Canberra CityNews September 13, 2012

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news

Getting troubled blokes to care and share IF there is help in front of a man, he will use it, says OzHelp CEO Tony Holland.

Tony and his mental health support team have been carrying out that idea at building sites around Canberra for years, providing support for troubled men who are doing it tough in an industry often associated with a “macho” culture.

Now in its tenth year, OzHelp, a notfor-profit, community-based mental health support organisation, focuses on suicide prevention in industry workplaces.

Tony believes there’s a much higher risk of suicide in the building and construction industry as it is “predominantly male”.

“There’s lots of bravado, it’s a macho sort of environment. There’s a greater risk of things going on in the building industry – that’s why we target them.”

The OzHelp team runs regular sausage sizzles at construction sites, where field officers can chat to builders, as well as the “tradie tune up” program – a series of check ups with a registered nurse and mental health officer.

There’s also “hard-hat chats” – 15-minute presentations about everything from sleep and fatigue, drugs, conflict resolution, budgeting and other lifestyle issues.

“Men won’t go out of their way to tell

In Australia, more than 70 per cent of suicides are by men – and it’s men who often struggle the most to talk about their problems. LAURA EDWARDS reports you their problems... if you say to them, come to a seminar in the evening or go over to that suburb to do it, they won’t do it. But if it’s right there in their face, they’ll engage,” says Tony.

“We want our field officers here to build a connection with these tradies, and have ongoing contact. Our ultimate aim is to help people to stay safe.

We don’t want to go round with a big banner saying ‘suicide people’ because then no-one will talk to us.”

He says field officers are careful to use “subtle techniques” and appropriate connections to build relationships with workers.

“At the barbecues, the officers will go around and just have a chat to the builders,” Tony says.

“There’s signs they look for – it might just be a brief conversation – then they’ll give them their card, ask to meet somewhere for coffee, chat about it further.

“In the last 12 months alone, we’ve done 20 targeted interventions – that’s where we get an OzHelp officer to provide one-on-one support for a builder and encouragement if they’re at a high risk of suicide. So we help them to be safe, come up with a plan for

index / contacts Arts&Entertainment 37-41 Canberra Confidential 24 Cinema 40 Dining 41 Fashion 25-30 Floriade 21-23 Garden 42-43 Home 44 Letters 10 News 5-20 Politics 8 Puzzles 45 Social Scene 31-35 Cover: stylist Emma Hack also collaborated on Gotye’s 100-million-hit Youtube sensation “Somebody That I Used to Know”. Story Page 21.

them, refer them to counselling, take them to hospital, talk to their doctor, whatever is appropriate in those circumstances.”

The warning signs of suicide can be easy to spot, says Tony, and are usually broken into three categories – “things you might know, notice, or hear.”

“You might know someone’s had a breakdown in family, divorce, death of child, financial stress,” Tony says.

“Or you could notice a normally chatty colleague becomes quite sullen, or has sudden changes of mood. Then there’s hearing things like ‘I’m really lonely, I can’t take this anymore’. If all these things line up, they could have a heightened risk of suicide.”

Tony says OzHelp has had a “great response” from builders so far.

“We’ve had many people saying they would take part in these presentations or check-ups again and others saying they went and saw their doctors after, which is really good to hear,” he says.

“It shows men will talk, if they’re given the right opportunity and environment.”

If you need help, contact Lifeline Canberra’s 24 hour telephone line on 13 1114.

OzHelp’s Tony Holland talks to construction workers over a sausage sizzle... “Men won’t go out of their way to tell you their problems... But if it’s right there in their face, they’ll engage.”

Photo by Silas Brown

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Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Journalists: Laura Edwards, laura@citynews.com.au Libby Hill, libby@citynews.com.au Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Chief executive officer: Greg Jones Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au helen@citynews.com.au Design and photography: Senior advertising executive: Silas Brown, 0412 718086 Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999 Graphic designer: Leonie Fox Advertising sales executives: Contributing photographer: Andrew Finch Rebecca Darman 0411 225169 Sara Poguet, 0415 706758 Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler Advertising sales co-ordinator: accounts@citynews.com.au ad@citynews.com.au Distribution and circulation: Sydney advertising sales: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777 Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, of Suite 1, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

CityNews September 13-19 5

news

Cal just can’t help himself Canberra basketball legend Cal Bruton is taking a shot at a new nationwide tournament.

LAURA EDWARDS reports.

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6 CityNews September 13-19

ALTHOUGH he last played in the National Basketball League (NBL) almost 20 years ago, it’s obvious Cal Bruton hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm or love for the game.

His passion is clear when he talks about being on “the court”, or even as he picks up a basketball – with ease, sporting his trademark grin – “just don’t ask me to spin it on my finger at this age,” he says.

The American-born Bruton, nicknamed the “Black Pearl”, played in the NBL for almost 12 years and coached four teams, including the now-defunct Canberra Cannons. His legendary status was cemented in 1998 when he was inducted in the NBL Hall of Fame.

Bruton has continued to live in Canberra since the Cannons went into financial administration in 2003, working as a luxury car salesman for dealer Lennock.

Now he is looking to pass on some of his expert advice with a new basketball tournament in Tuggeranong, on September 29, headed by the “Black Pearl” himself.

“Bruton 2 on 2” will see four age groups from 14-and-under to 31-and-over, with men and women invited to play.

The teams of two will face off in two or more 12-minute games, (with four threeminute quarters) for the day-long tournament.

“This game will only have a 13-second shot clock – so you gotta play fast,” says Bruton.

“It’ll be exciting to watch because the players will have to keep moving. This tournament is going to be a carnival-like atmosphere – we’ll have music playing during the games, and plenty of food and drink for those watching. All you really need is a partner to play.”

The winning teams of each division will go ahead to the tournament’s national finals, and national winners will receive $10,000 or tickets to the “2013 Hype NBA tour” in America, to see and meet some of the top NBA superstars.

The tournament will also include a two-hour training camp run by Bruton, to teach the “fundamentals of the game”.

Bruton says playing two-on-two encourages a partnership rather than a team effort and he hopes to see players display his

Cal Bruton... “I’ve designed this two-on-two tournament so people can learn the complete game of basketball.”

Photo by Silas Brown “three Cs”: competitiveness, competence and confidence.

“This concept is designed to teach teamwork, there’s been a lot of dynamic duos that have played together. There’s nothing like having a partner and going to the courts, playing together and reading off each other,” he says.

“I’ve designed this two-on-two tournament so people can learn the complete game of basketball.”

The launch of the tournament will coincide with Bruton’s 58th birthday, as well as the 30th anniversary of his Australian citizenship.

“I’ve lived in Canberra for the longest part of my life in Australia. It’s been a very special journey,” he says.

“I’m hoping to celebrate both my birthday and the anniversary with a big birthday cake after the tournament.”

“Bruton 2 on 2” will be held at the Tuggeranong basketball stadium on September 29 from 8.30am. Cost is $110 per team, or scholarships available. A percentage of profits will go towards disadvantaged or indigenous youths. For more information or to register, visit www.blackpearlbasketball. com.au.

CityNews September 13-19 7

politics / same-sex marriage

Christian soldier comes a cropper JIM Wallace’s rash comments about homosexuality misfired at an opportune time when the ACT and Tasmanian Governments are working in a co-ordinated way to achieve recognition for gay people who wish to be married.

Although not a major issue for the upcoming election, the effort of the ACT Labor Party and the Greens on this issue does illustrate their determined focus on human rights.

In a desperate thrust against the growing support for recognition of gay marriage, Wallace, managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, compared the risks of being gay to the risks of smoking.

Referring to homosexuality, he said: “If we warn against smoking because it carries health dangers, we should also be warning young people in particular about activity which clearly carries health risks.”

This is not the first misguided foray of this type attributable to Wallace. On Anzac Day last year, the former Australian Special Air Service brigadier (1988-1990) sent out a tweet stating: “Just hope that as we remember servicemen and women today we remember the Australia they fought for – wasn’t gay marriage and Islamic”. He did issue an “unreserved apology” for the comments. However, his misunderstanding of the fundamentals of democracy was clear for all to see.

The greatest challenge for democracies is not so much in how well they look after the majority, but in how well they are able to protect the rights and recognise the aspirations of individuals and small minorities.

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The ACT and Tasmanian Governments received a boost in their campaigns to open marriage to gay couples thanks to the efforts of the Australian Christian Lobby’s managing director, says MICHAEL MOORE The vast majority of heterosexual couples are not particularly concerned about the issue of gay marriage. However, most of us have a deeper understanding of the principles.

There is always the possibility that we might be part of a small interest group that seeks recognition of our own rights that, for a time, may be out of kilter with the majority. Ironically, such protection of civil liberty in the past has often been about the right to freely practice religion.

In his role as commander of the SAS, Wallace was committed to the motto “who dares wins”. The motto may well be appropriate for the SAS, but by now he should be realising it carries very high risks in the advocacy field. His attempt to compare the health risks of tobacco to homosexuality was amateurish and laughable.

The president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Steve Hambleton’s response was most effective: ‘’Cigarettes, when used as the manufacturer intended, will kill you”.

According to the Australian Preventative Health Taskforce Report, smoking accounts for more than seven per cent of the burden of disease in Australia.

Other factors identified by the taskforce include blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, blood cholesterol, alcohol and, finally, low fruit and vegetables. Homosexuality was not included as a “modifiable health risk”.

How many things do we do in our lives that are without

risk? Any marriage, gay or otherwise, is not without risk.

Some marriages thrust one of the partners into financial ruin or result in emotional or physical violence and more than half of marriages end in divorce. However, we persist in marriage because the benefits of a close and loving relationship so far outweigh many of the alternatives.

One of Australia’s most prominent gay activists, former High Court judge, Michael Kirby, writing in his autobiography “A Private Life”, shares the love that he has maintained with his partner, Johan van Vloten, since 1969.

Anyone reading the book and understanding the difficulties faced by two men in such a long-term, loving relationship would have to ask themselves why would this “boring suburban couple” (in Kirby’s words) not be entitled to the same respect, recognition and opportunities as other loving couples.

Kirby provides an insight into the impact of opposition to gay marriage: “During the years when we were obliged to deny our reality in public, in a funny way, this threw us into a special closeness, simply because we knew that society expected us to deny our truth.

We would not wish that on young gay people today.”

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

briefly Same-sex celebration DEPUTY Chief Minister Andrew Barr is among the line-up of “contributors” to “Fruitful Love”, Canberra’s artistic community’s celebration of same-sex love, produced

by Ben O’Reilly, at the ARC Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 7pm, Friday, September 21.

Other contributors include Robyn Archer, Michael Kirby, Peter J Casey, Chris Latham and the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire. Bookings at $25 a ticket to 6248 2000.

Book fare galore THE annual Rotary Club of Mulwaree Book Fair will be held next door to the Astor Hotel, on Auburn Street, Goulburn, 9am-5pm daily, from Monday, September 17 to Sunday, September 30. The book fair will sell novels, magazines, CDs and DVDs. Funds raised will go to helping support Rotary charities and projects, locally, nationally and internationally. Book donations will be accepted on site or before the Book Fair at Barbeques Galore and Tony’s Handyman Centre.

More information from 0419 491280.

Help with events THE Association of Australian Convention Bureaux has launched its new, streamlined website, aimed at helping organisers run business events by alerting them to the free resources of local convention bureaus. The upgraded events calendar offers users a summary of upcoming events across the country and the site’s Q&A section offers more advice than before. Visit whatisthebureau. com.au

CityNews September 13-19 9

opinion

dose of dorin

letters

‘Misuse’ of public money AS a retired Treasury/Finance Department public servant, I can’t believe that the ACT Government is even considering wasting $12.8 million of ratepayers’ money on the construction of bus stops on Adelaide Avenue.

Apart from the fact that local-resident patronage would probably not even cover running costs (let alone capital expenditure), there is also the likelihood that this would be just a blatant misuse of public finances if a second Rapid Transport System (as the one envisioned for Gungahlin) is mooted for the foreseeable future, to link southern suburbs to the city via Adelaide Avenue.

M McGregor, Curtin

Too much crime I AM a Canberran who is very concerned and saddened at the increase of crime within the Canberra community and all communities around Australia and the world.

Crime in all forms seems to be considered a sign of the times and something heavily promoted on TV and movie screens.

These days, the screen heroes are the ones who cause the most destruction and achieve the highest kill rate. These are the role models our children look up to today. Yes, it should be a concern to all of us.

Amanda Medcalf, via email

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Deal in facts, Ric Sorry to disappoint you, Ric (letters, CN, September 6), but all ACT Greens’ election commitments are fully costed and will be submitted to Treasury for verification.

Nor were the ACT Greens involved in the CSIRO or Parkwood incidents.

It pays to deal in facts, not falsehoods or prejudices.

Patricia Saunders, Chapman

Content the key I CONSIDER the majority of journalists to be learned in their opinions. However, I don’t agree with your columnist Robert Macklin (“Man bites... newspapers!”, CN, September 6).

I agree with Fairfax CEO Greg Hywood and believe newspapers will always have a place, even with the generation after us. The relevance of newspapers in the future will always boil down to the content and quality presented.

Maurice Felizzi, via email Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.

CityNews September 13-19 11

news

Abbeyfield residents, from left, Dorothy Streatfield, Jean Seamen, Abbeyfield committee member Maggie Grills, Jill Edwards and Sarah Leach.

Photo by Silas Brown

Happy oldies who go for group housing LIVING in a share house is commonplace Libby Hill among generation Y, but it’s rarely the reports experience of people in their 70s, 80s or 90s.

But in two Canberra dwellings, an older generation is experiencing share housing and all its benefits: low costs, good company and the luxury of leaving dirty dishes for someone else to clean!

The Abbeyfield Society has purpose-built houses in Ainslie and Garran for older people who are independent, but no longer wish to live alone.

Each house has 10 residents, who get their own ensuite bed/sitting room, and a live-in housekeeper.

Maggie Grills is a local committee member of the Abbeyfield Society and says the houses are a worthwhile alternative to living alone.

“A lot of people here in Canberra lock themselves into their houses or units and they don’t turn the heating on because it’s so expensive,” she says.

“Quite often people come in really weak and feeble and withdrawn, but after a couple of months here they really blossom.”

She says residents are independent and reasonably able to look after themselves, but they also keep an eye out for each other.

Jean Seamen, like many residents, was resistant to move into Abbeyfield even though it had been recommended to her.

“I had my own flat and I was really happy there. But then I was ill and my eldest son

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died. Everything sort of happened at once and I couldn’t do the stairs so I came to have a look,” she says.

“I’ve never been sorry for a second. I love it here.

“We have lovely people here. There’s just something that’s calming about it. You don’t have to worry about anything and we’ve got wonderful people who run this place.

“I think when you’ve lived on your own and you come into a place where you’ve got a lot of people to eat with, you wonder whether you’re going to fit in but it’s just like a big family – a happy family.”

Abbeyfield is a not-for-profit organisation, started in England about 50 years ago, that came to Australia about 26 years ago when the first house was built in Melbourne.

The Canberra houses were built by ACT Housing and each is financially self-supporting from equal contributions made by residents.

The houses are especially for people on low incomes and each resident’s contribution is a percentage of the aged pension in addition to rent assistance. Each resident is left with about $100 a week in their pocket.

Vacancies occasionally arise at Abbeyfield House. For enquiries call 6281 2387 or go to www. abbeyfield.org.au

CityNews September 13-19 13

Big Things in Store, Treloar Centre open day / advertising feature

Conservators battle to save wartime tank The Japanese Ha-Go tank is one of the important war relics on show at Big Things In Store, Treloar Technology Centre, the Australian War Memorial’s conservation facility and storage hub at Mitchell. Once a year visitors get the opportunity to see ‘behind the scenes’ and to talk to conservators about their latest projects IT’S been a labour of love for Australian War Memorial conservators who have spent two years working on a Japanese tank, which is considered to be one of the most significant relics from World War II. The tank is just one of the relics on show at Big Things In Store, the Australian War Memorial’s open day in Mitchell on Sunday, September 16. The Treloar Technology Centre is the Australian War Memorial’s conservation facility and storage hub.

Captured in Milne Bay, New Guinea in 1942 after the defeat of the Japanese landing force, the Ha-Go tells the story of a turning point in the war, when the Japanese advance was being halted.

Soon after its capture, the Ha-Go was brought to Australia and dismantled to see how it was made.

It was then put back together again and towed over a mine to judge the effects of Australian munitions before spending more than 20 years in a junkyard where it filled up with water and sat deteriorating. In the ‘70s a private collector rescued it and when he passed away his collection was dispersed and the Australian War Memorial acquired the tank in 2005.

Memorial conservator John Kemister started working on the tank in 2010 and wasn’t surprised to find it was badly corroded.

John Kemister, senior large technology conservator, working on the Ha-Go tank.

Photo by Fiona Silsby. Australian soldiers inspect two disabled Type 95 Ha-Go Japanese light tanks, which were found bogged down and abandoned “It’s the story of our life. Many of the relics after the fighting around Milne Bay, New Guinea. we get here have been left out or they’ve been incorrectly restored and repainted. If only people back then had the forethought to think ‘this is significant’,” he says.

“But attitudes have changed over the years. At the end of the war, people wanted to forget everything and they didn’t want to

worry about keeping things.

“You can’t keep everything, but we’re just grateful for what we’ve got and this is a beauty, it’s still got signatures scratched on the side from October, 1942.”

The aim of the conservators was to treat extensive corrosion damage, free up corroded components, source original components or replicate missing components such as both tracks, and return the tank to its as-captured but non-operational service appearance.

“Our task was to get as much information as we could about what it looked like and bring it back to looking like that,” John says.

“One of the challenges we have is, how on earth do you put a 60-year-old paint layer on a tank? When you paint it, it looks brand new.

“Our approach is to bring it back to the way it looked and then if it goes on display, our exhibition people can distress it or put mud on it, and because that’s not an original surface, we’re quite happy to spray fake mud over it to make it look the way it was.”

Dean Willis, large technology conservator, working on the Ha-Go tank.

The Ha-Go had been involved in actions

Photo by Fiona Silsby. with Australian infantry of the 61st and

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2/10th Batallions, and at one point on the night of August 28, 1942 was engaged by Cpl Jack O’Brien with a BOYS anti-tank rifle.

O’Brien was wounded and awarded a DCM for this and other actions around that time.

Once a year, the Treloar Technology Centre opens its doors to the public to reveal aircraft, rockets, vehicles, tanks, artillery, and equipment used by – or against – Australians in war for over a century.

Big Things in Store gives visitors a chance to see “behind the scenes” at the Memorial.

Come and see the Large Technology Object workshops, where conservators preserve these intriguing items and talk to them about their latest projects, such as the conservation of a Hudson Bomber and a rare Japanese Ha-Go tank.

Curators will also be on hand to reveal the stories behind this amazing collection, including latest acquisitions, such as an Iroquois helicopter and a Sabre fighter jet.

With a sausage sizzle, precision drill team and activities for the kids, Big Things in Store is a great family day out. Entry is by gold-coin donation, with proceeds going to support the work of the Australian War Memorial.

An Australian Militia Officer who took part in the Milne Bay fighting with an enemy Type 95 Ha-Go tank.

Photo by Frank Bagnall.

Big Things in Store, Treloar Technology Centre, 8 Callan Street, Mitchell, 10am-3pm, Sunday, September 16. Entry by gold-coin donation. Closed, flat footwear is recommended. No large bags allowed.

feature

It’s goodbye to Magna-ficent memories DAVID STEPHENS says selling a faithful, old car to a scrap-metal dealer is a bit like cremating an elderly relative. There is the same flood of memories accompanied by a sense of relief that it is, finally, all over WE bought our Magna TS sedan at Christmas time, 1994, when our daughters were just seven and four years old.

By the time the Magna took its final journey a few months ago it had done nearly 200,000 kilometres, carrying us to work, shopping and holidays and the girls to primary school, high school and university. They had grown from back-seat passengers to front-seat drivers.

Meanwhile, the Magna had gone from carrying lunchboxes and sports uniforms to coping with whatever it is that young women pile on to and under the seats of the vehicles they drive. It still had the dents and scrapes of dozens of encounters with letterboxes and shopping trolleys in car parks. The driver’s door, a rear-view mirror, and the rear bumper were not original; many other bits should have been replaced long ago.

We had tried to sell the car about eight years ago, but found there was no demand for the fourcylinder TS. A few years after that, a wrecker said he would give me $100 for it, but he was none too keen. (“There’s already 20 white Magnas in the yard, mate!”)

So the Magna soldiered on for another 30,000 kilometres. By this year, it was being registered in three-month blocks, its services were down to the minimum required to preserve life and limb and it needed two new tyres. Black mould was growing on its roof. It had become a constant concern, like the legendary elderly relative.

Then our younger daughter solved our prob-

lem by running the Magna gently (“I was only going 30 kilometres an hour, dad”) up the back of another car in the queue turning right to a Saturday night Brumbies game. Even in the dark, it was clear that the damage to the Magna’s front end was worth many times more than the car itself. The other car suffered barely a scratch.

Our daughter and her boyfriend were talkative but unhurt.

The accident had been caused by a taxi cutting into the line and the cars behind it braking sharply. Our Magna wasn’t quite up for the sudden stop. I would like to find that taxi driver and buy him a drink. For a mere $900 dollars insurance excess, the Magna, good and faithful servant, almost a member of the family, was off our hands.

The Magna sat forlornly on the Belconnen Way median strip for 44 hours while phone calls were made to the RTA (“bring in the plates and the rego sticker and some ID and you can get some money back”), the AFP and NRMA Insurance (“bomb insurance” only, fortunately, so no dickering about inspections). “Maaaate,” said Trevor at the AFP, “leave the rego plates on as long as possible so we can identify the car when people ring up to complain about it – and please move it asap. Try Ezi-Scrap!”

So Ezi-Scrap arrived, $50 changed hands, the rego plates were ripped off and the Magna was driven up the ramp on to the back of the truck for its final lap of honour to the crusher.

In funeral processions in days gone by, the cars kept their lights on. This time, the Magna’s hazard lights blinked and blinked and blinked as it sidled off into history.

I believe that scrap metal is recycled and often ends up as part of something new and shiny. Perhaps our Magna will be born again as a boot lid on a Lamborghini.

CityNews September 13-19 15

Today’s Homes and Lifestyle / advertising feature ‘Clients give us a lot of feedback about why we’re different to other builders and they always say it’s because we’re flexible and we actually guide them through the process.’

Up close and personal, that’s the secret “THERE’S more to building a house than bricks and mortar,” says Today’s Homes and Lifestyle marketing manager Heidi McCoullough.

“It’s the whole experience for the client pre-construction that makes us different from other builders,” she says.

Award-winning Today’s Homes and Lifestyle is a family business directed by Heidi’s husband, builder Brendan McCoullough.

Specialising in custom houses, it’s the team of experienced staff plus preferred suppliers and subcontractors who work together to ensure the process of building a home is enjoyable for the client.

Heidi says the team works with the clients for months on the pre-construction phase before the home actually starts construction.

“The whole pre-construction phase is a very, very detailed and thorough process, led by the girls in our team,” she says.

“The purpose of that is to get the client to make every single possible selection they can before the job starts. What we’re aiming to do is ensure a smooth, timely and on-budget experience for the client.”

Heidi has been working on surveying clients to find out how they found the process of working with Today’s Homes.

“Clients give us a lot of feedback about why we’re different to other builders and they always say it’s because we’re flexible and we actually guide them through the process,” she says.

“We’re not a project builder where someone comes in and chooses a plan and we go and build it. Project builders have all their sets of inclusions and we do have sets of inclusions, but it’s purely there as a guide and if someone doesn’t have the time to go to all the selection centres.

“We have many clients who really want to go through that whole experience of going to selection centres and touching and feeling every product and making their selection.

“Having the girls in the office keep in constant contact with the clients is really

16 CityNews September 13-19

Marketing manager Heidi McCoullough... “Having the girls in the office keep in constant contact with the clients is really critical to getting it right.” critical to getting it right. We don’t just give the client a checklist and say, ‘do this’. That’s not what we’re about.”

The final selections process is a point of difference with material and colour consultation done with interior designers Nest Design.

“The client goes through a 60-page document and selects every single possible variable from skirting and architrave profile to gloss or matt paint finish to what the door handles are going to look like,” Heidi says.

“Every home we build is unique and customised for that client, including the flexible

approach to their building experience. you’re guided through the process.”

“When you build with us, you have someToday’s Homes and Lifestyle. Suite 1 and one helping you along the whole way. You’re 3, HIA Home Ideas Centre, 28 Collie Street, not left in the lurch, you’re fully informed and Fyshwick. Website at todayshomes.com.au

feature / food

The great GI myths Food scientist AMANDA DOS SANTOS debunks some of the myths around low-GI food LOW glycaemic index (GI) foods appear to be everywhere and people are sprouting off at me that certain foods are acceptable to eat due to the fact they are low GI. Not many actually understand GI and what it constitutes and why people claim it is healthy for you.

Glycaemic Index is in reference to a ranking system developed in the 1980s for carbohydrates based on their immediate impact on blood glucose levels.

The lower the GI of the food, the slower the rise in glucose levels in the blood. GI was primarily used as a recommendation for the dietary control of glucose levels in diabetics, particularly type 1 diabetics.

As time has gone on, studies have linked a lower GI diet to one which could be beneficial to weight control (or loss) as it is thought that low GI foods promote satiety or the feeling of fullness for longer and promote fat oxidation.

In searching studies completed on this topic, of the 22 found, 19 showed no difference between low and high GI diets and weight loss.

In fact, the average weight loss on a low-GI diet was 2.6kg and on a high-GI diet it was 2.7kg!

In regards to diabetics, for whom GI diets were primarily designed, Diabetes Australia does not recommend a diet based solely on GI principles.

So why do the food manufacturers keep bamboozling us with low-GI statements, wooing the consumer into a false understanding of nutritional principles? Basically, because “nutritional” claims sell.

The reasons behind why weight loss or even diabetic diets are difficult to base solely on GI principles are due to many factors. These include that GI is based on single foods, eaten independently, or cooked in a certain way. Not many meals are eaten consisting of neither single food items nor cooked in the same manner each time. And, unfortunately, predicting the GI of a whole meal is not as simple as aggregating the GIs of its individual components.

Other factors affecting the GI of a food are growing conditions or even the ripeness.

For instance, potatoes in Australia are often classed in the high-GI category, whereas potatoes grown in the US are often in the moderate GI category.

One important note in regards to processed foods is that when carbohydrates are combined with food or ingredients that are high in protein or fat the resulting effect is a lowering of overall GI. When known ingredients can lower GI, food manufacturers can substitute or add certain fats or sugars to lower the overall GI of a processed food, then label it as “low GI”.

So what does this all mean? Basically, don’t just buy a food off the supermarket shelf because it claims it is low GI and definitely don’t think that a low-GI food is going to help you lose weight or is necessarily healthy.

CityNews September 13-19 17

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election 2012 / the candidates

Question: why should we vote for you?

Over coming weeks, “CityNews” will – space permitting – identify candidates who respond to our invitation to tell us why they deserve your vote in the October 20 ACT election.

GINNINDERRA Why politics?

As someone who has lived in Canberra my whole life, I love our city and I’m determined to do whatever I can to make Canberra a better place.

Unfortunately, I think governments often over-reach or get carried away with insignificant projects.

I’m determined to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely on the things that matter.

Why should we vote for you?

The Canberra Liberals’ plan is to get back to basics. We will install flashing lights for all ACT school zones, improve Canberra’s public transport system by trialling free shuttle bus services in outer suburbs that connect to intercity services, deliver more car parks and provide $5 million to start the clean-up of Canberra. We want to give Canberrans the government they deserve through better local services and lower rates and charges.

ALISTAIR COE, Canberra Liberals

Why politics?

I came into politics to serve the community.

Whether it’s helping an elderly constituent replace the worn carpet in a government unit; fixing parks and footpaths, or getting to the bottom of mismanagement in the care and protection system, my motivation is to advocate for the people I represent.

Why should we vote for you?

A Canberra Liberals’ Government will focus on our streets, suburbs and sports grounds. Our plan to get back to basics includes a $5 million investment into cleaning up our streets, mowing grass and fixing footpaths. We will also provide every home with a green bin for garden waste, and will give choice back to consumers by repealing the plastic bag ban. This is all part of our comprehensive plan to provide better local services and lower rates and charges.

VICKI DUNNE, Canberra Liberals

CHIC HENRY, Australian Motorist Party

Why politics?

It was suggested to me by people keen to see an improved situation in the Assembly by having another “player” who may add some balance.

I thought about it and, as my time with the Summernats management was slowing down, I considered what

I’ve learned over the years and thought that with this knowledge mixed with some wisdom and the passion I have for Canberra, maybe politics is a pathway for me.

Why should we vote for you?

We will be using a practical and business-like approach to the management of the community’s affairs. Something that has been missing from government in the ACT for a long time. We will face the tough issues with courage and conviction, ask the hard questions without fear or favour and find the right answers. We will connect with the best people for advice and work closely with the community to get the right outcomes.

Our question to the people of Canberra is: “Do you want more of the same, or a fresh approach to making our city a greater and safer place to live?

MOLONGLO Why politics?

Like many people, I often look at the decisions our politicians make and think: “There has to be a better way”. I’ve never been one to sit and wait for somebody else to do what has to be done, so I decided to give it a go. Also, in recent years I have had personal experience of the way some politicians deal with people in a less than honest way. I believe I can do a lot better.

Why should we vote for you?

I AM concerned that ACT residents are seeing ever increasing taxes and less services and utilities. The cost of living in Canberra needs to be curtailed with less taxes and a more efficient and accountable government. Many Canberrans are already struggling and are seeing a declining standard of living. I want to change this situation. I want to halt the financial exploitation of ACT motorists and make motoring more affordable instead of a luxury.

DAVID CUMBERS, Australian Motorist Party

Why politics?

After a long career in Canberra’s commercial sector and involvement in sport and charity work, I wanted to make a more direct contribution to the Canberra community. After experiencing the Labor Government’s unnecessary impediments and red tape, I wanted to stand up for the community and give them a voice. I wanted to make sure that we addressed spiralling cost-of-living issues and create a better future for all Canberrans.

Why should people vote for you?

After listening to the community and after my own life experiences, I know that our teach-

STEVE DOSZPOT, Canberra Liberals

ers need more support, parents need more information in choosing the right school and many children still struggle with bullying. A Canberra Liberals’ Government will address these issues through our plan to increase funding for the Teacher Professional Learning Fund, an Education Commissioner who will provide independent advice to parents, teachers and the Education Minister, increased funding for nongovernment schools, an audit of government school infrastructure, increased capital investment and 50 per cent more school counsellors.

Why politics?

I moved to Canberra in 2000 on posting with the Army and bought a home in Weston Creek. After returning from a military deployment to Iraq, I made the decision I wanted to make Canberra my home and to raise my young family here.

I have always had a passion for politics and combined with my desire to contribute to our local community, I put my hand up for the 2008 election. The Assembly deals with the things that matter the most in our lives – issues like health, education, and community services.

Why should we vote for you?

Under ACT Labor, Canberra’s health system has gone from one of the best in the country to one of the worst. The Canberra Liberals have a $7 billion plan to rebuild our health system, not just in bricks and buildings, but in people and processes. Our plan includes a new sub-acute hospital, urgent care clinics for the suburbs, more support for chronic disease management, an investment into preventative care and more support for our local GPs. Providing better health services is an important part of our commitment to giving the community better local services and lower rates and charges.

JEREMY HANSON, Canberra Liberals

BRINDABELLA Why politics?

It is my belief that governments are there to improve the everyday life of the citizens.

A disappointment with many decisions made by governments drives me to seek to do it better.

Why should we vote for you?

People should vote for me to bring some new views and old-fashioned values to the Assembly. I believe our city has lost its innocence and is not the wonderfully safe place it used to be. My push would be for a tougher law and order policy, to bring back respect and responsibility. Get rid of political correctness, which tends to remove commonsense from decisions made by the Assembly. I would use my 35 years experience in the private sector to bring efficiency in many areas to the ACT.

BURL DOBLE, Australian Motorist Party

Why politics?

My parents escaped an oppressive regime with very little but their hopes and dreams.

They searched for a city that would allow their dreams to flourish, give them the opportunity to settle, to grow and to achieve.

They found it in Canberra, and I’m very proud to say I am Canberra born and bred. I got into politics to create an even better Canberra for my kids and give back to the city that gave so much to my family. I want to give our wonderful city the best local government in the country.

Why should we vote for you?

For the last four years the Canberra Liberals have been working hard, listening to the community and putting together our five-point plan for better local services and lower rates and charges. ACT Labor and the Greens plan to triple household rates in coming years and the Canberra Liberals won’t let that happen. We will keep rates and charges down, we will address housing affordability, we will rebuild our health system, we will invest in our education system, we will fix our roads, we will improve public transport and increase car parks and we will clean up our city. We are ready to give Canberra the best local government in Australia.

ZED SESELJA, Canberra Liberals

Why politics?

I got into politics to make a difference. At the time the Federal Labor Government weren’t looking after the people they were elected to represent.

I decided to run to give Canberrans a voice and look after them the way they deserve.

Why should we vote for you?

After 11 years of an ACT Labor Government Canberrans are facing the biggest cost-of-living pressures in Territory history. The Canberra Liberals are about better basic services and lower rates and charges. A Canberra Liberals Government will repeal ACT Labor’s tax grab, which would see your rates triple, we will halve stamp duty for first-home buyers, expand the Home Buyers Concession Scheme and reduce ACT Labor’s tax on units. Only the Canberra Liberals have a comprehensive plan to lower the cost of living and provide better basic services in return.

BRENDAN SMYTH, Canberra Liberals

The twists & the turns Follow election 2012 every day at citynews.com.au

CityNews September 13-19 19

opinion / politics

When Mal walked away Now in his 40s, MARK PARTON’S learnt that you can’t trust random emails from people from Nigeria, car salesmen with white shoes and pretty much every elected member of every parliament in the nation...

DIDN’T Liberal Malcolm Turnbull hit the nail on the head when he decried a deficit of trust in Australian politics?

Turnbull turned on his own in a brutally honest assessment of the biggest problem plaguing political discourse in this country.

Westminster system politics will always be adversarial in nature, but the party battle seems to dominate every aspect of it.

Turnbull’s speech made me think about another Malcolm who, in the year 2001, provided the singlemost honest moment of ACT politics.

Raiders’ legend Mal Meninga sat in a Canberra radio studio 11 years ago to announce he was running for public office. As he heard himself speak of his own credentials, he realised that this whole caper just wasn’t him. He couldn’t do it. He wasn’t comfortable with the spin. After 24 seconds of political life, he apologised and then walked away.

I’ve often wondered what sort of an MLA Meninga would have made. Former Chief Minister Kate Carnell agrees with me.

“Mal could have been one of our greatest local politicians had he persevered,” she told my radio program. “Mal’s uncompromising toughness would have changed the Legislative Assembly for the better.”

So where do we find these politicians who will stay true to their hearts?

We may have a couple who have thrown their

20 CityNews September 13-19

Mal Meninga...uncomfortable with the spin. hats in the ring this October. I fancy that Ginninderra candidates Chic Henry and Marion Le are the sort of people who could address the deficit of trust on London Circuit.

One leans left and one right, but they’ve both displayed a propensity for brutal honesty in their public lives. The fact that neither are backed by a “party machine” would further enhance their ability to be true to themselves.

Paradoxically, that lack of major party support will probably be the thing that keeps them out of the Assembly.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC.

floriade / cover story

Leona brings style to Floriade’s designs LAST September fashion designer Leona Libby Hill Edmiston made a brief visit to Canberra reports to show a collection at the Canberra Centre and although she got a glimpse of The iconic designer has been a part of Floriade, she was “in and out” too quickly Australia’s fashion landscape since the 1980s to enjoy it, so she promised herself she’d when she and Peter Morrissey launched their label Morrissey Edmiston. She says fashion return someday.

Cover styling by somebody you know you know!

Emma Hack styled Rob Tuckwell’s special Floriade cover photo of model Emily Green. Emma is a diverse multimedia artist, skin illustrator, photographer, sculptor and stylist and her recent collaboration on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” has seen her profile skyrocket with the single in UK, Europe and US charts and more than 100 million hits on YouTube.

This month, she gets that chance as the ambassador for Floriade 2012.

“The gardens are so beautiful and this year the theme is style and design, so it’s really a perfect time for me to visit,” she says.

Floriade, over the years, has had a range of celebrity ambassadors (models Tara Moss, Rachael Finch and Kristy Hinze among them) whose green-thumb credentials have been questionable, but Leona leaves no doubt about her passion for gardening when chatting to “CityNews”.

“I do love gardens. We have 25 acres in the Southern Highlands that we’ve converted into a big garden – five acres is established and the rest is parkland,” she says.

“We’ve been going there for about 11 years.

It just brings so much joy and the thing about gardens is, they are constantly evolving.”

Leona probably won’t find too many of her favourite flowers – roses and lilacs – amid the million blooms at Floriade, but she’ll be looking to the kitchen garden for some tips on growing her own produce.

“One of the things I’d love to do is build a veggie garden,” she says.

and style are very different.

“Fashion is about trends, but style is completely individual – it’s about you and how you think,” she says.

“You don’t have to follow trends to look fabulous and be stylish.”

A style staple of the Leona Edmiston label over the years has been the signature jersey frock and florals have been a staple print.

“I always keep florals in my collections.

For feminine and fresh, you can’t do any better than a floral print,” she says.

Her latest collection oozes ‘70s glamour with Leona’s use of prints, colour and cuts.

Oversized kaftans and fitted minis joined Leona’s signature jersey dresses that “take you from the office to the opera with ease”.

Some of the collection will be on show during Floriade joining a program influenced by style and design.

Week 2 is fashion week at Floriade with Australian designers Jayson Brunsdon and Wayne Cooper presenting shows on the catwalk.

More information about the program at floriadeaustralia.com

Designer Leona Edmiston... “You don’t have to follow trends to look fabulous and be stylish.”

CityNews September 13-19 21

floriade

Lots of style, design FLORIADE 2012’s garden beds, demonstrations and activities have all been inspired by this year’s theme, “Style and Design”.

It’s the 25th anniversary of Australia’s biggest flower festival and there are a range of attractions to enjoy over its four weeks:

22 CityNews September 13-19

Week 1 – “Spring Palettes” FLORISTS Richard Go and Michael Wood demonstrate how to create floral displays. Fashion and flowers come together at the “Passion for Fashion” exhibition in the ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee. Early risers can experience the health benefits of exercising in the gardens before they open to the public with the Heart Foundation Earlybird Walkers.

and inspiration Week 2 – “Fashion and Design” SPRING fashion and stylish design are the focus as Floriade joins forces with Canberra Centre to host runway shows, style workshops and appearances by some of Australia’s most iconic fashion designers between Canberra Glassworks demonstrations at the ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee. Empress stilt dancers will entertain from up high, while in the Gourmet Garden, fresh food takes centre stage with passionate local chefs and local gardening expert Keith Colls demonstrating how to grow organic produce.

Week 3 – “His and Hers DIY” A PANEL of local gardening gurus including Diana O’Brien, Merylyn Condon and Keith Colls, will answer questions about gardening in the ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee. There will be daily DIY presentations and chefs and gardening experts will be in the Gourmet Garden for tips for growing and cooking produce. There will be a range of live music performances on Stage 88 including world-music artists and upand-coming musicians.

Week 4 – “Home Grown Living” FLORIADE’S final week is an ode to all things natural, from tips for sustainable living to celebrating home-grown pro-

duce. Learn about water savings, composting techniques and other ways to reduce your environmental footprint in the ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee.

Stick around and meet celebrity gardening expert and “Yates Garden Guide” Judy Horton. Savour the flavours of sustainably grown produce at the Gourmet Garden and watch Claude Fremy create home-made jams and preserves.

Frank Madrid and Rhythms of the World perform on Stage 88.

Closing weekend Floriade ends with a weekend tribute to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Celebrity gardener Don Burke will show ecologically sustainable ways that re-used things can make a difference in our gardening life and Don’s recycled curry will prove that leftovers can be transformed into haute cuisine. Elana Stone will be crooning with students of the ANU School of Music and the Queen’s Coronation will be looping in the ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee along with a display of the Crown Jewels made from flowers by Michael Wood.

The Duntroon Military Band will perform on Stage 88.

Floriade 2012 runs from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, October 14 at Commonwealth Park.

CityNews September 13-19 23

Canberra Confidential Hair and gone “I’m hairy high and low, don’t ask me why, don’t know.”

So goes the lyric for the title song in the ‘60s stage musical classic “Hair”, which Stephen Pike is staging at Queanbeyan’s innovative Q theatre from September 19. Arts editor Helen Musa says the director has been getting resistance from his cast to disrobe for the notorious nude scene at the end of act one.

“CC” can but muse that today’s modest “Hairy” guys and gals are not as hirsute “high and low” as the original lyrics might suggest.

Merkins, anyone?

Damn those ‘pies

Coffee talk

IT’S spring, and out come the stern municipal warnings to residents and visitors of swooping magpies. It’s nesting season and until month’s end, male maggies will be defending their territory against the perceived menace of passing cyclists or meandering pets.

In a gem of straight-faced advice to reduce the possibility of being swooped, the Queanbeyan City urges ratepayers to, ahem, avoid the area. Simple, really.

HERE’S something to get the Pixie home espresso machine frothing... The Apple Store of coffee is coming to the Canberra Centre next month when Nespresso opens one of its sharp, smart, brown shops.

Lifeline gets looks LIFELINE Canberra, masters of the mighty book fair and, more recently, frothy coffee, have now entered the crowded rag trade with a vintage clothing and book store in Lonsdale Street, Braddon called Hipsley Lane.

Under the tutelage of Karen Bustamante, pictured, former owner of vintage shop Cowboys & Angels for 13 years and, these days, Lifeline’s head of commercial adventures, the store is planned to open on Tuesday, September 18.

Bustamante says the store – the precursor to an online presence – will be filled with vintage clothing sourced from across the globe, and will have an in-house seamstress.

“We hope to be unique in our offering to customers, but also unique in the fact that all proceeds go directly to our 131114 telephone crisis support service,” she says.

Blowdrying bliss CRIMPERS at Fringe Hairdressing salon in Braddon are throwing everything at their unpaid, five-hour Blowdry Day on October 22. Last year the hairdryers blew up $1500 for breast cancer research. This year they’re shooting for $5000 with more than just hot air. They’re going to be doing hand massages and selling raffle tickets (first prize $1000 worth of hairdressing from Fringe). Tarsha O’Brien is holding her breath for bookings at 0405 143456.

Burger king eats the entire menu HEALTHY eaters, look away. Public servant Brodie Eayrs has just completed a challenge of his own making, successfully eating all 29 burgers on the menu at Civic restaurant The London in just 13 days.

To do it, Brodie had to chow down on The London’s burgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner on “most days”. Brodie says he decided to take up the challenge because it had “always been a goal” of his, but wait, there’s more – he’s not sick of burgers just yet.

LEGENDARY “Canberra Times” reporter Graham Downie, steadfast scribbler of the religious, consumer affairs and transport rounds, has volunteered for the Fairfax staff cull and will, after 40 years with the paper, call it a day on October 5.

“CC’s” CT leaker says Downie’s been promised a big send off and that, after four decades, feels it’s like winning the lottery!

Here comes Texas

America calling

Croweaters rejoice

24 CityNews September 13-19

Brodie will next take on the “London challenge” at the eatery, which means eating two “London lot” burgers, fries and a jug of beer in 30 minutes – all to win, not a bucket but the odd prize of an umbrella.

Brodie says his girlfriend and family have been supportive of his challenges, but does admit he will embark on a healthy diet soon – so it’s likely the only burgers he’ll be eating then will be the organic, gluten-free, salt-reduced kind.

Downie turns away

THE “southern barbecue” flavours of Texas are heading for, IT’S not queasy being green... well, that’s of all places, Bailey’s what Raiders tragic and Canberra Milk boss Corner. The latest Garry Sykes must feel, photographed venture of world-class alongside Janeanne Gray at the Meninga chef Grant Kells, Medal knees up at the Lakeside Hotel in a pictured, and business lary, lime-green suit.

“CANBERRA, Australia – America loves you!” partner Ash Fanning, Garry had the ensemble specially made Alas, not the united affection of 311,591,917 Smoque will open in Thailand in three flavours – pink for breast North Americans, but the show-closing senti- next month. cancer fundraisers and white for Melbourne ment of Gerry Beckley, who with Dewey “We’ve imported a Texas barbecue Cup. Bunnell, is a 42-year veteran of the soft-rock smoker”, says Fanning, explaining the name.

“It’s just part of being old and senile, I sup- band America. And of course he loves us, we Though “CC” couldn’t help but wonder if it pose,” he laughs. “It’s something different to were giving the band a thunderous thank was a tad tongue-in-cheek given Kells’ previwearing the same old black suit and tie that you at the end of a pretty slick 90-minute set ous NewActon restaurant, Flint, burnt down everyone wears.” by the five-man ensemble at the Canberra last year after a fire started in a pizza oven.

Sharp blade and Deputy Chief Minister Theatre, ostensibly celebrating the 40th “It’s slow food, fast,” she says, adding that about town, Andrew Barr, tweeted: anniversary of the signature single “A Horse dishes will start from $15.

“Apparently the Sykes Suit is so 2011... with No Name”.

Sauces and smoked meats will be sold #FashionDisaster”, to which Sykes had no “CC” was there for nostalgia, having first online and “everything” is made onsite comment, except to tell “CC” that he had seen the Anglo-American band in Birmingincluding the sauces and breads. never had so many people ask to have their ham, UK, in 1975 when they were a trio at photo taken with him. Given the impending their peak. Age hasn’t wearied the band’s election, it might behove all pollies to take wonderful sense of melody but, oh, those the fashion hint. cringing lyrics...

IN revitalising the Swinger Hill supermarket

Milk man turns green

Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

into an IGA X-Press, owner, Alex Northey has, among other product innovations, pandered to expat South Australians by stocking the exotic likes of Golden North icecream, Amgoorie tea, Menz biscuits, Woodroofe’s soft drinks, Arnott’s YoYos, Balfour’s pies and, of course, wines. But if you really want to make a croweater homesick, Alex, you need Haig’s chocolates in the line-up.

MEANWHILE, in faraway Spence there is doubtless dancing in the streets at the impending re-opening, after six months, of the local shopping centre’s supermarket. Salvation has come in the form of the community minded owners of the Chifley supermarket, who have refurbished the place and will roll up the shutters from September 29.

Doodles to dollars

2B Advertising creative director Tim Böhm has managed to turn doodles into dollars for Carers ACT. His inaugural Doodle Day, on August 10, raised more than $1000 from the scribblings of competitors asked to submit a doodle incorporating the day’s theme of “caring for others”.

All pictures were uploaded to 2BDoodleDay.com as well as being on display in the Baileys Corner Arcade. Tim’s so chuffed by the response, he’s planning to keep it going as an annual charity fund-raising event.

fashion / spring / summer 2012 Bold, tailored and turning heads VIVID colours and bold prints bring the spring wardrobe to life with a feminine look that will turn heads, says fashion editor LIBBY HILL.

Green leather bag, $149, from Marcs.

Fun, flirty dresses and flowy blouses paired with skirts and shorts keep waistlines accentuated – the look is tailored and classic, but with a bold edge.

Luxurious fabrics such as lace and silk are in the spotlight and can be found in attention-seeking brights or muted pastel tones.

Accessories are a great way to inject this colourful trend into any look with neon bags in classic shapes and bright heels.

Say goodbye to winter and make your next purchase something colourful: look for cheerful yellow, fresh mint green, cobalt blue or radiant coral.

This is the season to be bold.

Blouse, $149, from David Lawrence.

Coral leather bag, $169, from Marcs.

Crepe blazer, $229, from David Lawrence.

Pants, $139, from David Lawrence.

CityNews September 13-19 25

fashion

Coven red floral dress, $139, from Ab Fab.

Ripe smocked dress, $129.95, from Motherly Instincts.

26  CityNews  September 13-19

Blue rose dress with bolero, $120, from Darling Central.

/ spring / summer 2012

Angel Maternity dress, $59.95, from Motherly Instincts.

Grace Kelly dress, $110, from Darling Central.

LS Collection dress, $189, from Ab Fab. Lace dress, $229, from David Lawrence.

Soon tunic, $104.95, from Motherly Instincts.

Gerry Shaw gown, $339, from Ab Fab.

CityNews  September 13-19  27

fashion

/ spring / summer 2012

i.d.s crepe top, $34.95, from Parliament.

Top, $129, from Marcs.

Threadz floral top, $69.95, from Sorbet.

Skirt, $139, from Marcs.

28  CityNews  September 13-19

Threadz sleeveless shirt, $69.95, from Sorbet.

Shorts, $129, from Marcs.

Bambam leggings, $44.95, from Parliament.

CityNews September 13-19 29

fashion

/ spring / summer 2012

Red Valentino black high heel sandal, $575 and clutch, $699, Gai Mattiolo silk scarf, $170, from Escala.

Hat, $320, by Rachael Henson.

Jaunty Cherries black and red crimoline, $120, by Rachael Henson.

30  CityNews  September 13-19

Peter Kaiser watermelon suede peep toe heel, $390, suede and patent point toe flat, $335, patent clutch, $349, Forget Me Not silk scarf, $485, from Escala.

scene

B ROUG YOU BY

H T TO

Canberra’s only locally-owned Subaru dealer

ROLFE SUBARU

At Gertrude Boutique spring / summer launch, Manuka

At Meninga Medal gala ball, Rydges Lakeside, Civic

Christine O’Donnell, Margeret Russell and Jan Curtis

Monique Canellas, Uiti Baker, Shannon Boyd, Narelle Forbes and Estelle Canellas

Olana Andrew, Sarah Scroope, Kerry Andrew and Andrea Scroope

Mase Bildirmez and Dimitri Peto

Maree Peatey and Maureen Tindale

Deanne Andrew, Eliza Patrick and Renae James

Felicity Williams and Fil Barilaro

Amber Wadwell and Courtney McCrone

Sarah Gilbert, Jake Roarty and Kait Ludwig

Brendan Nicholson and Wendy Bennett

Janeanne Gray and Garry Sykes with Yvonne and Nick Dourdoulakis

Katherine Waters and Paul Miners

James Willson and Nicola Powell

CityNews September 13-19 31

scene

ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN

At CAPO 29, M16 Artspace, Griffith

At Canberra BusinessPoint awards, Portrait Gallery

Alexander Boynes and Yolande Norris

Kristin McDowall, Ashley Miller and Laura Duck

Melissa Moss, Tim Penkelthman-Boxshall and Marietta Rudolf

Kirstie Rea, Carole Griffiths and Ruth Oliphant

David and Alissa Pearson

32 CityNews September 13-19

Libby Schwilk and David Kenyon

Jenny Norris and Toni Bailey

Danielle Day and Rachel Evagalou

Robert Malin and Jessica Longford

Yvonne De Jong and Martin Male

Simone Annis, Kim Houghton and Susan Olsen

Jamie Lucas, James Austin, Kelly Chen and Nabil Hossain

Mark and Michelle Elvins with Trevor Cronk

Brett Nichols and Brendan Smyth MLA

Richard Faulks, Senator Gary Humphries and Dennis Farrar

CityNews September 13-19 33

scene

ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN

At launch of Robert Macklin’s book ‘One False Move’, Manuka

At Bloom Music Festival

At the launch of Abode Tuggeranong

Wendy and Robert Macklin with Matthew Kelly

Elaine Loebenstein and Dorothy Danta

Elsa Latham and Alicia Gibbons

Host Nick Georgalis, Andrew Barr MLA, John McIntyre, Gai Brodtmann MP and Mal Meninga

Wayne and Linda Roberts

Luke Wensing and Rosemarie Willett

Bronson Harrison, Trevor Thurling, Matt McIlwrick and Terry Campese

Denis and Margaret Wylkes

Peter Hislop and Kate Mears

Suzie Martin and Paul Mallett

Sarina Lusso, Aria Macklin and Sally Bradaric

Richard Byfield with Greg and Lachlan Rudd

Allegra and Ben Macklin with Sue Short and Lindy Cayzer

34 CityNews September 13-19

Shauna Adams, Kim Scott and Melisa Barnett

Damon Smith and Adam Urbaniak

Paul and Alina O’Donnell

scene At Red Cross Ball’s ‘touch of burlesque’, Hyatt Hotel

At ‘Collected Works Australia 2013’, Canberra Theatre

Sharon Moloney, Cecily Short, Colleen Lawless and Karleen Minney

Helen Alexander, Liz Wykes, Leonie Moyle and Anne Lang

Kate Mathews and Kai Cruikshank

Gab Hitch, Beth Wurcher and Gemma Broughton

Miriam Rizvi, Mary Porter MLA, Ian De Landelles and Kerri-Ann McKinney

Sean Patterson, Heather Rapp with Stephen and Kate Oldfield

Amanda Burrell and Deborah Crossing

Richard and Debbie Rolfe

Rachel Petersen and Jordan Kelly

Rachel Roberts and Lauren Black

Nivy Daylight and Lefan Jard

Carmel Bell with Terry and Glenda Hudson

Helen McAlpin with Ross and Joan Hughes

Anne Thomas and Mette Davis

CityNews September 13-19 35

36 CityNews September 13-19

arts & entertainment

Wendy Johnson Dining My’s way

Valerie wins top arts fellowship By arts editor Helen Musa THE ACT’s $45,000 Creative Fellowship for 2012 -13 has gone to textile artist Valerie Kirk, it has been announced by ACT Arts Minister Joy Burch.

Head of the textile workshop at the ANU School of Art, Kirk is best known for public commissions such as a new carpet for Government House in Sydney and for several remarkable tapestries now hanging in University House that mark the discoveries of Nobel laureates Howard Florey, Peter Doherty and Rolf Zinkernagel and medical researcher, the late Prof Frank Fenner.

“When I saw the advertisement,” Kirk told “CityNews”, “I thought, this is the perfect thing for me at this time… I wanted to be involved in a serious major project and I had three things in mind.”

The first of those will be a tapestry celebrating the work of astronomer and Nobel laureate, Brian Schmidt, to join Kirk’s earlier tapestries installed in University House.

But unlike the earlier works, which recreated the molecular structures of their discoveries in textile, Schmidt’s theories will send her mind catapulting into space.

“It’s a completely different Valerie Kirk... project,” Kirk reports, so she’s already spent time with “Tapestry may be even more Schmidt, giving her time to relevant now that think. And no, the famous we are in the age of part-time vigneron didn’t offer her a bottle of his finest computers.” vintage, though colleagues have joked about weaving wine into her tapestry.

Her second project is the Centenary of Canberra Community Tapestry, not to be completed until the end of next year. That, she said, involves people from the community, including groups from primary schools and retirement villages.

Finally, Kirk needs time to experiment with ideas.

“Tapestry may be even more relevant now that we are in the age of computers,” she speculates. “People respond to the materiality of tapestry, which can embody stories – it’s the perfect medium.”

Elena Kats-Chernin in Vienna with the boys... “I love the clarity and agility of those voices,” she says.

Boys return with a special gift THE 24-strong Vienna Boys’ Choir is heading here with a special gift for Australia – the premiere of a newly-commissioned Australian work by composer Elena KatsChernin based on Dorothea Mackellar’s poem, “My Country”.

Kats-Chernin travelled to Vienna to rehearse with the boys.

“I love the clarity and agility of those voices,” she says. “They can be bird-like as well as earthy, depending on the registers and there is much vocal colour to inspire a composer.”

The choir is unbelievably busy, performing more than 300 concerts a year and also providing music for the Sunday Mass in Vienna’s Imperial Chapel, just as it has done since 1498.

It may be their 15th tour of Australia, but the Vienna Boys’ Choir hasn’t been to these shores since 2005, writes arts editor HELEN MUSA “We haven’t been here for a long time, I thought we should do something for Australia,” the choir’s artistic agent Peter Bruckner (who also handles the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) tells “CityNews”.

Twenty-four is the normal size for the 500-year-old choir, Bruckner says, explaining the rigorous annual audition process – “you’d be one of the lucky ones if you got in” – made necessary annually because voices are regularly breaking with choristers aged 9 to 15.

Is it a total disaster if your voice breaks?

Well, not really, Bruckner tells me. They used to get thrown out of the Vienna Boys’ Choir School, but now they can stay to complete their secondary training, then do anything else they like – “like a regular school”.

Not exactly regular. These young singers have no school while they travel as the schedule of travel, rehearsals and concerts is too exhausting. That means, Bruckner says, that when they get back to Vienna, studying is super-intensive.

So, what will we hear when they come

to Canberra? The first half of the program is determinedly classical, dominated by the great Austrians such as Mozart and Schubert, but the second half is a little more freewheeling, with local songs, even in China and Korea, to make people feel relaxed.

Another big change is that these days the choir is very multicultural, “we have to adopt the modern way”, Bruckner says. “It’s good to be multicultural from the inside; it opens up the mind and the voice.”

The Vienna Boys’ Choir, at The Llewellyn Hall, September 16, bookings to premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show. aspx?sh=VIENNABO12

CityNews September 13-19 37

Collected Works: Australia 2013 / advertising feature

arts & entertainment

Side by side with Falzon A season of theatre 100 years in the making

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA Theatre Centre’s 2013 season of shows, “Collected Works: Australia”, celebrates Canberra’s centenary year with productions from every State and Territory. The season boasts 20 productions, the most that has ever been in a Canberra Theatre Centre season.

The season opens with Sydney Theatre Company’s stage production of Kate Grenville’s Man Booker Prize winning novel, “The Secret River”, adapted for the stage by Andrew Bovell and directed by Neil Armfield.

Also in the season are Bell Shakespeare’s “Henry 4” and “The Comedy of Errors”, Brink Productions and English Touring Theatre’s “Thursday”, Circa’s “Wunderkammer”, Tasmania Performs’ “As We Forgive”, Darwin Festival’s “Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui”, The Australian Ballet’s “Symmetries”, Version 1.0’s “The Major Minor Party”, Australian Dance Theatre’s “G”, Big hART’s “Hipbone Sticking Out”, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s “BLAK”, Ilbijerri Theatre Company’s “JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN”, QL2 Dance’s “Hit the Floor Together”, Everyman Theatre’s “Home at the End”, Australian Chamber

Orchestra and Sydney Theatre Company’s “Project Rameau”, Black Swan State Theatre Company’s “Shrine”, Jigsaw Theatre Company’s “Michael Francis Willoughby in Elohgulp”, Arts Projects Australia and Knee High Theatre’s “Brief Encounters” and Sydney Theatre Company’s “The Wharf Revue 2013”.

In 2013, “Collected Works: Australia” is sure to have something for everyone, with 20 of the best productions in Australia.

To purchase a season ticket package, select four or more shows from the “Collected Works: Australia” booklet. Season ticket holders have priority access to the best seats in the house, save money, can swap dates free of charge, have access to ticket insurance, mingle with the stars, have free access to Take Part activities, receive discounts at various restaurants and cultural institutions around Canberra and have the option of paying half for their season ticket package in 2012 and half in 2013.

Season 2013 tickets are on sale and Season 2012 ticket holders will have priority access to the best seats in the house until Friday, October 5. New season ticket holders will have priority access from Monday, October 8 until Monday, November 26 when single tickets go on-sale.

For full details on Collected Works: Australia, call Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700 or visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au/season2013

A big story with a Big hART BIG hART has earned a place in the heart of Canberrans in recent years with “Namatjira” in 2011 and “Ngapartji Ngapartji one” in 2012. In 2013, Canberra’s love affair will continue with “Hipbone Sticking Out”, a story that comes from the Roebourne community in WA. The play follows a young man who hits his head on the footpath to find himself travelling through time from Ngurra Nyujunggamu, “when the world was soft” to the mining boom of the present. Told through music, story, movement, video and songs written from Roebourne Prison through multiple languages, the play showcases an ever changing and diverse culture within Australia.

“Hipbone Sticking Out”, The Playhouse, July 3-6

Hipbone Sticking Out. Photo by Sera Davies.

A unique collaboration “PROJECT Rameau” will see a collaboration between two world-class companies in Sydney Dance Company (SDC) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). A mutual passion for Rameau’s French Baroque dance music of the 18th century was the foundation of the new production by internationally acclaimed Rafael Bonachela from SDC and Richard Tognetti from the ACO. Bonachela described the work saying: “The music of Jean-Philippe Rameau is celebrated as some of the best dance music ever composed.

He had an amazing ability to evoke gesture and movement.

“Musicians love him also, for the complexity and fresh take on melody and harmony in his music. So it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

“The music is taken from a selection of his operas which were widely popular in their day and reflect the love of dance in the French court. It was very much part of life.”

“Project Rameau”, Canberra Theatre, September 12-14 38 CityNews September 13-19

Project Rameau.

Photo by Justin Ridler.

WHAT is it with the Maltese and the performing arts?

Is it sheer coincidence that actor-singer Michael Falzon is the fourth Australian of Maltese origin that I’ve interviewed in as many months?

One thing is sure, when Falzon was a little boy growing up in Sydney and Brisbane, his parents gave their six children round-the-clock singing lessons, which had Falzon singing around the house and putting on shows with his siblings.

Chance took him to suburban Kelvin Grove High School, a centre of excellence in drama, and the rest is history. By age 21, in 1994, he was offered a professional role in Opera Queensland’s production of “Pirates of Penzance”, going on to create a sensation as the star of the Queen musical “We Will Rock You”.

“I lucked out,” he tells me, “I learnt a lot working with magnificent people, I learnt hard and fast.”

Falzon can rightly claim to have studied in the school of hard knocks, but it must have been a good school, because now he’s joining musical stars Geraldine Turner and Rachael Beck and narrator Jessica Rowe in the revue “Side by Side by Sondheim”, coming to Canberra soon.

“A lot of people think Sondheim is more difficult than it is, but if you have a good ear, you can kick into what he writes,” the ebullient Falzon tells me. “I grew up listening to him when Sondheim was in his heyday… very beautiful melodies. They always struck a chord with me, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

One of things that he really likes about Sondheim is his gift for telling stories through his songs. “Most of the songs stand quite alone,” Falzon says, “that’s why ‘Side

by Side’ is such a great show.”

The best example of what he’s talking about in “Side

by Side” is a song from the musical “Company” called “Marry Me a Little”. Falzon says the song “looks closely at marriage and what it is, not at how wonderful it is”.

Michael Falzon... “A lot of people think Sondheim is more difficult than it is.”

Photo by Gregory Punshon “Anyone over the age of 35 and who’s getting into the nuts and bolts of life will say to themselves when they hear these songs ‘I understand. I’ve been through that’.”

“Side by Side by Sondheim”, The Playhouse, September 21-22, Bookings to 6275 2700 or visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Emily’s flying off to New York Helen Musa arts editor

CANBERRA Dance Development Centre student Emily Williams has been accepted into New York’s Joffrey Ballet School. A student since age three, she will take up her place in October.

It’s yet another feather in the cap of CDDC director Jackie Hallahan.

GOOD news that Christopher Spence, from Holder, is a finalist in the 2012 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize with “Freshly Brewed 19th Century Gentleman”, a comic sculpture inspired by a film adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice”.

ONE of this column’s favourite former Canberrans is Opera Australia soprano Lorina Gore.

She’ll be up at 5.30am on October 14, starring in “Breakfast on Bondi”. She’ll also be the star of the CSO’s “Bernstein on Broadway” in July.

THE grand Artists’ Society of Canberra is turning 85, so its “Spring Exhibition” is returning to a favourite old venue, Albert Hall. The opening is at 6pm on Wednesday, September 19, and the show runs until Sunday, September 23.

SUDDENLY, we are told of a children’s production called “Rolling Home”, coming to the Courtyard Studio, September 17-22. The creative team reads like a “Who’s Who” of Canberra’s theatre, with directing by Greg Lissaman, music

by John Shortis and puppetry by Catherine Roach. Catherine Hagarty and Chrissie Shaw play

Ballet dancer Emily Williams... accepted into New York’s Joffrey Ballet School.

Photo by Greg Primmer. gypsy friends Figaro and Georgio. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatre.com.au TALENTED producer Ben O’Reilly has assembled our arts community to celebrate same-sex love.

Top Canberra performers will join the ACT Qwire on stage. Mysteriously, we are promised “special contributions” from Andrew Barr, Michael Kirby, Patrick White and Timothy Conigrave. Equally mysteriously, we are told, Miriam Margolyes is “lending her voice” to the gig as well. “Fruitful Love” is at the ARC Cinema, National Film & Sound Archive, 7pm, September 21.

IN “A Grand Tour”, Capella Corelli journeys through the musical centres of 18th century Europe in a concert dedicated to the late early-music champion Jill Downer and to the

establishment of a memorial scholarship fund in her name. At the Wesley Music Centre, 6pm, September 19, bookings to www.trybooking. com/BQHR JAPAN’S admired taiko ensemble, KODO, joins Australia’s TaikOz, in a show featuring 17 musicians performing and singing. At the Canberra Theatre, September 22, bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatre.com.au THE first African Film Festival in Canberra is being organised by the Tuggeranong Arts Centre and the African Diplomatic Women’s Group. The opening night film is Kenya’s production “The First Grader”, about the transforming force of education. At TAC, September 18-23, bookings to 6293 1443. Entry by $5 voluntary contribution.

Russian Film Festival winners Winners of the “CityNews” opening night, double passes to the Russian Film Festival opening night are: Fernando Gonzalez, of Gungahlin, Shama Feranndo, Campbell and Teresa Tu, Belconnen.

Painter wins top CAPO prize

By Helen Musa THE top award at the annual Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation gala has gone to one of Canberra’s best-known painters.

On Saturday night, September 8, surrounded at the M16 Artspace in Griffith by 102 artworks donated by artists, Education Minister Chris Bourke presented the 2012 CAPO Fellowship to artist Robert Boynes.

The Reading Room CAPO London Exhibition Award went to ANU graduate Karena Keys, who will travel to London to exhibit her work combining paint and textile processes.

Suzanne Moss, winner of The Rosalie Gascoigne Memorial Award, will use her grant to create part of a new body of drawings and paintings on linen and paper, while the Singapore Airlines Award will allow Nicola Dickson to travel to museums in Paris and London.

The performing arts are evident this year, with the Sage Legal Services Award assisting composer Thea Zimpel to develop a small ensemble and the new Macquarie Wealth Award assisting Karen Strahan and Jill Walsh to present an original Australian musical comedy theatre called “Check You Checkin’ Me!” Bernie Slater will use the Eckersley’s Materials Award to develop lithographic printmaking techniques, while Fiona Veikkanan, recipient of the National Press Club’s Emerging

Artist Award, will create a new body of photographic work.

The Workplace Research Associates Award went to Gary Lee for printing and framing, sculptor Rosalind Lemoh won the Capital Insurance Brokers Award, and the McGrath Woden Emerging Artist Award went to glass artist Erin Conron.

Painter Robert Boynes... won the top award.

CityNews September 13-19 39

arts & entertainment

Powerful journey to safety Dougal Macdonald cinema

“Lore” (MA) THE Allied occupation of Germany created a quandary for Nazi loyalists suddenly without a figurehead to worship.

Before a Nazi loyalist mother in the south of Germany walks off to surrender to the nearest Allied unit, she tells 14-year-old daughter Hannalore (Saskia Rosendahl) to lead her four siblings to grandmother’s farm near Hamburg.

Canberra film-maker Cate Shortland has adapted the saga of courage and pathos in Rachel Seiffert’s novel, as “Lore”, carrying baby sister wrapped in a blanket, leads twin brothers and middle sister on a journey north, without resources, shelter or food.

Discomfort and danger are constant companions, traversing a landscape inhabited by Germans with empty larders and confused emotions and victors whose loyalties lie to one of four occupying powers, linked only by real enough suspicions of Germans generally and a justifiable loathing of Nazis in particular.

It’s powerful stuff made more poignant

by Lore’s mistaken fear of Americans, whom her Nazi upbringing has taught her to regard as monsters threatening unspeakable punishments. She is cautious about Thomas, the young adult who attaches himself to her group, as well she should be, but for reasons beyond what an unprotected teenaged girl might fear. Thomas might be friendly but he has his own agenda.

Most of the film’s audience were not born at its time. “Lore” symbolises a generation having to unlearn some dreadful lessons and begin anew, as indeed Germany has done.

There can be no winners from a regression into political awfulness such as Hitler imposed.

At Greater Union

40 CityNews September 13-19

Saskia Rosendahl in “Lore”

“Kath and Kimderella” (PG) no stars “THERE’S nobody I dislike so much that I’d recommend this film to them!” (J Ellis, Lt. Col, ret’d).

My friend’s summation says it all. Any allocation of stars would have to enter negative territory!

When Kath and Kim were on TV, you knew they would get back in their box after half an hour. On the big screen, they exhaust their welcome sooner than that. Jane Turner and Gina Riley have written a flabby plot nearly three times that length, packed with derivative clichés, cruel humour and rhyming doggerel, as the foxy ladies from Fountain Lakes and their friend Sharon (Magda Szubanski, always worth watching) win a trip to the kingdom of Papiloma.

If Kath and Kim are your thing, go for it.

The problem is less their film’s cringe-making caricatures of the ugly Aussie in foreign lands than its presumption that anybody in any country might want to waste time watching them.

At all cinemas

“Your Sister’s Sister” (M) GRIEVING for his brother, Jack’s (Mark Duplass) brother’s girlfriend Iris (Emily Blunt) offers him her family’s empty weekender to get over it.

But when Jack arrives after nightfall, he discovers Iris’s half-sister Hannah (Rosemary DeWitt) also in the house recovering from breaking up with her long-time girlfriend. There’s an open bottle of liquor on the table. By the time it’s empty, Hannah has agreed to have sex. Jack has no condom, but she does.

Next morning, Lynn Shelton’s three-hander really takes off when Iris arrives unannounced. Iris and Jack are best friends. Hannah and Iris unload their shared anxieties and discover that Hannah has been concealing a subtext involving pin-holes in the condom.

The film depends on relationship dialogue more than action. That between the women is warm and perceptive. But Hannah’s revelation has thrown Jack for a loop. Slowly, the trio work their way through the emotional issues surrounding them.

It’s an agreeable chick-flick rom-com that sends us away with an enigma to enjoy while wondering about its unstated options!

At Greater Union

Vietnamese eating, My’s way Wendy Johnson dining

HERE’S a tip for a visit to My’s Restaurant – check out the specials written in fluorescent liquid chalk on the mirror hanging on the wall before deciding what to order...

Then make sure you select the lively and ever-so-good-for-you green paw paw salad, which came with several big fat prawns ($18.90).

And also order the vibrant, plump chilli mussels ($18.90).

I can’t take initial credit for this tip. It came from a colleague of a friend, but I’m glad I took it seriously since both dishes were winners (except not all mussels were properly beared, which some diners would definitely take exception to, if not be horrified by).

My’s specialises in Vietnamese and it’s been part of Weston’s dining scene for some time.

The menu mixes traditional dishes with some modern ones, and the prices are great, with mains hovering around $16.90, except for the more expensive seafood and lamb options (remember when lamb was a steal at your local butcher?) that top off at around $21.90.

The menu has a typical structure for this type of eatery, featuring soups, laksa, stir-fried noodles, meat dishes, fish and seafood dishes and desserts (primarily ice cream for $5.50 – nothing too inventive).

My’s is a popular spot – indeed, a well-kept secret in many ways – and it wasn’t long before most seats had bums on them.

We enjoyed sharing the rice-paper salad rolls with pork and prawn (two for $6.50), always a

My’s restaurant at Weston... the menu Barramundi and green apple salad. mixes traditional dishes with some modern Photos by Silas Brown ones, and the prices are great. fresh start to a meal. We moved on to the salt and pepper crusted calamari ($18.90) featured on the house specials list. Not the best I’ve had by any stretch. Next time I’ll give the salted prawns with chilli and shallots a go (with or without the shell, for $23.90).

One of our party was vegetarian and she got stuck into yummy curry vegetables with coconut cream ($13.90), which I sampled and would order again.

There is nothing super fancy about My’s décor although the place is comfortable enough, with a few images of life in Vietnam scattered

about and a deep wine-coloured feature wall near the front. The aim here is to concentrate on chowing down, which is what we did.

We enjoyed a warm welcome on arrival, but the table service was sporadic at best. Several requests were never filled or were very slowly filled. For example, our campfire beef never arrived, which is a shame since I love the tactile process of making your own rice-paper rolls with thin slices of tender beef and veggies and mint, and then dunking them into a dipping sauce. Perhaps next time.

My’s Restaurant, 35 Brierly Street, Weston. Call 6288 6565. BYO. Open lunch and dinner daily.

This show cries out for more polish LITTLE more than an excuse to shoehorn a collection of disparate songs from the ‘80s into a tissue-paper-thin storyline about a group of final-year high school students grappling with weighty issues such as who will get the girl of his dreams, or whether the prom night will be a success. “Back to the 80’s” nevertheless provided significant challenges for first-time director Louiza Blomfield, and her musical director, Dave Collins.

Despite their best efforts, those of the enthusiastic young cast and first-night cheer squad, this show needs rather more attention to detail, more

musical theatre

“Back to the ‘80s” Presented by Free Rain Theatre, ANU Arts Centre, until September 23.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens. polish and panache, to become the evening of sparkling, high-spirited entertainment it is clearly meant to be.

Lack of focus in the many ensemble scenes and erratic amplification often made it difficult to identify which character was saying which line, and though attractive, Madison Lynch’s colourful

Rubik Cube-inspired setting was little help in identifying changes of location signified by the storyline.

Some principals obviously enjoyed performing Kathryn Jones’ frenetic dance routines so much they forgot to maintain character, while others were unable to sing in tune to the songs performed to pre-recorded backing tapes.

Although rarely rising above high-school standard, there were engaging performances from Miles Thompson, Josie Dunham, Lachlan Whan, Sian Harrington, Jonathan Ashcroft and Judy Satrapa.

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MOVIE PA SS WINNERS

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Ten lucky “CityNews” readers have won double passes to see “Arbitrage”.

The winners are: Jan Collins, of Curtin; Klaus Inveen, Macquarie; Antonia Lehn, Garran; Robyn Brodie-Grant, Canberra; Colleen Fulton, Latham; Larissa Osenieks, Flynn; Marilyn James, Fisher; Michelle Robins, Bungendore; Adrian Ma, Turner and Raelene Dikmans, Fraser

The audience deserved better EMMA Gibson’s mythic play delves into areas mostly ignored in contemporary theatre.

“Widow Bird” tells a story of a woman with healing powers derived from her own tears of suffering. It is the same mystical world that fascinates writers such as Clarissa Pinkola Estes; a world of metaphoric realities that actually shape and explain the lives of real people in real worlds.

While the play is timid in comparison to Edward Bond’s “Lear”, the notion of “seeing” is a very strong feature in Gibson’s work. As in Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and Bond’s “Lear”, the eyes removed become the means of seeing reality in its stark and awesome beauty and horror.

But the play is more than this. It explores the potential for one’s talents and powers to be appropriated by powerful manipulators for evil purposes leaving one

theatre

“Widow Bird” Written by Emma Gibson At The Street Theatre until Septemeber 16.

Reviewed by Joe Woodward with a stark choice to negate oneself to protect others.

Gibson’s text was self-consciously realised on the stage. With music over-powering the dialogue, inexplicable black-outs, random ambling across and through an interesting set, the production underestimated and drained the potential evocative potential of the story and its mythic value.

The strong cast, audience and writer deserved better… as did the text.

CityNews September 13-19 41

garden

Splash the colour now that Cedric Bryant gardening

HOW about planting annuals for a splash of colour after the relatively short flowering period of springflowering bulbs?

Most are F1 Hybrids bred for their effect, but do not drop seed. One has to, by necessity, change these several times a year for a continuous floral effect.

As perennials set seed, which can be gathered to grow more of the same at no cost, additionally, perennials can be divided and are ideal for filling in bare spots in the garden, also at no cost.

Many people rush out to buy annuals to brighten up their garden. Some, including our adult granddaughter, got carried away with the bright labels of petunias, planting them at the weekend to see them demolished by frost a day later.

Petunias are a late spring/summer annual and I believe should not be sold at this time. Pansies and violas are still flowering and are not worried by frost. Annuals, such as petunias, are brought in from interstate from wholesale nurseries that rarely experience a frost.

Annuals are similar to genetically modified crops that also do not set seed. On our English farm, we traditionally saved a percentage of wheat, oats and barley seed for the following year. With GM crops

42 CityNews September 13-19

Alstroemerias... for months of colour. one cannot do this and the seed has to be bought each year.

My father never had a problem with the quality of his crops, winning outright the challenge cup for the best milling wheat in England. What has this got to do with the backyard garden? It is the same situation

of many annuals from petunias to veggies.

LET me explain the terms “annual”, “biennial” and “perennial”.

Annuals are either planted from seed or seedlings. They last one year and most, but not all, do not set seed. Biennials are

the bulbs are fading planted this year and then flower the following year. Perennials, as the name suggests, flower and set seed. Some die down when flowering is finished, while others remain evergreen after flowering.

Perennial plants can be selected for flowering every month of the year. Space does not allow me to show here a comprehensive list of perennials. However, to assist you, go to cedricbryant.com, click on “Cedfacts Garden Information Sheets” and scroll down to “Perennials for Year Round Colour and Effect”. This offers a selection for each season. If you planted just one of each and divided them either in spring or autumn after flowering, you will literally have hundreds of plants in 12 months. In any case, it is far more fun growing your own and a great education for children. I do encourage you to set aside an area especially for them to grow their flowers and veggies.

A COMMENT on manures. One reader said after applying manure, variety not mentioned, in his veggie garden he now has a wonderful crop of weeds. Horse manure can provide a wonderful crop of oats, sheep manure is well-known for its stinging nettles and other weeds. Whereas cow manure, because of the nature of “chewing the cud”, totally destroys any weed seeds. So the choice is logical. They tell me elephant manure is the best, but fairly scarce!

Michaelmas daisies... brighten the autumn garden.

ANOTHER spring spectacular at the start of Floriade is the Horticultural Society of Canberra’s “Spring Bulb and Camellia Show”. At The Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit, Forrest on Saturday, September 15, from noon (after judging) to 5pm and Sunday, from 11.30am to 4pm. There will be a huge plant stall with everything grown by members. Great to fill in the gaps in your garden. Teas and luncheon is available. Entry is free.

NO garden tasks this week as you should be out enjoying Floriade or visiting the flower show.

The rich blue of Veronica spicata for summer.

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home

What’s new in the kitchen WE take a look at the latest indispensable gadgets, gorgeous accessories and eco-friendly ideas for the kitchen

Healthiest ice cream The perfect, healthy summer dessert! Satisfy sugar cravings with the brilliant Yonanas, which turns frozen fruit into a fat-free, lowcalorie ice-cream dessert without all the nasties.

Yonanas costs $79.95 from Myer, Target and Harvey Norman.

Bold, bright and stripy We love Russell Hobbs’ new range of bright and funky kettles and toasters, especially the Illusions toaster, which has a clever double-sided style – a purple toaster one day, a stripy one the next! The kettles in red, purple, pearl and electric blue are pretty irresistible, too.

Put the hurt on dirt

Colours two-slice toaster, $99.95. Kitchen Metallics kettle, $99.95, available at department stores nationally from March. Call 1800 623118 for stockists.

Made with tender loving care for the environment, Method cleaning products smell like a daisy, clean like a whistle and are

Available at Woolworth’s for $5.99, choose from the Lavender allpurpose cleaner, Clementine kitchen cleaner or the Daily Granite

Chop with ease Effortlessly chop herbs with the Zyliss Fast Cut Herb Tool – with five circular high-grade stainless steel blades, it’s great if you’re not so dexterous with a cook’s knife.

Available from kitchenware retailers for $25.95.

44 CityNews September 13-19

puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars / September 17 - 23

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Uranus/Pluto square will shake up your personal or professional life this week. So expect the unexpected (and then change your course of action when required). Attached Aries – with Mercury and Saturn in your relationship zone, work hard at keeping communication flowing between you. Single Rams – look for a lover who is responsible and mature.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

With assertive Mars moving through your love zone, your partner will demand more of your attention. It’s Equinox week, so try to get the balance right between solo time and relationship responsibilities. Single Bulls – don’t be dazzled by appearances. Look for a lover who is also a friend.

Friday is your pick of the week, as finances and family link up in fabulous ways.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. That’s you this week Twins, as you rush in and mess up a sensitive situation. Friends and family are looking for a little more care, and a lot more sympathy. Plus plenty of patience is needed if you want to help – rather than hinder. The weekend is a wonderful time to get up close and personal with someone special.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are you feeling insecure about a close relationship? The more tightly you hold onto someone, the more they’ll try to escape your claustrophobic Cancerian grip. Obsessing over a professional project won’t help either. Try to view present circumstances from a wider perspective. The weekend is the time for cranky Crabs to chill out and have fun with family and friends.

General knowledge crossword No. 377 Across Down 1 A man to whom the honorific “Sir” is conferred, is called a what?

8 What is another term for a beekeeper?

9 What is considered to be a trying experience?

10 Which fighting military units are known as “footsloggers”?

11 What do we call routine work around a house or farm?

13 Which term describes something neither good nor bad?

16 One who devises decorative patterns, etc, is called a what?

19 Name a particular method of defensive unarmed combat.

22 What is a type of bore, whose shaft penetrates an aquifer, making the water level rise?

24 Name an alternative term for a motor.

25 Which other word is used for frying pans?

26 Name the Australian engineer who invented the orbital engine in the early 1970s, Ralph ...

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VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Your ruling planet Mercury moves into Libra this week (until October 5), which exaggerates your perfectionist streak. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, Virgo! As birthday great Sophia Loren said: “It’s better to make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.” When it comes to money matters, knowledge is power.

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LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mercury moves through your sign (from September 17 through to October 5) when you’ll be at your diplomatic Libran best as you settle disputes, calm troubled waters and soothe furrowed brows. But you’ll also be more complacent and indecisive. Just remember – if you don’t bite the bullet and make decisions for yourself, then other people will just step in and do it for you.

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LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

With Mercury moving into your communication zone, you’re motivated to mix and mingle; chat and circulate; converse and connect (even more than usual). Resist the urge to be the neighbourhood nosey-parker though.

Garrulous gossip could get loud-mouthed Lions into gigantic trouble. As Venus visits your sign, deft diplomacy is definitely the preferred way to go.

2 Near which pole do polar bears live?

3 Who wrote “The Female Eunuch”, Germaine ...?

4 Which object is supposed to possess occult powers?

5 What do we call a slight or petty quarrel?

6 Who took the part of “The Godfather”, in 1972, Marlon ...?

7 What is a person who lends money at an exorbitant rate of interest?

12 Which word is the singular for “opera”?

14 What precedes sunrise?

15 Name a particular carbonated soft drink.

17 What was the reputed exclamation of Archimedes?

18 What are standards of excellence?

20 In signalling, which word implies “message received and understood”?

21 What is a pick-me-up?

23 In the ancient Roman calendar, what is the 15th day of March, etc, known as?

24 25 26

Sudoku hard No.88

Solution next week

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 the birth of a brand new you. Setbacks will only stir your stubborn side, and spur you on. Be inspired by Mickey Rooney (born on September 23): “You always pass failure on the way to success.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarius is the sign of adventure and foreign shores but have you been neglecting your overseas friends? With Venus visiting your travel zone, do all you can to nurture your international contacts. A dream may seem a long way off but hang in there. Saturn is testing your mettle. How badly do you want your dream – and are you willing to work hard to get it?

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you ready for a total spring-clean? Controlled Capricorns have a tendency to hold onto people, possessions, emotions and old habits. This week’s Uranus/Pluto square provides the perfect opportunity for a physical and emotional detox, as you purge your life of things that have passed their used-by date. Then breathe a deep sigh of relief and move on …

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Uranus (your ruling planet) squares Pluto this week. Radical changes are happening in your life and the more you resist them, the more challenging they will be. So it’s time to tap into the avant-garde Aquarian within and shake up the status quo. With Venus visiting your partnership zone (until October 3), romantic relationships and joint ventures are favoured.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With Venus visiting your work zone, things are looking up on the job. If you dress to impress (and maximise your people skills), you’ll make fabulous headway. Compromise is the key to peaceful professional partnerships, as you offer the olive branch of peace. For some single Fish, Cupid comes knocking at the office door. Who said work and romance don’t mix?

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

Solutions

Crossword No.376 D E A R E V E N U U E T M E N T H O M T I E L R A T T L E A C R I C K E U L N P R O F I L I R F D U S T E R

M C M A H O E O A R A T I N G L O G I N R O A D N R A L A S K A A T N P H E C K L E E E A N U R S I N S S D

Sudoku med No.88 N O S E S A V E R A G E

CityNews September 13-19 45