Canberra CityNews October 20-26, 2011

Song’s soul mates together again

By Helen Musa STAGE and TV luminaries

Julie Anthony and Simon Gallagher have both had enough – of performing in showbiz, that is.

Semi-retired is a pretty good description of Gallagher’s current state. He spent his early years performing and promoting himself. By age 23, Gallagher had won a Logie and three Mo Variety Awards, later on getting into producing and financing via his production company Essgee Entertainment. “The risks and the stress are immense,” he says.

He pulled himself out of performing to concentrate on the hugely successful Gilbert and Sullivan shows with Jon English and other productions such as “The Merry Widow” and “Eureka”. When Anthony called up to see if he’d join her in a singing tour, he pleaded stage fright. “Don’t be ridiculous,” was the headmistressly reply.

Gallagher gave in. After all, both had enjoyed huge theatrical careers as well as star spots on TV and were “singing soul mates”. And so they’ll be here in Canberra at the end of October.

“Julie will not sing solo again, but she’ll sing with me,” he says. Back in the ‘80s, they sang together on Gallagher’s ABC show, toured with Tommy Tyco and appeared together on the “Midday Show” with Ray Martin, so they knew they had “quite a similar repertoire”.

Anthony confirms Gallagher’s story, saying singing with him is “a lovely thing to do… we have this like-mindedness, vocally.”

They’ll be performing a wide-ranging repertoire, “a bit of Lloyd Webber, a bit of Cole Porter a bit of Neil Sedaka, a bit of Peter Allen and a bit of Air Supply,” says Anthony.

“Moments To Remember”, Southern Cross Club, October 29. Bookings to 6282 7288.

Mike makes it five in a row

MIKE Welsh has won Best Talk Presenter (provincial) at this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards for the fifth year running.

Welsh, who presents 2CC’s drive program, also picked up the gong for Best Current Affairs Presenter for non-metro. His producer, Monica Masters, also won Best Show Producer: Talk/ Current Affairs for the second year in a row.

Welsh says he owes his success to his producers, with past producer Michael Thompson (now Ray Hadley’s top producer) also winning two ACRAs for his show.

“I’ve had a good back-up crew and I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.

“And I don’t want to sound cheesy, but it’s about being real and honest.

“Our listeners don’t take bullshit.”

Welsh said his producer Monica Masters has a freakish ability to know what she wants and

how to get it.

“Personally, without her, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“She makes life so much easier.”

Welsh said his program has won a total of 10 ACRAs since 2007.

Special kids compete to do their best

MORE than 500 ACT students with disabilities will compete at the AIS athletics track on November 3 as part of the “Be the Best You Can Be” athletics carnival.

The carnival, now in its 11th year, will include students from primary schools, high schools and colleges across the ACT competing in sports such as sprints, vortex throw, long jump and shot put.

Students who have intellectual or physical disabilities will compete in specially modified sporting activities.

A 100m celebrity sprint race will also be held, consisting of athletes from the Raiders, Brumbies, Canberra Capitals and the AIS.

are

of

Lawyers Snedden Hall & Gallop

a sponsor

“Be the Best You Can Be”.

Julie Anthony and Simon Gallagher... “Julie will not sing solo again, but she’ll sing with me,” says Gallagher.

Mike Welsh and Monica Masters at the Gold Coast presentation.

Political knots that tie up the Lodge

The land for a new Lodge sits dormant in Yarralumla because the political spine isn’t there to build overdue new accommodation for the Prime Minister, says DON AITKIN

THE discovery that the current occupants have to leave the Prime Minister’s Lodge because of some lengthy and expensive renovation, long overdue, set me thinking again about the great political difficulty in doing anything really sensible about the place.

Graeme Barrow, one of our excellent local historians, has written a fine book on the Lodge, and finishes with a plea for the Government to build a new one. An excellent area has been reserved for it on Stirling Ridge in Yarralumla, but I’ve never heard a whisper that anyone is thinking of using it. The reasons are mostly political, and I have a solution.

National leaders tend to live in substantial premises, some of real age, like the White House in Washington. The UK’s David Cameron lives at No. 10 Downing Street, which is a rabbit warren of offices that happen to include living quarters for the Prime Minister and his family.

Col. Gaddafi, still alive, but current whereabouts unknown, seems to have had a number of publicly maintained homes, referred to on the television news as “palaces”.

In comparison to those I have seen (not inside), Canberra’s Lodge is a pleasant but rather limited building set in fine grounds. And since I once had the experience of dining there, I can say that it was not then possible to hold a dinner for a larger number of people than 14, or so it seemed.

And though I regret the need for all the security that now surrounds it, one has to point out

INDEX

0ctober 20-26, 2011

Since 1993: Volume 17, Number 40

Arts&Entertainment 27-29

Canberra Confidential 22

Cinema 28

Crossword 32

Dining 29

Gardening 30-31

Horoscope 32

Letters 14

News 4-16

Politics 8

Property 33-48

Social Scene 22-25

Sudoku 32

that since the building is right next to an arterial road, a somewhat more secluded environment would make better sense, and be a little quieter for the inhabitants.

One would not rebuild on the site. The right purpose for the Lodge, once a new one has been built, would be as a residence for visiting heads of state and other dignitaries. My guess is that there will be more and more of such visiting in the years ahead.

In today’s political environment, no Prime Minister is going to push for the building of a new Lodge. The Opposition would have a field day, as would all those with single-issue barrows to trundle around.

Yet you will find some of those who know the place well saying, quietly, that it’s long past time that Australia had a new Lodge that fitted today’s needs better than a house first occupied in the 1920s that has the electrical wiring of the day to show for it.

What is needed is a combination of events. A Prime Minister seeing her or his occupancy of the post coming to an end because of age, or a sense that the mood in the electorate is changing, might discuss the matter with the Leader of the Opposition. The PM could say that he (she) would bear the brunt of the criticism if the Leader of the Opposition would stay out of it – or better still, agree that the time had come.

The PM would say publicly that the building of the new Lodge would take some time, and that he (she) did not expect to occupy it. That would dis-

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pose of the sharpest criticism, that the PM was in a self-aggrandising mood. The PM could point out that the land for it had been set aside for this purpose for donkey’s years, and that the present Lodge was becoming more and more inconvenient, because it was simply too small.

Yes, there would be some fuss, but I think it would blow over quickly. The important element would be the agreement of both sides that the work be done, and that the Prime Minister who

started it was plainly not going to benefit personally from the decision.

Now, if I haven’t made this clear already, I don’t think this is the time. But I do look forward to the building of a new, modern Prime Minister’s Lodge. It is needed.

Don Aitkin, political scientist and historian, served as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra from 1991 to 2002.

The Lodge under construction in 1927.

FRONT COVER: Radio pioneer George Barlin age 17 at work at 2CC in 1932. Story page 10.

Hydo wants to say thanks in paint

By Helen Musa

THERE will be no shortage of people giving the Queen gifts, from diamonds and pearls to paintings, on her visit to Australia.

Aarwun Gallery, of Gold Creek, is exhibiting one such painting by an Iraqi-Australian artist who fled his native country in the wake of the first Gulf War.

Edward Hydo’s “Tribute to the Queen” is a 1.5mx1.8m portrait of the Queen and Prince Phillip standing in a formal pose and the artist, a prominent member of Sydney’s Assyrian Christian community, wants the work to be presented to the monarch while she is in the country.

Hydo is no stranger to the world of public art. His 1992 portrait of Paul Keating hangs in the former prime minister’s Sydney office and he has also painted large tribute paintings of Sir Donald Bradman, Ian Thorpe and the late Steve Irwin.

On the international scene, the former Iraqi won four major art awards in the Middle East, including first place in an international competition for the finest painting of an Arabian horse. He also painted King Hussein, who personally thanked Hydo in 1986 for the

portrait presented to the Jordanian monarch by the Iraqi Government. He also painted another Hussein, Saddam, for whose government Hydo painted more than 500 paintings until he fled the country in the early ‘90s.

A prolific artist, now living in Sydney with his wife and four children, he says he is a proud Australian. He exhibits with Sydney’s well-known Bonnefin Gallery in Pitt Street.

Aarwun Gallery’s Robert Stephens told “CityNews” that Hydo was recognised as a famous artist in Iraq until he fell foul of the Saddam regime and ended up in refugee camps around Europe before finding a home here.

The procedure for gifting a work to the Queen involves the represent-

ing gallery getting in touch with the PM’s office, to which Stephens has said: “Edward is most grateful for the opportunity given to him to be able to come to Australia with his family and create a new life.”

“Tribute to the Queen” will be on display at Aarwun Gallery in Gold Creek until the Queen’s departure.

Odd but ingenious... that’s what we think about this parking initiative that snapper SILAS BROWN spotted in the city this past week. The bike and helmet are securely hanging in thin air under the Canberra Centre car park.

Fintan’s new role

GOVERNMENT-spEcialis T lawyer David Fintan has joined legal firm DLA Piper as a partner in its litigation and regulatory team. David previously managed the Commercial & Indigenous Law Branch and the Public Law Branch at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Community fair fun

THIS year’s St John’s Community Fair, Campbell, corner of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Park West, Reid, will be held 9am-2pm, Saturday, October 22 and will feature a free jumping castle, a free patting paddock, maypole dancing, a French crêperie, a dances with dogs demonstration and entertainment by the ABC Community Choir, Canberra City Pipes & Drums, Ryebuck Bush Band, Qwire and Earthly Delights. Funds from the fair will help support the church’s community program St John’s Care, an organisation that provides short-term assistance for people in need as well as a free monthly community lunch and a breakfast program at a local primary school.

Trivia to help kids

THE Canberra Branch of Make-a-Wish is holding a trivia night at the Italian Club, corner of National Circuit and Franklin Street, Forrest at 7pm on Saturday, November 19. Entry is $35 at the door. Funds raised will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. RSVP to 0410 685793 or email makeawishcanberra@ yahoo.com.au

A fix of fashion

ALBERT Hall will play host to Frock Up Canberra where fashionistas can get their fix of vintage fashion, accessories, jewellery and fashion collectibles offered for sale by dealers from across the country. The exhibition and vintage fashion fair will be held at Albert Hall, 6pm-9pm, Friday, October 28; 10am-5pm, Saturday, October 29 and 10am-4pm, Sunday, October 30. Tickets are $12, $10 concession, $6 child and $30 family. More information at 0408 380524.

Free app for 2CC

R aDi O station 2CC has launched a free app for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad, which will allow listeners to interact and engage in the on-air conversation. It’s available for download from the iTunes app store or at www.2cc.net.au/app

Artist Edward Hydo.

Aarwun Gallery’s Robert Stephens in front of Edward Hydo’s “Tribute to the Queen”. Photo by Silas Brown

Leadership and the test for a witch We missed Dr Chris

At a time when there are so many important issues being debated, the mainstream media seems obsessed with leadership speculation, says political commentator MICHAEL MOORE

CARBON pricing, plain packaging of tobacco, the disability insurance scheme, reform of the health system, agricultural sustainability and economic responsibility – important issues, unless there is a possibility of leadership speculation.

At a time when there are so many important issues being debated, the mainstream media seems obsessed with leadership speculation.

There is a reason. Seasoned journalists, editors and their followers know that speculation also provides a catalyst for change. Instead of the media being an observer reporting the facts, the interest behind stories and the colour of the political landscape, they can become a key player. They can play a role in bringing about political change.

Lord Acton suggested, in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887, “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It is a sobering reminder of the concerns for those currently seeking to investigate the media.

Lord Acton’s next words might also provide an understanding of what has happened in the News Limited empire, particularly in the light of the phone hacking scandal in Great Britain:

“Great men are almost always bad men.” The question is not whether the media should be free, but rather what are the appropriate constraints?

In our democratic systems there are checks and balances on the excesses of power. These include the separation of powers between the executive government and the parliament as well as between the judiciary, the government and the parliament. Auditors-general, Royal Commissions and other commissions of inquiry also help to keep a check on the way power is exercised. The most important of the checks and balances is that the people have a say every three or four years as to who should be in the parliament through the ballot box.

Apart from all citizens having the right to vote for governments, there is no more important check on the misuse of power than a free and open media. However, the question for any inquiry into the media becomes who should mind the minders?

“The Courier Mail” reported on Kevin Rudd spending time in his electorate suggesting that he is actively working to overthrow Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The explanation is illustrative: “When Rudd says he ‘supports the Prime Minister’, he does not use

the name of the incumbent, Gillard.

“This means he can say he always supported the office without having to endorse the person actually in the office. By refusing to say he is or isn’t destabilising Gillard, Rudd avoids telling a big fib. Refusing to say something has been enough in the past for a leader to act.”

This is the modern test for a witch. If she drowns she was a witch, if she survives she must be a witch. If Kevin Rudd denies leadership aspirations he must be plotting – or he can admit it and we will now know that he is plotting. And all this speculation continues despite the fact that there is almost unanimous backing of Julia Gillard as Prime Minister from the

entire cabinet.

A conspiracy theorist would argue that the speculation has little to do with reality, but is designed to take away from any celebration of achievements that are finally coming to fruition in this sitting of parliament. Julia Gillard has carbon pricing through the House of Representatives, despite the extraordinarily effective campaign of resistance that has been managed for an extended period of time.

So who should be minding the minders? Preventing concentration of media ownership allows different elements of the media to mind each other, allows for a diversity of views and dissipates inappropriate use of power.

i N last week’s spread about where our politicians come from, we overlooked the Legislative Assembly’s newest member, Dr Chris Bourke, who replaced former Chief Minister Jon Stanhope in Ginninderra.

So, apart from our grovelling apologies, for completeness of record, here are Chris’ responses to our questions:

What were you doing before politics?

I was a dentist. After selling the private practice I had run for 17 years in the ACT, I was working in isolated communities when I was elected to the Assembly in June. What has this experience brought to your new role?

My background, skills and knowledge are different from those of my Assembly colleagues. After running my own small business for 17 years, I have brought business skills plus my experience as a health professional.

What plans for life after politics?

Having just been elected I am not intending to leave. However, eventually I would welcome the opportunity to practise more public dentistry, particularly in remote areas.

George and the golden days of radio

Canberra’s first radio station 2CA celebrates its  0th birthday next month. George Barlin reminisces with FREYLA FERGUSON about his teenage years as a “broadcasting cadet”, when radio was cutting-edge technology run from the back room of a small electrical shop in Kingston

GEORGE

Barlin was two weeks away from turning 17 when he started work for Canberra’s first radio station 2CA.

It was 1932, a year after Jack Ryan began 2CA from the back room of his small electrical shop in Kingston.

“It was the middle of the depression,” Mr Barlin, 95, said.

“You would have no idea what that depression was like.

“People were committing suicide; [others] walking around, prepared to do anything to get a meal; there was no jobs.

“I really wanted to be a pharmacist, but I had no hope of doing that, so in January after I got my Leaving Certificate, my father said I had better apply for a job.”

Mr Barlin’s father learnt of the position as a “broadcasting cadet” from a Sydney newspaper.

“I was very interested in this because my father had one of the very first radios in the area and I was fas -

cinated by what could be done over the air over two wires.”

Hailing

from Lansdowne (near Port Macquarie), young George travelled to Sydney for the first time with his father for an interview.

Despite the overwhelming interest from other applicants of similar age, he was selected for the position by Jack Ryan.

“He said, ‘we’ve narrowed it down to six applicants – you are one of them, but you are not the best. You’ve come the farthest and if you come to Canberra with me tomorrow morning, you’ve got the job.’

“And that’s how I got the job.”

When he first arrived in Canberra with his new employer, it was straight into the station at Kingston.

“There it was, my first look at a broadcast station,” he said.

“The transmitter and everything all in the one room.

“[Mr Ryan] said, ‘I’m running late’ and flicked some switches on and said: ‘Quiet!’

“I was sitting there, my eyes wide and spell bound. I had never seen anything like this.

“He said, ‘Now this is 2CA Canberra operated by A J Ryan Broadcasters Limited. Operating on a wavelength of 286 metres,’ which we had to do in those days, ‘and apologies for coming on the air late, here now we are crossing to a relay from Adelaide with a summary of today’s Test cricket match.’

“He pressed a button and on came a description of the Test match.”

The young Mr Barlin was told to “learn and learn fast, mate, because on Monday night you’ll be doing this on your own.”

He did learn fast and from 9am he worked in the shop “selling and servicing radio and electrical equipment” and from 1pm to 10pm was in the radio station, working in all aspects of broadcast – as an engineer, technician, programme presenter, serial writer and reader, 13 days a fortnight with

Saturday afternoons mostly free and every Sunday night off.

“Money was very, very scarce, very scarce indeed,” he said.

“People were always looking for work. Running the station wasn’t profitable and the shop wasn’t much better.

“We were in opposition with ‘The Canberra Times’, which was also having a pretty rough time.

“This went on for some years and then we gradually expanded the hours on the air.

“We also undertook the first air radio service in Canberra.”

The station, being the only radio transmitter in the capital, was used as the air traffic control point.

“The interesting offshoot was that anybody who had their radios tuned to 2CA would hear everything we said to the aeroplane,” he said.

Some listeners helped them find planes that had gone off course.

“Jack Ryan was a very brilliant man and at the forefront of developments,” he said.

“And he had built this station himself with his own two hands. And he kept improving it.

“Every public holiday we would do something to experiment with this station to try and improve it.

“It was fascinating because radio

was new, it was mysterious.

“One day we were fiddling with the transmitter and the whole thing caught on fire. And we switched it off and Mr Ryan said to me: ‘George, we’ve just discovered something that someone is going to make a lot of money out of one day.’

“We didn’t know. But that day we made a microwave oven. We didn’t know, we were in broadcasting.”

After taking over the reins as station manager from Jack Ryan during World War II, and making a success of the business after the war, he was soon doing the same for other regional stations across the district.

Over the years, the station has moved to various locations from Kingston to the bigger location at “Radio Hill”, Fyshwick to Mort Street in Civic and various changeovers in owners.

In the 1950s, he was employed to start Canberra’s first television station.

“I thought if Jack Ryan started radio in Canberra and I was his number one boy, then I should be the one to start television,” he said.

“And that’s what I did.”

2CA celebrates 80 years on November 14. George Barlin will co-host 2CA breakfast with Greg “Robbo” Robson on Monday, November 14.

One of 2CA’s first transmitters.

Radio pioneer George Barlin... “It was fascinating because radio was new, it was mysterious.” Photo by Silas Brown

The Kingston front of Jack Ryan’s shop in Kingston.

2CA founder, the late Jack Ryan... “A very brilliant man and at the forefront of developments.”

The 2CA station on Mort Street, Civic.

Analogue man savours

MARK PARTON was born in the ‘ 0s, long before the internet began spreading its web around the world...

E aR lY Generation X-ers like me have been blessed with a grandstand view of the IT revolution; we’re old enough to remember when everything was analogue, but young enough that we’ve been able to embrace the changes.

My big brother was a computer geek before it was ever fashionable. He had a Commodore 64 hooked up from the early ‘80s. I had a company mobile phone from the late ‘80s and entered the world of email midway through the ‘90s.

Now, in 2011, I’m an iPhone-addicted, socialmedia freak. I check emails while I’m out, I track my cycling via a phone app and I’ve posted 11,000 or so tweets to my 2100 followers. But I’m thinking that, maybe, we’re a little too reliant on technology.

If you didn’t have your mobile phone with you, how many often-called numbers could you actually remember? Probably none! You don’t have to remember anymore;

The Fun Police on a serious mission

THE Fun Police, better known as IT specialists Brett Norton and Mark Duggan, have embarked on their esCarpade for Camp Quality.

Now in its 20th year, the seven-day car rally will see the Fun Police with almost 80 other cars, travel from Bendigo, Victoria along the Great Ocean Road to SA then back through the NSW town of Deniliquin to finish in Bright, Victoria.

The route is the same as that used in the first esCarpade in 1992.

This is the second year Brett and Mark have entered their car “Woody”, a 1976 HJ Kingswood, into the event.

“It’s a great cause and a fun event,” Brett says. “It’s something that Mark has wanted to do for many, many years.”

Already, the Fun Police team has raised $31,500 for

Camp Quality – exceeding their $25,000 target.

Although they are unsure of how much money has been raised this year through esCarpade, last year the rally brought in $1.3m for the cause.

Camp Quality aims to improve the quality of life for children living with cancer and their families through

unrelenting optimism and the healing power of laughter. It uses a number of programs for family support, recreation, education and hospital.

“CityNews” and ActewAGL are major sponsors of Woody and the Fun Police. More information at www.campquality. org.au

The “Fun Police” Brett Norton and Mark Duggan with Monique Webster, Erin Webster, cancer survivor Phillip Webster and Chloe Warwick. Photo by Silas Brown

joys of new technology

you don’t have to know how to spell, which way’s north or what the time difference is in Queensland.

And there are some technological quantum leaps that I will never make – I’m never getting a GPS in my car and, although I’ve got an iPod, I’m never going to do my shopping while listening to it.

I hate driving in Sydney, but I revel in the experience of plotting my route in the “UBD” and arriving at my destination without anyone telling me how to get there.

Yes, I’m one of those blokes who hates asking for directions. The GPS challenges my manhood.

I fear that we are creating an entire generation of drivers who are not capable of even driving to the corner shops without a voice telling them when to turn.

As far as the iPod goes, I understand that cities like ours create a social disconnect in day-to-day life, so why would anyone increase that disconnect by cutting off all audio from the outside world while you’re out and about? How is it possible to interact with the outside world when you’re being bombarded inside with sound? Maybe I’m just showing my age.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC.

Drums, dance, bands and candles

THE energetic and dynamic Japanese drumming troupe Wadaiko Rindo is headlining this year’s Canberra Nara Candle Festival.

The annual festival celebrates Canberra’s sister city relationship with the Japanese city Nara with a spectacle of 2000 candles and a range of Japanese cuisine, activities and entertainment.

Entertainers also include Japanese pop group Manpuku Band, high-energy Japanese dance troupe Hokkai Ahondarakai, ACT Senior Concert Band and Narrabundah College dancers.

Martial arts demonstrations, drumming and ikebana workshops, calligraphy, lantern making and Shiatsu massage are just some of the other activities of the free festival at Canberra Nara Peace Park and Lennox Gardens (behind the Hyatt Hotel), Yarralumla, 5pm-9pm, Saturday, October 22.

Parking is available in the Parliamentary Zone, with free shuttle buses to the park.

More information at events.act.gov.au or on 13 22 81.

The Hokkai Ahondarakai high-energy dancers from Sydney... performing at the Nara Candle Festival.

dose of dorin

letters

Stonefest

gone, who’s next?

STONEFEST has been cancelled this year due to lack of ticket sales and I need to express utmost disappointment.

An event that has been running for 40 years has to succumb to lack of ticket sales. The truth is we have turned into a town that had “not much going on” to almost too much – and the fight for the consumer dollar is out of control.

To cancel Stonefest this year must be heartbreaking for the promoter.

Trackside was another original festival lost due to yet another festival, Foreshore, running at the same time. Will Foreshore suffer the same fate? Festivals are on the increase, organised by promoters who look to make a quick buck, rather than looking at best practice for everyone.

The whole concept is spiralling out of control. Eventually, the disposable income will run out and who knows what will happen – who will be on the chopping block then? I watch with interest with the latest round of advertised festivals on the horizon.

B Young, n gunnawal

Our exemplary monarch

HER Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s visit is a renewed opportunity to show our respect for her as a person and monarch.

Both she and her husband, Prince Philip, exhibit exemplary qualities.

Harold Grant, c ampbell

Cyclist going the wrong way!

I’M all for improved cycling infrastructure, but Martin Miller is going completely the wrong way about it (CN, letters, October 13).

Arguing against bike helmets makes about as much sense as arguing against seatbelts and airbags in cars, on the basis there’s no need for them as long as our roads are good.

I have always worn a helmet, not on Martin’s assumption that it will save my life, rather that it may reduce the severity of head injury if I’m involved in an accident. Up until about eight weeks ago, I could have also used Martin’s argument that I haven’t come off my bike since I was a kid, until I was hit by a car on Northbourne Avenue. I wasn’t badly hurt and I didn’t hit my head, yet it still prompted me to upgrade my helmet and has made me all the more wary of cars suddenly turning left on top of me.

Only two weeks earlier a work colleague had a very bad accident while cycling alone and her helmet undoubtedly saved her from a long stint in hospital or worse.

To be honest, the law on bike helmets is irrelevant to me; I’ll keep wearing mine because I value my head.

James strang, Giralang

Helmets aren’t optional

ANYONE reading Martin Miller’s letter “Cycle Helmets just an excuse” (CN, October 13) may come to the conclusion that helmets are an optional accessory when riding your bike.

Of course they are not and as a cyclist, a motorcycle rider (that other maligned road user) and a car driver myself I will not sit here and write rhetoric about the pros and cons of using a helmet.

The simple fact is this – wearing a helmet is compulsory under Australian law. To not wear a helmet as if it is a political statement against insufficient funding for infrastructure borders on idiotic.

Does Mr Miller not wear a seatbelt because he has never been in a car accident? Does he drink 13 beers and then drive home because he has never been breathalysed? Does he park his car on the curb at the shopping centre because all the other spots are full?

No, I don’t imagine that he does.

As a child, I plainly remember my parents insisting that I was to wear a helmet at all times. I would ride around Farrer as a seven-year-old in fear that if I dared take my helmet off (as some others kids did) that my father would jump out from behind a tree and catch me. Peer pressure never affected or changed my personal choice to wear that helmet – and I hold the same beliefs and values dear today. I hope that my children do the same.

a ndrew Barber, via email

So what’s wrong with Nauru?

PARTY politics aside, I cannot see any good reason why Nauru cannot be settled upon as a place of reception for asylum-seekers.

In my layman’s view, the High Court decision appeared concerned primarily with any third country proposed for processing having acceptable domestic and international obligations and commitments which, under law, are appropriate to the refugee situation. It was on these grounds that it scuttled the Malaysia solution, a country which in the court’s opinion is bereft of the required commitments and obligations.

No reason has been given by the Federal Government for rejecting Nauru, which is a signatory to the UN refugee convention, and satisfies domestic obligations. Surely, it can no longer be a question of High Court testing of Nauru – because the Government has removed that stumbling block by inserting “national interest” in the Migration Act amendments. If there is a hidden agenda, would somebody in the know please become a whistleblower to maintain this nation’s international integrity?

colliss Parrett, Barton

Kabir’s designs on love in Afghanistan

By arts editor Helen Musa

UNEXPECTED news arrived this week from Canberra artist Kabir Mokamel, who surprised his friends and colleagues in December when he relocated to the land of his birth, Afghanistan, to take a job with a Kabul graphic design firm.

After some months, Mokamel has broken his silence to send us a series of photos showing large billboards, a project demonstrating his positive take on the future of Afghanistan, a future of love not hate.

The huge billboards juxtapose images of war with images of peace. A young boy in a droughtstricken landscape carries buckets of hearts, not water. A single heart interrupts a line of grenades. A rifle is poised, but a butterfly rests on the end of it. The map of Afghanistan is treated with a Band-Aid – a touch of Mokamel’s characteristic irony there.

“They are having a good effect,” he told me, adding to my surprise, “it is nice working here. I will be staying here for some time.”

For several years before leaving, Mokamel was a graphic designer at the ANU, a well-known figure in the arts community, and the designer of the award certificates for the Canberra Critics Circle.

After fleeing Afghanistan in 1990 and spending some time in Germany, Mokamel came to Australia in 1995 and trained in art at the Seaforth Technical College in Sydney, moving in 1997 to the ACT, where he has family, and training as a graphic designer at the University of Canberra.

He has held many exhibitions over the years, when his large paintings, mostly surreal, were also filled with biting commentary on events in Afghanistan, particularly during the Taliban era, though not exclusively so, as in one of his works, “Ground Zero”, he paints what he calls “the fiery tree of hatred” and its silent victims.

Among the more shocking paintings seen in Canberra was his triptych “The Penalty Call Me Line,” Mokamel’s comment on the chilling image smuggled out of Afghanistan of the woman executed in front of thousands of spectators at the Kabul Soccer Stadium.

Former Canberra artist Kabir Mokamel’s graphic billboards in Kabul.

Pester power of the pom-pom passion

I KNOW not being into sport borders on being un-Australian, but that’s me.

I’m not a sports enthusiast; neither is my other half. Both of us have about as much interest in sport as a fish might have watching sushi preparation.

Although it may not be our thing, we do everything we can to encourage our sport and dance-mad 5½-year-old daughter and, between the two of our children, we dutifully go off to weekly swimming, ballet, trampolining, acrobatics and gymnastics.

I have to admit, when she announced she wanted to take up cheer leading, I didn’t exactly rush out to buy pom poms.

I waited, hopeful that within a week she might forget the idea and move on to something else.

But she nagged, she begged, she bargained.

She tried to teach herself. She constructed her own pom poms from tissues and sticky tape and would leap at me off the top of the couch, sometimes landing on the back of her Nintendoplaying brother and causing massive family chaos.

She did the splits constantly in shopping centres for the entertainment of passers-by and practised cartwheels and various cheers about how wonderful cheer leading would be if only her mum would let her go.

I have to admit to a few negative preconceptions about cheer leading. I was nervous enough

mum in the city

sonya Fladun

about ballet after a girl I knew growing up went way too far down the eating-disorder path in pursuit of her ballet dream.

And I was inclined to view cheer-leading stereotypes fairly negatively as scantily dressed young girls put out on the footy field for a bit of titillation during half-time. But my daughter is nothing if not persistent and got her way.

Of course, the reality proved quite different from what I had imagined.

Cheer leading, which is increasing recognised in Australia as a competitive sport in its own right, actually combines a number of my daughter’s favourite activities such as dance, gymnastics and acrobatic skills. Even for five-year-olds practice sessions are a serious business, with talented young things working their pom poms off to perform really clever routines. And they just love it. It’s a huge amount of fun.

I guess it’s like anything else in life, it’s all about a bit of balance which is why, when my daughter announced she wished from now on to be known as “Sparkles”, I did a bit of a double take. That is until she added, with her mischievous grin, that her real secret name would always remain “Doctor Evil”. Now it has to be wrong doesn’t it, that I felt a sense of relief about that?

Give people what they want

THE housing mix is wrong and the property industry is failing to provide the types of housing that people really want, according to a survey by the Grattan Institute.

“Housing matters,” the report says. “Building enough of the right housing not only provides for our individual choices, but also sets the structure of our cities, which, in turn, can affect issues such as the time we spend commuting (and in congestion), the cost of infrastructure, even the continued concentration of economic and social vulnerability at the fringes of our cities.”

The institute surveyed more than 700 Sydney and Melbourne residents and asked them what sorts of homes they wanted.

They wanted the suburban house and garden far less than planners assume. In fact, both cities showed shortages, caused by demand outstripping supply, of apartments and town houses. Were such a survey to be conducted in Canberra, I think the results could be very similar.

People factor real circumstances, such as housing prices and income into their decisions, which indicates a need for a larger range and

variety of housing types than they are currently being offered.

And in the ACT, whenever urban apartment developments are mooted, many people vote with their feet and their bank accounts to get on the developer’s list, even before the apartments are completed.

It seems that the effect on the people who want these homes (and on those of us who have to pay for the infrastructure blowouts and shortfalls as a result of an unbalanced housing solution) should be enough to encourage planners to ask the people what they want and then remove the barriers to providing it, including punitive taxes, fees and charges.

As the survey reported: “We should not be afraid to shape our cities: otherwise we risk them shaping us.”

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

Canberra Airport office precincts

WORK PLAY SHOP MEET

Work in the best office space in Canberra

THE best office spaces in Canberra are at Canberra Airport’s office precincts, says commercial leasing manager Alex Smith.

“We are trying to create a workplace of choice,” Alex says.

“If people find it aesthetically pleasing and it’s easy to find a car park, pay your bills, it’s easy to go out and buy a paper, get your car serviced and washed – all those things that people need to do on a day-to-day basis – then it becomes a workplace of choice.”

Award-winning architecture, openplan offices that bring the outside in and maximise natural light as well as a raft of environmental credentials all add to the appeal of Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn.

“It’s important that people enjoy coming to work everyday. It creates a peaceful, relaxing work environment and research shows us that the work environment does have an impact on productivity,” Alex says.

The office precinct has grown rapidly since the first building went up at Brindabella Business Park almost 11 years ago.

“We are the second-largest A-grade office precinct in Canberra now, next to Civic, with over 200,000sqm of A-grade office space.

“To become the second-largest office precinct in Canberra within 10 years is evidence in itself that its attractive to

a significant number of businesses and people,” he says.

Brindabella Business Park is a high-tech, quality, campus-style commercial office development, constructed using leading techniques and sustainable building practices. It has been described as Australia’s greenest business centre incorporating a number of landmark sustainable buildings, achieving a number of environmental “firsts”and receiving a number of environmental achievement awards.

Brindabella Business Park was the first development in Australia to use recycled concrete and steel on a commercial scale, resulting in buildings that use less embodied energy and more recycled materials. It was also the first office space in Canberra to have waterless urinals and commercial property water recycling plants.

“We try to design all our landscaping so the water stays on site and we don’t waste a lot of water. We use storm water, waste water and recycled water for all our irrigation so there is a very low demand on town water,” Alex says.

According to Alex, due to the large

number of office buildings available for lease, there is plenty of flexibility for tenants.

“With the quantum of space we have, we are able to offer tenants the ability to trade their lease in for a larger space during their lease term. We are saying to people, if you are part way through your lease and you need more space and you want to move somewhere else on the airport, then that’s no problem,” Alex says.

“It’s all about helping other businesses grow their business and being flexible.”

Working at the airport is convenient with Action bus services to all precincts and free visitor parking at every building.

“We always make sure we’ve got plenty of parking for everyone, which is a big thing compared to Civic or Barton where parking is already bad and it’s going to get worse and worse.”

Alex says that making Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn workplaces of choice is a priority.

“It’s created its own brand now, working at the airport and it’s very attractive to a lot of tenants.”

Award-winning architecture

BRINDABELLA Business Park is designed with distinctive architecture, landscaping and amenities all melded into a highquality environment that attracts tenants and their staff.

Architect Alastair Swayn says the park is unique in its development as all buildings, landscape and parking are developed, constructed and maintained by a single company, Capital Airport Group.

“This results in an extremely high level of amenity and quality of environment that cannot be achieved by other business parks, where buildings are developed and maintained separately,” he says.

Canberra Airport commercial leasing manager, Alex Smith says there is a distinct design intent with Brindabella Business Park.

“There is a central spine that you walk down and from that you have the cafes and sporting fields and access to all the buildings,” Alex says.

The architectural, landscaping and civil engineering components have all been fully integrated during design and construction.

Gordon loves the work environment

NETi ER IT consultant Gordon Hayes has worked at Brindabella Business Park for five years and loves the work environment.

“It’s got easy parking, good cafes and very new buildings, it’s a nice workspace,” Gordon says.

“We always try to get outside at lunch time – the whole team can go

out and sit under the trees or enjoy the barbecue areas. It really changes the experience at work because it allows you to switch off and refresh.”

Gordon says he enjoys working in the modern buildings.

“Buildings with high ceilings and lots of natural light make a big difference to the work experience.”

Canberra Airport office precincts

WORK PLAY SHOP MEET

Hubs of fun in beautiful spaces

Spring markets

BRINDABELLA Business Park will be a hub of activity on Thursday, October 27, when it hosts the Brindabella Spring Markets.

With stallholders from the popular Old Bus Depot Markets and Handmade Markets, live music and food stalls, the markets are growing in popularity.

Canberra Airport manager, commercial marketing Melissa Evans says there will be more than 20 stalls.

“This will be the fourth market day we’ve had and they get bigger and better each time,” Melissa says.

“There will be everything from jewellery and children’s clothing to hand-made chocolates, gourmet condiments and gelato with a charity sausage sizzle as well.

“My favourite stall is definitely Lindsay and Edmunds Chocolates – they make amazing organic chocolates.”

Melissa says the markets are all part of the village feel at Brindabella Business Park.

“It’s about bringing everyone outside. It’s a good time of year, it’s getting warmer and it’s about getting everyone out of the office buildings to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful spaces that we have here.”

The markets are not just for people

who work at Brindabella Business Park.

“I think it will attract people from outside of Brindabella and hopefully family and friends of people who work here will come out and enjoy the day, too,” Melissa says.

The markets will feature music from Tuchasoul, food stalls and a charity barbecue. Stalls will include jewellery, children’s clothing and accessories, original art, ceramics, mosaics, locally organic hand-made chocolates, gourmet condiments, puddings, cakes, gelato and creative headwear, just in time for the Melbourne Cup.

Brindabella Spring Markets, Thursday, October 27, 11am-2pm at, Brindabella Business Park Town Square.

Good health in mind

R ICHARD Snow, manager, business development Majura Park, says it is important for Canberra Airport precincts to have recreational spaces.

“Health is everyone’s number one priority, and the airport recognises the importance of building a work-life balance,” Richard says.

And there is plenty of room to stretch your legs in Majura Park. Park employees can take in the scenery of the runway, enjoy landscaped gardens beginning to take shape or take a rest on the large grassed areas.

Majura Park has been designed with

employees in mind and will continue to develop into a park that helps to minimise the stresses and pressures of work.

The Majura Park Recreation Centre is now open and includes new tenants King Swim and Eccentric Health and Fitness.

The King Swim facility has a fourlane, 25-metre lap swimming pool as well as two dedicated learn-to-swim pools.

The facility brings together the latest aquatic technology incorporating a perimeter wet deck and balance tanks as well as highly efficient filtration.

King Swim offer a full range of services including lap swimming, Aquasize, Aqua Aerobics, rehabilitation, and learn-to-swim classes for children and adults.

“Tenants of Majura Park will benefit from having this facility a short stroll from their workplace and can enjoy lap swimming before work, at lunch time or after work,” Richard says.

Eccentric Health and Fitness have opened their new crossfit style gym, offering group classes and personal training sessions.

Majura Park also has a multi-purpose sporting field with permanent soccer

nets. Located close by is a dedicated volleyball area, kickabout ovals and barbecue facilities.

Special rewards

EXCLUSIVELY for tenants across all the airport precincts, the Airport Rewards Program includes more than 55 special offers that can be used locally and interstate.

Members can access special deals across a range of businesses including cafes and restaurants, leisure activities, retail and services, entertainment and getaway deals.

Members will also receive regular emails with general airport news, one-off specials, exclusive competitions and invitations to events.

Fun at Fairbairn

FAIRBAIRN is the third commercial precinct at Canberra Airport, encompassing a massive area of more than 90 hectares. Fairbairn is an innovative commercial precinct set in an established urban landscape and is already home to some of Canberra’s most significant private and government organisations.

Fairbairn provides its tenants with a wide range of services and facilities

including car parking, public transport, cafes, a functions centre plus many sport and recreation facilities including an 18-hole golf course, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, barbecue facilities and plenty of space for a lunch-time walk or jog.

Brindabella work out

EccENTR ic Health and Fitness is a boutique fitness centre offering all the services of a modern health club. Facilities include the full range of commercial-grade cardio equipment, modern, spacious showers and change rooms, two full-size tennis courts and golf-driving nets all beautifully surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. Located in the heart of Brindabella is a multi-purpose sporting field with permanent soccer nets and dedicated volleyball and bocce areas. With a barbecue area close by and a smaller kickabout oval, there are some ideal spots for casual lunch-time play.

Brindabella Markets… getting bigger every time.

Eccentric Health and Fitness… all the services of a modern health club.

The new King Swim facility’s 25-metre lap swimming pool.

WORK PLAY SHOP MEET

Top of the chocs

li NDsaY and Edmunds has been producing organic hand-made chocolates for three years from its kitchen at Fairbairn.

Owner Peter Edmunds says his business has recently expanded to include a shopfront, which allows him to sell direct to the public from the kitchen.

“People can see us producing all our chocolates here,” Peter says.

The former chef created Lindsay and Edmunds thanks to his passion for the superior taste and environmental benefit of quality organic food, combined with his love of the French chocolatier.

“We started selling at the Capital Region Farmers Market and the business really just took off from there,” he says.

Peter says Fairbairn is the perfect place for the Lindsay and Edmunds headquarters and, as a certified organic food producer, it’s good to be isolated from other food businesses but it’s also a great environment.

“It is such a nice place to work. Where else would you have kangaroos hopping at your back door, while being just 10 minutes away from Civic.

“It’s a great place for running and walking because it is so nicely landscaped. There are great amenities here too with the great barbecue facilities and lovely trees.”

Peter says many employees in the airport precinct have discovered Lindsay and Edmunds’ new kitchen outlet.

“Anyone can come and enjoy a single origin Fairtrade coffee or hot chocolate, while watching us create our delicious chocolates in our open kitchen. We serve seven different varieties of hot chocolate.” Lindsay and Edmunds is at 20 Amberley Avenue Fairbairn.

Convenience and choice on the doorstep

THE rapidly growing airport precinct is home to some of Canberra’s most-loved stores and there are plenty more to come next year.

The success of Canberra’s most-talkedabout shopping experience, Costco has surprised Tori Murray, manager, business development Majura Park.

“The success of Costco has exceeded all expectations,” Richard says.

Tori says Costco brings a new style of bulkbuy shopping to Canberra and the region.

“Working on a two-hour drive time, Costco not only attracts people from all over Canberra, but around the region as far Wagga Wagga, Young, Goulburn and the south coast.”

In Easter, Majura Park Shopping Centre will open adjacent to Costco.

Majura Park Shopping Centre will be anchored by the largest Woolworths’ supermarket in Canberra, BIG W – including Canberra’s only BIG W Vision, Dick Smith, Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, plus specialty stores including a new 256-seat food court with enclosed kids’ play area.

The new Majura Park Shopping Centre will be designed to be the hub of Majura Park activity and provide a central meeting place

for customers and precinct office workers.

“Workers in the area will experience a wider variety of shopping and eating options, while being located on the door step of some of the biggest retailers in the world,”

Tori says.

Majura Park is also home to existing retailers Trade Secret, Chemist Outlet, Jim Murphy Airport

Cellars, McDonald’s and Woolworths Petrol.

Similar to the Airport’s other precincts, Majura Park also has a variety of facilities and services to help make it a true workplace of choice. These include childcare facilities, cafes, an abundance of parking, sports and recreational facilities, public transport, conference and meeting facilities.

Canberra Airport office precincts

WORK PLAY SHOP MEET

The right place to enjoy a meeting

PRIVATE and public sector organisations can access some top-rate conference facilities at all three office precincts –Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn, says Canberra Airport manager, commercial leasing Alex Smith.

Dining options for every taste

WITH an array of choices for dining and socialising within Canberra Airport’s office precincts, there is something to suit any taste.

Brindabella Business Park is home to Bread and Butter – a table service, 100-seat restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for those beautiful, sunny Canberra afternoons.

A popular meeting spot at 2 Brindabella Circuit is the Breakout Cafe, which has indoor seating for 75 people and is a great spot for a hot or cold lunch or just a quick coffee.

Located in the park’s Town Square, Cafe Avion is the largest of the eating establishments, it’s fully licensed with indoor and outdoor seating for 250 people.

Dakota Café and Bar has indoor and outdoor seating for 150 people and is fully licensed with a wide range of beer, wine and spirits from which to choose from. The pizzas are popular for dine in or takeaway.

Fat Goanna is good for a special lunch. It also offers gourmet takeaway treats including wraps, salads and delicious house made cakes and biscuits. Fat Goanna has indoor and outdoor seating for 150-200 people and is fully licensed.

Subway is situated in the Caltex Service Station on Terminal Circuit and caters for both eat-in or take-away meals.

Outside of Brindabella Business Park, new addition, Checkerplate Café and Catering, offers office workers a place to relax and catch up with friends, family and colleagues.

Located on the ground floor of 5 Lancaster Place and operated by chef John Neveceral, Checkerplate Café & Catering offers diners highquality, eat-in and takeaway meals options as well

There are 10 conference rooms and two audiovisual theatres, which provide added value for tenants.

“Facilities like the audiovisual theatres are not something that can be cost effectively put into every tenancy so having a shared facility means everyone can have access to it,” Alex says.

With full catering, ample parking and competitive prices, and the convenience of being next to the airport means it’s not just tenants who use the conference facilities.

“We have a lot of external users that come in as well,” Alex says.

Across the three precincts there are more than 1200sqm of conference and meeting space. These conference facilities are designed for strategic planning sessions, annual general meetings, business seminars, conferences, board meetings, training sessions, product launches and media conferences.

For information about conferences phone 6275 2285.

as delicious warm and cool beverages.

In the history filled Fairbairn precinct, Lyn’s Café offers indoor and outdoor seating for 60 people. Satisfy a grumbling tummy with one of Lyn’s many dine-in and takeaway options for breakfast and lunch.

Located in Majura Park, is McDonalds with dual drive through, free wifi, a McCafe, kids’ Playland, birthday party facilities and is open 24 hours a day.

Wheels are spinning for motorcycle safety week

MOTORCYCLISTS from all over the ACT and region will gather in Garema Place at 11am on Saturday, October 22, for the launch of the ACT’s Motorcycle Awareness Week.

The launch, by Senator Kate Lundy, will be preceded by a “Ride for Remembrance”, with riders starting from Old Parliament House at 10am. Organised by motorcyclists for motorcyclists, over the last three years the ACT Motorcycle Riders Association has taken the initiative and lead in organising the week, which aims to focus the attention of the Canberra (and surrounds) community on awareness of motorcycle riders.

The Garema Place event will also see the launch of the “Where’s Joe Rider” competition. Riders wearing vests with the word “JOE” on the back will ride all week.

Road users are invited to watch out for JOE and if you see him, email to joerider@internode. on.net with your name, contact details and where you spotted Joe. You will then be in with a chance to win the prize of a hot-air balloon ride.

The organising committee says that the Motorcycle Awareness Week is a good time to remind other road users that they share the road.

“Motorcycles and scooters are easy to park and easy on fuel and space, but they can be easy to miss if you are just looking for bigger vehicles, so we take this opportunity to remind all road users to watch out for motorcycles and scooters,” the committee says.

As well as Joe Rider, the week will feature several other awareness events to help remind motorcyclists and drivers to look out for each other.

A talk by Liz de Rome at the Hellenic Club

Voice for riders

•

The MRA ACT represents riders irrespective of gender, age, club affiliation, or type of powered two-wheeled vehicle they ride, by: raising the profile of motorcycling in the broader community; actively pursuing equal rights to the use of the roads and regions of the ACT; improving road safety for riders, but not at the expense of undermining a rider’s right to choose; and engendering motorcycling as a safe, efficient and greener alternative form of sustainable transport.

in the City, Moore Street, Civic, at 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 25, will look at the findings of the “Gear Study”, which was conducted in Canberra.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear protective clothing, but little is known about its effectiveness in crashes and Liz will present her research results. Everyone is welcome – please RSVP to committee@mraact.org.au

There will be a “Ride To Work Day” breakfast on Friday, October 28, from 7.30 on East Lawn, King George Terrace, opposite Questacon. The breakfast will be catered by the Vietnam Vets Federation.

The week culminates with “Bike Fest 11” at Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, from 10am on October 30.

This is a community event and for the cost of a gold-coin donation, there will be entertainment for the whole family, including:

A show ’n’ shine open to all bikes with many categories;

Trials ACT – demonstrating the superior control skills of trials riding;

Motorcycle and scooter dealers and trade stalls;

Many of the ACT’s clubs will have displays; Music, food, coffee, and soft drinks (no alcohol); and

Drawing of the winner of the Joe Rider competition.

More information at www.mraact.org.au or email committee@mraact.org.au

Canberra Confidential With Lisa Ridgley

Taboo won’t silence Jean

cOMEDia N and writer Jean Kittson will appear at the National Press Club on October 26.

But the appearance could be, for some, a little confronting.

Kittson has recently taken on the role of “Ambassador for Menopause” and she’s about to tackle the typically taboo subject in the best way she knows how – with humour and honesty.

But, it seems, women aren’t the only ones booking tables for this one-off event; “CC” hears that Canberra businessmen Garry Sykes, CEO of Capitol Chilled Foods; Mark Ridgway, of AusAccess, and Brian Evans, of Dataflex are hosting tables at the luncheon and encouraging other men, and women, to attend.

“Why would I be embarrassed or think it is odd to be at the lunch? I am married to a woman, I work with women, have female mates… I will be

there with a big sign on the table!” says one. Nice one, guys!

Book online www.npc.org.au

Shoe store gets red carpet

la Di Es who love their shoes will love Gertrude. Previously known as Furla, the newly-branded boutique has just opened its doors in Manuka.

Store’s creator and owner Maree Peatey was celebrating with staff and invited guests at the official red-carpet launch recently.

Maree’s close friend and store manager Kerry Andrew says the pair just got back from Europe where they had the tough job of hand-picking the latest Italian-made leather shoes and handbags.

“We wanted to bring back Europe! It’s so nice to walk into a store and feel like it’s an escape… step into Gertrude and you could be in Paris or Italy,” says Kerry.

Gertrude’s unique features include an ornate, antique spiral staircase laden with the latest ladies shoes, and a larger-than-life abstract painting by local artist Kym Kennedy situated above the fireplace.

“Confidential” hears that Maree’s former Furla clientele include Marlena Jeffery, wife of the former Governor-General, Kevin Rudd’s wife Therese Rein and former Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja.

Bidder wins winning charm

THE Tiffany solitaire diamond ring worn by Australian sporting superstar Cathy Freeman when she won the 400m in the 2002 Sydney Olympics, was up for auction on allbids.com.au

With a replacement value of more than $24,000, “Confidential” can confirm that one lucky bidder, after some last-minute, spirited bidding,

snapped up the flawless, platinum, Lucida cut, 1.14carat, diamond ring for about $7000 from the Canberra-based online auction.

The Freeman Tiffany ring is just one of the pieces on the site’s Hansen Collection worth around $120,000!

Freeman first sold her ring to raise money for her foundation, which supports indigenous children on Palm Island. She has described it as her “most sentimental” piece of jewellery.

View the collection www.allbids.com.au.

Cabbie dumps woman in dark

a GROUP of young women want to thank a cab driver for dumping their girlfriend on a deserted road after a night out in Canberra recently.

“Confidential” has been told the women had been catching up at Suburban, Dickson, for a few drinks after an all-day netball comp when one of them started to feel unwell and decided to head home.

The woman directed the cab driver off the Federal Highway and on to Horse Park Drive when she thought she might be sick.

Apparently, the driver pulled the car over in an attempt to avoid an accident, but they didn’t quite make it. He then demanded she immediately pay an on-the-spot, cash cleaning fee. She did and he

then ordered her out of the taxi and drove off.

“It was lucky I was driving along that road an hour later and saw my friend wandering along… anything could have happened to her, she’s a young woman and it was pitch-black,” a friend told “Confidential”.

There are two sides to every story, but something doesn’t seem right about this one.

Stars shine around town

ac TOR s John Wood and Rhys Muldoon, in town to appear in “Waiting for Robbo”, a short film for TransACT, have been spotted out and about with the film’s director Simon Weaving, publicist Coralie Wood and Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke.

The group was seen dining at La Dolce Vita, Kingston, where the bugs seemed to be the favourite.

Gold Logie award-winning actor Wood is probably best known for his role as Tom Croydon in “Blue Heelers”, while Muldoon has worked extensively in television, film and theatre.

Apparently, Minister Bourke is a long-term close friend of Muldoon’s. Weaving is also the artistic director for the 15th Canberra International Film Festival, October 26-November 6.

Pooch gets pampered

aND a Canberra personality has been spotted at Waves Carwash in Braddon.

But “Confidential’s” heard it wasn’t his luxury vehicle getting the once over, it was his dog!

The identity, who we can’t name, was seen with his furry friend in the do-it-yourself dog wash. Apparently, both the owner and pooch seemed to be enjoying the bonding session.

Jean Kittson... a voice for menopause.

Cathy Freeman... sentimental ring for sale.

At the Peninsula Bar launch at the National Museum of Australia, Acton

Grace Costa, Deanne Newell, Tracy Styles, Amy Stewart, Katie Whitting and Linda Walsh Ellen Way and Sean Buttrose Alesha Burke, Ian Meagher and Sarah McJannett

Richard and Melinda Kibukamusoke with Paul McKay and Neil Verney Andrew Lawrence, Oliver Stefanchuk and Sam Croser

Patrick Rayward, Andrea Taylor and Caitlain Lander Joan Mayhew, Andrew Sayers and Kristina Jarnjevic

Lauren Heys, Mark Riddle, Latoya Wedlake and Louis Mattic

Bambang and Rini Pramushinto

Anne Radiman and Ariane Utomo

Melia Baskorowati, Rika Hayes, Ray and Jolanda Webber, Clara Sitanggang and Maureen Winata

Brad Armstrong and Shinta Benilda

Amanda Mitcher, Indonesian ambassador Primo Alui Julianto and Andalusia Duii Meita Gosal and Ariyanti Cooper

Maree Peatey and Kerry Andrew Ivan Tasic with Eliza and Erika Patrick and Carla Seymour

Nicola Domazet and Nicole Dimoff Deanne and Olana Andrew Danielle Neale, Lizzy Wagner and Lisa Ridgley

Lois Clifford, Julie Dobinson and Lisa Stone

Baby Josie and mum Claire Heffernan Gosia and Aretta Grebowski

Petra Wiesner, Zoe Nerdal and Lauren Rowell

Rebeca Gonzalez, Patricia Torres, Jackie Fry and Tracy Johnson

Jessica Seebach and Deb Thomas Jill Harrap and Daniel Connell

Angela McCrea and Lincoln Sudholz Naomi Cole and Rob Morris

Kim Whitely and Trevor Hobbs Selina Briody and Ricka Bolton

Adam Carberry and Tracy Murray

Alina Molchanova, Natasha Townsend and Julie Collins Chamber CEO Chris Peters and Janine Yokom

Yvonne Learmonth, Katherine Meagher, Jackie Baxter, Amanda Bisa and Julia Knapp

Louise De Busch, Hala Batainah, Lorraine Stevens and Jo Powell

Justin Bisa, Lucy Rugala, Maree Shinnick and Yvette Rugala

Lesley Richards, Jess Izod and Sandra Michie

Peter Collins, Sarwat Meqbool and Janice Beazley Opposition Leader Zed Seselja with wife Ros

Merinda Nash with MLA Jeremy Hanson and wife Fleur

Greg Cornwell, MLA Alistair Coe and Michael Wellsmore Dr Kay Patterson and Senator Gary Humphries

Tom and Helen Watson with Amelia McManus

Katrina and James Milligan with NZ high commissioner Martyn Dunne and wife Jenny

Tamara Candy and Taras Kontek

all about the arts

Miller’s tale of memory games

By arts editor Helen Musa DIRECTOR Chenoeh

Miller says she never grew out of doing lounge-room dance routines.

Educated in Canberra, she spent her childhood making up little plays, usually playing the lead character.

Now as an adult, she’s just written a play, but this is one she’s not in.

In “Cordelia”, Miller tells the story of Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” through the eyes of the shadowy King of France, seen briefly in Shakespeare as the man who marries Lear’s youngest daughter Cordelia when she is thrown out for refusing to play her father’s childish game of “tell me how you love me”. France will be played by Canberra’s Adam Hadley as the filter through whom everything is seen. He’s shown hosting a dinner party and tells the story in a way that involves memory games, making “Cordelia” a prequel to “King Lear”.

Created by Miller and produced by Dave Sleswick, from Brisbane, it is co-devised and performed by Rowan Davie and Janine Watson from Melbourne and Erica Field (as Goneril), Noa Rotem (who plays Cordelia) and Peta Ward from Brisbane.

Trained in theatre-making at the University of Western Sydney, Miller founded “Theatre of Love”, worked with the innovative physical theatre companies Version 1.0 and Zen Zen Zo, and set up Little Dove Theatre. Her name “Chenoeh” is American-Indian for “Little Dove.”

Miller’s Japanese Butoh-inspired work “Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall” was seen at the Multicultural Fringe in Canberra and the Edinburgh

Fringe in 2007. In Scotland, it enjoyed a sell-out, three-week season and won the “Scotland on Sunday” Best Direction Award. In Edinburgh, she met the lighting designer Hartley Kemp who, now in Australia, will light “Cordelia”.

“It was the perfect Edinburgh experience,” Miller says.

She’d read “King Lear” at age 15 and it was her favourite – “I’d always wanted to rework ‘Lear’.”

So she did, assisted by The Street Theatre’s dramaturg Peter Matheson, who encouraged her to “make it as long as you like”. After a preparatory workshop last year involving writers Joe Woodward as Lear and Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak, a former jazz singer, as his Queen, she further developed it in a Hothouse Theatre “A Month in the Country” residency in Albury, where she halved the script.

By now Woodward wasn’t

available, so she wrote Lear out, focusing on the disturbingly honest Cordelia. She also wrote out Gloucester, poor Tom and the Fool, but added in “moving and heartfelt” monologues for the commonly reviled sisters, Goneril and Regan. Miller is adamant that “this is a texty play”, but swears she hasn’t looked at the Shakespeare since starting her version.

The set is “very minimal” and the period-inspired costumes by Imogen Keen will have an ‘80s twist, with billowing skirts and fluoro linings.

The music comes from ‘80s pop bands such as Split Enz, and the classically trained choreographer Cristina DeMello will be busy countering the earthbound movements of the Japanesetrained players.

With Robyn Nevin playing Queen Lear for the Melbourne

Theatre Company’s Shakespeare next year, “Cordelia” could well be timely, and Miller is pleased to learn that Bell Shakespeare’s Peter Evans will be keeping an eye on it.

“Cordelia”, The Street Theatre, November 3-5. Bookings to 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au

Why Josh Thomas makes failure funny

By Helen Musa cOMEDia N Josh Thomas

says his show is dauntingly called “Everything Ever”.

What exactly is “everything”?

In Thomas’ case, he says, he just stands up on stage and talks about everything that’s ever happened to him.

“It’s about my life, how dull it is, embarrassing stories, making bad choices – it all comes very naturally to me,” he says.

And when you have been doing boring things for as long as Thomas has – a whole 24 years – there are plenty of humiliations and break-ups to provide grist to the comic mill.

For instance, when at school in Queensland, Thomas was “really fat”. Even now that he knows how to dress to his 183cm height, he describes himself as “very marsh-mallowy, very soft”. He was definitely not a footballer.

As well as humiliations, Thomas has had glowing triumphs as a star of the television show “Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation”, “GQ” magazine’s Comedian of the Year in 2010 and a Logies’ nominee for Most Popular New Male Talent 2010. As a schoolboy aged 17, before he came out as gay, Thomas was the youngest-ever winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy Competition. He fills big theatres, including our own Canberra Theatre, wherever he goes.

He’s made the finals of “So You Think You’re Funny” in Edinburgh, appeared at Smithwick’s Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland, and the Geel Comedy Festival in Belgium, and curated the Brisbane Comedy Festival twice. He’s played at Sydney Opera House, toured NZ and performed at least three times in Canberra, where his sister lives.

Thomas, who speaks more like an Irishman than a Queenslander, is careful to say ridiculously flattering things about the ACT, his second-favourite place to Melbourne, where he now lives.

In all, it is obvious that Thomas has been having fun being boring all around the globe. He’s been doing stand-up comedy as long as he can remember and no, he’s not thinking of making a movie, because he probably wouldn’t be any good at it. Comedy is his metier – “what else can I do?”

Josh Thomas is at Canberra Theatre, 7.30pm, October 29. Bookings to www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

Wendy Johnson

Josh Thomas.

Noa Rotem in the title role of Cordelia.

Erica Field who plays Goneril.

Director Chenoeh Miller... “It was the perfect Edinburgh experience.”

When love tests the Mormons

“TABLOID” (M)

i N “Tabloid”, documentarist Errol Morris lets the people involved tell what British print media in the 1970s called the “Kidnapped Mormon Story”, a cheque-book journalism jumble of fantasy, reality, love, despair and exploitation.

Joyce McKinney, a pretty, bosomy, mid-western blonde, wanted marriage and a family. But the young man she fell in love with had Mormon parents who opposed the relationship.

So the Mormons sent him to Britain. Joyce raised money to follow him by advertising her availability to provide erotic delights. When the pair fled to a Devon cottage, the Mormon hierarchy called Scotland Yard. A war to tell the juicy story erupted between two of the raciest tabloid papers.

In 2009, Joyce, a chubby ditz with guts and persuasive flair, tells her story seriously. We watch and listen, oscillating between belief and derision. The Mormons do not come off well. Verification of

cinema

Dougal Macdonald

Joyce’s tale is no longer possible. She says her records were stolen. When one of the papers changed proprietors, the file containing the soft-porn pictures and cuttings about her adventures in the skin trade somehow got lost. Errol Morris tells it as he found it. Taking a side would serve no useful purpose. I laughed frequently. The film’s underlying question is, why has Joyce spent four decades celibate and alone instead of accepting reality and getting a life with another partner? The coda about cloning her dog says more between the lines than on the screen.

At Greater Union

“WHAT’S YOuR NuMBER?” (M)

NONE of the husband candidates Allie (Anna Faris) has bed-tested have matched her selection criteria. A magazine article suggests that the magic maximum is 20. Her score is 19. So if the next guy she goes with all the way isn’t Mr Right, the rest of her life is going to be unspeakably awful. What’s more, her younger sister Daisy (Ari Graynor) is about to marry, which only rubs salt into Allie’s emotional wounds.

When Allie’s firm downsizes, she’s the only one let go. She asks Colin (Chris Evans), the good-looking guy in the apartment across the hall, to apply his investigative skills to tracking down the 19 so she can review the known field.

The only others watching Mark Mylod’s rom-com were four late-teens chicks, a statistically-insignificant sample of the film’s target audience. Their responses to my enquiry matched my assessment – predictable, a bit juvenile, pretty and unconvincing.

At Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight

“THE

CuP” (PG)

i N 2002, Damien Oliver rode the Irishtrained Media Puzzle to Melbourne Cup victory. Next day, he attended the funeral of his beloved older brother Jason (Daniel McPherson), killed when his horse fell in barrier trials five days earlier.

Those events make a very agreeable film that doesn’t care whether you are a horse-racing fan or not. Stephen Curry is impressive as Damien. Brendan Gleeson is unstretched playing Irish trainer Dermot Weld. So, too, are Shaun Micalleff as Lee Freedman, for whom Damien usually rode, but who had no horse in that race, and Bill Hunter as Bart Cummings.

Hopefully, its strong Australian cultural element will not deprive it of legs, heart and lungs to run well in cinemas overseas. Jason’s death isn’t its only font of deep emotional undercurrents. Writer/director Simon Wincer has assembled a large cast and archive footage to create impressive visual authenticity. Indeed, “The Cup” joins his TV series ”Lonesome Dove” (1989) and the 1983 feature “Phar Lap” in restoring my faith in him after the dreadful “Harlequin” (1980). And the horses are magnificent. At all cinemas

Heroes, villains and human frailty

TWO of Canberra’s respected elders of the arts, Chrissie Shaw and Geoff Page, have combined their might with younger artists to present a delicate, rich and pleasing tale of love in old age.

There are clear villains and heroes and human frailty is gently examined across two generations and two families.

“Lawrie and Shirley” is essentially a one-woman show in which performer, Chrissie Shaw, narrates an adapted version of Geoff Page’s novel of the same name. Shaw is joined by violinist Ewan Foster, augmented by some recorded tracks and effects.

Imogen Keen’s set and costume design

THEATRE

“Lawrie and Shirley” By Geoff Page, The Street Theatre, until October 23.

Reviewed by Simone Penkethman

is simple, elegant and highly effective. She dresses Shaw as an enthusiastic film maker in a blonde wig and leather jacket. An animated Shaw pitches the story to the audience in the first person plural as if it was a screenplay or film treatment. To add to an already layered stylistic mix, the story is told in verse with strict meter and rhyme, at times recalling the fables of Dr Seuss.

The text is humorous and full of cultural references to music, history and to Canberra, where it is set. However, its density and strict meter are occasionally challenging to the performer and the audience. There are moments of great energy, excitement and connection – moments that will no doubt grow in strength and frequency as the season continues.

“Lawrie and Shirley” is billed as “A Poem, a Movie, a Play” and shows us that ultimately, a story is a story is a story. The well cast Chrissie Shaw is a formidable actor and musician and most of all, an excellent storyteller.

Joyce McKinney at the time of the public controversy.

arts&entertainment

Manuka’s new place to meat!

dining

MY foodie friends are always game to try something new, so we toddled off to Tosung Charcoal BBQ, which recently opened in Manuka where Zeffirelli’s used to be.

Never been to a traditional Korean barbecue (gogi gui)? Well neither had some of us.

It’s a massive dining area and the long, shiny silver exhaust contraptions hanging from the ceiling look more sci-fi than anything else. The place was cold – we dined in our jackets and the staff had puff vests on to keep them toasty.

Once the charcoal grill was placed in the middle of our table (this is what you cook on), life was better. At least we could warm our hands over the heat (pretend you’re camping).

As I say, you cook your own at Tosung Charcoal BBQ and my advice to staff is to

Tosung Charcoal BBQ, Manuka... essentially a meat experience.

take charge and explain the process well, to avoid mass confusion.

This is essentially a meat experience. The spotlight is on marinated and non-marinated beef, pork and chicken and the menu is decorated with photos of the raw meat displayed on plates to illustrate what you’re ordering (the menu warns you might not get exactly what you see).

We loved the tastes. The beef oyster blade, which staff said was Wagyu, was super tender ($22) and went well with the condiments served. The marinated chicken with chilli sauce was high on taste ($19) and the staff helped by snipping the breast with

the scissors provided (we wondered what they were for) so it would cook faster. You have to order a minimum of two dishes and we enjoyed many more than that, including the thinly sliced ox tongue ($18) – go on, give it a go.

Tosung Charcoal BBQ’s menu also features marinated eel ($30), pork neck ($19), beef tripe ($23) and other delicacies.

If it makes life easy you can order a set combo of plates starting at $72 and marching up to $84. Or you can go the hot-pot route.

Take a peek at the extensive drinks list including Chum Churum (first distillation); Cham I Sul (Seoul’s favourite soju, freined with a quadruple distillation) and Bok Bun Ja (wild black raspberry wine made from native Korean berries picked for their medicinal benefits). All very exotic and, I bet, after a few we might have been able to handle a bit of karaoke.

Tosung Charcoal BBQ has kept the massive outdoor area built by the previous owners (still miss the magnificent tree that got cut down), which will be great in summer.

Tosung Charcoal BBQ, Franklin Street, Manuka, call 6295 2627.

Return of the winning ‘Pearl Fishers’

arts in the city

SENSATIONAL tenor David Hobson and baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, accompanied by Sharolyn Kimmorley, are at Llewellyn Hall on October 27 with opera classics, folk songs, show tunes and their poll-winning duet from Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers”. Bookings to www.ticketek.com.au

“AFRODITI Sings” is a “cabaret of love” inspired by the Greek goddess of love, presented by Canberra mezzo-soprano Angela Giblin and pianist Margaret Legge-Wilkinson. They’ll run the gamut of passionate arias, wild flamenco songs, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Stephen Sondheim and Edith Piaf. At Teatro Vivaldi, October 29 and November 3. Dinner and cabaret from 7pm, show-only from 8.30pm. Bookings to 6257 2718 or www. vivaldirestaurant.com.au

WESLEY Music Centre has a big week looming, with its annual Wesley Music Scholars’ Spring Concert on October 23 at 3pm when 12 elite scholars will perform a works for voice, strings, oboe, guitar and organ. Then, on October 26, soprano Alexandra Dalman and pianist Kylie Loveland will perform Ravel, Puccini and Mozart and Granados in the “Lunchtime Live” series from 12.40pm to 1.20pm. Seats for both concerts at the door.

CLASSICAL pianist James Rhodes will

be at The Playhouse on October 27. Canberra Theatre is saying: “His passionate playing and rock-star aura could be just what the music needs.” Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatrecentre. com.au

AMERICAN comedian-film-maker John Waters (no, not our John Waters) will present his one-man show, “This Filthy World”, at the Canberra Theatre on October 25. Immediately before that, the man called the “Pope of Trash” will be staging “Double Features from Hell”, a festival of feel-bad movies, at Sydney Opera House. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

IN 2012, Canberra Youth Music will add to its six existing ensembles the new Canberra Youth Jazz Orchestra and Canberra Youth Chamber Orchestra. Auditions for all are on October 29-30, November 5-6 and November 12-13. Inquiries and bookings to 6247 4714.

NIDA has just finished staging acting courses for young people and adults at Daramalan College in the past week. Courses covered a range of acting training at basic and intermediate-toadvanced levels, including audition preparation. For next time, visit www.nida.edu.au or phone NIDA on (02) 9697 7626.

Until October 23!

YOU have until October 23 to catch all the following shows:

aT Strathnairn, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt, Friday to Sunday 10am-4.30pm, art from the class of Val Fitzpatrick showing techniques achieved by Maureen Lawrentin, Rosemary Brock, Rita Wagner, Judith Baskin, Barbara Chappell and Moya Ewin.

IN “Connected” at M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, noon-5pm, Wednesdays to Sundays, photographer Geoffrey Dunn’s camera captures the prints and drawings of Nicci Haynes.

aT Watson Arts Centre, Aspinall Street, Watson, Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, the nine-year-old Marsden Arts Group explores the notion of refuge in its 2011 spring exhibition “Refugia”.

THE Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, exhibits the limited-edition, hand-bound picture book, “Autumn Leaves”, alongside original graphite and watercolour illustrations by Annika Romeyn, winner of the 2011 Belconnen Gallery EASS prize.

Helen Musa

David Hobson, left, and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

Wendy Johnson

The garden sculpted from dreams

FOUR years ago artist Stephanie Burns and Stephen Hooper came to a turning point in their lives.

The couple, who didn’t own a home, went to bed one night with the idea that they would each think about what they really wanted in life, but had never dared express. In the morning they shared their secret desires. Stephanie wanted to build a sculpture park… no real surprises there and Stephen had always harboured a desire to plant a native forest garden.

“Great,” said Stephanie, “both dreams will meld perfectly”, and so Orion Sculpture Park on the outskirts of Yass was born.

Since then they have transformed a barren 2.83-hectare paddock into a sculpture park with rooms carefully designed to present each piece to best advantage. There are colourful perennials and bearded irises with increasing shelter and structure from 800 trees, many raised from seed.

The sculpture garden will be open to the public on the weekend of October 29-30 as part of the Open Garden Australia scheme.

By building ponds on the property Stephen has encouraged native wildlife, providing water and food. The vegetation around the pond has been planted to protect the wildlife while they drink.

Stephanie’s bronze sculptures of tulips, animals, still-lifes and figures were all made over the last 22 years. Some of the early sculptures such as “Crawling Baby” and “Motherhood” were made while she was at art school in London, where she lived for 12 years.

Twentieth century sculptors such as Manzu and Picasso have been very influential on her figure

sculptures such as “Fish”, “Peter Fuller” and “Saskia”. Stephanie’s style was developed in the European tradition before she returned to Australia in 1994.

The large flowers were her first really Australian works although they are inspired by the tulips she bought at the Chelsea Flower Show and grew in her London garden.

Orion Sculpture Park Gardens, 17 Archer Close, Yass. Open October 29-30, 10am-4.30pm. Admission $6, under 18 years admitted free. There will also be an exhibition of Stephanie’s paintings. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

Stephen Hooper... encouraged native wildlife Photos by Silas Brown

Clematis, the sociable climber

CLEMATIS is one of the world’s favourite climbing plants, competing with roses.

Clematis grow very well in our climate and are now just coming into flower and into stock at garden centres.

These spectacular flowering climbers only have two simple growing requirements – they like their roots in shade and their stems in full sun.

Opposite to the advice for most plants, plant clematis several centimetres lower than which it is growing in the pot.

Place old broken pieces of terracotta pot or tiles over the root zone. This has a combined effect of keeping the root zone cooler and condensation under the tiles keeps the roots moist, especially in the heat of summer. Summer sun will not affect the flowers if the roots are kept moist.

They are a very forgiving plant and bounce back every season, often despite neglect for years.

Try growing clematis up and through trees. I am training C. montana rubens through the rich-purple leaves of the Japanese maple, Acer “Bloodgood”, making a wonderful contrast.

One of the most common varieties is the small-flowered Clematis montana with white flowers, introduced into western gardens from the Himalayas by a Lady Amherst in 1831. Or consider C. montana rubens with pink flowers, as illustrated here, introduced by the famous plant hunter Ernest Wilson from China in 1900. This is the first spring-flowering clematis to come

gardening

cedric Bryant

into bloom, is a vigorous grower and will provide a wonderful display, growing at least five metres or more.

Along with the above-mentioned clematis, I have combined the later flowering Clematis “Romantika”, with its rich purple flowers with the exquisite, thorn-less, climbing rose Rosa “Zephirine Drouhin” and Clematis “General Sikorski”, with blue flowers and yellow stamens. These are trained on a wire trellis.

I highly recommend “Growing Clematis – a complete guide” by recognised Australian expert Bridget Gubbins, published by Hyland House. If you cannot find it in bookshops, go to www.hylandhouse.com. au. Most importantly, it covers all aspects of growing clematis and, in particular, correct pruning methods, of which it seems there is much unwarranted confusion.

HERE’S advance notice of the Classic Yass Festival on the weekend of November 5-6, with three great country gardens open in aid of Red Cross. I will be in attendance at various times in each garden to discuss plants and answer questions.

As a precursor to this event, the gardens of Rupert Murdoch’s historic Cavan property will be open for inspection on Saturday, October 29, with talks by the renowned historian and writer Cheryl Morgan. Admission will only be by advanced bookings and tickets will not be available at the venue.

More information at www.classicyass.com

This week...

THE rain we have received in recent weeks has been little and often, keeping the ground moist and resulting in ideal growing weather with warm days and cool nights, although not ideal veggie-growing weather. Interestingly, we are behind our average annual rainfall to date. A few tasks for this week can include: FILL in bare spots amongst the perennials with parsley. Its rapid growth and bright-green foliage acts as a great contrast to the flowers. Chives can be also included as a great filler. PLANT calendulas or pot marigolds around the veggie area to discourage a variety of bugs. SNAILS are on the move, use a safer snail killer, Multiguard Slug and Snail Bait – as recommended by Dr Harry Cooper.

CUT off strawberry runners as they appear. These take the energy away from fruiting flowers. Continue to feed with a high potassium plant food to encourage more flowers.

FEED roses with Neutrog Seamungus, an organic combination of seaweed and chookie poo (from free-range hens).

Final comment: “Gardening is the only unquestionably useful occupation” – George Bernard Shaw.

Clematis montana rubens... the first to flower.

The rich colours of Clematis “Romantika”.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore October 24-30

ARIES

(Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Expect an intense week when passions will be running high, and patience running low. Thursday’s New Moon signals a turnaround to do with an intimate relationship or joint finances. It also brings hidden parts of your personality to the surface (and draws scintillating secrets out into the open). Avoid the temptation to use words as weapons on Saturday.

TAURUS

(Apr 21 – May 20)

Thursday’s New Moon reboots a rickety relationship but not without some feisty fireworks along the way, as love planet Venus squares up with angry Mars. Single Bulls are in a playful and flirtatious mood, but don’t flirt with a potential partner unless you are seriously interested. Physical attraction isn’t enough – look for a lover who is also a friend.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Are you spending too much time talking and not enough time moving? The New Moon activates your health zone, so it’s time to get fit and fabulous. Exercise will clear your head and nutritious food will lift your energy levels. Avoid cracking jokes and making insensitive remarks on Saturday. Choose your words wisely, as people will be easily offended.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Cranky Crabs – you’ll feel emotionally vulnerable this week, but don’t make things worse by playing power games. Thursday’s New Moon favours nurturing old friendships and establishing fresh ones, as you expand your peer group to include a creative new crowd. But friends and finances are a fractious combination, so try to keep the two separate.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Are you optimistic about life one minute – and completely confused the next? Or are you stuck in the middle of a family fiasco? You’ll go through many changes of heart this week, as the New Moon stirs up your emotions. With fiery Mars moving through your sign, resist the urge to over-react to perceived criticism. Capricious Cats – it’s time to keep your cool!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Prepare for a mental spring-clean, as the New Moon helps you find fresh solutions to stubborn old problems. Communication is bound to get complicated, so don’t take what others say too literally. Read between the lines to decipher what they really mean. The week will go well if you are compassionate (rather than critical) and flexible (rather than fussy).

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Money matters are on your mind as the New Moon, Mercury and Venus bring fractured finances to the fore. Have you been burning a hole in your budget? Is it time to plug the cash flow drain? Don’t bury your head in the sand Libra – a creative approach can turn things around. On Saturday, aim to get the balance right between giving and receiving love.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With the New Moon (plus Mercury and Venus) lighting up your sign, it’s time to be bold and beautiful as you crank up your communication skills and rev up relationships. Partnerships will be passionate and powerful as Pluto and Jupiter boost your spirits, and your personal magnetism. Single Scorps – look for love with someone from another country or culture.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Thursday’s New Moon stimulates your spiritual side so aim for some splendid solitude, as you relax and regenerate from within. Jupiter (your ruling planet) makes a lucky aspect to Pluto on Saturday, which favours finance, business and work. Don’t spoil success by being impulsive though. Slow down Sagittarius – take the time to really think things through.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Stay cool, calm and collected Capricorn. The universe is demanding high standards, as you meet delays and difficulties with patience and panache. Positive Mars/Saturn aspects boost your motivation and productivity, so make the most of the extra energy and get things done. A group situation must be handled diplomatically though. Don’t barge in and take over!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Are you due to change your job – or even your vocation? The New Moon signals a fresh approach involving your career. Adventurous Aquarians rarely stay in the same occupation for extended periods so be creative, use your imagination, and cast your net wide. With the Sun stimulating your work zone, from now until November 22 is the time to strike.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Stop procrastinating Pisces! With mighty Mars in your work zone, you need to get organised. Be inspired by birthday great Pablo Picassos: “One must act in painting as in life – directly.” The New Moon activates your international zone. Some Fish will travel; while others meet up with fabulous friends and adventurous acquaintances (whether in person or online).

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011

Across

1 What is another name for a spanner?

8 Which portable shade is used for protection from sunlight or rain?

9 Name one of the various small boats of China.

10 Which communication has all but been taken over by the email?

11 What are stables for horses or cattle?

13 Which word is descriptive of the Middle Ages?

16 What are young geese called?

19 Name the vast desert in northern Africa.

22 What is another name for a police officer?

24 What is an alternative name for Gypsies, collectively?

25 What designates a writer of fictitious narratives?

26 To emphasise something is to do what? Down

2 To bake a dinner is to do what to it?

3 Kathmandu is the capital of which South Asian kingdom?

4 What is another name for a "triantelope"?

5 Who was slain by his brother Cain?

6 Name the ship much used by Charles Darwin.

7 What is a domesticated camel-like South American ruminant?

12 Name the highest (or lowest) cards in a pack.

14 Which final courses of a meal include puddings, etc?

15 Name a passport endorsement permitting passage to another country.

17 What is a spotted leopard-like cat?

18 Which account book of final entry contains all the accounts?

20 Who is said to have written the Iliad and Odyssey?

21 Name the monetary units of the Republic of South Africa.

23 What is a more readily known term for precipitation?

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