Canberra CityNews June 14, 2012

citynews.com.au / win tickets to Selby & Friends / $50 vouchers to Grill’d Manuka JUNE 14, 2012

Donor glad ANU missed her $1m Labor fires first election salvo MICHAEL MOORE

Why won’t Treasury listen?

CATHERINE CARTER

League outplayed

by AFL in Canberra TIM GAVEL

Melina’s new goals Another side to the champion netballer

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CityNews June 14-20 3

news / cover story

Melina moves to goal attack for her girls FREYLA FERGUSON meets a champion netballer with a new goal in sight FOR indigenous mentor and netballer Melina Saunders, not playing a sport at school was never an option.

The former Australian Institute of Sport athlete, was brought up in a strict household by her parents, both strong Aboriginal activists for land rights, where it was instilled in her and her eight siblings to break down the common stereotypes that surrounded Aboriginal people.

“To have nine kids, and that stereotype of what Aboriginal people were like, [my parents] were really strict on us wearing our uniforms, having our hair tied up, no bra showing when we played netball,” she said.

“They were just really quite strict on breaking down those barriers.”

Her upbringing has led her to a successful netball career – including joining the AIS and an invitation to play for the Australian 21s squad at 16, making the Queensland Firebirds squad, playing for the Canberra Darters and now State league in the ACT – but it also led her to a school program where she now mentors 15 indigenous girls at Karabar High School, Queanbeyan, as part of the David Wirrpanda Foundation’s Deadly Sista Girlz program.

Funded through Netball Australia as part of the “No School No Play” program, it is designed for at-risk or disengaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female students, and aims to inspire and create opportunities for Aboriginal girls to reach their full potential as young women in the community.

“I’d heard about [former AFL player David Wirrpanda’s] foundation and I really agreed with all the things he was trying to achieve through that,” she said.

“And having a girl’s program I think is really great because there are a lot of programs for the boys through football, but not really a lot just for the girls.”

As part of the program, sport and netball, and learning more about Aboriginal culture and history, plays a big part in their weekly sessions, however Melina also mentors the students through life skills including: self esteem, education on drugs, alcohol, sex and women’s health, healthy relationships and finance.

Now in her second year as a mentor, Melina has noticed some changes for the better in the girls; issues that were problems for the school, including wearing school uniforms, disruptions in class and relationships with teachers.

“The way they are dealing with teachers and speaking to the teachers,

index / contacts Arts&Entertainment 25-27 Body 24 Canberra Confidential 16 Cinema 26 Dining 27 Fashion 21-23 Garden 28 Home 29 News 5-15 Politics 8 Property 31-32 Puzzles 30 Social Scene 17-18 FRONT COVER: Netballer and mentor Melina Saunders.

Story this page.

Photo by Silas Brown

Mentor Melina Saunders...“In the Aboriginal community it’s really great that the next generation of kids coming through keep our culture alive and keep that sense of identity.”

Photo by Silas Brown. there may not have been that level of respect, which does come with a bit of age, but they are starting to realise that the teachers are there to help them, not there to tell them what to do,” she said.

“And the fact that the older girls that were in the program last year are now in Year 10 and talking about going on to Year 11 and 12, that’s really the success story of the program.”

But one of the biggest things Melina would like to achieve through the program, that was instilled in her by her parents, is helping the girls better understand their Aboriginal identity.

“The biggest thing that I’ve noticed when I started with the program for some of the kids was their varying degrees of identity,” she said.

“Some of them sort of know about their Aboriginal heritage and some of

them know that it’s there but probably don’t feel valid enough that they can really identify with it.

“That’s been a really big focal point for me as a mentor.

“In the Aboriginal community it’s really great that the next generation of kids coming through keep our culture alive and keep that sense of identity.”

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CityNews June 14-20 5

news Blackman slams SoM ‘humiliation’

Gonged and glad ANU missed her $1m IN a quirk of timing, musical philanthropist Barbara Blackman and ANU vicechancellor Ian Young have both been recognised as officers in the Order of Australia in this month’s Queen’s Birthday honours.

In recent months, Young has been roundly criticised in the Canberra music community and beyond for the ANU’s controversial budget assault on the School of Music.

Outspoken Blackman, 83, is one of those critics and in an interview with “CityNews” arts editor Helen Musa to mark her award, she questioned why the ANU should “humiliate its splendid teachers” by spilling faculty jobs at the School of Music.

Deeply embedded in the cultural life of Canberra, she deplores the university’s peremptory way of dealing with its staff and with the public.

Blackman has revealed to “CityNews” that when she was considering how to dispose of a “spare million dollars”, she approached the ANU with a pilot sum of $10,000 to set up a music-art studio on campus and a suggestion of a substantial donation to follow.

The university, she says, sent her a receipt, but never followed up on her requests for a meeting with the then vice-chancellor, while indicating that she could have no say in the use of any sum she gave.

The result?

“I signed the biggest full stop you’ve ever seen,” Blackman says. “Thank God, I didn’t give them any more.”

Blackman is a distinguished publisher, interviewer, journalist, essayist, poet, pioneer of Radio for the Print Handicapped and Australia’s most famous patron of contemporary music.

Her gift of almost $1 million to the music world and most notably to Canberra’s Pro Musica, which administers the Canberra International Music Festival, earned her the Australian Contemporary Music 2006 Award for Patronage.

“For me, philanthropy is a badge of honour,” she says, “from those to whom much is given, much is expected… some things in life I’ve enjoyed beyond anything money could buy.”

Birthday Honours, who got what? Page 14

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“My clothes always have a rustic feel to them,” says designer Alice Sutton.

Alice Sutton and Amy Taylor with model Katie van den Bos.

Business duo sets a pattern: fashion without the waste SUSTAINABLE design is at the forefront of Selvedge 2 Selvedge – a pattern-making philosophy developed by Alice Sutton and Amy Taylor.

Former CIT fashion students, Alice and Amy make use of the whole piece of cloth when creating garments in an attempt at achieving zero waste.

“The cloth of a garment is often forgotten in the final garment, this system introduces a meaningful relationship to cloth lost in production,” says Alice who has started her own label called Edition.

She came together with Amy, who has a label called Aylor, while they were studying because they were both interested in sustainable design.

“CIT has really been a great platform for getting into the industry.

And they really promote sustainable design,” Alice says.

Libby Hill reports

“While we were in third year, we started looking at the concept of zero waste and thinking it was a really great philosophy, but it needed more to make it more meaningful.

“Selvedge 2 Selvedge is more than just the pattern making, it’s about being transparent with our ideas.”

The 22-year-old also uses sustainable fabrics such as bamboo, which is made in Queensland.

“Selvedge 2 Selvedge is a way of working and a philosophy. On our blog we show our pattern making so that other people can be inspired by it,” she says.

“My clothes always have a rustic feel to them and are very drapey.

They are highly wearable and a lot of my pieces are designed to layer.”

More information at www.selvedge2selvedge.blogspot.com.au

Designers Amy Taylor and Alice Sutton... “Amy and I tried to put our pieces together so it was a collaborative look and it turned out to be a bit dark and a bit edgy,” says Alice.

Winter fashion feature starts Page 21 Photos by Eric Piris, of Red Photography.

CityNews June 14-20 7

news / politics

Labor fires first election salvo NOT so long ago the Budget process was a secret affair. Occasionally, leaks would appear in the papers and all hell would break loose amongst the public service as a culprit or a scapegoat was found to be blamed.

By a decade ago, the Government was purposefully leaking tidbits to raise interest in the Budget and to prepare the community for what was coming.

This year, as the journalists went into the Budget lock-up, they discovered that almost the whole Budget had been leaked.

“Not leaked,” according to Treasurer Andrew Barr, “strategically released!”

Indeed. The Budget leaks started a month ago with the release of the Quinlan review into taxation, which would form the cornerstone of the ACT Government’s 2012-13 Budget. It would mean that the wealthier and more powerful citizens would be asked to make a greater contribution to the community than those less able. A fairer Budget, but risky politics!

Treasurer Barr and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher have taken a series of risks going into the October election with a Budget that does not attempt to bribe the community, but rather squarely carves out Labor territory based on a “fairer, more equitable society”.

8 CityNews June 14-20

At the media lock-up for the ACT Budget, political columnist MICHAEL MOORE was chided by the Chief Minister when he spontaneously guffawed at her assertion this was not an election Budget. Here he explains why it is...

The first strike by the Labor Government is the attack on the current tax system that, for too long, according to Barr, has been “inequitable, volatile and inefficient”.

The second October election strike achieved in this Budget by Labor is to effectively distance itself from their Federal Labor counterparts, who are married to the concept of achieving a surplus at almost any cost. Barr reiterated a number of times that it is simply “fiscal Darwinism” to deliver a Budget “just to deliver a surplus”.

The Federal Treasurer is trying to prove strong economic management in the face of threats by the Opposition slash and burn. In the meantime, the ACT Government is prepared to run a temporary deficit of some $400 million to retain employment and to maintain growth in uncertain times.

However, the ACT Liberals are not about to allow Labor to use the Budget to establish the ground rules for the next election.

Leader of the Opposition Zed Seselja identified the Budget as “a triple whammy” for the people of the ACT – “higher taxes, lower services, massive deficits”.

The Liberals have fallen back on their traditional approach constantly reiterating a catch cry of how much “families are hurting”. According to Seselja, the Labor Government represents “wasted money, wasted opportunities”.

No-one likes paying more taxes and the traditional view of politics is that the Liberals’ approach will certainly appeal to many.

The reason Labor has secured such strong support in the ACT in Federal and local elections over such a sustained period is that a high proportion of Canberra voters, despite their own wealth, actually do believe in a fairer community. Barr has produced a Budget that taps into this sentiment and uses it as springboard for the next election.

At a time when an opposition would be hoping to paint the government as tired and running out of ideas, ACT Labor has thrust its own philosophy to the forefront of its approach and has fired the first really successful salvo for the October election.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

CityNews June 14-20 9

news

99.9: Kerry CANBERRA’S top college Freyla Ferguson students for 2011 were reports recently recognised for their outstanding academic college, studying a subject he achievements with an loves helps.

“Essentially, that’s why I Australian Student Prize.

The Federally funded national prizes are handed out every year to the top students in each State and Territory.

Kerry Olesen, who attended the Canberra College, was the only ACT public school student to be awarded the prize that included $2000 prize money.

Kerry, who scored an ATAR score of 99.9, is now at the ANU studying the four-year bachelor of advance computing, research and development.

He said although he’s still unsure of where he wants his degree to take him, he’s currently interested in the research aspect of programming and computing.

“Looking into different ways of doing things in artificial intelligence and machine learning kind of direction,” he said.

He said that although university was “tougher” than

am doing computing here, the assignments I am doing at the moment I’m enjoying, they just get done,” he said.

And his advice for students in their final year of college?

“Don’t be too stressed out by it all, aim high don’t be too worried if you don’t get as high as you hoped,” he said.

“I pushed myself at times and made sure I maintained the grades I was getting.”

Australian Student Prizes are also awarded to students who won medals as part of Australia’s team in the International Mathematics, Informatics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads and International Baccalaureate Diploma Graduates who achieve the maximum international score of 45.

Criteria for the selection is set by State and Territory assessment.

letters ‘Ranting’ Meredith WE have an ACT election year and so an election-year Budget is hardly a surprise from [Treasurer] Andrew Barr – some goodies here and there, the “economy-saving deficit” etcetera, some (more) pain in the hip pocket.

The reason for the Labor Party resistance to disclosing the household impact of its taxes was obvious, a 7.6 per

cent hike this year alone.

More puzzling was the commentary from Green Meredith Hunter with her defence of the rates increases, the deficit and an anti-Abbott rant that sounded like she had joined the Labor Party. At least she did not burst into song with a rendition of “Solidarity Forever”!

Martin Gordon, Flynn

Inspired by cover story I WOULD like to congratulate Libby Hill, for the inspiring article on Helen Chu and her husband Ian (cover story, CN, May 25). What a

wonderful couple they are and I wish them every success and happiness in the future.

Judith McLeod, Braddon

Shocked by abattoir scenes

10 CityNews June 14-20

LAST February, I was shocked when video footage from a Hawkesbury Valley abattoir showed scenes of extreme cruelty, including a worker who bashed a pig over the head with a metal bar and sheep being hung by its legs while still conscious. The abattoir was shut down, but has reopened after only a $5200 fine.

It’s outrageous that the price on cruelty has been set so low. The abuses at the Hawkesbury plant are not isolated incidents. Animal welfare breaches have been uncovered in all 10 of NSW’s abattoirs that

kill pigs and cows, including animals who are not stunned properly and are dismembered while still conscious.

The incident is another reminder of why I’m vegan, and it reinforces my view that the only way to prevent this cruelty to animals is not to eat them. I say the best way to prevent these horrific abuses from recurring is to stop paying for it with our dollars – by going vegan. Websites from groups like PETA have helpful information for getting started.

Fawn Porter, Cremorne, NSW

comes out on top

Australian Student Prize winner Kerry Olesen... “I pushed myself at times and made sure I maintained the grades I was getting.”

Photo by Silas Brown

ACT prize winners Caitlin Adams, Burgmann Anglican School; Georgia Behrens, Canberra Girls’ Grammar School;

Margaret Brown, Radford College; Yas Eghtedari, Canberra Girls’ Grammar School; Edward Hirst, Daramalan College; Ned Lis-Clarke, Radford College; Nelson Mendonca,

St Mary MacKillop College; Kerry Olesen, Canberra College; Tom Pearson, Burgmann Anglican School; Susanna Zhang, Canberra Girls Grammar School.

CityNews June 14-20 11

sport

League being outplayed in Canberra The AFL is kicking big goals against the NRL in our region , says TIM GAVEL EARLY this year, I approached the then-National Rugby League chief executive David Gallop after a function at Parliament House to see what the plan was to combat the AFL’s growth in this region.

The response was, to put it in simple terms, that the Raiders were doing plenty to develop the code and the team’s brand was strong in this market.

Frankly, I thought rugby league in Canberra deserved a little more; in fact, a great deal more from the Sydneybased administration.

The AFL and GWS have been putting enormous resources into the region Former NRL chief David over the past year and rugby Gallop... Raiders were doing league is being out-muscled in plenty to develop the code. this market.

For example, GWS and the AFL have 11 full-time or part- has been speaking for some time development officers in time about the AFL’s ability to the Canberra region. Rugby source Government funding, League has one with a second but it has fallen on deaf ears. about to start.

Another example is the The AFL has been clever: Wagga Wagga City Council there are no full-time physi- promising $300,000 to GWS to cal education teachers in ACT play a pre-season game over Government primary schools the next three years while and it is left to teachers to do the Raiders have been playtheir best. ing pre-season matches there In many instances, sport- without taking any money out ing organisations have been of the city. called upon to fill the void It should be recognised also and the AFL has offered to that Wagga, despite being a teach children the basics of its NSW city, has historically code and to run competitions. had a strong AFL following, They have become de facto PE as well as league. teachers!

I have spoken to governIts government relations ment officials who talk in unit has been highly effective. glowing terms about the busiFor example, the ACT Gov- ness models presented by the ernment provided a package AFL and the regular contact worth an estimated $24-$26 they have with the code’s decimillion to the AFL for GWS to sion makers. play three premiership games In the same breath, they and a pre-season match at talk about the lack of contact Manuka Oval each year for with rugby league’s hierarthe next 10 years. chy.

The AFL provided a solid There is an obvious need business plan and it was able for Gallop’s replacement to to satisfy the Government meet as many government that it would be heavily in- representatives in the regions volved in junior development as possible and follow up on in Canberra as well as assist- commitments. ing with the cost of facilities The National Rugby League and promoting the ACT as a has only itself to blame when tourist destination. it complains of the lack of pubRaiders’ CEO Don Furner lic funding coming its way.

12 CityNews June 14-20

opinion

Why won’t Treasury listen?

THE Budget’s estimated operating loss for 2012-13 is almost $400 million. To make it worse, the ACT Government expects to make operating losses for the next three years.

How reliable are those estimates? Not at all, if Treasury’s track record is any guide.

Treasury’s average error when it comes to estimating Government revenue is more than $200 million.

Only one year ago, Treasury estimated that the fiscal balance for 2012-13 would be minus $425 million, but now it looks like blowing out to a shortfall of $1016 million. This is an error of more than 100 per cent.

The unreliability of these estimates could be lessened if Treasury listened more closely to advice from industries whose survival and prosperity depends on accurately predicting demand for their products and services.

For example, the property industry warned last year that the Treasury had over-estimated its revenue from stamp duty on conveyances. Characteristically, Treasury ignored the advice and as a result, it looks like falling short by $30 million. But instead of acknowledging that it was advised of the impending slow-down in property sales, Treasury now blames a slow 10 months of the current year for the shortfall!

“Dodgy” estimates for the coming year include: • More stamp duty revenue, even though stamp duty rates on commercial property have increased to 7.25 per cent, competing with 5.85 per cent in NSW and Treasury is

Catherine Carter property

warning of a “moderating economy” (code for a downturn); • Sales of 5000 dwellings in a moderating market; and • The lease variation charge to deliver $23.5 million, even though in the nine months to the end of March only $9 million of an estimated $22 million had been received.

We all suffer because every year the Government formulates policy that turns out to be inappropriate because it is based on Budget numbers that are woefully inaccurate.

We would all be better off if Treasury were more accountable to the public and listened more attentively to advice from industries that survive by creating value.

However, there is one silver lining. ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr has committed to a bold program of tax reform, with a number of really good initiatives designed to lead to greater efficiencies in the Territory’s taxation system.

Although the early initiatives may prove to be a bit of a mixed bag, such as increasing stamp duty for property owners who would previously have paid 6.75 per cent stamp duty under the former regime, to a new rate of 7.25 per cent, when tax reform is actually intended to phase out stamp duties… maybe now we’re finally on the path to a better tax system in the ACT. Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

CityNews June 14-20 13

news / Order of Australia awards

Locals honored by the Queen RENOWNED music philanthropist Barbara Blackman, environmentalist Phillip Toyne, ANU vice-chancellor Ian Young, business leader Brand Hoff and property developer Bob Winnel are among locals honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia awards.

The full list includes: Officer (AO) in the General Division Barbara Patterson BLACKMAN, Yarralumla, for distinguished service to the arts and to the community, as a supporter of artistic performance, through philanthropic contributions, and as an advocate for people who are blind and partially sighted.

Dr Thomas Edwin (Tom) CALMA, Waramanga, for distinguished service to the indigenous community as an advocate for human rights and social justice, through contributions to government policy and reform, and to cross cultural understanding.

Dr Owen Thomas DENMEAD, Watson, for distinguished service to environmental research in the fields of crop and soil sciences, physical ecology and micrometeorology, and through the development of improved agricultural practices.

Dr Robert Bruce LEE, ACT, for distinguished service to the aviation industry, to the development of air safety and accident investigation standards, and to national and international professional associations.

Stephen Thomas SEDGWICK, Melba, for distinguished service to the community through leadership roles in the administration and implementation of innovative economic and social policy reform, and to public sector ethics and accountability.

Phillip TOYNE, Gundaroo, NSW, for distinguished service to environmental law through executive and advisory roles, particularly the introduction of a National Landcare Program, to the protection and restoration of Australian landscapes, and to the Indigenous community.

Prof Ian Robert YOUNG, Canberra, for distinguished service to tertiary education through leadership, strategic management, research and academic roles, as an author, and to international education collaboration.

Officer (AO) in the Military Division Vice Admiral Raymond James GRIGGS AM CSC RAN, ACT, for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as deputy head Strategic Reform and Governance, deputy chief of Joint Operations, and chief of the Royal Australian Navy.

Vice Admiral Peter David JONES DSC AM RAN, ACT, for distinguished service as head of Information and Communications Technology Operations and head of Capability Systems in the Capability Development Group.

Member (AM) in the General Division Brett BIDDINGTON, ACT, for service to the space

14 CityNews June 14-20

sector, particularly through national policy and industry development, science and education support, and through governance of astronomy programs.

John Albert CARLSON, Queanbeyan, NSW, for service to public administration, particularly in the areas of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and to the development of international safeguards policy.

Brian David CASSIDY PSM, Canberra, for service to public administration, particularly in the areas of competition policy, trade practices and consumer protection regulation.

Prof Graham Paul DURANT, Nicholls, for service to science education as the director of Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre, to the museums sector, and through scientific advisory roles.

Edward David (Ted) EDWARDS, Macquarie, for service to science in the field of entomology, particularly moths and butterflies, as an author, researcher and a mentor.

Dr Michael Graeme GARNER, Monash, for service to veterinary science, particularly in the field of epidemiology, and through the development and promotion of Australia’s animal health.

Brand HOFF, Forrest, for service to the information communication technology sector, to innovative product development and research, and to the community of the ACT. Klaus HUENEKE, Palmerston, for service to conservation and the environment as an historian, author and photographer, and to the preservation of Australia’s built heritage, particularly in the Snowy Mountains region.

Spiros Jeff KONSTANTINOU, Canberra, for service to business and commerce, particularly in the property construction and management sector, as a supporter of a range of charitable organisations, and to the Greek community of the ACT. John Adrian LAWLER APM, ACT, for service to public administration in the area of crime investigation and prevention through executive roles, and to national and international law enforcement.

Ronald Usher METCALFE OAM, Hughes, for service to the community of the ACT region as a community radio presenter, through the promotion of military history, and as a volunteer with national cultural institutions.

Robert (Bob) WINNEL, Yarralumla, for service to the building and construction industry in the area of property development for home builders, through contributions to professional organisations, and to philanthropy.

mandant Defence Command Support Training Centre from 2009 to 2011.

Commodore Michael Joseph NOONAN RAN, ACT, for exceptional performance of duty and leadership as director General Operations, Headquarters Joint Operations Command and as director Military Strategic Commitments.

Air Commodore Tracy Lee SMART, ACT, for exceptional performance of duty as a medical officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division Walter Roland BECKHOUSE, Monash, for service to veterans and their families through the National Service and Combined Forces Association of Australia.

John Joseph CLIFFORD, Evatt, for service to public administration in the ACT. Brian CUMBERLAND, ACT, for service to conservation and the environment in the ACT and south-east NSW region.

Lynne Muriel DUCKHAM, ACT, for service to the community, particularly through Rotary International.

Michael Elliott EVANS, Scullin, for service to the community through executive roles with Oxfam Australia, and to engineering.

Archonto LIVAS, Pearce, for service to the community of the ACT through a range of volunteer roles.

Anthony William McGLOUGHLIN, Yarralumla, for service to secondary education in the ACT. Lieut-Col Barry MORGAN (Ret’d), Amaroo, for service to veterans and their families, particularly through the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Association.

Dr David Thornton TAYLOR, Red Hill, for service to dentistry, particularly through executive roles with professional organisations, and to the community.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the Military Division Royal Australian Navy Capt Andrew Willis FYSH RAN, ACT, for meritorious service in the fields of Marine Engineering and Engineering Management.

Cdr Rodney Charles HARROD RANR, ACT, for meritorious performance of duty as acting director of Studies and as directing staff at the Australian Command and Staff College.

Australian Army WO1 Martin Francis BURGESS, ACT, for meritorious service as regimental sergeant-major of the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and regimental sergeant-major, 1st Combat Service Support Battalion.

WO1 Mark Anthony HALL, ACT, for meritorious service in the field of logistics management.

Member (AM) in the Military Division

Public Service Medal

Col. Steven James LEE, ACT, for exceptional service as director of Information and Communications Technology Capability Management from 2007 to 2008, and Com-

Local recipients of the Public Service Medal are: Gillian Elizabeth BIRD, Kingston, for outstanding public service in the field of international relations, particularly for major contributions to the provision of consular services and to Australia’s engagement with the South East Asian region.

Lee CALE, Macgregor, for outstanding public service in working in partnership with industries to assist them to import and export animals safely.

Anthony John (Tony) CORCORAN, Pearce, for outstanding public service in managing the Freedom of Information function for Defence.

Cathryn Gay (Kate) POPE, Murrumbateman, for outstanding public service in delivering the Government’s commitments in relation to expanding community detention arrangements for asylum seekers.

Linda Patricia RICHARDSON, O’Connor, for outstanding public service in undertaking significant commercial law work and as leader of AGS Commercial.

opinion

You’re right, says Jeremy “WE are being conned!” said Althea, the normally mild-mannered Canberra teacher as she slapped her champagne glass down on the table.

“The big supermarkets are conning us.”

Jeremy nearly choked on his prawn cocktail.

“Oh dear,” he said. “Not them, too.”

Jeremy is a lawyer and he thinks half the world is conning the other half and he may well be right. But it did make for a somewhat disjointed discussion as we sat around the deck enjoying the sunshine at our Tuross hideaway.

“You bet,” said Althea. “Haven’t you noticed?

Now they’ve got us doing our own checkouts for free. We’re putting people out of a job – the students, the single mums who really need it – but we’re getting nothing for it. We’re being conned.”

“By heavens, you’re right,” said Jeremy. “You shoppers may have grounds for a class action.”

Frankly, I thought he was drawing a long bow, but nothing puts a rosy glow in Jeremy’s cheeks like the prospect of hitting a rort with a tort.

“They aren’t forcing us to use the self-serve checkout,” said Jeremy’s wife Clare, herself a former lawyer who saw the light and retrained as an astronomer.

“Just a matter of time,” said Althea. “They’ll gradually reduce the numbers of checkout people till we either wait for an hour in a queue or surrender to the inevitable. And do you know what? They’ll tell us they’re doing us a favour: that they’re keeping costs down so they can pass the savings on to the shoppers!”

“By heavens, you’re right!” cried Jeremy dashing a refill into the Czech crystal. “It’s the same with the airlines. We’re doing all the work checking ourselves in online… and we’re get-

Robert Macklin the gadfly

ting nothing for it, not even a nominal discount, nothing!”

Even Clare thought that was a bit rough and for the next 10 minutes we had a wonderful time rubbishing the airlines.

“And what about Dick Smith?” said Althea.

“Oh, no,” said Jeremy. “What’s he up to now?”

“No, I mean the Dick Smith shops. Woolworths have closed them down and put all those boys out of work and next thing they’ll be selling all that stuff in aisle 13 or whatever.”

“By God, you’re right. They’ve done Dick.

Soon they’ll do to the rest of us what they did to Dick.”

“We’ll all be dicked,” chortled Clare and some of us choked on our Bollinger.

When the laughter finally died, Althea was back at it, but this time with an air of dark mystery. “Hey,” she said. “Whatever happened to Tim Mathieson?”

We looked at each other. Tim used to be up there on our TV screens every other night accompanying Julia to one thing or another. But now he’s disappeared.

“Stone the crows, you’re right,” said Jeremy.

Clare nodded. “They must have thought he wasn’t helpful to the PM’s image,” she said. “Tim’s been dic…” but the crashing waves just down from the deck muffled the end of the sentence.

However, it must have been vaguely amusing because Jeremy nearly fell off his chair. robert@robertmacklin.com

CityNews June 14-20 15

Canberra Confidential Apps shocks the industry WARREN Apps (pictured), top banana at the Fyshwick branch of the international advertising agency Grey Group has shocked the industry to take an equity share partnership in the smaller local agency Coordinate.

His sudden departure had new national CEO Luke Waldren breathless to Canberra clients with a “we-haven’t-met-before” email and the promise of a reassuring phone call to “provide a sense of where to from here!”

Rhys Morrison is charged with keeping Canberra’s Grey wheels turning and no mention of a successor.

Meanwhile, there’s one account Apps won’t be working on at his new job: Coordinate will be spruiking ACT Labor’s October election campaign. Grey is the booking agency for the Canberra Liberals’ campaign.

Underground bash MEANWHILE, competing agency Zoo (whose boss Clinton Hutchinson is doing the Vin-

16 CityNews June 14-20

Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

panies including, Monarch Builders (building a catwalk and a stage), Public (donating grog and making soup that will be sold for $5) and Sound Connections (sound and lighting). All proceeds to Vinnies.

Register at facebook.com/helpfromtheunderground or zooadvertising.com.au/ helpfromtheunderground

Free burgers THE much-anticipated Grill’d Healthy Burgers at Franklin Street, Manuka, is due to open on Monday, June 18. And to get things rolling, the first 50 burgers that day are free. Not that that needs to overly excite readers of “CityNews” because we’ve got five X $50 Grill’d gift vouchers to give away. Entries to citynews.com.au

There’s Brown, green and Brown IT’S not often we see his dander up, but our placid photographer Silas Brown came hurrumping into the office from a benign fashion assignment in Fyshwick, darkly muttering about seeing a lawyer. Que? He’d taken one of the Canturf signs on Dairy Road personally. Silly boy, we said, it’s former Greens leader Senator Bob Brown they’re tickling. Oh, he wryly says, that explains the other one about Kevin Rudd, then. Right on, snapper. nies’ CEO Sleepout again this year) is holding a fundraiser to fight homelessness in the basement of its Kingston HQ at 57 Wentworth Avenue, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Tuesday, June 19.

Called “Help from the Underground”, it’s free to anyone who registers (only 300

places), with a donation option to Vinnies at the door. “We’re hoping people will donate generously on the night for this great cause,” says Clinton. “We’ll have music and hip hop dancers as well as the fashion parade.”

He’s being helped by a host of local com-

Council goes West Chairman of the National Australia Day Council Adam Gilchrist has announced Graham West will take up the position of CEO in September.

West has more than 15 years experience in Government, including 10 as a Member of NSW Parliament, three of which were as a Minister responsible for a variety of portfolios including Juvenile Justice, Youth, and Gaming and Racing.

He is currently the CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW).

The appointment follows the departure of long-time CEO Warren Pearson in February.

Based in Canberra, the NADC leads a network of State, Territory and local

committees in presenting Australia Day celebrations and the Australian of the Year Awards program.

The bear facts MOON Bear heroes from Canberra gathered at Teatro Vivaldi last week and raised more than $6000 to help save these endangered Asiatic Black Bears.

The 60 attendees at the afternoon tea heard guest speaker Jill Robinson, founder and executive director of the Animals Asia Foundation, talk about progress towards outlawing bear bile farming, where in China, the bears are trapped in cages no bigger than their own bodies and bile extracted from their gallbladder for use in traditional medicines.

Teatro Vivaldi owner Mark Santos donated $35 from each $40 ticket purchased for the afternoon tea to the cause, the fifth year he has done so.

Happiness is... a Moon Bear in a Chinese sanctuary.

scene

B ROUG YOU BY

At ANU Football Club gala dinner, Ainslie

Jeremy Murray, Nikki Groothoff and Danny Krajacic

Claire O’Brien, Matt Caldow and Melissa Carters

Robbie Bennett and Heather Reid

Greg and Claire Smith

Markus Koeck and Danielle Thomson

Nigel Ellis, Chris Tomkins, Alistair Crombe, Don Lovie and Isidro Steger Graham Staniforth and Gordon Briscoe

H T TO

Canberra’s only locally-owned Subaru dealer

At 66th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Italy

Corinna Cullen and Maryanne Voyazis

Aleksandra Stokic and Regina Bruni

Will Howard, Lynne Hunter and Christina Parolin

Constantine Nikolakopoulos, Anne Helene Kabucz and Alessandro Giovine

Stefan and Claudine Kloetzli with Jason and Kristine Brown

Franco Barilaro with Fred and Domenica Gattuso

Polish ambassador Andrzej Jaroszynski with Italian ambassador Gianludovico de Martino di Montegiordano

Italia De Angelis, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto and Dino Deangelis

Trish Keller, Enrico Taglietti with Adam and Susanne Lewis

CityNews June 14-20 17

scene

ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP

At ANU’s endowment thank you event, Lena Karmel Lodge At the Belconnen Supersmile opening, Macquarie

Prof Kaarin Anstey, Pearl Lee and Melanie Rug

Margaret McLeod, Jeanette Weedon and Anthea Bundock

Lea Sublett, Craig Johnson and Eleanor Hing Fay

18 CityNews June 14-20

Robin Gibson, Dr Charlotte Allen and Mary Anne King

Peter Nikoletatos and Catriona Jackson

Anneloes De Graeff and Dr Peter Jeffrey

Dr Chris Peters and Dr Colin Taylor

Bryan and Hannah Griffin and Andrew Rumsey

Monica and Laila Te Moananui with Caroline Brazell

Linda Vo and Linhlan Nguyen

Ron Pedley, Lesley Rolke and Tony Brazell

Dr Ray, Aanya, Laila and Monica Te Moananui

Caz Simmons and Heather Pinder

Alana and Dr Michael Hyde

Mohamed Elfar, Ray Temo and Dr Neil Cheesman

Packi Rayappu and Jenny Evans

Facial Artistry/advertising feature ‘It’s not just about having a flat tummy, it’s about having a shapely female stomach’

Change your body shape with liposculpture YOU can change your body shape.

That’s the message Facial Artistry principal Dr Bernard Leung has for Canberrans.

“Most people have some aspects of their body that they’re not terribly happy with,” says Dr Leung.

“A lot of it is genetics and, as we get older, we accumulate fat in certain areas, such as ‘man boobs’ or ‘love handles’, and it’s not particularly susceptible to dieting or exercise because, irrespective of how hard you work, you can’t change it completely.

“The only realistic way of doing something about it is to reshape the body.”

Liposuction has traditionally been the main way to reshape the body, but Dr Leung has brought to Canberra the technique of VASER Liposculpture, a refinement of liposuction using ultrasound technology.

“The result is better than anything else you can achieve,” he says.

People considering liposuction or similar procedures are often worried about being left with loose, saggy skin afterwards.

“We know that if someone loses a lot of weight and they are beyond a certain age, they will end up with loose, saggy skin. Using VASER, you get the most skin retraction compared to any other procedure out there,” he says.

Dr Leung, an expert in VASER Liposcu-

Facial Artistry principal Dr Bernard Leung... taught and mentored by the leading liposuction surgeons from Europe and Australia to become an expert in VASER Liposculpture. lpture, was taught and mentored by the leading liposuction surgeons from Europe and Australia. In recent weeks he has returned from Italy where he attended the European Master Course in VASER Lipoplasty.

VASER is able to sculpt the body, like no other treatment, according to Dr Leung.

“It’s not just about having a flat tummy,

it’s about having a shapely female stomach so you have a part that is slightly convex and then other parts that are concave to create curvature,” he says.

“The technique of high-definition liposuction is really hard to do and can only really be done with VASER.” VASER is not a weight-loss technique, it is

a body sculpting technique and Dr Leung is a specialist in the high-definition technique.

“The high-definition technique is very precise and very few people around the world can do it. There are probably about four in Australia and certainly no one else in Canberra,” he says.

Dr Leung says there is an art to sculpting

the body. Areas that can be treated include stomach, love handles, thighs, arms, neck, jowls, shaping the bottom, man boobs, female breast reductions, thighs, calves and backs.

Dr Leung says he has tried many other ways of reshaping the body, but nothing compares to VASER. “The results are entirely different, you cannot begin to compare VASER to non-surgical procedures,” he says.

He particularly warns against non-surgical procedures, which often claim to be safer options.

“When you heat things up and cool them down, you can get burns and it’s definitely not safer,” he says.

Although, VASER is technically a surgical procedure, it is classed as minimally invasive and performed under a local anesthetic.

VASER Liposculpture is for healthy patients who are frustrated by the lack of response of certain body areas to diet and exercise. Someone who is at or near ideal body weight, but has localised fat bulges, makes the ideal candidate.

Facial Artistry, 13 Murray Crescent, Manuka.

Contact 6255 8988 or info@facialartistry.com. au or www.facialartistry.com.au

CityNews June 14-20 19

20 CityNews June 14-20

winter fashion The season’s look is very ladylike

Stuart Weitzman suede and faux fur collar ski boot, $395, Punto Tres leopard print bag, $455, Stuart Weitzman fur top clog boot, $640, and Achille Pinto wool and mohair woven scarf, $185, from Escala.

“THERE are so many great trends this winter and the feminine and ladylike look is very strong,” says local stylist Kestine Staples, of Love Your Style.

Creating the look is easy with key pieces including pencil skirts, peplum waists and thin belts for emphasis.

“Add a beautiful frilly shirt in a vintage style to recreate the glamorous looks of the 1940s and finish the look off with fishnet tights and mary janes,” advises Kestine.

When it comes to accessories, Kestine says they should stand the test of time.

“I advise people to invest in key pieces that will last and they will be a versatile addition to any wardrobe,” she says.

Regardless of trends, Kestine says she always advises clients to wear what makes them feel good.

“If you love an outfit, wear it,” she says.

“Fashion is about the individual so it’s really important to allow your own personality to shine through and be unique.”.

Voltan black patent shoe, $390, from Gertrude Boutique.

Cromia Arancio bag, $360, from Gertrude Boutique.

Le Mamo pink suede shoe, $195, from Gertrude Boutique.

Donna Laura red patent bag, $695, from Gertrude Boutique.

CityNews June 14-20 21

winter fashion

Tailored to inspire SHOWCASE your unique personality with vintage-inspired pieces that tell the story of decades gone by. Channel the pin-up girls of the 1950s with tailored frocks and jackets.

Build your wardrobe with a mix of pre-loved garments and new creations based on classic cuts and old-school glamour.

Collectif jacket, $120, from Darling Central.

Queen of Holloway dress, $130, from Darling Central.

Bettie Page dress, $130, from Darling Central.

Dress, $45, necklace, $45, from Material Pleasures.

Coat, $95, scarf, $12, from Material Pleasures.

Scarf, $20, jacket, $48, dress, $48, from Material Pleasures.

22  CityNews  June 14-20

Quality that keeps on giving

Stuart Weitzman chocolate lace-up, fur-lined boot, $640, Peter Kaiser fur-trim boot, $369, Punto Tres rabbit fur cross-body bag, $269, and Franco Ferrari modal cashmere scarf, $515, from Escala.

HIGH-quality accessories make a statement in themselves.

Brands such as Furla, Lupo, Gianni Chiarini and Antonio Barbato are synonymous with exceptional Italian design.

Buy now and you’ll be wearing them for years to come.

Manuka is Canberra’s go-to destination for luxury shopping and when a girl thinks shoes and bags, she thinks Escala Shoes and Gertrude Boutique, both on picturesque Bougainville Street.

Lalu white/gold gumboot, $95, from Gertrude Boutique.

Magrit chocolate snake print boot, $850, Magrit chocolate snake print shoe, $475, and Punto Tres Rabbit fur bag, $529, from Escala.

Capaf black bag, $495, from Gertrude Boutique.

CityNews June 14-20 23

body

Harsh winter climate can be cruel to skin Libby Hill reports

“CANBERRA’S winter can be very harsh on our skin,” says Defining Features owner Stacey Rolfe.

“From cold air outside to heaters inside, the skin gets very dehydrated. This can result in dry, irritated skin and flaky, chapped lips.

“Long-term dehydration can result in deep wrinkles, premature ageing, blackheads and dark under-eye circles, among many other things.”

Ensure your skin is protected from the elements this winter with nourishing products in the latest rich tones.

Mineral make-ups are a popular choice in winter because of the benefits to skin health. They are also safe to use on blemish or rosacea-prone skin.

Sunscreen is just as important in the cooler

months as it is during summer, so it’s a good idea to find a moisturiser or foundation containing SPF 30.

For the most modern look this winter, keep a matt base and emphasise the lips with a deep-red lipstick.

While Stacey warns it is important to protect skin from environmental stresses, she says this needs to be done from inside as well as topically.

“Increase your water intake,” she says. Water is essential to maintain your skin’s elasticity and suppleness, making your skin to appear younger.

Drinking water also helps to eliminate toxins and wastes; this means fewer breakouts.

“My tip for winter is to have a one-litre bottle with you all day and refill it at least once. Squeeze in some lemon for a bit of flavour. Try drinking some green tea, too, as this has lots of benefits for the skin as it is full of anti-oxidants.”

1

4 2 6

5

3

1. Estèe Lauder DayWear Plus with SPF 30, $85.

2. Napoleon Perdis Mattifying Mineral Primer, $39.

3. Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup SPF 15, $69.

4. Hissyfit lip service lipbalm with SPF 30 in guava, $25.

7 5. Innoxa Lovely Lips lipstick in Poppy, $14.95.

6. Natio Mineral Eyeshadow Trio in Fresh, $14.95.

7. L’Oreal Studio Secrets blush duo, $27.95.

Good oil on heart health FISH-oil supplements are good for our heart health, says National Heart Foundation of Australia clinical issues director Dr Robert Grenfell.

The foundation recommends Australian adults consume about 500mg of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats every day from oily fish or fish oil supplements, rising to 1000mg for those with heart disease.

“Omega-3 fats, found in oily fish and seafood as well as fish oil supplements, help to reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain general good health,” Dr Grenfell says.

“All Australians should aim to eat two to three serves of 150 grams of oily fish or seafood a week in order to reduce their risk of heart disease.

“The recommended dose of omega-3 fats doubles

24 CityNews June 14-20

for people who already have heart disease and can easily be achieved by additionally using fish oil supplements.”

Fish oil is recommended for heart disease patients, along with aspirin, blood pressure and cholesterol medications.

“Omega-3 fats are essential nutrients for a healthy heart. We need them for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain,” Dr Grenfell says.

“Our bodies cannot manufacture omega-3 fats, so we must get them through food – particularly fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines – or fish oil supplements.”

For information and recipes using fish, go to heartfoundation.org.au

arts & entertainment

Wendy Johnson Saffron sister’s grand entrance

Yes and No

Stolid take on a rare treat

IF you’re confronted by a street sign. Do you do what it tells you to, or not?

Sydney Dance Company’s director Rafael Bonachela is like most of us – sometimes he says yes to signs, sometimes he says no.

Signs, and how we react to them, have been the inspiration for “The Land of Yes & The Land of No”, created in 2009 for Bonachela’s London company with just six dancers.

We’ll be seeing a completely new production of the work with an augmented cast of 13-14 dancers, though the music by Ezio Bosso will be exactly the same and the slightly larger set is still by Alan Macdonald, known for his work on films such as “The Queen” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

Bonachela says it may sound very abstract, but it’s definitely not.

Take the simple roundabout, beloved of all Canberrans. He’s devoted a goodly part of the work to it, but in the ballet “going round in circles” becomes a metaphor for the love triangle, performed by two males and one female dancer.

musical theatre “Iolanthe” Presented by Queanbeyan Players The Q, until June 23.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

–Helen Musa

“The Land of Yes & The Land of No”, Canberra Theatre, June 28-30, bookings to 6275 2700.

Natalie Allen and Chen Wen in Sydney Dance Company’s “The Land of Yes & The Land of No”.

Photo by Jez Smith

Goldberg plays it for the laughs ACTOR Dick Goldberg loves Helen Musa performing comic and serious parts, reports but his fans would say that comedy has the upper hand. famous production of “Noises Off” and “On the

His current director, Tessa Bremner, for whom he has performed in “West Side Story”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and now “The Venetian Twins”, tells “CityNews” that, when it comes to making people laugh, he has an amazingly expressive face and good timing. Reluctantly, Goldberg agrees.

“I suppose it’s a natural advantage in doing a comic role,” he says, but hates theorising about comedy, preferring to stand on his record.

And what a record!

A veteran of the Canberra stage, he has performed Tom Lehrer songs in “Tomfoolery”, played in “Old Time Music Hall” 11 times, in “Jazz Garters” three times, in John Spicer’s

Razzle” for Rep, as Ali Hakim in “Oklahoma” and Thenardier (Master of the ‘ouse) in “Les Miserables” for Philo.

Now Goldberg will be putting his skills to the test again in Rep’s production of “The Venetian Twins”, the musical hit by Nick Enright and Terry Clarke. It’s an Ocker adaptation of a famous Goldoni play where identical twins turn up in the same town at the same time.

The play makes use of commedia dell’arte techniques and physicality is an important factor in playing the perpetually hungry and tricky Arlecchino (Harlequin), historically an athletic character whose opposite number, Columbina, is equally athletic.

Bremner’s casting is astute but quirky.

Actor Dick Goldberg... expressive face and good timing.

Columbina will played by Kate Tricks, Goldberg’s opposite number in “Les Miz”.

To be sure, when I meet him, Goldberg has just been up and down Mount Ainslie, but he says his physical flexibility may not be as once it was. Not to worry, Bremner, an ace choreographer, has come up with some funny dance sequences for the pair.

Another old sparring partner is Ian Croker who will plays the villain, Pancrazio, a role Goldberg was almost cast in. The pair played Abbott and Costello’s famous sketch “Who’s on First?” in 2010, of which Goldberg says over-modestly, “it went down quite well”.

The pair will step outside their commedia rolls to do a turn as opening narrators and Goldberg will also play a jeweller in a small scene with Croker.

In short, with a bunch of old comedy mates on stage, as Goldberg says, “we hit the ground running”.

“The Venetian Twins”, Theatre 3, June 22 -July 7. bookings to 6257 1950.

THE Queanbeyan Players are the last bastion of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire in the region, so this “Iolanthe” provides a relatively rare opportunity to experience one the composers’ most delightful concoctions concerning fairies, magic and politics. Pity then that Janetta McRae’s stolid direction captures so little of the expected magic.

Sure, there are lots of colourful costumes, those for the 12 peers being particularly splendid. The large chorus sings very well, is arranged in artful rows and moves in unison at appropriate moments. The principal players know all their lines, but not all are up to the vocal challenges.

There is a large orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Groom, which plays very well indeed, especially during the overture, and a drab setting which remains largely unchanged for both acts. The period has been moved to the early 1950s, though why is not clear, except that it allows half-fairy Strephon (engagingly played by Gerard Ninnes) to be dressed, rather incongruously, as a council gardener and Phyllis (Madeleine Rowland) to wear a short dress in the first act.

Experienced stagers, Janene Broere (Fairy Queen), Greg Wallace (Lord Tolloller) and Peter Smith (Lord Mountararat) are at their best in the second act, as is Matt Greenwood (The Lord Chancellor) who manages the difficult “Nightmare Song” with considerable aplomb, despite the distraction of six “dainty dancing fairies”. However, vocals honours are stolen by Chris McNee (Private Willis) with his fine rendition of “When All Night Long”.

CityNews June 14-20 25

arts & entertainment

Conflict unfolds in low levels of intimacy and tension “The Duel” (M) FROM Georgian director Dover Koshashvili, using Mary Bing’s screenplay from a novella by Anton Chekov, Croatian interior and exterior locations and a cast drawn mainly from British TV, this quite lovely and engaging film entertains more than makes any significant statement.

Its conflicts unfold in low levels of intimacy and tension. Holidaying in the Caucasus, Laevsky (Andrew Scott) gets a letter notifying him of the death of his live-in paramour’s husband. He throws a wobbly. He must get away quickly. He doesn’t show the letter to Nadia (Fiona Glascott).

Laevsky is a complex, weak, not particularly likeable character, whose perception of life’s apparent purpose is cards, wine and rutting with Nadia (who probably enjoys it, without indicating one way or the other). His acquaintances include a physician of noble ancestry and probably gay, a dilettante anxious to help him deal with his problems and Von Koren, much taken by the ideas in “On the Origin of Species”.

Von Koren despises Laevsky. Maria, a neighbour with a restrained view of society, finds Nadia’s situation intolerable. The local police chief lusts after Nadia.

Dougal Macdonald cinema

Here is a community of folk driven by hedonism, little aware of the world beyond their group. Forming judgements about their behaviour is probably less rewarding than simply accepting it and enjoying Koshashvili’s inclusion of enchanting images that don’t advance the story, but give great pleasure.

At Greater Union

“Friends With Kids” (M) IF this film accurately depicts the way urban middleclass Americans deal with relationships, then God help America. Blessing her won’t be enough.

In Jennifer Westfeldt’s third film as writer, producer and actor – and her first as director – Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Westfeldt), living in separate apartments in the same building, have been platonic best pals since early teens.

Their married best friends have children. It seems a good thing for them to do the same without marrying or

even cohabiting. Their agreement about parenting little Joe is scrupulously fair and works okay. But on a group skiing weekend, dinner-table conversation rips holes in a few relationships.

What follows works hard to make useful observations.

Julie moves from a high-rent Manhattan apartment to a cheaper Brooklyn one. We can see what’s coming and indeed it does. It’s a mistake. Jason may have fathered Joe but he’s bad news in a relationship and always will be.

Small good things are scattered through the film.

Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig are a useful team to energise any rom-com. And Adam Scott does well as a character whom we should pity more for his inadequacies than excoriate him for his behaviour. Jason just doesn’t get it. Julie, silly girl, lets him have his wicked, if pleasurable, way.

At all cinemas

“Prometheus” (M) THIRTY-three years ago, Ridley Scott’s “Alien” became a cult extra-terrestrial fantasy horror hit.

Spacecraft Prometheus is on a voyage in 2093 to explore where man has never gone before. Purporting

to tell the backstory to “Alien”, “Prometheus” is reverse storytelling in which a bad-mannered creature gestates inside the body and eventually pops out to do terminal harm to humans.

Science fiction is a legitimate diversion from reality, but in pursuing what is at best a plot of limited imagination down a well-trodden path, “Prometheus” insults our intelligence.

In one of the film’s collection of proven improbabilities more than two centuries after Darwin and massive paleontological discoveries, chief scientist Elizabeth (Noomi Rapace) concludes that the team’s discoveries on the unnamed planet have links with the origin of humanity.

Where, we must wonder, did she get her PhD? Elizabeth is brave and stubborn, exemplified by a five-minute, high-tech caesarean she performs on herself to deliver a cephalopod-like foetus, before putting on her space-suit and resuming duty.

I can accept monsters doing things beyond human capability, but I baulk when a film, however fantastic, asks me to take seriously stuff like this by a human protagonist whose academic achievements should have taught her better.

At all cinemas

Remembering Bloom’s special day Helen Musa arts in the city

AH, Bloomsday, June 16, 1904, the day James Joyce’s Leopold Bloom took a stroll through Dublin – it’s beloved of “Ulysses” fans everywhere. Canberra’s Friends of Ireland Society is staging a Bloomsday festival with music and Joyce-style blarney, at the Canberra Irish Club in Weston Creek from 9am on Saturday, June 16. Breakfast bookings essential to 6288 5088 or 6288 7451.

TERRIFIC news that local artist Karen Green has reached the second stage of judging in the Doug Moran Prize, Australia’s richest portrait prize, with $150,000 awarded to the winner. Finalists will be notified on July 2.

“GLASS Weave” is an exhibition of new works in hot-blown and kiln-formed glass, inspired by

26 CityNews June 14-20

traditional Aboriginal woven eel traps, fish traps and baskets by Jenni Kemarre Martiniello. At Belconnen Arts Centre, 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, June 16-July 1.

THE Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation has begun selling tickets to its arts auction party on September 8 at M16 Artspace in Griffith.

Early bird prices are available until mid-August at www.capo.org.au or to 6249 7860.

COMPOSER alert: the International Space Time Concerto Competition “Eel Trap 2”, a glass work by Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, at Belconnen is waiving its entry fee and with a Arts Centre. total prize pool of $50,000. Open to musicians from all genres, entries THE Poetry in Film Festival is – “Astor Piazzolla” at The Street close midnight, July 1. Details at hunting for a feature poem of up Theatre on June 23. As well, www.spacetimeconcerto.com to 15 lines to be interpreted into poet Geoff Page will read from four to seven-minute short films, on his own “Eight for Astor” poems RANDOM 9 is a gang of the theme “The Future Imagined”. and dancers Karina and Fabian enterprising local artists whose Submit to poems@poetryinfilmfesConca will complete the hat trick. latest show, “N/Eingang [entry]”, tival.com.au by June 30.

Bookings to 62471223 or www. is at the ANU School of Art Foyer thestreet.org.au Gallery, June 19-30 and is homage PIANIST Marcela Fiorillo invites to that space. you to “an intimate encounter” Daily arts news, citynews.com.au

Sister’s grand entrance Wendy Johnson dining

SAFFRON Manuka now has a sister. And if the crowd on our recent Saturday night visit was anything to go by, the Kingston sibling has made a grand entrance.

The restaurant was packed with diners exploring the fine East Mediterranean flavours that inspire chef Max Azize and his brother Lamb cutlets... the new Saffron has the same classic dishes as its Marven (front of house). award-winning Manuka sister.

This is a welcome addition to the dining scene in this part of town, which – with the exception of a few restaurants such as Artespresso – is predominantly Italian and Asian.

The new Saffron has the same classic dishes as award-winning Manuka, such as the fabulous Basa dory fillet baked in chilli sauce and coriander, topped with crunchy roasted nuts and served with saffron rice ($26.90).

But the Azize brothers have also introduced a short list of chef’s specials exclusive to Kingston.

These rotating creations will keep your taste buds dancing.

Cypriot haloumi... “We loved the chewy texture and how the Ours did, starting with the balsamic cuts through,” says reviewer Wendy Johnson. grilled Cypriot haloumi cheese topped with roma tomato, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and winter dish bound to make many different, bold décor. This starts reduced balsamic ($16.90). This feel very comfy. The meat on one with the striking, bright-red, type of haloumi is salty, but not shank fell off the bone while the 10-metre wall feature. This overly so. We loved the chewy other needed a bit of support. The “3D Board” by Dulux is new on texture and how the balsamic cuts polenta was super smooth. the market. It’s an artistic and through. Wished the tomatoes We shared dessert ($12.90) and environmentally friendly product were riper, however. although the poached pear in and Saffron is the first commercial My Sujuk (Armenian style) saffron syrup sounded delightful, establishment in Canberra to salami baked in a parcel of foil we ordered the baked Lebanesefeature it. packed a punch ($28.90). This style pancake stuffed with haloumi Saffron’s wine list is impressive dish is not to be missed if you and served with delicate rosewater with balanced price points. I love strong salami made with syrup. Don’t worry about the admire restaurants that support spices such as cumin and sumac. haloumi being salty. It’s soaked in our local wineries and Saffron I gingerly unfolded the foil and several changes of fresh water over does. And thanks to the staff for discovered loads of meat and gora few days giving a more subtle taking good care of us. geous vegetables (again, wished taste. It was a perfect ending and Saffron Kingston, 31 Kennedy the tomatoes were riper). the dish a good size for sharing.

Street, open seven days for lunch The slow-cooked lamb shanks Saffron Kingston is much bigger and dinner. Indoor and outdoor with garlic polenta ($32.90) is a than Manuka and has a radically dining. Call 6295 8839

Between sleep and wake dance

“No Place” Choreography by Adelina Larsson QL2 Dance Theatre, Gorman House, season closed.

Reviewed by Samara Purnell THE brainchild of Adelina Larsson, this work-in-progress is inspired by the transitional state between sleep and wakefulness and the experience of those suffering a disordered, life-effecting state – hypnagogia.

The idea is that the dancers induce this state in themselves as they perform, which they say they managed to achieve, and invite the audience to join them.

Amelia McQueen’s narration and improvisation was well-timed, maintaining the disarmingly vague stare of someone awake, but not processing.

Janine Proost’s dynamic technique commanded attention.

Alison Plevey and Holly Diggle completed the quartet of dancers.

Diggle’s slow sequence was quite hypnotising, although most dance phrases were abrupt and discordant.

Sarah Kaur developed the video installation. If funding allows development into a full-length work, the soundscape (which resembles an alien invasion) and video could be made even more impactful with surround sound and some staging tweaks. The choreography will be challenging to sustain interest exactly as is, and more thought could go into wardrobing.

Larsson’s desire to induce a semi-conscious state on the audience may not come off as hoped just yet, but as the performance pulls you in, it abruptly ends… a bit like sleep – for those who aren’t hypnagogic.

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garden

Evergreen promise of flowers RECENTLY, I discussed deciduous shrubs for a spring display. This week, are suggestions of evergreen shrubs for late winter/early spring flowers.

While I have mentioned some of these plants individually in the past, I thought they could provide a special feature as a group in a specific area of the garden, as they all prefer similar soils and growing conditions.

OSMANTHUS “Heaven Sent” bred in the 1980s by veteran plant hunter Bob Cherry, of Paradise Plants. This was introduced by Cherry from one of his trips to remote areas of China.

It is described as: “A compact, dense shrub, versatile as a hedge, on its own or grown in a large container.

“The deep green leaves form a perfect backdrop to white tubular flowers borne in clusters all along the branches. Flowering from latewinter into spring with an amazing perfume.”

These can be kept small, say to one metre with pruning after flowering, as I do in our garden, or allowed to grow to 1.5-2m as a hedge.

ANOTHER of Cherry’s introductions is Michelia yunnanensis “Paradise Perfection”, a superb new form of M. yunnanensis developed by Cherry who describes it as having “all the elegance and perfume of the common form of Michelia with the added bonus of more flowers on its compact form and dense foliage. Hundreds of small, brown, velvet buds extend along the branches opening to purewhite flowers with yellow stamens in late winter into spring”.

Eventual height if left unpruned will be 2-3m, although I encourage pruning after flowering to keep its shape and promote more flowers.

Still one of the most popular Michelia is Michelia figo or Port Wine magnolia, of which I featured

Cedric Bryant gardening

last November. This one has been popular since its introduction to the west in 1798.

A PLANT not often grown in this area, nor often offered for sale at local garden centres, is Kalmia latifolia or Mountain Laurel.

Seeing it at the Heritage Nursery, Yarralumla, reminded me how much I love this stunning shrub. It was included in the courtyard garden I designed at the National Film and Sound Archives in 1990 and is still growing well. It was introduced into gardens from eastern North America back in 1734. The clusters of bright pink saucer-shaped flowers give the appearance of icing sugar when in flower.

PIERIS is commonly known as the Pearl Bush due to the long strings of white or pink flowers, depending on the variety, resembling literally a string of pearls. It can look absolutely stunning in spring when in flower at the same time as the rich, red colour of the newly emerging leaves. It can also be seen growing in the NFSA courtyard garden. I recommend P. “Christmas Cheer” (so named as in other places it flowers at Christmas) which grows to 1-2m and P. “Temple Bells” of a similar size.

FINALLY, every garden should have a group of the new Daphne “Eternal Fragrance”.

It is new to Australia, having been bred by the renowned Daphne breeder Robin White in England.

This is a hardy cross between Daphne napolitana and D.collina, both found growing in the Naples area of southern Italy. Unlike the Chinese Daphne odora, it flowers several times a year and is a compact form with an amazing fragrance.

For advice on growing these plants, refer to my Cedfacts Garden Information Sheet “Acid Loving Plants” at www.cedricbryant.com

The stunning, new Daphne “Eternal Fragrance”... flowers several times a year and is a compact form with an amazing fragrance.

Osmanthus “Heaven Sent”, with tight clusters of flowers... A compact, dense shrub, versatile as a hedge, on its own or grown in a large container.

Pieris forrestii at the National Film and Sound Archive... commonly known as the Pearl Bush due to the long strings of white or pink flowers.

Outdoors in the winter garden: • PLANT garlic without delay. Do not try planting the Chinese imported garlic sold in supermarkets, but that from your local garden centre.

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28 CityNews June 14-20

Win a bundle of books

Cedric’s got a bundle of five books to give away to one lucky winner. They include three books he reviewed last week – ”Fruit Trees in Small LIFE Dahlia tubers and divide, place in Spaces”, “Pest-repellent Plant”, dry sawdust and store in a dry, dark “Beautiful No-Mow Yards” – place. If they are named varieties when plus “Small-space Cointainer dry, write on the tuber in black Texta to Gardens” and “Rover Cottage remind you when planting out.

Handbook – Herbs”.

On the back of an envelope, SPRAY fruit trees once the leaves have write a single word that fallen with Bordeaux or Kocide for describes how you feel about brown rot. winter. Include you name and a contact phone number or REMOVE thick cover of fallen leaves email address and send it to from small delicate plants to prevent “Cedric’s Bundle of Books”, smothering.

“CityNews”, GPO Box 2448, Civic 2600. Competition closes TAKE hardwood cuttings of deciduous at midday on Monday, June 25 climbers ie. wisteria and ornamental and the winner announced on grape. the garden page in the edition of June 28.

home King’s Oscar sofa... Almost as important as choosing the leather that is right for your sofa is learning how to care for it, says Triana Odone.

Keeping leather luxurious LEATHER is beautiful and luxurious, and there’s nothing like this elegant, natural, upholstery product, says Triana Odone, King Furniture merchandising and trends expert.

“Each hide is unique in its natural characteristics and colour variances, making leather a pleasure to experience,” she says.

Choosing the right type leather can be challenging and Triana says not to compromise on quality when choosing a leather sofa.

“High-quality leathers regulate temperature for year-round comfort,” she says. “Particularly in winter, it’s essential to have a leather sofa free of harsh dyes and plastic coatings so it can breathe

and provide your home with lasting warmth.

“It’s important to identify the variation in different types of leathers such as aniline and buffed leather. Aniline is the most natural looking of all leathers – surface grain and markings are always present and indicate genuine leather character. Whereas buffed leathers have corrected grain where the top surface of the hide is buffed, like a sanding process to remove most imperfections.”

Almost as important as choosing the leather that is right for your sofa is learning how to care for it.

King’s seven steps to keep leather luxurious:

• Dust leather furniture weekly to ensure dirt is removed.

• Clean and condition leather every six to eight weeks.

• Do not clean leather with household cleaners – use tailored products.

• Keep leather out of direct or indirect sunlight to maintain its luxurious look and feel.

• Do not place leather furniture close to any source of heating.

• Keep any sharp or abrasive objects such as shoes, belt buckles and zippers away from leather.

• Keep newspapers away from light-coloured leathers as ink stains are difficult to remove.

CityNews June 14-20 29

puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / June 18 - 24

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The New Moon’s in chatty Gemini, which speeds up communication and ensures a busy week of connecting with others. Uranus and Pluto are set to shake up your life over the next three years. Being a rambunctious Ram will only make things more difficult. If you work with the changes, then your career and self-image will transform in positive (and unexpected) ways.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Take stock of money matters, as the New Moon (and retrograde Venus) highlight problems in your $$$ zone. Extravagant spending will make your bank balance go backwards – whereas smart shopping and prudent saving will set you up for a fab financial future. Thursday is the Winter Solstice (longest night of the year), so snuggle up close with someone special.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

The New Moon’s in your sign, so let the circus begin! It’s the perfect time to refresh your physical appearance, review your personal beliefs or reboot a rickety relationship. You’re at your gregarious Gemini best – but don’t expect everyone to find your constant chatter and antics amusing. And, if you pass on gratuitous gossip, you could end up with egg on your face.

General knowledge crossword No. 364 Across

Down

4 In which ancient city were the Hanging Gardens?

8 What is the income of a government from tax, excise duties, etc?

9 Name the 16th president of the US who was assassinated in 1865.

10 Name the capital of Wales.

11 What do we call mildly reproved children?

12 Which large carnivorous felines are facing extinction?

14 What, perhaps, does the financial world run on?

18 Name the mythical bird which is said to have risen from its ashes.

21 In company law, which type of trading is a statutory offence?

22 What is the title of the commander-in-chief of a navy?

23 Name a particular type of fencer.

24 Having hung someone without authority is to have done what to that person?

1 Which national summer game is played at Lord’s England?

2 To be open to view is to be what?

3 Which one of our teeth is adapted for cutting?

4 What is a familiar term for a belltower?

5 What are built-in platform beds, as on ships?

6 Which close-fitting one-piece garment is worn by acrobats, dancers, etc?

7 Colloquially, what do we call fools?

13 Name the early US jazz clarinetist and band leader who created “swing”.

15 What is a male domesticated fowl?

16 What are revolving tower-like structures within which guns are mounted?

17 To be banished from one’s country is to be what?

18 Which gem is produced in an oyster?

19 To travel from Melbourne to Brisbane, one must proceed in which direction, broadly?

20 What was the first name of the Dickens character, Drood...?

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

With the Sun, Moon and Mercury all moving through Cancer, the focus turns to home and hearth. Your motto for the moment is from Meryl Streep (born on June 22): “I am wired for family.” Uranus and Pluto activate your work and relationship zones over the next few years. So, when it comes to personal and professional partnerships, aim to be more flexible and open to change.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

The New Moon moves through your networking zone, which increases your desire to link up with your peer group. But, with Venus retrograding, don’t let false friends lead you up the primrose path to trouble. Sunday’s Sun/Neptune trine is fabulous if you’ve been feeling creatively challenged.

It will kick-start your creative juices, as your imagination fires and your inspiration soars.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Versatile Virgos – your super-critical side is likely to take over this week, but resist the urge to be picky and pessimistic. Instead, aim to view the glass as being half-full (rather than half-empty). You’ve got a lot on your plate but, if you multi-task, you’ll get things done in half the time. The New Moon activates your career zone so make sure you reach for the stars.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Laid-back Librans – don’t be too complacent about love. Over the next few years, big changes are required to keep a romantic relationship on track.

Singles – it’s time to look for your soul mate in unexpected places. But, with Venus (your ruling planet) still reversing through your aspirations zone, don’t spend more on luxury items than you can comfortably afford.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Lust and loot loom large, as you work through issues involving intimacy or joint finances. Smart communication and calm cooperation will get you a lot further than Scorpio sulking. Uranus squares Pluto on Sunday (and then six times again over the next three years). Radical changes are coming into your life and, the more you resist them, the more difficult they will be.

Solution next week 1

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Sudoku medium No.82

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Expect some interesting developments with work or health (which will shake up your usual routine). Don’t become so focused on the future that you lose sight of the present. Give your day-to-day life the time and attention it deserves – physically, emotionally and spiritually. The way you perceive your family (and yourself) is set to shift over the next three years.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It takes a lot to shock an Aquarian – but how well do you really know family and friends? This week you’ll discover fascinating new information about a child, teenager or friend. Over the next three years your life will be transformed, courtesy of the Uranus/Pluto square. The changes will be powerful (and sometimes painful), but they will lead to a brand new you.

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011 30 CityNews June 14-20

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

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This week is all about love, as the New Moon illuminates your partnership zone. But, with retrograde Venus also paying a visit, it won’t all be smooth sailing. As birthday great Nicole Kidman reminds us: “It’s a very brave thing to fall in love.” Avoid being too blunt and bossy at work – fiery words with a colleague now could backfire badly later, so choose your words wisely.

Discipline (never one of your strong points) goes out the window this week, and you’ll find it hard to concentrate. You’re in the mood to eat, drink, socialise and buy beautiful things for your home. Sunday’s Sun/Neptune trine is perfect for pursuing artistic, spiritual, or humanitarian endeavours.

You’re also keen to connect with the creative and compassionate child within.

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Solutions

Crossword No.363 G R A G L E F I G C H A L W A E L E L

A C O I D I S C I A L C R Y F L I G C

E S C E R O A L L K A P R A R C H T I

O C O H E V R O N S E N T R D R I V E R B I I O C I C C D U T C H E S R A P O U N D S E R G E I G U A N A O N A C G E Y S E R

Sudoku hard No.81

Solution next week

CityNews June 14-20 31

32 CityNews June 14-20