Canberra CityNews May 9

2 CityNews May 9–15

news

briefly

Coffee comes with a warm glow

Fiesta and fun

SOME customers at Civic’s newly reopened Smiths Alternative are electing to pay for two coffees and receive only one in return.

The other coffee is credited to a tally board and is there for someone who can’t afford it.

“We heard about suspended coffee like most people did, through Facebook,” say owners Domenic Mico and Jorian Gardner.

“I think we are just the type of place to start up the program in Canberra – and it started in Italy, so it’s perfect,” smiles Calabrese Domenic.

The “caffè sospeso” system originated in Naples and has spread around the world.

The idea is that you pay for two coffees but only get one, effectively buying a coffee in advance for someone who can’t afford it.

Jorian says that people have been extremely generous since the program started – there are already more than 40 coffees waiting on the tally board.

“Some people don’t even buy a coffee for themselves,” he says. “Today we had someone come in and buy 14 suspended coffees.

She said she’d had hard times and wanted to help others.

“But look, there’s no ‘do you want fries with that’ pressure on people to do it. It’s just something that makes us feel good, our customers feel good doing a nice thing, and someone in need gets a free coffee.”

Jorian says that of the suspended coffees redeemed so far, one stands out.

Kathryn Vukovljak reports

“A girl came in and sat in a booth reading a book – which is fine, we’re a bookshop, and it’s not a prerequisite that you have to buy a coffee,” he says.

“She said she had an hour to kill and she couldn’t afford a drink. We were able to say, well it’s already paid for, what do you want?

She skipped out of here after sipping on a hot chocolate for half an hour with the biggest smile on her face. And the best thing was she said she’d be back to return the favour.”

Smiths has a “no judgement” policy, so anyone who feels they need a free coffee is welcome to redeem one.

“We’re not here to judge who’s in need,” says Jorian. “You could just be having a bad day, no cash on you, whatever. If there’s a coffee on the tally board and you want to claim it, it’s yours.

“We also approached the Uniting Church and offered to bring some coffees to their drop-in centre,” he says.

“It has to be a fine balance for us, and we don’t want to become a drop-in centre ourselves. We’re a business and we have to pay our rent, but if people want to buy a hot beverage for someone else, we can facilitate that.

“We’re facilitating the love.”

Smiths Alternative is at 76 Alinga Street, Civic.

index / contacts Arts&Entertainment 23-25 Canberra Confidential 18 Cinema 24 Dining 25 Garden 26 News 3-11 Politics 6 Puzzles 27 Socials 19-21 Sport 10 Cover: Pianist Lisa Moore, “New York’s queen of avantgarde piano”. Story, Page 5.

Photo Gary Schafer

LATIN fiesta is the theme of a fundraising family night at St James Church Hall, Curtin, 6pm-11pm, on Saturday, May 18, in aid of education programs in El Salvador.

Organisers promise a night of music, dancing, Latin songs, performers, Salvadorean food (pupusas, tamales and sopa de pollo) and a Latin DJ. Tickets are $15 ($10 concession) and children under 12 are free. More information from Mario on 0430 934597.

Cancer rights THE Cancer Council ACT is running a free seminar covering the financial and legal matters that people affected by cancer may face. Experts will talk about early access to superannuation, Centrelink benefits and eligibility, wills, powers of attorney and guardianship as well as other issues commonly faced by patients and their families.

It’s at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, 10am-12.30pm, Saturday, May 18. More information at 6257 9999.

Of twins and more THE Canberra and Region Multiple Birth Association invites new and expectant parents of twins, triplets or more, to an information night (not an antenatal class) at Calvary Hospital, 7pm-9.30pm, on Monday, May 27. More information at carmba.org.au/events or email infosessions@carmba.org.au

Correction Barista Kaya Hinge, “facilitating the love” at Smiths Alternative.

Photo by Brent McDonald

IN last week’s story “Secret life of a city Laneway”, the lane in question is Odgers Lane and not, as we had it, Odger’s (with an apostrophe). According to elder son Brett, it is named in honour of J R (Jim) Odgers, a former clerk of the Senate and author of “Australian Senate Practice”.

Since 1993: Volume 19, Number 15

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 Chief executive officer: Greg Jones 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au Senior advertising executive: Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999 Advertising sales executives: Rebecca Darman, 0411 225169 Advertising sales co-ordinator: ad@citynews.com.au Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777 Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Journalists: Laura Edwards, laura@citynews.com.au Stephen Easton, stephen@citynews.com.au Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au Design and photography: Brent McDonald, brent@citynews.com.au, 0421 962 325 Graphic designer: Leonie Fox Contributing photographer: Andrew Finch Distribution: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

CityNews May 9–15 3

news

Wrong colour, not a worry!

Canberra’s toast to the wealth of local talent in fashion design won’t stop after Fashfest, writes LAURA EDWARDS. IT’S rare in a mall these days that, while standing in a store cooing over a garment, you find yourself standing next to the very designer who created it.

But that’s just what could happen in the Canberra Centre’s new store, CBR Collective.

The store, an initiative of local business innovation centre Lighthouse, will showcase ranges from local fashion designers and “connect” designers with customers.

Retail manager of CBR Collective, Karla Groom, says it not only gives customers easy access to local designs, but is the “perfect platform” to educate designers about the retail industry.

“This will be run by the designers themselves so they can actually come into the store and see what it takes to run a business – it’s a bit more of a customer focus,” Karla says.

“All the designers are at a different stage in their journey. We want to boost access to local designs, similar to what Lonsdale [Street Traders] are doing, but in a more centralised location.”

The store includes designs from

IT was one of the more unusual graduations I have attended. No mortar boards and swish academic gowns; no dancing on the lawns with photos of proud parents before the sandstone cloisters or the dreaming spires.

Designers at the ready... Rohan Thomas of E4 Clothing, left, Janette Lenk of T-Heinrich, Sara Poguet of M&TM, Kelly Donovan of Pure Pod and Anne Willsford of FibreStudio Design at the store.

Photo by Brent McDonald Sofia Polak, T-Heinrich, E4 Clothing, M&TM, Pure Pod and FibreStudio Design, who are all permanent tenancies. Other designers may be invited to come on board.

And for those who try on a garment and desperately wish it was a different colour, fabric or length, you’re in luck – Karla says she will take feedback from customers about the stock, relaying it back to the

designers themselves.

“If I can say to one designer ‘we want leggings, we want this’, they can make them and it’s done,” she says.

“It’s direct from customer, me to designer. A lot of other companies take a lot longer to react to the customer’s feedback. It’s also a chance to not only show the customer, but educate them about the difference between these designs compared to something that’s made offshore, with fake fabrics – it’s a bit more awareness.”

Designer Janette Lenk, of T-Heinrich, says the store is the “next step” for her.

“From supplying wholesale, to now being able to have my own space – it’s great to be part of such an innovative project,” she says.

CBR Collective, Level 1, Canberra Centre, includes clothing, accessories and homewares.

For more information visit “CBR Collective” on Facebook.

4 CityNews May 9–15

A graduation in life’s hard lessons

Yet it probably signalled a more profoundly life-changing achievement than most academic awards.

The graduate was our grandson – Nick – and it took place within decidedly downbeat surroundings in far-off Watson where our city meets the bush.

Undergraduates, counsellors, administrators and family ranged around the plainly furnished room as one by one the people with whom Nick had lived these last few months told stories of his comeback from addict to cleanskin, from troubled teenager to responsible young man.

It was a joyous event. Tears were shed. Hugs exchanged.

And afterwards we were all invited to share the midday meal of delicious curry with all the trimmings and home-made apple pie.

It was not, of course, the end of Nick’s comeback. There are still hurdles to be jumped and courses to be negotiated. But it was a remarkable step along the way and it could not have been accomplished without one of Canberra’s most valuable and little-known treasures: the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Founded by the Rev Ted Noffs in Kings Cross in the 1970s as a shelter for the homeless, the Foundation has expanded its reach and focused particularly on youngsters with a drug problem. And on the way it has developed a remarkable expertise together with a highly professional staff.

They came to Canberra in 2000 and their three-month residential program – Adolescent Life Manage-

Robert Macklin the gadfly

ment – uses the latest techniques in partnership with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.

It employs one-to-one counselling, group therapy and puts special emphasis on education, jobs and sport to give youngsters the best chance to start life anew.

It started as a 10-bed residential facility, but in 2002 they added a four-bed detoxification unit to meet an urgent need.

And their record of success is up there with the world’s best.

Two thirds of their funding comes from ACT Health and the other third from the Federal Government. It’s a very clever investment because each Noffs “bed” costs $40,000 a year; whereas the alternative – permanent institutional confinement – costs $220,000.

Moreover, the savings don’t include family disruption, court costs and all the other horrors of a life on the dark side.

However, with budgets tightening everywhere, the Foundation has been hit with a funding cut that means closing four beds. There is no financial logic to it; and as a member of a Canberra family (like so many we know) where drugs have sliced into our sense of smug self-satisfaction, one can’t help but cry out in frustration.

Our lad had his chance to get back on the rails and, thank goodness, he grabbed it with both hands. But what of those four Canberra families who will now miss out? It doesn’t bear thinking about, for as Foundation manager Ronan O’Connor told me after the graduation: “Every young person has a dream. Given the right circumstances young people would much prefer to follow their dream than end up battling society.”

Very true; but it’s very hard to sustain a dream if you don’t have a bed. www.robertmacklin.com

news / cover story

Hail the queen of the keyboard tightrope Arts editor HELEN MUSA meets the Canberra-born pianist New York critics call “fearsomely game”. GARY SCHAFER took the photo SHE’S been dubbed “New York’s queen of avant-garde piano” by “The New Yorker”.

Critics in the Big Apple laud her as “fearsomely game”, “a natural, compelling storyteller and “a tightropewalker.” She’s even slapped herself in the face while playing a composition by her husband, Martin Bresnick.

She’s Lisa Moore, born and raised in Canberra, and she’ll be here for this month’s Canberra International Music Festival.

The founding pianist for the New York electro-acoustic sextet, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Moore has performed in La Scala, the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. She’s founded ExhAust, a collective of ex-pat Australian musicians in New York and hosts New York Public Radio’s Q2 show “Hammered.”

In other words, she’s a star.

I caught up with her at Lilli Pilli, where she was preparing to tour to Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne with Haydn, Adams, Bartok, Bresnick, Harris, Janacek, Mazzoli, Lang and Reich and to residencies at the Sydney and Queensland conservatoriums.

Although since the 1980s she has

lived in the US, where she completed her bachelors, masters and doctorate, her view is broader.

“My contribution is global,” Moore insists, “all types of music are great and I try to play as many styles, eras, periods as possible… Chris Latham’s [the director of the music festival here] and mine reach to the USA, because ‘we are all in the world’.”

She believes Australia has many similarities to the US – “young pioneer nations, breaking from the past while also identifying with ‘the old country’.”

Her feelings about Canberra are mixed, though this mellowed in 2008 when she returned to direct the “Sounds Alive” music series at The Street Theatre.

With her mother, Felicity, a curator at the National Gallery of Australia and her father, Des, a Treasury official, theirs was “a party household”.

She loved playing Oliver Twist and Snow White at Girls Grammar School.

As a child she studied with Wilma McKeown, the widow of the legendary Canberra Grammar School headmaster P.J. McKeown, on whose Bechstein Moore is practising when we meet.

Pianist Lisa Moore... “My contribution is global”.

“By the time she was 15,” Mrs McKeown tells “CityNews”, “there was nothing more I could teach her.” She went on to study with Alan Jenkins and Larry Sitsky, but on returning

from a stint with her family in London during the early 1970s, she found Canberra too quiet, eventually ending up at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Now she calls Canberra “a city of environment” and this accords perfectly with what Latham tells me.

“We want to pay tribute to the Griffin plan,” Latham enthuses, “it’s one of the great success stories; it’s as close to Utopia as you are going to get in the real world.” You can just tell that he is at heart a utopian. He likes to call Canberra “the shimmering city”.

This festival will be a celebration of our “vibrant democracy”, and at the opening ceremony, he tells “CityNews” mysteriously, “we will “bring the Griffins to life”.

Most of this will happen though music. Peter Sculthorpe’s “The Great South Land,” he says, will explore utopianism, the presence of brilliant British violinist Madeleine Mitchell will honour the Old Country, and avant-garde artists such as Moore and the Dresher Double Duo, with whom she plays, will look to the New World.

“Musicians are used to working with this idea of the perfect performance, constantly taking us to further heights,” Latham says.

In that light, Lisa Moore is the perfect exemplar.

Lisa Moore will perform between May 16 and 19 at the Canberra International Music Festival. The full festival (May 10-19) program is at cimf.org.au

CityNews May 9–15 5

politics

Time now for nice, ‘new’ Tony dose of dorin

Michael Moore comments

“IT’S just another great big tax,” would have been the reaction of Tony Abbott even a year ago to the additional half a per cent increase on the Medicare Levy. Things have changed.

The Opposition Leader realised that the hard-line, opposeeverything approach was denting his popularity.

The winners of the bi-partisan approach to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are people with disabilities who are now likely to have a much more stable and appropriate support system than has ever been the case in the past.

Raw politics is the reason for the support – although there are plenty of Liberal MPs and Senators who will have breathed a big sigh of relief that they can offer support to Australians who are really in need.

Chances are high that the motivation for the “new Tony” has its origins in Liberal Party polling, which a few months ago indicated it was time for a different approach.

Unfortunately, the “put politics ahead of people” approach that Abbott has so effectively honed has worked so successfully that the precedent has now been set. Should Abbott expect anything different from a Labor opposition should he

MUM’S FAVOURITE

KIRILYN Allsop, of Wanniassa, is the winner of our Mother’s Day gift of the century! Compliments of the Centenary of Canberra, the prize is a double ticket to five events from the “Collected Works Australia” program – valued at $640.

We were very touched by the sensitive and sincere response of readers in trying to put in words why they loved their mum – and we thank everyone for sharing their emotions.

6 CityNews May 9–15

win the September 14 election?

Consider what might have been if the extreme oppositional politics had been put to one side when Abbott became Leader of the Opposition. This is the man who thought we should have “a kinder, gentler polity” when he thought he had a chance of winning last election. Within weeks of his leader’s statement, the less circumspect Joe Hockey gave the game away straight after last election, saying the Coalition will (continue

to) “be a vigilant, progressive and ferocious opposition”.

Step back a few months from that election to the mining tax that Kevin Rudd introduced in 2010 and was eventually the catalyst for his demise as PM. The mining industry was in the middle of a boom time. The tax was not on the day-to-day operations of mining companies, but on their over-the-top profits – hence it’s common name “the Super Profits Tax”.

With leadership from the Mining Council of Australia, the industry kicked and screamed arguing that this would “kill the golden goose” and that it was small superannuants who would suffer.

Such arguments were simply lies. However, with the strong support of the Abbott Opposition the mining super profits tax was taken off the table.

In one oppositional swipe, Abbott and the conservatives were able to look after their mates in the mining industry and were able to prevent the Government bringing their Budget into surplus. The last thing they wanted was Labor looking like they might be able to manage the finances.

The priority was not about what was good for the economy, for Australia, for the

people, but what would suit the Liberals at the next election. They were not able to win the election, but the long-term impact on the economy is now being felt with somewhere in the order of a $10 billion deficit predicted in the coming Budget.

The community would also have an effective carbon-trading system operating much sooner had the Abbott Opposition supported the proposal instead of employing what I described in a column at the time as the tactics of “fear, uncertainty and doubt” to undermine the Government.

The initial super-profit mining tax and the first scheme to deal with climate change are just two examples where extremist partisan politics has undermined what is in the best interest of the community. There are many more.

It would be great to think that the about face on the NDIS marked a change in approach rather than just more politics looking at the next election. If only!

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

opinion

The search for being human ABOUT five years ago my wife worked in an Indian rural hospital in Uttar Pradesh as part of her obstetric medical training – and I tagged along for the ride.

One of the many shocks she got was the Indian culture’s attitude towards baby girls. Unfortunately, girls in India cost families money, usually in the form of dowries, while boys not only received dowries, but also were the earners who would support parents in their old age.

The problem was, in an area as poor as this, if a pregnant woman found out she was having a girl she would immediately seek an abortion. Thank God that the small Christian hospital we were at was wise enough to simply reject any request to discover the sex of the unborn baby.

That was halfway around the world but, surprising as it may seem, it is worse in parts of Australia.

This situation of gender-abortion appeared in Melbourne where a couple recently sought a referral for an abortion at 19 weeks because they “wanted a boy”. The doctor refused, but under Victorian abortion laws he faced a suspension of his medical licence for his conscientious objection.

The laws currently being proposed in Tasmania are along similar lines, with fines of $32,000 for any doctor refusing to refer.

I didn’t always think abortion was wrong, but my resolve was irreversibly changed when I shook hands with someone who had been aborted.

8 CityNews May 9–15

NICK JENSEN didn’t always think abortion was wrong, until he shook hands with someone who had been aborted Gianna Jessen, one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, was aborted using a saline solution at 30 weeks. She was still alive when born, and the doctor left her to die on the table. However, a nurse swept her up afterwards and provided care for her, though the damage done left her with cerebral palsy. She now travels the world sharing her story of survival, love and forgiveness.

The advancement of science and ultrasound technology is also bringing some important facts into the discussion.

Prominent atheist, the late Christopher Hitchens, wrote: “As a materialist, I think it has been demonstrated that an embryo is a separate body and entity, and not merely a growth on or in the female body…

You can’t say the rights question doesn’t come up”.

We can argue that abortion in Australia is needed to “protect women’s reproductive freedom”, but it can also be argued that we are authorising the destruction of freedom for 50,000 little women every year. “Safe, rare and legal” are often put forward as a justification for abortion, but the reality is that when abortion is legalised it becomes less rare, and is certainly much less safe for at least one of the parties involved.

However, the most deeply disturbing factor for me is the effect this has on chil-

dren with disabilities. I used to work in a school with many adorable children with Down syndrome. This will not be possible for many future teachers, as due to nuchal translucency screenings, up to 93 per cent of these babies are aborted.

As horrible as this situation is, it may get worse if we follow the recent Order of Australia recipient Peter Singer’s position. He argues that similar to unborn babies, newborn babies don’t have any rational desires, and therefore infanticide is not morally wrong.

I recognise that it is difficult to have this debate, so deep are the emotions attached on both sides, but it is one that needs to continue as we learn more about what it means to be human.

However, a loud note of caution needs to sound when we are not only seeing the devaluing of humanity for people with disabilities (the NDIS might become redundant), but also forcing compliance of these laws on doctors, thereby removing freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

I warn that a society’s shift away from the sacredness of life is fraught with unseen and unborn consequences.

Nick Jensen is a director of the ACT Australian Christian Lobby

news

Sporting Shy poet’s therapy with words Confidential with Tim Gavel

Stephen Easton reports

Will she, won’t she?

Alchemists often dream of turning lead into gold.

Through writing poetry, I have turned the lead in my pencil into gold.

The words glitter upon the page like sunlight on water.

Poetry has made me wealthy.

SO begins part one of “Where there’s light, there’s shadow”, a four-part poetry collection by Canberra poet Chris Jones.

The metaphorical “gold” he is referring to could easily be relief, through this creative outlet, from the mental illness that has affected most of his life.

But “relief” doesn’t quite cover how important creative endeavours such as writing and painting have been to Chris, who began to experience depression and anxiety in his teens and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Another stanza which seems to better describe the role words can play is found in the poem “Blind”, which seems to describe a battle against dark emotions such as anger, loneliness and anxiety.

Eventually I came across the noun knife, and the adjectives which gave it detail.

I felt the knife in my grip, and it was as sharp as a shark’s tooth.

10 CityNews May 9–15

Poet Chris Jones and his book cover artwork... “Getting published makes you feel better, obviously, so it helps your self-esteem.”

Photo by Brent McDonald Jewels were encrusted in the handle.

“I started writing when I was 16, just as a way of expressing my feelings,” says Chris. “I used to write short stories in my English class in Alice Springs. I won a poetry award in Alice Springs, too.”

His major influences – horror, fantasy, crime and science fiction – are all evident in the poems, some of which were written as far back as those teenage years.

The 41-year-old poet speaks softly and in short sentences, not at all like the flowing words he puts on the page. He says he has been always shy, and that growing up in a Defence family, moving around a lot, contributed to his depression.

“I find that people discriminate against you for shyness a fair bit, too, as well as things like depression and schizophrenia,” he says.

Being overlooked or ignored because you are shy is one thing, but Chris says the stigma attached to a condition with such a baggage-laden name as schizophrenia means that “...you not only have to deal with the mental illness, but also discrimination by other people.”

For this writer, the usual measures of success as an author seem less important than the cathartic effect of the act itself, and the potential to reach out to others like him through his work. When he launched the book in April, he made a choice to publicise the fact that he has schizophrenia.

“Getting published makes you feel better, obviously, so it helps your self-esteem,” he says.

“And it might help other people who are suffering from schizophrenia as well.”

Another thing that makes him feel better is painting, he says, and you can see his work on the front of the book.

“Where there’s light, there’s shadow” ($19.95) is published by Sid Harta and available from most bookshops in Canberra.

BY his own admission, Basketball ACT CEO Tony Jackson is an optimist and remains upbeat about the possibility of Lauren Jackson returning to play for the Canberra Capitals next season.

At the moment there is a degree of uncertainty; she missed the last WNBL season through injury and is contracted to play two of the next three seasons with Canberra. But next season wasn’t in the original contract and was intended to be one that she would miss. Tony is hoping that she not only plays next season, but might also consider playing all of the next three seasons.

Tony was on the phone when Lauren was reported as saying she wouldn’t be playing for the next 12

months. In clarifying her remarks, she told him that she had no commitments for the next 12 months while she recovers from hamstring surgery.

As it turns out, she has knocked back an option to return to play with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA next season, which may open the door for her contract to be altered with the possibility of playing for the Capitals later this year, pending her recovery.

A carrot to keep playing in Australia rather than chase contracts overseas could be a desire to lead the Opals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Lauren hasn’t made any commitment long term, but the quest to win an Olympic gold medal remains a burning ambition.

Let’s hope so.

Cycles of suspicion YOU can’t help thinking that the saga over the temporary closure of the Narrabundah Velodrome could have been avoided.

The ACT Government closed the track following a liability assessment.

The report apparently revealed concerns about safety with repairs needed.

This shouldn’t have come as a surprise as the condition of the velodrome has been raised often over the years, particularly the need to either upgrade the facility or build a new one.

Twenty years ago it might not have been an issue but with public liability the way it is, the Government needs to protect itself.

It says the track will be re-opened once repairs have been carried out, but the cycling community remain suspicious.

Cyclists believe the decision to close the track came suddenly and without warning, fuelling a belief that there are plans to close the track permanently and sell the land to developers. The Government says nothing could be further from the truth.

Fair go for Paralympians LAST month I wrote about the poor treatment of our Paralympians by Athletics Australia. Canberra’s World and Paralympic champion Evan O’Hanlon went public and expressed his frustration after a meet in Sydney where he felt Paralympic athletes were being treated as second-class citizens.

It was felt that there was little understanding about the different classes of athlete and there was little attempt to profile the Paralympians.

In the wake of Evan going public, I can report things have changed for the better. Athletics Australia has lifted its game and the Paralympians are now getting a fair go.

fashfest / the final word

Big-hit Fashfest – bigger, better next year Whether you’re suffering from Fashfest fatigue or want more, there’s no doubt Canberra’s inaugural fashion festival was a huge success, writes LAURA EDWARDS IT was a whirlwind of designers, leggy models, champagne and glitterati – and it’s hard to believe it’s already over.

Fashfest, Canberra’s inaugural fashion festival, certainly whet the capital’s appetite for fashion, boasting huge crowds and a plethora of talented designers.

More than 2000 people flocked to watch more than 30 designers showcase their creations across four nights, in the industrial space of number 3 Molongolo Drive, Brindabella Park.

Fashionistas sipped more than 180 bottles of bubbly and 360 bottles of wine, while 100 pairs of false eyelashes, 160 mascara wands and 155 cans of hair product were used on models.

The festival’s opening night saw a 560-strong crowd of Canberra’s most stylish turn up, with a sprinkling of celebrities and highprofile locals including Brumbies star David Pocock and Deputy Opposition Leader Alistair Coe. Champagne and conversation flowed as designers showcased diverse looks, from sexy swimwear label Baku to the edgy bridal wear of Rockstars and Royalty. A standout was menswear label Perpetually Five, whose grim models were a perfect contrast to the playfully printed suits they were wearing.

Night two catered to the girls, with a hefty serving of flowing couture gowns and feminine pieces. Phone cameras were out for Jenifer Aniela’s colourful and feminine gowns while Sofia Polak’s dramatic dresses stunned.

Everyone was talking about Sarah Joseph Couture’s daring gowns the next day.

Night three blurred the line between fashion and wearable art, with spider-web netting, manshrugs and trilbys all featuring on the runway. Most of the anticipation was reserved for winner of

Project Runway Anthony Capon with his collection A.Concept.

Moody yet feminine, the multi-layered ensembles, stunning gowns, billowy shapes and breathtaking sheet cut-outs wowed the crowd.

Closing night saw things moving away from the traditional: label Materialbyproduct included violinists and one model dancing along the runway while other models were plucked from the audience. Temperatures plummeted but models were in high spirits, high fiving and winking.

The show ended with a gathering of designers from the previous four nights, as well as models and behind-the-scenes crew together on the runway: a visual display of just how much effort, collaboration and creativity had gone into Fashfest.

The brainchild of Clinton Hutchinson and his wife Andrea, Fashfest “more than exceeded expectations,” says Andrea.

“When we first thought of the idea we thought we would aim high and see if we could get 400 guests seated a night,” Andrea says.

“We thought it was a risk and weren’t sure if we could draw in that size a crowd for each of the four nights. In the end, demand was so great, we added another 100 seats a night and sold out each night, bringing us to 500 seated a night. The pressure continued so we released standing room only tickets... they sold out taking us to absolute full capacity. It has blown us away and blown away the hundreds of others involved.”

As for next year: “It’s going to be bigger and even better,” says Andrea. We’re already counting down.

All the fashions and socials from every Fashfest night at citynews. com.au

WND.LND. Photo by Andrew Campbell

Pure Pod. Photo by Brent McDonald

Lisa T. Photo by Andrew Campbell

SZN. Photo by Andrew Campbell

Corr Blimey. Photo by Andrew Campbell

Sarah Joseph Couture.

Photo by Brent McDonald

Sovata. Photo by Brent McDonald

CityNews May 9–15 11

12 CityNews May 9–15

Saluting ACT nurses

special feature

Nurses: personal stories of special people As hospital services locally and around the world celebrate International Midwives Day (May 5), International Nurses Day (May 12) and International Nurses and Midwives Week (May 6-12), “CityNews” joins with the community in saluting the work of all our wonderful nurses.

Here are the heartwarming stories of just some of these special people...

CANBERRA HOSPITAL / GENERAL MEDICAL

AMANDA CUMBERLAND RN AMANDA Cumberland is in her fourth year as a registered nurse at Canberra Hospital, where she works with patients being seen for medical conditions in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology and rheumatology.

While she was at university, Amanda worked as an enrolled nurse at Jindalee Nursing Home, but has found her professional calling in her current position.

“The best thing about nursing is it’s so diverse and there are so many different niches that each person can find the place that makes them the happiest, works best for them and will interest them,” she says.

“I’ve tried medical, surgical and

pediatrics, and medical nursing is my thing.”

Amanda loves being surrounded by inspiring professionals who are passionate about what they do.

“It’s challenging, but it’s really rewarding at the same time, and the teamwork involved is just amazing.

All the people I work with, from every field, are just fantastic.”

But, she says, it takes a special kind of person to work in healthcare and if they didn’t have that passion, they wouldn’t do the job.

“I’m really proud to be a nurse; it gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she says. “I enjoy the challenge as much as I enjoy what I actually do Amanda Cumberland... “medical every day.” nursing is my thing.”

CALVARY HOSPITAL / EMERGENCY

ANNA DAMBROSI RN

ANNA Dambrosi works in the front line of care at Calvary Hospital’s Emergency Department. With close to 55,000 people presenting to the ED each year, Anna still finds time to make sure every patient she treats receives reassurance and comfort as well as excellent clinical care.

“Every injury or illness leads to uncertainty, vulnerability and in many cases people are quite scared,” she says.

“While clinicians work every day with equipment, bright lights and the constant flow of people, these are all foreign to people already really concerned about their own health or the well-being of their child, partner, parent or friend.”

“It is vital that early in someone’s time in the ED that we find a moment to recognise people’s frailty and uncertainty and reassure them. Without that reassurance people feel care is being done to them not with them.

“Irrespective of whether patients will be treated and allowed to leave, admitted for a short time for observation, or admitted for a long stay and maybe booked for surgery, our patients need to know that we share their journey and understand their anxiety.”

“I always wanted to be a nurse, but always wanted to work in the ED. I love the variety; I love the mix of people from infants to children, to rough-and-tumble teenagers right through to older people. And adding

Anna Dambrosi... “I always wanted to be a nurse.” to the variety of people I meet is the range of skills I need to use each day.

“I have had many wonderful moments at Calvary and have been overwhelmed with people’s gratitude.

I feel like the grateful one. Last year we were fortunately successful in resuscitating a 40-year-old female who almost died from a massive pulmonary embolism.

“This beautiful patient continues to visit the emergency department to thank us all and she once left me a note that referred to me as her “CPR ANGEL”.

Those words will be forever in my heart.

“Calvary ED is like so many others around Australia in that every day is different and new and you just don’t know what to expect. But I am yet to find a patient or partner or parent who doesn’t respond to words of compassion, reassurance and confidence.”

CityNews May 9–15 13

saluting ACT nurses CALVARY HOSPITAL / MATERNITY

JENNIFER GRIMSTAD RN AT Calvary Hospital’s Maternity Unit the muted lighting gently assimilates Canberra’s newborns into the big wide world. The occasional sound of a crying baby disturbs the quiet, but it is a sound that warms the heart of Jennifer Grimstad, a midwife at Calvary.

“I was the fifth child in our family and, from as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a midwife,” she says.

“This is just the best thing to do.

I don’t call it a job – being involved in the most special moment in people’s lives is the greatest privilege you can have.

“Every birth is different, every mum is different, and every little baby is unique. When a baby arrives without complications or any problems it is wonderful, I am really just there to support mum and see them settle happily.

“But like all midwives I also get a great deal of satisfaction from being more actively involved through either assisting with the actual birth or helping mum and baby settle down together after a more difficult birth.

“In these instances our human and clinical skills are put to the test, but these are the times where a close and trusting connection between mum and midwife is of

/special feature CENTENARY HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN / BIRTH SUITE

DIANA WING RN

DIANA Wing can’t wait until the birth suite at the new Centenary Hospital for Women and Children is completed later this year.

The special childbirth unit, which she’s been in charge of for the past two years, is currently housed in a pediatric ward while the new hospital is completed as an attachment to Canberra Hospital.

Diana says she and the other midwives are all excited by the prospect of working in the new “homelike” facility, which is to feature eight pools for water births and, she says, support everything that midwives try to do.

Jennifer Grimstad... “Every birth is different, every mum is different.” immediate benefit and instrumental to the early days of parenthood.

“Being a midwife means you never approach a day with a ‘hohum here we go again’ feeling.

“For the midwifery team at Calvary, and the same applies everywhere, every baby being born is a moment to celebrate and every mum’s birthing experience is the most unique period of her life – and I get to share it with her.

When I think about that, it’s almost unbelievable.”

Diana Wing... “You try to make a difference to other women.”

“You try to make a difference to other women and no matter how that birth turns out, you try to make it a positive experience for her,” she says. “Childbirth is demanding enough as it is, so you really want to make that experience as positive as you can.”

Diana became a nurse in 1986 and has been a midwife for the past 19 years. Nursing, she says, is about being empathetic and understanding how a patient’s condition affects them personally, which makes them feel “cared for” and leads to better treatment outcomes.

“It’s the same for midwifery – you can make a difference to a woman with your empathy – by having a caring, thoughtful attitude the whole time,” she says, adding that there is also “a spiritual side” to midwifery.

“If you make a connection with a woman, it sometimes makes the difference between them needing an epidural and not needing one. That’s quite powerful, to be able to help a woman to do it by herself, without the use of drugs.”

Being a nurse or a midwife can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining, but Diana says she still loves coming to work every day and as far as jobs go, she thinks that’s “pretty special”.

Suzie Hoitink... “I love the idea of helping people.”

CLEAR COMPLEXIONS CLINIC

SUZIE HOITINK RN REGISTERED nurse Suzie Hoitink had worked at both Canberra Hospital and Calvary Hospital in a variety of clinical settings before she founded the first of her three skincare clinics in 2005.

As the daughter of a nurse, it was a career she understood and respected, and she also shared the key motivation that is almost a prerequisite to work in the health sector.

“Like most nurses, I love the idea of helping people,” says Suzie, whose Clear Complexions clinics focus on providing medical treatments to common skin conditions,

as an alternative to the less scientific offerings of the beauty industry.

“I think nurses serve the community in innovative ways to everyone’s benefit and it’s an exciting time to be a nurse, let alone running a nursing business.

We’re really pushing back the boundaries of our traditional roles, responding to community needs and expanding our scope, so it’s pretty exciting.

“I think nurses are incredibly trustworthy and highly ethical,” she says. “Certainly, the nurses we employ here will aways do the best by the clients.”

CALVARY HOSPITAL / AGED CARE

DOREEN AZMOTHE-KINSELLA EN CALVARY Hospital life moves more slowly for Doreen AzmotheKinsella in the Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services Unit.

For Doreen, helping older people regain the skills to live independently or with some assistance is the most rewarding role she can imagine.

“My patients are the most wonderful and beautiful people,” she says.

“We take care of them generally after a significant health episode has occurred, most commonly a stroke or a coronary issue. For many of them, their life has been turned upside down by completely unexpected and unforeseen events. It’s really similar to people having a serious accident or trauma.

“Acute care is so good nowadays, people are receiving wonderful initial treatment and having their medical condition stabilised, and then we have the opportunity to work with them to recover the skills that provide independence and assist with a high quality of life.

Broadly speaking those skills are mobility, manual dexterity, speech, swallowing and socialisation.

“The nursing team in Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services are blessed to be supported by our medical teams and the wonderful Calvary Allied Health Team, including physios, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, nutritionists, 14 CityNews May 9–15

Doreen Azmothe-Kinsella... “My patients are the most wonderful people.” pharmacists, social workers and psychologists. This group of people work seamlessly together, with each discipline helping each patient to make small advances each day.

“Our patients tend to stay for quite a long time, so we make genuine friendships while we are making progress. And it’s really important we do so because progress can be slow, setbacks are encountered, and we understand our patients’ frustration that doing things that were

previously so simple now require retraining and assistance.

“I came to Australia from England where I worked in the disability sector. Training to become a nurse specialising in aged care and rehabilitation is the best decision I ever made, and my job is the most satisfying thing in the world when I see a patient return to their home to enjoy social interaction and to live with complete independence or with support processes in place.”

ACT Law Week / May13-18

Lawyers come out to play This year’s National Law Week is a special one for the ACT Law Society, as this venerable organisation celebrates its 80th anniversary.

LAWYERS know the legal system can seem like a complex and intimidating world to many of us, and the aim of Law Week is to break down that barrier.

“It’s to present ourselves to the community so people can have a chance to find out more about the law, the lawyers and also about our legal system,” says ACT Law Society president Noor Blumer.

“Lawyers are involved in so many aspects of the community – community organisations often have a lawyer in there, helping out, using their skills and background – and this is a time when we celebrate that.”

The public is welcome to come along and mingle with the legal fraternity at Law Week social events, which include a dinner on Wednesday, May 15, and the ACT Bar Association’s cocktail party on the Friday night.

This year’s Law Week Dinner is hosted by the Women Lawyers’ Association of the ACT and features feminist writer Dr Anne Summers, speaking about “The misogyny factor”.

On Friday afternoon, football fans can watch legal teams take on defending champions Kazar Slaven for the coveted Law Week Six-a-side Soccer Trophy, at the ANU’s Willows Oval.

“Oh, that’s the most important part of it,” jokes Ms Blumer.

“No, that’s not really true, but it is great fun and it’s very hotly contested.”

All ACT Law week events raise money that is distributed to local charities through the ACT Law Society Foundation.

Mori to give lecture THE highlight of this year’s ACT Law Week will be the Blackburn Lecture on Tuesday at 12.30pm, which is being given

by Lieut-Col Michael “Dan” Mori, the retired US Marine Corps lawyer who represented David Hicks when he was accused of providing support to terrorists.

He and four other lawyers famously challenged the US Government and stood up for the rights of their clients, declaring the military tribunals “illegal”.

Law Society president Noor Blumer says Lieut-Col Mori gave a “fascinating” speech in Canberra last year to members of the ACT Bar Association, but this time anyone can go along to see him free of charge.

“His courage in speaking out is a lesson to all of us in how important it is to stick to our ethical basics, and stand up for our clients when things are wrong – and he was proved to be right, in the end,” she says.

Last year Lt-Col Mori moved to Melbourne, where he works for Shine Lawyers, and is in the process of obtaining the qualifications to practice as an Australian lawyer. “We’re very lucky to have him,” says Ms Blumer.

The Blackburn Lecture, Tuesday, May 14 at 12.30pm. Pilgrim House, 69 Northbourne Avenue. Sandwiches, tea and coffee provided. Attendance free but bookings essential and gold coin donations collected at the door.

For more information and to book for all Law Week events, go to actlawsociety.asn.au/events/category/ law-week

16 CityNews May 9–15

Lieut-Col Dan Mori... giving the Blackburn Lecture.

Other Law Week events Law Week launch and The Golden Gavel public speaking contest: Lawyers given 24 hours to prepare, often with hilarious results.

Teatro Vivaldi, ANU Arts Centre, University Avenue, 12.30pm, Monday, May 13. Tickets $50, includes lunch.

Women and Justice Forum: Discusses the important role of Community Legal Centres in supporting those who cannot afford to pay for legal services. Sandwiches, tea and coffee will be provided. Attendance free, bookings essential. Gold coin donations welcomed.

Pilgrim House, 69 Northbourne Avenue, midday, Wednesday, May 15.

Alternative Law Journal Public Lecture: Prof Diane Bell explores entanglements of anthropology and social justice. Attendance free, bookings essential.

Pilgrim House, 69 Northbourne Avenue, 12.30pm, Thursday, May 16.

Law Week Quiz Night: The ACT Law Society’s Young Lawyers’ Committee presents “a perspicacious evening of mind-bending trivia”. Tickets $30.

Canberra Club, 45 West Row, Civic, 6pm, Thursday, May 16.

Mock Trial Competition: Teams from UC and ANU compete for the DPP Plate. Spectators welcome, bookings essential.

Supreme Court of the ACT, from 9.30am, Saturday, May 18.

CityNews May 9–15 17

Canberra Confidential Whoopsy...

POOR Fashfest model and former Miss Universe finalist Asher Crawford had a slip and trip in her flowing Jenifer Aniela dress on the second night of the festival. Luckily Asher quickly composed herself with a smile.

Pocock on the red carpet WHO said footballers weren’t fashionable?

Brumbies star David Pocock had a fabulous time at Fashfest, getting into the spirit of things on the red carpet. Also present was apparently fashion-forward and recently betrothed Deputy Opposition Leader Alistair Coe.

A nd they’re racing WOULD-be Certified Practising Accountants improbably found themselves in the relaxed surrounds of the Black Opal Room at Thoroughbred Park for an exam on “Contemporary Business Issues”. In the critical 15 final minutes of the 195-minute exam, the lockdown alarms at the racecourse started to sound, distracting the 60 or so bean

18 CityNews May 9–15

counters from a clear run down the home straight. Marks will be adjusted, we hear.

Snap-happy servants THE Institute of Public Administration Australia has launched a tantalising photo competition called “A Day in the Life of a Public Servant”.

Worthily intended to exalt the degree to which public service touches everyday life, entrants are invited to capture a dazzling day – preferably not their post-election farewell party in the tea room – and to submit their entry as a poster.

The winner of $500 will be announced at the institute’s conference in Canberra in November.

More information at ipaa2013.org.au/ get-involved

Life’s good CANBERRA has come second only to Zurich for having the best quality of life in the world, according to an annual report by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries. Adelaide came third. The index was drawn from data from more than 76,000 people around the world.

The top 10 was: Zurich, Switzerland (score 233.72); Canberra (219.15); - Adelaide (214.61); Berlin, Germany (213.50); Munich, Germany (210.24); Edmonton, Canada (208.74); Calgary, Canada (202.72); Hamburg, Germany (201.55);

Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

Austin, Texas, US (199.52) and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (195.49).

Full rankings are available at numbeo.com/ quality-of-life/rankings.jsp

Hmmms FRUSTRATED shopper desperate to get the attention of distracted or otherwise non-existent staff at Civic Myer had to walk out, set the security alarms ringing, then walk back in again just to try and pay for a pair of stockings.

Call of the north BON vivant and the busiest retiree in town, Brian Acworth and wife Ginny are selling in Garran and moving back to Queensland from whence they came a couple of decades ago.

They own a commercial plant nursery there, though given Brian’s local board commitments, the ex-Westpacker will have trouble ever becoming a stranger to Canberra.

Bowl on a pole KINDA sweet... some bird-loving soul has anchored a blue, plastic bowl to a pole near DJs in Petrie Plaza with a fading note on the side urging passers-by to “please refil [sic] for magpies”. It was empty when reporter Stephen Easton first spotted it, but full when snapper Brent McDonald nearly fell over it a couple of days later.

Sign of neglect WHAT a cheek... as the neglected, heritage Starlight Drive-In sign lies rusting on the exposed ground of a Government yard in Fyshwick, the people who should care most, The National Film and Sound Archive, is using what appears to be a cartoon of the unloved sign to publicise its Centenary exhibition called “CineCity Canberra”, the history of Canberra’s (and Queanbeyan’s) cinemas, the films made in Australia in 1913 and films made in the region.

COCKTAIL party for the upcoming Law Week sponsored by, of course, the Bar Association.

CAR rego transfer returned on the basis the seller didn’t get the buyer’s date of birth, despite nothing on the registration certificate suggesting he had to. He was supposed to know it’s on the website!

Games Children play

GROOVIN’ the Moo media tickets arrived at “CityNews” two days after the event, despite being posted on the Wednesday before the Sunday festival.

Australia Post at work.

A PUSHY Save the Children charity canvasser let his accent slip in Garema Place the other day.

Passing himself off as English (a more successful technique for soliciting funds, apparently), he lost the accent mid sentence and admitted to being from Sydney.

From Sydney? Not England? How does this help the reputation of such a worthy and respected charity?

CC reported last week that Kingston cafe Me and Mrs Jones ploughed its way through an astonishing 960 coffees on Anzac Day, drawing a sniffy response from “Troubled”, of Deakin, who wrote: “Perhaps this explains why our two coffees last Monday completely lacked any taste of coffee. I guess they ran out of coffee by lunchtime.”

scene

IF YOU’RE FACING A CRIMIMAL MATTER, ENSURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT REPRESENTATION.

Fashfest, the final night, Brindabella Park

Celia Hevesi, Wendy Johnson, Marietta Rudolf and Merryn Royle

Amanda Mangum, Jamie Mazlin and Nicole Reynolds

Janette Lenk and Paul Wojtaszak

Caitlin Ryan and Michael Skene

Maddy Watts, Julie Evans, Matt Sutherland and Kate Inman

Rebecca Butchart and Ainsle Hayden

Erin Morgan and Genevieve Rossi

Angus Comyns’ solo exhibition, Soju Girl, Civic

Kate Riethmuller, Kate Phillips and Justine Byrne

Artist Angus, Isla and Kirsty Comyns

Ash Moloney and Thomas Hamers-Smith

Geoff Filmer and Paul Summerfield

Francisca and Elizabeth Pinzon

Melissa and Bonnie Ashley with Maura Seears

Robert and Liz Goldie with Josh Hansen

Jonty Hall and Thomas Gregory

Alexander and Ian Anlezark

Robert Belmonte with Angela and Anthony Cainero

CityNews May 9–15 19

scene Chamber of Commerce & Industry dinner, Rex Hotel.

St George Bank re-launch, Woden

Omania Terry, Claudia Vannithone with Tony & Beth Murdoch

Kevin Bradley, Sally De Natris, Susan Popovich, Luisa Morella and Matthew Mitchell

Des Linehan, Orlagh Reynolds, Matthew Kelly and Jim Roy

Janelle Taylor, Dominique Lalliard, Brendon Prout and Kathy Lineham

Tom Hughes and Lauren Adams

20 CityNews May 9–15

Greg Schmidt and Sam Vachaspati

Kerry Byers, Joyanne Gough and Tracy Muddle

Janine Yokom and Jannette Moseley

Elena Likhacheva and Misha Peureall

Jelena Klickovic, Emily Markham and Chloe Pattman

Claire Popvich, Jac Neate and Jess McNamara

Dot and Allan Foster and Ramani Wijeratne

Bob Hayward and Susan Gliniecki

scene Observatory Living cocktail party, Civic

Polish National Day reception, Yarralumla

Julianne Cox, Jamie Durie and Carmel Henry

Frank Kusdra, Bernard Skarbek, Maria Skarbek, Peter Collas and Stan Kowalski

Carmel Henry with Richard and Karen Webster

Cara Grady and Joshua Bojanic

Kerryn Dawson, Nicole Carey and Natalie Williams

Wendy McLinden, Jay McLinden and Laura-Kate Gregory

Emma Lindfield and Lauren Ingram

Nicole and Bonnie Bleathman

Witold Krzesinski, Dana Olejniczak, Halina Zobel-Zubrzycka and Andrew Sikorski

Keeheng Ooi , Sylvia Deutsch with Siegmund & Anna Siegreich

Melissa, Vlad and Monica Mosmondor

Antonia Kaucz and Mirek Zarnowski

Timothea Horn, Eugene Bajkowski, Rosanna Horn

CityNews May 9–15 21

‘Patricia Piccinini – Structures of support’ / CMAG, until May 19

Piccinini and the art of awesome FORMER Canberran Patricia Piccinini, Australia’s most successful and recognisable contemporary sculptor, is about to reveal a major commission by the Centenary, of a large hot-air balloon.

And to complement the occasion the Canberra Museum and Gallery is hosting a small exhibition to contextualise her work for a general audience around the same time as the launch of the balloon.

The exhibition – “Patricia Piccinini – Structures of support” – will be exhibited 24/7 until Sunday, May 19, at Gallery 4, CMAG’s glass-walled gallery on Civic Square.

The Melbourne-based artist decided against a display that related to the commission – preparatory drawings, models, etcetera – given that the Gallery 4 space is generally not open to the public, therefore drawings and maquettes would not be seen to advantage.

Also, the Gallery 4 space is ideal for works of significant size which have some weight and drama, as it can be seen at a distance across the Square, including at night, when lighting really brings the gallery into its own.

Mindful of the potential audience, she has selected two works that she describes as: “Public works for a public space”.

These works share a sense of wonder and surprise which is intrinsic to the balloon commission.

Issues around environmentalism and the degradation of the oceans are the subject matter of “Eulogy”, where a man tenderly holds an ungainly fish, actually a blobfish, which exists in nature (unlike many of Piccinini’s creations) and is endangered owing to ocean trawling.

“The strength of one arm” depicts a humanoid creature with flipper-like feet, one of the artist’s hybrid child-creatures, which seems to exist in a transitional place somewhere between the land and the sea.

He is dressed like a gymnast, balancing artfully on the back of a Siberian Ibex, and the whole scene has the anachronistic atmosphere of an old-fashioned zoo or circus performance, where our sense of wonder is undercut by the

22 CityNews May 9–15

clear inequity of the situation.

Ms Piccinini was born in 1965 in Sierra Leone, in West Africa, and at the age of seven migrated with her Italian family to Canberra.

She attended Red Hill Primary, Telopea Park High, Narrabundah College and the ANU, subsequently undertook a BA in visual art at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne and has gone on to achieve world renown as a sculptor.

She is one of Australia’s most successful and recognisable contemporary sculptors and has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the Victoria and Albert Museum London, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Documenta in Germany.

She believes growing up in Canberra has influenced her art practice, saying the idea of, and questions about, what is natural and what is artificial, are at the core of her work.

It is an idea and set of concerns that she can trace back to her youngest memories of living in Canberra.

She feels she was infused with these ideas by growing up in a planned city, which had from its earliest days a question about how the manmade integrated with the environment, and blurred the boundary between the imposed, or the artificial, and the organic.

The integration of the natural world into the planning of Canberra meant that she experienced nature in a daily, everyday way; animals and plants, and this continues to be the way she thinks about the world.

“My interest in nature, which is the wonder and joy of nature, can be something experienced in Canberra in a way not like other cities,” she says.

RIGHT: “The strength of one arm”, 2009, silicone, fibreglass, human hair, clothing, taxidermied Siberian Ibex; 175 x 140 x 44 cm Courtesy of the artist, Tolarno Galleries and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

arts & entertainment

The best of scary

Callum, inescapable star of the guitar

Lena’s message to the moon

By Helen Musa

CLASSICAL guitarist Callum Henshaw is the latest in the line-up of brilliant young ANU School of Music guitar students to take out first prize in the IX Concurso Internacional de Guitarra at the Festival de Córdoba in Spain where, at 22, he was the youngest finalist.

SIMONE PENKETHMAN ponders the social significance of an international installation launch at the NGA

ABORIGINAL artist Lena Nyadbi’s new installation, “Dayiwul Lirlmim” (Barramundi Scales), will cover more than 700sqm of the rooftop of the Musée du quai Branly in Paris from June.

The work will be visible from the top of the Eiffel Tower and, some say, from the moon.

Lena Nyadbi is a senior Gija woman and much of her work, including this piece, is inspired by the Dayiwul Lirlmim Ngarrangarni (Barramundi Scales Dreaming).

In this story, three sisters chase a barramundi into shallow water where they try to catch him in their trap made of spinifex. The fish is smarter than they are and he escapes by leaping over their trap and through a gap in the mountain range. When the fish lands, his scales are scattered all over the ground where they turn into diamonds.

The narrow passage between the mountains through which the barramundi escaped the sisters is now an open-cut mine, the biggest diamond mine in the world.

Nyadbi has said: “He looks just like a diamond himself, you can see him shiny shiny… my old people bin reckon that bush stone [diamond] was nothing but a good sharp one for making spear. They never bin know he’s a diamond.”

So how does an old woman from the Kimberly find her art being rendered in monumental proportions on the rooftop of a Paris museum?

Philanthropist Harold Mitchell puts his money where his mouth is. At the Australian launch at the National Gallery, he told us of meeting Stéphane Martin, the Musée du quai Branly’s president, who was visiting Melbourne.

Martin spoke of having a maintenance budget to paint the roof and bemoaned the fact that his options were “Paris Grey” or “Dark Paris Grey”.

Mitchell said something along these lines: “So, as we do in Australia, I put on a lunch. I took him to my log cabin at the foot of Mt Buller. I gave him [Martin] a hat, a stockwhip and a bottle of Grange and the deal was done.”

What does this all mean? I don’t know, but I feel that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility and that these stories show how everyone can play a part.

Dougal Macdonald

Artist Lena Nyadbi with her work “Dayiwul Lirlmim” (Barramundi Scales).

Canberran Henshaw is finishing his honours degree in guitar performance at the ANU School of Music under Minh Le Hoang and Timothy Kain, and both seem to have the Midas touch when it comes to training golden guitar players.

“I have an education allowance,” Henshaw says. “I choose to use it to pay for lessons with both of them – both are amazing.”

With hindsight, Henshaw’s trajectory to guitar stardom seems inevitable. Sent to Ainslie Primary School by his mother, who’d regretted never getting a good music education, he started playing on a half-size baby guitar at age six.

He played around with electric guitars, but by age 15, he reports, “I really started thinking about it as something I’d like to do… something clicked and I started practising properly”.

Classical guitarist Callum Henshaw.

He tried hard as a secondary student at Radford College to give himself other options but, as he says, “I knew what was going to happen”.

On returning to Canberra from Spain, he recorded at the ANU studios his debut EP, entitled “2012”, featuring a lute work by Bach, Nigel Westlake’s “Hinchinbrook Riffs,” and a Spanish suite, “Collectici intim”, by Asencio.

So what’s next? First, there’s some playing at the Canberra International Music Festival. Then he must complete his honours. Then, a trip to Europe beckons, for what he calls “guitar business”.

Sample or buy Henshaw’s EP at callumhenshaw.com

CityNews May 9–15 23

arts & entertainment

Scary movie that takes some beating Dougal Macdonald

“The Hunt” (M) FOR intelligent scary, few movies would surpass the scary which Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Hunt” generates in the hatred a small community, taking matters into its own hands, inflicts on Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen), kindergarten teacher since his big school closed.

Five-year-old Klara (a winning portrayal from Annika Wedderkopp) has told kindy head Grethe: “I saw Lucas’ willie”. No community member has experience in dealing with such a situation. Rumour grows from what it feeds on. The community shuns him, the local supermarket bans him, close friends including Klara’s parents revile him. Riding an out-of-control rollercoaster, it is a long while before Lucas, without independent proof of innocence, learns why.

As Lucas’ hopelessness built, defenceless against enemies accusing him without supporting evidence, “The Hunt” escalated my apprehension.

Simple credible evidence merely awaits discovery, leaving the haters without a feather to fly with.

Nobody has asked the right questions until the police get involved.

On Christmas Eve, community behaviour at church defies the rubric “Goodwill to all men” and this emotionally powerful, uncompromising, film delivers more surprises before Lucas’ travail is over.

At Palace Electric

“The Place Beyond The Pines” (MA) DEREK Cianfrance’s thriller/actioner is a drama in three acts. Act 1 introduces globe-of-death motorbike rider Luke (Ryan Gosling) who on learning that his lover (Eva Mendes) has a son by him, takes up, along with Robin (Ben Mendelsohn) bank robbing to support mother and tot.

Act 2 begins when law-graduate cop Avery (Bradley Cooper) shoots Luke. Avery also has a small son. He works in a force where corruption starts near the top and has ambitions to become the New York State attorney-general. That happens at the beginning of Act 3, when two 16-year-old high school boys discover a mutual antagonism.

Police corruption is a well-tried theme and Ray Liotta has a corner on bad cop casting. Sequences while Cianfrance eyeballs the scenery make the 140-minute film rather obese but that aside, it punches

cinema

near the top of its division. It’s not overloaded with laughs. But Acts 2 and 3 deliver opportunities to find things between their lines worth pondering.

At Dendy, Capitol 6 and Palace Electric

“Camille Rewinds” (M) WRITER/director/star Noemie Lvovsky’s chick-flick, time travel and romance film, while not exactly original, has some moments to savour. Her marriage in bad shape, Camille, 40, drinks too much. On New Year‘s Eve, she finds herself back in time to age 16, one of the girls at school, an adolescent with a mature woman’s awareness.

The classmate who hits on her is the husband she has just ditched. Seeking answers, she makes a move on the physics teacher (Denis Podalydes) in sequences that deal intelligently with the nature of time.

The film, successful on its French home turf, did not rate highly at the recent Canberra International Film Festival. Which is no reason to avoid it.

At Capitol 6

“The Big Wedding” (M) WRITER/director Justin Zackham cribbed this staccato confection of clichés from a 2006 French film.

It observes the shenanigans as a divorced couple prepares to host the wedding of their adopted son from Colombia. Their biological son is single. Their newly-pregnant biological daughter has left her husband.

Robert de Niro and Diane Keaton waltz with ease through the story’s collection of ups and downs, not the least of which is the need to conceal from the groom’s straight-laced mother that he has, since the divorce, made an extra-marital relationship with the caterer (Susan Sarandon) who must perforce allow her predecessor to resume marital bedroom privileges.

For me, this antidote to more serious stuff (see above) caused me to do something that I have done at few American movies billed as comedies. I laughed.

Quite a lot.

At all cinemas

Lively Mozart by candlelight CARL Rafferty has hit on a winning formula with his “Opera by Candlelight” nights at Albert Hall; opera aficionados gather around tables and tuck into baskets of gourmet delights they bring and then settle back for some light-hearted entertainment.

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” was the perfect choice. It is full of life, energy and great music-making.

On his first outing as a conductor, ANU School of Music director, Peter

24 CityNews May 9–15

music

“The Magic Flute” At Albert Hall, May 4 Reviewed by Clinton White Tregear, drew excellent accompaniment from the small chamber orchestra, beautifully anchored by Rafferty at the piano.

There was an international flavour, too. Superb NZ tenor, James Adams, played a fine Prince Tamino opposite the stylish voice of

Slovenian soprano, Jerica Steklasa, as Princess Pamina.

Kate Rafferty, as Queen of the Night, was a bit sweet for such a devious character, but her vocalising was superb, drawing mighty applause for a wonderful performance of the Queen’s famously difficult “Hell’s vengeance” aria in Act 2. Her opposite was a regal and stately Philip Barton as King Sarastro, his basso profundo to die for.

As Papageno, Zach Raffan was a bit reserved in Act 1, but delightfully lively in Act 2. His use of the bird whistle was entrancing. Director, Shane Treeves, as Monostatos, was scheming and villainous, but charmingly mischievous.

The flute’s magic enchanted the Albert Hall into life (even with those awful drapes covering the magnificent architecture of the windows). A smiling audience in exit confirmed it.

arts & entertainment

Clever Q’s new look at Shakespeare’s classic love story CLEVER Stephen Pike at The Q. He’s got Natalie Weir and Expressions Dance Company from Brisbane bringing “R&J”, an interpretation of Shakespeare’s love story, to Queanbeyan. Actually it’s three love stories – the old tale, a modern version, and one set in suburbia. Good to see local boy Jack Ziesing back in town with this company, too. One night only, 8pm, May 14. Bookings to 6285 6290 or theq.net.au

Helen Musa arts in the city

BOHO, that dangerously brainy theatre ensemble formed by Michael Bailey, Jack Lloyd and David Finnigan, is at it again, stretching our imaginations. The audience for its new show, “Word Play”, will be sitting in a lecture theatre, but the performers will be live-streamed from a lab somewhere across the city. If you bring your smart phone, you can communicate with the

performers and even control them. At CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, 7.30pm, May 15-18, 22-25, 29 and June 1. Bookings to trybooking. com/Booking/BookingEventSummary. aspx?eid=42262 THE Ten Tenors will be back in town for a Mother’s Day concert, “Mum’s The Word”, at the Canberra Theatre on the very day, May 12. They’ll sing “Close To You”, “Nessun Dorma” and “modern mash-ups” of Michael Jackson, Elton John and Queen. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberraticketing.com.au

A FEW days later, on May 19 and 20, The Q is bringing “Moon”, an a cappella choral theatre work by The Australian Voices. The first half is classical, but then they perform an “intergalactic love story” that tells of the lonely Diana and the twists of a very, very long-distance relationship. Bookings also to 6285 6290 or theq.net.au

Vivaldi, George Huitker plans to channel “80s Garrett” with “Burning The Midnight Oil”.

Bookings to 6257 2718.

FINNISH piano virtuoso Paavali Jumppanen will perform Debussy, Beethoven, Liszt and Kilpiö at the Embassy of Finland at 7pm on May 15. Bookings to Ewa at 6273 3800.

TEATRO Vivaldi is channelling one of the greats for Mother’s Day with “Pizzarotti”, a show by Wagga comedian Jamie Way, who, they’re saying, “has a voice greater than the real Pavarotti”. Then on May 18 and 25 at

STRATHNAIRN Homestead and Gallery’s next big shebang is at 4pm on May 11 with Robyn Archer launching the Centenary-funded project of selected land art installations called “Terrain”.

Autolyse... the new bakery in Braddon.

New bakery with a big taste for sourdough Wendy Johnson dining

DARREN Perryman’s face lights up as he tells me that a visitor from San Francisco complimented the sourdough bread made at Autolyse, the new bakery in Braddon, saying it was the best he had eaten in Australia.

This is a big deal given that “San Fran’s” sourdough is the most famous made in the US today, with a history running back to California’s Gold Rush.

I love sourdough. I can’t claim to be an expert, but can tell you that Autolyse’s preservative-free, 100 per cent, all-natural sourdough is super-duper yummy.

Autolyse is on Londsdale Street, just a shop away from Elk and Pea. The white tiles, shelves of freshly baked bread, aroma of coffee, and the overall bakery feel is what you’d expect from a Parisian-type bakery.

What is super special is the eight-metre long bench at the back, in the centre of the open-concept area, where you can watch bread being made all day long. This is the hub and it’s a busy one at that.

The concept for Autolyse is simple, by design. No lengthy menus. Order freshly made light meals, bakery products and coffees at the counter, grab a seat and away you go. Outdoor tables are in the sun with a feature wall with work by a local artist.

We arrived when Autolyse had more or less just opened. As you’d expect of a top-notch bakery, you can buy wonderful loaves of breads, delicious tarts, sandwiches, croissants – the lot.

My slow-cooked lamb shank sandwich, a daily special, was comforting. Big chunks of tender meat in a rich sauce, with the bread soaking up the juices. It

That sourdough... preservative-free, 100 per cent, all-natural sourdough is super-duper yummy, says Wendy Johnson. was served on a wooden board with a bit of undressed salad on the side. My round blueberry tart was very artisan like, as were the flaky croissants with generous amounts of dark, rich chocolate hidden in the middle.

My friend settled on simple toast with Vegemite – a bit difficult to cut with the small, plastic knives provided, but that’s a problem Autolyse has identified and will fix. Indeed, all little glitches are being quickly ironed out by the seasoned team in charge – Darren (Alto and First Floor), Micky Gubas (Alto) and Miriana Cavic (Milk and Honey).

All breads are hand-made with imported French flour – Autolyse accepts delivery of 60 25-kilogram bags every Monday (glad it’s not me hauling them into the kitchen). The seedy variety is made with linseed, chai and quinoa. Or you can try the wholemeal, rye or the wonderful sourdough.

Autolyse, by the way, describes the extra rest period for the dough used by artisan bakers. This extra rest ensures optimum moisture and texture.

Shop 5, 21 Lonsdale Street, open seven days, breakfast and lunch from 6am weekdays and 7am weekends. Call 6262 8819.

CityNews May 9–15 25

garden

Dedicated followers of fashion WHAT has fashion got to do with gardening?

The latest garden landscape designs have just been on display at the annual Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and also vying for the garden fashion stakes is the UK’s Chelsea Flower Show due to take place shortly.

Some of the most outrageous garden designs would never be installed in a home garden and yet, like fashion parades, people flock to these shows in the thousands.

A few years ago, at Chelsea, the question was asked: “Where are the flowers and plants?”

Plastic, wood, fibreglass and paving was everywhere and, finally, the public had had enough.

Now, I think the latest edict by the Royal Horticultural Society is that no less than 60

Cedric Bryant gardening

per cent of the display has to feature flowers, trees and shrubs. Gardens, like fashions, are designed to be lived in, one for a temporary time and the other to create a lifestyle.

EVER watched and wondered about those garden “makeover” shows on television? We are led to believe the whole scene is created in a couple of days, “send the wife away for a weekend and surprise her with a new garden on her return”.

In reality, it does not happen that way and a great deal of planning and construction often takes place days if not weeks before. Usually, every bit of space has to be filled, statues, urns,

Sterile and harsh THIS is a Chelsea display garden of a few years ago, sterile and hugely expensive to install. Even in most of Britain, this would be a hot box with those rocks heating up and you would not even think of putting your rear end on them for relaxation!

The whole environment is harsh in the extreme. Certainly, it has some colour in the walls, but not from plants or a shady tree. No space for entertaining and in reality can this be called a garden? On the other hand it would fit in well with many of the latest modern townhouses in this city.

Can this be called a garden?

For plant lovers

HERE is a plant lover’s garden with fragrant leafed and flowering plants.

The paving is soft-to-walk-on “euky chip”, which is eminently suited for this purpose. It packs down like papier mache, no weeds will grow through it nor can water penetrate it. Great for low-cost natural looking paths but useless as a mulch. Unfortunately, one feature that has largely disappeared from our gardens is the sound of water due to eight years of restrictions during the drought. Hopefully, we can see the revival in water features of the garden.

A relaxing gardener’s garden.

Happy combination

THIS garden is a happy combination of a sensible wide path to the front door, and a compacted gravel area that could easily be converted to a small lawn. A variety of tall and low waterusage shrubs complete the picture. I designed a similar garden a few doors away for a rear garden. In that instance the area of gravel was made into a small lawn.

An ideal design for a front or rear garden.

26 CityNews May 9–15

water features and lots of paving is the order of the day. The plants are usually literally plonked in with little attention to ground preparation. It would be interesting to visit the same gardens in a couple of years.

Simple tips • Take a quarter off the height of Hibiscus syriacus.

• Prune Buddleia davidii hard down to one metre • Every three years cut back Agapanthus leaves to ground level.

• Remove leaves off of the tops of hedges, the weight of wet leaves can kill sections of hedge.

puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / May 13–19

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rams can easily jump to ridiculously rash conclusions – especially this week. So avoid passing on unsubstantiated information and making hasty, half-baked assumptions. Clear, careful communication is crucial, otherwise you’re likely to rush off in a totally unsuitable direction. Put positive energy into study, travel, exercise, unusual hobbies and outdoor activities.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Attached Taureans – the romance factor is high this week, as you pamper your partner with plenty of extra TLC. Single Bulls – look for love with someone in your immediate friendship group. Financial matters are somewhat confusing, especially if you don’t have the full facts at hand.

So be patient and do your homework before you make any major money moves.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Mercury charges through your sign (from May 16-31) when you’ll be at your gregarious, Gemini best. So it’s the perfect time to socialise and circulate, text and tweet, converse and communicate. Just make sure your cheerful chatter doesn’t denigrate into gratuitous gossip. Tricky aspects could lead to misunderstandings spoiling your weekend, so think before you speak.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Be careful who you mix with this week, as you’re liable to misread signals and misunderstand motives. Thursday’s Moon/Saturn square puts you in a serious frame of mind, as enthusiasm is hard to muster. On Sunday, use your intuition to come up with innovative solutions to stubborn problems.

But – if you are less than 100% honest, you’ll be caught out Crabs!

General knowledge crossword No. 406 Across 4 What do we call one who journeys to a sacred place as an act of devotion?

8 Triton is a satellite of which planet?

9 Quito is the capital of which S American republic?

10 Name the English philosopher, mathematician and writer, Bertrand...

11 What are metal rings for lining small holes?

12 When one speaks with slow, lingering utterances, one does what?

14 What describes a picture painted on a wall or ceiling?

18 To withdraw a horse from a race is to do what to it?

21 That which is not strictly accurate is what?

22 What are microscopic, one-celled animals?

23 Name an alternative term for a boxer.

24 What do earthquakes sometimes produce?

Down

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With Mercury moving into Gemini (from May 16-31), your communication skills really come to the fore over the next few weeks. The Sun and Mars are activating your adventure zone, so it’s also time to get serious about taking a trip somewhere soon. As birthday great Cate Blanchett observes: “It’s important to travel and move and have a continual set of experiences...”

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SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

With plenty of planetary action in your relating zones, it’s time to get talking with your nearest and dearest. Especially on Saturday, when sloppy communication could lead to crossed wires and misunderstandings. So make sure you convey your meaning clearly and carefully. Single Scorpios – look beyond the superficial exterior package that a potential partner presents.

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LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

It will be easy to blur the boundaries between a perfect romance and a delightful delusion so make sure your rose-coloured glasses come off occasionally. Singles – jump out of your comfort zone and look for someone who is not your usual type. Money matters take centre stage, as you are hit with extra bills. It’s imperative that you work out a strict budget – and stick to it.

Solution next week

1 What, in science fiction, is a robot, made to resemble a human being?

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Fiery Leos are impatient creatures. You want everything done your way – right now! This week’s stars aim to teach you patience, as routine tasks get tangled up with complications and communication chaos. Time for Lions to relax and go with the flow. Don’t put all your eggs in the one work basket.

Aim to be as creative and versatile as you possibly can.

2 What is a sudden involuntary muscular contraction?

3 Obsequies describes which ceremony?

4 What was a police officer once called?

5 Name a small, wingless, bloodsucking insect.

6 Which US composer collaborated with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein, Richard...?

7 What do we call fully grown female horses, past their 4th birthdays?

13 What is another term for a halo?

15 Name the English explorer, and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter...

16 Which bivalve molluscs sometimes house pearls?

17 What do we call those people highest in authority?

18 Name the bumbling TV secret agent, Maxwell...

19 Which term describes that which is forbidden to general use?

20 What is one of the main divisions of a long poem?

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Sudoku medium No. 103

Solution next week

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians have a selfish streak but it’s not all about you this week. With Mercury joining Venus and Jupiter in your relationship zone, the focus is firmly on the significant others in your life. If you are attached, pay special attention to your partner. Singles – love is likely with someone from another country or culture. It’s also a fabulous time to learn a new language.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

With Mercury, Venus and Jupiter all travelling through your job zone, you’re in the mood to get things done at work. But don’t do so at the expense of your personal life. Be inspired by birthday great Cate Blanchett: “I live my life parallel with my work, and they are both equally important.” Sunday is super for firming up your goals and aspirations for the future.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Are you making the most of your inner muse? It’s time to channel your unique talents, as Uranus links up with creative Venus. For inspiration, look to avant-garde Aquarian role-models like Mozart, Bob Marley and Yoko Ono. If you are attached, Sunday is super for a romantic rendezvous. For some lucky singles, love is in the air – with someone totally unexpected!

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Family matters will be confusing for Fish this week, as nebulous Neptune scrambles your antennae and confuses communication. Don’t accept things at face value – or believe everything you hear. You’re keen to help others but make sure they are not taking advantage of your kind and compassionate Piscean nature. Be discriminating, and learn to say no.

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

Solutions

Crossword No.405 O R E E D F D O R I D C E B A E R E G

C H O I B B G L E E S X C L L U D E E

I D R L E D E G E T H E E O O R E M M

P E P R E I S C E A R P T I R E N N S O L E R T O

M I E M I P H I U S R A M N I V U M A

Sudoku hard No.102 G V E N L E S I K S E E L N E R S T O

CityNews May 9–15 27

28 CityNews May 9–15