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CITYNEWS.COM.AU / FAST NEWS, VIEWS, ARTS AND SOCIALS DECEMBER 7, 2017

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Get going to the gym, grandies

DANIELLE NOHRA At last, a look at the reverse Robin Hoods

MICHAEL MOORE

Erik prepares for ‘hell on the high water’

TIM GAVEL

BASKETBALL MADE Ezi

Meet the Canberra Capitals’ new, teen star

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NEWS / muscle mass may help in dementia fight

Get going to the gymnasium, grandparents!

By Danielle Nohra

GLORIA Jackson, 70, and Kim Parkinson, 69, are two Canberrans who, according to a new study, are reducing their risk of dementia by exercising.

The study, which was carried out

by ANU, found that people in their 60s and early 70s could lower their risk of dementia by going to the gym to retain muscle mass.

Kambah’s Gloria, who has been attending Curves in Weston Creek for about three years, says reducing the risk of dementia is one of the main reasons she stays motivated.

“I first joined up because I’d become sick and lost a lot of weight and muscle,” she says.

Researcher Dr Marnie Shaw.

Photo by Stuart Hay, ANU

Kim Parkinson, 69… “When you’re at my age, you have to keep active because if you stop moving things will Gloria Jackson, 70, off to the gym three times a week. start to seize up.”

Photo by Stuart Hay, ANU Photo by Danielle Nohra But, after completing a three-month course online about dementia, Gloria says that’s what keeps her coming back.

“Now I come three times a week to keep my muscles strong and protect my bones.”

For Hackett’s Kim, decreasing the risk of dementia isn’t a key motivator but he says it’s an excellent benefit.

Kim, a former Aussie Rules player, has been going to the gym at ANU since 1976.

“When you’re at my age, you have to keep active because if you stop moving things will start to seize up,” he says.

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70s from Canberra at several different stages over time, shows the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and brain shrinkage.

Dr Shaw says people with brain shrinkage are more likely to develop dementia.

“People who are losing weight showed more brain ageing than people that showed stable weight,” she says.

“Because of that we’re making the conclusion that, that’s probably related to a loss of muscle mass.”

Dr Shaw says weight loss during people’s later years is common and often due to losing muscle mass.

“Preliminary results from our research indicate that it’s important for people in later years to go to the gym to maintain a healthy weight and not lose their muscles,” she says.

“But an active lifestyle offers real opportunities for reducing dementia risk,” she says.

Other main risk factors for dementia include midlife obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension and depression.

ANU collaborated with UNSW on the research, which is published in the “International Journal of Obesity”.

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NOTHING OVER

Kim, like Gloria, goes three times a week and incorporates exercises such as free weights, squats and the bench press in his routines.

But the lead researcher of the study, Dr Marnie Shaw from the ANU Research School of Engineering, says benefits can come from exercise outside of the gym, too.

She says it’s important for people to generally stay active and retain muscle mass, no matter what it’s doing, and advises people to chat with a GP about what that might be.

The study, which observed about 400 people aged in their 60s and early

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

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CityNews December 7-13, 2017 5

SEVEN DAYS

Funeral glitch silences Steve’s musical message dose of dorin

All my life’s a circle; Sunrise and sundown; Moon rolls through the nighttime; ‘Til the daybreak comes around.

FORMER ACT Liberal leader Jeremy Hanson might be well advised to follow legendary crime fighter Eliot Ness’ lead in his campaign to rid the territory of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Frustrated by the government’s continued rejection of his anti-consorting laws to fight the gangs gaining a foothold in the ACT, Hanson should be encouraged by the latest strategy of tax commissioner Chris Jordan, who says “bikie gangs are a potentially fertile target for both revenue and potential criminal tax-evasion charges”. He said: “They couldn’t put Al Capone in jail for his crimes, so they got him for tax.”

SADLY, a technical glitch prevented the playing of Harry Chapin’s song “Circle” at the state funeral for Steve Doszpot. But I can attest to the MLA’s passion for the work of the prolific folk-pop singer/songwriter whose hits included “W.O.L.D” and “Cat’s in the Cradle”.

Several years ago I made the rookie mistake of boasting I knew everything about Harry Chapin. Turns out I didn’t, Steve did. In fact he possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of Chapin and lent me his copy of the New Yorker’s biography to broaden my knowledge. RIP Steve Doszpot.

MEANWHILE, the Manuka funeral’s sombre tone was momentarily disrupted when a large media pack, stationed outside St Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral while the coffin was carried out, suddenly lurched off in the direction of a side door. Their quarry was NSW National Party leader John Barilaro who had earlier in the day created a ruckus by suggesting PM Malcolm Turnbull should step down. The Monaro MP had attempted to discreetly slip out to avoid the media.

THE vote is in but the fallout from the same-sex marriage debate continues.

Conservative ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja who declared he would vote “No”

6 CityNews December 7-13, 2017

selfie with the dual Olympic gold medalist and long-distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie.

in the postal survey but would “respect and honour a ‘Yes’ result”, has abstained from voting on the bill in the Upper House.

And controversy has exploded again at Brindabella Christian College. Principal Bruce Handley, whose signature was on a letter to parents encouraging them to vote “No” in the postal survey, has been controversially dismissed a year short of his three-year contract.

SEVERAL weeks ago “Seven Days” shared the tale of a northern-suburbs graffiti vandal being forced into the ignominy of scrubbing his amateurish tag from the wall of a local business after being captured on CCTV.

Police now report an 18-year-old Belconnen man was recently nabbed at 2am in the Higgins/Scullin area where the majority of his tags have appeared in recent months.

More arrests are understood to be imminent.

EARLIER this year Canberra nurse Elizabeth McManus characteristically leapt outside her comfort zone in order to mark the milestone of her 60th birthday.

The Fraser grandmother of nine has returned from Addis Ababa after finishing the 10-kilometre Great Ethiopian Run, which attracted more than 44,000 entrants.

McManus raised close to $30,000 for the Hamlin Fistula Foundation and scored a

THE Gungahlin Jets AFL club has been re-energised by the appointment of former Belconnen premiership player John Love as senior coach. News of Love’s signing has also attracted several potential quality recruits for the new season. Love brings a wealth of on and off-field football and leadership experience to the proud community club, which has been in the doldrums of late. Club president Matt Porter says: “Success in the short term will be measured by the club’s competitiveness and ultimately by how it fosters the district’s juniors”.

Another sight shock at Federal Parliament.

Photo by Mike Welsh VISITORS to the Federal Parliament are in for another sight shock as a stack of scaffolding has appeared on top of the iconic building. The latest structure sits under the flagpoles at the building’s centrepiece.

What, at first sight, appears to be further fortification in the security upgrade of the building is actually just a temporary measure to undertake long-overdue work to plug leaks in the atrium’s ceiling.

This is the last “Seven Days” column for the year. Mike Welsh will return in the New Year.

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NEWS

EX- GOVERNMENT A world away to rest FURNITURE and recover for families

By Kathryn Vukovljak

THE desire to support families with seriously ill children while honouring their daughter Maya is the driving force behind Tash and Mark Maguire’s respite home, Maya’s Rest.

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Tash says they moved out of Canberra and created Maya’s Rest at their purpose-built family home in Yass for families with seriously ill children and those who have lost a child.

In the past two years she says they have supported more than 20 families.

“We check in and say ‘hi’ in the morning then make sure we’re out during the day and give them space, but we’re here if they want to talk, and offer any support we can,” she says.

“At the same time we don’t know the right way for everyone and so staying here doesn’t come with advice!”

Tash has started a Chuffed crowdfunding campaign, which runs until December 12, with the aim to raise enough money to get started on plans to build a two-bedroom respite cottage on the property.

Tash says it’s a poignant time for them, as it would be Maya’s sixth birthday this week, with the campaign starting on the four-year anniversary of Maya’s passing on November 27.

“At the moment we’re able to take one family at a time in specially-designed rooms in our home, offering mini breaks every few weeks, but we’d love to provide respite on a full-time basis,” says Tash.

“Ultimately, our dream would be for the two-bedroom cottage to be built with support and materials from the community, bringing everyone together in some way.”

Maya’s Rest provides all

Family photo of Mark and Tash Maguire with daughter Amelia and baby Maya, the inspiration behind Maya’s Rest.

Photo by KLA Photography meals, peaceful views, activities for kids, quiet space and total time out, says Tash. The idea was inspired by their time at children’s hospice Bear Cottage in Manly, Sydney.

“The minute we got there, I knew we had to do something like this for people near Canberra, to create this feeling of support. Maya was still with us at that stage, but I already knew it would be called Maya’s Rest.

“It’s also important to me that it be free, because we know it’s hard. We had no income and nearly lost our house, and we know that asking people to pay anything is just more stress.”

Tash says Maya’s Rest has been an incredible experience for her eight-year-old daughter Amelia.

“I’m conscious of Amelia getting involved with the families and I’m often encouraging her to let them have time to themselves, but I’m finding I may need to be led by the families on that,” she says.

“One mum said it was great

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Looking out from Tash and Mark Maguire’s respite home, Maya’s Rest… crowdfunding to start building a two-bedroom respite cottage on the property.

to see how well-adjusted Amelia was and that it gave her hope that her other kids would be okay.

“Often it’s helpful for them all to play together and Amelia loves connecting with the children who come through.”

Tash says that Maya was born in 2011 with a lump on her neck and within 10 days of her birth she had a diagnosis of a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma and was embarking on chemotherapy.

“We were just in shock I think, but we took it day by day,” says Tash.

“We didn’t have a choice and it’s hard when people say you’re amazing, you’re so strong, because anyone would do it. You just do what you have to do. We went with it, we had hope and we had to keep it together for ourselves, for Maya and our daughter Amelia.

“And Maya was such a happy kid. We worked out she spent a third of her life in hospital, but she stayed so joyful and really enjoyed life, that it made us know she could handle more treatment.

“We hoped she could be the miracle. But at the end we knew when she couldn’t take any more as well.”

Maya passed away a few days before her second birthday in November 2013, and Tash says that she and her husband Mark wanted to give back to other families who were going through what they had experienced.

“It’s our hope that this will continue for a long time, and that Maya can keep giving forever,” she says.

Donate from $6 to Maya’s Rest at chuffed.org/project/ mayas-rest. The campaign runs until December 12.

Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race veteran Erik Adriaanse… “I like a boat where communication is effective and people are not yelling.”

Photo by Maddie McGuigan

SPORT / sydney-to-hobart yacht race

Erik prepares for ‘hell on the high water’ ERIK Adriaanse says he remembers the day his mother bought him a $400 boat to sail in competitions on Lake Burley Griffin. He wasn’t sure what to expect.

It is a far cry to the present day as he prepares for his 29th Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race, this time on board a Trans Pac 52. Not the biggest of sailing craft by any stretch of the imagination.

I get the impression he wouldn’t have it any other way having won line honours as part of George Snow’s “Brindabella” boats and a handicap winner as a crew member with “Love and War” in 2006.

“George Snow doesn’t want to hear me say this, but I think the corrected-time victory is probably more satisfying because it really is what the whole race is about; it’s about boats of all sizes and ages and if you can win on a 40-yearold boat that means it has been sailed well.”

As far as Erik is concerned, the smaller the boat, the greater the challenge.

This year presents a sense of the unknown for Erik with a new craft and a new crew, which is yet to train together on board and in race conditions.

The memories of those early days on Lake Burley Griffin might be revisited during this year’s race, along with his first Sydney-toHobart. It was during his first Sydney-toHobart that Erik decided he didn’t want to do it any more. It was a wet and miserable journey yet he’s kept on returning year after year with only a couple of breaks in between.

A new boat and a new crew present a totally different challenge.

“Ideally, you want to be with the same crew all year round doing most of the Blue Water championship races. This has been a slightly different year; this boat has been leased, and we have a combination of crews. In terms of meshing together, it usually takes a while,” says Erik.

Time together as a crew is a commodity in short supply in this case and its making Erik a little nervous.

“It’s not going to be perfect leaving the Heads, but I think by the time we hit Bass Strait we will be in a good rhythm and will

probably have it all together,” he says.

It was different in earlier races, as Erik recalls: “When we sailed on ‘Brindabella’ we had a magnificent crew where everybody knew what the other person was doing and we had a good spirit and it worked beautifully.

“When you get on a boat where you don’t know people that well, I do get a bit nervous.

You don’t know how capable they are, you don’t know how they are going to deal with bad weather, whether they are going to get seasick, if they become aggressive.

“I like a boat where communication is effective and people are not yelling. That tends to happen when people are not used to each other; they yell a bit, and that’s not good.”

Erik says at the completion of this year’s race he will take a break from the Sydney to Hobart.

The plan is to return in 2019 for the 75th anniversary race, it will be his 30th race and it also provides the 40-year-old boat, “Love and War”, a chance to win a record fourth victory on corrected time. He says the “Love and War” crew of 2016 has vowed to return as one in 2019.

In the meantime, he is preparing for hell on the high water “because you’re knocked around for a few days during the race, there is a sense of elation when getting to Constitution Dock”.

“It is probably the reason why I keep fronting up again and again,” he says.

“It is a sense of relief. It’s quite a tiring thing to be up and down three hours on, three hours off, and doing that for three or four days does strange things to your body and mind.”

It’s too early to start visualising, that process usually coincides with Christmas Day, and by his own admission his thoughts will be elsewhere as he unwraps presents. His focus is on the weather forecast and contemplating what might unfold during the race.

I think I would start visualising a little earlier this year.

CityNews December 7-13, 2017 9

NEWS / cover story

Emerging Ezi reaches for the top EZI Magbegor never intended to play basketball professionally and now the 18-year-old Canberra Capitals player is being described as the next Lauren Jackson.

Her coach, Paul Goriss, doesn’t like to compare the two, saying she has a skillset of her own. But, like Jackson, Ezi has the potential to make an impact on Australian basketball.

“I don’t think women’s basketball has seen a player like her for 10 years,” Paul says.

“We haven’t seen a player of her age, with her skill set, athleticism and ability to block shots.”

Ezi, who recently finished year 12 at Lake G in Belconnen, says she only started playing basketball because her siblings were.

It wasn’t until she was trying out for the under-16 state team for Victoria, as a bottom ager at 14, that she realised she wanted to

Ezi Magbegor’s coach says women’s basketball hasn’t seen a player like her for 10 years. It’s a big call for a humble teen, reports DANIELLE NOHRA represent the country.

And while she didn’t get in that year, she made sure she did the next.

It was while playing for the under-16 state team where Ezi was recruited by Paul, who at the time was working at the Australian Institute of Sport, Centre of Excellence.

While it was hard for Ezi’s mum to see the baby of the family move to Canberra for basketball, she’s grateful to have her in the same country, unlike her brother who plays basketball in the US. Paul was coaching the under-19 Australian team in 2015, when Ezi made her international debut at the FIBA Under-19 World Champion-

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Giving Tree bears fruit THE Mitchell reception area of 2CA and 2CC is a sea of toys and gifts for needy families as the sister radio stations again partner with Vinnies for the annual Giving Tree Appeal.

Each year listeners donate to the appeal with the station inundated with gifts that are collected and distributed almost daily to help families in Canberra, Queanbeyan and Goulburn.

Unwrapped donations will be accepted until December 22, upstairs at 52 Hoskins Street, Mitchell.

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Basketballer Ezi Magbegor… “I’m really enjoying my first season as a Capital. We have a really good group of girls.”

Photo by Maddie McGuigan

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ship in Russia. She was 16.

She then represented the under-17 Sapphires at the 2015 Oceania Championships, where the team took home gold.

At the inaugural World Championships in Spain, the Sapphires received gold again and Ezi was awarded most valuable player.

NZ-born, Ezi moved to Australia at the age of five, with her parents who are of Nigerian descent, just like Nnemkadi “Nneka” Ogwumike, an American basketball player that Ezi has always looked up to.

And now, basketball fans will be looking up to her with Paul saying she’s a major contributor to the team.

While this is her first season with the Canberra Capitals, it seems like the humble teen has a promising basketball career ahead of her.

“I’m really enjoying my first season as a Capital. We have a really good group of girls,” she says.

“We haven’t got the results we’re hoping for yet, but we’re still trying to find our groove.

“We have nine new people this season so we’re finding our rhythm. But it’s such a great opportunity and I’ve learnt a lot playing against some great teams and playing with my team.

“It’s given me an insight to what is at an international and high level.”

And what does the future look like for Ezi? Well, she hopes to be representing Australia in the Olympics, saying it’s her number one priority.

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2CC drive announcer Chris Coleman, in the red hat, gets among the toys under the station’s Giving Tree.

Choir for lunch

Be first-aid ready

THE ladies of the Tuggeranong Day VIEW Club will be enjoying the Rhythm Syndicate Choir during the club’s Christmas lunch at the Town Centre Vikings, Greenway, 11.30am-2pm, on Tuesday, December 19. Interested ladies and guests are welcome. Lunch costs $34 and bookings close on Friday, December 15. Call 0409 747017 or email maleyjan@yahoo.com

ST John Ambulance ACT says there’s an increase in incidents requiring a first-aid response, such as poisonings, bites and stings, burns and injuries from new toys, during the holiday season. It’s urging Canberrans to learn first aid or increase their skills at a series of training sessions – from beginner to advanced – throughout December. Call 6282 2399 or email coursebookings@stjohnact.com.au

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POLITICS

At last, a look at the reverse Robin Hoods MALCOLM Turnbull was dragged kicking and screaming to establish a royal commission into the banking sector. The parliament has been able to overcome the influence on government of political donations and the corporate sector that has fuelled resistance to such a royal commission.

The Kenneth Hayne Royal Commission has the opportunity to expose some key structural elements in the single greatest social challenge of our time – the growing discrepancy in wealth. While banks charge outrageous interest on loans such as credit card overdrafts, the profits are funnelled to outrageous multimillion-dollar salaries of their executives and dividends to already wealthy shareholders.

Former High Court Justice Haynes has been described by the Prime Minister as “renowned for his brilliant mind, his forensic skill and his deep sense of justice”. It is this “sense of justice” that a brilliant mind should use to assess the role of the banks in the ever increasing prosperity gap between the wealthy and the poor. In Australia, the bottom 3.9 million people share the same level of wealth as the top 10 individuals. And the gap continues to grow.

In January the World Economic Forum released its “inclusive growth and development report” showing median income internationally had fallen by an average of 2.4 per cent between 2008 and 2013 across 26 advanced nations. This does not happen without complicity of those who manage funding. In Australia this includes a major role played by the big banks and the finance sector generally.

The International Monetary Fund reported in 2012 that the four big banks controlled 88 per cent of residential mortgages and 80 per cent of deposits. They contrasted this with the six biggest American banks that held 30 per cent of total deposits in 2013. The banks simply have a huge influence on distribution of Australian wealth.

No doubt the banks will point to the mums and dads (let’s call them the ordinary Australians) who rely on banking shares to build their superannuation funds. With an ageing population it is important that people are able to have their savings secure in order to look after themselves in retirement.

No doubt the legions of lawyers and communications experts employed by the banks to

Fundamental to the Royal Commission is determining the role of the banks as the rich get richer and the poor poorer. respond to the royal commission will seek to emphasise the importance of ordinary people as the beneficiaries of bank dividends. The technique was successfully used by the mining industry when campaigning against Kevin Rudd’s “super profits mining tax”. Like the banks, the reality was that international investment companies were eating up the lion’s share of the profits.

The 2012 IMF report, for example, found that on average 43.9 per cent of the banks’ shares were owned by just four companies – HSBC, JP Morgan, National Nominees and Citicorp.

Between them they own 44.4 per cent of Westpac, 43 per cent of NAB, 49 per cent of ANZ and 39 per cent of CBA. As with the superprofits mining tax, the profits of the banks are primarily funnelled into large investors – both national and international.

Fundamental to the Royal Commission is determining the role of the banks as the rich get richer and the poor poorer. Having enough money to support innovation feeds economic growth. A reasonable return on investment of time, energy and ideas is the aim of individuals and companies that use borrowings to build their businesses.

Interest rates on credit cards demonstrate a different story. Plenty of the credit cards currently available dance around interest rates of 20 per cent. With the Reserve Bank cash rates at 1.5 per cent this is simply usurious! The wealthy do not need to borrow money this way.

Outrageous credit-card interest rates directly move money in reverse Robin Hood style. They rob from the poor to give to the rich.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

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“It’s our vision to see people with a disability having valued roles and meaningful relationships in a welcoming and inclusive community. That’s why we inspire and motivate individuals and their families to discover opportunities to get the good things of life” CityNews December 7-13, 2017 11

SCENE / around canberra

Photos by MADDIE McGUIGAN

At the Property Council’s Christmas lunch, Parkes

Sai Ranjit, Kieran Walsh and Louis Saad

Jass Baker, Alanna Kolano and Lauren McCormick

At the end-of-year Business After Business soiree, Kingston

Matthew Sandford, Tim Cope and George Rooks Mirko Milic and Dinko Colak

Virginia Zander, Lizzy Green, Kate Middleton and Belinda Sarafov

Lara Odell, Jennifer Johnson and Patty Chier

Jacqueline Williams and Pria O’Sullivan

Alex Moulis, Frank Giorgi, Geoff Dimarhos and Jonathan Stone

Shoba Cole, Chris Ward and Andrew Balmaks

Laura Rodger, Georgia Thomson and Hussien Kassouh

sundayROAST Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

12 CityNews December 7-13, 2017

Francesca Gould, Julie Skate and Melissa Delfino

Kobi Hiebl, Deb Shields and Janelle Cousins

Phoenix Tian and Kalista Pakkiyaretnam

Wendy Dawes and Jacqueline Knight

Kate Holland, Janine Linklater and Robyn Hendry

SCENE / around canberra

invite us / scene@citynews.com.au

At opening night of ‘Mamma Mia’, Canberra Theatre Centre

Ruth Adams and Clare Purcell

Heidi Markmann with Lilly and David McKay

Carol and Alison Bates

Ross Cunningham, Les Hawkins and Angela Gahan

Kate and Sarah Meere

Elise Pianegonda, Jodie Morrison and Fiona Baker

Belinda Bussell and Kim Gorman

Joyce Gore and Lola Wilkins

Alison Beer and Emma Gowling

At Michael Taylor’s ‘New Paintings’ opening, Braddon

Artist Michael Taylor, Merrilyn Crawford and Rosalie Hannink

Nancy Sever and Mary Eagle

Alex Lundy and Jess Oliver

Heather B Swann and David Hansen

Terence Maloon and Deborah Clark

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ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS GIVING

The clock’s ticking, it’s time to get those

Mike has a variety of Christmas items NOW that it’s well into December the Christmas countdown has really begun, making it time to get the Christmas tree out and decorate the house, says the Christmas Emporium owner Mike Welch.

And the best place to get decorations or a Christmas tree is at the Christmas Emporium, which Mike says is unlike any other Christmas shop.

“It doesn’t have all the flashing lights and cheesiness that we have come to expect from pop-up Christmas shops,” he says.

“It’s a pleasant and lovely place to browse, shop and feel the spirit of Christmas.”

The Christmas Emporium also has a range of “unexpected” items such as ham bags, pudding bags and ham-carving stands.

“If you look up the meaning for emporium, we are exactly that. We’re a department store for Christmas,” Mike says.

“We have train sets, beautiful floral picks and things as simple as Christmas tablecloths.”

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DOWN Memory Lane has everything for Christmas, whether it’s a special gift, something festive for the table or something unique to wear, says owner Christine Lund.

Situated on Geelong Street, Fyshwick, Down Memory Lane is a family owned and run collectables store that sells items such as jewellery, furniture, clothes and kitchenware.

“We stock everything from quality, modern-day, usable items, right down to 100-year-old antiques and anything in between,” Christine says.

“People come in looking for vintage cutlery, glassware and china for a special dinner party, wedding, birthday or Christmas!

“There are so many one-off pieces, if someone is redecorating their house they can find a great shabby-chic suitcase or trunk or the perfect lamp. Our store is an interior designer’s delight.”

Down Memory Lane also stocks a range of vintage clothing, which Christine says is in perfect quality, even outfits from the ‘60s.

And if people are downsizing or clearing out a deceased estate, Christine says she’s able to come and gather certain items rather than people throwing them out.

WITH more than 15,000 items, the owner of Monaro Models and Hobbies, Terry Griffiths says there’s a present for everybody this Christmas.

Canberra’s last pure hobby shop, Monaro Models and Hobbies supplies a face-to-face expert service on model aircrafts, radio-controlled cars, boats, planes, helicopters and drones.

“We run the whole gamut of radio-controlled hobbies and have a supply of plastic construction kits, which are great for stocking fillers,” Terry says.

“We do anything for the hobbyist who actually wants to do something with their hands and not sit at a computer.

“All the staff are highly experienced modelists and can help the beginner to become the expert.”

Down Memory Lane, 34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6228 1048 or visit downmemorylane.net.au

Monaro Models and Hobbies, 1/57 Kembla Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 3623, email sales@monaromodels.com.au or visit monaromodels.com.au

Teddy Bear Shop is on the move THE Teddy Bear Shop, currently in Ainslie Place, Civic, is moving to Majura Park so its co-owner Meg Cutler says, if people are looking to buy a quality, “soft cuddly” for a Christmas present, they’ll have to go to Majura Park from December 11.

Meg and her husband Ian rescued The Teddy Bear Shop from closing 10 years ago and are now moving it to a community-focused area, where it will be around other speciality stores.

But until then, Meg says people can still come in and buy presents for Christmas such as soft toys, musical carousels, jewellery boxes and collectable plush toys, as well as popular brands such as Charlie Bears and Steiff.

Meg says people generally like to choose a bear because it has meaning to them, so gift vouchers are available, too.

“The bear chooses them, but we can show them a range of bears to start them off,” she says.

“Everybody loves a soft cuddly. And, when you get a dog and cat from us they don’t require any extra attention, just cuddles.”

The Teddy Bear Shop, 37 Ainslie Place, Canberra.

Call 6257 6966, email hugs@theteddybearshop.com.au or visit theteddybearshop.com.au

The Bears are moving Opening at Majura Park from December 11th Facebook/downmemorylanecanberra

34 Geelong St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 • (02) 6228 1048 Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4:30pm • Closed Monday & Tuesday

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14 CityNews December 7-13, 2017

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John says Balloon Aloft Canberra offers an “absolutely thrilling” experience on a hot-air balloon as it flies over Canberra’s icons, museums, grasslands and parks.

The Balloon Aloft Canberra website has its own “bookings” section so people can buy tickets from

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“This is a gift you can do in a year and it’s completely different,” he says.

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ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS GIVING

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The Australian Tenors – Lorenzo Rositano, Murray Mayday, Matthew Reardon, David McKenzie and John Donohoe – backed by the Southern Cross Orchestra will perform at The Q, the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, on February 24.

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The performance features well-known arias such as “La Donna e Mobile” and “Nessun Dorma”, as well as traditional Neapolitan songs such as “Funiculi Funicular”, popular tenor tunes from theatre productions such as “The Impossible Dream” and duets including “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera”.

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advertising feature Cheapest gifts in the north CHEMIST Outlet in Dickson has the cheapest Christmas presents in Canberra’s north, says its owner Rhonda Warne.

It has present ideas such as discounted fragrances, a range of NATIO skincare packs, candles, essential oils, nail polish “candy canes” and a range of cosmetics, including make-up brushes.

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Chemist Outlet in Dickson will only be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so Rhonda says it’s a great place to stock up on holiday needs such as insect repellent and sunscreen.

“We have an expert team who can help customers choose a special present or help with any other needs,” she says.

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Pottery gifts at ‘perfect’ prices

Rhonda Warne and her team at Chemist Outlet Dickson.

CANBERRA Potters’ Christmas Fair at Watson Arts Centre is the ultimate shopping destination for people looking for a truly unique Christmas present, says program manager Sara Hogwood.

“Between the fair and the Potters’ Place shop, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at the perfect price, and you’ll know that you’re buying from a local maker,” she says.

The Canberra Potters’ Christmas Fair, which is open 10am-4pm daily until December 23, will feature new makers alongside old favourites.

But, Sara says, just because they’re “old favourites” doesn’t mean there’s anything tired in the works

that are on offer, as makers are always exploring new ideas and expanding their ranges.

“The Christmas Fair has a dedicated following of people who know that they’ll be able to complete their Christmas gift shopping in one place,” Sara says.

“If you haven’t yet discovered Watson Arts Centre and Canberra Potters, grab your present list and head on over to Watson; unlike the busy shopping centres, there’s plenty of free parking!”

Canberra Potters’ Christmas Fair, Aspinall Street, Watson, open daily, 10am-4pm, until December 23.

Call 6241 1670 or visit canberrapotters.com.au

7-23 Dec Watson Arts Centre Aspinall St Watson Open Daily 10am to 4pm Canberra Potters invites you to visit our annual Christmas Fair.

Choose from a vast selection of ceramic art and pottery and give a gift of unique and original art purchased direct from the local maker.

www.canberrapotters.com.au

Some participating artists, clockwise from top left: Fran Romano, Ingrid Adler, Josephine Townsend, Colette Steindl, Sally Armstrong, Sue Hewat, Judy McDonald, Amanda Bruhn CityNews December 7-13, 2017 17

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There’s something about Auggie Dougal Macdonald

Left: Matt Golding’s “Circling Budgie Smugglers”, “Sunday Age”, February 25.

Right: Alan Moir’s “Closing the Gap”, “Sydney Morning Herald”, February 16.

Nothing funny about cartooning’s future

By Helen Musa

AS a menacing shark-like pair of budgie smugglers encircles a drowning Malcolm Turnbull in a cartoon by Matt Golding, cartoonists the world over are wishing someone would throw them a life raft.

Cartoonists these days are “doing it tough,” Australian Cartoonists’ Association representative Cathy Wilcox told journos at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

The gathering was to celebrate the Political Cartoonist of the Year award going to David Rowe, of the ‘“Australian Financial Review”.

The jeopardy in which cartoonists are constantly placed was the key message

of Pulitzer-prizewinning cartoonist for the “Washington Post”, Ann Telnaes, who was in town as part of the opening for “Behind the Lines, The Year’s Best Political Cartoons 2017”.

Telnaes, who sketched the history of legal action against cartoonists in the US, beginning with an American public figure who objected to being portrayed as a parrot, said she believed that “visual metaphors are part of our language” and that such visual acuity was the stock-in-trade of cartoonists.

Cartooning was universal and had been going on for much longer than most people think, but it must make people think, she said.

It had been under siege in recent times, notably in Iran, where a female cartoonist Atena Farghadani was charged with “indecency” for allegedly shaking her male lawyer’s hand and in Malaysia, where political cartoonist Zunar has been under a charge of sedition.

Cartooning, Telnaes said, had been

accurately described as the bastard child of journalism, so “if cartooning is threatened, it serves as a warning to all journalists”.

This grim caution was in marked contrast to the jolly tone of this year’s “Behind The Lines”, which as curator Holly Williams explained to the journos earlier, had been built on the idea of politics as a three-ring circus.

With eight key themes, including “Playing to the Crowd,” “Roll Up, Roll Up” and “Monkey Business”, the plan was to make it engaging and accessible to audiences and young people who might otherwise not take an interest in satire.

In “PlayUP,” children and families will be able to engage in the exhibition.

Almost any subject seemed to lend itself to the circus treatment, such as Jon Kudelka’s cartoon suggesting a Vegemite test instead of the language test and the “things that failed the pub test”, which fitted well into “Monkey Business”.

There are many moving and serious cartoons

on show, such as Alan Moir’s “Closing The Gap”, but comedy was to the fore when it came to the great international leaders such as Donald Trump, of whom Williams said: “There have been more cartoons across the world about him than anyone else since time began.”

As for the “Human Cannonball” segment, that was reserved for stars such as Abbott and Hanson, who constantly “propelled themselves into the debate”.

Williams said it was the “atmospheric and unsettling” aspect of Rowe’s cartoons that had won him the top spot.

“The figures he draws become lurid, bordering on the grotesque as he gives visual form to our uneasy feelings on the state of the world,” she said.

“Behind the Lines 2017”, Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, 9am-5pm daily.

MUSIC

Peelman’s ‘Return’ to the music festival

By Helen Musa

composer-in-residence.

Peelman is equally adamant “YOU can have a festival that he refuses to be straightjacketed by that theme. with all the best music Peelman loathes didactic but it can be total music and says “drumming in a crap,” says outspoken theme would be a mistake”. director of the Canberra On the contrary, Peelman has engaged superb but at International Music times unpredictable artists, Festival, Roland such as Roger Woodward Peelman. (“You never know what you’re He has no intention of letting going to get from the most the 2018 Music Festival go that prominent pianist we have way, and tells “CityNews” that produced over the last half in his kind of festival “music century.”). must be performed by the right And Benjamin Bagby, the musicians… in a process of modern-day equivalent bard discovery”. who will perform, with subtiThe coming event is built Roger Woodward… “The most tles, a large slab of “Beowulf” around the idea of “Return” in Anglo Saxon accompanying prominent pianist we have – a return to the roots of our himself on the Celtic harp – produced over the last half language, to folk traditions and century.” seats are already selling out for improvisational styles, to the this 100-minute epic. singer-songwriter traditions, to the cradle of Another idea Peelman’s been grappling with Western concert music, a return home, a return is the neglect of indigenous music and, with that to normality, a return to nature and a return to in mind, has commissioned indigenous composer Canberra, the place of birth for Mary Finsterer, Brenda Gifford to create a new work inspired

by the passing of the coastal seasons for the festival’s slap-up gala opening on April 27 at the festival hub, the Fitters’ Workshop.

Gifford, he says, is simply a standout.

And, of course, soldiers return. In fact it will be 100 years in 2018 since they came home from The Great War and anyone who saw his predecessor Chris Latham’s “Flowers of War” concerts will know how that went. Stravinsky’s soldier’s tale is a poignant commentary on the same subject.

To give the festival depth, he’s developing the intellectual side of the event, with a reprise of the 2016 “Talk of the Town” sessions at Ainslie Arts Centre from Monday to Friday, designed to get more intimate groups talking about music.

The education-slanted days of music and talk at Canberra Grammar School will also return. The annual Barbara Blackman Lecture will serve a similar purpose.

Ultimately, his festival looks to be a wild ride with great musicians. “There’s a helluva lot to see,” he says. “But it’s all about music.”

The Canberra International Music Festival, The Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston, and various locations in the ACT, April 27-May 6. Program details and bookings to cimf.org.au

Prize-winning cartoonist David Rowe.

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THEATRE

A decade on and The Q season celebrates

By Helen Musa

THE 10th birthday year of The Q is coming and canny program manager Stephen Pike has chosen the theme “Let’s Celebrate!”

But he’s having second thoughts. “When I finally got it all together in one place, I realised it was largely a family affair… half the shows relate to family matters,” he tells “CityNews”.

A case in point is “The Magnolia Tree”, Michael Griffiths’ play that premiered this year at La Mama that lets the audience take a vote as to whether to put mum in a nursing home or help end her suffering.

As well, newish theatre company Free Fall Productions from Sydney is bringing David Auburn‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Proof”, centring around filial relationships and a mathematical “proof”, then in Hannie Rayson’s “Hotel Sorrento” three sisters, who grew up together by the seaside, return and things come undone.

“Jurassica”, a play by Dan Giovannoni dealing with family, migration and growing old, will be performed in English and Italian, the first time in years we’ve had a bilingual play.

At two showbiz-style launches held in the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on November 28, comedy star Queenie van de Zandt unveiled the highlights of the 2018 season to come, while Pike explained how he had ticked boxes like “engagement, inclusion, emotion and experience” in choosing shows.

In March, 2008, the doors opened on The Q, so nearby Bungendore satirists Shortis and Simpson will be working with Pike and local artists and a “hot” band to mark the anniversary with “Thank Q for the Memories”, which will feature a theme song written in a community song-writing workshop.

Canberra-raised singer and comedian van de Zandt was on hand in the guise of her outrageous stage persona, Jan van de Stool, International Musical Therapist, to foist her latest musical and life theories on the audience. She’ll be back with “Parting the Red Curtains”, written jointly with another famous former Canberran Peter J Casey.

But van de Zandt has a more serious side and Pike has also signed her up for a short season of a show about her favourite singer/songwriter, “BLUE: The Songs of Joni Mitchell”, where she’ll be joined by musical director Max Lambert and a band.

Many readers will have seen the movie starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant about the worst soprano in New York City, Florence Foster Jenkins, and now HIT Productions is bringing her story, “Glorious”, to town, directed by Denny Lawrence, who’ll also be staging “Hotel Sorrento”.

The Bicentennial Hall will be the scene for Adam Swanson’s “A Ragtime Piano Party”, to be performed in the round. Adam, sometimes called the “top young ragtime enthusiast in the UK”, will tinkle the ivories.

Next year’s Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council-backed musical will be “Downtown – The Mod Musical”, taking

“Prize Fighter”... the real-life story of playwright Future D. Fidel, who fled the Congo and lived in a Tanzanian refugee camp for eight years before being granted refugee status in Australia.

“Glorious”... the story about the worst soprano in New York City, Florence Foster Jenkins.

audiences back to freedom of a time when stars such as Petula Clark and Lulu ruled the airwaves. That theatrical warhorse, “Menopause the Musical” will also return.

In complete contrast will be the searing “Prize Fighter” from La Boite Theatre in Brisbane, the real-life story of playwright Future D. Fidel, who fled the Congo and lived in a Tanzanian refugee camp for eight years before being granted refugee status in Australia – that’s told through live boxing.

will present their ‘90s-themed musical show, “Children are Stinky”.

Apart from the official season, there is a huge list of book-ins, not least Free Rain Theatre’s “42nd Street”, Jarrad West’s production of “Fame” for Supa Productions, a Carole King show by Vika Bull and Debra Byrne and both the Australian and the Celtic Tenors.

There’ll hardly be a dark night in 2018.

The season winds up when Everyman Theatre returns in a production of the timeless courtroom drama and thriller, “Twelve Angry Men”, directed by Jarrad West with a cast of Canberra acting luminaries. Pike claims it’s “more relevant than ever in the age of Trump”.

He says “Morning Melodies” will return to cater to older patrons’ programs, while for children, comedians “The Listies” will bring “Ickypedia: A Dictionary of Disgusting New Words” to the stage, while Circus Trick Tease

“Let’s Celebrate!” at The Q, bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

Livewire director of the Young Music Society, composer Stephen Leek.

ARTS IN THE CITY

Stephen’s ‘exciting’ adventure

By Helen Musa CLASSES are filling up for the popular Young Music Society’s Summer Music School coming up in January.

“An exciting, summer music adventure” is how livewire director of the YMS, composer Stephen Leek, describes what’s coming up. There are separate programs for juniors, primary school ages and seniors, with the choral stream and advanced program for specialists. At Canberra Girls Grammar School, January 8-19. Registrations to youngmusicsociety.org.au THE Llewellyn Choir is finishing the year with “a Christmas treat”, the oratorio “L’Enfance du Christ” by Berlioz, a dramatic telling of the story of Herod’s persecution of a newborn “king” and the holy family’s flight into Egypt, sung in English. Soloists will be Rebecca Collins, Michael Martin, Rohan Thatcher, Andrew Fysh and Michael Wilson. At Wesley Uniting Church, 6pm, Saturday, December 16. Bookings to llewellynchoir.org.au MARUKI Community Orchestra takes its inspiration from London’s Albert Hall for its final concert for the year, performing Dvorak’s Symphony no.6, Elgar’s “Pomp & Circumstance No.1” and works by Gounod and Tchaikovsky. At Albert Hall, 3pm, Sunday, December 10.

20 CityNews December 7-13, 2017

Bookings to marukicommunityorchestra.org.au or tickets at the door.

THE next “Poetry at the House” reading will feature Bronwyn Lea from Brisbane and Canberra poets Paul Magee and Geoff Page, who organises the event. As he says: “I put myself on every four years or so.” At Fellows Bar, University House, 7.30pm, Wednesday, December 13. Bookings to gpage40@bigpond.net.au AUTHOR Angela Moyle has just self-published her third, Canberra-themed book for children. Her first book in 2013 was about a wombat digging into Parliament House, her second about a tourist-loving echidna. The new one tells of a kangaroo who helps out on Anzac Day. She hopes to get local kids to her book launch at Belconnen Arts Centre, 2pm-3pm, on Sunday, December 16. All welcome.

ORIANA Chorale will perform its 40th Christmas concert, “Tidings of Joy”, featuring selections from Britten’s teenage work “Christ’s Nativity”, modern English carols by Bennett, Bircutt, Howells and Jackson, and – surprisingly – music from 17th century Mexico.

At Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 5pm, Sunday, December 10. Bookings to orianachorale.com

CINEMA

There’s something about little Auggie

By Dougal Macdonald

“Wonder” (PG) WRITER/director Stephen Chbosky’s film is a family saga that confronts issues about growing up in a middle-class society underpinned by materialism and a nanny state environment.

Its basis is a novel by RJ Palacio about 11-year-old Auggie whose appearance due to a genetic aberration makes him look different from expected norms. He has had 27 surgical events to rebuild his face.

He wears a full-face helmet so that people won’t see his features. His mother Isabel (Julia Roberts) has home schooled him. Now it’s time to enrol at Beecher Elementary School to begin fifth grade.

The reaction of classmates is perhaps a cliché. He doesn’t look normal, so nobody wants to be his friend. When he turns out to be good at science, Jack (Noah Jupe) buddies up to him because he can be useful in class. His older sister Olivia a.k.a Via (Izabela Vidovic) loves him but she’s at high school now and can’t protect him, not that he expects protection. Via has her own issues involving friendships and whether to go for a part in a production of Thornton Wilder’s seminal stage play “Our Town”.

“Wonder” works on more than school issues. It’s cosy. It’s weepy.

It exemplifies decency while acknowledging that life isn’t all roses and examines the thorns. But most of all, it gives us Auggie, a character to whom it is easy to relate and admire and respect for his determination to transcend the bum deal that his genes dealt him. Its reflections of childhood and family have universal relevance. For those and other useful reasons in an imperfect world, it’s not surprising that it has already grossed $US73 million. Which it deserves more than any blockbuster.

Be not dismayed by Auggie’s face. Underneath the prostheses, young actor Jacob Tremblay has an agreeably normal face.

relationships, local politics, field techniques and the problems confronting getting recognised for professional competence. It’s hard to tell from the film which fiery moments are archive footage and which are CG. They’re all very scary.

“Only the Brave” evokes those seminal 1950s Westerns by men such as John Ford in which John Wayne led the US Cavalry on patrol or into battle singing “Garryowen” or “The Yellow Rose of Texas” as they rode.

The ethos feels much the same. The outcome may differ. At heart, it’s about people confronting danger.

They win some, they lose some.

The background to the closing credits is a roll-call of those who lost their lives in the US’s biggest firefighter death toll since NineEleven. The film’s depiction of its reality is convincing.

At Palace Electric, Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight

Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens.

“The Man Who Invented Christmas” (PG)

THIS is an easy film to watch but you might be forgiven for being a tad incredulous about its claim to telling how Charles Dickens came to write “A Christmas Carol”.

First editions of “Nicholas Nickleby”, “The Old Curiosity Shop” and “Barnaby Rudge” had not topped the charts. By 1843, financially strapped Dickens needed a success.

For reasons that director Bharat Nalluri and novelist Les Standiford know best, he decided to write and self-publish all within six weeks, a short novel about Christmas.

“A Christmas Carol” does not typify At Hoyts, Palace Electric and Capitol 6 modern observations of Christmas. Its message is about friendship, kindliness and generosity, virtues that are “Only the Brave” (M) nowadays suborned to a mercantile DIRECTOR Joseph Kosinski’s film monstrosity that overwhelms what pays homage to a team of Arizona drove Dickens to write it. firefighters and tells a story of courSusan Coyne’s screenplay adapts age and comradeship in a dangerous Standiford’s novel to offer Dan and unforgiving environment.

Stevens a chance to rather overplay Australians know a bit about Dickens. Christopher Plummer plays fighting bushfires. I think we do it dif- Scrooge and Jonathan Pryce plays ferently from American practices but Charles’ father John. The supportthe bottom line is the same – stop ing cast includes Ian McNeice as the fire before it engulfs the compublisher Chapman, Morfydd Clark munity. I live in a community where as Dickens’ wife, Miriam Margolyes as firefighters are volunteers. The team his housekeeper and Justin Edwards the film is honouring were salaried as his friend in difficult times. local government employees.

The plot rumbles along among Sean Flynn’s debut screenplay ghosts and 19th century London until memorialises the 19 men from a small Dickens finds a printer who, if the film Arizona community who lost their is to be believed, sets, prints, binds lives fighting a blaze heading toward and sells the whole of the first edition another small town. Flynn’s treatment in six days. Tiny Tim calls for a blessing of this sad tale begins several years on us every one. earlier, before the team qualified for At Capitol 6 and Hoyts Belconnen Hot Shot status. It looks at families,

DINING / passiontree velvet, civic

Passiontree Velvet… perfect for afternoon tea with a true treat.

Photos by Maddie McGuigan

Avo on lemon and rye sourdough.

Divine taste of edible luxury IN the centre of the Canberra Centre’s new beauty and wellness precinct sits a new patisserie and cafe dedicated to the world of edible luxury.

Inspired by the traditional tea houses of England and fine European patisseries, Passiontree Velvet is a special spot.

The menu sounds scrumptious, especially the sweet treats, which we’ll get to in a moment.

The food is divine and tastes out of this world.

When I first heard that Passiontree Velvet was in the precinct I thought: “How odd”, but it makes sense. The rows of macarons, tarts, cakes, pastries and other decadent desserts look as stunning as the rows of make-up surrounding the cafe.

Passiontree Velvet also presents stunning savoury fare.

Vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree options are available.

Breakfast includes freshly baked scones with jam and cream ($10) and a ham and cheese croissant ($8). I was after something more interesting and discovered the avo on toast ($12). It was created with house-made cashew cheese, basil oil and a delicately sliced and fanned half avo on lemon and rye sourdough. I loved the coffee and it was service with smiles all round.

All dishes have their own modern twist. For example, the wild mushrooms on toast, with shaved asparagus and poached eggs, served on rye sourdough, comes with lemon tahini ($18). It will be my pick next time.

If savoury isn’t your thing at breakfast, select the decadent chocolate french toast ($16) – chocolate ganache, orange marmalade, chocolate soil, macerated berries, brioche and vanilla ice cream.

Passiontree Velvet is a perfect spot for an afternoon tea or coffee with a true treat. How about the Rose Lychee – rosewater mousse coated in lychee glaze with crushed raspberries, white

chocolate ball and edible rose petals ($9.50)? So painfully pretty.

So, too, the Bergamot Tart – French Earl Grey infused milk chocolate mousse on top of an Earl Grey frangipane tart, decorated with feuilletine and lavender flower head ($9.50).

The bright yellow Tropics is very tempting indeed – mousse with a passionfruit centre, surrounded by a light coconut mousse and a fluffy dacquoise base ($9.50).

The celebration cakes are true works of art.

A small selection is available onsite and a larger selection online (order at least a week in advance). Just in time for Christmas is the Rudolf chocolate truffle cake made with tangy cherry mousse and chocolate buttercream.

It’s decorated with chocolate antlers and a macaron shell. Rudolf has sweet eyes and a red button nose ($89.95).

High tea is available ($34.95 per person), but only weekdays because

the café is too busy on weekends to cope.

Passiontree Velvet, shop DG 26, Level G, Monaro Mall, Civic.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5ish (9pm Fridays).

Dining-out guide...

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CALL 6189 0777 FOR MORE DETAILS CityNews December 7-13, 2017 21

DOMESTIC SKIPS

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A spectacular showing of Cornus capitata.

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REGULAR rain has been hugely beneficial for gardens and, combined with mild weather, many shrubs are flowering better than for several years.

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CHRIS COLEMAN

LJ0421.indd 1

is talking

CANBERRA

1/09/2016

I’m hearing there is more fruit on the trees this year. Dogwoods, especially those from North America, such as the popular Cornus florida were especially floriferous in Canberra.

Equally popular are the Asian varieties, mainly from China and Himalaya. In our garden the Cornus capitata is a sight to behold. The abundance of flower bracts almost hides the green leaves.

The flower bracts are followed by red, strawberrylike fruit loved by the birds towards autumn.

Sometimes referred to as the “strawberry tree” this should not be confused with the Arbutus unedo or the Irish Strawberry tree.

One has to watch out for the use of common names. C. capitata was planted many years ago at University House and Yarralumla Nursery, according to Lindsay Pryor.

Although I have not confirmed if they are still in existence.

Cornus 10:28 am kousa is another popular variety, known

in China as the “four-shining flower”. It was first reported by the famous plant hunter Ernest Wilson who found it growing in the wild in China in 1907.

It was thought to have been first introduced to the US in that year and into Britain three years later.

The European Cornelian Cherry, Cornus mas, grown for its flowers, not fruit, was planted

by Weston with his experimental plantings in Westbourne Woods in 1917. This was being considered as a possible street tree depending on its performance. I understand these are still alive and well in those locations. Unfortunately, quite a few of the Asian dogwoods died in the Canberra drought through insufficient regular watering.

chop to alstroemeria and chrysanthemum.

As mentioned previously the chop at this time includes Michaelmas daisies, Sedum “Autumn Glory” and, especially, the tall-growing Salvias.

Jottings...

• If you fed the plants in September, it’s time to repeat the exercise. Especially for those which have a long flowering period, such as roses.

• Time to plant Nerine bulbs for a late-autumn show.

• Time to raise the mower blades as the weather heats up.

• Finish tidying up bulbs by removing all foliage, green or not. Dig up bulbs in the wrong spot and store in a dry spot.

I RECENTLY suggested cutting back certain perennials to encourage extra flowers. Some readers were uncertain about how much to cut back.

This cutting back in the UK is referred to as the “Chelsea Chop”, which occurs in May at the time of the famous Chelsea Flower Show. The equivalent time here is in November for this chop to occur, although not too late but do this now without delay.

I have illustrated here an example in our garden with Echinacea or Cone Flower at present one metre tall and after the chop reducing it to 50 centimetres. Don’t worry if the odd flower is starting to appear, this chop will double the number of flowers in summer. I also give a lighter

in...

Echinacea over a metre tall.

Fall in love with where you live For bookings and enquiries email info@canberragardens.com.au or call Dinah 0422 628 190.

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Echinacea now 50 centimetres tall after the “chop”.

22 CityNews December 7-13, 2017

PUZZLES PAGE Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 622

Your week in the stars – December 11-17, 2017

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

You’re keen to escape somewhere soon. But – with Mercury reversing through your travel zone – expect delays and disruptions before you take off. Plenty of patience (not one of your strengths) and thorough planning are the keys. On the weekend you’ll feel motivated and inspired, as you do things in your own highly individual way. And you could have a brilliant light-bulb moment. But you could also make a rash decision that sees you jump from the frying pan into the fire!

Tax man hangs around office party

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Penny-pinching Saturn and retrograde Mercury are visiting your ‘money-fromothers’ zone, so financial matters are on your mind and your favourite word at the moment is (or should be) ‘thrifty’. If you’re expecting funds from others, be prepared to wait. And, if someone else is managing your money, make sure you have your finger on the pulse and know exactly what’s going on. With Mercury reversing until December 23, it is the ideal time to research, revise and rehearse.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Gregarious Geminis love nothing better than a good old chin-wag. But – with Mercury in retro mode – garrulous gossip and indiscreet chatter could get you into gigantic trouble. So think things through and choose your words wisely. Smart Twins will keep the channels of communication wide open, and be philosophical and realistic about a current challenge. Saturday is a fabulous time to surprise your partner with a special treat, meet a new friend or fall in love very fast!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Avoid being a clingy and complacent Crab. This week it’s time to be independent and make progressive decisions on your own – especially at work. If you stick to old ideas and outdated routines, then stagnation will set in. But if you are open to changes and communicate in innovative ways, then lucky opportunities will follow. Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Sir Richard Branson: “Every success story is a tale of constant adaptation, revision and change.”

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Single? Don’t go looking for love in the same old places. Be adventurous and cast your net wide. The more unconventional a potential partner is, the better. Already attached? Love won’t flourish unless you add a fresh ingredient to the romance menu. If you do, then you’ll both feel re-energised and the relationship will sparkle and shine. It’s also a good week to set gigantic goals and dream big dreams for the future, as the Sun and Uranus give you a sensational shot of confidence.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

There’s so much happening involving home and family this week that it will be hard to keep on top of everything. Others are relying on you, so don’t promise more than you can comfortably deliver. And don’t be too set about how the week should proceed. Some unpredictable Uranus spontaneity is just what the doctor ordered. It will stop you from being too cautious – and critical! And avoid making mountains out of molehills. The more relaxed you are, the better the week will be.

Solution next edition

Across 4 Sydney Harbour is also known as Port ... (7) 8 Name a more readily known term for otalgia. (7) 9 Which group of people were involved in a ten-year war with the Greeks? (7) 10 Name some heart-shaped edible bivalve molluscs.

(7) 11 What are lists of things to be done? (7) 12 Which type of telephone can be carried in one’s pocket? (6) 14 Which institution is for the care of the insane, etc? (6) 18 Name a term applicable to feathers. (7) 21 What is the seed of the flax called? (7) 22 What is the first letter of a proper noun? (7) 23 Name the hinged, movable flap of an aeroplane wing. (7) 24 Which sideboard has a set of shelves and drawers for dishes and cooking utensils? (7)

Down 1 Name an English orchestral conductor, Sir Thomas ...

(7)

2 Name a shrub of southern Africa, cultivated for its showy flowers. (5) 3 Which knife is used in surgical operations? (7) 4 What are goods thrown overboard to lighten a vessel in distress? (6) 5 Name a call used most frequently in the bush as a signal to attract attention. (5) 6 Which term describes malicious gossip? (7) 7 What are bird structures known as? (5) 13 Which rock is the principal ore of aluminium? (7) 15 Name the horse that won the 1996 Melbourne Cup. (7) 16 What is a renowned name associated with Australian boxing? (7) 17 What is an underground room or store? (6) 18 To have worked at something, is to have done what? (5) 19 What do we call an assumed name? (5) 20 What is the given name of the actor who played The Fonz? (5)

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mercury is reversing through the area of your horoscope that rules the internet, education and all forms of communication. So you may encounter problems at work or school; with online trolls; or with unpleasant people on social media. Don’t waste time worrying or retaliating! As birthday great Taylor Swift reminds us: “Haters gonna hate.” Just shake it off and get on with the business of living a big and beautiful Libran life. Saturday is a super day to attend (or organise) a surprise party.

Sudoku medium No. 211

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Are you stuck in a Scorpio rut? With unpredictable Uranus stirring up your horoscope, overdue changes to your daily routine will put an extra pep in your workday step. And take a close look at your personal values. Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their used-by date?

But be careful that your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping. Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-til-you-drop kind of week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week will work best if you do something completely out of character for a spontaneous Sagittarian – think before you speak. Otherwise (with Mercury reversing through your sign) your tendency to put your foot in your mouth could land you in heaps of hot water. You’ll also require the freedom to experiment and explore – and look out anyone who gets in the way! So it’s a wonderful week to express yourself creatively or go on a grand adventure with a loved one.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are wonderful things happening to everyone else? Do you feel overlooked and under-appreciated? Avoid being a cranky and carping critic Capricorn. With the Sun, Venus, Saturn and retro Mercury visiting your seclusion zone, success has certainly been slowed down. But that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.

Strive to be patiently persistent, and take a long-term view. Your time will come!

As birthday great Frank Sinatra declared: “The best revenge is massive success.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Grant called by saying he was troubled about Christmas. Not gifts, but the exposure to fringe benefits tax on his company's staff party and asking if there were any recent updates he needed to be aware of.

“There's no special legislation concerning Christmas parties and the general principles concerning entertainment apply to both FBT and income tax," I advised him.

"The most important thing to understand about FBT is that it only applies to employees – past, present or future – and does not apply to your clients. So if FBT is payable on your Christmas party then it should be tax deductible to the extent that it is subject to FBT. “You also need to be aware that any benefit under $300 a head is regarded as a minor benefit and is not subject to FBT. "If the Christmas party is held on your business premises, the situation is slightly different. If you invite only your staff and their associates then there is no FBT to be paid for your staff regardless of the cost. If no FBT is payable then the cost of the party is not tax deductible.

"The situation is different for the associates. If the cost for each partner or associate exceeds $300 then the whole payment for that person is subject to FBT. It should also be tax deductible. If you also invite clients, then the cost per client is not subject to FBT nor is it tax deductible.

Grant said he hadn't realised how complex a Christmas party could be and told me, this year, it would be held at a restaurant.

“If you go to a restaurant or other venue, away from your business premises, the situation will be different. If the cost exceeds $300 for each person, the full cost will be subject to FBT as it will also be for their associates. It will also be tax deductible.”

“I know that some of your staff are employed in other states and I assume that some or all of these staff will come to Canberra for the party. The $300 minor-benefit cost also includes their travel and accommodation if they come solely to attend the party.

"If they come for work purposes and incidentally attend the Christmas party, their travel costs should not be included in the $300. However, if they bring a partner or other associate, that person’s travel and accommodation costs will be included in the $300 threshold.”

“However, the good news is that the cost of any Christmas present is regarded as a separate benefit so is also subject to a $300 minor-benefit exemption. This means that you can provide each staff member with a meal costing less than $300 and a gift costing less than $300 and also provide the same for their associates.”

Grant was grateful for the clarification, but said he also had some general questions concerning client entertainment, which he'd pose at another appointment.

If you need guidance on FBT or any other tax related matter, please contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

6295 2844

Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston

Solutions from last edition

ABN 57 008 653 683

Sudoku hard No.210

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You need to be extra careful with cash this week Pisces. You’re feeling impulsive and won’t require much encouragement to shop up a storm, as the Sun and Uranus boost your pre-festive spirits and your spontaneous spending gene. So be careful you don’t blow a big hole in your Christmas budget. With four planets visiting your professional and reputation zone, you’ll be in the public eye over the festive season. So make sure you’re putting on a jolly good show!

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 621

You’ll feel restless this week and your boredom threshold will be at an all-time low.

You’re definitely not in the mood to be told what to do. So make sure you have an exciting project to channel all that excess energy into, otherwise you’ll drive yourself (and others) crazy with your wild and wacky ways. On Saturday the Sun trines your ruler Uranus, which activates your adventurous side. And, if you must be rebellious, make sure you’re a rebel with a worthwhile cause.

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

Listen to our tax tips on 2CA and 2CC (Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)

info@gailfreeman.com.au • www.gailfreeman.com.au Follow us on Facebook

• Follow us on Twitter @gailfreemantax CityNews December 7-13, 2017 23

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To make an appointment call (02) 6230 6253 or visitthegrove.com.au The Grove, 1 Monty Place Ngunnawal ACT | 02 6230 6253 The information contained in this advertisement (including details of amenities provided in the village and pricing) was correct as at December 2017, but may change. Whilst Lendlease endeavours to ensure that the information in this advertisement is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy. Prospective purchasers must make and only rely on their own assessments and seek their own professional advice in all respects.