citynews.com.au / WIN an exclusive family treat with Mickey Mouse and friends NOVEMBER 8, 2012
all about Canberra SOCIALS
169
MARK PARTON
Oh, for the joys of a marginal seat CANBERRA CONFIDENTIAL
familiar faces
Onward, Christian lawyers
PHOTOS FROM THE TOP CUP LUNCHES
MICHAEL MOORE
Salute to the election losers
Regrets?
CEDRIC BRYANT
Wandering ways of wisteria
Denise has had a few Open 7 days | Free parking
MaCQUarie
OPEN GARDEN PHOTOS
Four seasons in one garden
2 CityNews November 8-14
news
Phone 6262 9100 www.citynews.com.au / Volume 18, Number 42
Brad takes a run for mental health LAURA EDWARDS discovers the remarkable journey of this year’s Young Canberra Citizen THE drive from Canberra to Queensland is a long one. There’s usually overnight stops and endless questions on how much further there is to go. So when 23-year-old Brad Carron-Arthur set off from his home in Duffy to the tip of Cape York, in Far North Queensland, he expected a long trip. Slightly longer, though, given that he would be running the distance. With no support crew or vehicle, the ANU graduate set off by foot – with his iPod and backpack – to run the solo, almost-5000-kilometre journey. It took Brad 131 days to reach Cape York from January, running on average 60 kilometres a day, five days a week. His track was a mix of bushland, beaches, dirt roads and long stretches of barren land – and each night he relied on kind strangers for a bed or accommodation at local pubs. But he never thought about giving up – the run was to raise awareness and funds in support of mental health, spurred on by personal experience.
“I wanted to do something after my dad was diagnosed with depression,” he says. “For years, no one knew anything about it. When he started seeking treatment and I could see his recovery, that inspired me to do something. “He is such an adventurous guy, so I wanted to do the same and just run to a ridiculous place.” Expecting to raise $4000 at the time, Brad eclipsed that by almost $30,000 with just over $33,000 in donations coming through, going towards the Australian Foundation for Mental Health Research. He celebrated reaching his finish line quietly – “I was pretty sore at that stage” – before making the trip back home by plane and celebrating with family and friends. “It was pretty surreal once I’d finished, very explosive in terms of emotions,” he says. Last month, Brad was named the 2012 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year for his efforts. “It was such an honour, I was pretty stoked – Dad was really proud,” he says. Brad says he will use the win to
briefly Loop for loot THE annual Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT (TADACT) fundraising, five-kilometre walk around Lake Burley Griffin will start from Rond Terrace (next to the Parkes Way-Anzac Parade car park) from 8am, Saturday, December 1. TADACT is a not-forprofit charity seeking to improve the lives of people living with a disability, the elderly and those who care for them through the innovative application of technical solutions. Walk a Loop marks the International Day of People with a Disability. Register at www.technicalaidact.org.au
Harley with a heart ROBBOS Harley-Davidson in Fyshwick has donated $7500, raised from selling obsolete stock donated by Harley-Davidson Australia, to aid the rescue work of the local Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter.
Fair a ‘feast of fun’ Brad Carron-Arthur... “I wanted to do something after my dad was diagnosed with depression.” Photo by Silas Brown further advocate mental health. “I think awareness and stigma about mental health is improving, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, particularly with mental health literacy; people knowing what to say,” he says. “Despite all this publicity surrounding what I did, especially for my family and friends, I think only two or three people approached him to talk about it. It’s not that they don’t care – it’s just
that they don’t have the words to say how they feel, and I hope to change that.” Now working as a research assistant in the mental health unit at the ANU after completing a degree in psychology last year, Brad hopes to eventually work as a clinical psychologist. Donations can still be made to Brad’s cause, by visiting affirm. org.au
THE Orana Steiner School Spring Fair will be held at the school, Unwin Place, Weston, 11am-3pm, on Sunday, November 11. Amid the promised “feast of fun, food, entertainment, and bargains” will be attractions such as children’s activities, games and amusements, live entertainment, a café, craft stall, plant stall, pre-loved books and clothing stalls, and food.
Free concert for seniors THE Rotary Club of Canberra’s annual free Seniors Concert will be held at Albert Hall, 2pm, on Sunday, November 8. While many groups of guests come from aged care facilities and retirement villages, individual guests are invited to register with the Council on the Ageing, call 6282 3777, by Wednesday, November 14. The concert is funded by the Rotary Club of Canberra, whose members also provide transport and serve the afternoon tea.
CityNews November 8-14 3
news / cover story
briefly
Regrets? Denise has had a few
The flying corporal
WE often see strident performers on stage claiming to have “no regrets”. You may even remember Edna Everage’s notorious translation of Edith Piaf’s “Je Ne Regrette Rien” as “I don’t mind if I do”. But it takes a truly idiosyncratic mind to create a whole show around just one regret. “That’s just what I do,” Melbourne comedian Denise Scott tells me. “It’s all based on an event that didn’t happen… it was when I was 16 and didn’t shag a boy called Robbie Buckle.” Scott claims she hadn’t thought about it much since then, until the fickle finger of fate intervened and, when she was performing at a “chook meet” (something like a chook rodeo) in the firethreatened town of St Andrews, who should turn up but Robbie Buckle. “Let’s just say Robbie came to my rescue, in a sense.” Scott will say no more. I plead, what’s Robbie like now? “Look, I’ve been with my partner 32 years and there was no romance when I came into contact with Robbie,” she says. I get further when we talk about chooks. Scott reveals that her story has something to do with knitted chooks. “I will say no more.” So, surely, she has other regrets, sufficient to fill up a whole evening. Yes, Scott regrets her youthful “leftie” days when she made endless stand-up jokes about people who voted Liberal, later realising that she had no idea what she was talking about. These days she sticks pretty close to the day-
4 CityNews November 8-14
Helen Musa reports
to-day horror experiences, “like that dreadful ‘scrunch perm’, and the miracle pants that cost $260 and were supposed to make you look a size smaller.” “I also regret offending people… I’ve got many stories of offending people in my work… I’ve done a very good job at it,” she says. It is alright when she’s talking about her daughter, an installation artist she credits with artworks such as “The Smoking Vagina”, but even the family tires of being exploited for laughs. And there was a really serious recent regret when she was speaking at the centenary of her alma mater, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Secondary School. Scott had dared ask how many of the fellow pupils had lapsed – “out of hundreds of women there, I was the only one,” she reports ruefully, “a very deep silence followed.” The nuns didn’t seem to mind Scott’s use of a four-letter word, but quite a lot of the women found it offensive. In this area, Scott doesn’t have too many regrets. “I specialise in inappropriate remarks – I think comedians should,” she says. Though she started doing comedy at the ripe old age of 34, it’s been a terrific earner for her, with accolades such as the 2011 Melbourne Comedy Festival Directors’ Choice Award and the 2011 Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Perfor-
CANBERRA’S Jarrod Hughes, pictured, has won the men’s mountain bike cross-country title for the third time at the recent Australian Defence Force Cycling Championships held in Stromlo Forest Park. The RAAF corporal was also awarded the trophy for the most aggressive rider at the championships. Jarrod, from Conder, is based at Williamtown with 278 Squadron.
Lez asks, what next? LEZ Malezer, co-chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, will give the 2012 David Hunter Memorial Lecture titled “What Next for Constitutional Recognition?” at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton, 7.15pm, on Tuesday, November 27. Admission is free and open to the public. More information from antaract.wordpress. org or antaract@yahoo.com.au
Help the Hilliers Comedian Denise Scott... “I specialise in inappropriate remarks – I think comedians should.” mance. “Australians like to get information and emotional depth, with a little bit of comedy on the side,” she says. In a way, we agree, all of her chooks have come home to roost. Denise Scott in “Regrets”, Canberra Theatre, 7.30pm, Saturday, November 17. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
ABC sports broadcaster Tim Gavel will MC a fundraising quiz night and auction of sporting memorabilia at the Hellenic Club, 6.30pm, on November 22 organised by concerned friends of John and Linda Hillier. The couple’s two sons are affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, autism and diabetes and the proceeds from the evening are to provide urgent assistance to alleviate the pressures that have been building on the family. MLA Steve Doszpot is the quizmaster, tickets are $55 (or $500 for a table of 10) and bookings to 0412 064207 or ross. dobson@gmail.com
CityNews November 8-14 5
news
Fighter who always sees a silver lining ZIMBABWEAN refugee Felix Machiridza has been held captive for his political activism in his home country; yet he bears a staggering degree of resilience and hope. As a journalist and vocal opponent of the Zimbabwean government at the peak of its dictatorship in the early 2000s, Felix risked his life to report on the corruption and human rights abuses committed by those in power. He was frequently held captive, tortured and abused. “Because international media had been banned in Zimbabwe, there was a need for people to let the international community know what was happening,” he says. “I just felt that I had to do it, had to tell the truth, and alert the community on what was happening. That way, I felt I could play my own part to bring peace to my country.” Felix was granted a protection visa in 2010 to stay in Australia after it was deemed too dangerous for him to return to Zimbabwe. The promise of a new life in Canberra left behind perilous circumstances in Zimbabwe, with political violence leading to the deaths of his mother and cousin. Felix still can’t talk about his family or where they are now, for fear of exposing them to further danger.
He’s been beaten and tortured, but it’s hard not to feel inspired by meeting a refugee who always looks on the bright side of life, writes LAURA EDWARDS He says in his first few days in Australia, he struggled to shake the feeling of dread that had gripped him for years. “I wanted to run when I first saw the police, because anyone in uniform to me posed a threat – that’s what I had experienced,” he says. “It took quite some time to say, ‘no, these guys are here to protect me’. “There was also a sense of immense relief. I felt a huge weight had been taken off me. And again, I was overwhelmed by the sense of freedom. I could say anything I wanted without watching my back or without worrying about someone sitting next to me.” Soon after arriving in Canberra, Felix decided he wanted to help other migrants and refugees going through the same experience as him. He received a scholarship last year from Canberra Refugee Support to study social work at the Australian Catholic University, and has been working part time as a case manager at the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Service, helping newly arrived migrants and refugees gain access to basic services such as food, transport, accommodation and counselling.
“I want to help these people rekindle and re-launch themselves,” he says. “I believe different life experiences, both negative and positive, only serve to teach us lessons which we should use as stepping stones to reaching our goals in the future, and that when we experience negative things it doesn’t mean all is lost, there’s always a silver lining.” When he finishes his degree next year, Felix hopes to pursue a career in social work or social justice. “I think, as a social worker, I could bring positive change to people in need, people who have experienced the same situation or life as me and people who are challenged by different situations – people who think everything is lost,” he says. “My belief is there is nothing that is impossible, there is always a way.” Felix recently found a rental property in Ainslie, where he says he is “very settled.” After more than two years here, he Zimbabwean refugee Felix Machiridza... “I believe different life experiences, says Canberra feels like home. “It’s not very difficult for me to walk both negative and positive, only serve to teach us lessons which we should use as Photo by Silas Brown in the Canberra Centre and have up to stepping stones to reaching our goals in the future.” 10 people greeting me personally that I know,” he says. ment makes me have a sense of being another city and come back I have this “Just their smile and acknowledge- at home, and even if I were to travel to sense of relief, to say, ‘ah, home at last’.”
CityNews November 8-14 7
news
Little kids learn life-saving skills “WHEN we run first aid courses, it’s not just teaching kids to put on a Band-Aid – we show them how to save a life,” says St John Ambulance youth adviser and volunteer Scott Mitchell. Teaching kids as young as eight how to respond in an emergency situation, Scott has been running preliminary first aid courses with St John Ambulance in Canberra for over a year – and he believes every child should know basic first aid. “There have been stories in the news about young kids saving a parent’s life by remaining calm and dialling 000 immediately... it shows kids can be very helpful in an emergency,” he says. “If a child is able to pick up the phone and call 000, they have done so much already.” Volunteers in the St John Ambulance junior program – for ages 8 to 12 – learn key skills such as assessing a patient, preparing slings and managing for shock. “They also learn about fractures, sporting injuries and how to respond to medical emergencies like diabetes and epilepsy,” Scott says.
8 CityNews November 8-14
Laura Edwards reports
“It’s a lot more than just CPR.” Juniors attend weekly, basic first aid training sessions during the school term, and also participate in camps, excursions and adventure activities. “By doing this weekly, it’s the ongoing practice they need to feel comfortable if an emergency situation arises,” Scott says. And in an emergency, every minute counts. “One example is an unconscious patient, where management of a clear and open airway is vital and action needs to be taken fast to reduce the amount of oxygen not reaching the brain,” Scott says. “If children learn these skills at a young age, they become more confident and prepared to deal with any situation.” This year St John Ambulance unveiled a first aid skills in schools program that involves either half-day or full-day basic first aid training for year 5 and year 6 students in the ACT. “Many schools have taken the opportunity for our trainers to come to classrooms and teach as many kids as possible about first
All Greek to Alastair
IN a talk entitled “The Invention of Classical Greece: early travellers and their experiences in Greece”, Alastair Blanshard will discuss the problems confronting early travellers to Greece, how they overcame them, and the impact of discoveries such as the Venus de Milo and the Parthenon (Elgin) marbles. Dr Blanshard, of the University of Sydney, will be speaking at the ANU’s Copland Lecture Theatre, 5pm, on Saturday, November 17. Before the 18th century, there were few visitors to mainland Greece and when they did start to arrive, they were invariably disappointed. Their readings of Homer and Herodotus had prepared them for wonders and marvels, but they found the food to be poor, the wine undrinkable, the people uncivilised, and the ruins undistinguished. Yet from their confusion, disappointment and frustration grew a new way of thinking about the classical past. Dr Blanshard is currently researching the first generation of modern travellers to Greece. His free talk, arranged by the Friends of the ANU Classics Museum, starts at 5pm on Saturday, November 17 and will be followed by supper in the museum. More information at culturalinquiry.anu.edu.au/classicsmuseum/friends.
Walking the talk… St John Ambulance youth adviser Scott Mitchell with students, from left, Sarah Reid, Madie Einfalt, Caitlin Murray, and Nathanael Semmler. Photo by Silas Brown aid,” Scott says. But while the number of children learning first aid has increased, St John Ambulance is pushing for first aid training to be made compulsory for all Australian school students, starting from kindergarten onwards. “At the moment, we come to schools where we are invited, but
we are looking at building first aid in schools as a division, looking at a program where we have teachers deliver first aid as a subject,” Scott says. “When it comes to having the skills to save a life, I can’t think of much else that is as important.” For more information, visit www.cadets.stjohn.org.au
Early traveller... Mary Woodhouse in Aetolia, Greece, in 1892. Photo courtesy Nicholson Museum.
CityNews November 8-14 9
news
Toby’s more Freddie “PEOPLE might come to my show expecting Liza Minnelli, but they’re going to get Freddie Mercury instead,” says former Canberran Toby Francis of his new, self-produced cabaret show, “The King Is Dead, Long Live Queen”. Flanked by a four-piece band, the Australian Institute of Music graduate and former Canberra boy will perform around 20 songs by one of the world’s biggest bands, Queen, when he takes to the stage at Sydney venue The Basement later this month. This will be Toby’s second cabaret show after his debut solo show last year, “Blokelahoma”, which received glowing reviews from critics. Toby, 24, says he wanted to “steer away from the usual formula of cabaret” with his second show. “I wrote this show in a way that breaks away from the original formula – I didn’t want it to just be speak, sing, clap and so on,” he says. “This is more like a freight train, the songs sort of move into each other. There’s still some talking, but it’s understated. I want to keep the audience excited.” The show’s music will be intertwined with Toby’s shared experiences of “change and growing up”. “I love that with cabaret, you can completely involve your audience and tell them a story in between songs,” he says. “I think cabaret is a really exciting medium because it doesn’t have its own format. The way you do it is entirely dictated by you, it’s not about being safe. You’ve got to take risks. If you
10 CityNews November 8-14
Laura Edwards reports
play it safe that’s not exciting. That’s what I like about cabaret – you can do anything.” Toby hopes the show will also pay homage to his “idol”, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. “He was just so fearless, so I’m hoping to capture some of that in my music,” he says. “He made no apologies for who he was, and what he wanted to do on stage, and I envy that. “My voice isn’t like his – it has a bit more ‘rock’ to it. But I hope people can appreciate my take on him.” Toby will team up with musical director Andrew Worboys, who has worked with the likes of UK band Florence and the Machine, for the show. “I worked with him on my first show, and I told him this idea, and he was on board,” he says. Though he struggles to pick a favourite Queen song – “they’re all amazing” – Toby says all of their lyrics are “intensely relatable”. “I love that their music is combined with this sort of camp, ‘we don’t care what you think’ feeling,” he says. “I think camp carries off well in cabaret. But this isn’t an impersonator show, although I will be wearing Queen-inspired clothing.” Since moving from Canberra to Sydney four years ago to join the Australian Institute of Music, Toby has been working two jobs in-between his performances, sometimes working 16-hour days. He admits he “sort of just fell into cabaret”,
/ letters
than Liza
Cabaret performer Toby Francis... “You’ve got to take risks. If you play it safe that’s not exciting.” Photo by Kurt Sneddon, Blueprint Studios after originally wanting to become an actor. “I always sang, and I liked writing and stand-up comedy, so it was sort of a way to do both of those things, to be able to sing and speak to people,” he says. He performed in musicals at school, attending Hawker College. “The Canberra arts scene is great, the guys and girls in the music scene up here in Sydney are surprised by how such a small town has an overflow of talent,” he says. Toby hopes “Long Live Queen” will be more than just one show. “Pending the success of it, I am hoping to bring the show and a little Freddie Mercury to Canberra next year,” he says. “The King Is Dead, Long Live Queen”, November 19 at 8pm, The Basement, Sydney. Bookings to thebasement.com.au or call 9251 2797.
Greens offer ‘poisoned chalice’ AS I predicted, Shane Rattenbury proved the rule that a vote for the Greens is a vote for Labor and so we can expect more of the same over the next four years. Zed Seselja has been criticised for not pandering to the Greens as Katy Gallagher has done, but to my mind, getting into bed with the Greens is sipping from a poisoned chalice and Zed can well do without the odium that will follow the extravagances and increases in rates, levies and charges that the new government will trail in its wake. And the arrogance which comes from long-term incumbency is already being felt with the barely elected Simon Corbell appointing one of the bureaucrats, who was strongly criticised in the Coroner’s report into the 2003 fires, to head up Emergency Services.
Ric Hingee, Duffy
A green tail WELL, the ACT drover’s dog has grown a green tail.
Michael Attwell, Dunlop
CityNews November 8-14 11
politics
Oh, for the joys of a marginal seat MARK PARTON muses about whether the swing to Liberal in the ACT election will have an effect in next year’s Federal poll CANBERRA has the most amazing opportunity in our Centenary year to put itself in the political spotlight by creating a genuine marginal Federal seat. It’s a little ironic that, as home to Federal Parliament, our city is the one most ignored by those inside the giant building. Why? Because it doesn’t matter what you do, Canberrans will always deliver Labor members to the House of Reps. While I don’t believe that will change when we get to the polls next year, I’m looking at Gai Brodtmann’s margin of 9.2 per cent in the Federal seat of Canberra and I’m thinking of a much smaller number in 2013. There doesn’t have to be a change in representation for there to be a change in attitude and a smaller margin in Canberra would see the pollies courting us. While the recent ACT election was fought on local issues, you can’t ignore the massive swing to the right in the southern seat of Brindabella. It makes up only the southern half of the Federal seat of Canberra, but we’re talking about a 46/35 per cent raw primary split in such a large area. That’s 46 Liberal, 35 Labor – a conservative dream. Woden, Weston Creek and the inner south will be kinder to Labor than Tuggeranong, but it’ll still make
WIN
Gai Brodtmann. for a tighter contest at the next Federal poll. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is not popular in Canberra and his Treasury spokesman, less so. Joe Hockey’s public service comments will echo loudly in our suburbs in the weeks leading up to the Federal poll and they will probably ensure a Labor win in Canberra. But elections are a funny game. As a hypothetical, can you imagine if Brodtmann was battling against a candidate such as Brendan Smyth or perhaps even a Kate Carnell. What a contest! If the Libs can find the right candidate, it’ll be game on. Mark Parton is the breakfast presenter for 2CC.
tickets to see
‘Voices in the Forest’ at citynews.com.au
12 CityNews November 8-14
politics
Thanks for standing BY standing for the ACT Assembly, all candidates have made a major contribution to the political and social life of our city-state. No doubt each one has worked hard over the last months and, for many, much longer. Because they were prepared to put their hand up, no matter for which party or running as an independent, our government and our Assembly have been tested by the people and we have a fair democratic outcome. The 17 candidates elected deserve to be congratulated. They were part of sophisticated campaigning and won the appreciation of enough voters to the extent that they will now represent us in the Assembly. The three new members will join those reelected and will now have the opportunity to work for a better community. Mick Gentleman returns to the Assembly having served a term previously and having suffered the heartache of not being successful at the last election. For those who lost their seats, as Mick did previously, it is really challenging. These people worked extremely hard through countless hours during the working week, in the evenings and on weekends spent working for better community outcomes. Families did not get the attention that would otherwise have been the case. As elected members, they put their necks out to stand up for what they believed to be right. Thank you. Even though they might be feeling that the electorate is ungrateful for their efforts, it is important to understand that the vast majority of people really do appreciate what they have done.
As the new Assembly’s winners are grinners, MICHAEL MOORE says we owe a vote of thanks to all the election’s candidates Lone Greens member Shane Rattenbury holds the balance of power in an election that delivered not only the same number of seats to each of the major parties but also, at 38.9 per cent, the same proportion of first-preference votes. We are fortunate in the ACT to have the Hare-Clark electoral system that allows voters real power in not only choosing the party they prefer, but also to favour particular candidates within the parties. At times, party candidates, in particular, find this frustrating. But it does allow greater power in the hands of the voters providing a more sophisticated and fairer electoral system. In this election there were just less than 230,000 people who cast a vote. Only two of the candidates received less than 100 votes and they were largely standing to support a colleague. Not many people can think of even 50 friends or acquaintances that they could convince to vote for them either on personality or ideas. It is a credit to all who ran in this election and a tribute is appropriate for the contribution made to Canberra. Michael Moore is a former independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and minister for health.
CityNews November 8-14 13
14 CityNews November 8-14
news dose of dorin
Matthew guides a taste of success ONE of the world’s best wine critics and author of “Aussie Wine”, Matthew Jukes, will host a fundraising event at Old Parliament House for Canberra’s homeless on November 13. All funds raised will go to St Vincent de Paul Society to provide local services for those in need. Jukes will be joined by some of this region’s best winemakers and will take guests on a tasting journey of a selection of Canberra’s top drops. Four courses and three wines per course are included. A 2012 Honorary Australian of the Year, Jukes will talk about his book, share stories of his work for this country’s wine industry and the emergence of Australia as one of
Matthew Jukes... taking guests on a tasting journey of Canberra’s top drops. the premier wine regions in the world. The “Education, Fine Wine and Food” event starts at 7pm. It is $150 a head or $1250 for a table of 10, and places are limited. Bookings to 6234 7346, mark. thompson@svdp-cg.org.au
briefly Green fete
Store opens
Arawang Primary School, in Nemarang Crescent, Waramanga, is holding its “Great Green Fete” from 10am, Saturday, November 10, offering traditional favourites with a sustainable theme. The school hall will offer craft, homemade cakes, and a monster “green elephant” stall. The Reptile Man will be there plus a sideshow alley and rides.
THE new Kmart store, occupying the ground level of City Link Plaza at Queanbeyan, will open on Wednesday, November 14 employing 200 staff. The store will celebrate its opening with family activities on Saturday, November 17, including face painting, glitter tattoos, balloonist and super hero appearances from Sponge Bob, Elmo and Spiderman. CityNews November 8-14 15
Canberra Confidential Onward, Christian lawyers CAUSING wigs to curl... The ACT Law Society has abandoned its ecumenical service to welcome the legal profession’s new practising year on February 4, replacing it with what its latest newsletter “Hearsay” reports as, “a general commencement ceremony to which all are invited, including believers from all faith systems and non-believers alike. We had hoped to arrange contiguous ecumenical and interfaith ceremonies but, regretfully, have been unable to do so.” “CC’s” legal beagle says it’s causing a bit of a stir. Apparently, it’s all the idea of society president Noor Blumer, who it would seem doesn’t think the Christians should be allowed their little bit of tradition.
Cop this, no fun aloud! “CC” didn’t make it through the achingly-loud Icehouse concert at the Southern Cross Club’s comfort-challenged Corinna Ballroom. But we found ourselves in the foyer in good company. One cranky fan wrote to say: “All people wanted to do was dance and one particular lass (who is a policewoman) in the seventh row stood up and proceeded to dance wildly to the irritation of the disgruntled people seated behind her. After being warned several times she was booted out of the concert”.
16 CityNews November 8-14
Bubbly brickbat
as an example of a designer entering the public competition “unfairly”. ‘’How can you call yourself a professional designer one year and then enter the amateur competition the next?’’ whinnies Manuell.
A CHAMPAGNE fan wrote to “CC” bemoaning the pronunciation of “Moët” on a radio advertisement for the Hyatt’s fabulous new “Moët Bar by Night” on Fridays. She says: “The funny thing is, they call it the ‘Moe-y’ bar, when the correct pronunciation for Moët is ‘MO-ET’ – with the ‘T’. Any high-class operation like the Hyatt should know better than that.” Happily, we have no such problems in print.
Will they jump?
A gem from the ‘Giant’ From “The Tuross Giant”, the monthly online village paper: TICK WARNING If someone comes to your door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take off your clothes and dance around naked with your arms up, DO NOT DO THIS! THIS IS A SCAM. They only want to see you dance naked. (I wish I’d gotten this yesterday...I feel so stupid).
Hmmm, you might say IN a rambling and hard-to-follow vote of thanks at conductor/musician Richard Gill’s “Meet the Author” talk at the ANU, the new head of the School of Music, Prof Peter Tregear, speculated that under the current entry system at the school, Gill would never have been accepted as a student, suggesting that was one reason things had to change. It left people scratching their heads.
Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au
Fashion’s fillies go into the fray MELBOURNE Cup day wasn’t all celebrations and bubbly – the race’s Fashions on the Field competition has hit a sour note. “The Sydney Morning Herald” reports that some of Australia’s “leading designers” have joined frustrated fashion competitors in calling for a ban on so-called professionals from entering Flemington’s hotly contested competition, which has a prize pool of more than $400,000 – and local designer Angela Menz, pictured, is in the firing line. Melbourne designer Helen Manuell singled out Menz, who won the competition and about $100,000 worth of prizes last year,
HERE’S a question the political conscienti are labouring with over lunch at the moment: The Federal Government can call an election at any time now, with the latest practical date for an election being October 26, 2013 (five weeks after the expiry of the current parliament). If held before August 3, the election can only be for the House of Representatives. It is possible the Government could call an election before the May Budget to avoid facing up to the lack of surplus (until after the election). If Opposition Leader Tony Abbott wins a House of Reps-only election, he would be forced to hold a half-Senate election before July, 2014 – thereby having to face the community’s wrath over any spending cuts made immediately after his election. This may transform the Senate from troublesome to completely hostile. So, should the Government go early or go full term?
her on the day-to-day emails they believe the government shouldn’t be monitoring and retaining. “Nosey Nicola’s November Nightmare” is a “humorous” (ha ha) response to proposed changes in Australia’s national security laws, especially the proposal for blanket data retention. Generation Alpha spokesperson Ben Pennings said: “We don’t want to crash government computer systems. But we do want to send a humorous but clear message to the Attorney-General that the Government shouldn’t have their nose in the private business of either activists or the general public.”
Go home, you betcha!
JUDGING by the amount of traffic that elbows its way on to Canberra’s roads from 4.51pm every weekday, it’s hard to believe the latest silly national “day” – Go Home On Time Day – will have much traction here on November 21. Organisers say this is the day to say “no” to last-minute meetings, avoid out-of-hours emails and calls, and claim back some work/ life balance. Now in its fourth year, Go Home On Time Day is an initiative of The Australia Institute, a public policy think tank actually based in Canberra. The day was conceived as a lightGENERATION Alpha, an Australian-based Facebook group of environmental and justice hearted way to start a serious conversation about the impact of poor work/life balance activists, are set to save Attorney-General Nicola Roxon’s parliamentary email address on our health, relationships and workplaces. There’s a website for anyone with the (nicola.roxon.mp@aph.gov.au) as “Nosey time... gohomeontimeday.org.au Nicola”, and for the month of November cc
Nicola, you have mail
scene
B ROUG YOU BY
H T TO
Canberra’s only locally-owned Subaru dealer
ROLFE SUBARU
At the Melbourne Cup Race Day, Thoroughbred Park
Rachael Vella, Claire Sturgess and Isabele Williams
Andres Salazar and Catherine Ferris
Karina Nance and Emma Connell
Gabrielle and Stephanie Driver, Chieu Le and Laura May
Cherise Pollard, Ellie Daley, Ninna Flaherty, Sarah Shannon, Olivia Dawson, Maddi Carne and Lauren George
Ashley and Racheal Trushell
Dani Pohl and Jaimi Costello
CityNews November 8-14 17
scene
ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN
At Melbourne Cup luncheon, Gandel Hall
Kathy Clarke and Maria Quadraccia
Marisol Solano and Nada Paulak
Karen Borehan, Liliane Wallace and Elizabeth Deveze
At Melbourne Cup luncheon, Hyatt Hotel
Laura Brown and Emily Whitfield
Amy Vincent and Mia Brill
Suzanne Thompson and Susan Chapman
Jess Ausserlechner and Sally Morgan
Debbie Dickerson and Ilahna Aitchison
Christine Havas, Emily Tzanetos, Harriet Noutsopouolos and Helena Karkazis
At ‘The Great GAD Summer Party’, Gallery of Australian Design, Parkes
Alexis Johnson, Andrew Mackenzie and Inga Davis
Andrew Gleeson and Ashlee Bate
Amy Brennan and Jordon Evans-Tse
Jenn Willemsen and Spero Cassidy
18 CityNews November 8-14
Chris and Melanie Cairns and Baron Smith
Cat Cullen, Josephine Zovak and Vanessa Terra
Neil Hobbs and Jarrod Deaton
Magda Keaney and Erin Hinton
Denen De Silva, Charlie Montgomery and Alexandra Reacher
Philippa Kirkpatrick, Mathew Cook and Luisa Rosi
CityNews November 8-14 19
scene At Canberra International Film Festival opening, Dendy At ‘Remember Me’ launch, Australian War Memorial
Amanda Wright and Kate Taylor
Sharon Luo, Tali Drohan, Alkira Reinfrank and Esver Guerrero
David Court and Nicole Mikell
Arul Enca, Kjeld Frandsen, Conny Ehlers, Julie Fosdal and Jesper Hansen
20 CityNews November 8-14
Robert Nichols and Suzanne Myers
Jane and Malcolm Farr
Trevlyn Gilmour, Adam Saunders and director Simon Weaving
Ross Coulthart, Diane Morris, Kate Lewis Fuller and Bryant Stokes
Suzie and Cameron Jose
MattMcKeon with Trevor and Rodney Parton
Sarah Hitchcock, Cedric Bryant and Adelina La Vita
Ian and Lyn Dettmann
Elaine Doolan and Max Uechtritz
Lesley Falloon and Dean Mighell
Geoff Cruickshank with Moreen and Jim Powell
Blood Balance ride / special feature
Cured, but Nicholas won’t stop fight for others FOR the first 25 years of his life, Nicholas Kotrotsos endured regular blood transfusions and extreme lethargy due to a genetic disorder called beta thalassaemia major. But the illness was cured when Nicholas’ sister donated her bone marrow so that he could have a transplant. Nicholas had been told that his chances of finding a compatible donor were a million to one and, after his entire family was tested, it was found that his sister was 100 per cent compatible. “I was blessed with the opportunity to undergo such an intense therapy and... this meant that no longer did I need to have
Nicholas Kotrotsos... “Life with thalassemia is regular blood transfusions, I used to wear a pump to bed to medicate overnight.”
regular blood transfusion and I no longer have to worry about my iron levels going up due to the transfusions,” Nicholas says. Although the transplant was a success, it wasn’t without risks. “I had a friend who had a bone-marrow transplant and he passed away, which was a big shock to me. “I am now living an easier life. Many call it a normal life,” he says. Now that Nicholas is cured, he’s on a mission to raise awareness and ultimately help find a cure for thalassaemia. “Nowadays I simply want to give back what I once had – support and hope for a better future,” he says. It was with this in mind that he came up with the idea for a Ride the Loop charity event called Blood Balance. The ride took place on Saturday, November 3, with about 40 participants with the purpose of raising awareness. Nicholas hopes that if more people know about thalassaemia, they will help donate to important research and help find a cure. He’s supporting the work of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in developing of new ways to treat blood disorder conditions. “The money raised will be going to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute headed by Dr Jim Vadolas, he is a well-recognised researcher within the thalassaemia world, both locally and internationally,” Nicholas says. Nicholas is passionate about finding a cure for thalassemia for all.
Creator of Blood Balance, Nicholas Kotrotsos, with co-founder Patty Giorgio and other participants in the Blood Balance ride... he hopes that if more people know about thalassaemia, they will help donate to important research and help find a cure. “I’m cured from thalassemia and I no longer have the condition, but my genetics still have thalassemia, so going on in life, if I chose to have children, I may pass that on,” he says. “Life with thalassemia is regular blood transfusions, I used to wear a pump to bed to medicate overnight.
“I used to wear a needle under my skin. When I’d have a blood transfusion my body would get loaded up with iron and then I had to get rid of that... it was just a horrible way to be. “I didn’t play sport in school and later on as I grew up, my friends would go out
clubbing and I’d stay at home.” For more information or to donate go to www.thalassaemia.org.au To find out more about Blood Balance go to www.facebook.com/BloodBalance
CityNews November 8-14 21
22 CityNews November 8-14
scene
ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN
At Communities@Work’s 35 years, Yacht Club, Yarralumla
At Papercut’s 5th birthday party, Turner
Kelly Dundon and Karen Hansen
Nerida Gill and Zoe Routh
Gail Kinsella, Archie Tsirimokos, John Nicholl and Lynne Harwood
Tess Ryan, Toni Sullivan and Lee Maiden
Lee Maiden and Caron Egle
David Brown and David Burnet
Anne Meade and Maggie Watts
Palaniappan Muthiah, Keyar Kotia, Vicki Coleman and Mike Duval Stewart
Hosts Grace and Claire Connelly with Rhema Elmasri
Justin and Jenny Watson, Susannah Luddy and Jojo Quidilla
Ben Le Lierue and Olivia Connelly
Michelle Flynn, Macleay Connelly and Susan Wardell-Jackson
At celebrating 50 years of golf in the Westbourne Woods, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla
Pam and Mark Hislop, Peter and Lyn Carter and Gary Rumble
Julie and Rob Evan with Robin Leason and Paul Narracott
Peter and Phyl Crawford with Veronica and Bernie Ayers
Elizabeth Murphy and Nicky Libbis
Ross and Pam Crichton with Kathryn and Ted Cain CityNews November 8-14 23
24 CityNews November 8-14
Weston creek / advertising feature
A district of delight WESTON Creek’s eight suburbs were established from the late-1960s as an offshoot of Canberra’s first satellite city in the adjacent Woden Valley. These days, Weston Creek is home to more than 23,000 people. Weston Creek was named after Capt George Edward Weston, a former officer of the East India Company who arrived in Australia in 1829 and was granted land at the “Yarrow-Lumla plains” in the Weston Creek area in 1831.
Club amid the greens THE modern Weston Creek Labor Club is located in the heart of Stirling and overlooking beautiful bowling greens, parkland and sporting fields. The club offers three bowling greens, bar lounge, large screen TVs, a new giant kids’ play area and free all-day parking. The Weston Creek Labor Club Bistro has an extensive menu with weekly specials, including the popular $10 Sunday roast and kids’ deals. The club forms part of the award-winning Canberra Labor Club Group, which also includes Canberra Labor Club, Belconnen; Ginninderra Labor Club, Charnwood and City Labor Club. More information at www.laborclub.com.au. ACT TP 11/04503
Quality high school STROMLO High, in Waramanga, is the only ACT Government school providing, what it calls, “a quality education for every student from year 6 to year 10”. An inclusive, co-educational, secular school of more than 700 students, Stromlo ranks above average on
performance indicators such as community satisfaction, literacy and numeracy. Highly qualified staff (all registered with the new ACT Quality Teaching Institute) ensure the Australian Curriculum is delivered at the cutting edge. The science wing includes five laboratories, a lecture theatre, an IT room and a horticulture room and outside plot area. The gymnasium, dance and specialist rooms ensure that no learning area is neglected and new computers guarantee state-of-the-art learning. Languages taught include Japanese, French and Italian. Stromlo High School, Badimara Street, Waramanga, call 6205 6166 or at admin@stromlohs.act.edu.au
Passion drives spa JINDII Eco Spa has quickly established itself as a leader in the growing eco spa movement since its launch in 2010, says owner Bianca Prichard. Nestled in the urban bush belt of Duffy, Jindii EcoSpa has become internationally recognised as an industry leader, having won numerous awards including the Australasian Spa Association Best Urban Day Spa award 2010 and this month nominations for Best Eco Spa and also Most Innovative Day Spa at the The Li’ Tya Spirit of Spa 2012 Awards. “We’ve made an effort to consider the environment in everything, from the planning and building stages through to the smallest daily details,” says Bianca. “We’re very excited and proud to have our achievements acknowledged by an organisation as influential as ASPA. “Jindii offers spa and wellness treatments as well as lifestyle and yoga classes, and aims to educate spa guests in caring for themselves and the environment.” Jindii Eco Spa, 20 Jindabyne Street, Duffy, call 6257 8777. www.jindii.com.au
CityNews November 8-14 25
puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / November 12 - 18
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Expect an intense week with passions running high – and patience running low. Be careful you don’t hurt loved ones with thoughtless remarks or critical comments. Think before you speak! With Venus visiting your relationship zone (until November 22), your motto for the moment is from birthday great Robert Louis Stevenson: “Compromise is the best and cheapest lawyer.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Love is in the air! The Solar Eclipse reboots a rickety relationship, as you patch up problems and move in a new romantic direction. Singles – you’re in the mood for some fabulous flirting, and may fall for someone who’s older (or more mature) than you. Mars charges into your travel zone, so it’s time to blast beyond your Bull boundaries and go on a grand adventure.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Librans aspire to a luxurious lifestyle, but do you have the cold hard cash to finance your super-sized dreams? If you don’t, then you’d better start saving, get a second (or higher-paying) job or find a cheaper dream. Your revised financial plan for the next 12 months starts now! Resist the urge to be all things to all people this weekend. If you don’t want to do something, just say no.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
With the Solar Eclipse (plus Saturn) visiting your sign, you need to ‘prune’ your life and remove any people, possessions, habits, beliefs or attitudes that have passed their used-by date. And, the sooner you do it, the less painful it will be. Saturday’s aspects are stressful so pace yourself. Study, research, communication, commerce and travel are all favoured on Sunday.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
During the week, the Solar Eclipse stimulates your spiritual side so it’s the perfect time to tune into your intuition (which is trying to steer you in the right direction). Plus aim for some splendid solitude, as you relax and regenerate from within. Come the weekend, you’re in the mood for stimulating conversation, as Sun/Mercury aspects boost your Sagittarian gift of the gab.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
With the Solar Eclipse highlighting your hopes and wishes zone, strive to be super creative with your dreams and aspirations for the future. Mars zooms into your sign on Saturday (where it stays until December 26), so it’s time to be a confident Capricorn, as you power through projects with extra energy and enthusiasm. Decide what you want – and then go and get it!
Are you spending too much time talking and not enough time moving? The Solar Eclipse activates your health zone so it’s the best time of the year to get fabulously fit. Regular exercise will clear your head and nutritious food will lift your energy levels. But, with Mercury (your ruler) squaring Neptune, avoid being a gullible Gemini – and somewhat elastic with the truth. Your romance and creativity zone is receiving attention from the sultry Solar Eclipse. So you’ll feel like declaring your love for someone special, or beginning a project you’re passionate about. With mighty Mars marching into your relationship zone, loved ones will be more assertive than usual – and it’s up to you to offer a fractious family member the olive branch of peace.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Are you optimistic about love one moment – and completely flummoxed the next? Or are you stuck in the middle of a family fiasco? You’ll go through many changes of heart this week, as the Solar Eclipse stirs up stormy emotions. And, with Neptune confusing communication, resist the temptation to over-react to perceived criticism. It’s time to keep your cool Cats!
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
With the New Moon in enigmatic Scorpio, you’re keen to solve a mystery or uncover a secret. But Mercury is likely to scramble your antennae and communication is bound to get complicated, so don’t take what others say too literally – make sure you read between the lines. Aim for a complete mental spring-clean, as you find fresh solutions to stubborn old problems.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
General knowledge crossword No. 385 2 To which reptile order does the Across gecko belong? 1 Which type of fish is widely distributed in Australian waters? 7 Name a fragrant bell-shaped flower. 8 What is the projecting spout of a hose? 9 Name the perpetual international yachting cup. 10 What do we call officials in general charge of railway trains? 11 What, in Latin America, is a landed estate? 14 Name an American small squirrel-like monkey. 18 Which Parisian dance has the same name as a US Indian tribe? 19 When air is released from a tyre, it becomes what? 21 Name the young of eels. 22 What describes a cake topping of nuts, sugar, spices, etc? 23 Stockholm is the capital of which European kingdom?
Down 1 What is a character embroidered on handkerchiefs, etc? 1
2
3
3 Which trophy is played for by England and Australia in test cricket (3,5)? 4 Name a greenish mineral, highly esteemed as an ornamental stone for carvings. 5 What is a figure of speech expressing a resemblance of one thing to another? 6 Name the street in central London, once on the banks of the Thames. 12 What is an alternative term for fortified places? 13 Name the Danish author, Hans Christian... 15 What do we call highly skilled persons? 16 Which stick is used to drive the ball in polo? 17 What are the young of insects which undergo metamorphosis? 20 What is any piece of work known as?
Solution next week 4
5
6
7
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
The Solar Eclipse signals it’s time for a fresh approach to work or study. Perhaps you should move to a different school (or tertiary institution), change your job – or even your vocation. Restless, adventurous Aquarians rarely stay in the same occupation for long periods. So make the most of your professional potential, use your imagination and cast your net wide.
8 9 10
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
11
Travel and study are highlighted, as the Solar Eclipse activates your zone of overseas contacts and higher learning. So expect a busy week as you meet up with fabulous friends and adventurous acquaintances, whether in person or online. But if you over-idealise people and situations, you’ll just end up feeling confused, disappointed or misunderstood. Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011
14
15
12
16
13
17 18
19
20 21
Solutions
22 23
Crossword No.384 C
N
L
C O L O N M
R
C A R D U
I
C U T L E R A L
N I
G A N
I
B
B
I
E
P
I
L V
O E M
I N
I
I
S H E B A N G
M A L A R X
Solution next week
P
I
S
Sudoku hard No.92
N
R E P L A Y S
B O Y C O T T
C
R
O C E L O T
I
A
I
O
S N A P S H O T C S
L
T
P
U P P E R C U T
G R E
S
O
S
Sudoku med No.92
WIN
an exclusive family treat to see Mickey Mouse and friends at citynews.com.au 26 CityNews November 8-14
arts & entertainment Private lives in the real world A ROMANTIC balcony scene in Riviera. Two couples honeymooning. Then the discovery that one husband and wife have recently been divorced. Yes, it’s Noel Coward’s “Private Lives”, surely as British a play as you could find anywhere. Well, no, actually, says Jamaicanborn actor Zahra Newman, the Victorian College of the Arts graduate and Melbourne Theatre Company’s star who’ll be here soon to play the elegant and occasionally violent wife, Amanda. “The play deals with relationships that would occur in any context, whether in Asia or America or England or wherever,” she asserts. There’s a nice irony, she finds, in the fact that Coward spent much of his later life in Jamaica entertaining celebs in his mansion “Firefly”. And she’s pretty sure he would have been “absolutely fine” with the international approach to the casting of the play in this production by Belvoir’s artistic director Ralph Myers. “In Ralph’s vision we decided to get away from all the fangles and hoity-toity accents and get into what’s going on in the relationships,” she says. She knows the argument that Coward faithfully records the manners of the upper classes of his era, but argues back, “that is something we don’t have today, we have a massive middle class.”
Helen Musa “When you open the play, what you read is ‘Private Lives, three acts, set in the present day’ – it doesn’t say set in 1930s France… the present day is what interests Ralph,” she says. “People are still people… the relationships are still the same… look, if your father died and your mother married your uncle, you’d still be upset, just like Hamlet.” In Newman’s opinion, this “very, very good play” is so good, “because on the surface it’s a comedy, a farce, but underlying it is a darker commentary about men and women.” And that brings us to a difficult “modern” question that keeps coming up at post-show Q&A sessions with schoolchildren. “Some of the kids have said “we really, really liked Elyot [played by Toby Schmitz], he was charming but he was a wife-beater…we feel terrible liking him.” It is not how Coward would have viewed it, and Amanda throws things at Elyot as much as the other way round. “Is it better,” she asks, “to settle for just anybody over a volatile, tumultuous relationship? Coward seems to accept that violence lies beneath many relationships.”
Wendy Johnson
Lakeside dining’s new Edge
Tin Shed artists show their collective painting of the Molonglo River.
Out of the Shed and into the river TWELVE artists from Canberra’s Tin Shed Art Group lined up, under the direction of Ilona Lasmanis, alongside 12 metres of paper, rotated every 15 minutes, and ended up with a black-andwhite painting of the Molonglo River. You can see the results at Watson Art Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson, 10am-4pm, Thursday-Sunday, until November 18. THE Llewellyn Choir and Canberra Youth Orchestra are joining forces to stage “Choral Gold: A Treasury of Choral Music” in Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, on November 17. It’s a wild mix – Purcell, Monteverdi, Orff, Mendelssohn, Borodin, Barber, Bernstein and Lloyd-Webber. Bookings to 132849 or www.ticketek.com.au/ HERE’S something new – cushions and blankets will be provided on stage for audiences to “take up a reclining position” with their eyes closed
Helen Musa
Archibald Prize. Now in “Wall to Canvas”, Canberra City Framing Gallery, Hobart Place, will show his art alongside originals by Anthony Lister and in Wild Voices Music Theatre’s re-interpretation VEXTA, Kill Pixie, Ghost Patrol and others, all seen of Dylan Thomas’ “Under Milk Wood”. Fifty-six in the NGA’s seminal exhibition “Space Invaders”. characters, eight adult performers and 21 children, Inquiries to 6248 8328 or 0407 778022. including luminaries such as ImproACT’s Nick Byrne and opera star Tobias Cole, are performing SALUT! Baroque is not exactly going into under the direction of voice expert Dianna Nixon. showbiz with “The Entertainer” at Albert Hall, The Street Theatre, November 14-17, bookings to 7.30pm, on November 16, but it is looking at the 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au place of “community music” through composers such as Matteis, Boccherini, Schmelzer, Dowland, SOUL divas Prinnie Stevens and Mahalia Barnes, Merula, Arne and Uccellini. Tickets at the door or familiar from the TV show “The Voice”, will be at by subscription to www.baroque.com.au The Abbey in Gold Creek on November 11, bookTHE Canberra Country Music Festival is coming ings to www.theabbey.com.au or 6230 2905. up from November 16-18 at EPIC. But first, as a LUKE Cornish (E.L.K. to you and me) is a bit of taster, there are Dwight Yoakam and Lee Kernaa local hero. Since leaving us for Melbourne, ha ghan at the AIS Arena on November 15. Bookings become the first stencil artist to make it into the to 13 2849 or www.ticketek.com.au/
arts in the city
Belvoir’s “Private Lives”, The Playhouse, November 21-24. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre. com.au
Zahra Newman and Toby Schmitz as Amanda and Elyot. Photo by Heidrun Lohr
CityNews November 8-14 27
arts & entertainment
Rain’s music of the night FREE-Rain Theatre Company has launched its 2013 season with the announcement of the worst-keptsecret in town – they’ve secured the rights to stage “The Phantom of the Opera” at Canberra Theatre in August. We’re glad, at least, that chandelier won’t have to fit into The Courtyard Studio. “CityNews” understands that the rights were hotly contested and that artistic director Anne Somes is now negotiating for out-of-town creatives, as yet unannounced, to join locals in staging the mammoth musical.
Other productions for 2013 announced at the launch included: • “Winnie the Pooh”, directed by Amy Dunham, The Courtyard Studio, January 10-20. • “West Side Story”, directed by Anne Somes at The Q, musical director John Yoon, conductor Geoff Grey, choreographer Lisa Buckley, February 8-24. • “Amadeus”, directed by Cate Clelland, The Courtyard Studio, May 3-18. • “A Month of Sundays”, directed by Anne Somes, The Courtyard Studio, October 17-November 3.
Return to Brigadoon musical theatre
“Brigadoon” The Queanbeyan Players At The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre until November 17. Reviewed by Bill Stephens
QUEANBEYAN Players have built their reputation in presenting unsophisticated, proudly amateur productions of popular musicals and operettas. So if you’re expecting magical transformations and misty glens, forget it. This “Brigadoon”, directed by Greg Wallace, is a rather spartan affair presented mostly in front of a backdrop depicting Canadian redwood pines, with other scenes performed in front of black drapes with basic set-pieces. This most delicate of musicals is a fantasy about two young Americans who, while hiking in the Scottish highlands, discover a mystical village called Brigadoon which appears for just one day every 100 years. For this, its third production of “Brigadoon” over the years, Queanbeyan Players has assembled a large cast headed by Gerard Ninnes and Paul Jackson, both excellent as the two Americans. Among the
Sensitive celebrations music
Brew Guitar Duo 10th Anniversary Concert At Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia. Reviewed by Clinton White
Janet Tweedie as Meg and Paul Jackson as Jeff. Photo by Rebecca Doyle inhabitants of Brigadoon, Alyssa Morse is a lovely Fiona singing prettily and acting with sincerity, and Janet Tweedie is delightfully feisty as Meg. Playing Charlie, handsome Charles Hudson was inexplicably unamplified for his important tenor solos. Phil Perman is excellent as Mr Murdoch, and Peter Smith and Rob Grice add gravitas to the other senior roles. The gorgeous Lerner and Lowe score is, for the main, well sung by the company, accompanied by an impressive 28-piece orchestra conducted by Jenny Groom. Even if your preference is towards a more ethereal presentation, this production still provides a welcome opportunity to revisit this classic Lerner and Lowe musical.
WIN tickets to see
Jon English in ‘Rock Revolution’ at citynews.com.au
28 CityNews November 8-14
Free-Rain’s artistic director Anne Somes... staging a mammoth musical.
WE audiences feel very important when we hear a world premiere performance, especially in the presence of the dedicatee, or when a composer is perhaps right there in the next seat. The Brew Guitar Duo cooked up such a – well – brew at its 10th anniversary concert. Brewster Bradley Kunda’s “Sonata for Guitar”, dedicated to his mentor, Timothy Kain, who was in the Hall, received its first airing, played brilliantly by the composer. In three movements, Kunda’s piece is highly intellectual; exploring every corner and nuance of the instrument and keeping the audience spellbound. The middle movement – a lyrical theme and four variations – was especially enthralling as much for the musicality of its variations as its tonalities. Matthew Withers played a solo, too – “Phrases, Fragments, Fading Lines” is a work he commissioned from Sam Smith, who certainly would have enjoyed Withers’ marvellous treatment of it. It is a beguiling, mysterious and gentle work, exploring sounds perhaps unexpected from a guitar and demanding extraordinary technique and control. Matt Withers well and truly met that challenge. There were duets, including “Landscape” by Queensland composer, Robert Davidson, and “Songs from the Forest” by Nigel Westlake. Another Kunda composition, “French Impressions”, two pieces inspired by art exhibited by the National Gallery, showed just what an extraordinary future he has in music composition and performance. The closers were a couple of wonderful old favourites from Spain, finishing a concert of impeccable and highly sensitive playing by two artists who clearly love what they do.
Slim plot, but lots of mickey “Housos vs Authority”(MA) TO date, my life has been sheltered from writer/ director/producer/lead actor Paul Fenech’s “Housos”, now on the big screen after airing on SBS. Approaching the film with a mind unsullied by expectation blew away my innocence. The film is full-on, no-holds-barred, no-opportunityforegone, no-institution-held-sacred satirisation of the detritus of Australian society. Fenech films the days in the lives of folk living in Sunnyvale in Sydney’s west, bottom-feeders in the ooze beneath the Oz pond. For us cinemagoers, the experience ranges from hilarious to mildly thought-provoking. SBS has announced that it will give the series another season. It’s unlikely to have the full complement of the movie’s grunge factors that compel us to put aside priggish restraints and laugh at its visual and verbal wit and its blissful embrace of elements that would infuriate the sanctimonious. Such plot the film has involves Shazza (Elle Dawe), her de facto Dazza (Jason Davis) together with Maori father of the year Kev (Kev Taumata), his wife Vanessa (Vanessa Davis) and thongthrowing wide boy Franky (Fenech) who do a deal with the Sunnyvale bikie chapter to drive in a borrowed van to Uluru so Shazza can sprinkle her mother’s ashes. Slimness of plot leaves space for the film to take the mickey out of Kiwis, Lebs, Abos, Parliament, Julia Gillard, the cops, the welfare system, midgets, community clubs, strippers, national heritage sites, citizens’ rights and the judicial system.
Dougal Macdonald cinema
changing sons like he changes shoes. The visually beautiful film is dramatically uncompromising as Martin’s situation becomes increasingly intolerable. The film screams out for an outcome to break its intense discomfort. Sticking with it until that happens is worth the while. At Capitol 6
“End of Watch” (M)
“Housos vs Authority”... make of it what you will. The film’s dedicated to the late Ian Turpie. Make of that what you will as you laugh, despite your better judgement. At Hoyts and Limelight
“You Will Be My Son” (M) WIDOWED vigneron Paul considers his son Martin (Laurent Deutsch) to lack the qualities necessary for controlling a vertically-integrated operation from vineyard to bottle. To supervise the next vintage, Paul engages Phillipe (Nicolas Bridet) the son of his foreman Francois (Patrick Chesnais), who is dying of cancer, relegating Martin to dogsbody tasks. Niels Arestrup gives great monster as Paul, taking Phillipe as his guest at the conferring of the Legion d’Honneur, at every opportunity belittling Martin whose wife accuses Paul of
IN writer/director David Ayer’s Los Angeles police drama, Jake Gyllenhaal plays former US Marine Brian with a law degree and a yearning to become a filmmaker, earning his living as a uniform patrolman buddied with Hispanic Z (Michael Pena). The film takes a wider view of police culture and life than most of its genre. Its best virtue is its treatment of cop life between the action bits. Its least virtue is its heavy content of mock-doco footage that Brian shoots on the job as work experience for entry to film school. The film intersperses scenes highlighting the worst of what police have to deal with between day-to-day policing tasks and private life. Its central plot thread develops after Brian and Z accidentally stumble on a drug shipment during a routine traffic stop. The film succeeds moderately well in portraying the specialisation of police life as relatively unremarkable, 99 per cent quiet moments, one per cent white knuckle stuff. But it would not be unkind to classify it as not much elevated above the pot-boiler classification. At Capitol 6 and Hoyts
CityNews November 8-14 29
‘Welcome to Burlesque’ / advertising feature ‘It’s a very Vegas-style show that’s about absolute glamour in the singing, the dancing and the costumes’
Welcome to the dazzling world of burlesque CORSETS, feathers, heels and tassels – welcome to the dazzling world of the Rogue Dolls and their new show “Welcome to Burlesque”. “Welcome to Burlesque” will be performed for Canberra audiences for one night only this month at Canberra Theatre. Canberran Melissa Rusconi established the show, which is inspired by the movie
30 CityNews November 8-14
“Burlesque”, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. Melissa is the head choreographer for dance troupe the Rogue Dolls Australia, who perform “Welcome to Burlesque”. “This kind of true Vegas-style production doesn’t often visit Canberra,” Melissa says. The show will feature a cast of 12 dancers from Rogue Dolls Australia, three vocalists and aerialists. Melissa’s partner, local entertainer Vince Gelonese also stars as singer and compere. “The production has had a hugely successful first year, touring mostly Sydney auditoriums and selling out at many,” Melissa says. “It’s a very Vegas-style show that’s about absolute glamour in the singing, the dancing and the costumes. “There are some traditional burlesque elements, but this is more modern burlesque – a concept explored by highly-trained entertainers. It’s classy, pretty and refined. “The production will take you on a beautiful journey of the modern-day art of seduction, celebrating the female form, love, passion, power, romance, fantasy and all things feminine.” Melissa has been professionally dancing for 15 years and her career highlights have included heading up the Parramatta Eels cheer squad, as well as a nine-month stint in Las Vegas with the show “Walking in Memphis”.
Performers in “Welcome to Burlesque”... “The production will take you on a beautiful journey of the modern-day art of seduction, celebrating the female form, love, passion, power, romance, fantasy and all things feminine,” says Melissa Rusconi. “It’s the entertainment capital of the world,” she says. Melissa was principal choreographer of the production and co-produced costume design and creative concepts. She says she attended many VIP events in Vegas and Los Angeles and walked red carpets with celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Dennis Hopper and Sylvester Stallone. More information at www.welcometoburlesque.com.au
Free posters ANYONE purchasing tickets this week is eligible to receive a free signed Rogue Dolls poster after the performance where they can meet the cast. Group bookings of eight or more will receive a complete promotional package including a DVD, calander, show program and poster. Gifts can be claimed when showing receipts after the show.
arts & entertainment / dining
Lakeside dining’s new Edge Wendy Johnson dining
THE delectable delicate dishes created by Chef Clement Chauvin are a feast for the eyes. You don’t want to disturb the food by actually eating it. Chef Chauvin has mastered the art of plating – no surprise given his pedigree. In France, he worked in 2-Michelin star Pic and Nicolas La Bec and in London, Gordon Ramsay’s Claridges. In Canberra, he joined Sage, but is now settled in nicely at Water’s Edge on the lakefront working with European-trained chef James Mussillon. At Water’s Edge it all comes together. Beautiful view. Beautiful food. Beautiful dining. Chef Chauvin’s new three-course lunch menu is only $60 ($66 on Sundays) – choose from four entrees, five mains, three desserts or a cheese plate. The menu puts a new edge on dining. My caramelised pork belly, boudin noir, crisp apple and radish was heaven on a plate. Pork belly is on many menus, but the execution of this dish is the best I’ve had in Canberra. The edible flowers accompanying the light, sweetcorn mousse with vegetable granola, sour caramel and tarragon snow were a pretty touch. The prawn cocktail was perked up with blood orange (a treat this time of the year) and spicy avocado cream – excellent flavours. The black, olive-crusted kingfish, pickled fennel, jalapeno pepper and mango carpaccio was the least-favourite dish. The tastes grow on you as you move through the
Strawberry and elderflower shortcake, meringue, sweet cucumber, wild berry sorbet. elements, but it takes a bit of effort. The mains are exquisite and I couldn’t fault my white Pyrenees lamb, premium pasture-fed and raised on fertile land in Central West Victoria. At Water’s Edge the rump is served with smoked eggplant, capsicum terrine and quinoa. The Balmain bug ravioli perched on top of pan-seared John dory, was cooked to perfection, as was the confit of Atlantic salmon and duck a l’orange. I had seen the menu in advance and knew the chocolate crème brulee with lime bubbles, lemon curd, mandarin sorbet and hazelnut cocoa crumb was mine. It was divine. We agreed to share, so (reluctantly) I did. We couldn’t fault the sweet endings. However, the cheese plate wasn’t terribly exciting and looked plain alongside our sensational-looking desserts. The person serving us was knowledgeable
Sweet corn mousse, vegetable granola, sour caramel, tarragon snow. and friendly – and efficient, given there was only one person managing the floor. I felt more support was needed to juggle the phones, handle customers wanting to pay, attend to the need for new wine glasses here, or dishes to be served there. What is not so exciting about Water’s Edge is the décor. The restaurant is newly renovated, but still feels stark and distant. We agreed a splash of colour, a bit of art or even beautiful flower arrangements would make the place truly special. Thankfully, there is the view. Water’s Edge, Commonwealth Place. Lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Call 6273 5066.
CityNews November 8-14 31
open garden
Four seasons in one garden WORDS: Kathryn Vukovljak PHOTOS: Silas Brown
FRAGRANCE and colour are a yearround treat in Bob and Priscilla Chapman’s peaceful garden.
Abundant roses scent the air in spring and summer, but every season has its heroes; with daphnes and jonquils providing fragrance in winter, lavender, star jasmine and bulbs in spring, lemon verbena in summer and wintersweet in autumn. “We’re so lucky living here, we’re close to the city and yet we feel like we’re out in the bush,” says Bob. “We have the reserve on our doorstep without the responsibility of looking after acreage, and we get out there with the dog at least twice a day.” The beautiful, colourful garden at 53 Hawkesbury Crescent, Farrer, will be open as part of Open Gardens Australia on November 17-18. When the couple bought the home in 1989 it was a “blank canvas”, with a row of gum trees creating a protective screen at the back. The trees were taken down as a bushfire precaution, and from then they’ve worked on creating height and shade. Now it’s beautifully designed, with an outdoor dining area kept shady and cool in summer by a large pistachio tree, large curved stone-walled garden beds with rich, dense plantings of natives, perennials and bulbs, a clever pond that runs under the path and a pretty gazebo devoted to relaxing and
enjoying the outlook. “We love sitting in the gazebo with a coffee, just enjoying the garden,” says Priscilla. “It’s so peaceful, and aromatic too with the rosemary nearby.” Saving water is high on the agenda, says Priscilla, which is why she and Bob added
Bob and Priscilla Chapman, with Rupert the dog... “We’re so lucky living here – we’re close to the city and yet we feel we live out in the bush.”
32 CityNews November 8-14
20,000 litres of rainwater tanks, reduced the lawn and created several areas she calls the “dry” garden. “The majority of the garden has to cope on very little water, and it seems to do very well,” she says. “Really, it’s only the peonies that need more nursing along, so in general
we don’t water much at all.” 53 Hawkesbury Crescent, Farrer, open 10am-4.30pm, Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18. Adults $7, children under 18, free. Funds raised will go to the RSPCA and Open Gardens Australia. More information at opengarden.org.au
garden
Wandering ways of wisteria POSSIBLY the most showy plant in flower at the moment is the timehonoured wisteria with its intriguing twining effect. Wisteria floribunda, or Japanese wisteria, twines around posts in a clockwise direction whereas Wisteria sinensis, or Chinese wisteria, twines in an anti-clockwise direction. It doesn’t matter how you try to go against nature, you will not succeed in changing these directions. Wisteria is possibly one of the most beautiful and spectacular climbers, with its long racemes of white, pink, blue or mauve pea-shaped flowers. W. floribunda was introduced into western gardens by the intrepid plant hunter Phillip von Siebold from Japan in 1894. W. sinensis was introduced from China even earlier, in 1818, from a garden in Canton. One of the most important aspects of growing wisteria is that it is a vigorous climber and needs a substantial support frame. It is recommended that wisteria is not planted too close to the home as the main stem can grow to more than 40cm thick with a vigorous associated root system. Although it has taken many years for this wisteria to grow to this size, the photo shows where an original timber frame has been replaced by a strong, free-standing metal one. Notwithstanding this, don’t be put off from growing this amazing climber, but grow it in the open garden away from the home. It needs a hard pruning in late winter to keep it in bounds.
Cedric Bryant gardening
a misnomer as it originates in the Mediterranean. It flowers in late spring when the daffodils and tulips have gone into hibernation. If you are dividing and transplanting this delightful bulb, it should be done as soon as the leaves fade. It needs a full year’s rest and time to settle into its new home. The same bulb, interestingly, does not flower two years in succession. Over the years, I have divided and grown it in groups throughout our garden and now reap the floral benefit. Many folk ask its name when seeing it in flower on our nature strip.
A PERFECT companion to last week’s book review is Holly Kerr Forsyth’s “Country Gardens, Country Hospitality” (Miegunyah Press, 260pp rrp $49.95). Kerr Forsyth’s books are always a pleasure Wisteria... an original timber frame has been to read. She is well replaced by a strong, free-standing metal known for 15 years one. as garden writer for “The Weekend Australian” and author of 11 books. In this new work, Kerr Forsyth visits 27 gardens from alpine to sub-tropical and every area in between, exploring country gardens, which include newly established ones to those 100 years old or more. At each garden, • Keep whipper-snippers away from trunks and ALSO illustrated is a late-spring flowering bulb, meals are shared with the owners and stories stems of trees and shrubs. They can cause Scilla peruviana, or Cuban lily, which is relatively are told of the gardens. More than 60 wonderful irreparable damage by ring-barking and killing unknown to many gardeners. It was originally country recipes, handed down for generations, the plants. thought to have come from Peru, but the name is are included in this inspirational book. • Hard prune rambling roses such as Banksia roses after spring flowering. • An ideal mulch for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and daphne is pine needles. Especially if the top needles are scraped back and use those rotting underneath. Please do not use peat moss, as worldwide efforts continue to discourage gardeners from using this diminishing resource. • Buy native plants at the Annual Native Plant Sale by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, from 8.30am to 11am, on Saturday, November 10. • Continue tying up clematis or train into trees for a spectacular show. • Keep grass back to the drip line of fruit trees and mulch. Grass is a rapacious feeder and growing within the drip line can reduce the crop by up to four per cent. Scilla peruviana... a bright show for the late-spring garden.
This week in the spring garden
CityNews November 8-14 33
36 CityNews November 8-14