President Tio dodges questions
International man of mystery? The Canberra Liberals’ newly elected president Tio Faulkner does not do interviews. But ELERI HARRIS tried terribly hard to have a word with him
ALTHOUGH in the week of her departure, the outgoing president of the ACT Liberal Party Winnifred Rosser was more than happy to discuss at length her time in Canberra, reasons for leaving and plans for the future in this publication, her successor Tio Faulkner has shunned requests for interviews, not returning calls or emails over the last month.
“As newly elected president, Mr Faulkner has decided the focus should be on the parliamentary leaders of the Liberal Party in the ACT and therefore will not be conducting interviews”, the party said in a statement.
Interestingly, Faulkner works for the Opposition Leader as a political adviser and there is a view in political circles that, as honorary president, his position is potentially compromised having Zed Seselja as his employer and that the parliamentary wing has effectively “captured” the broader party. Labor and the Greens have party leadership that is independent of the parliamentary group and, until now, so did the Liberal Party.
Outgoing President Winnifred Rosser told “CityNews” she had not spoken to the media during her three-
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year term.
“It was a decision I made personally,” Rosser said.
“I felt it was not the role of the president to speak, but for elected members. If Tio decided to follow the same process it’s his decision, it’s not a Liberal Party requirement.
“I’m not aware of what goes on in other jurisdictions.”
Rosser would not say if this was the preference of earlier Canberra Liberal Presidents, previous to her appointment.
While a spokesman insisted Faulkner was not a faceless man of a backroom party deal, there are no freely available images of the new president online and not much detail available either.
Calls to the party office over several weeks for more information about Faulkner remained unanswered.
But this we know for sure: Joining the Liberal Party in 1994, Faulkner ran for public office twice in NSW unsuccessfully, once in the 1998 Federal election for the seat of Kingsford Smith and in the 1999 State election for the seat of Maroubra.
ACT MLA Alistair Coe thanked
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EXPOSED: Three short paragraphs of biography and this photograph of the elusive Canberra Liberals’ newly elected president Tio Faulkner took “CityNews” a month of calls to extricate from the party.
Faulkner in his maiden speech to the Assembly on December 9, 2008, as did his colleague Vicki Dunne in her first address this term.
He was present at the 2009 Master Plan Consultation for Canberra Airport.
Crikey’s William Bowe reported in May that the pre-selection of Liberal candidates for the 2010 Federal election was “brought to a halt last year by party strategists including Win-
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Chess whizzes
CURTIN Primary and Lyneham High finished the 2010 Australian Schools Teams Championship in Perth in second place each in the Girls Primary and Girls Secondary sections of the event.
Qantas closes office
QANTAS has closed its Alinga Street Travel Centre on December 3, along with offices in Darwin and Perth. “This has been a difficult decision but the reality is that the centre has not been profitable for some years,” a Qantas spokesperson told “CityNews”. “Growth of e-tickets, online sales, changes in customer demographics and increased competition from other distribution channels, have all been factors.”
Omar wins
nifred Rosser and Tio Faulkner, an advisor to ACT Opposition Leader Zed Seselja, amid concerns about the lack of a stand-out candidate”.
Faulkner has an unused Twitter account with the username “Tio33”, following former US presidential hopeful Republican John McCain and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. His Facebook profile is private and his avatar is an amateur photograph of a wooden tiki figure.
LOCAL poet and rapper Omar Musa has been named Indian Ocean Poetry Festival Champion at the 2010 Indian Poetry Festival on the Reunion Island. In addition to a cash prize, he wins a return trip to France in May 2011. He will make the journey after guest appearances at literary festivals in Beijing, Galle (Sri Lanka) and Jaipur.
Direct to Tamworth
CANBERRA- BASED Brindabella Airlines will fly direct to Tamworth to coincide with the Tamworth Country Music Festival next month. Passengers booking online will be in the running to win one of two double passes to see Kenny Rogers perform in Tamworth on January 23.
Unmasked but unbowed, Grog blogs on
Ordinary public servant by day, controversial political blogger after the kids are asleep, Greg Jericho was publicly unmasked in “The Australian” as the mysterious “Grog’s Gamut”… but what has this meant for him? He talks exclusively to ELERI HARRIS
AT 38, Greg Jericho is a public servant for the Department of Arts who wears glasses, a wristwatch and collared, coloured shirts. He lives in Gungahlin with his wife Gaynor and their two young daughters, Emma and Lara. He has a PhD in English Literature from James Cook University in Cairns and a Bachelors of Economics from Flinders University in Adelaide. He grew up in Mannum, on the Murray, in SA.
And in September, “The Australian” newspaper deemed his identity of such national significance that Jericho became the subject of no less than 10 articles and two editorials dedicated to his unmasking.
Greg Jericho is the man behind the blog “Grog’s Gamut”, infamously hailed as a changing force in election coverage by the ABC’s managing director Mark Scott.
The paper argued it was in the public interest to “out” Jericho because his engagement through tweeting and blogging on political issues had reached the point where his views were considered by movers and shakers in our national media landscape.
Jericho did not appreciate the gesture.
“I wouldn’t say I’m thankful for what they’ve done,” he tells “CityNews”.
“It has made my life more complicated. I don’t think there’s been really too much benefit for me in being revealed for who I am, apart from there’s more people who read my blog. But to be honest on that score, as well, during the election, I was averaging the same numbers that I am now.”
Jericho started “Grog’s Gamut” in June 2008 after a year of posting on political blogs using the pseudonym “Grog”, his undergraduate nickname coined through poor handwriting.
In two years his readership went from an average of 20 to 1500 a day, which isn’t bad for a hobby indulged in after dinner’s done and the kids are put to bed.
“It wasn’t until around 2004 I started to follow politics with a great deal of interest and, of course, once I moved to Canberra it became quite a prominent thing in my life,” Jericho says.
“I was just writing because I like to write and there was no ulterior motive behind it, no sense I’ve got to challenge the media or anything.”
But by September 2010 “Grog’s Gamut” had provoked hostile attention from journalists at News Ltd through the very critique of federal election coverage that had drawn Scott to his blog.
The push to unmask “Grog’s Gamut” began with a twitter inquisition and became a joke online with the question “who is Grog’s Gamut?” reaching the same degree of notoriety as “who is James Boag?”.
“In fact, most of the population still couldn’t give a stuff who is ‘Grog’s Gamut’,” Jericho laughs.
“To be honest, those interested on Twitter seemed to be three journalists.”
On a freezing cold Canberra day at the Media140 Ozpolitics conference one of those journalists, James Massola – who had known Jericho’s identity for nearly a year – came to sit at his table.
“I was actually hoping to catch up with him at Media140 to have a drink and a chat. So when he sat down, I let him know via Twitter I was sitting at the table.”
In the conference’s closing statements, University of Canberra journalism lecturer Jason Wilson asked the assembled crowd, “I just want to know, who is Grog’s Gamut?”
As a joke five or so attendees stood up in the crowd to claim Grog’s crown, “I am Grog’s Gamut” they all shouted.
Massola left without saying anything to Jericho, instead three days later publishing an online article at “The Australian” titled “Controversial political blogger unmasked as a federal public servant”.
“It was a bit scary,” Jericho admits.
“While I wasn’t concerned about anything I’d written, that it might cause a problem in any way, it’s fairly unsettling to suddenly find yourself being mentioned in editorials in ‘The Australian’.
“The day the story came out, Andrew Bolt was mentioning me in a blog basically suggesting I be sacked. That’s always an unsettling thing, even if you feel confident there’s no grounds for you to be sacked.”
Jericho is adamant Australian public servants should have the right to post anonymous comments and blogs online, just as other readers of news sites – including “The Australian” – regularly do.
“It is going to be an issue that the public service is going to have to grapple with more and more because the internet is never going to go away,” Jericho said.
“When I started the blog I very much paid attention to the code of conduct.
One of the things you see in the code of conduct is public servants can be members of a political party, which I’m not. The fact that a public servant could spend every night campaigning for the Liberal or Labor Party and that be okay and yet you’re not allowed to write a blog or go on a news website and leave a comment that might be pro-Labor or pro-Liberal seems to me a little bit illogical. That’s why I felt comfortable with what I was doing.
“I only commented on things that were in the public sphere that I had an opinion on.”
Inthe aftermath of his outing,
Jericho was at the centre of furious fighting in the media over the role of public servants, there were serious meetings with his department and debate online was deafening, but ACT Senator Kate Lundy said it was all “just a storm in a teacup”.
“We all have the right as a private citizen to participate in public life,”
Greg Jericho... “I don’t think there’s been really too much benefit for me in being revealed for who I am, apart from there’s more people who read my blog.”
by Silas
Lundy told “CityNews”.
“The way public servants engage in their private lives in conversations as citizens is a really important part of having a whole life.
“It’s actually no different to conversations in pubs.”
And now that’s what it is: Two months down the track, Greg Jericho sits on a bench in an ANU beer garden smiling about all the fuss.
“It was an interesting period of my life, that’s for sure,” he says.
“But I don’t think I’ve changed at all what I write about or how I write it since my unveiling.
“It’s an addiction. If I wasn’t writing my blog I’d have to write something else, otherwise I’d find myself going a bit mad.
“I really don’t have any enmity towards James, I can understand why he did it. I don’t like the way it was done, but life’s too short to go around holding grudges.”
http://grogsgamut.blogspot.com/
Photo
Toughen pool fence laws, say life savers
By Megan Haggan
ROYAL Life Saving in the ACT has called for tougher pool fencing laws to bring the Territory in line with new legislation in other States, where existing pools are expected to be brought up to speed on safety.
Legislative amendments regarding fences around existing pools are currently being considered by the ACT Government, and a discussion paper and exposure draft of the Bill are set to be released for public comment.
“The Government has brought in legislation for new pools being built, which is wonderful, but our big concern is existing pools,” says Sean Hodges, chief executive of Royal Life Saving in the ACT.
“There’s around 30,000 pools in the ACT and there’s some quite big concerns that so many aren’t fenced – you just have a look on ‘allhomes’ and you can see that a lot aren’t fenced at all.”
Sean praised the introduction of new laws in Queensland which mean that all pools will need to be “brought up to speed” over the next five years.
“We’re hoping the new legislation will look at our existing pools and at least state that, on sale or on rental, fences have to be kept up to minimum standard.”
Check the fence
Royal Life Saving suggests that to make pools safer:
• Ensure that fences and gates are in working order – look for areas which are weakened, rusted or broken, particularly after recent storms.
• Ensure there are no plants or objects near the fence or gate which a small child could use to gain access to the pool.
• Check that fences are low enough to the ground that a child can’t climb under it.
• Never leave kids alone in swimming pools and remember that drowning often doesn’t occur with the expected splashing and noise, but silently.
Close to half of the toddler drowning deaths were in home pools, and 91 per cent either fell or wandered into water.
The Royal Life Saving 2010 National Drowning Report showed that 33 children aged under five years drowned in “preventable tragedies” last year. This was the second year running where drowning deaths increased.
Close to half of the toddler drowning deaths were in home pools, and 91 per cent either fell or wandered into water.
A spokesman for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Minister Andrew Barr says currently, backyard pools in the ACT that cannot hold water deeper than 300mm do not require fencing.
“Otherwise, when ACT backyard pools are installed or constructed, they must have a pool fence or other barrier that complies with the relevant requirements of the Building Code of Australia, and be certified as code-compliant by a building certifier.
“ACT pools required to have pool fencing or other barrier must retain that fencing or barrier unless the pool is removed.
“The ACT Government is committed to introducing new laws to strengthen fencing around backyard pools to ensure they are safe,” the spokesman says.
Once community feedback has been considered, the Government “will look to introduce the Bill to the Assembly and seek its passage by mid-2011, with a view to meeting the original operational date of October, 2011”.
Royal Life Saving has encouraged Canberrans to inspect their pool fences for problems that could lead to child drownings this summer.
Royal Life Saving has a home pool safety checklist, fact sheets and educational tools which are available from www.homepoolsafety.com.au.
Happy memories, but
THOUGHTS of my childhood are decorated with wonderful memories from the festive season of relatives coming from far and wide in great convoys on stinking hot Christmas days bringing gifts and festive cheer.
My brother Dean and I would wake early. We’d get to open some presents, but we’d have to wait for the whole clan to arrive before the main event. Mum would be busy in the kitchen from the time we awoke and Dean and I would give her grief by stealing tidbits of food, before being chased out of the kitchen.
Christmas itself seemed to last for the best part of a week. There were lazy days of bike riding,
how did we
get through Christmas?
Harking back to the Christmases of his childhood, MARK PARTON ponders the festive season without -hour Kmart, ‘drive-thru’ McDonalds and no Boxing Day sales
swimming and backyard cricket punctuated by sandwiches of leftover ham and turkey. I don’t remember running out of anything. Somehow, despite the fact that the shops were closed, sometimes for five days on the trot… despite the fact that ATMs were only found in science fiction movies, everyone was always provided for. How did we do it? How did we get through Christmas without the security of a 24-hour Kmart or a
“drive-thru” snack at McDonalds?
How boring it must have been on December 25 to not be planning your splurge at the big Boxing Day sales.
You try to tell the Australia of 2010 that we’re going to close all of the shops for four days at Christmas and we’d have rioting in the streets.
There was a big kerfuffle late last month when the ACT Government officially declared Christmas
Conference kits help kids
By Kathryn Vukovljak
LEFTOVER conference items such as backpacks, pads, pens, caps, toys and water bottles are being sent to children in need in India, Africa and South-East Asia.
It’s happening through an initiative developed the National Convention Centre Canberra and a recent partnership with Rotary, says Gerard Brennan, president of the Rotary Club of Canberra.
“I think it’s a fantastic thing to do,” he says. “It makes use of these wasted materials, that cost money to produce, instead of them ending up in storage, on the tip or being recycled – they can be used in their present form.
“These items are hard to come by for the kids, so it really does make a difference to them.”
It’s a particularly rewarding program that we’re proud to be a part
of
Gerard says that the Rotary Club of Canberra has already made deliveries of satchels full of goodies to an AIDS orphanage in Mumbai, India, to schools in Kenya and Tanzania in Africa, and a school in China.
“Our involvement has helped the NCCC with distribution,” he says.
“This initiative really reflects the spirit of Rotary in trying to promote world understanding.
“It’s a particularly rewarding program that we’re proud to be a part of.”
Brennan.
Young, manager of the NCCC, says that without the participation and support of Rotary, this whole initiative could not have happened.
“It’s great to share the rewarding feeling that these items, which would otherwise be sent to our recycling plant, are going to make a real difference to the lives of children in less-fortunate countries,” she says.
The NCCC and the Rotary Club of Canberra plan to extend the “No Child Without a Satchel” program to schools and orphanages beyond India, Nepal, South-East Asia and Africa, and to venues across Australia.
Day a public holiday. Chris Peters, from the Chamber of Commerce, was up in arms over the amount of money that this would cost businesses, not necessarily for employees who were actually working, but for full-timers on a six-day roster whose holiday pay would increase.
I understand the Chamber’s position on this, but I think if it gets even a handful more Canberrans back at home enjoying Christmas with their families, then it’s a worthwhile thing. I’d love to see four public holidays declared every year between December 25-28 and for Aussies to do what we used to over the festive period. Eat, drink and be merry.
A light appeal
THE Sydney Children’s’ Hospital Foundation has created a virtual Christmas tree and is inviting the public to help brighten the lives of ill and injured patients by buying a little light and sending a personalised message to family, friends and work colleagues. The Little Light Appeal is targeting $150,000 to help buy life-saving equipment; fund medical training; renovate wards and parent spaces and support research programs. To donate go to www.littlelights.org.au
G whiz
FROM Monday, December 20 until Christmas Eve, the G in Gungahlin will have face painting and Christmas craft for children between 10am and 1pm, says spokesperson Nicole Prior. “We’ll also have dance performances by Dynamic Studios, and we’ve expanded our trading hours before Christmas.” The G also offers a range of SIDS and Kids ACT Christmas cards, and Nicole says the centre does all it can to support the organisation in its fund-raising endeavours.
Park here, not!
ALL neatly line-marked and full of cars, nothing seemed amiss down at Regatta Point the other day. Until the sharp eye of snapper Silas Brown fell on the sign at the end of the car park. It unhelpfully says “No Parking”. Is this a rouse to up the parking-fine revenue but succouring innocents into the parking bay then, bang, hitting them with a sticker? After checking the bushes for sneaky inspectors, Silas pressed on with his assignment.
Cindy
Students of the School of St Jude’s in Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa with conference satchels from Canberra... “These items are hard to come by for the kids, so it really does make a difference to them,” says Gerard
President of the Rotary Club of Canberra Gerard Brennan.
Gail’s memories from Russia, with love
A brothel, a drunken driver and bus full of Grammar girls... welcome to Gail Ford’s first taste of touring in Russia. ELERI HARRIS meets the Canberra author whose love for the country 0 years later is undimmed
IN her suburban Kambah bungalow cluttered with crazy coloured Kandinsky prints and babushka dolls, Gail Ford sits, tiny and bright blue eyed, unimaginably far from the opening pages of her new book “The Lure of Russia: 20 years of travel and 20 years of change”.
The book, part travel memoir, part cultural history, is the product of countless trips, research and interviews conducted over two decades from the closing days of the Cold War.
“The book’s almost a beginner’s guide to Russia because it starts from scratch,” Ford, a former humanities teacher, told “CityNews”.
But hers is no ordinary guidebook.
In 1989 Ford took a group of schoolgirls from Canberra Girls’ Grammar on a goodwill tour of the then-USSR, triggering what would become a lifelong love of the Russian culture and people.
“That trip was fraught with problems,” Ford, who had never crossed the iron curtain before, sighs.
“When I first went there were no faxes, certainly no emails, telephones didn’t work, so just communicating was really hard.
“We took the school groups billeting, which isn’t a formal process, and
Russian visas are extraordinarily complicated. You’ve got to know exactly where you’re going and you’ve got to have a lot of stamps.
“We organised it through Sputnik, which was the youth travel agency in Russia, and they had forgotten to book any of the flights within Russia. We were stranded absolutely everywhere, so I spent the entire trip trying to get us out of really tricky situations.
“We went right through Siberia and Uzbekistan and we had one student lost for days in Siberia. We didn’t lose her, we had to send her home because she’d lost all her papers. She was 15 years old. Her parents took it upon themselves to send her back and they didn’t inform us. So for several days she was floating around Siberia, unbeknown to us. It was a very difficult situation, but we found her.
“On that trip we ended being housed in a brothel and I had a group of 16-18year-old girls.
“It was really funny, the guide said, ‘I do not think you truly appreciate the nature of this establishment’. I said, ‘the true nature of this establishment is only too apparent’.
“Then we had a drunk driver. The guide kept saying, ‘we have a little problem’, which meant ‘we have a huge calamity’.
“Despite it all, I absolutely fell in love with the place. I felt when I went there the people would be stodgy, the weather would be dreary, the country would be very boring. But the people were the most generous, warm, funloving and cultured.
“I’ve travelled a lot, but Russia touches you in a way no other country does. I just kept going back.”
Ford says her students were never the same, either.
“We called it a goodwill tour and
we met with youth groups in all of the centres, it was very successful.
“It’s like they say, what you own does not make you what you are. For some students that was a huge change in perspective, it changed their whole priority on what they put a value on in life.
“One went back to study at Moscow State University, which is very hard to get into. They all became really friendly with the families they stayed with, they’d talk about ‘my Moscow mum’. A lot of them kept in close com-
munication and they went back to visit, particularly those who went in the early 1990s.”
Until 2008, Ford travelled to Russia each year, taking school groups and then adults on art and music tours of the country and says her visits provided a unique insight into the evolution of modern Russia.
“Over that time Russia went from a Communist superpower to a struggling democracy and now a very successful emerging powerful country,” she says.
“In 1991 we were there actually as Communism fell. The statues were all coming down, everything was happening. Living with the people was really interesting, because what we don’t realise is they lost everything they ever believed in. They lost their country in one hit. That’s huge. Imagine if Australia just didn’t exist anymore. You were suddenly a Victorian or a Queenslander.
“My whole aim in the tours was to broaden people’s knowledge.
“Some people go blinkered and refuse to take their blinkers off, but most people open their eyes and realise all their preconceptions of Russia are totally wrong. It makes people see things, hopefully in a more realistic way and makes them aware of an incredible culture.”
Gail Ford’s “The Lure of Russia: 20 years of travel and 20 years of change” (Citrus Press, Ultimo) is available in selected book stores.
Gail Ford... “I spent the entire trip trying to get us out of really tricky situations.”
Photo by Silas
Shock: The House of cards is still standing!
By Michael Moore
“WE’LL all be rooned,” said Hanrahan. “Before the year is out”
T HE John O’Brien poem emanating out of Australian folklore was just child’s play compared to the dire predictions of gloom and doom for the new parliament at the time of the election.
According to the popular media only a few months ago, the drought, the floods and the bushfire that the folk in the poem discussed “ere Mass begun” would be as nothing compared to the disaster of a hung parliament.
So what happened? The chief Government whip, Joel Fitzgibbon, explained the challenges in a valedictory speech on one of the last days of sittings for the year.
“I have heard the word ‘tumultuous’ used a number of times in respect of the year almost past…(and) almost five weeks of parliamentary sittings under the socalled new paradigm in an environment where no major party or grouping has an absolute majority in this place,” he said. “That has been tough, but I am very pleased to be able to say… the parliament has been functioning exceptionally well and good government is being delivered to the Australian people.”
Hardly the dire situation that had been predicted!
However, of course, a Government member would say that – after all they took a huge beating at the polls winning amongst the lowest vote ever for a party going into power and they want to ensure they keep the cross-benchers on side.
On August 22 only a few months earlier, Paul Kelly, editor at large for “The Australian” had written: “The message from all sides is that Australia can emerge from this hung parliament with a stable government. Frankly, that is a heroic call”. He was not on his own. Even so, I wonder when Kelly will hark back to Malcolm Fraser’s famous comment “life wasn’t meant to be easy”, apply it to the parliament and then eat his words.
It is not enough for the parliament to be just “working”. In referring to the cross-
bench members the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Wayne Swan, said: “The hung parliament has brought significant reforms… hard-fought parliamentary reforms. I think all parliamentarians can be proud of those. While there will be disagreements from time to time about how they are implemented, we have kept the wheels of government going. We have enhanced accountability and we have set up a parliament where members matter.”
The sentiments were reiterated by the Leader of the House, Anthony Albanese, highlighting the role of the cross-bench members: “I have probably spent more time with the members for New England, Lyne, Melbourne, O’Connor, Kennedy and Denison than I would have anticipated.
“But to them I say: This has been a good thing… I think it is a good thing that the standing orders have been changed to facilitate the active engagement of all 150 members of the House of Representatives in a way which was not as easy before.
“Individual members of parliament can make a difference in this chamber through committees and through their participation in the political system, and I thank them for their participation.”
Unsurprisingly, at the time of the elec -
tion the “Hanrahan” group of doomsayers included the Australian Industry Group. Its CEO Heather Ridout considered the prospect of a hung parliament and a Senate where the Greens hold the balance of power as a worrying outcome for businesses and predicted that “it would potentially lead to instability, uncertainty and short-termism in policy development, all of which poses risks and challenges for the economy.”
What the industry group actually wanted, of course, was a return to the conservative years of a majority Howard Government or an even more conservative majority Abbott Government.
The final word goes to the Speaker, Harry Jenkins, who effectively summed up the improving situation in the parliament where all the members are more involved when referring to the valedictory speeches: “Can I thank the cross benchers for encouraging this outbreak of peace on earth and goodwill” and then with his wry sense of humour, “may it last for at least another three hours! The peace on earth I am looking for is during Question Time.”
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government.
Canberra flunks the national red-tape test
THERE’S bad news for the ACT in a recent report by the Business Council of Australia and while the scores were not too impressive for any jurisdiction in Australia, the ACT’s were lowest. The council was measuring progress made in the national, State and Territory governments to reduce red tape, which is a measure of the effectiveness of regulatory process.
The “2010 Scorecard of Red Tape Reform” found that, though there were improvements across some jurisdictions since 2007, most were from a low base, accountability and transparency reforms had not been achieved and Commonwealth overall performance has actually declined.
The overall scorecard showed the ACT is not
property c atherine c arter
doing well. Like all the other jurisdictions, we were found to have no “systems in place showing a strong path to excellence”, and we, like Victoria, SA and Tasmania, showed no change in our performance since 2007. However, ours was the lowest overall score to start with: a 3 (“adequate – but room for improvement”), beaten by Tasmania with a 4, other States and Territories with a 5, and the Commonwealth and NSW with a 6.
The red-tape reform was measured across
Reading: It’s never too late to learn
By Jo Whithear
IN Australia, more than 40 per cent of workingage adults struggle to read and write at a “functionally literate” level. This means that rather than being illiterate (unable to read or write at all), these Australians do not have adequate literacy skills to cope with the complexities of our modern society.
The 2006 “Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey” by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that just over half of Australians had the literacy skills to meet the basic demands of everyday life and work.
These “basic demands” were measured as prose literacy, such as an ability to understand newspapers and magazines; document literacy, such as locating and using information in job applications, bus timetables and charts; and problem solving – our ability to problem-solve situations where there is no set routine available.
So what does this mean for working-aged adults? Are there jobs for those who can’t read or write effectively? Well, the simple answer is yes, but not as many.
Technological advancements, particularly the evolution of the internet and the global economy, have resulted in more people accessing the same raw information from all over the world. Low-skilled, non-westerners will work for much less money than a low-skilled worker in a western country. Working-age adults need to be skilled in literacy and higher-order thinking skills to compete against a global network of employment.
Researchers suggest that more successful workers will be those who can devise solutions
to non-rule-based problems. Skills such as “expert thinking” and “complex communications” are areas that require a command of critical information. These are skills that can be acquired only if you can read well. The reading process is not a finite one, but a continuum of increasingly difficult processes. A young reader must first learn to read. An older reader must then read to learn. Proficient readers are able to construct meaning from the text and employ problemsolving strategies as they read.
There are many reasons why adults do not read or write well. For those born in Australia though, the problem begins in childhood. Longitudinal reports have found a strong link between low socio-economic status and student achievement in literacy, particularly with indigenous students, males and those with language backgrounds other than English.
When a student leaves the education system without a functional level of literacy, they are at a higher risk of being unemployed as an adult.
It is paramount to provide effective reading programs not only for school-aged children, but to have support services and adult education programs available for those who wish to access it.
Research data has shown that the most effective reading programs will include a word-level component, vocabulary instruction, fluency and strategies to enhance and generalise comprehension, particularly when encountering difficult texts. It doesn’t matter what age you are – we still teach reading the same way. It is never too late to learn…
Jo Whithear is a reading specialist and director of the Canberra Reading Clinic.
four benchmarks, which were: good principles of regulation making, which consider alternatives to regulation and use cost-benefit analyses; accountability; transparency; and review to ensure regulations remain relevant and efficient over time.
No jurisdiction got an “excellent” in any category. But the ACT managed a “good” on principles of regulation making for 2007 and 2010, while Queensland, WA and the NT had to improve to achieve the same rating, and Tasmania still hasn’t achieved it.
We shared the lowest score for accountability, with the NT and shared the top (but unimpressive) “adequate/good” rating for transparency. As for
our review processes – we flunked, with a “poor” – the lowest score on the scorecard. Not a very impressive result. We are a young and vigorous country. There is no need for us to bury ourselves in red tape.
As BCA CEO Katie Lahey said when announcing the report: “Poor regulatory processes not only impose unnecessary costs on business, which can stifle investment and job creation, but they also can lead to policy-on-the-run decisions that often have unintended consequences across the economy.”
Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia
Christmas gift ideas
New place for festive functions
PELAGIC Bar and Dining, in Bailey’s Corner, is one of Canberra’s newest eateries, with a focus on fresh seafood.
As well as a cocktail bar, there’s also a tasting bar and a private dining room tucked away upstairs, plus an extensive wine cellar.
Pelagic is set to host Christmas drinks and functions, with a function menu featuring options such as seared albacore with asparagus, cherry tomatoes and preserved lemon; or char-grilled salmon, toasted almonds, braised fennel and caramelised eschallots.
Canapes range from goat’s cheese and olive tartlets to prawn toast with chilli nam jam or honey dijon swordfish with pickled cucumber; while the everyday menu features options such as crispy skin snapper, crab omelet or seared kingfish. Non-seafood-lovers are also catered for.
More information on 6162 0752.
dose of dorin
We’re second-class citizens
I READ with disappointment Nick Jensen’s article “Too big an issue for ACT” ( CN, December 2). While it is open to Mr Jensen to oppose such proposals as legalising euthanasia or legislating gay marriage (which he tellingly also references), for religious reasons or otherwise, it is disappointing that those reasons have clouded, for him at least, a much larger issue.
It is patronising to refer to the ACT as a “petulant teenager” when the fact remains that we citizens of the ACT are second-class. Compare us to our neighbours in Queanbeyan who have a role in electing a government (for better or worse) that has decision-making capabilities protected by the Australian Constitution.
That is, the NSW Government has the authority, on behalf of its people, to make laws on all matters except those reserved in the Constitu-
Label and shame them
WITH the increasing number of people being killed or injured following road crashes associated with alcohol and drugs, more positive forms of shaming, apart from punitive actions, should be adopted by the ACT Government and other jurisdictions. Determine a benchmark level of offence and require those exceeding it – but still allowed to drive – to have the word “alcohol” or “drugs”, or both, placed on their registration plate. This would substantially increase awareness of drivers who stay within the driving laws at a time when they most need it – on the road.
colliss Parrett, Barton
tion for the Federal Government.
Unfortunately, for those of us in the ACT, our elected representatives have much less to do. Yes, we have the power to self-govern, but not to the same extent as our neighbours across the border.
Surely, it is time for this to change and Mr Jensen is correct that with this change must come a restructure of the legislative processes adopted in the ACT.
I agree with Mr Jensen that it is time for a rational debate about euthanasia on the national scale; but let’s not let that interfere with an issue that challenges the notion of “democracy”. While the Constitution protects State Governments’ ability to make laws for themselves, so too should the ACT enjoy that ability to the same extent exactly.
n ick tebbey, Phillip
Slowly boiled alive
I AGREE entirely with Andrew Hughes (“Time to grow up: Greens at the crossroads”, CN November 25).
As an economist, I fear the possibility of the Greens ever getting their hands on the economic levers of the Territory. And when will the Canberra electorate realise that a vote for the Greens is a vote for Labor, a party that has wasted millions of dollars on fiascos like the single-lane GDE, the torch relay, the Grassby statue, Rhodium, the Busways project, Firelink, hospital pay parking, the appeal against the bushfire Coroner, the “Live in Canberra” campaign, etcetera.
Methinks Canberra electors are like frogs being slowly boiled alive as their response to these continual financial failings being drip-fed into the ACT Budget, is to vote back in the perpetrator along with his Green supporters. Wake up, Canberra and try and turn the Assembly into something that supports the community rather than party machines.
Ric Hingee, Duffy
Siphoning child care for bureaucrats
CHILD Support is complex. Unfortunately, it is being used to contribute to the ever-increasing size of our government bureaucracy.
After family separation, the custodial parent normally registers with the Family Assistance Office for Family Tax Benefit Part A payments.
The Family Assistance Office has to then decide whether reasonable action has been taken This is before more than the minimum Family Tax Benefit Part A payment is approved. Fifty cents in the dollar is then deducted from the Family Tax Benefit Part A payments. This is to fund the running of the Government’s child support scheme.
The Family Tax Benefit payments were originally brought in by the then NSW Premier Jack Lang back in the Depression years of the 1930s. Sir Robert Menzies thought that it was such a good idea that his Government made them a national payment in the early 1940s. The Government’s child support scheme did not commence until 1989. Therefore neither Jack Lang nor Sir Bob Menzies would have foreseen that these payments would have been siphoned off to provide employment for Government bureaucrats.
John Flanagan, n on- custodial Parents Party (Equal Parenting), t hirroul, nsW
With only a couple of weeks until the festive season, here is another “CityNews” guide to inspire Christmas shopping.
Christmastime
clocks
The gift of relaxation
CANBERRANS can give the gift of relaxation with Christmas presents from Om Shanti College, says the college’s Luciana Todd.
“Christmas at Om Shanti College is a magical experience,” Luciana says. “We have an aromatherapy shop with a range of aromatherapy essential oils and associated products, like burners, which are all very reasonably priced.
“As well as oils and burners we have soap bars and bath crystals, which are an Espom salts base with essential oils added: some calm you
down, some balance you out, and so on.
“We’d also like people to consider buying yoga gift vouchers and massage gift vouchers, which are great because so many people are looking to relax over the Christmas period!”
Luciana says that gift vouchers bought before December 18 will attract a 20 per cent discount.
More information at www.omshanticollege.com.au or call 6295 2323.
Be inspired with gift ideas Eco-spa
DESIGNCRAFT in Hume is featuring AJ clocks by Arne Jacobsen just in time for Christmas, says sales and marketing manager Halie Rubenis, as well as Tivoli radios and more.
Because Designcraft deals in top-end homewares and furniture, throughout most of the year it offers an ordering service; however, the shop has a wide range of these exciting designer Christmas gifts in stock and ready to take home, Halie says.
“People can have them straight away and don’t need to wait,” she told “CityNews”. “We’re very excited about our Christmas gifts.
“We’ve also got Holmegaard glassware and the outdoor range by Tait, which are just beautiful.”
More information at www.designcraft.net.au or on 6290 4922.
honoured
JINDII EcoSpa, in Duffy, has taken out a top honour at the Australasian Spa Association Awards, just in time for Christmas.
what Jindii was trying to achieve,” she says. “Winning this, one of the biggest honours in our industry, tells me I was right.”
Jindii was named “Best Spa in an Urban Location” at an industry event in Melbourne, and owner Bianca Pritchard says that this success has confirmed her belief that people are ready to incorporate greener practices into their lives.
“Moving away from the CBD, going green and relaunching ourselves as Jindii EcoSpa was a big risk, but I was confident people would support
Jindii was designed and built to minimise its carbon footprint, and enforces strict sustainable practices in its daily operations. In addition to treatments using the Li’Tya range of organic spa products, Jindii offers lifestyle classes such as yoga and mindfulness workshops.
More information at www.jindii. com.au or call 6257 8777.
Clocks from AJ Clocks, from $325.
The Cinematic Light Box, which features interchangeable letters so the owner can personalise the lighting and display, $249.
Unique gifts for everyone
THE Portrait Gallery Store is a great place to shop for unique gifts that can’t be found anywhere else in Canberra, says proprietor Richard Baz.
“There’s something with a difference for everyone, from children through to adults,” he says. “For example, we have a wide range of children’s fiction, but there’s also a lot of educational and activity sets, art and drawing sets, which can help foster creativity.
“There’s also puppetry sets; and for toddlers there are gifts
like building blocks with the alphabet on the sides, so it’s something educational as well as fun.
“For grown-ups, we have beautiful products: Australian designer objects, from top-end ceramics through to cute little gift ideas like our mugs with the Cheshire Cat or Van Gogh’s ear: they disappear when hot water is poured in!”
More information at www. portraitgallerystore.com.au or call 6102 7170.
The barista-standard KeepCup $14.
AUSTRALIAN Choice in the Canberra Centre is excited about sharing its 21st birthday with Christmas this year, says owner Tom Butt. Selling only Australian-made products, the shop has Christmas gifts for locals and overseas friends alike.
“We’re a quality gift shop, and well supported by locals, which we really appreciate,” says Tom. “We’ve had a refurb, so the shop is bigger,
brighter and better and we have a huge range of stock in time for Christmas.
“We have a lot of ‘memories of Australia’ and unique gifts which are bought by locals – though not everything is expensive, we don’t have the very cheap souvenirs. Everything we stock supports Australian business.”
More information at www. australianchoice.com.au or call 6257 5315
Choice with quality Centre helps the Salvos
THE Marketplace Gungahlin is encouraging shoppers to “spread joy, peace and love this Christmas by supporting the Salvaton Army Giving Tree”.
Located opposite Woolworths, the tree allows customers to donate nonperishable food items which will be distributed to families in need across Gungahlin.
The Marketplace is also holding a School Christmas Tree Decorating Competition, which will continue until Christmas Eve.
Customers can vote on their favourite tree, with all proceeds going towards Barnardos Canberra Children’s
Family Centre. Participating schools have the chance to win $500 towards books for their library.
“The Marketplace is continually supportive of the local schools in Gungahlin, and with a promotion such as school rewards we are able to give back and help assist schools in purchasing muchneeded items such as library books,” says marketing manager for The Marketplace Nicole Gibson. Proceeds to Barnardos will go towards gifts and food items for Christmas.
More information at www. themarketplacegungahlin. com.au
At the Chamber of Commerce ‘Women in
Christmas cocktail party, Regatta Point
Julie Allard, Kate Prior and Donna Chalmers
Natasha Vanzetti, Kim Adey, Sally Lisle and Kylie Wedrat
Sarah Kentwell and Angela Richards
Kara Darcy and Krystal Fraser
Kalista Pakkiyaretnam, Erin Moss and Allison Guy-Ritchie
Kristen Risby, Catherine Bowyer, Jacqui Retford and Andrea McCann
Natalie Fanning, Sue Leitch and Connie Viahos
Larissa Redford, Chris Taylor and Sarah Grady
Melissa Abberton, Tim Langford and Ray Hartley
Nick Smith and Jerry Yanuyanutawa
David Holmes with Jill and Rob Slattery
Chris and Shelley Honner with Gary Beck
Mark Huck, Alistair Bridges, Maria Tang and Nicole Short
Darleen Barton and David Meers
Linda Dennett, Amy Woods and Andrew Marshall
At the 20th Canberra Critics’ Circle Awards, Canberra Museum and Gallery
Accolades, objects and words
By Helen Musa
AT last week’s 20th anniversary ACT Arts Awards, held in the Canberra Museum and Gallery, artists ruled.
With accolades from the Canberra Critics’ Circle, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance and “CityNews”, artists themselves chipped in with objects and words. Prof David Williams, representing the Canberra Glassworks, for instance, presented the Artist of the Year, David Pereira, with a beautiful paperweight (pictured) created by Benjamin Edols, a celebrated glass artist who did his postgraduate studies at the ANU School of Art.
The premier award of the evening was presented by long-time former Canberra Theatre director Iain Sinclair after a flamboyant and generally hilarious speech about the pluses and minuses of getting your arts grounding in Canberra. Sinclair, engaged by Cate Blanchett at Sydney Theatre Company to direct “Our Town” this year and “Blood Wedding” in 2011, spoke more seriously about the way our arts community inspired arts workers to be creative.
Iain Sinclair presents “CityNews” Artist of the Year cellist David Pereira with his award.
Pling', Anne-Maree Britton, Hal Judge and Caroline Stacey
Jackie and Renee Hallahan with Greg Primmer
David, Yvana, Jaime and Gillian Pereira
Catherine Roach, Oliver Baudert, Cate Clelland and Ron Abrahams
Bill Stephens and Hannah Ley Jacquie and Chris Richards Liz Bradley and Iain Sinclair
Rohan Cutler, Cameron Samuell and Belinda Southwell
Nartalya and Vanessa Brettell
Cathy Dorman and Rebekah Griffiths
Kevin, Harvey and Lindsay Dewitte
Mary Finlay with Felix and Emily Loomes
Joanna Smith, Anne Hein, Doris Sykes, Christine Norek and Lisa Burkhart
Scott Bland, Monica Skjerve and Warrick Hancock
Anisa Sabet and Ashley Wright
Jen Bradley, Sally Fleming and Callum Heinrich
Nicholas Hudson and Arabella Rhode Dionne Field, Will Fernandes, Nicole Arnel, Chris McLaughlan, John Forester and Sophie Pratt
Mark Thompson, Josh Cliff, Zoe Vogel and Greg Lyons
Chris Drakakis, Fabio Fior, Karen and Peter Sarris with Steve Kartsonas
Photographer SILAS BROWN has been quietly collecting this selection of pictures of street art around Canberra. It’s all in
WHILE the National Gallery celebrates Australian street art from graffiti to stencils to stickers in its exhibition
“Space Invaders”, the ACT Government is perhaps not so enthralled with growing cultural appreciation of the medium.
Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts Jon Stanhope has yet to attend the exhibition and points out property owners can report graffiti artists seen “defacing public or private property” to Crime Stoppers.
“Marking graffiti on property is an offence under both the Crimes Act 1900 and the Criminal Code 2002, under which anyone found defacing property is liable for prosecution,” Stanhope told “CityNews”.
“Defacing property includes affixing a placard or paper or making a mark with chalk, paint or any other material on private premises without the consent of the occupier or owner.
“’Post No Bills’ (or similar) signs have no particular legal power over and above the general prohibition on marking graffiti, but do make it clear that the owner does not want this activity undertaken on their property.
“Property owners can report graffiti artists who are seen defacing public or private property to Crime Stoppers
the eye of the beholder
on 1800 333 000, where details will be recorded to assist police with bringing action against offenders.”
There are currently 29 legal graffiti sites around Canberra, three in Kaleen and none in Civic, including a significant number of toilet blocks, stormwater drains and underpasses.
The “CityNews” Canberra graffiti gallery does not discriminate between legal and illegal street art. – Eleri Harris
Legal graffiti sites
arts in the city
Week’s ‘Beautiful’ moment
CANBERRA turned on a right royal celebration of the International Day of People with Disability last week, with the National Museum of Australia launching a large Braille map of the building and exhibits and a high-class locally-made film called “Beautiful” screened at the same venue.
“IMMINENT River”, an exhibition of works on paper, shows the artist G L Wyatt’s relationship with the Cotter River, and is at ANCA Gallery in Rosevear Place, Dickson noon-5pm until December 19, Wednesday to Sunday.
THE National Capital Orchestra is staging a preChristmas Brahms concert under the baton of Philip Harstein and with soloists David Pereira on cello and Mark Ingwersen, violinist from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, on December 12 at 3pm at Llewellyn Hall. The NCO has uncovered a coincidence – Ingwersen’s sister Judith (also a violinist with the orchestra) was the midwife at the birth of Pereira’s young son Jaime. Bookings to 132 849.
“Groovin’ in the City” continues apace from December 14-17 with “Xmas on the Run”, roving music daily from noon to 2pm in Garema Place. Choral Angels, Ian Blake and Andrew Purdam are the celestial entertainers.
THE Embassy of Spain and CSIRO Astronomy and Space are launching the science-art exhibition “Surprises of the Cosmos” exhibition on December 15 at the CSIRO Discovery Centre. It’s made up of 30 spectacular, large-format photographs.
QL2 is staging “On Course”, 12 new short contemporary dance works created by young dance artists from around Australia, at its Gorman House studios on December 11 and 12 at 6pm. Bookings to 6247 3103.
arts in the city
Helen Musa
THE crème de la crème of University of Canberra architecture, graphic design, industrial design and landscape architecture students are exhibiting under the title “Cream” at the Gallery of Australian Design in Commonwealth Place. Meantime, the ANU School of Art has its graduating students’ exhibitions in all its workshops. And “College Express”, artworks by Year 11 and 12 students from Hawker, Lake Ginninderra, Radford and St Francis Xavier Colleges and Melba Copland Secondary School, is at Belconnen Arts Centre.
THE National Gallery of Australia has just completed its first Wesfarmers Arts Indigenous Leadership program. The selected 12 indigenous participants from all over Australia have been taking part in workshops, lectures and group work with NGA staff, arts and business professionals, and leadership trainers and facilitators.
Artist G L Wyatt’s “Imminent River” at ANCA Gallery.
Tension, humour and fantasy
“THE
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA – THE VOYAGE OF ThE DAWN TREADER” (PG)
SHOT on Queensland’s Gold Coast, this episode of CS Lewis’s Chronicles is a handsome, vigorous fantasy actioner fraught with magic, monsters and morality, transcending the shortcomings apparent in its dialogue and delivering a balanced mix of humour, tension, conflict and affection.
In malevolence and determination to survive, its marine monster is the equal of every Kraken in the Caribbean or among Titans. Its strong fantasy quotient doesn’t detract; into every life some fantasy must creep and here it is top quality.
Beyond the experiential reach of littlies and beneath that of adolescents, it doesn’t clearly identify the age group it seeks to
WRITER/DIRECTOR Patrick Hughes’ first feature after a career making short films is a thriller of vengeance and retribution. The morning after he and his pregnant wife arrive in a sleepy small Victorian town, Constable Shane (Ryan Kwanten) reports for duty. They haven’t unpacked. Shane can’t find his gun. Which the Inspector, Old Bill (Steve Bisley) acerbically notes. Aboriginal Jimmy (Tommy Lewis) has broken out of the jail where he is doing life for rape and murder. Old Bill, the copper who put him there, expects he will return
Dougal Macdonald
capture at the box office.
As Britain prepares to confront Hitler, the beautiful Dawn Treader heaves-to and rescues Edmund (Skander Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley) and their cousin Eustace.
Edmund and Lucy know her master and crew, particularly the valiant mouse Reepicheep (voiced by Simon Pegg). Away they go to seek the seven swords that will perform good magic for Narnia.
I liked “Dawn Treader” well enough, despite my disappointment at having to wait so long for Tilda Swinton to reprise the White Witch in an all-too-short sequence. Gary Sweet’s lacklustre delivery of “Dawn Treader’s” captain also disappointed.
At all cinemas
to enact vengeance.
Here is the basis for a perfectly acceptable dark thriller. Plot-wise, it works all the way to a bloody denouement with the obligatory embedded surprise. But getting there is less than convincing.
“Red Hill” is a litany of mistakes that, while not destroying the film’s intrinsic dramatic values, inflict major structural and environmental damage on their impact. While this may sound like nit-picking, film-makers aren’t exempt from an obligation to get the little details right, no matter how imaginative the plot.
At Dendy and Greater Union
“14
BLADES” (MA)
CHINESE martial arts addicts will salivate over this one, about a secret agent of the Ming emperor confronting his betrayers and loyally setting out to defeat their rebellion single-handed.
Well, not exactly single-handed. The lovely Qiao Hua accompanies Green Dragon (Donnie Yen) into China’s vast interior desert country and shares his dangers and other adventures, enabling writer/director Daniel Lee to introduce the equally beautiful femme fatale Tuo Tuo into his story’s turbulent mix. Green Dragon is a walking arsenal. Across his back is a case containing 14 sword blades (eight symbolising human virtues, six that interrogators might use to extract information). He wears wristlets loaded with flechettes capable of single or multiple delivery and carries a repeating crossbow on his saddle. And he is skilled in their use.
It matters little that full comprehension of the plot poses minor difficulties due to complexities of loyalties between various groups and of un-translated Chinese calligraphy baffling most of us Anglos. The film is really about athletic warriors in a society that seven centuries ago had resolved to its own satisfaction most major issues underlying Chinese civilisation except democracy. It looks beautiful. Its drama rockets along with brio, passion and perhaps a touch of incredibility so spectacular that we don’t care that what’s on the screen is special effects that insist that seeing is believing.
At Dendy
Dirty’s with a difference
THIS is Dirty Dick’s entertainment, but with a difference. Most readers will know that this longtime theatre restaurant act, which boasts having presented nights of pseudo-Medieval wassail over 40 years to more than five million people in Australia, normally has an Old English flavour, but no longer.
At the beginning, traditionally clad wenches join the master and mistress of the house, Dirty Dick (Joe McGrail-Bateup) and Fanny Tyson (Sue Gore Phillips) in a few jolly English ballads, but then Black Jack from Kakadu (Jeremy Brown) and his mate Tige (Glenn Gore Phillips) arrive on the scene and the whole atmosphere becomes more blokey, even as the roast beef and plum pudding are being served. A few rounds of John Williamson’s “True Blue” and the Old Country is all but forgotten.
mUSICAL THEATRE
“Dirty Dick’s Down Under” At the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, until December 18.
Reviewed by h elen Musa
This kind of theatre restaurant is essentially about interaction between the players and the audience. The team have it down to a fine art, with each audience member given a temporary name for the night (the girl across from me was called “The Scarlet Woman”) to create anonymity. But, surprisingly, until the end it was all pretty chaste and respectable. Then came a blast of bawdy songs, full of political incorrectness and rollicking good humour on which to conclude the night.
Bookings to 6295 9853.
arts&entertainment
Clothes that shocked Paris
By arts editor Helen Musa
IF you think you’ve seen the National Gallery of Australia’s “revolutionary” “Ballets Russes: the art of costume” exhibition before, you haven’t.
That was the message emerging loud and clear from the curators as they prepared to unveil 150 costumes and accessories designed by artists as distinguished as Matisse, Braque, Derain, de Chirico and Picasso for choreographers and musicians as famed as Nijinsky, Fokine, Massine, Stravinsky, Debussy and Prokofiev.
Certainly, the gallery has exhibited some of these costumes twice before, most recently in 2000 along with the Sara Lee impressionist art collection, but now, in this huge new show, the costumes will step to centre stage.
It’s the NGA’s big summer show and the gallery’s senior curator of decorative arts and design, Robert Bell, has been working around the clock with his team of conservators to make sure that these works, many of which have not been worn since productions staged between 1909 and 1940, are in mint condition.
Revolutionary, you ask? That’s because many of the the costumes were designed in semi-abstract mode for the early Paris seasons of Russian impressario Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. You couldn’t get much more revolutionary than that, with the police being called out to quell the enraged crowds who were shocked by “The Rites of Spring”. And in an obvious way, Western Europe owed a debt of gratitude to the Russian Revolution as “team of exiles” poured their alienation into art.
Diaghilev is credited with having catapulted the very conventional art of ballet into the world of modernism and the gallery is happy to evoke words such as “postimpressionism”, “cubism” and “atonalism” in conjuring up this brave new world.
So, what will you see? One hundred and forty costumes from 34 productions to begin with, presented in a theatrically-lit way to suggest the extravagance and spectacle of the Ballets Russes – sumptuous, exotic and avant-garde.
And a closer look at the costumes themselves will reveal touches of authenticity, as with the costume worn by Nijinsky in his role of the Blue God, where traces of the great dancer’s blue body make-up remain on the lining. Then there is the sheer exoticism of Matisse’s costumes for “The Song of the Nightingale”, described by the gallery as “living calligraphy on stage.”
As well, as part of the NGA’s celebration of the centenary of the Ballets Russes, there will be original design drawings and other objects that help to recreate an unforgettable era.
Ah, yes, and there’s one almost unbelievable aspect to this show – all these costumes are part of the National Gallery of Australia’s permanent collection and that means they belong to you and me.
“Ballets Russes: the art of costume” is at the National Gallery of Australia December 10-March 20.
Léon Baskt Tunic from costume for the Blue God c 1912 from “Le Dieu Bleu”, National Gallery of Australia, purchased 1987.
Léon Bakst costume design for Shah Zeman 1910 from “Schéhérazade”, National Gallery of Australia, purchased 1980.
M Waslaw Nijinski in “Comœdia Illustré”, special edition, May 1912, National Gallery of Australia.
m adame Thamar Karsavina 1913, National Gallery of Australia, purchased 1983.
Henri m atisse costume for a mourner c 1920 from “Le Chant du Rossignol”, National Gallery of Australia, purchased 1973.
Satisfying the soul at Saffron
dining
Wendy Johnson
HOSPITALITY is a cut-throat, competitive industry in which only the strong survive.
So it’s a feather in Canberra’s cap that two long-standing restaurants picked up national awards of excellence in the 2010 Restaurant and Catering Awards – Best Italian to Mezzalira Ristorante and best Specialty Cuisine to Saffron.
Saffron, in the heart of Manuka, is owned by the Azize brothers, Max and Marven, who couldn’t be more passionate about their establishment if they tried.
In the kitchen Max, whose career spans four decades here and in Sydney, dares to be different by combining the flavours of Lebanon, Greece and Turkey in such a way that diners cannot help but want to go back for more. His two favourite spices – ever present on the menu – are precious saffron, and fabulous sumac which, Max says, adds a “tart, distinctive, lemony flavour” to dishes.
Take a deep breath when you walk into Saffron and absorb the aromas. Then sit and explore the menu which features traditional dishes with magical names such as Kabab Halabi and Sayadiya.
One of our party broke free from her usual routine to order the traditional Samkeh Harrah. The moist Basa dory fillet is baked in a cheeky chilli sauce. It came with fresh, crisp coriander and was topped with crunchy roasted nuts, saffron rice and salad. She dreamt about the dish – with its superb combination of textures and flavours.
Saffron has staple dishes they dare not take off the menu, including some in the modern section. I’m not always a creature
of habit, but found myself once again ordering the “you can never go wrong with them”, Castaletta lamb cutlets. Marinated with tomato puree, red wine, chilli and olive oil, the cutlets are as tender as can be and served with creamy, heavenly potato mash ($31.90).
Saffron is always challenging itself and has recently introduced new dishes, including veal medallions which could be cut with a fork. They come with a brandy and cream sauce that is addictive ($32.90). One member of our party has an extreme gluten intolerance and was pleased that most of Saffron’s mains were suitable.
The quality of Saffron’s food is consistent and soul satisfying. So, too, is the service, with the staff attentive, but never a bother. Their knowledge of the food – under Marven’s guidance – is exceptional and they can always offer suggestions.
Saffron is no stranger to awards, which will be no surprise once you’ve visited. They hold a string of them dating back several years, including best Middle Eastern Restaurant and finalist for their lengthy and innovative wine list.
Saffron Restaurant, next to the theatre, Franklin Street, Manuka. Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Indoor/outdoor dining. Wheelchair access. Call 6295 7068.
The Azize brothers, m arven, left, and m ax.
Saffron’s mezze platter… the food is consistent and soul satisfying. Photos by Silas
Eye fillet topped with toasted mushroom and shallots.
your week in the stars
With Joanne Madeline Moore
December 13-19
ARIES (Mar – Apr 0)
Your words and actions have the power to affect others deeply, so think carefully before you open your mouth or make a move. With the Sun stimulating your adventure zone, it’s time for a walk in the park, a weekend in the country or a visit to your local travel agent. Stretch yourself in exciting new directions – physically, mentally and spiritually.
TAURUS (Apr – May 0)
One-on-one relationships are set to blossom, as diplomatic Venus (temporarily) patches up problems with loved ones. Slow down and listen carefully to what they have to say. If you are attached, it’s time to up the romance factor and make your partner feel extra special. The more adaptable you are, the more enjoyable the weekend will be.
GEMINI (May – June )
You’re keen to zoom ahead but remember there’s a fine line between making smart snap decisions and being recklessly rash. Singles – love and work are lusciously linked so make sure you’ve got plenty of lipstick or aftershave in your briefcase. When it comes to professional projects, double-check you’ve done all the research required.
CANCER (June – July )
Don’t dwell on what might have been. Venus promises love, but you have to leave the past behind and be open to new ways of relating in the future. When one door closes, another opens. Moving onto fresh romantic pastures has you back in the saddle of love again. Attached Crabs – resist the urge to stir the pot and bring up old grievances.
LEO (July – Aug )
Your playful side is highlighted. So it’s a great time to connect with the child within (and the children around you) as you laugh, play and enjoy yourself with loved ones. You’re not a fan of Uranus upsetting your carefully created plans but sometimes a shake-up is needed so you see things from a fresh perspective. Sunday is one of those days.
VIRGO (Aug – Sept )
This week’s stars highlight obsessive, fussy behaviour (something you’re familiar with!) but try not to sweat the small stuff and make mountains out of molehills. Creative business strategies are favoured, as you find clever ways to make your money work harder. A disciplined approach will transform the financial picture – it will just take some time.
LIBRA (Sept – Oct )
Are you overwhelmed by all the jobs that need to be done at home? It’s time to hone your handyman/woman skills as you tackle overdue DIY projects and complete unfinished work. Don’t expect family members to be happy with the results though! With Venus in your money zone, you’re keen to to hit the shops and grab some pre-Christmas bargains.
SCORPIO (Oct – Nov )
Many Scorps will be intensely preoccupied with exchanging gossip, trading witty emails or flirting with someone special. However, with Mercury in retro motion, tone down what you say and write, or you could unintentionally upset someone. Venus is visiting your sign, so turn up the charm as you captivate others with your smooth Scorpio style.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov – Dec )
Are you suffering from aspiration exasperation? Does it seem as if your dreams are constantly dashed or put on hold? Saturn is asking you to review and modify your wish list, and then do the hard work required to make those dreams come to fruition. Talking isn’t the same as doing – you have to roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty.
CAPRICORN (Dec – Jan )
Conscientious Capricorns – your perfectionist side is likely to go into overdrive this week as retro Mercury, Mars and Pluto all hook up in your sign. Avoid taking on too many commitments (and remember that perfection is a goal, not a destination). Family and friends are happy to help lighten the load so don’t be too proud to ask for assistance.
AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb )
Your stars encourage impulse shopping and making hasty financial decisions. So, before you buy anything this week, stop and think “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no, then put your money away and keep on walking. Unpredictable Uranus sends a curve ball in your direction on Sunday – which is just the way you like it!
PISCES (Feb – Mar 0)
Expect group situations to be super intense this week, as everyone tries to have their say – and words and motives are misinterpreted. When it’s your turn to speak, make sure you do so clearly and concisely. Saturday favours creative and spiritual Piscean pursuits as you connect with your inner muse, listen to your intuition and follow your dreams.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.
general knowledge crossword
Across
1 What do we call a native of the United Kingdom?
8 In which US state is Chicago?
9 Which chess piece moves obliquely on squares of the same colour?
10 To be keen in mental appeal is to be what?
11 Name a unit in the measurement of temperature.
12 Which Nevada city is noted for quick and easy divorces?
13 What is an informal term for a confidence trick?
16 Which Sydney seaside resort is noted for its ferries?
19 What is a decorative vessel having a spout and handle?
21 Which is an inland duty on spirits, tobacco, etc?
22 What are arrays of many bright colours?
23 What is the pleistocene glacial epoch known as? (3,3)
24 To be projecting or overhanging, is to be what?
25 What, in NZ, do they call a baby rabbit? Down
2 Which archaic term refers to clothing or apparel?
3 Name the capital of the northern part of Iran.
4 What do we call a junior lifesaver?
5 What is anything conceived as constituting a realm?
6 Name a native of Monte Carlo.
7 What is a necessity for indoor smokers?
13 Which are the sacred beetles of the ancient Egyptians?
14 Name an alternative term for a heathen.
15 Which small, mouselike rodents are found in the desert regions of Asia, Africa and Russia?
17 What is another word for those who shoot with bows and arrows?
18 Name a form of pasta cut into flat sheets.
20 To quit a job is to do what? Solution next week
Sudoku hard No.46
Sat 11:00-11:45
Tia Cl L.J. Hooker Gungahlin 0417 483 627 4BR H
I U
Wanderer Bentham 0418 574 140 3BR B
Bandjalong Cr McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin 0407 777 601 4BR A Sat 2:30-3:15
Arabana St Peter Blackshaw Belconnen 0418 628 043 3BR E Sat 3:30-4:15 38 Arabana St Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin 0408 219 148 3BR A Sun 11:30-12:00 45 Bandjalong Cr McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin 0407 777 601 4BR A
Agent 48 Arabana St Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 4BR G
Agent 1/103 Bandjalong Cr Richard Luton Properties 0413 832 535 3BR G U
Bindaga Pl Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 5BR D
28 Darambal St Maria Selleck Properties 0417 258 803 4BR B
Agent 4 Gidabal St Peter Blackshaw Manuka 0412 997 894 4BR E
Mirning
Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 4BR G BANKS
Sat 11:00-11:45 10/35 Brockway Cct Ray White Canberra 0418 294 192 4BR I
Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 5BR I
BELCONNEN
Canberra Region Property Summary
BUNGENDORE
0408 415 054 2BR K
Canberra Region Property Summary
FRANKLIN
Canberra Region Property Summary
HARCOURT HILL
HARRISON
HAWKER
JERRABOMBERRA
LATHAM
Canberra Region Property Summary
NGUNNAWAL
PALMERSTON
PHILLIP
SPRINGBANK RISE
Canberra Region Property Summary
TURNER
