Climate issue debate begins
By Eleri Harris
THROUGH the red-hot, angry hurricane of public debate on water, population and climate in this country, the ACT Legislative Assembly has opened a door on Canberra’s ongoing capacity to provide for its citizens.
In line with the Canberra 2030 “Time to Talk” campaign, the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and Water has released a discussion paper for the “Inquiry into the Ecological Carrying Capacity of the ACT and Region”, calling for submissions on the resources we have and will need to cater for a growing population.
Committee chair and Greens leader Meredith Hunter told “CityNews” the release of the paper was timely.
“In 2010 we are facing a lot of challenges around climate change,” Hunter said.
“We’ve recognised issues about natural resources, which are finite resources, needing to use things wisely, such as water.
“That’s why it is timely to have an inquiry like this, it’s why the Greens put it into the Labor Greens Parliamentary Agreement. I think it sits nicely alongside the debate around the city about water conservation, about water restrictions and so forth, through to the passing of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill.”
The committee has requested submissions from Government agencies,
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businesses, community groups, academics and individuals – including the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the 17 shire councils surrounding the Territory.
“It’s not just about the ACT,”
Hunter said.
“It’s about the surrounding region and recognising that the ACT isn’t this little island, it exists within the capital region. It’s an interdependence and we need to see it in that way. What goes on here in the ACT will affect the surrounding region and shires.”
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Hunter says the committee will have to put aside political ideology throughout the inquiry to ensure recommendations are put forward that genuinely reflect the needs of ACT residents.
“It’s about leaving your political hat at the door, going in with an open mind and just being a parliamentarian and seeking that expert input,” Hunter said.
ANU Climate Change Institute executive director Will Steffen said the ACT needs to consider multiple factors when producing strategies to
Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au
deal with population and Canberra’s ecological carrying capacity.
“From a climate change perspective, you have to look at both sides of the coin: mitigation and adaptation.
“The challenge we face is the development of Canberra/Queanbeyan, where water and transport need to be dealt with across the jurisdictions.
“The inquiry is a wonderful opportunity to look at what we can do more with Canberra to address these questions.”
The first two submissions to the inquiry have asked for a definite set of ecological measures to be accepted and applied by the ACT Government; the development of an environmental protection policy; and a push to see the ecological footprint understood within the Territory’s governance and economy.
“Well-designed and functioning economies work with and value natural systems, they do not destroy them,” John Schooneveldt, an ANU academic with a strong interest in sustainability, wrote in his submission.
“It is possible to increase the carrying capacity of a region through strategic natural resource management, increasing bio-diversity and boosting eco-system services.”
Submissions are open until November 12 at http://bit.ly/ACTsubmit, with the committee expected to report back in mid-2011.
Charity donation
SOFTWARE company SAP and Lockheed Martin have donated a total of $50,000 to the Rotary Club of Canberra South Community Trust at a high-powered, charity dinner in Yarralumla organised by the club’s president-elect Michael Zarew, of Consilium. Keynote speaker Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo good-naturedly accepted the cheques on behalf of the Community Trust. The funds will be used for the club’s charitable projects including Rotary’s ShelterBox program.
Aloha, again
THE ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group will again hold the Hawaiian Ball at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden, on Saturday, November 27. Last year, the event raised $60,000 for the local charity, that provides help to local families that have a member undergoing treatment for cancer and are doing it tough. The group currently supports more than 1700 families from across the region. Tickets at $150 per person or $1400 for tables of 10 are available at actemcsg.org. au or from 6297 1261.
Top of the class
TEACHER Nanette Bragg, of Canberra Girls’ Grammar School, is the only ACT recipient of the 60 NEiTA 2010 ASG Inspirational Teaching State and Territory Awards, Australia’s only national, independent community-centred teaching awards program that gives secondary students, parents, early childhood and school communities the opportunity to nominate teachers who they believe to be committed, dedicated, and outstanding representatives of the teaching profession.
Photo by Silas Arts&Entertainment 17-19
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Can we? Can’t we? Canberra holds its breath
IF things go to plan, the biggest sporting story in Canberra this year won’t be the Raiders charge up the premiership ladder, nor Julian Huxley’s return from a brain tumour, or the Capitals WNBL title with Lauren Jackson coming back for one more tilt.
The story that I think will have the most significant impact on Canberra sport is yet to take place.
If, on December 2, the 24-member executive of soccer’s world-governing body FIFA awards the 2022 World Cup to Australia, it will have the potential to turn Canberra sport on its head.
As part of the bid document,
sport
t im Gavel
Canberra is one of the sites for the 12 stadiums to play matches. The Australian and ACT Governments have committed to building a new stadium if Australia wins the right to host the cup: It will be a rectangular stadium with the ACT Government moving away from plans to make it a circular ground with retractable seating.
The new $250 million stadium would take care of league, union and soccer with plans to revert Canberra Stadium
back to an oval shape for AFL and cricket.
If Canberra is to host international cricket or night time AFL matches, they need lights and given the problems with establishing lights at Manuka, Canberra Stadium would appear to be a viable option. It would be costly to bring Manuka up to 20,000 seats coupled with lighting.
If Canberra is to be part of the World Cup, there would no doubt be a renewed campaign to have an A League team based here. It would need hard work to convince Football Federation Australia that there was
enough corporate support, but the building of a rectangular stadium would certainly help.
I have had a lot of correspondence from people in the wake of previous articles on the building of a new stadium. Most of the e-mails concern the location: I suggested the ACT Government look outside the square and that it doesn’t necessarily have to be placed next to Canberra Stadium.
My suggestion that the Government look at Rugby League Park, Braddon, created the most flak. I believe it is worth considering, given the proximity to Civic and public transport.
Writing against the clock
By Kathryn Vukovljak
ALWAYS fancied writing a novel one day? Why not now, asks Julia Burns, Canberra’s municipal liaison for National Novel Writing Month in November.
“The idea is to write a short novel in 30 days,” she says. “The time limit makes for some creative novels – people have pirates and ninjas and random things popping up!”
Known as NaNoWriMo, the event’s been held all over the world every November since it started in 1999 in San Francisco, says Julia, 29, who aims to be making a living as a published author by the time she’s 35.
“I think of NaNo as a writing celebration month,” she says. “It’s about taking risks, having fun and setting yourself a challenge. I don’t think anyone expects to write a masterpiece in a month, but it’s all practice.
“I also think it’s a good excuse to write something you wouldn’t usually write – my thing is historical romances, but for NaNo I’m doing young adult science fiction.”
Julia says her husband is very supportive, and will frequently take their two-year-old Marcus out of the house so she gets some peace.
Participants register online and aim to write 50,000 words in a month, which is
around 1600 words a day.
And if you get stuck, there’s always the travelling shovel of death, says Julia.
“The idea is that if you run out of plot, you kill off a character in whatever way suits your novel and all that’s left is the shovel,” she says.
Julia, who works full-time as a legal assistant, has been Canberra’s ML for two years and says she loves organising the kick-off party, write-ins and, of course, the Thank God, It’s Over party.
“The camaraderie is great,” she says.
“Last year we had 148 participants in Canberra, and between us we wrote 2,770,778 words.
“The write-ins always have a carnival atmosphere. I think it’s great to get people writing, without stressing about making it brilliant. There’s no time to make it brilliant, you just have to keep the story going.
“Hence why most people never look at their NaNo novels again!
“With NaNo, it doesn’t matter how good a writer you are – the end product isn’t the point. It’s the journey.”
Anyone interested in participating in NaNoWriMo can register on www.nanowrimo.org or email julia.c.burns@gmail. com for more information. The month is young!
The new rectangular stadium in Melbourne is a perfect example of how compact grounds should be built.
Many e-mails and letters have pointed out the historical nature of the buildings and the trees around the Northbourne Oval site, while others have mentioned the heritage listing of several buildings in the area and the negative impact a stadium would have on people living close by.
I acknowledge those concerns, and I am aware of the heritage aspect in particular, but I say it is worth looking at.
Dr Choo’s prize for life in crime
By Eleri Harris
WHEN Fulbright Scholar Dr Raymond Choo (pictured) won the 2010 ACT Pearcey Award for his work in cyber-security, he was thrilled – mostly because the award was presented by Canberra’s IT poster-girl Senator Kate Lundy.
“I can’t think of another politician who has been more supportive of the ICT industry in Australia,” Dr Choo said.
The Pearcey Award is offered annually in each State and Territory by the Australian Computer Society, recognising outstanding work in the Australian ICT industry, sych as Dr Choo’s contribution to combating cyber-crime and money laundering.
individuals for their hard work and contributions to society, regardless of race, language or religion’. I am certainly proud to call myself an Australian and a Canberran.”
The former policeman with the Singapore force came to Australia as an international student in 2001, studying first at the University of SA before going on to do business and a PhD at the Queensland University of Technology. He joined the Australian Institute of Criminology in 2006, researching aspects of cyber-crime from child exploitation to money laundering.
“Winning the award also reaffirms my belief that Australia is a land of opportunities,” Dr Choo told “CityNews”.
“I recalled being asked about my experiences in Australia as a migrant when I was in the US last year on a Fulbright Scholarship. My reply was, and will always be: ‘Australia is a country that not only welcomes new comers, but also rewards and recognises
“Cyber-crime is definitely not going to go away,” Dr Choo says, “As new technology emerges there’s always ways of exploiting that technology. The possibilities are just endless.
“My law enforcement background helps, when I was in the police force I was doing a bit of IT, a bit of normal policing and also a bit of investigative work. People always say you have the ‘thing’ to catch a criminal. I do have the ability to think of ways to exploit the systems.”
Budding novelist Julia Burns… “I think it’s great to get people writing, without stressing about making it brilliant.”
Photo by Silas
Here’s cheers to the tougher drink laws
THE more liberal the alcohol laws have become over the last few decades, the greater the problems.
Attorney General Simon Corbell and the ACT Government have taken hard decisions to deal with the issues. Rather than a simplistic approach they have guided sensible measures through the ACT Assembly that come into force at the beginning of December to address violence and unsociable behaviour.
Research published at the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University (and other places) leaves no doubt that alcohol-related harm decreases with reduced availability and with reduced trading hours. The significant increase in violence in the wee small hours in our city centres has made them more dangerous places for individuals, workers and police.
Corbell has developed “a risk-based licensing system that measures the amount of risk posed to the community based on opening hours”. For example, rather than opt for a catch-all approach of demanding closing at 3am, the legislation seeks to determine which venues are the cause of the problem and apply restrictions appropriately.
By Michael Moore
On the face of it, this seems like an eminently sensible process. However, it does carry the risk that the violence and unsociable behaviour will not be contained in one venue, say in Civic, and it will simply move to another venue in, say, Kingston. With easy access to mass and immediate communication through text messages, the troublemakers may well rapidly move to from one controlled location to one that is not controlled. However, it is certainly worth the experiment.
The evidence is clear. According to research published in the international scientific journal “Addiction”, by Dr Kypros Kypri and others, a 1am lock-out combined with a 3am closing time at just 14 licensed premises in Newcastle, NSW, from April 2008 to September 2009 reduced the number of assaults in the area by almost 200 or 37 per cent.
Unsurprisingly, the publicans in Newcastle were not happy with the research.
Rolly de With, speaking on behalf of the
local chapter of the Australian Hotels Association, claimed the measures were “devastating to business”.
The alcohol control measures that will come into effect next month include more police powers including the ability to suspend trading for 24 hours in the case of an emergency and a new “fail to leave” offence to fine intoxicated people who refuse to move from a licensed establishment. It will also see transfer of control from the Office of Regulatory Services to the police and mandatory responsible service training for all staff selling alcohol.
These new regulations do interfere to some extent with personal freedoms, but the growth of early-hour larrikin behaviour has largely forced the Government’s hand. Although this legislation does not deal with one of the most serious of alcohol-related problems – violence in the home – it does respond to evidence that the advantages of increasing availability and extended opening times are overwhelmed by the disadvantages.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government.
Nature’s blooming Floriade
By Kathryn Vukovljak
FLORIADE might be over, but nature’s own celebration of spring is in full bloom at Mount Majura Nature Reserve. And it’s absolutely spectacular, says ranger Steve Taylor, from ACT Parks & Conservation.
“It’s a carpet of flowers at the moment,” he says. “The main ones are the hoary sunrays, which are a type of paper daisy.
“It’s a great spot. The dimensions of the display are like Floriade – it stretches as far as the eye can see.”
In amongst the sunrays are equally prettily named vanilla lilies, creamy candles, scaly buttons and early nancys.
“Other nature reserves have wildflowers, too – Black Mountain has native ground orchids, while Red Hill and Mount Ainslie reserves have yellow bulbine lilies,” says Steve. “Later, Mulligan’s Flat will have chocolate lilies.” Steve adds that while the wet spring has been great for Canberra, people shouldn’t worry about the extra growth causing problems later. “Rest assured, we are well resourced to cope with any additional summer bushfires that may occur,” he says.
The ACT Parks & Conservation Parks Brigade has over 120 bush firefighters backed up by the ACT Fire Brigade and volunteers from the Rural Fire Service.
Ranger Steve Taylor amid the daisies... “It’s a carpet of flowers at the moment.”
Photo by Silas
‘Done over’ on water
MICHAEL Moore (CN October 21, “The war for water has begun”) makes the amazing statement that the ACT will face a cut of between 34 and 43 per cent in its water allocation and asks “when the crunch comes and Canberrans are offered a fair share, just how greedy will we be?”
The facts are that Canberrans have been mercilessly “done over” on water. There has been nothing fair about it and there is virtually nothing more for Canberra to give.
Canberra only uses 2-3 per cent net of its average annual available water resource and gives away the rest, free of charge, to downstream users who pay not a single cent towards the costs of our storages from which they benefit. The rain falls here. There is nothing wrong about Canberrans using it first before sending it on its way.
Meanwhile Melbourne has started pulling out 90 gigaltres a year from the Murray Darling Basin, while Adelaide pulls out far more than that
No equitable way
IN his column “The war for water has begin” (CN, October 21), Michael Moore points out that, “when there is high demand and limited resources, the challenge is to find ways to distribute what is in demand in an equitable way…”
There is no equitable way to distribute five litres of water per day between 10 people. a lex s atrapa, Isabella Plains
In the pipeline
ALTHOUGH Australia is the world’s driest continent, it is not short of water with the Kimberley, in WA, well served.
As there is a gas pipeline across Australia why not a water pipeline from the Kimberley that not only could irrigate areas that need water but also service the needs of much of the eastern seaboard?
Harold Grant, c ampbell
What to expect
HERE are some things to expect soon of the Labor-Green alliance:
Sneaking in a Bill of Rights under the guise of the “Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill”, already introduced to Parliament. It would subordinate Parliament’s previously sovereign decisions to a judge’s •
every year and more in a drought year. Unlike Canberra, neither Adelaide nor Melbourne is even in the basin. Until Adelaide and Melbourne stop draining water out of the basin, Canberrans should laugh at the word “greedy” when it comes to water.
Canberra has not been greedy, it has been utterly naïve in giving away its water free of charge and allowing itself to be reduced to a desert over years of drought while its water was plundered by others.
Canberra has been sold down the river by the incompetence of successive ACT and Federal governments who have forgotten that the boundaries of the ACT were drawn to secure the water rights for a national capital. Indeed, ACTEW’s “Future Water Options” paper noted that the ACT had enough water for a million people without water restrictions – and with enough for environmental flows.
terry Dwyer, c ivic
opinion on what a UN committee might think of them.
•
Subverting the Constitution’s rules on referenda by having plebiscites on a republic. Plebiscites are just an unconstitutional way of pushing an agenda when a referendum doesn’t get the answer you want. Republicans cynically admit that is their purpose.
•
Making an Orwellian change of meaning to the word “marriage” to pander to the homosexual lobby.
Pam Lai, via email
Ignore peace prize
THE Nobel Peace Prize has descended into total rubbish. Last
year Obama got it for bringing hope to West-hating, whitedespising, left-wing ratbags everywhere that Communism – or their latest totalitarian favourite – would rise again.
This year, the prize went to jailed Chinese whinger Liu Xiaobo. Don’t the committee realise that the Chinese have fixed Communism? The world belongs to winners. Liu Xiaobo is a whinging, whining loser and should be ignored – and certainly not given the Nobel Peace Prize. It should be ignored, too – and sent the way of the other (dead) losers in China over the last 60 years.
John c leland, Latham
You tell the kids! mum in the city
sonya Fladun
I KNOW I always bemoan the ever-earlier appearance of Christmas in the department stores. Indeed, friends and family have likened me to the Christmas Grinch.
So this year, despite noting the first appearance of tinsel back in early September, I have studiously avoided comment on the phenomena I call “Christmas-time creep”. But this week my Grinchness got the better of me. Now, I understand that retail sales might have been a bit slow and that stores hope that by promoting Christmas early they might send everyone into a buying frenzy. But from the perspective of a mum with two Christmas-obsessed children, promoting the big event four months out from the day makes it pretty hard-going.
Young children often find the concept of time difficult to comprehend. Telling them that Christmas is three or four months away has no effect. As soon as they see those Christmas trees covered in baubles and Christmas toy catalogues start clogging up the letterbox, they think it’s all just around the corner. And all the lobbying starts with a vengeance and doesn’t let up until December 25, at long last, actually comes around.
Telling the children that Christmas is still 60 sleeps away is met with disbelief and disappointment, while each day the catalogue of desires grows and the expectations for the big day expand like a nuclear mushroom cloud. There seem to be fewer and fewer surprises these days. The retailers are taking that away. Children have months to work out exactly what they want and they expect to get it, while parents are so over the whole thing by Christmas Day.
So, yeah, call me a Grinch, but I say all things Christmas should stay in their box at least until mid-November. I’m sure it would help a lot of parents maintain their sanity and make Christmas less of a chore, less commercial and more of a joy for all, full of surprise and wonder. Wow, wouldn’t that be good Christmas?
Ivan’s mo-bilising the troops
By Megan Haggan
THERE will be no dainty Clark Gable moustache for TransACT CEO Ivan Slavich this Movember: he’s aiming for as hairy an upper lip as he can get, to help raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
“I’m 46 and I’ve never grown a mo in my whole life, so it’s going to be an interesting exercise,” he says. “I’m going for the big handlebar bikie look. Whether or not that’s successful is another matter!”
The month of November will see a predicted 125,000 or so men (“Mo Bros”) around the country grow moustaches to support men’s depression and prostate cancer initiatives. Women can also get involved as Mo Sistas.
Ivan is a member of one of two teams fielded by TransACT: “TransACT Rocks Movember One”, which includes himself; colleague David Parkes; Theo Dimarhos, from the Hellenic Club; John Efkarpidis, from Rock Development; Peter Barclay, from King O’Malleys and Danielle Neale, from Sybil’s Closet by Danielle (who will
refrain from shaving her legs for the month instead of growing a mo). Four more spots on the team are open to businesses who would like to donate $5000 to the cause.
TransACT has another team, “TransACT Rocks Movember Too,” open to members of the public.
“I’m doing Movember basically for two reasons,” Ivan told “CityNews”.
“First, it’s because of the cause: Movember raises money for men with prostate cancer and with depression. Something like 3300 men die of prostate cancer in Australia every year, and one in eight men will develop depression, though I think that statistic might in reality be higher than that.
“We have quite a few males working at TransACT, so if we can raise awareness and funds, it’s very important.
“Second, it gives an opportunity for everyone here at work to engage in a charity and do something in a really fun way:
I think Movember has really caught men’s imaginations by allowing us to grow a mo,
Friend a mo on Facebook
TRANSACT has created a Facebook page for its Movember fund-raising efforts, and is urging Canberrans to get involved.
To support TransACT’s Mo Bros and Sistas, just “like” its Facebook page on en-gb.facebook.com/TransACT.com.au.
TransACT has pledged to donate 50 cents for each “like”, up to 100,000 fans, and is aiming to raise $50,000 through the page alone.
Canberrans can use the page to track TransACT’s efforts, keep an eye out for its Mo Photo Booths and vote for their favourite TransACT mo.
which is normally not socially acceptable!”
All up, the TransACT teams hope to raise $150,000 for the cause, Ivan says. “I think that’s achievable.
“We want to show the rest of the country that Canberrans know how to raise money – to put ourselves on the map. We want to be right up there.”
Ivan not only urged men to participate, but to use the month to consider aspects of their health. “I think men are just notoriously bad at looking after their health, and always too tough to go to the doctor or have the appropriate examination, if you know what I mean!
“Raising awareness may help men think well, I have a bit of a problem, and go to the doctor for a check-up.
“The other aspect of it is depression: It’s a real problem, because again men think, ‘I’m tough, I don’t have a problem and I don’t want to talk about it’. Movember sends a message that it is okay to talk about this condition – and that’s all it is, a condition.”
Movember was launched with the men of TransACT Rocks Movember team’s last shave, at King O’Malleys; a final shave will also be held at TransACT House in Bunda Street, Civic.
Ivan invited Canberrans to weekly Friday barbecues at TransACT House: “It’s a gold coin donation, and members of the public are welcome to come and raise awareness.”
For more information or to donate, visit au.movember.com
TransACT Rocks Movember One team members, from left Peter Barclay, John Efkarpidis, David Parkes, Danielle Neale, Theo Dimarhos and Ivan Slavich at the Movember launch at King O’Malley’s.
Photo by Silas
Training: A certain pathway to
Trained industry specialists
CAREERS Unlimited is a licenced employment agent and member of the Recruitment Consulting Services Association (RCSA).
With extensive knowledge of and networks in the Canberra market, the company says it offers a complete human resources and recruitment service offering.
Every consultant personally meets represented candidates, and is a trained industry specialist who has worked in the areas the company recruits for.
More information on www.careersunlimited.com.au or call 6257 8299.
Child care accreditation
CHILD- CARE training and accreditation has become a key issue for the industry, says Karen McKneight, NSW Training Manager at Australian Child Care Career Options.
“Especially with the new regulations coming into the provision of children’s services, and the staff-to-child ratios going up, staff with lots of experience but no formal qualifications now need to have that qualification.
“We offer, for people in industry, a recognition of prior learning process, which is not so much a short cut as it is a faster way of gaining that qualification for people who may have been in child care for 10, 15, 20 years.
“Back when a lot of people we’ve come across started in child care, they didn’t need training, it was all based on experience. We’re one of few
providers which actually offer this.”
ACCCO are all strong believers in quality child care education and training for all students, no matter the form of study they take, says Karen.
The team has won several awards for quality training, and has been inducted into the “Silver Hall of Fame”. ACCCO NSW won the 2009 Specialised Business Award and has been nominated in the same category for 2010.
“One of our objectives is to give all our students and children’s services up to date, relevant information with what is happening in ACCCO, as well as keeping you informed with what is currently happening in the early childhood industry, including relevant government departments and early childhood organisations.”
More information at www.accco.com.au or call (02) 9618 6263.
success
Importance of a good image
IN modern business, image counts – and according to Lizzie Wagner (pictured), of the Lizzie Wagner Group, it’s more important than ever that employees give a good impression.
“We train people on things like the importance of first impressions, and can help people with their total image, from appropriate hairstyles to personal hygiene to the correct way to wear a uniform,” she says.
“We coach in social etiquette; a lot of companies are dealing with other cultures, for instance the Asian market, and some employees have very little understanding of Eastern business and social etiquette.”
As well as corporate grooming, deportment and presentation, the Wagner Group also trains employees on communication, networking skills and public speaking, as well as motivation and self-confidence.
“A lot of businesses want their people to be able to conduct a professional meeting and understand networking procedures. For example, a lot of people will collect 100 business cards at an event, instead of targeting five or six key clients.
“A lot of other people will spend a networking function just eating the food and chatting to people they already know. We train them in real strategies for using these functions, and how to follow up contacts,” says Lizzie.
More information at www.lizziewagner.com.au or call 6299 8328.
Take control of career
IT’S the right time of year to consider our professional development, and what we plan to do about it in 2011, says Paul Ryan, general manager of CIT Solutions.
“Our range of programs, from qualifications to short courses, are designed to meet the needs of people in their professional development – we really tailor it around the fact that people want to take control of their careers,” he says.
“The real attraction at this time of year is that we’ve already done our calendars and dates ready for commencement in 2011, so now’s the time when people should be thinking about facing the challenge and taking control of their professional development for next year.
“It’s all modern, up-to-date areas of training, which gives people the ability to effectively work withing the requirements of the modern public sector.”
CIT offers everything from recognition of prior learning, to e-learning solutions and adult community education.
More information at www.citsolutions.edu.cau or call 6207 4444.
Training with hi-tech resources
UNIVERSITY House, at the ANU, offers a heritage setting with original artwork – but the technology for conferences and training is right upto-date, to help conduct a flawless conference or seminar, says general manager Walter Sauer.
“From a highly technical, multi-media presentation to a basic workshop, we have a range of audio-visual tools available,” he says.
“Our hotel rooms provide the perfect venue for residential training courses and conferences, and feature high-speed, wireless internet access, large desks and plenty of natural light.”
“The success of any event hinges on three key elements: an outstanding venue, meticulous attention to detail and the ability to provide every guest or attendee with a satisfying and memorable experience. University House can provide all three.
Walter says the team is dedicated to making events hugely successful, paying attention to all the details.
“The charm of University House, combined with our quality, affordable function packages, range of unique venue choices and impeccable service will leave guests with an unforgettable experience and a reason to return.”
More information at www.anu.edu.au/unihouse or call 6125 5270.
Win an autographed DVD
“CityNews” has three autographed copies of Griff Rhys Jones’ delightful double-DVD
“Rivers” to give away. Details and entry form at www.citynews.com.au/win
A great water blunder!
“When,” sang Pete Seeger, “will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?” he didn’t actually have ACTEW in mind at the time, but he should have.
I refer, of course, to their decision to lift restrictions on water use in Canberra, just because our dams are temporarily 80 per cent full.
It is a serious mistake.
For many months we operated under a water regime that suited the long-term climate of our fair city. We had happily come to terms with the fact that we are not some transplanted European community but true sons and daughters of the driest inhabited continent on earth.
Emerald lawns and thirsty flowers are perfectly appropriate in England and Ireland; but they have no place here, particularly as climate change strengthens its grip in the years ahead.
Part of the problem, of course, is that ACTEW makes money by selling water so the more we use the happier they are; and if we waste it on creating some neo-European arcadia, well that’s our problem, not theirs.
Canberra should set an example. But unfortunately, we do exactly the opposite. It’s bad enough that Parliament House requires a totally inappropriate covering of green grass to set off its ornate Italian architecture. But then we develop a top annual tourist attraction by displaying millions of European flowers. We are the Bush Capital, not the faux European Garden City that the Floriade promoters would have the world believe.
In fact, the long dry of recent years showed just how well we could adapt to the real Australia. We transformed our front lawns by
By Robert Macklin
laying tanbark and planting native foliage. The effect was not only sensible it was aesthetically pleasing, the more so because it was authentically Australian.
And those of us who got fed up with dancing on the baking hot cement around the pool turned to a new product – the amazingly lifelike grass of the genus plasticus. In fact, since all the rain, little sprigs of native clover have grown up in it making the perfect compromise.
I know, some will say that swimming pools are a water waste. But since pool covers have become mandatory, evaporation is minimal. And the exercise keeps us so healthy we’re saving the health budget millions.
Of course, if ACTEW’s extra water were to be used to grow fruit and vegetables in our backyards one wouldn’t mind so much. Indeed, there was a time not so long ago when a veggie garden – with a few chooks – was de rigueur among Canberra householders.
Today the supermarket offers amazingly cheap versions and so-called farmers’ markets are proliferating. Some have genuine homegrown produce, but I have noticed an increasing number of stalls selling “seconds’ from the Sydney markets. However, that’s another story.
Meantime, I fear that the newly unrestricted water will lead to a return to worst practice gardening. Pete Seeger’s song asked, ‘Where have all the flowers gone?
Wherever it is, we should hope they stay there.
robert@robertmacklin.com
Lina Prego, Raquel Paez and Romina Lau Diaz
Annie Brown, Danni Hewitt and Jennifer Dunlop
Jessica Jones and Barbara Baikie
Jennifer Dromgold, Charise de Vries, Irene Pavlovic and Leane Belmonte
Toni Friend, Sam Andrewartha, Melissa Hueso and Bianca Prichard
Lyndell Kazar and Trish Cassidy
Tracey Mateer, Trish Cassidy, Wanda Wojciechowska and Gail Freeman
Emma Mountain, Jo Madsen and Fiona Allardyce
Rebecca Ciavattone and Tricia Moore
Deborah Beerworth, Meredith Wright, Laurie McDonald and Julie Ford
Kylie Peden and Rebecca Clark Rebekah Griffiths, Gail Lubbock and Lorraine Humphreys
Dawn of a new era in dining
“BELLUCI’S Manuka demonstrates a new concept, a new food philosophy, a new outlook,” says owner Soc Kochinos.
“We’ve evolved everything. It’s the dawn of a new era in Canberra dining, a whole new experience.”
With restored original architectural features, intricate art-deco touches and the use of raw materials to give a sleek post-modern feel, the team has created, what Soc describes as “an aesthetically impressive space with a traditional Italian flair that’s warm and inviting”.
“The restaurant was taken back to its bare bones, extended and then recreated from scratch,” he says. “We now have a custom-designed venue, where we’ve been able to create every detail; a story, an experience.”
Having been established more than 20 years ago, Belluci’s extends to three locations; Woden, Dickson and Manuka. The newly re-created
Manuka restaurant marks a change in direction for this iconic name in local dining.
“We’ve gone back to traditional Italian routes; creating simple, rustic food and using the bestquality, seasonal produce available, so that the clean flavours speak for themselves,” says Soc.
“We’ve also changed the dynamic of the menu, so the food feels like home-style cooking
grandma would serve at the family table. Food presentation is also very important to us – we serve in a range of rustic and interesting ways, in pans, on timber boards, it’s a very relaxed approach, very real.
“The new menu features authentic Italian dishes, including Spalla di Agnello, a lamb shoulder marinated for 24 hours in garlic and rosemary and then braised for four hours in lamb jus. It’s served with caramelised pumpkin and rosemary and just melts off the bone.”
There’s also hand-made tortellini, a dish of rustic local prawns and the Costoletta, a Tuscan-style crumbed veal cutlet, a dish that Soc’s Italian wife cooks at home.
“It takes skill and a well-organised kitchen to produce a traditional menu this varied. To bring such consistency of quality, you need the right engine room – the perfect kitchen. We have that,” he says.
A crucial part of the homespun feeling is the strategically placed, open kitchen that runs through the heart of the restaurant.
“It’s like coming into my home – everything here centres around the kitchen so there’s this amazing synergy between diners and chefs; they can all see each other. It creates a warmth, a family feel. It’s also a show for diners, the theatrics of a kitchen being in full view, the sights, the smells,” he says.
The new venue has been designed into multi-station dining, creating a range of different experiences for diners.
“There could be a few friends sharing antipasti and exquisite wine by the open windows, a more intimate dinner further back, or a large group gathering around our recycled railway-sleeper
tables, where you can almost feel you’re in an Italian village, sitting under a tree,” he says.
Dominating the top floor sits a rock-wall fireplace, which was created by deconstructed rocks from a quarry in Nimitablel.
“A luxurious centrepiece of the room, it’s a charming talking point that provides warmth to diners throughout the colder months,” says Soc.
“Honing deeper into traditional European culture, the team have charmingly lined the walls with black and white photos from old Europe, capturing warm, personal moments and creating an intimate sense of nostalgia.
“We’ve used photos of our families from the 1950s -1970s. It’s a nice personal touch, celebrating the lives of our parents and families; this is something that’s incredibly important to me.
“Particular note should be made of the finer details, in particular the new, sound tight acoustics and the impressive selection of boutique wines and beers (including Peroni on tap), with the majority of the wine list available decanted into a half-bottle serving.
“I’m so proud of it. This is the culmination of my travels, my experience, my love of food. It’s the benchmark for Belluci’s.” Belluci’s Manuka, corner of Furneaux and Franklin Streets, Manuka. Call 6239 7424.
At the opening of ‘Space Invaders – Australian Stencil Art’, National Gallery of Australia
Ian McDonald and Nutty Sofia Polak with John and Anka Tomas, Melodie Brophy and Alison Garth
Morgan Craig, Marietta Rudolf and Stu Cook Justin Griffin and Fleur Roddam
Dot Waldren and Peter Barclay
Senior curator Roger Butler with artists Mini Graff and Niels “Nails” Oeltjen
Megan Jackson, Ingeborg Hansen and Antonia Aitken
Amisa Jayhoon, Isis Saeed and Rafa Marjan Fifi Imbriano and Ayse Idehen
John Fanning, Octay Irmak and Murat Tahtali
Beryl and Lyn Barlyn with Joan and Bruce Scott
Amal Nazer, Dilrukshi Waallgampaya and Sanyu Kibukamusoke
At Rotary Club of South Canberra’s charity dinner At Canberra Business
Jennifer McLeod and Joseph D'Ascenzo
Irene Sim and Hans Tench
Host Michael Zarew, Tim Morris and Caprice Morris
May and Paul Johnson
Andrew Tounge and David Hickman
Richard Thurston, Graeme Kinraid and Paul Chase
Michael D'Ascenzo and Steve Thompson
Diana Forrester, Anna Pino and Elaine Kos
Sean and Allyson Hogan
Dennis Martin and Peter Gordon David Seagrott with Jill and Rob Slattery
Todd Wills, James Wilson and Antony Arena
Ron Forrester, Danny Moulis, MLA Brendan Smyth and John Hanna Ramani and Asoka Wijeratne
Hugh Chalmers, Julie Jeffs and Matt Bullock
all about living
Art prize celebrates beauty and fragility of nature
By Helen Musa
ONCE again the impressive “Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize” can be seen at the National Archives with a range of artworks that celebrate the beauty and fragility of nature.
The competition, with prizes of $114,500, is organised by the SA Museum and only travels outside Adelaide to Canberra. This year 31 prize-winning and highly commended works from each category are on show. The prize commemorates the work of the SA Museum’s first curator, the naturalist Frederick
George Waterhouse.
The overall $50,000 prize this year went to Canberra glass artist Nikki Main for her blown-glass work “Flood Stones”, which goes much further in its beautiful colouring and texture than merely simulating nature.
Canberra’s Tess Barker was runner up in the Youth Prize with a beautifully executed linocut titled “Protea: New and Spent Bud”.
Canberra region artist Kerry McInnis was represented by a fluid oil on linen work titled “Big Fish Tjaynera Falls, NT” and Canberra’s Gorgi
Mr Bean goes to war
By Helen Musa
IT’S nearly November 11 – Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, Veterans’ Day – and now a documentary filmmaker has been hard at work on the reputation of that obsessive historian and war correspondent, Charles (“C.E.W.”) Bean, the man who pretty-well single-handedly built the Anzac Myth.
On the evening of the big day, “Charles Bean’s Great War” will be screened on The History Channel In a contemporary presentation written and directed by Wain Fimeri.
Bean wrote clearly and passionately about what Australia could become if it learnt the lessons of the war. But he was to be bitterly disappointed as the Great Depression and political instability destroyed his dream.
Born in 1879, in Bathurst, Bean’s life took him from the playing fields of an English public school and Oxford via the Australian outback, to the “Great War”. He was selected by “The Sydney Morning Herald” as the paper’s official correspondent to the Australian Infantry Forces; in 1913, the year after he became the Australian Journalists’ Association’s official war correspondent.
Dimcevski by an oil work “Tidbinbilla Comes to Life” picturing native fauna subtly emerging from the devastation of Canberra’s bushfires.
This year the former sculpture category was redefined into sculpture and objects, allowing the inclusion of some unconventional installations such as Aly de Groot’s “Dirty Rats” made from steel wool scourers and wire. The winning entry by Main came into this category.
Unconventional or familiar, this is always a “must see” exhibition that gets better with each succeeding year.
work
“The Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize”, National Archives until November 14.
Bean spent the war alongside the troops. He landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, and was known for his bravery and his accurate reporting. He was wounded in August, but stayed in Gallipoli until days before the last troops were evacuated, then going on to report from the Western Front.
Here followed the obsessive period where he collected information in his diaries, notebooks and journals on which he based his 12-volume history of World War I. Bean was also behind the collection of war relics and the establishment the Australian War
Bureaucrats dither over
THE Australia Council is dedicating a new meeting room in its new Sydney headquarters for community partnerships to the late Canberra (and Australia-wide) arts guru Jan Wawrzynczak on December 4. It’s over a year since I wrote to artsACT suggesting that we do something of the same kind in the Belconnen Arts Centre. Missing in action?
THE fictional (I suppose) Chicken Ranch brothel is the setting for musical “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, made famous by the movie starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.
arts in the city
Helen Musa
Director Kelda McManus has assembled a lively cast. No surprise, they’re saying this show contains mild, coarse language and sexual themes. It’s at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, November 12-27. Bookings to 6298 0290.
CONGRATULATIONS to the conductor of the Austrian Choir Canberra, Dr Gunter Brandstetter, who has just been
Memorial.
Fimeri uses actors more commonly seen on the stage or screen to play the main characters. Nick Farrell plays Bean and Margot Knight his wife Effie. He shot it in eight days with Point Addis, a bay west of Melbourne, serving as Gallipoli. “If you avoid the tea tree and the pounding surf, there being neither at Gallipoli,” the director says, “it looks strikingly like Gallipoli”.
“Charles Bean’s Great War”, The History Channel, 7.30pm, November 11
remembering Jan
awarded the Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria for his artistic services.
ALAN Harding, former proprietor of Woden’s Earth-n-wares and Articles, is exhibiting his paintings at Mawson Gallery, 63 Wilkins Street, Mawson, showing everyday objects such as brown pears in a new light until November 9, 10.30am-5.30pm, Thursday to Sunday.
MELBOURNE comedian Ryan Coffey will be at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre Comedy Club on November 2. Coffey was a “Raw Comedy” national finalist in 2008. Bookings to 6293 1443.
FIONA Sivyer, of Nomad Art Gallery, Palmerston Lane, Manuka, is exhibiting “Tiwi Shima” until November 14. It features Japanese-style woodcut prints by fabulous Tiwi artists such as Jean Baptiste Apuatimi, Maria Josette Orsto and Timothy Cook, who have worked in collaboration with Northern Editions in Darwin.
STATHNAIRN’S latest artist in residence is Canadian Brenda Danbrook, from Opal in Alberta. She will be holding an exhibition of her current work, “Vitrified Threads”, until November 14. Visit www.strathnairn.asn.au
Special link to Canberra
By arts editor Helen Musa PLAYWRIGHT Andrew Bovell
has a special relationship to Canberra. His first play was performed here, “An Ocean out of my Window”, which dealt with life in Canberra.
It was here that he fine-tuned those skills as a gifted collaborative writer that have seen him win accolades as a screenplay writer with “Strictly Ballroom”, created with Baz Lurhmann and Craig Pearce “HeadOn” co-written with Ana Kokkinos and Mira Robertson and “Lantana”, based on his own play “Speaking in Tongues”.
Canberrans have seen many Bovell plays over the years and will be pleased to hear that he’ll be in town for the opening night of the SA Theatre Company’s production of “When The Rain Stops Falling”, a play based on quite another kind of collaboration.
As “Lantana” fans know, Bovell’s stock in trade is the world of human relations – “how people relate, patterns of connection that, to me, is the basic substance of drama.” When he thinks about “When the Rain Stops Falling”, praised for its climate change motif, he concedes that climate change might be “rich thematic territory”, but it’s simply not what he writes about. “It’s about the person and the actor; it’s about complex interactions that dominate.”
In the elusive and complicated plot, the man, Gabriel, meets the girl Gabrielle and they marry. Their son is Gabriel, too. We meet them all, and they are, he says, “very substantial characters”. The events occur simultaneously, yet the “New York Times” praised the “emotional clarity of the relationships” in the play. Oh, yes, a favourite from the Canberra theatre world, Neil Pigot, will play both Gabriel York in 2038 and his grandfather Henry in 1958. “When The Rain Stops Falling”, The Playhouse, November 10-13; free opening night forum at 7pm. Bookings to 6275 2700.
Nikki Main’s $50,000 winning entry, her blown-glass
“Flood Stones”.
Tess Barker’s youth runner-up, linocut “Protea: New and Spent Bud”.
War correspondent Charles Bean (Nick Farnell) in a scene from “Charles Bean’s Great War”.
Energetic danger, but lots of fun
“RED” (M)
THE title of this entertaining comic-book-based no-brainer action comedy is an acronym for Retired Extremely Dangerous, referring to intelligence, black or wet-work operational inhabitants of the secret world whose brains contain knowledge that might put them at hazard from former colleagues fearing discovery of their participation in culpable deeds.
Retired CIA analyst Frank (Bruce Willis) has formed the habit of phoning investment-company call centre girl Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) to complain about late arrival of his pension cheque. Frank really wants somebody to chat with. One night, six black-clad hooded goons arrive at Frank’s Cleveland house with
cinema
Dougal Macdonald
malicious intent. By the time Frank hits the road, his house is a wreck and the goons are dead.
From here, the plot bubbles along nicely with Frank kidnapping Sarah for her own safety, then gathering former colleagues, octogenarian Joe (Morgan Freeman), mentally-unstable techno Marvin (John Malkovich) and wet-work specialist Victoria (Helen Mirren), to confront a plot to eliminate everybody whose name is on a list compiled by the Vice President who as an army officer led a massacre of civilians in Guatemala.
Beautifully brutal but you don’t know what it is...
FREE Rain’s beautiful presentation of this brutal play illustrated the continued relevance of Albee’s writing.
First produced in 1962, the impact of the play becomes more evident in hindsight as we assess the impact of modernism in art, literature and cultural experience.
To hear the lines delivered with such clarity and understanding by the actors made the audience laugh and go silent at times with a recognition of painful truths.
Albee synthesised the thrust of writers such as Virginia Woolf into the living rooms of the upwardly mobile middle classes.
Cate Clelland’s staging in the round brought the audience right into the action. The familiarity of the games played by the dissolute George and Martha is still echoed in educated suburbia.
Andrea Close, as Martha, brought a sense of a very real person under
THEATRE
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” By Edward Albee, directed by Cate Clelland, Free Rain Theatre Company, Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre until November 14. Reviewed by Joe Wooward
the monstrous vulgarity of Martha’s licentious abandonment. Perhaps it was desperation or perhaps it was loss that generated the games that give meaning to existence. Michael Sparks created a balance between intellect and physical yearning that gave rise to the mind games so reminiscent in those confused dinner parties indulged in by cultural elites over the past 50 or so years… even in Canberra!
It’s a long play with two intervals. And no one left. To paraphrase Bob Dylan: “… something is happening here, but you don’t know what it is …”
The film is full of energy. The principal actors, especially Malkovich, perform their roles with gusto and evident satisfaction. The visual effects don’t try to hijack its impact, which is not to say that they lack punch. But “RED” is most of all proud of its people; the screenplay by John and Eric Hoeber showcases a small group of fondly-remembered actors in minor roles. Ernest Borgnine at age 93 is wonderfully spry as custodian of the CIA’s most secret files. Richard Dreyfus is a sneering rich man with a secret past. Brian Cox is the pick of the bunch as a former KGB operative now in the Russian diplomatic service.
I repeat – this is a no-brainer but, by crikey, it’s good fun.
At all cinemas
“THE SOCIAL NETWORK” (M)
THIS film tells the story of the begetting, gestation, birth and early growth of the phenomenon called Facebook.
The world would be poorer without Mozart, Einstein and other geniuses. They inhabit different intellectual and social spheres from us commoners. In “The Social Network”, director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin tell the story of Harvard undergrad anti-hero Mark Zuckerberg, IT genius, hard to like, the social misfit who gave the world Facebook. Jesse Eisenberg plays him very well, although his words-per-minute rate often diminishes their intelligibility.
Aaron Sorkin is also a genius. Whenever free-to-air TV offers nothing of interest, my wife and I play a few episodes of “The West Wing” to delight us with the fluency and clarity of his screenplays. But here, the reality of his topic constrains his creativity.
“The Social Network” is at best dull, with lowpowered excitement factors, its outcome a matter of record much inflated by media attention. It struggles to engage the viewer in any sense of suspense. Its conflicts focus on money. Fair enough, up to a point. Facebook’s contribution to improving the human condition is questionable. The world survived for millennia without it. The film does some small service by restraining its assessment of Facebook’s utility as a social phenomenon or its justification for clogging cyber-space with people’s atavistic urges to flood the world with poorly-expressed stuff without practical value. But whether it stimulates compassion for its people or offers entertainment merit are moot points. At all cinemas
arts&entertainment
Pizzas with a tastebud twist
A BASE, a sauce, a topping: Pizzas can be run-of-themill but they can also be memorable.
At Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza, Yarralumla, you will find crusts that are neither too thin nor too thick, some traditional varieties from the homeland and some modern twists to tweak interest and delight tastebuds.
As its name implies, this establishment, with outdoor seating under elegant, mature trees – a special spot on a warm evening – specialises in all-things pizza. They range in price from around $16 for small and $20 for large and feel free to create your own, talk about any special dietary needs or ask for a gluten-free base.
My pizza was created with feta cheese, mushrooms, baby spinach, mozzarella, crème fraiche and a drizzle of truffle oil. I loved the combination and subtleties of the
dining
Wendy Johnson
flavours. It’s not the type of pizza I would order everyday, or one I could develop a particular relationship with, but it was certainly something special for the moment.
My friend wanted a bit of zing so opted for the pepperoni, olives, roasted capsicum, Spanish onion, mozzarella, tomato paste, pesto and piri piri. She fell in love with the tastes, but we agreed it’s not great form to serve a pizza with a crust that’s primarily burnt.
We spent some time exploring the range of other pizza offerings and agreed that lemongrass and lime chicken with onion, charred capsicum and mozzarella on a tomato base with chili and aioli made us drool and we bet that the smoked salmon pizza with wasabi mayo would be delight-
ful. If the “gourmet” type of pizza is not for you, Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza serves comforting, traditional types.
Salads are also available from $9.50 to $13.50 as is bruschetta for $13.50 and $14.50.
The wine list is compact and reasonably priced with options by the glass for between $6.50 and $8.50.
The blackboard desserts were not super special, but reasonably priced at $9.50. Think cheesecake, lemon curd tart, sticky date pudding and chocolate pudding. We thought “been there, done that”, so gave them a miss.
Benthams is consistent. I had not been for a long, long time but thought – as I did on my first visit – that the pizzas are honest and decent enough. The service is efficient and friendly.
2/29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla, open Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm. Call 6282 7741
Troupers overcome challenges
By Helen Musa
WE’VE seen this company before in Canberra, and they’re amazing.
The China Disabled People’s Performing Arts Troupe is made up of exceptional talents; all of them have to live with visual, hearing and physical disabilities.
And they don’t want pity or curiosity, they want respect for their independence and self-reliance. They’re bound to get it.
They’ve been touring the world for the past two decades and are soon to hit Canberra once more with their show “My Dream”.
The program includes, as well as song and dance, the poem, “My Dream” in sign language; a famous Beijing Opera scene, “Opera at the Crossroads”; the “Avalokitesvara Bodhisttva” dance, an instrumental suite showing traditions and customs and a dance-drama “Butterfly Lovers.”
The group was founded during 1987 after about 30 disabled people were allowed to appear at the China Arts Festival. With powerful supporters such as the company’s honorary head, Pufang Deng, the son of Deng Xiaoping and also chairman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, it quickly took off. In 2002, the troupe turned
into a not-for-profit professional arts group and has since been self-supporting through commercial and charity shows. Based in Beijing, it has performed “My Dream” in 16 countries, including at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
Naked intensity, but why?
MIN Mae challenges artists and audiences with her compelling yet problematic production, “Still Standing”.
It is compelling because of the total commitment and intensity of the performers. Director and cast have shed all pretence and affectation to find the raw nerve within the very heart and experience of enduring personal trauma. There is nowhere to hide; no affectations constructed around learned skills and scripts; no pretence. The actors used their naked bodies in subtle yet sharply defined ways to reveal how experience has shaped and expressed itself through them. The presentation was particularly well shaped by Gillian Schwab’s excellent lighting while the music of Geordie Malone and Spike Thompson gave a mesmeric feeling to the work. Jordan Best, Micheal Ellis and Alison McGregor
THEATRE
“Still Standing”
Made In Canberra presentation, directed by Min Mae, The Street Theatre, season closed.
exposed a rare vulnerability. There was a sense of Stanislavsky’s “emotion memory” exercise being shaped into public performance. Though each cast member was skilled enough to link personal experience into artistic form!
This aspect will be problematic for some. Without a sharply defined context for the exploration, is it enough to simply share such personal intensity for its own sake? The audience clearly thought so. Min Mae and her team have thrown down a serious challenge to many precepts about art and theatre.
Win tickets to see David Helfgott
The China Disabled People’s Performance Art Troupe, Canberra Theatre, November 10. Bookings to 6275 2700. More information at www.mydream.asia
David Helfgott, one of the world’s best-loved pianists and most remarkable musicians of our time, will perform at the Canberra Theatre on November 18. “CityNews” has two double tickets to give away. Details and entry form at www.citynews.com.au/winau/win
Members of the China Disabled People’s Performing Arts Troupe playing traditional Chinese instruments.
Family prize winners
The Johnson family, of McKellar, is the winner of a trip to Bing Lee’s Exclusive Family Day at Taronga Zoo. Compliments of the electrical retail store, the family will travel to Sydney, enjoy a night’s accommodation and a day at the zoo.
Hellenic in the City… “What a year it’s been,” says venue manager Mick Douros.
Cool city club’s first birthday
“AS a venue, Hellenic in the City is friendly, comfortable, sophisticated, cool and sexy – it ticks all the boxes!” says Mick Douros, venue manager of the club.
“The anniversary has actually come along unexpectedly for me – it just doesn’t seem like a year has passed since we first opened the doors. And what a year it’s been.”
Hellenic in the City is celebrating its first anniversary with a special offer to new members, so that anyone who joins up in November will get $5 off a main meal and a free drink, says Mick. “We are also offering all Hellenic Club members a five per cent discount at Rebel Sport.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our members happy and attract new people to the club.
“Fantastic new entertainment is high on our list of priorities. Recently we’ve had performances by local acoustic musician David Robertson, the popular DJ Sal and DJ Rush, Canberra band Kiwi G and local hip-hop/pop band Velvette.”
With stylish function rooms, a café that serves coffee, tea, hot or iced chocolate, light snacks and a huge array of desserts, and the bistro offering quality meals at affordable prices and a variety of drinks specials, Hellenic in the City has it all, as well as offering entertainment all week long, Mick says.
“On Monday and Tuesday we have steak and schnitzel for $9.90, Wednesday is trivia night, Thursday we have karaoke, Friday night there are always live acts, Saturday night we feature live local DJs and on Sunday we have roast specials,” he says.
Hellenic in the City can host work conferences, meetings, birthday parties or special occasions including Christmas
parties with packages tailored to suit every need and budget, he adds.
“The state-of-the-art gaming lounge offers the latest club facilities and chances to win cash and prizes,” he says. “And happy hour is every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night between 8pm and 11pm, with $3 schooners, $3 house wines and $3 basic spirits to kick off your night.”
Breakfast is also served on Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 10.30am.
Mick says it’s been an exciting year, watching the venue grow into what it is today.
“We’ve seen new faces come into the club, welcomed back some old faces, and made lots of new friends,” he says. “It’s been an interesting time; challenging but very rewarding. I really do love my job! It’s a great club, and everyone is friendly and welcoming.
“I’m looking forward to the coming year and to many more years of success in the future.”
Members of the Hellenic Club in Woden are automatically a member of the City Club.
Hellenic in the City, 13 Moore Street, Civic. Call 6162 6777.
Peachy pink’s a big hit
By Jess Bauer
IT’S all about pastels this season, says Irene Pavlovic from Ellory Lane in the Canberra Centre. Lilacs, blues and pinks are returning to the wish list and are to be seen everywhere in the latest trends. Along with the pastels, light peachy pink is another shade that is a hit. “It’s definitely in this season. We’re seeing this colour as well as pastels and other neutrals in mainly dresses and tops,” says Irene.
The big trend this season is layering, and whether it’s wearing the colours together or separately, it doesn’t matter. Prints are also big this season, with many shops coming out with vibrant patterns and shades for spring. Printed pants are making a statement, with baggy pants being the top trend at the moment. And fear not, dress lovers, because the maxi is still around for another season, especially in big, bold prints and pastel shades.
Women over 30 can still pull off the trends for this season, so long as they have confidence in themselves. “If they wear the appropriate lengths and find the certain style that finishes right on their body, then nothing can go wrong,” says Irene. However, confidence is the key factor, “as long as they have this, they can pull off anything”.
Sunny Girl pink top, $59.95, Ellory Lane.
Sunny Girl brown dress, $79.90, Ellory Lane.
Carrie Fisher prize winners
The winners of the five double passes to see Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” were: Shana Uhlmann, of Canberra; Mario Bucetti, Downer; Lynne Parker, Gowrie; Dinah Withey, Rivett; and Christine Crosswell, Banks.
find the right lawyer advertising feature Keys to getting the right advice
FINDING a lawyer isn’t top of mind for many people – until they suddenly need one!
As a result, many Australians don’t really know where to start when they do, say Canberran lawyers.
But there’s a few key things to look for. According to Steven Fraser, practice principal and property and commercial lawyer at Zone Legal, fees are a major consideration for the average person.
“The issue for me is a question of value for money. Lawyers sell time, but there’s a balance there – is what you’re being charged for good value? Sometimes the time being billed isn’t productive time, but it’s charged,”he says.
“When you take the fixed fee approach, you look at the value to the client, assess it carefully and put in thought, rather than working to the time sheet.”
After also considering a lawyer or firm’s area of specialty – for example, seeking an expert in conveyancing if that’s what we’re after – it’s also important to find someone we can communicate
Family law expertise
“EXPERTISE in the law is only the first ingredient to a successful outcome,” says Elrington Boardman Allport lawyer Claire Grogan. “Exceptional results in challenging matters, combined with empathy and a determination to deliver for the benefit of our clients are what mark EBA Lawyers as an exceptional law firm in Canberra and Queanbeyan.
“These characteristics are particularly evident in the family law team where Carlos Turini and I put clients at ease through our combined experience of more than 30 years, meaning that we are able to focus on bringing matters to resolution quickly and efficiently.”
Carlos and Claire employ mediation and other alternative dispute-resolution methods, but clients know that in the small number of cases that go to litigation, their advocacy is forceful and effective.
More information at www. ebalawyers.com.au or call 6206 1300.
Need for flexibility
DIRECTOR Cheryl Welsh says that Just Law is unusual in that it recognises the need for flexibility in law services.
Specialists in family law
At Elrington Boardman Allport we understand the difculties and sensitivities surrounding the breakdown of personal relationships and marriages. Our aim is to resolve all outstanding matters with your former spouse as quickly, fairly and inexpensively as possible and keep you up to date regarding progress and cost throughout your matter. We will also provide strong and effective representation if litigation is required.
Our team of specialist family lawyers can assist you with:
• Property disputes in family law and defacto relationships
• Children’s custody and access arrangements • Child support
• Divorce • Adoptions • Prenuptial agreements • Alternative dispute resolution - member if the National Centre for Collaborative Law
with well, says Cheryl Welsh, of Just Law, particularly where some areas of practice are concerned.
Cheryl does a lot of family law, where a good rapport is useful, as well as conveyancing, wills and so on.
“Family law cases are often a long process, and we’ve got to get a lot of information over a long period of time, so you have to have trust built up to do the things you need to do.”
“We do general law - it’s a mixed practice, working over various areas like conveyancing, wills and family law.
“We do after hours appointments, recognising the need to be family-friendly. Mums and dads who work often can’t get out to see their lawyer for an interview during working hours, especially if it’s a family law issue, as these are stressful and can take the most time.”
More information on 6238 0192.
Cheaper choice
USING Legal Resolution Services (Legal RS) at the beginning or early stages of a legal dispute can be a less-expensive alternative to legal action, says founder and Canberra lawyer Barbara Campbell.
Legal RS can provide disputing parties with the ability to jointly access highly experienced lawyers, who act as settlement facilitators, she says.
Legal RS brings both parties together in a conference environment using specialist lawyers of no less than 10 years’ legal experience.
“With fees shared between the disputing parties, Legal RS offers the chance for everyone to be fully informed and aware of the real issues of their case before seriously embarking on the draining, expensive option of litigation,” Barbara says.
“It can occur in the first months of a dispute being identified, with or without each party’s own lawyer involved. Our experience has shown that it results in 99 per cent of cases in the matter settling.”
“Clients are often at their most vulnerable when they seek legal assistance, so it is imperative that they are fully informed and have the chance to receive the best advice possible from professionals.”
More information on info@ legalrs.com or 6161 9153.
In the zone
ZONE Legal aims to provide personal service, transparent fixed fees and value for money, says practice principal Steven Fraser.
“These days, people are more informed about the law and law firms, and more careful – there’s more of a consumer mentality,” he says.
“We’re a small firm that does conveyancing, leasing, sale and purchase of businesses, and professional contracts among other things.
“These days, clients don’t just go to a law firm prepared to pay anything: they’re more savvy than that. The younger generation in particular get on the web and make a lot of enquiries.”
More information at www.zonelegal.org or call 6112 8170.
your week in the stars
With Joanne Madeline Moore November 08 -14
ARIES (Mar – Apr 0)
Relationships need to be handled with care – don’t rush in like a Ram at a gate! Diplomacy and cooperation are the keys to a wonderful week. As birthday great Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: “Compromise is the best and cheapest lawyer.” For some singles, the rose-coloured glasses come off and you see your partner in a stark new light.
TAURUS (Apr – May 0)
The more stubborn you are, the more difficult the week will be. Keep in mind the following saying: “What you resist persists.” Perhaps it’s time to lighten the load and let go? Look to your circle of friends and acquaintances for positive advice and alternative views. Be extra discreet as you go about your daily routine – loose lips sink ships!
GEMINI (May – June )
With the Sun lighting up your wellbeing zone, it’s time to focus on your physical health and fitness. Find a diet and exercise program that works for you. It must include plenty of variety (otherwise you’ll just get bored and give up!). Friends and finances are a messy mix at the moment, so find other ways to help a mate who has fallen on hard times.
CANCER (June – July )
The focus is on friendships – how to make them, nurture them, and keep them. True mates will boost your confidence and encourage you to follow your dreams. Your quote for the week is from Robert Louis Stevenson (born on November 13): “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” Family relationships are a minefield so tread carefully Crabs!
LEO (July – Aug )
A new project or person fires up your enthusiasm mid-week but avoid taking on more than you can realistically handle, and make sure you communicate your ideas clearly. Don’t expect loved ones to behave in predictable (or logical) ways this weekend – but you can expect a romantic relationship or creative partnership to sparkle and shine.
VIRGO (Aug – Sept )
Expect some friction mid-week as children, teenagers or friends become more entrenched in their opinions and are less likely to be reasonable. (Especially avoid getting drawn into heated discussions over money matters!) It’s time for versatile Virgos to flex your adaptability muscles. Friday favours communication, conversation and problem solving.
LIBRA (Sept – Oct )
Venus is reversing through your sign, so avoid making important relationship or financial decisions until after November 19. Maximise your natural charm and networking skills but beware false flattery – and resist the urge to be talked into doing something that you disagree with. Make your Libran lifestyle a reflection of your core values and beliefs.
SCORPIO (Oct – Nov )
This week you’re inclined to compulsive behaviour. Keep moving and avoid becoming obsessed with one idea (or person). Pursue your goals with purpose but be open to spontaneity and change. Mid-week is especially intense so pace yourself. Don’t let nagging self-doubt undermine your confidence. You have to be your Number One fan.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov – Dec )
Act on your hunches and follow your dreams. With manic Mars in your sign, you’ve got energy to burn. Avoid making exaggerated claims (and promising more than you can deliver). Don’t get carried away! There’s a fine line between reaching for the stars and overreaching. If you take on too much, you’ll just end up in a disorganized mess.
CAPRICORN (Dec – Jan )
With Saturn in your career zone, you need to adopt a long-term perspective. Work projects will take a while to get off the ground, and require much hard work and persistence. You’re in the mood to take charge but be careful your bossy behaviour doesn’t antagonise authority figures. Calm consultation is a smarter way to go.
AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb )
You’re keen to connect with others as the Moon, Mercury and Mars activate your networking zone. It’s time to mix and mingle; converse and communicate; investigate and inspire. People are waiting to hear what you’ve got to say so step up to the plate and start talking! Creativity is high on Sunday but don’t confuse fact with fantasy.
PISCES (Feb – Mar 0)
Lust and loot are a volatile mix at the moment. If you can keep the bedroom and the boardroom separate, then you’ll have a better chance of succeeding at both. Keep it real though! Escaping into a fantasy world won’t make problems magically disappear. You need to be a firm and focused Fish, as you find creative solutions to current challenges.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.
general knowledge crossword
Across
4 What, in the US are called rustlers?
8 What is a person who lives apart from society?
9 Name a state of physical hypersensitivity to certain things.
10 What is a long ornamental pillow?
11 Which dark viscous, uncrystallised syrup is made in refining sugar?
12 Name the voracious marine eels found lurking among rocks.
14 What is an alternative term for lollies?
18 Name the largest of the world's oceans.
21 Which flightless African bird is related to the emu?
22 What could we call an editor?
23 Which sad songs are composed for funerals?
24 Name popular holiday destinations.
Down
1 What is a matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty?
2 Which part of the head was taken by North American Indians as a trophy?
3 What, in law, is legal guardianship of a child?
4 Which term is descriptive of a scanty supply of something?
5 To be not genuine is to be what?
6 Name the pain known as otalgia.
7 To be fashionable is to have what?
13 Which propelling structures launch spacecrafts?
15 Name the Australian species of acacias.
16 What do we call a person of learning?
17 Which term describes sets of twenty?
18 Which racehorse is a trotter?
19 What is another word for a Hindu ascetic?
20 Name the flightless birds of New Zealand.
Solution next week
Sudoku medium No.44
Bandjalong Cr Richard Luton Properties 0413 832 535 3BR A
26 Darambal St Peter Blackshaw Woden 0411 414 624 3BR G
Agent 18 Jagara St Peter Blackshaw Belconnen 0414 910 798 4BR E BANKS
Sat 10:00-10:30 79 Pockett Av Richard Luton Properties 0410 542 667 4BR H
10:15-11:00 5 Adcock Pl Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 5BR I
11:00-11:45
BELCONNEN
Canberra Region Property Summary
BRUCE
BUNGENDORE
Canberra Region Property Summary
CHIFLEY
Dickson 0418 693 635 4BR H
Wighton Tce L.J. Hooker Gungahlin 0408 627 337 4BR H
CHISHOLM
FADDEN
FADDEN HILLS
FARRER
FISHER
FLOREY
FLYNN
Canberra Region Property Summary
GREENWAY
GRIFFITH
HACKETT
HARCOURT HILL
HARRISON
KAMBAH
KINGSTON
LATHAM
Canberra Region Property Summary
O'MALLEY
PALMERSTON
NICHOLLS
QUEANBEYAN
RISE
TURNER
Canberra Region Property Summary
YARRALUMLA
