cover story
briefly
By Kathryn Vukovljak
Call for southside community council
WHEN Amelia Huang was given her late grandmother Alice’s old jewellery, she had no idea it would inspire a whole new direction for her. “I wanted to wear the pieces but they were mostly broken,” she says. “I played around with them, fixed them up, and the result was vintage items with a modern twist. “I got so many compliments I decided to go into business.” Amelia’s label Millicent Russell was picked up nationally after Sydney Fashion Week 2007 and her handmade, one-of-a-kind necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and brooches now sell at boutiques in NSW, Perth, SA and Victoria, as well as locally at itrip iskip in Lonsdale Street, Braddon. “I think this jewellery is so popular because it represents a shift against mass-produced items,” she says. “People are looking for something unique. “Vintage is in vogue and what I do taps into repurposing and recycling, too – it’s good to be eco-friendly these days.” Millicent Russell blends old and new, with a mix of hot colours, quirky fabrics, touches of pearl, crystal, lace, enamel, delicate filigree and glittering stones. A keen dancer, Canberra-born Amelia says she’s also inspired by the bold, bright, glamorous ballroom dancing costumes she wore while competing. “I’m a total magpie,” she says. “Jewellery has become too plain – I want to bring back the sparkle!” The name Millicent Russell came from a childhood nickname that Amelia could never quite fathom, although she says its come into its own now. “It has a vintage, old-lady feel which suits my pieces, but I seriously have no idea where it came from,” she laughs. “Actually the guy who used to call me that messaged me recently saying ‘I see you’re using my name’.” Public servant Amelia is creating a thoroughly modern business, gaining publicity and “followers” through her bog, Twitter and Facebook. She works on her jewellery in the evenings and at weekends, and says she’s
A PUBLIC meeting will be held early next month to see if there is sufficient support to form a Canberra South Community Council to cover the suburbs of Parkes, Barton, Kingston, The Causeway, Griffith, Narrabundah, Red Hill, Deakin, Yarralumla and possibly the light industrial areas of Fyshwick and Hume, Canberra Airport and Symonston. It is the only area of Canberra yet to elect a community council. Meeting convener Kevin Gill, of Narrabundah, said there was a myriad of planning issues that have arisen or will arise, including the Kingston Foreshore and market space; future of the Canberra railway station and redevelopment of the old railway yards; public spaces including parks, sports ovals and other recreational areas; Canberra Airport and environs and the development of Symonston. Mr Gill can be contacted on 6239 5651, 0409 446405 or at kgill@ vtown.com.au
New ClubsACT chief Amelia Huang… “Jewellery has become too plain – I want to bring back the sparkle!” Photo by Silas.
Vintage with young twist always thinking about new designs. “I love to make items that are pretty, intricate and different – taking vintage pieces and making them modern. “It takes up a lot of my free time, but I love it,” she says.
“My grandmother was a pretty feisty lady – I’d like to think she’d be proud that I’m working hard and living the dream – especially because it’s in part thanks to her.” For more information, visit www.millicentrussell.com.au
Summertime and the thieving is easy BURGLARY is one of the most common crimes in the ACT, however most burglaries are preventable by establishing some basic home security measures, say ACT Police. Crime prevention superintendent Kate Buggy said: “Burglaries are often a crime of opportunity and what most intruders are looking for, and often find are houses left open or unlocked, making it easy for them to get what
CityNews January 7-13
they can and make a quick getaway. “Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked during the summer months, unless there are adequate security screens in place. “We really urge the community not to leave doors insecure during the hot nights while they are sleeping. “Make sure garage doors and sheds are
secured with deadlocks and that valuables are not visible through windows. “If possible, install a visible alarm system which covers all external doors and windows as this can be an effective deterrent for intruders and thieves.” Anyone observing suspicious activity should call 131 444, or for further tips on home security, visit www.afp.gov.au
JEFF House is the new chief executive of ClubsACT, replacing the retiring Bob Samarq. Mr House, who has spent more than 10 years working in and around government in Canberra, will represent 29 licensed club groups in the ACT, which employs more than 2100 people and contributes over $14 million to the community annually.
Dial before digging
ActewAGL is urging residents to use the free, national Dial Before You Dig service to ensure underground gas, electricity and water pipes and cables are not struck when renovating, gardening or building. The service is designed to prevent damage and disruption to the vast pipe and cable network that deliver essential services to households and businesses in the region. Visit www.1100.com.au or call 1100.
Rate levy response QUEANBEYAN City Council is awaiting response from its eight-page CityCARE information booklet delivered to ratepayers before Christmas. The booklet details a proposed special rate levy of 5.8 per cent to provide funding for maintenance of roads, footpaths and parks and sportsfields. It has a brief survey that ratepayers are asked to fill in and return before January 29. “It’s very important that council hears the community’s views on this proposal as it is vital for Queanbeyan’s future,” says mayor Tim Overall. “The proposed levy will raise an extra $1 million which council will spend entirely on maintaining our roads, footpaths and parks and sportsfields.” Ratepayers who did not receive the information booklet should call 6298 4580.