CityNews 181206

DECEMBER 6, 2018

Labor’s hypocrisy over ‘gambling harm’

JON STANHOPE

Growing mysteries of ‘significant’ trees

PAUL COSTIGAN

Teens bring hope to the climate horizon

MICHAEL MOORE Paws for thought in the garden

CEDRIC BRYANT

It’s a Miracle!

KIRSTY BUDDING’S local twist on a Christmas classic Opening Roof Sunrooms Decks

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NEWS / cover story

Kirsty’s heart-warming, local Christmas ‘Miracle’

By Helen

MUSA WHEN it comes to reliable, heartwarming Christmas theatrical fair, it’s hard to go past “Miracle on 34th Street”.

The 1947 triple-Oscar-winning film centred on an elderly man who takes a temporary job as a Santa Claus (Kris Kringle) actor after his predecessor, Bad Santa, is fired.

The children love him and he inspires everyone to believe in the magic of Christmas, but his belief that he is really Santa Claus leads to the assumption that he is insane and a consequent court hearing.

Now Canberra director and drama teacher, Kirsty Budding, is staging her own twist on the story, “Miracle on 34th Street, Canberra”.

Not only does it give her cast of mostly children a wonderful range of characters to play, from a newsreader to an elf, but she’s directing it with double casts so that all the kids get a chance to perform.

Budding’s play presents an Australian slant on the American film and book, with the story now set in Canberra.

“It’s the same general structure but it’s got lots of opportunities for jokes with a local setting,” she says.

Cast members of “Miracle on 34th Street, Canberra”, from left, Sophie Kelly, Lilia Wilson, Mischa Lopez, Cliff White (centre, as Kris Kringle), Rosie Welling, Zahra Zulkapli and Zacharie Zulkapli.

Photo and cover by Greg Gould “The Santa figure works at the Canberra Centre and ends up before a judge in the High Court.”

As with the original, she says, her version expresses the spirit of Christmas.

“The play has a sense of bringing people together so that they can be optimistic in the face of cynicism,” she says.

INDEX

But she’s written it in such a way that children can understand it, with lots of physical comedy but also with a subtext that adults will understand.

“I think I can say it will appeal to the whole family – adults and children, everyone together,” she says.

Budding reports that she’s kept the American name Kris Kringle because she didn’t want to mess with an icon.

She had a real find in mature-age actor Cliff White, whom she’d met a couple of years ago during a “Crash Test Drama” project. He and his wife Joan have since joined in many of her stage ventures.

“The kids love working with Cliff,” she says, “just as they should with a character who captivates the children to believe in the magic of Christmas.”

Budding is the director and assistant director Matilda Saddington deals with movement, but White has the age and clout to act as a mentor to the kids during rehearsal.

In what’s becoming an annual tradition, Budding has hired the Courtyard Studio at the Canberra Theatre Centre for a packed three days comprised of six performances of “Miracle”, a short season of her own silly Christmas comedy scripts written for adults and one-off charity variety show “Under The Mistletoe”.

Comedienne Maddy Weeks will introduce local musicians, comedians, dancers and theatre performers of all ages. Saddington, for instance will perform the skit, “Mrs Claus Dumps Santa”, while Linda Bakewell will play “Christmas makes me cry: a retrospective”.

As for Budding’s own silly plays, she is proud to call them “wild”. One, the political satire “Mean Girls Australia”, sees leaders such as Barnaby, Malcolm and Tony dressed up like the characters from the 2004 American cult comedy “Mean Girls”.

“Miracle On 34th Street Canberra”, 10am, noon and 2pm, December 15-16; Short festive comedies for adults, 8pm, December 14-15; and “Under the Mistletoe”, charity variety show, 6pm, December 15. All at Courtyard Theatre, book at 6275 2700.

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Prize for good neighbour Lyn. Story Page 9.

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SEVEN DAYS

Kerryn and the independent art of being seen DR Kerryn Phelps dominated parliament’s return. Understandable given her historic victory in the Sydney seat of Wentworth.

But in reality, the GP is more at home in Canberra than most political newbies thanks to her time as Federal president of the AMA more than a decade ago. Phelps didn’t waste time getting back into the real business of the “bubble”. Delivering her maiden speech Monday, she was on the lawns of Parliament House Tuesday addressing two rallies, posing with a baby and hanging out with a rock star.

A quick learner, this new kid.

Dr Phelps spoke to healthcare professionals and supporters at the Protect the Children, Act on Climate rally

The new member, Dr Kerryn Phelps, gets into the swing of things parliamentary.

before shifting to the adjacent and better subscribed Kids Off Nauru protest. A staged huddle with fellow independents including Andrew Wilkie, Rebekha Sharkie and Derryn Hinch sent a message back up the hill as Phelps accepted a petition from school students. Then as she and her new besties turned to trek back to the house Phelps spotted cameras again, adroitly changed direction, wrestled a plastic box (containing the petition) from Andrew Wilkie and posed for the umpteenth photo of the day. All this before noon.

Jimmy Barnes, his wife Jane Mahoney and their elderly, diabetic, schnauzer “Ollie” rocked up to add their voices to the message being sent to the Morrison government. An angry Barnes said as an immigrant himself he was “ashamed” mainstream politicians had not bothered to attend the rally. For Jane it was a return to her hometown. A diplomat’s daughter, she grew up in the inner-south suburb of Curtin, attending Girls Grammar and the ANU. ONE political player who certainly knows her way around Canberra was also back.

Bronwyn Bishop, who wrote the book on how to get noticed in Canberra, was in town for her portrait unveiling as part of the Speakers’ collection. Arriving in 1987 as a senator, moving to the lower house in the ‘90s, Bishop’s long public career is impressive and colourful but it’s the manner in which she was removed from Parliament – “Choppergate” – that hovers over her history.

talented personality, who also hosts the local 666 breakfast radio show, has been dropped in the deep end at the last minute. Viewers heard the voice of the NSW presenter in the background as an apologetic Bourchier came on screen and soldiered on through the debacle which insiders claim is the result of a new automated editing system.

CROSS-border rivalry will reach fever pitch in Launceston next year as the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and the Yass Valley Information Centre vie for a national title at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

The Yass body won gold for the best provider of Information Services at the NSW tourism awards and joins the ACT and other jurisdictions for the national award on March 1.

“Nettie” the decorated Mazda… victim of the final payback for a year of wacky pranks among staff and leavers at Malkara School.

TWO former Canberrans have experienced the inevitable insecurity of a political career.

Retired Maj-Gen Jim Molan’s Senate career is all but over after the NSW Liberal Party relegated him to the “unwinnable” spot on the forthcoming ticket. And former Canberra sex-industry lobbyist Fiona Patten is struggling to hold her Victorian Upper House seat, although the Reason Party leader doesn’t need to join a Centrelink queue just yet.

Victorious Labor premier Daniel Andrews has come to her aid describing Patten as “a

loss to the parliament”, adding “I’m sure we could find her some different roles”.

CANBERRA ABC TV news anchor Dan Bourchier came to the rescue of the 7pm NSW bulletin after “embarrassing technical glitches”. It’s not the first time the multi-

END-of-year school shenanigans have begun. The decorated Mazda (pictured) spotted in the carpark of the Malkara School, at Garran, is apparently the final payback for a year of wacky pranks among staff and leavers.

“Nettie” will spend her summer stewing on a square-up. Post-it notes are always fun until someone gets stuck on revenge.

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CANBERRA MATTERS / trees

The growing mysteries of ‘significant’ trees WE love our trees in Canberra. The ACT government’s decisions on trees are often contradictory and not in the context of long-term strategies for the bush capital. It continues to make a mess of the legacy it inherited.

There are endless tales of strange decision-making about trees.

There’s that large tree caught between buildings alongside the Manuka Cinema. The owner wishes the tree gone so she can redevelop the whole site. The Significant Tree Police say “no”. Locals have mixed feelings.

Nearby, a large old pine in bad condition on the border between two heritage buildings is so dangerous that insurance companies will no longer cover it for any damage. The owners would replace it with more friendly trees if allowed. Significant Tree Police say “no”. What are they thinking?

Behind the Greek Church in Kingston a line of magnificent gums are being sacrificed for a development.

Significance is not an issue?

In Downer on the corner of

You can live with the past while looking intelligently to the future simultaneously. The ACT government should try it.

Antill and Northbourne, significant and cherished well-established gums were sacrificed for storage space for the tram works.

In the centre of Downer, a townhouse estate was left with a large gum in the centre with threatening branches looming over rooftops. Despite calls for action, this significant tree must be left alone. Really?

Along Limestone Avenue there are gums in very bad condition.

They have struggled through many dry summers on the middle strip with no watering. There are many threatening branches reaching out over traffic.

Car parks used to have ample trees to make them less ugly. When older car parks are removed the tree canopy is reduced. For instance, when the Dickson car park makes way for a new supermarket, 70 trees will no longer add to the suburban ambience.

This government is doing whatever it takes to reduce the number of trees

within the Section 72 (Parklands) site. It has 600 plus with many well established and very significant.

Any “significance” is being ignored for the sake of the government’s unwanted development proposals to infill this site.

At West Basin the significance of established trees and biodiversity is consistently diminished in the haste to sell and concrete over for an apartment suburb along the heritage foreshore. This lakeside proposal remains one of many dumb developments being forced through by the ACT’s Labor/Greens government.

Early this year the government announced with great enthusiasm that there was money for new trees in Weston Creek. Residents commented that many more looked like being removed for development.

Meanwhile, Campbell residents want inappropriate zoning changed so that developments do not continue to reduce the trees, birds and biodiversity across this once green-rich suburb.

What has replaced the former grand tree-lined entrance to Canberra along Northbourne? My assessment of the trees and landscape design

Gosse Street, Kingston… gums to go for development.

Manuka tree… waiting to do significant damage.

Photos by Paul Costigan

alongside the new trams will appear in 2019. Also coming soon will be a look at the success or otherwise of the 2004 design for the National Arboretum in Canberra. Was the hundred forests design the right choice for this now parched location?

Particular ministers and supporters have said those who are concerned about the stewardship of the city’s greenery and biodiversity are “people living in the past”. This is correct. It is intelligent to care for the past, being our urban forests, while looking to plan through good integrated design to lessen the effects of climate change.

You can live with the past while looking intelligently to the future simultaneously. The ACT government should try it.

This government and its planning bureaucrats remain out of step with the community aspirations as the urban environment becomes drier and hotter. The people of Canberra deserve better. We could start by appointing an agency independently charged with stewardship of the totality of our urban forests. When trees have to go, there should be replacements and a few more. The number of trees needs to be increased – not reduced.

We love our trees.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

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Prize for good neighbour Lyn

Boy, has this town changed!

LYN Woodward is the ACT Neighbourhood Watch Member of the Year for 2018.

Fast forward 18 years and I have returned with a husband, son and daughter, a career, an SUV and a whole lot of ‘stuff’.

I’M fortunate to have grown up in Canberra. Like many, my childhood memories feature the fun of bike riding around the lake, the thrill of going to the cosmopolitan cinema with friends in the school holidays, the queasiness of driving down the twisty Clyde Mountain to get to the coast.

That was until Canberra got “totally boring” as a teen and I declared that Canberra was a “hole”. This was in 1999, mind you.

So I saw the new millennium in, making sure that Y2K didn’t crash every computer and us all into oblivion, danced the night away at the Gypsy Bar (remember that place?) and then I promptly moved to Sydney.

Fast forward 18 years and I have returned with a husband, son and daughter, a career, an SUV and a whole lot of “stuff”.

And, boy, has Canberra changed, at least through the lens I am now seeing it with.

Canberra is tremendously child-friendly, I am pleased to report.

The sweet spots of my childhood – the Yarralumla train, Kambah adventure playground, Questacon’s amazing preschool section “Mini Q” and Floriade, are a delight to rekindle with my kids.

The new places we have enjoyed so far have been impressive: PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House is an inviting indoor space designed for imaginative play and, at only $2 for entry, it’s a great wetweather alternative if your nervous system and budget won’t extend to an indoor play centre.

PlayUP’s rather lofty principle to encourage kids to explore the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child went over my preschoolers’ heads but it makes for some great content and reading materials for the grown-ups. The large-sized building blocks, crafts, comfy reading areas and play kitchen are a hit with my kids. I had to sneak my coffee upstairs (sshhh, don’t tell..) but the Old Parliament House cafe is a good starting point for morning tea before heading to PlayUP. Boundless, The Centenary of Canberra National Playground down by the lake, is another gem of a play space, an all-abilities playground with state-of-the-art play equipment on which children of all ages and abilities can play safely and inclusively. It is Canberra’s most popular playground, according to a recent University of Canberra report.

Fully gated with toilet and change facilities (which is a huge tick), my kids spent a lot of time on Boundless’ roundabout, swings and the unique sensory garden.

It’s the first of its kind here and a wonderful example of public and private enterprise chipping in to make this special community space happen.

I’m particularly interested to see how stage two of the playground’s plans will roll out, with the plan to build a nearby kiosk as a social enterprise, to not only support the caffeine needs of sleep-deprived parents but, more importantly, to help young people with disability gain training and employment. Amazing idea.

I am thrilled to be home and look forward to sharing my “ex-pat” observations with you as my young family discovers my old/new home town.

Kate Meikle is a staff writer and director of “CityNews”

KATE MEIKLE

Lyn Woodward and her Neighbourhood Watch award.

BRIEFLY Catherine earns a whole lot of success MITCHELL-based Wholistic Financial Solutions has been named Accounting Firm of the Year in this year’s NSW SMSF & Accounting Awards. The ACT business won three state awards – more than any other finalist. Led by CEO and founder Catherine Smith, Wholistic Financial Solutions was also awarded Multi-Service Firm of the Year and Tax and Compliance Firm of the Year.

Big record event THE Vinyl Lounge Record Fair, with hundreds of records on sale, will be held in the National Film and Sound Archive courtyard, Acton, 5.30pm-7.30pm on Friday, December 7. All genres of music will be on sale, including blues, jazz, rock, metal, hip hop, prog, reggae and funk.

Food for thought FORMER Assembly Speaker Greg Cornwall reports from the Sabah Hotel, Sandakan, Borneo, that the following printed advice was placed on every table in the buffet meal dining room: “Save it or waste it. Unfinished food will be charged at RM10 per 200g.” He says that while this equates only to about three of our cents it’s a timely reminder we could emulate.

President of ACT NHW Margaret Pearson says: “She is a marvellous advocate for NHW; spreading the word to many through her other varied activities like clogging, family history group and other Tuggeranong ‘55 Plus Club’ events.

“Lyn is always willing to talk about NHW and encourage locals to join and be part of what has become an active community association.

“She is the person who ‘walks the walk and talks the talk’ for anything involved with NHW in her area.”

Lyn is a member of Bonython NHW and has been an active member of the committee for more than nine years.

When Bonython NHW first started, and before they had access to the

Community Hall, Lyn offered up her home for regular meetings.

She is the Bonython newsletter editor, collecting and delivering editions to other distributors and local members.

The award recognises an individual who has volunteered their time as a member of ACT NHW. They empower people and communities through strong and effective partnerships that promote the safety, security and wellbeing of the local community.

Acting superintendent Intelligence and Community Safety Kylie Lawson said: “It’s people like Lyn who bring neighbours together.

“ACT Policing relies on information from the public to help solve crime, but it’s also important that neighbours talk to and look out for each other, share what’s happening in their community and stay safe.”

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OPINION / community clubs

Conflicted Labor’s hypocrisy over ‘gambling harm’ THE ACT Labor/Greens government has recently outlined a raft of changes to the regulation of gaming machines and Canberra’s community clubs.

They say they are doing this because they are “committed to reducing gambling harm” in Canberra.

This is hypocritical nonsense.

There is a widely held view, which I share, that the government is far more motivated by payback for the political position adopted by some clubs at the last election than it is by concern for gamblers.

The Labor Party is after all, through an entity it controls, one of the largest owners and operators of poker machines in Canberra. The CFMEU, a union affiliated with the Labor Party and a significant and influential organ of its ACT branch, similarly controls an entity that owns and operates a large number of poker machines. The Labor and Tradies Clubs, and a small number of clubs with links of one sort or another to the government, have scabbed on ClubsACT and established a breakaway group through which, one assumes, it will hope to leverage its favoured status with its Labor and Greens mates as the so-called gambling reforms are rolled out.

Put simply if the Labor Party was serious about reducing gambling harm from poker machines it wouldn’t, as reported in 2016/17, own and operate 489 of them, generating

If the Labor Party was serious about reducing gambling harm from poker machines it wouldn’t own and operate 489 of them. $13,394,933 or 14 per cent of total net poker machine revenue in the ACT, to bankroll its operations and pay for its election campaigns.

The Labor Party and the CFMEU, in 2016/17, through their respective clubs, together operated 956 poker machines which generated $23,911,997 or 25 per cent of the total poker machine revenue generated in Canberra.

It is claimed that upwards of 60,000 people in Canberra have been affected at levels ranging from significant to very serious as a result of poker machine use. This is undoubtedly an issue of major concern.

If one extrapolates the relative proportion of total revenue garnered by the Labor Party alone from the poker machines it operates against the same proportion of people in Canberra harmed by gambling on poker machines, then the ACT branch of the Labor Party is directly responsible for the gambling harm experienced by 8400 Canberrans. It seems reasonable then to ask Labor representatives, at both a territory and Federal level, all of whom benefit from the revenue generated by Labor’s poker machines, if they accept any responsibility for that harm.

Putting the hypocrisy of the government to one side there remain a number of problematic aspects to the so called reforms: These include: • T he broad-scale breaches of privacy resulting from the clandestine collection of personal information about people visiting clubs, which clubs are mandated to collect, without the approval or knowledge of the people involved, to provide to the government in the form of Gambling Incident Reports.

• Concern that the Chief Minister, who has lavished millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money on an out-oftown professional men’s AFL team, proposes to restrict the capacity of Canberra clubs, created and sustained by local residents for the express purpose of supporting local professional men’s and women’s sport, from continuing to do so.

• T he contradictory and hypocritical decision by Labor and the Greens to oppose support for professional men’s sport in stark contrast to their lack of qualms about poker machine revenue being used to support and sustain professional politicians, namely themselves.

• T he proposal to increase the tax

on gaming revenue by a further 0.8 per cent and hypothecate half that amount to a charity, Hands Across Canberra, to pass on as grants to community organisations. There appears to be no good reason why this tax should not be paid into consolidated revenue and disbursed through the usual mechanisms and subject to the same rigorous standards that should apply to all taxpayer funds.

• T he cosy arrangement with Hands Across Canberra has also unfortunately politicised the charity, indeed it is already referred to throughout the club sector as “Hands in our Pockets”. It also sets a dangerous precedent for the unsupervised and unaccountable disbursement of public monies.

• The role which the Labor government, with the unquestioning support of the Greens, plays as a regulator of gaming machines when its administrative arm has a multi-million dollar interest in the gaming machine industry. It is highly likely that as a result of the latest increases in taxation and charges, changes to the regulatory regime and the government sucking up to the casino that smaller clubs will not survive. The

larger and stronger clubs, such as the Labor Club, facing less competition, will prosper. In other words it is almost certain that the latest round of gaming reforms being pursued by the Labor government will financially benefit the Labor Party.

Without disputing that harm from gambling is a serious issue requiring a concerted response from government and the club sector, the current knee jerk, politically driven response risks doing great harm to community clubs, which for a staggering number of Canberrans, particularly from the lower-income quintiles, are central to their capacity to participate in the life of the Canberra community.

As a postscript: where have the unions been in all this as the government openly attacks jobs and undermines the capacity of workingclass families, pensioners and older Canberrans to enjoy a meal or a night out with family or friends in a safe, inviting and affordable place?

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LETTERS

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POLITICS / climate change

Teens bring hope to the climate horizon UNPRECEDENTED firestorms in parts of Queensland, drought across the west of NSW; tropical style hurricanes in Sydney… and still the Federal government sits on its hands fiddling at the edges while Rome burns.

The reactionary elements of the Liberal Party still deny climate science and they hold the rest of the party hostage. Even Malcolm Turnbull was unable to move on one of his strongest reasons for being in politics. The community is supposed to accept the fossil fuel industry and its large, opaque political donations have no influence in decision making.

Fortunately, it is our youth that’s taking the issue seriously. The future is in good hands.

Our young people have demonstrated a better understanding of the issues and what needs to be done. The school students’ School Strike 4 Climate Action was reported internationally.

The BBC reported: “The idea started with Milou Albrecht and Harriet O’Shea Carre, both 14, in the state of Victoria”.

The BBC report made Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comment look foolish. He told Parliament: “What we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools.”

Harriet O’Shea’s response put him in his place: “The climate change emergency is something we have been thinking about for a long time. We wrote letters and did different things but they never seemed to make a difference”.

Exercise of political power from our teenagers is something our community should value with pride. Many of these young people may not vote in the next election. However, they will certainly be at the polling booths at the following election. No doubt Twitter and other social media has gone wild – and this will influence election outcomes.

Contrast the lack of action of the Federal government with that of the ACT government under Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

The ACT has provided serious leadership in setting goals and targets to address climate change. In August, 2015, Barr made the commitment that “Canberra will be the first capital and the largest city in Australia to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025”.

By August this year, Barr was able to

The ACT has provided serious leadership in setting goals and targets to address climate change. present an improved, revised outcome when entering negotiations with the Federal government over the National Energy Guarantee.

He announced “the ACT has been a leader in Australian climate policy for over a decade.

We will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity in 2020, and have driven the establishment of new major wind and solar facilities in the Canberra region and beyond, creating thousands of new jobs in the process”.

His long-term vision was being realised. The rhetoric was about the future. It flies in the face of the easy political put down of “politicians can only think as far as the next election”.

Three years ago he announced: “The government will continue to divest the ACT investment portfolio of high-carbon-emitting companies and sectors – all without costing the Canberra community one cent in lower returns.

“For a city striving to become the ‘knowledge capital’, this policy is the right thing to do”.

It was not about sacrifice, but about predicting a renewable economy. “We’ve already seen a 400 per cent increase in renewable energy jobs in the past five years, and there will be more to come,” he said.

Although the rhetoric for Labor governments across Australia has been clear, the conservative governments are still bound by their reactionary elements and by their financial commitments.

On this issue they remain stultified by the worst sort of inertia.

The future is fraught. Around the world there has been an explosion of governments of the extreme right. However, in Australia, hope is on the horizon.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

IS BURT (the Braddon United Retailers and Traders) really serious about making the roundabouts in Braddon “celebrated icons” of adversity, challenges and triumphs (“Seven Days”, CN November 22)?

It was bad enough that the Chief Minister spent a fortune of public money on rainbowing the other roundabout to promote the “Yes” vote for gay marriage without any consultation with the public and no democracy for the “No” voters, but now BURT wants more public money spent decorating the rest.

Please BURT if you want to do something so nonsensical, pay for it yourselves and stop giving Barr silly ideas, he has enough of them without your help.

Given, as you say, the rainbow roundabout is “the butt of jokes of the rest of the country” then how can you believe more of the same will receive a better response? Wouldn’t it be better to simply delete the rainbow roundabout and cease being seen to be so stupid?

Vi Evans, via email

Praise for park monument RECENTLY I “discovered“ the SIEVX memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives attempting to arrive in Australia. I was competing in the Australian Disc Golf Competition at Weston Park.

After my round I went back, wandered around the bollards and pondered. The two stories; the memorial and the tragedy, deserve more recognition. Well done the people of Canberra. SIEVX is now etched in my mind as it will be in all park users, walkers, bikers, picnic goers, nature lovers and now the frisbee golf community.

conveniently to particular far-off or multiple destinations throughout the day or night.

Already residents are having to express their concerns formally about high volumes of such backstreet traffic creating new “rat runs” along similarly older-style suburban streets in adjacent suburbs, all the way to Civic, as drivers avoid doubling back towards an intersection on Northbourne to join the congested, six-lane traffic fray there.

Such a traffic management approach is an easy “win-win” for the developers and ACT government, at least until the next election, but not for residents and the character and physical amenity of their surroundings.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Drive the money train THE Federal Government still doesn’t seem to understand that voters aren’t really interested in slowing growth of government expenditure and getting the Budget back into balance and keeping it there.

These are opaque subjects not easily politically digested by the average Aussie. The Libs must get on the money train and take it around Australia. If things don’t change Labor will be driving the train when it reaches the terminus next May. Colliss Parrett, Barton

Listen to the scientists

MATTHEW Cossey’s response (CN, November 15) to a letter by Cedric Bryant cannot go unchallenged as it paints a rosy picture about the chemical glyphosate.

There is a significant body of evidence that suggests Terry Bohan, Geelong, Victoria there are significant questions regarding the impact of glyphosate on human health. There is an enormous amount of credible literature on concerns regarding glyphosate.

“GRUMPY” reader Nasis Ellis (“Manuka’s becoming a noNZ scientists suggested that there is “sufficient go zone”, CN, November 29) is spot on about the traffic and parking burdens being imposed on suburban streets evidence” of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.

The Netherlands has banned non-commercial use of and their existing residents, as the ACT government glyphosate. The fact that there is a growing body of and developers place yet more large blocks of high-rise, scientific evidence regarding glyphosate should be multi-unit buildings on sites that back on to streets designed in the 1950s-60s for traffic belonging to mainly of concern to us all. Chronic kidney disease in several countries has been linked to glyphosate, hard water and single-level dwellings.

The deleterious future impacts on all inhabitants along nephrotoxic metals.

We live in a world where scientific evidence is given these streets seem to be waved aside, if not ignored. scant respect and even called “crap”. It is time to listen to For example, in Dickson a major high-rise residential scientists and make decisions based on good scientific complex facing Northbourne Avenue will force all evidence. vehicles from its massive underground carpark to use a To say that glyphosate is a safe chemical is bending the house-lined street at its rear for entering and leaving the facts a long way. complex.

This cunning “solution” that prevents use of Asoka Wijeratne, via email Northbourne, so assisting traffic flow there, is expected to be replicated for other major complexes planned for the edges of the inner-north suburbs that abut the Northbourne/City Gateway boulevard precinct.

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au Locals recognise that, despite the light rail’s existence, or write to the editor at: they and many new residents in close proximity to it will 9b / 189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911 still need to use private transport often, to travel more

Traffic misery of the inner north

Write to us

The Canberra Business Chamber is moving!

We are looking forward to a great start to 2019 in our exciting new offices with business commencing as usual by 14 January.

Wishing all of our valued members and the broader Canberra community a safe and joyous holiday period.

Our new address: Level 3, 243 Northbourne Avenue Lyneham, ACT 2602

Phone: 02 6247 4199 I canberrabusiness.com CityNews December 6-12, 2018 11

THE GADFLY

An uncivil war of science v. ignorance ONE day last week America produced the perfect illustration of the forces that are tearing that country apart.

US science achieved the stunning feat of gently landing a spacecraft on Mars; and simultaneously the Trump White House released an uncompromising rebuttal of a report on the devastating effects of climate change.

Said Trump: “I don’t believe it.”

The uncivil war between the two contending forces – of science and wilful ignorance – could hardly be more scarily demonstrated. Nor could the stark consequences of victory or defeat for Australia’s future and that of our beautiful, blue planet.

For most of us born in the twentieth century, America was always the best and brightest hope for a future of freedom and prosperity. And for decades it fulfilled its promises. Kennedy grasped the scientific challenge to put a man on the moon. Johnson’s Great Society attacked racial injustice.

Nixon for all his faults brought China back into the community of nations. Reagan triumphed over

The Trump White House released an uncompromising rebuttal of a report on the devastating effects of climate change. Said Trump: ‘I don’t believe it.’

Soviet Communism and ended the Cold War. Admittedly, there was a dark side.

Johnson oversaw the horrors of Vietnam; Nixon gave us Watergate; and Reagan’s successors – usually named Bush – began the idiotic Middle East adventures that resulted in the catastrophe of Iraq and Afghanistan leading to a refugee exodus that threatened the great EU experiment.

But throughout, America held aloft the banner of objective truth, scientific rigor and the democratic principle.

However, today those values are under attack from the figure who used to be their standard bearer. Instead of joyous presidential applause for the men and women who built that incredibly complex space craft – deliciously named “Insight” – propelled it 54,600,000 kilometres through space and landed it smoothly and expertly on the red planet, Donald J Trump chose that moment to sneer and scoff at a warning that unless we act now we

could eventually make our own planet uninhabitable.

He knows he’s in for a fight. He’s used his power and influence to nullify the Supreme Court that might otherwise check the presidential misdemeanours and felonies. He has cleared the way to sack the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is investigating the validity of his election.

In this war, Mueller is democracy’s arms and ammunition manufacturer, and when his arsenal is complete he will launch his assault in the court of public opinion via the media whom Trump has dubbed “the enemy of the people”. No one outside his staff knows when the big guns will fire but we should not be surprised if it happens tomorrow.

When battle is joined between blue and red – the watery globe we cherish versus the baking incandescence of a Martian wilderness – we who have chosen democracy should not be afraid to weigh in. After all, we have joined America on the battlefield in every skirmish since World War II. And it’s our SES volunteers, our native fauna and our towns and

GOOD PEOPLE Grateful praise for mystery man Michael Another story in our occasional series on good people in our community.

Reader COLLEEN THORNTON praises a man she knows only as Michael...

Characterture by Paul Dorin. cities that are taking the hit as fire and flood ravages our continent.

But do we really believe that the man who lovingly carried a lump of coal into the Australian Parliament will come down on the side of Insight?

Good luck with that one. robert@robertmacklin.com

RECENTLY, after parking my car, I ducked into the local shops at Kippax Fair to have a quick coffee with friends.

About to drive home, as I went to return my purse into my handbag, the bag wasn’t there! Instead, there was a lovely short letter saying: “Hi. You left your handbag on your passenger seat with the window open. I’ve put it out of sight in the back. Have a great day, Michael.”

I knew I’d locked the car, but clearly missed the fact that the passenger window was down!

What a kind, considerate man… I had no way of thanking him. So, the least I could do is spread the news of this “Good Samaritan” named Michael.

Have you met any “good people” lately? Tell us about them at editor@citynews.com.au

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CHRISTMAS GIVING

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Clock’s ticking, time to get those presents sorted Colourful burst for a creative Christmas ECKERSLEY’s Art and Craft in Phillip, Belconnen, and its new, relocated Braddon location, plans to make this Christmas colourful, says marketing manager Maria Ludden.

“Eckersley’s Art and Craft has Christmas all wrapped up for you,” she says.

“At Eckersley’s you’ll find the perfect gifts for all your creative loved ones, from paint sets by Winsor and Newton and Liquitex, new marker sets from Copic, Faber-Castell and Tombow, and an array of kids’ activity sets including Tobbie the Robot, [which is the] 2018 award winner for Educational Product of the Year.”

Maria says Eckersley’s staff mostly come from creative, skilled backgrounds, so they’re happy to use their experience to inspire gift buyers.

“When somebody comes in the store our staff have that knowledge, which means they can find that perfect gift,” she says.

“We’re the largest art and craft retailer in Canberra and we’ve also recently launched a new website so if people can’t come in to the store they can shop online.”

But whether it’s online or in store, Maria says Eckersley’s is celebrating Christmas with up to 60 per cent off selected products.

And, if people are really stuck for ideas, Maria says people can treat their loved ones with a Eckersley’s gift card.

Eckersley’s Art and Craft. Visit eckersleys.com.au

Close encounters of the luxury kind FOR a memorable Christmas gift idea, Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium offers guests a five-star accommodation and dining experience alongside the thrill of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals, says communications officer, Meg De Sousa.

“Imagine sharing a glass wall between you and a lion, or hand-feeding a giraffe at our Giraffe Treehouses!” says Meg.

“Everything is five-star from the rooms to the zoo tours, to the free-flowing champagne and premium dining. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

A stay includes safari tours, a five-course dinner and exclusive animal encounters in exclusive accommodation.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge, National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra. Visit jamalawildlifelodge.com.au or call 6287 8444.

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Belconnen Level 3, Westfield • Braddon Unit 43, 38 Mort Street Phillip 21 Colbee Court www.eckersleys.com.au CityNews December 6-12, 2018 13

CHRISTMAS GIFTING

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Flight of fancy aboard the simulator FOR anyone looking for an out of the ordinary gift, Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind experience, says owner Trevor Vickers.

“We provide the every day person with the opportunity to experience what it’s like to captain the world’s most popular commercial aircraft, using our replica 737 flight simulator,” he says.

Based on the Boeing 737-800NG, no experience is necessary to fly in the simulator, which Trevor says is assisted by an experienced simulator instructor to ensure people get the most out of the session.

“People love the experience,” he says.

“Some say: ‘It’s reignited my passion’. Lots of people dream of flying a plane as a kid and put those dreams aside.”

This Christmas, Trevor says the gift of a Jet Flight Simulator experience can make those dreams come true.

“Gift vouchers are available online and participants can bring up to four passengers for free,” he says.

And as a Christmas present from Trevor, “CityNews” readers will get up to 60 per cent off!

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, Unit 5, 4 Ipswich Street, Fyshwick.

Visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834026.

Gift cards that really take you places

National Zoo & Aquarium Rhino encounter.

Up close and personal at the zoo GIVE someone an amazing wildlife experience at the National Zoo & Aquarium with a special Christmas gift voucher for their close-encounter tours.

“We have 11 types of close encounters, each has a different animal you can get up close and personal with, from cheetahs and rhinos to meerkats,” says communications officer, Meg De Sousa.

“Our Walk on the Wildside tour is the ultimate all-day experience. Guests meet all of our major animals and have the opportunity to feed and pat many of them as well. They can hand-feed a shark or pat a rhinoceros! “They then help create enrichment activities for the animals such as a puzzle for the monkeys to enjoy. People love watching the animals uncover their activities and play,” she says.

Meg says that family or individual membership is a very popular gift, allowing the recipient the opportunity to enjoy the National Zoo & Aquarium throughout 2019.

National Zoo & Aquarium, Scrivener Dam, Lady Denman Drive, Canberra. Visit nationalzoo.com.au or call 6287 8400.

JUST in time for Christmas, Active Travel has a new range of gift cards, which work alongside its wedding registry service, says owner Nick Carter.

“To receive a contribution to a holiday is such a wonderful gift,” he says.

“We have the ability to hold money in our secure, audited travel agency client account, which can be topped up by people purchasing our gift cards.”

Available for any occasions, Nick says a gift card from Active Travel opens the doors to unlimited adventure.

“And because we are an independent travel agency we will only ever ‘sell’ you exactly what you want, not the products and services that make us more commission,” he says.

“But [the gift voucher] is just the beginning. There is the building excitement of planning the trip with our experienced travel advisers and then to actually embark on the journey and have the long-lasting memories and photographs means that you receive the gift that really does keep on giving.”

Nick says Active Travel can take care of every aspect of the traveller’s needs from fully customised itineraries to group tours, flights, cruises and travel insurance.

“We can do the lot,” he says. “[And] as a proud Club Med in-store boutique we also have early access to sale prices and pride ourselves on being able to provide competitive ‘live’ pricing.”

Active Travel, Palko, G16/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Visit activetravel.com.au or call 6249 6122.

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WILDEST GIFT? Zoo entry passes, annual memberships and animal encounters - there is something to suit everybody, every occasion and every budget!

For your convenience - buy gift vouchers online through our website www.nationalzoo.com.au or purchase over the counter

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999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT 02 6287 8400 | www.nationalzoo.com.au 14 CityNews December 6-12, 2018

Discover all the benefits of using an accredited travel agent and just bring us your ideas, your dates and your budget: STEP ONE Swing by and grab a brochure (or two!)

STEP TWO Browse the options, talk to friends and family etc.

STEP THREE Make an appointment and let us work with you to create the perfect itinerary!

1300 783 188 | askus@activetravel.com.au Palko, G16/27 Lonsdale, Braddon

CHRISTMAS GIFTING

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A James Oh design.

The handcraft and platinum specialists CLOVER Jewellery has an on-site jeweller and designer so people looking for a special present can get one uniquely made for Christmas, says on-site jeweller James Oh. Clover Jewellery is a family-run business, which has been in Canberra for more than three years after it was in Japan for more than 25 years.

“We provide a range of high-end and unique handmade jewellery as well as fancy and beautiful silver jewellery,” James says.

“We have lots of samples for customers to try or they can bring in their own design and we can make it on-site by our fully qualified jeweller. We have wedding rings and

engagement rings for customers to try on, too.

“We are a handcraft and platinum specialist and we offer a laser-engraving and laser-soldering service, you can put a message in the ring along with a birthstone. It makes it very special and one of a kind.”

Based in Manuka, Clover Jewellery makes custom and unique pieces and also offers a free quote for its design services.

WHAT kid wouldn’t love a bike for Christmas? asks David Cook, owner of Cookies Cycles, who has a huge range of bikes, scooters, skateboards and accessories in his Franklin shop.

David says that in addition to their wide range of children’s bikes, they have a great selection of bikes for mum and dad priced between $199 and $899.

“We can fit the whole family out for a new bike, so they can enjoy a fun Christmas holiday, riding together,” says David.

David says that it’s not just kids who love receiving a bike and finds that plenty of adults come in to buy their partner a mountain bike as a special Christmas surprise.

“Mountain bikes are perfect for enjoying trails, riding on cycle paths and roads,” he says.

David started the family-run business about three years ago, and says the beauty of riding a bike or a scooter is getting the family outside in the fresh air.

Cookies Cycles offers lay-by so people can secure their Christmas presents as well as gift vouchers.

Cookies Cycles, 227 Flemington Road, Franklin.

Call 6242 0338, email shop@cookiescycles.com.au or visit cookiescycles.com.au

Christmas mugs… available at the Christmas Emporium.

Tree time and Mike’s got all the goodies IT’S Christmas tree time! says the Christmas Emporium owner, Mike.

“It’s a lot more Christmassy this year, we are seeing many people coming to us who are really getting into the spirit and looking forward to decorating their homes,” he says.

The Christmas Emporium is unlike any other Christmas shop, says Mike.

“We are a pleasant and lovely place to browse, shop and feel the spirit of Christmas.

“We stock a lot of quality, different decorations. We recently received a shipment of beautiful baubles by UK brand, Gisela Graham,” he says.

In addition to a full range of well-priced Christmas lights, Mike says their options for artificial Christmas trees range from 600 centimetres to 2.2 metres and now is the

Clover Jewellery, 16 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6295 8545, email clover.j@hotmail.com or visit @cloverjewellerycanberra on Facebook.

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time for people to organise and set up their tree at home.

Mike says that the fibre optic trees are a great alternative for people who want to unpack their tree and simply plug it in for an instant Christmas lights look.

The Christmas Emporium offers table setting decorations such as garlands to run along the centre of a table. The team also create and decorate unique miniature trees in-house, perfect for a table setting. Orders for these popular decorations are encouraged, says Mike.

Hang Ups Framing and Christmas Emporium, corner Kembla and Gladstone Streets, Fyshwick.

Call 6280 0312 or email info@hangups.com.au

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CANBERRA’S LARGEST RANGE OF SCOOTERS FOR STREET & PARK 227 Flemington Road, Franklin 6242 0338 “Come in and test ride from our impressive range!”

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2/16 Bougainville Street, Manuka (Opposite Manuka Court) • 6295 8545 On-Site Jeweller & designer • Remake • Repair • Laser solder & engraving 16 CityNews December 6-12, 2018

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SCENE / around canberra

Photos by LUKE FOSTER

At the DKSN commercial precinct launch, Dickson

At the Law Council Gala Dinner, Parkes

Angus Henderson, Kirsty Bradley and Jacqui Day

Greg Vichey, Matt Dunn, Caroline Counsel and Rolf Moses

Grace Wang, Sam Howes and Tom Maloney

Catherine and Peter Romano

John Morrissey, Jonathon Bellato, Jenny Chen, Domenic De Marco and Sonia Susa

Stephen Lovison with Rhiannon and Tenille McClelland

James Baker and Nicholas Otevrel

Jake Hughes and Vanessa Holmes

Kathryn Beck, Evan Hughes and Maria Savvas

Sally Gilbert and Steve Whybrow

Margery Nicoll and Wu Demin

Matt Freeborn, Cathy Bryson and Owen Bishop

John McKenzie and Murray Hawkins

Mary Walker and Michael Barnett

At On London Legal’s Christmas party, Belconnen

sundayROAST

Ante and Cvata Jadric

Nalin Ratnaike, Shaun Iqbal and Rita Joyan

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.

Rob and Kathy Reis with Radhika Reddy and Raj Karingul

Peter Hohnen with Margaret and Tony Kidney

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

Ellin Kim, Rosemary Myers and Carmen Sieger-Gee

18 CityNews December 6-12, 2018

Silas Otto and Rohan Reddy

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Baby steps into Civic WENDY JOHNSON

Love, desire and some much-loved paintings

By Helen

MUSA WHEN Tate Britain gets together with the National Gallery of Australia to present this summer blockbuster at the NGA, “Love & Desire: PreRaphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate”, it’s likely to be a marriage of true minds.

For they’ve got what we want – “Some of the most loved and visited paintings at Tate, some of which have never before been seen in Australia,” as NGA director Nick Mitzevich says.

And we’ve got what they like – “A new generation of visitors in another part of the world,” as Tate director Maria Balshaw says.

The show has been co-curated

by Carol Jacobi, curator of British art 1850-1915 at Tate Britain and Lucina Ward, senior curator, international painting and sculpture at the NGA. Mitzevich has been keen to talk up the magnificent centrepieces of the show, John Everett Millais’ “Ophelia” and John William Waterhouse’s “The Lady of Shalott”, so “CityNews” asked Jacobi to explain the public fascination with the Pre-Raphaelites, deemed to be radical or rebellious even as they reached back to mediaeval and early Renaissance (“pre-Raphael”) models of art. “‘Ophelia’ and ‘The Lady of Shalott’ are beloved paintings at Tate Britain, perhaps because they are very emotional pictures which depict

John Everett Millais’ “Ophelia” (1851-2).

“The Lady of Shalott” (1888) by John William Waterhouse. people fatally overwhelmed by love,” she suggests.

“Each brings us to the place with tremendous intimacy. Millais spent many months creating each leaf and petal of the stream in which Ophelia drifts. Waterhouse’s broader brushstrokes capture the cold atmosphere and wind that blows out the candle in ‘The Lady of Shalott’.”

The Pre-Raphaelite movement was formed in 1848 by a group of strong-minded young artists, William

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Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who set out to counter the mundane conventions of the era in arts, poetry and in what one critic has labelled “waggish male camaraderie which expressed itself in pranks, late-night smoking sessions and midnight jaunts around London’s streets and pleasure gardens”.

Reviled by Dickens and adored by Ruskin, they soon teamed up with artist/designers Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, who shared

is a magical highlight,” she says.

“There is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the extraordinary world of detail in Ford Madox Brown’s most important and groundbreaking painting, ‘Work’, where all of society can be seen – a novel in paint!”

The exhibition, Jacobi says, has been curated thematically rather than chronologically, in order to bring out the themes of the title, love and desire.

The Pre-Raphaelites, she says, were passionate young people preoccupied with relationships, their hopes and ambitions and their yearning for the simplicity of a the big questions, so there will be pre-industrial era which led in turn to sections devoted to love in modern the formation of the English Arts and life, literature and myth that will Crafts Movement. look at love’s complications – rivalry To help explain what the (mostly) between friends, parental pressures, boys of the movement were on infidelity and the femme fatale. about, we asked Jacobi to describe Other parts of the show address some other works we’ll be seeing. the crisis of belief, asking what might “Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s replace the religious certainties unconventional and psychologically challenged by science, while also intense early painting, ‘The Annuncriticising society, its prejudices and ciation’, in which his sister, the poet obsession with money.

Christina Rossetti, is painted as Mary, Alongside more than 40 of Tate

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Britain’s works, the ideas will be expanded by a further 40 loans from the UK’s Lady Lever Art Gallery, National Museums Liverpool, Manchester Art Gallery, The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and the state galleries of NSW, Victoria and SA. Impressive, but not nearly as impressive as just looking at the pictures, very slowly.

“Pre-Raphaelite paintings have an effect in real life that cannot be seen in reproductions,” says Jacobi.

“The white background under the paint lights up the colour from behind giving added brilliance.

“Their extreme technique, transcribing each millimetre of their scenes from nature, took months and years and has an extraordinary impact on the viewer.”

“Love & Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate”, National Gallery of Australia, open from December 14 until April 28.

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DINING / baby su, civic

DANCE

Fingers crossed as Baby steps into Civic BABY Su downtown. It’s a new venture by the team behind Lazy Su in Braddon and we were keeping our fingers crossed that it would be just as good. It truly was.

The Korean, fried-chicken burger was mouth watering and addictive. It’s only $12 and worth every bit. The spicy gochujang glaze is intriguing and the burger comes with cheese, lettuce, ssäm mayo, and Japanese barbecue sauce. It packed a punch on flavours and is so playful.

Goodbye boring burgers we say. Even the fries had a bit of attitude. They’re waffle cut and served with umami salt (small $5 and large $9). Other burgers include the teriyaki cheeseburger ($12), a vegetarian variety ($11) and the marinated, sliced-beef

“Coppélia”... “Fancy footwork, sorcery and masquerade, romance and high jinks,” the Australian Ballet promises.

Photo by Daniel Boud

Ballet aims to bring fantasy to life for young audience

By Helen Musa

BRINGING “fantasy to life” is The Australian Ballet’s aim as it launches into a completely new children’s production of “Coppélia”, touring through summer as part of its Storytime Ballet project, which played to 34,000 kids last year.

Set to Léo Delibes’ radiant score, “Coppélia” is an age-old seasonal favourite and likely to be a treat for the whole family.

The plot, tinged with darkness but here treated in a light-hearted way surrounds young lovers Swanilda and Franz who quarrel when Franz casts his eye on the

gorgeous daughter of the strange alchemist and sorcerer, Dr Coppelius. But the “daughter” is in reality a doll, Coppelia, named after him, and the doctor has evil designs on Franz’s soul, which are eventually thwarted by the clever Swanilda.

Needless to say, there’s a happy ending, but not before the audience gets to see some “fancy footwork, sorcery and masquerade, romance and high jinks,” The Australian Ballet promises.

Along the way, the odd Dr Coppelius’ dolls come to life – every child’s fantasy, they say.

Storytime Ballet performances are never just straight ballet and this production, like all those in its four-year history, has been made just for children aged three years and up, who are encouraged to come dressed in

ballet-inspired outfits Performances run for just under an hour and feature a narrator to guide the audience through the story, with immersive opportunities so that the kids can dance along with the artful Swanilda as she rescues Franz from the magician.

A treat for ballet-lovers of all ages will be the extraordinary designs, recreations of the original sets, with the addition of 15 Kristian Fredrikson-designed costumes from The Australian Ballet’s mainstage production.

“It’s going to be such cheerful fun for the whole family,” the ballet’s artistic director, David McAllister, says.

“Coppélia”, Canberra Theatre, January 17-19.

Book at 6275 2700.

Beef short rib rice bowl. cheesesteak ($12).

The beef short rib rice bowl was another winner, although some slow-braised beef pieces were slightly chewy. The sushi rice was delish and soaked up the sensational flavours. The mizuna salad added lovely crunch and a bit of zing. The Japanese pickle did, too ($17). It was just the right proportion and hit the spot. My bet is the teriyaki salmon rice bowl would go down exceptionally well ($17) and so, too, would the miso-roasted pumpkin rice bowl ($16).

Fried-chicken lovers will tremble with excitement at the wings and drummies with Baby Su’s secret seasoning. Choose from sweet and sour sauce or spicy gochujang buffalo sauce. Perfect with an icy cold beer on a hot day (actually, any day) – two pieces for $8 and four pieces for $15.

Other snack menu items include kimchi mac and cheese with umami panko crust

The Korean, fried-chicken burger.

Photos by Wendy Johnson ($8) and the Japanese garden salad with yuzu vinaigrette ($6), which my friend ordered with her burger. She found it a bit too “pucker power” and didn’t finish it. If you want to go all out give the kimcheese-loaded fries a go. They’re topped with cheese sauce, herbs and nori ($10) – a “moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips” kind of snack.

Shiny gold lucky cat figurines are a fun addition at Baby Su’s, with their left paws waving up and down enticing customers to come in.

Baby Su’s is licensed and offers great gins and whiskeys and interesting wines (not an extensive list, but that’s okay). The place is quick off the mark with serving, which is just as well because you can’t reserve a table. It’s in a great position in the exciting precinct around No Name Lane, and is in good company with Wild Panda, The Goods

Japanese garden salad with yuzu vinaigrette.

Wholefoods, Mayfair Espresso Café, Taco Taco, Terra, Ming’s Pantry, the Doughnut Department and Supa Bowl.

Baby Su, corner of West Row and Alinga Street, Civic, is open from noon every day.

Kimcheese-loaded fries.

Brett Chynoweth and Benedicte Bemet in “Coppélia”.

20 CityNews December 6-12, 2018

Photo by Daniel Boud

CINEMA

Forty years on, Rocky’s still making his mark “Creed II” (M) A TAD over four decades ago, Rocky Balboa came to the screen. It wasn’t Sylvester Stallone’s first film role, but it was the first of eight times in which he plays the heavyweight boxer who even more than John Rambo is his signature character.

Stallone, now 72, once again has written a screenplay in which Rocky appears. Rocky is no longer the heavyweight from Philadelphia who wins by combining muscle and brain. But the brain is still active, especially when it comes to tactics in the ring.

The narrative harks back to the fight between Rocky and Apollo Creed who later died after fighting Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The film chronicles their meetings between Apollo’s son Adonis and Drago’s son Viktor. Between bouts, Rocky coaches Adonis, who has become world champion on a technicality for which he has paid a hefty price. Viktor has put him in hospital.

When Adonis looks likely to lose the title if he doesn’t defend it, Rocky resigns as his coach and Buddy (Russell Hornsby) takes over. When Viktor soundly defeats Adonis, Rocky reverses his decision and coaches him for a second defence in Moscow.

No prizes for guessing how that ends. But the screenplay throughout the film regularly turns to Rocky for advice and homespun wisdom. A sub-plot involves Adonis and his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson). Another sub-plot involves Rocky preparing Adonis to defend the title again. In these moments, intelligence and humanity offset the fight sequences.

Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, left, and Michael B Jordan as Adonis in “Creed II”.

However, the film’s real stars are Michael B Jordan as Adonis and Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu. We’ve seen Jordan in this role before. It’s Munteanu’s feature debut and he doesn’t say much. He’s taller and heavier.

But Jordan’s feet and fists are faster and he has much to say. Both are splendid physical specimens. The choreography of the fight sequences is impressive.

At all cinemas

“Lean on Pete” (M) THIS low-key film written and directed

by Andrew Haigh from a novel by Willy Vlautin may appeal to filmgoers interested in or curious about conditions beneath the underbelly of rural society in the US. Charlie Plummer plays 15-year-old Charley, living in Portland, Oregon, with an

unstable father whose wife has left them.

Charley doesn’t want much – perhaps food, a home and a school where he can get a proper education. And his mother.

The film chronicles Charley’s odyssey across America’s great plains leading a slow racehorse. Getting the horse, named Lean on Pete, forms perhaps a third of the film, sharing it with trainer Del (Steve Buscemi) whose assets are a rig for carrying horses between meetings. Chloe Sevigny plays Bonnie, who rides them. Boy and horse form a bond.

Del tells Charley to deliver Pete somewhere that Charley learns is a knackery.

Whenever they pass a pay-phone, Charlie tries to locate a woman in Wyoming whom he believes is his mother. When the pickup runs out of gas, Charley abandons the

rig beside the highway and sets off on foot leading Pete. From that point, the film introduces a variety of social bottom-feeders whom they meet.

This is not your exciting big-budget movie full of excitement and colour. Its locations display the landscape with its beauty and its loneliness, not all that different from our outback.

It’s thoughtful in its examination of Charley’s monologues, a small dot moving across a wide space. It’s not particularly confrontational. But the folk whom he meets are real enough, a useful differentiation from the popular Hollywood depiction of them and therefore worth meeting.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“Normandy Nude” (M) PHILIPPE Le Guay’s comedy/drama set in a Normandy farming community suffering competition from cheaper products coming from other European Union countries has borrowed dramatic elements from many other comedy/dramas – think “The Full Monty”, “Calendar Girls”, people joining forces to deal with external pressures.

But don’t let that put you off it. I watched “Normandy Nude” after seeing two moderately sombre films that didn’t make me smile much less laugh. The froth and

bubble diversion of its simplicity made me think about people without whose labour we would have to grow our own food!

When competition drives prices of local produce down and a highway blockade fails to attract help from decision makers elsewhere, things look grim.

Francois Cluzet, always a delight to watch, plays Balbuzard, 15 years mayor in the community to which he is devoted. He may have solved many local issues in his mayoralty, but this one looks like the too-hard basket.

But help is at unexpected hand.

Famous photographer Newman (Toby Jones) goes into raptures about a field. He wants to photograph it. Not just the field.

His trademark is populating his pictures with large numbers of people wearing no clothes.

That’ll get media attention, won’t it?

Out of this basic problem/solution association, Le Guay has confected an affectionate portrait of a community’s strengths and weaknesses. Its credibility may not stand microscopic scrutiny but its charm is undeniable. And its brief nudity is not a whit salacious. As if that would matter in this day and age!

At Palace Electric

ARTS IN THE CITY

Shangela is all shook up SHANGELA “Laquifa” Wadley, an American drag queen, reality television personality and stage MC best known for competing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, is coming to Canberra in the comedy show, “Shangela is Shook!” At The Playhouse, 8pm, December 10. Book at 6275 2700.

DIRTY Dick’s Restaurant is back in town for one night only with its raucous menu of mediaeval mirth, merriment and food served by wenches and lads. At Harmonie German Club, 7pm, Friday, December 14. Book at 6295 9853.

TWO brilliant Canberrans, clarinettist Eloise Fisher and pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman, both doctoral graduates of the American Juilliard School, will perform “Doubles”, music for clarinet and piano

by Copland, Gershwin, D’Rivera, and others. At Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, Sunday, December 9.

Book at trybooking.com CANBERRA Sinfonia will perform Handel’s Organ Concertos Op. 7 Nos. 1 and 4 with organist Calvin Bowman as guest artist, followed

by JS Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C major BWV 1066, conducted by Leonard Weiss. At Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 3pm-4pm, Saturday, December 15. Book at trybooking.com or tickets at the door.

American drag queen Shangela “Laquifa” Wadley… at The Playhouse, December 10.

ORIANA Chorale, conducted by Matthew Stuckings, is performing a rare program that includes works

by Imogen Holst, James MacMillan, Clare Maclean, Vaughan Williams, Tallis and Byrd. At Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston, 4pm, Sunday, December 9. Book at trybooking.com BRINDABELLA Orchestra, conducted by Peter Shaw, finishes its concert year with a mixed program of works by classical composers. At Weston Community Hub Neighbourhood Hall, cnr Hilder and Gritten Streets, 2pm, Sunday, December 9. Entry by donation includes a program and afternoon tea.

PALACE Electric will screen Paris Opera Ballet’s “Tribute to Jerome Robbins”, December 14-19.

It was filmed live in Palais Garnier, Paris, during November and brings together four of the legendary choreographer’s creations, “Afternoon of a Faun”, “A Suite of Dances”, “Fancy Free” and “Glass Pieces”.

EVENTS Cinemas in Manuka is screening the Royal Ballet’s performance of Marius Petipa’s ballet “La Bayadère”, starring Australian dancer Steven McRae, on December 9 and 12, then the Christmas ballet favourite, “The Nutcracker”, set to Tchaikovsky’s score, on December 22-24.

CityNews December 6-12, 2018 21

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GARDENING

Paws for thought in the garden KANGAROO paws not only flower in summer, but some varieties can flower most of the year.

One person who promotes kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos flavidus) is Angus Stewart, a name familiar to ABC’s “Gardening Australia” viewers, who says: “This remarkable group of Australian plants embodies many of the qualities that make our native plants so distinctive”.

He has been responsible for many new varieties of paws.

Over the last 25 years there have been intensive hybridisation programs to provide a wide range of colour and sizes.

They range from the common taller varieties with red, yellow and orange flowers to dwarf hybrids, including even burgundy colours.

As Stewart says, the taller varieties are particularly tough plants and have survived more than 20 years in his own garden. The shorter varieties tend to be relatively short lived. So plant the tall varieties at the back of the garden bed.

Here are a few quick growing tips: • They love the sun, especially reflected heat from a stone wall or a group of rocks. The rocks heat up during the day and keep the plants warm at night.

• They will need frost protection in winter if in an exposed position.

• Kangaroo paws are extremely drought hardy plants and can suffer from overwatering, especially in winter. Once a week with a drip system for an hour at the most is ideal.

• When they finish flowering in late autumn simply cut to ground level. The tubular flowers are adapted for pollination by nectar-eating birds with long beaks. Position them in the garden so you can view the activities of these delightful birds.

A good starting point to buy these and all native plants is from the specialists, namely Cool Climate Natives in Beltana Road, Pialligo.

WITH Christmas on its way, it’s timely to start thinking about buying presents and, for gardeners, a good book never goes astray, one such being “Habitat” by AB Bishop (Murdoch Books, $39.95).

Accompanied by extensive photos, it’s the perfect book to encourage children and adults to create a flora and fauna-friendly garden. Bishop is a garden writer for the Melbourne “Age” and “Gardening Australia”.

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Kangaroo paws… over the last 25 years there have been intensive hybridisation programs to provide a wide range of colour and sizes.

SOME plants can be real tongue twisters; how about Beschorneria septentrionalis, a plant that suddenly appeared in our garden in early November, from where I do not know.

In a couple of weeks, the stem grew to about 30 centimetres with small tubular flowers, but then it took off, growing centimetres by the day and is now more than 180 centimetres.

Originating in Mexico and also known as False Red Agave, it was only identified and named in 1987. I’d be interested if any readers are growing this plant? Please email me at: cedricbryant@citynews.com.au

Jottings...

• Heaped grass clippings or leaves around tree trunks or shrubs can cause collar rot and kill them.

• Weeds and grass growing under fruit trees can reduce the crop by up to 40 per cent. Mulch instead.

• Feed tomatoes and strawberries every fortnight.

• To rid apple trees of codling moth, tie a band of cardboard around the trunk and tie in place only at the top.

• Try growing thornless roses through trees.

A stranger in Cedric’s garden… a False Red Agave that started growing and growing.

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Unit 9/86 Sheppard Street, Hume, ACT | Ph: 6260 1403 | Mob: 0408 695 935 | packitchens.com.au 22 CityNews December 6-12, 2018

PUZZLES PAGE Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 668

Your week in the stars – December 10-16, 2018 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

With unique Uranus transiting through your sign (until March 6) have the courage and passion to be the authentic you (and let loved ones be themselves too). Be inspired by birthday great, anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” Coupled Rams – it’s time to connect with your lover on a much deeper level. Singles – if you meet someone special, avoid frivolous superficialities. Strive to get up close and personal.

Having the presence to check on presents

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Your ruling planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone (until January 7) so a problem with a loved one should start to improve, as you see things from their point-of-view. When it comes to your glorious goals for the future, don’t just talk about them. Long-term plans require action (plus the cooperation of others) to turn them into robust reality. The weekend stars highlight steady conversation and creative communication, as you enjoy the company of family and friends.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Geminis can easily become preoccupied and side-tracked by the busyness and minutiae of daily life. But the more you concentrate on the needs of others, the better the week will be. With no less than six planets stimulating your relationship zones, you’re in a romantic and flirtatious frame of mind. So, it’s the perfect time to pamper your partner with lashings of love and extra TLC. Are you sick and tired of being single? Sparks could fly with a lusty Leo or a sexy Sagittarian.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Attached Crabs – this week’s Saturn aspect is perfect for cementing your commitment to your partner, while Venus helps you find extra romantic ways to show your affection. Singles – give superficial suitors a wide berth. Look for lasting love with a soulful Scorpio or a conscientious Capricorn. With Mercury joining the Sun and Jupiter in your wellbeing zone, don’t just talk about improving your fitness. Jump off the comfy couch and get physical in the great outdoors!

Across

Down

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

3 What is a passage, connecting parts of a building? (8) 7 Name a popular card game. (6) 8 What is an alternative expression for a drug? (8) 9 To be ingenious, is to be what? (6) 10 To perform a part with a lack of style, is to do what? (8) 11 What do we call a wild horse? (6) 14 What is an edible marine bivalve mollusc? (6) 17 Name the science of armorial bearings. (8) 18 What is a shelter from danger, trouble, etc? (6) 19 Which dipterous insect spreads malaria? (8) 20 Which term implies the beginning or start? (6) 21 What is an alternative name for cereal grasses?

(8)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Sudoku medium No. 234

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Monday is marvellous for making amends with a family member who you may have (unintentionally) offended. If you eat some humble pie, then the relationship will head in a positive new direction. It’s also time to share pleasurable activities with a loved one. Whether it’s a movie, a concert, a delicious meal or stimulating conversation, make it a priority to have fun together. You’re keen to say exactly what’s on your mind but resist the urge to pontificate about your opinions.

This week – despite domestic dramas and ongoing shenanigans - home is definitely where the heart is. Family matters and DIY projects are favoured, as your ruler Mercury joins the Sun and Jupiter in your home zone. So, do your best to keep the lines of communication wide open with relatives from near and far. Also, a troubled child, teenager, lover or friend is waiting to hear some sensible advice from the heart. And you’re just the person to give it!

With Mercury moving into your communication zone, you’re keen to enjoy plenty of stimulating conversations with interesting people. So, it’s a wonderful week for flashes of inspiration as you fraternise with local, interstate or international friends.

Putting off domestic duties might seem like a good idea but you’ll pay the price further down the track. Sunday’s positive Venus-Saturn link helps you sort out your priorities and face your family responsibilities with a smile.

Solution next edition

1 Jana Rawlinson is renowned as an Olympic what? (7) 2 What is a mathematical proposition that can be expressed by an equation? (7) 3 What is a period of one hundred years? (7) 4 To be shaky, or feeble in the joints, is to be what? (7) 5 To draw away, or divert, is to do what? (7) 6 Which scale is used to express the magnitude of an earthquake? (7) 11 Nassau is the capital of which parliamentary state in the West Indies? (7) 12 What might we call one who revolts? (7) 13 Name a more familiar term for the cumbungi. (7) 14 Name the Under 23 Australian soccer team. (7) 15 What, in chemistry, is a salt of sulfuric acid? (7) 16 What are funeral songs for the dead? (7)

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Saturn and Pluto are visiting the area of your horoscope that rules the internet, education and communication. So, you could encounter problems with online trolls or other 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 passionate and positive Scorpio life. Sunday is a super day to celebrate a relationship milestone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The Sun, Jupiter and Mercury all move through your sign this week, which activates your spontaneous Sagittarian side. But avoid over committing and promising more than you can actually deliver. The weekend stars encourage you to tie up loose ends before you launch new projects. The more energy and focus you put into financial and business affairs, the more successful you’ll be. But you must do your homework and check all details thoroughly before you proceed.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Avoid being a cynical, over-critical and over-committed Capricorn. You’ve got a lot on your plate but don’t struggle on alone. Family, friends and colleagues are happy to help – if you let them. When you pool your talents with like-minded souls, magical things will happen! Venus boosts your charisma on the weekend, so make the most of it and call in a few old favours. If you combine a can-do attitude with a collaborative approach, then you’ll have a pleasant and productive week.

Solution next edition

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

If you need assistance on income tax or fringe benefits tax matters, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on

Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston

Solutions from last edition

ABN 57 008 653 683

Sudoku hard No. 233

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Mercury joins the Sun and Jupiter in your career zone. So aim to be more curious, creative and enthusiastic at work. If you slow down, stagnate or procrastinate, then you’ll just be left behind. Sunday’s Venus/Saturn connection encourages you to have the confidence and discipline to turn your abstract ideas into a tangible form.

But remember there’s a fine line between communicating your ideas with plenty of Piscean passion… and being completely misunderstood.

Shirley and Eddie were looking to buy Christmas presents for their staff and clients, but their next-door neighbour had alerted them to a possible issue around tax.

So there they were in my office keen to know what's what before they started buying gifts.

"It's a complex area," I told them. "Let’s look at the situation with your employees first and then we’ll look at your clients.

The definition of employee that we use for Christmas gifts is found in the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act, where an employee is defined to include a past, present or future employee. "Contractors are not regarded as employees and once you have determined that the gift recipient satisfies the definition of employee then we need to determine whether the gift is classified as entertainment or nonentertainment.

"If someone satisfies the definition of employee, any gifts provided to their associates, as defined in the Act, follow the same rules. This includes spouses and children.”

I advised that if the gift was regarded as entertainment and costs less than $300, then it fitted within the minor benefits exemption and was not regarded as a fringe benefit. However, it was not deductible nor can you claim an input tax credit for GST purposes.

"Whereas, if it costs more than $300, the first $300 is not disregarded and the full amount is subject to fringe benefits tax, it is deductible and input tax credits can be claimed on that amount," I said.

"Included as entertainment are such things, as restaurant meals, air tickets, cinema tickets and admission to amusement parks.

“Conversely, in the case of non-entertainment gifts, if they cost less than $300 there is no FBT, the costs are deductible and input tax credits can be claimed. If the cost is more than $300 then the cost is subject to FBT, input tax credits can be claimed and the expenditure is deductible. Items that fall within the definition of non-entertainment include Christmas hampers, bottles of alcohol, gift vouchers, perfume and flowers.

Shirley said she didn't realise that such a simple gesture could be so complicated.

"It sure is," I confirmed, "but in the case of clients and contractors the situation is different and a little less complicated.

"Firstly there is no liability to fringe benefits tax provided that they are not given to past employees. Secondly, it doesn't matter whether the expenditure is less than $300 or not. So it is only a question of determining whether it is entertainment or nonentertainment.

"In the case of entertainment, the expenditure is not deductible nor can any input tax credits be claimed. While for nonentertainment gifts, the expenditure is deductible and input tax credits can be claimed.

“One other thing, if you plan to make donations to assist children in crisis in the third world do not presume that it is tax deductible.

Many of these organisations are not listed on the deductible gift register and, as such, donations are not tax deductible.

"So, if you are planning to donate, please check the register first to ensure your tax deduction. If in doubt, ring the organisation to double check.”

6295 2844

Crossword No. 667

The more creative you are at work, school or college, the better the week will be. And the more you help others, the more connected you’ll feel. With Mercury moving into your networking zone, it’s also time to boost your social media profile by communicating with more family, friends, colleagues, clients and/or customers from around the globe. You have the ability to influence people in positive ways, as you employ praise and encouragement to get others onside.

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 6-12, 2018 23

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JUNGLE BU

Zoo entry passes, annual memberships, animal encounters and overnight stays at Jamala Wildlife Lodge - there is something to suit everybody, every occasion, and every budget!

For your convenience - buy gift vouchers online through our website www.nationalzoo.com.au or purchase over the counter

MEET A CHEETAH

999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT Zoo 02 6287 8400 www.nationalzoo.com.au Jamala 02 6287 8444 www.jamala.com.au

LION ENCOUNTER