven dishes plus rice and coffee/ tea and top off to $68 – worth every cent. And you can add dishes, such as the stunning dragon cut baby eggplant ($24.90), finely cut, lightly
Pan-seared Canadian scallops with XO conpoy chilli. fried to give three distinct textures and then finished with a chilli, garlic vinegar sauce. It’s destined to transform anyone who doesn’t like this vegetable, and did with one of our group. While discussing vegetables, Wild Duck could benefit from creating a couple more dishes for vegetarians. Our banquet started with roasted duck rice paper rolls, with cucumber, hoisin and spring onion. The duck was tender and put a smile on everyone’s face, as did the Lotus root and pork parcel (fried in a light tempura batter) and the sexy Shanghai wonton soup. The next dish to make a grand entrance was the wild prawns and papya in green curry, testimony to the talent in Wild Duck’s kitchen. And not a morsel of the mouth-watering lemongrass chicken and tender fillet steak in honey mustard
Photo by Silas Brown
was left on anyone’s plate. Outside of the banquets Wild Duck offers mains like the slowcooked “lamb shank in golden sands”, shredded and tossed through toasted, golden coconut – a fantastic combination. Other mains include daikon pork belly ($29.90) and coral cut snapper ($34.90). The service at Wild Duck is as elegant as the food and those who serve have immersed themselves in the details of each dish to readily answer questions. The service is attentive, but never intrusive. Wild Duck’s wine list has lots of choice and is well priced. This is, put simply, a great place to dine. 71 Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Call 6232 7997.
Even Mr Mozart might smile I’M guessing the devilish Mr Mozart would be pretty happy if he were able to visit the Canberra Theatre to see his scandalous tale of Don Giovanni sung in English and set in a ‘50s Italy, complete with leather jackets, sunglasses and a hot red dress.
was tight, precise, crisp and clean with a highlight being the beautiful harpsichord playing of conductor Brett Weymark. His accompaniment of Don Giovanni’s serenade (the only contribution in Italian) was sublime.
opera
“Don Giovanni” Oz Opera Canberra Theatre, season closed. Reviewed by Ian McLean
Renowned director and playwright Michael Gow (“The Kid”, “Away”, “Toy Symphony”) has updated the 1787 original resulting in an Oz Opera production which is a cheeky delight in all respects. The tale is basically a yarn about a womanising cad and his relentless pursuit of women to bed, rather than to wed! Amongst an even cast of excellent singers, Samuel Dundas was appropriately sleazy as the womanising Giovanni while Adrian Tamburini got delightfully down and dirty as his swarthy and seedy sidekick, Leporello. The nerdy Don Ottavio was suitably underplayed by Samuel Sakker, while amongst the ladies, Jane Ede (in that red dress as Donna Elvira) commanded the stage with powerful projection and stage presence. A small orchestra of just nine (an outstandingly written reduction by Andrew Greene) CityNews July 19-25 19
garden
Stories trees could tell THE biggest community tree- Cedric Bryant planting and nature-care day gardening specifically for Australian trees – National Tree Day – is these days. It is a day to get your hands dirty to help the planet and on Sunday, July 29.
National Tree Day was founded by Planet Ark and singer Olivia NewtonJohn in 1996. Since then, 2.8 million volunteers have planted a staggering 17 million native trees and shrubs on
especially our own country, the driest continent on earth. Schools’ Tree Day is celebrated on Friday, July 27, when more than 200,000 school students and teachers across the country are out planting trees and encouraging
children to care and respect the environment. When the first settlers arrived in the Canberra region (“The Limestone Plains”), it was almost devoid of limestone-adverse trees, the only vegetation being native species. It is only since the development of Canberra over the last 100 years, with the improvement of soils in hundreds of thousands of gardens, can we grow such a wonderful range of trees. Most importantly, the likes of Charles Weston and A.E. Bruce, both superintendents of the Parks and Gardens Department, were responsible for massive tree-planting in the streets and urban parks of the early days of the capital. ONE of the giants in the development of our treed city was Lindsay Dixon Pryor, (director of Parks and Gardens, 1944-1958), not only in the planting of trees in streets and urban parks, but also in the early development of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Pictured here is the commemorative Eucalyptus pryoriana growing in the gardens and named in honour of Pryor with a plaque telling the story of this amazing, multi-trunked tree. One interesting tree story, Pryor
The commemorative Eucalyptus pryoriana at the Botanic Gardens. married Wilma Brahe Percival in 1938, who had a direct connection with the earliest days of Canberra. Her father, Arthur Percival, was surveyor-general and was one of Charles Scrivener’s team in the original surveying of Canberra. Her second name Brahe was after her great-grandfather, Wilhelm Brahe, famous for cutting the word “dig” into a tree at Cooper’s Creek on the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition. How trees could and can tell stories. CAN we do without trees? I do not think so and the benefits we enjoy have been created by those who planted trees before us. But we have to more than ever before continue the good work for following generations. It is vital to encourage children to learn about all aspects of the importance of trees in our environment and the future of the planet. This is why National Tree Day and National Schools’ Day are so important. The tree or shrub planting does not only involve open parkland areas, it can be for a school playground, or a community group or simply a group of folk in a street. It could even be for a group of friends in a backyard, perhaps folk starting their first garden, planting a few Aussie trees and shrubs followed by a barbecue More information or to register go to treeday.planetark.org/ or call 1388 5000.
Lindsay Dixon Pryor... one of the giants in the development of our treed city.
Next weekend… Visit the Yarralumla Nursery; plant an Aussie tree or shrub; create a bush garden; grow plants that will attract native birds to your garden; install a bird bath; buy a copy of “Australian Plants for Canberra Region Gardens”. 20 CityNews July 19-25
CityNews July 19-25 21
22 CityNews July 19-25
CityNews July 19-25 23