Canberra CityNews May 7-13, 2009

ACT Budget 09 edition: no job cuts R no new taxes R May 7-13, 2009

All about Canberra

What the hell went

wrong?

2008 surplus

$84.9m

ACT dives deep into the red

2009 deficit

Labor has a razor up its sleeve, says seselja

$82.2m

michael moore: It’s The blame-everyone-else Budget See inside for your chance to win

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CityNews May 7-13

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Flu fears ‘may help’

By Megan Haggan

CONCERNS over swine flu may help protect Canberrans against regular seasonal influenza, according to ACT Chief Health Officer Charles Guest.

“CityNews” conducted a quick survey of three pharmacies in Civic and found that all had sold out of face masks by late last week; there were also reports that general practitioners had run out of the flu vaccine. Pharmacies have received numerous requests for the prescription antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

A rush on the flu vaccine – which is formulated each year to protect against certain strains of the flu which are anticipated to be the most prevalent in the community – could result in a reduction in the transmission of regular seasonal influenza, Dr Guest said.

The 2009 vaccine contains the A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus, the A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus and the B/Florida/4/2006like virus.

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It does not contain the swine flu strain, although Dr Guest said: “It’s conceivable that there might be some protection.”

Improved hygiene measures, such as the wearing of face masks, may also help.

“A lot of the concerns about this new strain arose because of early reports of high mortality in Mexico, but every year there’s a certain mortality, particularly the very old and very young, from regular seasonal influenza,” Dr Guest said.

The number of people who die each year from the flu varies from year to year, but is “less than one per cent of cases”. The mortality that was reported early on for swine flu was well above that.”

However, at the time of writing the World Health Organization had revised its estimate of the number of deaths from the new swine flu strain to seven, “which is good news”, Dr Guest said.

Twelve people were being investigated in the ACT for swine flu late last week, but no cases had been confirmed.

Cherie Kelly leads from the front… “There’s a whole generation of kids who don’t see walking to school as a possibility.”

Photo by Silas.

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to school we go

By Megan Haggan

MOST children and parents don’t even think about walking to school any more, says Cherie Kelly, principal of Holy Spirit Primary School in Nicholls.

Ms Kelly told “CityNews” that she hopes Walk Safely to School Day, on Friday, May 15, will help put walking to school “back on the map”.

“Over the last few years there’s been a real move away from walking, and part of that is around the safety issue,” she says.

Particularly with recent attempted ab-

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Editor: Ian Meikle ed@citynews.com.au Senior writer & arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286 Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 0411 045592 lifestyle@citynews.com.au Arts writer: Helen Musa, 0413 466121 Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086 Designer: Joran Dilucian Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

your vision, our focus

Six-month audit to September 30, 2008 Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, of Suite 1, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

exercise, Ms Kelly says – the health benefits are just a positive side-effect.

Holy Spirit Primary will team with the neighbouring Gold Creek Primary to take part in Walk Safely to School Day. Teachers will meet children at designated spots in the local area – parents will be advised before the day where these are – and walk in groups to school.

The day is a national initiative, organised

by Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby.

For more information visit www.walk. com.au.

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ductions in the Territory, parents are acutely conscious of their children’s safety.

“The other reason is that we’re so timepoor. Children are involved in so many activities, and with parents working, that people are concerned about the fastest way to get where they’re going, which isn’t on foot, or on a bus, or a bike – it’s the car.

“As a result, there’s a whole generation of kids who don’t see walking to school as a possibility.”

The children who do walk to school tend to do so in groups, and see it as a social opportunity rather than a chance to get some

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Formal opening of Civic centre by Prime Minister Stanley Bruce in 1927 on London Circuit in front of the Sydney building.

Photo National Archives

For the love of Civic CANBERRA got some welcome news when the ACT Government promised $12 million over four years for upgrades to the mid-city precinct. This funding includes allocations for improved paving and street furniture around the iconic, but ageing Sydney and Melbourne buildings.

When making the announcement, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said: "This targeted investment will help restore these much-loved buildings to their historic place as the heart of the city's commercial district. Further works in the city centre will be determined through a detailed planning analysis."

The shift in retail focus in recent years to the northern part of the city has left these landmarks sadly dilapidated, perhaps with the notable exception of West Row. The buildings themselves were originally inspired by some of the best from Europe, including Bruneleschi’s Ospedale degli Innocenti and the cloisters of the 15th century Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze – an auspicious start. But, according to the attendees at a Property Council public forum on the subject, in late 2007, they need help to avoid an ignominious finish.

There was also a strong call for any refurbishment to include sustainable development principles and intense interest in the possibility that the central courtyards of those buildings could be upgraded from their current apparent use as rubbish dumps and unofficial latrines.

The participants also strongly endorsed a

By Catherine Carter comment that Canberra, while rich in wideopen spaces, was short on public, but intimate areas such as those that could be enclosed by the courtyards in both buildings.

The response at that meeting showed strong and widespread support for a strategic design framework and the sensitive redevelopment of the area, particularly in time for the Centenary of Canberra celebrations in 2013.

The planning study and the funding for paving and street furniture are the first steps in such a renewal process.

In summary, what’s needed is an approach similar to that which has occurred in Sydney in and around areas such as the Queen Victoria Building and along Kent and Sussex Streets, to provide effective and workable solutions for the area.

The two buildings, flanking Northbourne Avenue on the approach from the north towards City Hill, often form the first city scene for visitors driving to Canberra. They are the gateway to our city and they should be one we can all be proud of.

Catherine Carter is the executive director of the Property Council of Australia (ACT).

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Independent help

Oyster festival

ACT Health will get its first breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment following a $146,000 donation from Independent Property Group CEO John Runko. Breast MRI services have previously been provided privately, with the closest provider now located in Sydney.

The Independent Property Group donation will make Breast MRI available publicly for the first time. “Younger women and women who require follow-up breast cancer surgery will be able to access these services, reducing the additional financial burden many women face," said Health Minister Katy Gallagher.

THE Narooma Oyster Festival (May 15-17), one of only seven such festivals held around the world, promises three days of wining, dining and fun, with celebrity chef Stephanie Alexander judging the best oyster recipes on Saturday when the main events – including fine food, wine and craft stalls and an oyster ball – take place. The combination of fresh and tidal water flows means the four million oysters sold each year out of Narooma have exceptional flavour and texture.

Admission on Saturday is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

– Wendy Johnson

Skills recognition The CIT has launched a fast-track skills recognition service, which will allow individuals to have their education, workplace and life skills assessed against national and industry standards. CEO Dr Colin Adrian said: “People may have had difficulty accessing tertiary and technical training in their lives. This new service will help level the playing field by literally giving credit where credit is due.” More information on 6207 3188, visit the CIT Student Services Hub at any CIT campus or download the fact sheet from http://www.cit.act.edu.au/future/status/.

Prison open day THE controversial 33-year-old Belconnen Remand Centre will be open on Saturday, May 9 to give the public a chance to see the “archaic” centre “and better understand the reasons why this Government shut it down and built the Alexander Maconochie Centre," says Minister for Corrections John Hargreaves. Between 10am and 2pm corrections officers will be on hand to answer questions and to guide visitors through the facility.

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news

Harvest fights hunger

Skills Recognition Your experience counts!

OZHARVEST Canberra is about to hold its “Share lunch, fight hunger” campaign, which will take place in NSW and the ACT on Wednesday, May 20.

It’s also about to hold its first Canberra fundraiser, a lunch and auction, which will feature special guest and OzHarvest ambassador, cricketing legend Stuart McGill.

Australians waste about three million tonnes of food every year. “On a daily basis, we collect left-over perishable food, and deliver it to more than 30 different charities in Canberra, who distribute it among men, women and children,” says OzHarvest national founder Ronni Kahn.

Since it was established in June, OzHarvest’s Canberra branch has delivered 126,154 meals around the ACT to the end of April.

The meals come from restaurants, delicatessens, takeaway outlets, galleries, Government House… “wherever there are meals that aren’t needed,” Ronni says.

Only untouched meals are donated, the van is refrigerated and safe food handling is practised.

Ronni urged Canberrans to take part in “Share lunch, fight hunger”, which will encourage people to bring lunch from home, and donate the amount they would have spent.

The OzHarvest program is managed by major sponsor and generator of funds, Communities@ Work.

For more information, call 6288 0709 or visit www.ozharvest.org. To book a place at the luncheon, call 6293 6500.

Active to the corps CIT now offers Skills Recognition as an acknowledgement of your skills gained in your work or life experience and previous training.

Skills Recognition can assist you and your work colleagues towards gaining a full or part qualification at CIT. Skills Recognition is a good way to save you time and money and advance your career.

For more information call CIT on

(02) 6207 3188 to ask about Skills Recognition.

PREMATURE retirees who simply vegetate – and there are hundreds of them in Canberra and at the coast – are not only doing themselves a disfavour, they are letting down the Australian side.

Until the global financial crisis slashed our super, their numbers were growing by the month. And unless something is done the trend will reappear once the economy recovers.

As any doctor will tell you, aimless self-indulgence leads to an early departure from the land of the living. You not only bore your friends witless, you bore yourself to death. And it won’t be helped by the Treasury boffins who are presently designing a system to increase the old-age pension.

However, as promised in an earlier column, I have an idea that might help – in a small way – to slow or even reverse the trend. Actually, I have two.

The first is simple to conceive and, in some areas, it’s happening already. It involves a return to the Australian sense of egalitarianism in the workplace where Johnny was as good as his master… and vice versa. In most organisations there’s an accepted career path that simply starts at the bottom, works its way to the top then departs into retirement or redundancy whether we like it or not. And all that experience and wisdom is lost.

Sure, it has the advantage of allowing the younger people coming up the ladder to reach the top without pushing the older person off.

But what if we were to develop a system whereby a set period – or a certain age – at the higher levels led naturally to either less grandiose but still significant jobs or a part-time position that gave the ageing worker a greater freedom

THE GADFLY

By Robert Macklin to pursue other interests. The alpha males might squeak at the idea, but it would allow us all to be productive and involved for as long as we wished.

The second, and perhaps more radical, idea is for the development of an Australian version of the Peace Corps, but one that drew on two great assets: the enormous capacity of Australians to volunteer our services, whether in fighting bushfires, cleaning up Australia or hosting the Olympics, and the equally enormous repository of expertise among the newly retired.

We could call it Ozcorps and, administered

by AusAid, it could provide a magnificent force of older aid workers, especially in the areas of computer skills, English language teaching, administration and business development to the people of our region who need it so desperately.

From East Timor to Nauru to Vanuatu and selected countries in between, it could make a tremendous contribution to the poor countries and really personalise our aid effort.

It would be mighty good for the retirees, too.

Led by a good organiser like Sandy Hollway, for example, or Janet Holmes a Court (there are lots to choose from) and paid the pension to keep the home fires burning, I reckon we could transform the way we think of our Third Age. Indeed, it could make it the most satisfying element in our entire lives.

What do you think? robert@robertmacklin.com

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A call to help NATIONAL Volunteer Week, from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17, will help highlight a rising need for volunteers in the community, says Laura Turnbull OAM, who has donated her time to Volunteering ACT over 25 years in several capacities.

Laura liaises with volunteers groups and associations around the Territory and helps interested people find suitable positions. “There seems to be an increased call for volunteers in all sectors, particularly as we go into a downturn in employment,� she told “CityNews�.

Laura says that she gets a great deal of satisfaction out of donating her time. “It gives me a great deal of pride that I’m doing something for the Canberra community, which I love – my husband and I came here from England 35 years ago. “I started out at Lifeline, which was the most wonderful training for being aware of the needs of people in the community.�

She’s also involved in her local community organisation in Hackett, and says that these community organisations are a great way to get started in volunteering. “At the moment we’re fighting to keep the airport noise down so we can get some sleep,� she says.

Laura says that a range of people, from retired people to jobseekers, can benefit from donating their time. “Volunteering is also a good way

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Fatal fungi warning

THE NCA has warned people against eating wild mushrooms following sightings of one of the world's deadliest fungi, the poisonous and difficult-to-identify death cap mushroom.

Eating just one mushroom can be fatal. NCA executive director Alison Walker-Kaye said that known locations of the death cap mushroom include Acton, Ainslie, Commonwealth Park, Deakin, Dickson, O’Connor, Parkes, Red Hill, Reid, and Yarralumla. In a poisoning emergency phone 13 11 26, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Grants for girls

Laura Turnbull‌ “It gives me a great deal of pride that I’m doing something for the Canberra community, which I love.â€?

Photo by Silas for people who lose their jobs to keep job-ready – it’s a way of keeping their skills up, and it certainly doesn’t do any harm as far as getting them credit for work in the community,â€? she says. “It’s also great for kids who are leaving school to be able to tell a potential employer what they’ve been doing while they try to find a paid job. “We’re looking for people with experience in food preparation, in caring for animals, caring for older people, looking after the environment‌ there are so many things we can do.â€?

For more information, call 6251 4060 or visit www.volunteeract.org.au.

TEENAGE girls are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $2000 to help with further study or development in their area of interest, under a new ACT Government initiative. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the inaugural Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants program would help five local young women aged 13 to 18 each year pursue their dreams. The scheme was named after the ACT's former top police officer, Audrey Fagan. More information and application packages from the ACT Office for Women on 6205 0515 or via email at women@act.gov.au.

Alternative views

“ANTI-union laws yesterday and today� is the principal theme of the next Canberra Socialist Alternative’s May 14 meeting. There will also be a discussion of the class politics of the Rudd/Swan Budget. “Everyone is welcome to come along and check us out,� say the organisers. Meetings are at 6pm every Thursday, room G039, Copland Building, Australian National University (map F2, building 24). The May 21 meeting subject is “Barack Obama: Change we can believe in or business as usual?�

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budget09 Michael Moore: It’s The blame-everyone-else Budget Taking • BUS FARES : UP 11% • TICKET PARKING: UP 20%

• METER PARKING: UP 50% • FINES AND PENALTIES: UP 10%

Giving

• NEW LIBRARY: $7.1M. • CAPITAL WORKS: $274M.

• SMALLER CLASS SIZES: $28M. • CENTENARY: $14M.

Diving deep into deficit What a difference a year makes, says Assembly reporter JORIAN GARDNER. THE ACT’s much-leaked, masterfully spun, surprise-free Budget sees the local economy taking a jarring $82.2million plus dive into deficit.

It’s a jolt that the Government is not expecting the Territory to recover from for seven hard years and comes with an unprecedented need to borrow $400million.

After former Treasurer Jon Stanhope’s planned, but never delivered, operating surplus of $84.9million in 2008, his rookie replacement Katy Gallagher has announced a massive $247.3million underlying deficit on the back of falling GST revenues, lower return on government investments, lower interest earnings and a softening in the local housing market. However when the Federal Government stimulus initiatives are factored in ($165.1million) the operating deficit is $82.2million.

While the Government is virtuously holding taxes and saving jobs, it hasn’t been able to resist an 11 per cent hike in bus fares from July this year, while ticket-machine parking fees will increase on average 20 per cent and meters by a whopping 50 per cent from 2010. And fines are going up.

On the spending side, there’s $274million targeted for new capital works in addition to the $334.5million invested in schools and public housing through the Federal Government’s “National Building and Jobs” program. The Budget also confirmed the election promise of $83million to extend the Gungahlin Drive Extension.

The Treasurer’s press-room briefing was contrite and subdued and she made constant references to having learnt lessons from the election and promises to consult with the community, unions and workers. But there was a big, Green elephant in the room – and in the Budget.

Treasurer Katy Gallagher and Chief Minister Jon Stanhope meet the press… “If I were a Green, I would be pretty happy with this Budget,” she quipped. Photo by Silas.

“If I were a Green, I would be pretty happy with this Budget,” a droll Treasurer quipped under questioning.

The Greens agenda certainly came to the fore (even the Budget papers are green in colour; “teal”, the Treasurer

“CITYNEWS” photographer Silas Brown was prevented from leaving the Budget lock up after the Treasurer’s press conference. Traditionally, TV and press camera people have been allowed to leave after the 12.30pm Budget press conference on the condition that they respect the embargo of 2.30pm.

“CityNews” requested that snapper Brown be allowed to leave the Budget at around

insists!) with $19.1million over four years earmarked for the “Switch your Thinking!” program, a key commitment in the post-election Labor-Greens parliamentary agreement. The program is designed to encourage reduced

carbon footprints and will bring together information on the Government’s rebates and environmental programs for the public in a “one-stop shop”.

And the Greens election push for a new library in the inner-south to re-

Of barred snappers and sneaking staffers 1.30pm so he could get on with the important work of getting the edition to press. But no, Treasurer Gallagher’s flustered new media adviser stood firm, barking at the gathered media that the “the f...ing deadline is 2.30”.

Eventually, sense prevailed and everyone was

allowed out early on the promise not to break the embargo.

MEANWHILE, “CityNews” found a senior Liberal staffer Tio Faulkner, vice-president of the ACT Liberal Party and a Vicki Dunne staffer hiding

place the Labor’s political folly of closing the Griffith library has been rewarded with a $7.1million allocation.

The minister responsible, John Hargreaves, standing in the chorus line of ministers surrounding the Treasurer, remained stone faced while Ms Gallagher squirmed her way through the embarrassing back flip.

“The Budget reflects the times we are in,” Ms Gallagher said. “These are challenging times, with the world economy facing its sharpest slowdown since the Great Depression.

“We haven’t introduced any new taxes in this Budget and it’s not time to cut services to the ACT community.

We could have hidden the picture essentially but what that wouldn’t have done is present the real impacts and expenditure that we know is coming.”

However, there aren’t many surprises with many of the “announcements” having already been flagged in previous Budgets or promised at the October election.

Under the catchphrase of “Investing in our Community”, the Budget provides a modest $49 million in new initiatives in what the ACT Government has called “carefully targeted spending initiatives to support investment in the local economy”.

Most of the good news had been leaked in the lead-up to the Budget – paid maternity leave extended to 18 weeks; a $12million investment in Civic upgrades; $1million for Action Buses to introduce rapid transit buses every 15 minutes and a new health care centre for Belconnen.

Canberra’s Centenary has received $14million over the next four years towards celebratory activities, part of which will go towards securing the 2013 Australian Women’s Golf Open.

The Treasurer outlined a seven-year plan to bring the ACT economy back into the black, but acknowledged that in the current economic environment these estimates may change. And they may change within seven days when the Federal Budget is unveiled.

in the toilets behind the Budget lock-up. When questioned by “CityNews” on if he was allowed to be in the area said: “I am allowed to take an interest in whatever part of the building I choose to, seeing as I work here.” He then exited the way he came in – through a door only accessible by swipe-card at the back of the Budget lock up.

It’s the second year Liberal staffers have been discovered snooping near the lock-up.

CityNews May 7-13 11

budget 09

Labor has razor up its sleeve Zed Seselja, Opposition Leader The Budget delivered by Katy Gallagher is a demonstration of a Treasurer and a Government that has no plans to deal with the tough times we face.

It’s a plan for a decade of deficits with no plan on how to get the Budget into surplus. It includes cumulative deficits totalling around $770 million just over the next four years.

We are all aware of the GFC and the impacts it has had on the global economic framework and on Government revenues.

The key question is how Governments respond to these challenges.

But what response do we get from this neophyte treasurer? Absolutely nothing.

They have kept spending, just as if the GFC had never happened. They refuse to make

meaningful savings, just like they did in the boom times. And they window dress this vacuous document with a lot of buzzwords, just like they have done for every day for every year that they have been in power.

There are, however, some seriously worrying aspects hidden in the fine print of the Budget papers. Last year, the Canberra Liberals took a Treasury costed, line-by-line plan for cutting Government waste, and Jon Stanhope and Katy Gallagher vehemently argued against any savings of any sort. Now it seems as if Katy Gallagher is setting up for massive cuts, but she will not tell the people what those cuts will be.

Then there is the secret ‘Expenditure Review and Evaluation Committee’, which sounds suspiciously like the productivity review that slashed its way across Territory services only three years ago, and whose agenda or recom-

mendations have still not been disclosed.

But the details are not clearly spelt out – they are hinted at to occur some time in the future. They are a creeping miasma of uncertainty and doubt that will cast a pall over the Territory for the next 12 months.

We can be certain of some things – that we will have the biggest deficits of any Government in our history; that jobs will be lost; that this Government has a razor up its sleeve and does not have the courage to put its plans to the people.

It is a ‘fingers crossed’ Budget. The ‘not my fault’ Budget from the Minister not responsible.

Meredith Hunter, Leader ACT Greens

Catherine Carter, Property Council of Australia

THIS Budget is a sign that, with a strong Greens presence in the Legislative Assembly, the people of the ACT can expect a more sustainable Canberra – socially, economically and environmentally.

The Budget incorporates many initiatives that we know the people of Canberra will welcome. They include the reopening of a library in the inner south, mental health training for teachers and emergency service the introduction of bus rapid transit, the expansion of Canberra’s urban wetlands, and a comprehensive program to improve home water and energy efficiency in our homes.

At a broader level, it is still not clear how this Government imagines we will work our way back from deficit. At its heart, this is really a business as usual Budget, rather than a vision for our times.

The ACT Greens /ALP agreement has delivered some much-need outcomes for the Canberra people.

THERE are some mixed messages in the Budget for the property sector. The greatest concern is the size of the deficit and the number of years that the Government is forecasting it will stay in deficit. They will have to carefully manage it as they move forward. The other negative is for home and property owners with general rates, land tax and the fire and emergency services all creeping higher than inflation.

On the positive side the Government setting aside around $2 million for a building tune-up program matching the private sector dollar for dollar for retro-fitting and upgrading office buildings is a great initiative. It’s an important economic stimulus program and it also achieves reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Chris Peters, Chamber of Commerce THE good news is that this not a slash and burn Budget; however, it does leave more questions than answers particularly in the third and fourth year out where we are seeing more uncertainty. Fortunately, the Commonwealth has made significant contribution to the ACT – if it wasn’t for them the ACT deficit would be four times the size. There are some small business programs to help them grow and employ people, however we see that the public service has some challenges.

Roslyn Dundas, ACT Council of Social Service This isn’t a good Budget for the community sector and it looks like things will just get worse in future years.

There is no new funding to support the delivery of programs at AMC, a contraction in funding for community projects meaning the likely end of programs like the Multicultural Youth Service. Unemployment is looking to rise to 3.5 per cent, but at the same time community sector funding is not meeting current need and is likely to go backwards in the future.

However, we do welcome the Homelessness and Elder Law Project at Legal Aid and the focus on developing mental health programs.

12 CityNews May 7-13

Chris Faulks, Canberra Business Council THE council recognises the economic climate that we are now in and supports the Government’s decision to not cut public sector employment, services and to not increase taxation. We are very supportive of their spending including on capital works, tourism, education and training and the $14 million boost for Canberra’s Centenary.

However we are very concerned about the large deficits in the out years and how the Government will make the savings to get back into surplus and the fact that these deficits are compounded by larger deficits at the Federal level which are likely to have a disproportionately negative impact on ACT business beyond 2010.

Jeremy Irvine, Independent Schools Association TO their credit, the ACT Government are delivering on their non-Government education election commitments which the association welcomes – particularly the continued investment in students with a disability. That said, it is important that Government recognises the contribution that parents of ACT non-Government students make to the ACT economy by choosing to send their child to a non-Government school – further recognition of this would have been welcome.

Where (some of) the money’s going Infrastructure • $274million in a new capital works program in addition to the $334.5 million invested in schools and public housing through the Federal Government’s “National Building and Jobs” program.

It includes $83 million to extend the Gungahlin Drive Extension as promised during the election campaign.

• $7.1million for a new inner-south library.

Health • $90million investment in the e-health capacity of Canberra’s healthcare system.

• $51.3million for a new community health centre at Belconnen.

• $25.4million over four years for acute-care services.

• $12million to boost cancer services.

• $12million to support and grow the GP workforce.

• $19million over four years for mental health.

Sport and recreation • $3million over two years to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to develop a Basketball Centre of Excellence.

• $1million for forward design work on an indoor pool for Gungahlin.

• $8million in additional funding to “drought proof” a number of sportsgrounds in Canberra under the “Where Will We Play” program.

• $1.5million over three years commencing 2010-11 to support motorsport organisations to invest in facilities and hold events.

• $1.050million over two years to improve Griffith Oval.

Tourism • $5.3million over four years for a new annual event in the ACT during autumn, commencing in 2010.

• $800,000 for the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in September at Stromlo Forest Park.

Education • $43.5million for the construction of Harrison High School.

• $7.6million over three years for a new performing arts theatre at the Canberra College, Woden.

• $5.4million additional funding for the Gungahlin College project.

• $691,000 to increase the number of indigenous teachers and teachers’ assistants working in ACT public schools.

• $4million over four years to provide additional funding to non government schools to assist students with identified learning needs, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and special education students.

• $1.454million over four years to allow students to undertake industry based training while remaining in school under the Australian School-Based Apprenticeships program.

Environment • $19.1million over four years for important initiatives under the “Switch your Thinking!” program – a key commitment in the Labor-Greens parliamentary agreement.

• $13.9million over two years for the construction of two new wetland ponds in Dickson and Lyneham.

• $483,000 over two years to conduct widespread industry consultation and develop a future waste strategy targeting business, electronic and organic waste.

• $85,000 to conduct extensive community consultation on the best ways to reduce the use of plastic bags.

• $1.3million over four years to help support the work of three environmental organisations – the Canberra Environment and Sustainability Resources Centre, the Canberra Conservation Council and SEE Change ACT.

budget 09

The blame-everyone-else Budget THE key strategy for the ACT Budget seems to be twofold. The first stage is to blame everyone else.

Considering the Budget is propped up with borrowings of over $400m, George Orwell would have been proud of the theme “investing in the community”.

The “1984” “newspeak” concept is certainly not dead as Treasurer Katy Gallagher struggles to convince the community that the Government is being fiscally responsible. And Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has introduced another newspeak term – he is apparently “resequencing” the Budget priorities.

In the book “1984”, “newspeak” was deliberately developed as a system of mind-control. It certainly has raised its head with vigour in ACT politics with the launch of this Budget. This is a paradigm step beyond the normal political “spin”. The key mind-control mechanism used this year is to blame everyone else: “It’s not our fault – it is the Commonwealth Government, it is the global economic crisis, it is reduction in revenue from our cash investments, it is the reduction of the GST revenue, there has been a loss of

It’s all spin, ‘newspeak’ and mind control, says political commentator MICHAEL MOORE. revenue with subdued activity in the housing market.”

But don’t worry, Canberrans. Well, don’t worry in the short term – there will be no cuts this year. The Government is borrowing and postponing the pain. In fact, it is borrowing an unprecedented $400 million. The “newspeak” continues! According to the Treasurer, “we are supporting jobs” but next year officials tell us fiscal discipline will be maintained, wage restraint forced through efficiency dividends in the out years. “In three years’ time, according to Gallagher, “we will be looking for $150million savings”.

After next year, ACT Government departments are going to be expected to find efficiencies. The approach to the cuts will be achieved through community consultation – at least this will give someone else to blame. Unions will even be asked to identify where these cuts should be made – as though there is an alternative to jobs for this magnitude of cuts. Of course, the Gov-

ernment refers to these cuts in “newspeak” terms as savings!

For ordinary people we are told that things are actually looking up. The Under Treasurer says that there is an expected increase in household income in the Territory with reductions in interest rates and some expectation of increased expenditure by the Commonwealth. The Government is actually predicting a two per cent growth in the ACT economy although this is down from the five per cent growth of previous years. The reality is that since the first Stanhope Government Budget in 2002 Budgets have always been delivered in boom times with no contingencies ever being made for these sorts of adverse circumstances.

Mind-control games are all the way through the Budget. The most obvious “newspeak” is the introduction of the seven-year Budget. Budgets have always been forecast over four years. And the Budget papers reflect the standard approach. However, the

Treasurer would have us believe that the seven-year solution will allow them to argue fiscal responsibility.

The trouble is that she got away with it last year arguing the she would spend a billion dollars on health over seven years. And now she is trying the same stunt across the whole Budget!

Imagine if we were trying to implement an outcome from Jon Stanhope’s very first Budget in 2002? That is what the Treasurer expects the Canberra community to accept now. It will be interesting to watch just how vulnerable Canberrans are to this Government’s “mind-control” tactics?

There are a series of assumptions that underlay this Budget. It is difficult to believe that they have been carefully considered over a seven-year period.

In fact, most are just given over a few years. ACT employment growth is predicted to slow from the traditional 1.75 per cent to 1 per cent this year, 0.75 per cent in the coming year and then to 0.5 per cent the following year. I wonder why there is no seven-year prediction to match the time that we will come back to being fiscally responsible.

At least the Treasurer has admitted that two of their own measures of fiscal responsibility will not be met.

The obvious one is achievement of net operating surplus broken by $247million and covering the superannuation debt by 2030. The first would be nigh on impossible to hide and the second is so far in the future that no one will notice.

By addressing the Budget as a seven-year project the Government has found a way to make the Government appear fiscally responsible. The Treasurer argued “we could have hidden these by not building in the six per cent increase for health; we could have hidden them by not including provisions for wages and a range of other strategies. Instead, this is the full and honest picture.” She argued that they have a plan to turn the Budget to surplus over a seven-year cycle.

The view of Queen Gertrude in “Hamlet” seems apt “Methinks the lady doth protest too much”.

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

What Katy did next

Grim news, grim faces… Cabinet colleagues gather around Treasurer Gallagher at the Budget media conference. From left, Simon Corbell, John Hargreaves, Andrew Barr and Chief Minister Jon Stanhope. Photo by Silas.

By Jorian Gardner SHE’D been waiting for this moment for a very long time – if only the news she had to deliver was better.

First-time Treasurer Katy Gallagher stood bravely in the Legislative Assembly and announced a whopping $247.3million Budget defecit – but, gee, it sounds a lot better with a new hairstyle and stylish suit.

Her delivery was spot on. There was not much to crow about, but Gallagher has a way of phrasing that ensures that even the bad news doesn’t sound all that bad.

She talked about taking the hard decisions, about planning for the future, about delivering for the community and of spreading the deficit pain over a number of years – seven – to soften the impact of what is a horror Budget. She deserves an acting award – Best Performance by a Minister in a Budget Nightmare, maybe.

The Chief Minister and former Treasurer Jon Stanhope nodded politely with every word – and so he should, given he’s the one who threw her the hospital pass by handing her Treasury after the last election.

The Liberal Opposition sat silently digesting the Budget papers for the first time.

CityNews May 7-13 13

L R S

Law Week May 11-16

Confidence we call freedom

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Many people believe that stability and peace depend upon a stable economy, but it starts before that says ACT Law Society president ROD BARNETT.

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STABILITY and peace depend upon the rule of law. The law is the code that rules our conduct.

People are aware of the global economic crisis and there is a natural assumption that a free and democratic society is our entitlement. Many people believe that stability and peace depend upon a stable economy.

It starts before that. It depends upon a person’s confidence that when she leaves her house it will be hers when she returns.

It depends on the confidence of the house builder to commit resources to the project without fear that it will be stopped without reason. It depends on government officials to make fair decisions without intimidation.

It depends on a confidence to go about our daily lives unaffected by threats of violence and loss of property. This confidence is called freedom. There is only one way it can be achieved – by

It all started with a couple of beers and a joke. Roger never suspected that building his own road block on a major freeway, leading to the local “Charcoal Chicken” would land him in so much “Hot Water”

the majority of the community agreeing to accept a code of personal conduct.

Law Week is a national annual event that aims to promote greater understanding within the community of the law, the legal system and the legal profession.

It is also an opportunity to raise money for a local charity – this year, Arthritis ACT. And, of course, it’s a chance for lawyers to let their hair down a bit!

Throughout ACT Law Week, activities will focus on community education, providing members of the public with access to the legal profession, the courts, government service providers and other law-related services.

Law Week is also a great opportunity for lawyers to demonstrate their skills and provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the law and the legal system.

LAW WEEK PROGRAM Thursday, May 7, 1pm

Law Week Launch, Court 1, Supreme Court: ACT Attorney-General to launch Law Week. Chief Justice Terry Higgins will speak about celebrating 75 years of the ACT Supreme Court.

Tuesday, May 12, 12.30pm for 1pm

Blackburn Lecture, Pilgrim House, Northbourne Ave: Justice Lex Lasry on “Unelected Judges: Out of Touch with the Community?”

Wednesday, May 13, 12.15pm-1.45pm

Women & Justice Forum, Function Room A, Multi-Cultural Centre, Civic: “Women Leading the Way”, Speakers: Justice Hilary Penfold, Magistrate Karen Fryar, Ms Linda Crebbin.

Wednesday, May 13, 7pm for 7.30pm

Supreme Court 75th Anniversary Dinner, Old Parliament House.

Thursday, May 14, 6.30pm-10.30pm

Quiz Night, Canberra Club: Young Lawyers’ Fundraiser 2009 Charity – Arthritis ACT.

Thursday, May 14, 11.30am-2.30pm

Market Day, Upstairs, Canberra Centre, near The Coffee Club: An exhibition by Community Legal Centres and other organisations who can assist in legal and legal-related issues.

Friday, May 15, 12.30pm-2pm

Mixed Soccer Finals, ANU ovals.

Friday, May 15, 5.30pm

Law Week Cocktail Party, Uni Pub.

Saturday, May 16, 10am

Mock Trial, Supreme Court.

For further details contact: Jocelyn Campbell 6247 5700 or jocelyn.campbell@actlawsociety.asn.au.

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Lawyers get a life!

Law Week May 11-16

DEADLY serious and earnest at work, lawyers know how to let their hair down at home time!

LEGITIMATE Solutions Legal, principal lawyer James King (left, centre) isn’t just spending his days behind his desk. He’s a bagpipe player who, with hundreds of other pipers, played at Red Square in Moscow for the Kremlin Zoria Tattoo.

“One of the highlights for me was playing alongside a Scottish regiment

formed from a regiment my grandfather and great grandfather served in during World War I and II,” said James who has also played in China, Norfolk Island and around Australia. “Piping in various locations certainly makes for some interesting conversations with clients at the firm!”

ROSS Reid, of Myer Vandenberg, likes life in the fast lane.

“Life as a lawyer can be boring sure, but when was the last time you had a car you built yourself (below) flat out on tarmac – legally, of course!” laughed Ross. “Or when was the last time you gazed up at Mount Everest with only 9028 feet between you and the top? Sure, they’re totally opposed interests, but when you’ve got those damn incoming emails beeping at you all day and the message light on the phone glows red hot (even after you put a yellow sticky over it), you need some real mind–clearing interests. Trust me, these two are!”

SOLICITOR Andrew Jones (right), from AP Jones and Co Lawyers, is a rugby fanatic.

“My particular passion is rugby union – I have been coaching teams for several years and was bought up on a strict diet of rugby since time immemorial!” Andrew says. “It’s about sharing a sporting experience with others – and its fun! My sons play and that’s just wonderful because it’s a pastime that my whole family can enjoy and participate.”

FEDERAL Government Lawyer Yvette McMillen recently participated in the “3 Peaks in 3 Weeks” team that travelled to Africa to climb three of the tallest peaks in the continent – Mount Kenya, Mount Meru and the famous Kilimanjaro. It was a challenge to raise money for awareness of Africa’s three “peak” issues – HIV/aids, education and the environment.

“While none of the mountains required any technical mountaineering skills to reach the summit, it was a huge challenge nonetheless involving physical endurance and emotional highs and lows,” says Yvette.

During Law Week, participants will be encouraged to share with others their times outside the office, and exchange ideas about how to better unwind.

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CityNews May 7-13 15

scene

At the Business after Business cocktail party hosted by ‘CityNews’ and The National Press Club

Roanne Nadurak, John Mulcair and Jill Faulkner

Maria and Gordon Selleck with Kristine Dennis

Jorgie Gorman, Rachael Hennessy, Chelsea Van Zyl and Hanna Schuck

Renate Cusch, Ros Triffitt, Kevin Bell and Rod Harvey

Lauren McMillan, Erin O'Donnell and Catherine Bowyer

Gallipoli Remembered Canberra International Music Festival Wednesday 13 May, 4 pm, Australian War Memorial Join us for a special afternoon of chamber music in our unique amphitheatre, the Commemorative Area.

This is an outdoor event. Bookings are essential, as seats are limited.

Cost: $35 per person (GST inclusive), $28 for Friends of the Memorial and concession card holders.

Phone Canberra Ticketing on (02) 6275 2700 for bookings.

One of the world’s great museums

16 CityNews May 7-13

Toni Friend and Karin Glocker

www.awm.gov.au

More photos at www.citynews.com.au and facebook

At the opening of ‘Soft Sculpture’, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes

At the ‘Elodi’ magazine launch, itrip iskip, Braddon

Sophie Ross, Niki van den Heuvel, Simeran Maxwell and Emilie Owens Stella Zelnik and Cara Hine

Diana Derek and Sam Vincent

Richard, Clare and Hilary Thackway, Jim Wallace and Poppy Thackway

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A sophisticated and discreet atmosphere makes Club Lounge the perfect place to catch up with friends, impress clients and visitors or to have a celebratory drink or meal. Drop by after work, enjoy fine company and try one of our politically incorrect CLUB LOUNGE Cocktails. They include Leadership Challenge, Working Families, Chair Sniffer, Scumbag, Memoirs, Brasnapper, $7 Stroganoff, Double Dissolution and are complimented by tempting tapas and piano bar entertainment.

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an initiative of the Canberra Convention Bureau Inc CityNews May 7-13 17

arts&entertainment

Energetic moments of theatrical magic AUDIENCES expect something special from a superb cast including Patrick Dickson and Andrew Tighe and one of the world’s most significant directors, John Bell.

“The Alchemist” delivers moments of theatrical magic. David Whitney’s Sir Epicure Mammon embodied epicurean gluttony to provide gross-out humour and hilarious parody. Liz Skitch’s Dame Pliant provided a contrasting and very gentle naïve character that was disarmingly human. Each member of the large cast performed with an extraordinary vocal and physical dexterity. Yet the production seemed to race out of control, losing the dramatic tensions needed to sustain con-

Theatre

“The Alchemist”

By Ben Jonson. Directed by John Bell. Bell Shakespeare and Queensland Theatre Company. Canberra Theatre Centre Playhouse until May 9.

Reviewed by Joe Woodward tinuous interest for its two and a quarter hours (without interval).

The setting to some extent represented the characters’ and the audience’s own vanity. This might have allowed the text to be embedded within a very powerful and useful framework or

sculpture in the way many of Bell Shakespeare’s sets have been used. With bits and pieces scattered all over the stage, the messiness reflected the unbalanced nature of the production as a whole. The cluttered nature of the work could not be overcome by the tremendous energy expended by the cast.

At times this energy was almost too much.

Some vulnerability might have allowed in more tension. Much of the performance was pre-emptive with actors anticipating the dialogue.

The audience was treated to the artifice of life represented by a kind of rehearsal in which the performance was always informed by the clutter

of life’s backstage. We even see the stage manager and at times the actors watching the performance. The acting style then contrasted with real life by accentuating the theatrical with large gestures and very well enunciated text which extended the cliché of the actor in performance.

Costumes added much to this concept. We were left to ponder how much of social interaction is really theatre? All of this was carefully thought through. Yet something was missing.

Perhaps we also needed to see people feeling their own vulnerability and foibles as they try to achieve their desires. Such a contrasting possibility is in the text, but not in this production.

Faces in the dust VISUAL ART

“Out of the Dust: Life in Afghanistan” Photographs by Hans Stakelbeek, Courtyard Gallery, Australian War Memorial. 10am5pm, until May 24.

Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak THIS international touring exhibition arrives in Canberra following showings in the Netherlands, Washington, London and Berlin. Canberra’s exhibition comprises a small selection from a much larger collection, completed in April 2008, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

While seeking to document the evidence of joint Australian/Netherlands reconstruction efforts, this brief is, in effect, hijacked by the extraordinary landscape and by the faces of the Afghan people. Children and adults alike gaze unsmilingly at the camera, frown lines etched by the daily task of looking out and beyond.

TransTV HIGHLIGHTS

www.transact.com.au

SATURDAY, MAY 9

SUNDAY, MAY 10

THE year is 1917 and English map makers, Reginald Anson and George Garrad, arrive in a small Welsh village to measure Ffynnon Garw, a nearby geographical landmark prized by the locals as “the rst mountain in Wales”. But after measuring it, they discover that it is 15 feet too short to qualify as a mountain and is actually just a hill. Outrage sweeps the town, until two locals devise an ingenious plan to ensure their hill takes its rightful place in history as a mountain. With the assistance of the entire village, they scheme to keep the two Englishmen around long enough for them to rebuild Ffynonn Garw to its former glory. Starring Hugh Grant and Tara Fitzgerald.

FIVE years ago Dennis did a runner from the altar, leaving his pregnant ancée Libby in tears. Now he lives in a tiny sublet, struggles to pay rent, and works as a security guard for a lingerie store. For “Fat boy” Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg), right, struggles against ve years, Dennis has been Whit (Hank Azaria). trying to win Libby back, without much luck. Although he is part of his son’s life, Libby is seeing a new man, the smug businessman and all-round good guy, Whit. To prove himself, Dennis decides to run in the Nike River Marathon, against Whit. Unt and out of shape, Dennis has just three weeks to toughen up and prove he isn’t a quitter. Starring Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton.

“The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain” 8.30PM  MOVIE GREATS 415

18 CityNews May 7-13

“Run Fat Boy Run” 8.30PM  MOVIE ONE 411

“A Girls School in Uruzgan” (alumina plate, 150x100cms)… young girls sit together in a sandy, cave-like space far removed from western images of a classroom.

Several of the images are stunning in the immensity of landscape they unfold.

In “Untitled”, a massive background of blue/grey, jagged mountains descends to a flat, sandy, foreground; the photograph’s central focus a dun-coloured building, towards which proceed, unconnected, a lone walker and a lone cyclist, antlike in comparison to the open, barren landscape surrounding them.

These immense swathes of misty blue backgrounds and the relentless, sandy greys of mid and foregrounds are relieved by flashes and pinpoints of colour. “New Houses in Kabul” depicts sand-coloured boxes scattering over a ridge, the mono-

chrome relieved by the brilliant red of a child’s dress, by a blue door, by orange and red carpets airing, or the flash of a green and gold saddle blanket covering a dark grey donkey.

In “A Girls School in Uruzgan” (alumina plate, 150x100cms), 23 young girls sit together in a sandy, cave-like space far removed from western images of a classroom. Accompanying text reminds us that, in a country where 44 per cent of the population is under 14, and more than 80 per cent of the population are illiterate, girls are attending school in increasingly greater numbers making up 4150 attendees out of 43,000 children in primary school.

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arts&entertainment

Barking, buzzing and beautiful WITH “Restless”, her homage to sleep deprivation, Cadi McCarthy provides a satisfying evening of imaginative, well-performed contemporary dance.

In fact, it is her best work to date, in terms of realising her theme in clear, cohesive dance terms, while at the same time providing her dancers with choreography that is meaningful, often quite beautiful, and constantly absorbing.

Played out against the stark black walls of the strippedback Courtyard Studio, to an attractive soundscape of contemporary music, six dancers explore the notion of restlessness, and the factors that often prevent us from “Restless”… Cadi McCarthy’s sleeping, such as noisy neighbours, buzzing mosquitoes, best work to date. barking dogs, work and relationship problems.

DANCE

“Restless” Cadi McCarthy & Company. Courtyard Studio, Canberra Centre. Until May 10.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens Imaginative use is made of six mattresses that form an integral part of the simple décor, and which act, literally, as springboards, for a succession ingeniously-constructed, solos, duets and ensemble sequences, as well as screens for projected filmed images.

McCarthy is well served by each of her accomplished dancers, but the most arresting dancing is offered by Hayley Schmidt and David Mueller, both of whom have

the ability to transcend the technicalities of the choreography to bring an extra layer of meaning and sophistication to their various roles.

The only jarring element of the piece was the use of banal spoken passages which interrupt the flow of the dancing and, too often, merely describe what had already been much more succinctly conveyed by the choreography.

“Restless” is Cadi McCarthy’s most mature work to date and confirms her emergence as an important choreographer on the Australian contemporary dance scene, a status which will serve her well as she takes on the challenging role of artistic director of the Perthbased Buzz Dance Theatre.

Deep in the forest “Defiance” (M) “DEFIANCE” tells how, in Belorussian forests, a group of Polish Jews defied Hitler’s Wehrmacht from late 1941 until the European war ended.

Much more than military skirmishes staged and filmed with satisfying conviction, it depicts a social macrocosm surviving by what it stole, built or killed to get, learning new rules for community, for conducting family and group relationships, preserving Jewish cultural, intellectual and spiritual heritages while engaging in military actions such as their people had not taken since Biblical times.

It powerfully illustrates how those partisans differed from Jews who meekly let the Nazis drive them into the gas chambers.

Death in battle, while more noble, is no less final but the odds of surviving as forest nomads were better.

Filming “Defiance” outdoors, mostly in winter, must have been arduous but cast and crew bring conviction to a story that rightfully merits a place among World War II’s annals of victory. Daniel Craig is strong as the older Bielski brother learning the arts of managing human needs and issues in a disparate community and the military arts of guerilla warfare. Liev Schreiber is equally forceful as his brother who spends time fighting with a Soviet Army unit. Both Bielski brothers migrated to the US after the war knowing that they had preserved 1200 people who might otherwise have

CINEMA

By Dougal Macdonald vanished in smoke up a crematorium chimney.

Director/writer Edward Zwick’s matterof-fact style, radiating respect, avoiding cliché and sentimentality, gives film-goers strong material to ponder, not simply as a movie but also as a reminder of a time, place and historical events so long untold.

At all Canberra cinemas

“Tenderness” (M) JOHN Polson’s film deals with murder and police work unlike what we expect.

John Foster plays Eric, released from juvenile detention after killing his parents while under the influence of antidepressants. Russell Crowe plays semiretired Detective Cristofouro, caring for a wife in a coma, convinced that despite the best of intentions, Eric is a psychopath serial killer who cannot avoid doing it again.

The film’s core is Eric’s trip across New York State to meet a woman who sent him a note while he was inside. What Eric doesn’t know is that teenager Lori (Sophie Traub) hiding in the back seat of his car, is obsessed with his history and ready, anxious even, for him to kill her.

The film mixes tension and concern as Lori disturbs Eric’s comfort zone, threatening to collapse what seems like his

genuine reform. Traub’s performance is impressive. So also, on a lesser level, is Foster’s. Crowe’s is low-key, sensitive rather than insistent.

The road trip culminates in unexpected tragedy, sending us away feeling sorrow while wondering what Polson had in mind when he began making the film.

At Hoyts Belconnen

“Shinjuku Incident” (MA) DURING the 1990s, more than a million Chinese boat people illegally entered Japan, where they lived among low social levels and crime.

Shinjuku Incident tells the story of the peasant Steelhead whose beloved Xiu Xiu has entered Japan legally. When he follows illegally several years later to seek her, he finds himself drawn into petty theft and exploitation by unscrupulous employers and later, through happenstance, engagement as a yakuza gang leader’s minder.

The film provides an insight into Chinese and Japanese criminal lifestyles that may or may not be reliable, but demonstrates great physical energy through unremitting violence. Former Canberra resident Jackie Chan, who made his name as the athletic acrobat hero of a string of comical martial arts movies, plays Steelhead, a good man driven into a corrupt lifestyle, with a likeable mix of puzzlement and sorrow that it has come to this.

At Hoyts Belconnen

CityNews May 7-13 19

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Healthy hospitality GEORGE Economopoulos isn’t exactly a stranger to the Canberra dining scene. As well as running the highly successful Mocca Espresso Lounge at Scarborough House in Phillip, he also operated Tryst in Manuka until three years ago.

With more than 25 years’ experience in Canberra hospitality, George is excited about his newest venture: bringing another Mocca to Civic.

The new Espresso Lounge already has a strong following, he says.

There’s also a focus on healthy, great-tasting food: the café aims to apply the guidelines used by the Heart Foundation’s Tick Program, to help make it easy for customers to make healthier food choices. This is reflected in a colour scheme with a neutral (black/dark and white) palette and strong red accents.

Mocca Espresso Civic operates on several levels. First, there’s the café: “fast, healthy food with lots of options,” George says.

“It can get very busy, but it flows very well – it’s a case of restaurant-quality food so that it’s appropriate to hold a business meeting here, which people do.”

Mocca Espresso also has a catering service, which provides a range of food styles from sandwiches for boardroom functions all the way up to sit-down George Economopou- wedding reception dinners.

“We do a lot of catering all over los… “The menu is the city, from Civic to Belconnen modern Australian, with a Mediterranean to Woden and Tuggeranong,” says George. influence.”

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The café menu includes an all-day breakfast (including French toast, eggs Benedict, muesli and a fresh fruit salad) as well as a range of rolls, foccacias, baguettes and Turkish pides.

There are soups, salads and baked savouries; plus a made-to-order menu that includes salt and pepper squid, linguine carbonara, vegetarian risotto, tempura chicken, salads and burgers.

There’s even a range of speciality teas and the cafe is licensed.

Good coffee, served quickly, is a focus: three baristas use the two sideby-side La Mozacca machines from 7.30am.

George and the Mocca Espresso team on the opening of their new City location.

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comes to Civic The Lounge at Civic also has a restaurant, which currently does lunches and is about to start opening for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The menu is modern Australian, with a Mediterranean influence,” George says.

On the menu will be dishes such as doubleroasted pork belly with glazed Porcini mushrooms and coconut mirin reduction; a Moroccan chicken Caesar salad; a linguine of sautéed tiger prawns and chorizo with julienne crispy greens, herbed olive oil and Parmesan; and half-shell scallops grilled with pickled ginger and dill butter.

In other words, it’s a holistic approach to hospitality, offering something to diners at all levels without compromising quality, George says.

It’s a modern space with clean lines, but George says the Lounge has been outfitted with a view to comfort in mind: “there’s carpet in the dining area and soft panels on the walls so that it’s quiet enough to conduct business meetings on the premises.

“Canberra gets very cold in winter as we all know, so we didn’t want it to have a stark feel.”

There’s gas heating outside in the al fresco area that, he says, will make it comfortable for diners to enjoy their food or a coffee even in winter.

For more information see www.moccaespresso.com.au.

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arts&entertainment

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Citrus honey prawns Sesame spiced mushrooms with wasabi oil Confit of pork belly with cabernet vinaigrette

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Win! Win! Win! “CityNews” has 10 double passes to the opening night of ‘Breast Wishes’, The Playhouse, Wednesday, May 27.

Entries to www.citynews.com.au

Competition closes midday Monday, May 18.

Winners announced in “CityNews” in the edition of May 21.

DINING

By Wendy Johnson EUROPEAN cuisine. If it makes your heart pitter patter, there’s a new café, at Griffith shops, where you can delight in dishes from the diverse nations that form the European Union.

Ryan Davies and seasoned chef Shane Delamont bought Element Restaurant a while back, always intending to change the concept to a more relaxed place to dine, but one still focusing on wonderful food.

The E.U café is the result.

The café features black and white photos of Europe, new black and white floral patterns on the wooden chairs, new light fixtures, and a refurbished wooden floor.

Gone is the “fine dining” look and, in its place, a café serving dishes inspired by Shane’s travels in Europe.

We accepted the recommendation to try several tapas dishes instead of ordering entrées. The tapas is reasonably priced from $5 (for mushrooms) up to $10 for Queensland seared scallops, Portuguese pirri pirri, charred corn salsa and prosciutto vinaigrette. The scallop dish may sound complex, but it is not – the flavours waltz beautifully together. Equally impressive was the tender pork belly, twice cooked and served with sauerkraut, red onion and apple jam. We finished with eggplant

E.U café… Serving dishes inspired by Shane’s travels in Europe. Photo by Silas. wrapped around capsicum, served with buffalo mozzarella, rocket, and quality balsamic vinegar.

Shane’s culinary talent reflects his respect for tradition and excitement with the modern – he celebrates the tastes of Europe, but his dishes are not heavy or pretentious.

We each chose from the specials board.

My tender lamb rump ($28) was pan seared, placed in a vacuum packed bag, immersed in liquid and slowly cooked. It was served with mushroom and potato ragout and a delicate basil and mint mousse that sat pretty on top of confit tomato ($27).

Tick. The barramundi goulash came with fresh mussels and light ricotta dumplings.

Tick. The seared duck breast was served over shredded confit duck leg with sweet

corn risotto ($28). Tick number three.

E.U café is open for breakfast from 7, offering a super cup of coffee. Brunch is served weekends until 2.30 (best to reserve). And it is all served, as is lunch and dinner, by knowledgeable, attentive and friendly staff.

The best advice I can give about this delightful new destination is to remember it is only a hop, skip and a jump from Manuka and Kingston. So next time you dine in the heart of the inner south, travel an extra minute and indulge in the tastes of Europe.

Quality is the name of the game for Shane and his food is more restaurant quality, than café quality – without the price tag.

E.U Café, Griffith Shops. Open breakfast, lunch, dinner Tues to Sat and brunch weekends. 6295 6915.

The seed of success

BREAKFAST LUNCH OR DINNER

BY THE CANBERRA’S BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

FIREPLACE Ph: 6247 4317 Fax: 6247 4305 www.tosolinis.com.au tosolin@bigpond.net.au 22 CityNews May 7-13

IAIN Sinclair, director of Kate Mulvaney’s play "The Seed", coming to The Street Theatre soon, is surely one of the brightest jewels in the crown of Canberra's Theatre scene.

Founder of Canberra’s Elbow Theatre, star of many plays here, an ANU and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate, Sinclair’s directing book is very full these days. He'll be in town for the opening night of "The Seed", but he's cramming his visit into a rehearsal schedule for Tom Holloway’s Awgie-winning play "Beyond the Neck" at Belvoir.

Sinclair speaks about the joys of assistant directing. While Canberrans have closely followed his productions in Sydney such as “Hurlyburly” and “The Lord of the Rings”, he catapulted to centrestage after assisting director Gale Edwards on the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "Festen" back in 2005. His own successful shows since have included Tracy Letts' "Killer Joe" at Belvoir Downstairs, which

Kate Mulvaney as Rose in “The Seed” at The Street Theatre, May 12-16.

By Helen Musa won Best Independent Production in the 2007 Sydney Theatre Awards.

Sinclair’s been on Kate Mulvaney’s "The Seed" from the start.

He and Mulvaney have been friends since working on a musical about death by Canberra’s Pip Branson at a National Playwrights' Conference in Adelaide during 2004.

After winning the Philip Parsons Young Playwrights award in 2006, Mulvaney called on Sinclair to direct "The Seed" for an independent production that opened at Belvoir Downstairs.

Belvoir director Neil Armfield picked it up for his Upstairs program and it has been a hit ever since.

Part of the reason for the play’s success, Sinclair believes, is that it’s real. Mulvaney, who plays Rose, the playwright daughter of a Vietnam vet, a character very much like herself.

In real life, she struggled with kidney cancer from an early age, almost certainly the result of her father’s exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Pip Miller and Ralph Cotterill join Mulvaney to play Rose’s grandfather Brian Maloney, an ex-IRA soldier and Rose’s dad Danny, Brian’s 10-pound Pom migrant/Viet vet son. Miller and Cotterill are both ex-Royal Shakespeare actors, bringing authenticity to the immigrant characters created by Mulvaney.

“You know, I’m a big fan of text-driven theatre where the language is rich and complex and nuanced together – and Kate can write a killer joke!” Sinclair says.

fashion

Red start to heart week It’s Heart Week, so what better time to step out in red?

The Heart Foundation is using the week to launch its Go Red for Women Day 2009 (Friday, June 12), which aims to raise awareness of the importance of women’s heart health.

Heart disease is often considered a men’s problem, but it affects women, too: it’s the leading cause of death for women.

We can take steps such as quitting smoking, getting more exercise and improving our diet to help us prevent cardiovascular disease.

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QUEANBEYAN | 02 6299 1300 | dimitrie@iinet.net.au CityNews May 7-13 23

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A first blush of winter 3

BLUSHER is important because it gives the face dimension and clarity, says Sarah Booth, from Bentley’s of Canberra, Garran.

“If you don’t use blusher, your face is just a blank canvas,” she says. “A lot of people don’t wear it, but when they’re shown how to put it on, will say ‘wow!’.”

Sarah suggests we apply blusher to the apples of our cheeks – “the fleshy skin in the middle of our cheeks” – and then add a luminiser to the top of the cheekbone.

“Then you can apply a darker colour underneath the cheekbone to give the illusion that it stands out more,” she says.

“Over winter the lack of sun, the fact that we don’t go outside a lot and the lack of daylight savings means our skin tends to fade.

“In fact, some people should change their foundation in winter, because we become paler, and our summer foundation may not blend in as well.”

5

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3. Designer Brands Pink Blush, $7.99.

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RushFit

How Karen fought back from fat IT’S one thing to offer a tness service – and another to truly understand what it’s like to be overweight and unhealthy, and what we need to change, says Karen Elliott, master trainer at RushFit. “We’ve all read stories about overweight, unmotivated and unhappy people who change their body through a strict regime of diet and exercise,” Karen says.

“I can say with a great deal of pride that I fall into that category – I even have the before and after shots to prove it!”

Several years ago, the mother of four was 26kg overweight, depressed and had yo-yo dieted for years.

“I tried every commercial diet, but always put the weight back on; my marriage had broken up and I was alone with four daughters.

I ate and drank for comfort and isolated myself.

“All I could see was obstacles preventing me being the type of person I knew I could be, and enjoying the vitality I saw others experiencing,” Karen explains.

“I ate my meals at the stove as I cooked for my family, and made excuses not to exercise.

“I woke up one morning and knew I had to make a choice. I

started by giving up the things that were killing me.

“I was healthier and somewhat happier, but something was still missing – and it was then I started exercising.”

While it was difcult at rst, seeing a personal trainer gave her the encouragement and support she needed.

“I had to have a mentor, a person that I trusted to not only steer me in the right direction, but also put me back on course when the inevitable slippage occurred.”

The camaraderie she found training with small groups of other women also helped encourage her to stay on track, she says.

Soon Karen had studied to become a personal trainer herself, wanting to pass on the skills she had learned.

“A trainer needs to be someone to help and support you in getting to a level of vitality that you could never have imagined: I was always out of breath when I was a big size 16 and now I bounce around the place!

“I understand the challenges people will encounter, and won’t sugar coat the truth about where someone is at: not just to make them feel better, but because I care.”

Karen and the other instructors at RushFit specialise in Kettlebell tness, a regime that incorporates strength training, muscle conditioning and aerobic exercise in one workout.

Kettlebell – named for the bellshaped iron weights it incorporates – helps burn fat quickly, increasing exibility and agility, and toning the body without creating bulk. It also helps reduce stress and tension in the body, Karen says.

The Kettlebell technique was developed in Russia more than a century ago, and a single workout uses a range of motions to tone and strengthen muscles from different angles.

Karen says that RushFit trainers help people focus on what they need to do to become healthy, rather than what they need to stop doing – something she has learned herself.

“I was thinking about what not to eat, and consequently about the food that tempted me the most – we all know the results of this, don’t we!

“If your wellness is a priority to you, you need to alter your thought process and how you relate to yourself.”

For more information visit www. rusht.com.au.

Master trainer Karen Elliott… “It was exercise that made all the difference: the happy endorphins from training helped me get better.”

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Site Inspection @ 16 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra City

Decorating is child’s play

When: Thursday 21 May Time: 3:30pm to 5:30pm Developed by: NDH Property Services

Commercial Property Asset Management Diploma – 3 Day course

LETTING kids have input into decorating their own rooms can be a positive experience for the whole family, according to Sheena Kugus, store manager at Fantastic Furniture in Fyshwick.

“I think it’s really important that children have a space that they’re happy to spend time in and to play in,” says Sheena.

“Parents these days are really good about including their children in these decisions. They’ll bring them to the store and I’ll often see a kid running around clutching a lamp or cushion that they want, and it’s quite sweet to so them so happy about a cushion that might cost $8!”

The input of children may partly explain why bright, primary colours are so popular at the moment, Sheena says.

Children’s rooms are tending less

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towards pastels and more towards hot pink, bright orange and red, as well as the colour of the moment, vivid green.

The biggest practical consideration in a child’s room is space, she says, particularly space for storing toys and books.

Placing a chest of drawers or desk under a top bunk, where a bottom bunk might normally be placed, is one clever solution.

Another is to use storage boxes, which because they are versatile and colourful, are better at brightening and personalising a room than a series of chests of drawers.

“One trend is that a large number of parents are now bypassing the single bed for their child, and going straight to a king single or even a double bed. They’re buying a quality mattress as well, so the aim is to have the bed last the family a longer time.”

Larger beds mean that storage and practical use of space is even more important, Sheena says.

Fiona Kate Box Seat storage boxes, from $12.95, from Kids Central, Belconnen, Fyshwick and airport.

Who drops in while you pop out?

Treehouse Matt Bunk Bed, $1499 single or $1799 king single, from Little Rooms by Carlee, Nicholls.

Burglary is a fact of life, but that needn’t worry you.

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Knowing you have taken simple steps to look after your home, family and possessions day and night, whether you’re at home or away. That’s the ultimate peace of mind.

Call 131 238 or visit www.adtsecurity.com.au.

ADT Always There® Security Licences: VIC No. 65201491P | WA No. SA25942 | SA No. ISL152299 | NSW No. 405187443 | ACT No. 17501009

26 CityNews May 7-13

botanicus perfectus

CANMAY3S

The Garden

Gorgeous gifts for every season Dickson

Parkwood

We s t o n

6247 3537

6254 6726

6288 5945

your week in the stars With Joanne Madeline Moore May 11-17 ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20 This week will work best if you do something completely out of character for an Aries – think before you act and speak. Otherwise your impulsive nature could put others off-side and land you in hot water.

Unpredictable, accident-prone energy is about so tread carefully!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Love won’t flourish unless you face responsibilities this week – especially at home. If you do, then you’ll find a gem shining on your path and your relationships will sparkle. It’s also time to approach longstanding work problems with a fresh approach. What’s old will soon be new again.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Gregarious Geminis love nothing better than a good chin-wag but, with Mercury still moving backwards [until May 31] garrulous gossip could get you into gigantic trouble, so choose your words wisely. If you find yourself letting precious secrets out of the bag, just zip your lip completely!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) Don’t lean on others and be a clingy Cancer. There are times when you have to be independent and make decisions on your own. This week is one of those times – especially at work. If you are passionate and proactive about professional projects, then good fortune and lucky breaks will come your way.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) It will be difficult to fathom what’s really going on this week, as those around you [at home and work] will have their own agendas and hidden motives. There could also be confusion over shared family resources [like real estate, money or possessions]. You all need to be very clear about who owns what.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Don’t be too set about how the week should proceed Virgo. The best approach is to be organized yet flexible; then you can adjust your schedule as the week unfolds. A bit of Moon in Aquarius spontaneity will be just what the doctor ordered on the weekend. It will stop you from being too careful, cautious – and critical!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) Move beyond your comfort zone Libra. Don’t just sit around getting comfortable – and lazy. With unpredictable Uranus stirring up your horoscope, changes to your daily routine will put you in touch with new people and places – which is just what you need at the moment.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21) Compromise and simplicity are the buzz words for you at the moment. Scorpios have strong likes and dislikes but you’ll gain the best results by walking the middle path this week. It will help bring some equilibrium to your intense life. “The key to finding a happy balance in modern lives is simplicity.” [Sogyal Rinpoche]

general knowledge crossword No. 210 2 Which succulent bulbs have a pungent taste and smell?

3 What is another name for a home unit, in NSW? 4 What do we call a small stream?

5 Which earlier laundry implement squeezed water out of the clothes?

6 What is a rigid system of social distinction?

9 To pour from one container into another is to what?

10 What are large pieces of landed property?

12 Which item of headdress is worn by Sikhs and some Hindus?

14 Name a black suit of playing cards.

16 To which animal family do small air-breathing arthropods belong?

18 Which term means farewell?

19 Name a bucket-like container for transferring molten metal.

21 What is a narrative of heroic exploits?

22 What falls on the 15th March?

Solution next week

ACROSS 4 What are humorous characters?

7 What is a candle stick maker?

8 What was the first name of the US novelist, Hemingway?

9 One who is banished from a country is called a what?

11 Name another term for a frying pan.

13 Which word describes the spouse of a reigning monarch?

15 Which motor car is for public hire?

17 What is a baby frog?

20 One who undertakes to murder for reward is a what?

23 To have coated with gold or the like is to have done what?

24 What are gifts of property etc, handed down in a will?

25 Which term means to follow, with the view of overtaking?

DOWN 1 Name an external foot covering.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9

10 11

12

13

14 17

15

18

16

21

22

23 24

Sudoku medium No.6

Solution next week

Arbitration—a senior barrister, retired Judge or qualified arbitrator is appointed to determine the solution to the dispute.

How do I choose the right process?

We can help you decide, so do not waste time, effort and money trying to sort it out for yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

FREE SEMINAR Attend a free general information seminar about family law at Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson (18 Kendall Lane, New Acton), Tuesday 12 May 2009,5:30–6:30pm. Bookings essential: 6212 7690.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009

What options involve solicitors?

Negotiations through solicitors—each party engages their own solicitor to help them reach an agreement about their family law matter.

Litigation—the last resort if negotiations fail but can be useful in urgent situations. Litigation can force parties into further settlement negotiations.

Don’t allow your thinking to become too black and white this week Capricorn. Most issues are much more complex and have lots of grey areas that require exploration. Friends and finances are a confusing mix so it’s not a good time to lend money or to start a joint business deal.

Don’t let others lead you up the primrose path to trouble this week.

You’re particularly suggestible on Sunday, so try to mix with people who have your best interests at heart. Aim to be that rare creature called “The Practical Piscean” - and don’t believe everything you hear!

What options do not involve solicitors?

Direct negotiation between parties—works best if parties have a reasonably amicable relationship and can communicate about their issues directly. If this is the case, it is important to formalise the agreement to protect each party’s interests and we can advise on how this can be done.

Collaborative law/practice—parties enter into a contract to resolve matters without going to Court and attend four-way meetings to achieve a resolution.

There’s nothing worse than a bored Sagittarian! You’ll be feeling restless this week [especially on Saturday] and your boredom threshold will be at an all-time low. So make sure you have plenty of challenging projects to channel all that excess energy into, otherwise you’ll drive yourself [and those around you!] crazy.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The Government has recently announced it will invest over $100 million towards funding family relationship services, including post separation dispute resolution. The following options are available for parties trying to solve family law matters.

Round table conference—parties and their solicitors meet to resolve matters.

25

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You need to be extra careful with money this week Aquarius [especially on the weekend]. You’re feeling impulsive and won’t need too much encouragement to splash the cash around. You need to reset your mindset. It’s out with spontaneous spending sprees and in with a disciplined approach to finances – if you can!

Dispute Resolution

Mediation—a direct process designed around interest-based negotiation. The mediator should be an independent, neutral third party. Organisations such as Relationships Australia and the Family Relationships Centre have skilled mediators.

19 20

Family Law Matters

Solution Crossword No.209 A R C T C H R

I C L N E M L E N C H Y

B O V I N A N E E D R I A M E T I A B A C T E R S T A I MM O B I A O L

S S U K E W A I E A N D A T T E A R S I N R S T O E P O N I A W T O N I L E E R A R I

F R M I E S N D E

Y M A C S H T Y

Solution Sudoku hard No.5 2 8 9 3 7 1 5 6 4

4 1 3 8 6 5 9 2 7

6 7 5 9 4 2 1 8 3

8 6 2 7 5 9 4 3 1

5 4 1 6 3 8 7 9 2

9 3 7 1 2 4 6 5 8

3 2 6 4 9 7 8 1 5

1 9 4 5 8 3 2 7 6

7 5 8 2 1 6 3 4 9

18 Kendall Lane, New Acton Canberra City Ph: 6212 7600 www.ddcsfamilylawyers.com.au CityNews May 7-13 27

prestigeproperty

Think big, think Chisholm

Address: 13 Guerin Place, Chisholm.

Price: $640,000.

Inspection: By appointment.

Agency: Paula Guy, Lanyon Real Estate, 0418 285737 or 6294 9393.

LOCATED in an elevated position and backing a reserve, this executive, fivebedroom ensuite Chisholm house features a large, purpose-built office with its own entrance.

The living areas are large and include a formal lounge and separate dining room with hardwood flooring, a spacious kitchen and a family room opening to a pergolacovered timber deck with in-built spa.

The garden has substantial paved areas and a Bali-style hut for the barbeque and drinks fridge.

The house comes with ducted gas heating, ducted evaporative cooling and a detached brick garage which could accommodate four, medium-sized cars.

EER: 1

for more information on DELUXE•HOMES visit our website at www.deluxehomes.com.au or phone 0418 632216

Elmslea Home + Land Packages

Chelsea 24

19 squares living

• Land size: over 1,200m2 • 4 bedrooms + ensuite • Floor coverings included • Driveways & Fencing incl.

Sirocco 7

22.5 Squares Living

• Land size: over 1,200m2 • 4 beds + ensuite • Reverse cycle air cond.

• Large ‘great’ room

$451,300

• Reverse cycle air cond.

• Choose your own colours • Dbl garage + int access • Optional alfresco area

$465,200

• Dbl garage + int access • Floor coverings incl.

• Driveway & Fencing incl.

• Rumpus room

Allenby

12.5 Squares Living

• Land size: 1,260m2 • 3 bedrooms + 2 way bath • Dirveway & Fencing incl.

• Floor coverings included

Accent

21 Squares Living

• 4 bedrooms + ensuite • Bonus ‘common’ room • Dbl garage + int access • Rumpus & family room

$424,250

• Choose your own colours • Single lock-up gar + int access • Reverse cycle air cond.

• Large open plan living area

$496,500

• Reverse cycle air cond.

• Modern Knebel kitchen • Quality floor coverings • Driveway & Fencing incl.

Attention: 1st Homebuyers are eligible for $24,000 government grant + another $6,000 developers discount.

Royalla Home + Land Packages

Chelsea 24

19 squares living

• Land size: 6.5 acres • 4 bedrooms + ensuite • Open plan living • Floor coverings included

$678,300

• Reverse cycle air cond.

• Dbl garage + int access • Optional alfresco area • Choose your own colours

Sirocco 7

22.5 Squares Living

• Land size: over 6 acres • 4 beds + ensuite • Reverse cycle air cond.

• Large ‘great’ room

$696,500

• Dbl garage + int access • Floor coverings incl.

• Rumpus room • A great family home

Heritage Estate 24.6 Squares Living $724,700

Chisolm Lodge 30 Squares Living $761,300

• Land size: 6.4 acres • 4 bedrooms + ensuite • Huge master bedroom • Dbl garage + int access

• Land size: 6.5 acres • 4 bedrooms + ensuite • Huge master bedroom • Dbl garage + workshop

• Rumpus & family room • Reverse cycle air cond.

• Quality floor coverings • Attractive rural home

• Rumpus & conservatory • Reverse cycle air cond.

• Modern Knebel kitchen • Quality floor coverings

All Royalla packages include a $20,000 allowance for water tank & septic system.

All packages are subject to site costs.

• Freehold Land — NO time limit to build and NO Government housing • 15mins to Queanbeyan, 20minutes to Fyshwick, 30minutes to the City centre • Close to shops, child care centre, schools, local cafes, restaurants, wineries & antique stores • Either choose from our great range of 3, 4 or 5 bedroom Home + Land packages or choose your own builder

All packages are subject to site costs.

50% • FREEHOLD LAND — No time limit to build and NO community title already • Final Stage Now Selling! — Only 38 blocks ranging from 5 to 30 acres sold • Only 10 minutes to Calwell, 15 minutes to the Tuggeranong Town Centre, 30 minutes to the City • Either choose from our great range of 3,4 or 5 bedroom Home + Land packages or choose your own builder • Fully sealed roads, fully fenced, underground electricity, bus services, water bore or dam & ADSL2 Broadband

Visit Elmslea Estate Saturday 12pm — 4pm Cnr McCusker & McMahon Dr, Bungendore

Call today to arrange your personal on-site inspection or email royallaestate@bigpond.com

28 CityNews May 7-13

PH: 6297 7911

Only 8 bloc remainks ing

PH:6238 0111

advertising feature

Defence Housing Australia

Tough times call for Defence strategy DEFENCE Housing Australia’s property investment program is receiving renewed interested from individual investors in recent months, says managing director Michael Del Gigante.

“This may be attributed partly to the volatile performance of other assets such as shares, historically low interest rates and the security DHA offers in uncertain economic times,” he says.

DHA is a Commonwealth Government Business Enterprise that provides housing in metropolitan and regional centres throughout Australia for Australian Defence Force personnel. A limited number of DHA properties are sold to private investors each year under a leaseback arrangement, usually for nine or 12 years.

Laughing all the way to the bank…

DHA investors Wes and Lexie.

Mr Del Gigante says investors are attracted to DHA because the long-term security of the lease overcomes many of the risks and worries associated with conventional residential property investment.

DHA’s lease is unique in that investors do not have to deal with managing agents or worry about tenant vacancies, rental arrears, damage to the property or arranging repairs.

“Investors receive a reliable income stream and high-quality property management services from a credible government entity,” he says.

Rent is paid from the date of settlement until the end of the lease. Rent is paid monthly and is reviewed annually to market value by licensed valuers.

“I’M always talking to people about investments and I tell them about my positive experience with DHA,” says Wes, who works for a building society in Newcastle.

In 2000, Wes and his wife Lexie began investigating property investment opportunities. They settled on a DHA property in Newcastle and, in 2003, bought another in Cairns.

“People often ask me about DHA’s management and maintenance fee.

I tell them that with conventional property investment they might have

DHA even pays rent in between tenancies and does not charge any letting or advertising fees. The current lease offers a rental guarantee, meaning that the rent can never drop below the starting rent.

Most properties are less than 10 years old and are required to meet high standards, including generous xtures and ttings. At the end of the lease, investors benet from restoration provisions, with carpets replaced and the house painted on completion of a nine year lease.

DHA manages more than 17,000 properties around Australia, worth an estimated $7.6 billion. During the last decade, DHA’s sales to private investors have averaged $200-$300million a year.

DHA manages more than 17,000 houses across Australia.

‘We just sit back and watch our assets grow’ an agent ‘managing’ their property for what seems like a cheaper fee, but I don’t think they can ‘manage’ a property the way DHA does.

“For example, when a tenant moves in or out, agents charge an additional fee. With DHA, there are no vacancy or re-letting fees.

“You will also have to take into account maintenance costs; if anything goes wrong you’re responsible.

However, the beauty of the DHA property management and maintenance service is that most maintenance is covered and better yet, they arrange it all for you.

“Then there are the costs and hassles associated with no tenants or bad tenants. With DHA you don’t have any of these worries. The rent is paid in advance every month, and it’s paid by DHA, not the defence family.

“It’s a very safe way to invest in the property market; and security of any investment is paramount right now.

“Right now, in the open market you could  nd yourself with a tenant becoming unemployed and not being able pay their rent. With DHA, the rent is guaranteed, so you’re protected.

“Now we just sit back and watch our assets grow.”

CityNews May 7-13 29

You should be saving money on your variable mortgage repayments each month because of lowering interest rates.

But, if you have your mortgage with Macquarie Bank, RAMS (RHG), Virgin Money, GE, Yes Home Loans or Maxis, then interest rate cuts may not have been passed on to you.

Clarity Home Loans is Canberra’s home finance expert and will take the time to carefully examine your circumstances and work with you in finding the most suitable mortgage.

With just a quick 5 minute obligation-free phone call to our office, you could be saving thousands of dollars.

We’ll look after your best interests.

Call 6209 1990 now.

8

30 CityNews May 7-13

Mortgage Provider of the Year

clarityhomeloans.com.au

f mariaselleck.com.au Kingston | Waterfront Living

By Negotiation

2 bed | 2 bath | 2 car

53/11 EASTLAKE PARADE - WATERFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST. This contemporary designed two bedroom ensuite ground floor apartment is just metres from the water’s edge and offers luxury, privacy and views. The property boasts two generous bedrooms, master with ensuite and walkin robe, a spacious light filled living area that flows out to an enclosed Winter Garden Room and two terraces facing Lake Burley Griffin and Eastlake Parade. For the security conscious, two secure car parks with lift access, security intercom, security system and a Concierge/Manager. EER 5.5.

Open:

Contact Maria for viewing times

f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

O’Connor | O’Connor’s Finest

Gordon | Views Forever

Tender

4 bed | 3 bath | 2 car

42 CLEM HILL STREET - Designed to take full advantage of its spectacular views from most rooms, with a special emphasis on light and space, this architecturally designed residence is peacefully positioned in a prestigious, sought after location offering a north-easterly aspect to living areas. Situated on two levels, this impressive home features separate formal lounge and dining rooms, granite top kitchen overlooking a large family room and meals area opening out to an entertaining deck, three bedrooms, master with a spa ensuite and walk-in robe and a spacious bathroom, all located on the main level. The lower level includes the fourth bedroom, an additional bathroom, two rumpus rooms, a second living area, laundry, a huge under-house storage area and beautifully landscaped, low maintenance gardens. The home has been designed to provide flexible living with the lower level featuring an ideal guest accommodation or teenage retreat. EER 4.

Open: Contact Maria for viewing times Tender: Closes 5pm, Wednesday 27th May

f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

Tender

When it comes to all your property management needs… now you can make the smart move

5 bed | 2 bath | 2 car

6 LILEY STREET - Architecturally designed to combine state-of-the-art aesthetics with luxury family efficiency, this impressive new residence presents a relaxed lifestyle of enduring substance that is perfect for the discerning family that demands quality living.

Created as a unique family sanctuary, the sprawling living spaces, lined with marble and timber flooring together with the cathedral ceiling that frames the expansive family room offer a strong sense of style combined with sun-lit alfresco areas ideal for entertaining.

This magnificent home features 5 large bedrooms, master bedroom segregated with a spa ensuite, separate formal lounge and dining rooms, state of the art kitchen, family and meals rooms, rumpus/games room, customised home theatre or second rumpus room and a designer bathroom and powder room. This beautiful residence, with a central sought after locale, combine effortlessly to create a harmonious balance of timeless luxury and relaxed lifestyle experience with perfect comfort and privacy. EER 5.

Open: Contact Maria for viewing times Tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday 21st May

f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

Please telephone our experienced and professional Senior Property Manager, Melanie Gibbs, who would be delighted to assist you with all your Property Management requirements.

Call us 6162

1234

info@mariaselleck.com.au

LICENSED AGENT ‘TIGNE PTY LTD’ TRADING AS ‘MARIA SELLECK PROPERTIES’ | 06.05.09

Maria Selleck Properties would like to announce the commencement of the Property Management Division.

call us 6162 1234 CityNews May 7-13 31

Better Building Services Display Home “MAXUS” now open for inspection

LIC’D AGENT CANBERRA WIDE PTY LTD T/A RICHARD LUTON PROPERTIES • �� BOUGAINVILLE STREET, MANUKA ACT ����

47 Birdwood Street, Hughes

Saturday and Sunday 12 – 4pm or call to make an appointment on

6299 9411

Need a qualified second opinion when selling your home?

or by email

We sell Canberra wide.

‘Let’s Chat’

info@betterbuilding.com.au

Visit our web site anytime www.betterbuilding.com.au

Aniko Carey 0429 487 939 Peter Carey 0428 487 939

Discover the secret of a Better Building Experience BELCONNEN 6253 2323

DICKSON 6230 0005

MANUKA 6260 8999

TUGGERANONG 6293 2323

WESTON CREEK 6287 1600

WODEN 6281 6900

2008 HIA Display Home of the Year

PLAN FOR SUCCESS...

LIC’D AGENT CANBERRA WIDE PTY LTD T/A RICHARD LUTON PROPERTIES • 12 BOUGAINVILLE STREET, MANUKA ACT 2603

LIC’D AGENT CANBERRA WIDE PTY LTD T/A RICHARD LUTON PROPERTIES • 12 BOUGAINVILLE STREET, MANUKA ACT 2603

P R O P E R T I E S

Call Tim Dalton for a wellcrafted property campaign that gets outstanding results!

Tim Dalton 0403 953 056 tim.dalton@luton.com.au

BELCONNEN 6253 2323

32 CityNews May 7-13

DICKSON 6230 0005

MANUKA 6260 8999

TUGGERANONG 6293 2323

WESTON CREEK 6287 1600

WODEN 6281 6900

CHAPMAN 40 monkman street - A modern masterpiece…with phenomenal panoramic views across Canberra to the City, in a blue ribbon enclave. This almost new, architect designed stunner has been created for fabulous entertaining for the whole family. Enjoying a northerly aspect, this sun-drenched residence has been finished to the most exacting standards. Accommodation includes 4 double bedrooms and 3 stylish bathrooms. Sunken entertaining areas warmed by a gas fireplace provide the perfect setting for more formal occasions. EER 4.5.

Open: Saturday 11-11.45am & Wednesday 5.30-6pm Auction: On Site 12 noon, Saturday 30th May Details: Tim Dalton 0403 953 056 BELCONNEN 6253 2323

DICKSON 6230 0005

MANUKA 6260 8999

TUGGERANONG 6293 2323

4

3.5 3

WESTON CREEK 6287 1600

2.5 2

WODEN 6281 6900

CELEBRATION

SALE 6 ONLY!!

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

Block 2 Section 63 $499,000 Forde House + Land package

DUCTED HEATING & FRONT LANDSCAPING

Angela Penhallow Sasha Trpkovski

p: 0418 555 594 e: sasha.trpkovski@pbspropertygroup.com.au

5 star energy rating

• Designer 4 bedroom + ensuite design • 465m2 block in peaceful & quiet street location • Contemporary street appeal • Double garage + internal access • Separate living area • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5, 000 ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

INCLUDES

p: 0412 004 802 e: angela.penhallow@pbspropertygroup. com.au

• Architect 4 bedroom + ensuite design • 472m2 block in quiet street location • Stunning street appeal • Separate living area • Double garage + internal access • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5,000ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

Block 6 Section 48 $499,000 Forde House + Land package

5 star energy rating

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

Block 8 Section 17 $530,000

• Designer 4 bedroom + rumpus home • 499m2 block in family friendly street • Stunning street appeal • Separate living • Covered Al-fresco dining area • Double garage + internal access • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5,000 ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

Forde House + Land package

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

5 star energy rating

• Architect style 4 bedroom + ensuite home • 486m2 block in quiet street location • Superb street appeal • Separate living & large family/ meals room • Double garage + internal access • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5,000 ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

Block 16 Section 50 $555,000 Forde House + Land package

5 star energy rating

*prices based on separate contacts for the land +house

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

Block 5 Section 55 $515,000 Forde House + Land package

MALUA BAY 55 Illabunda Drive

3

5 star energy rating

2

3

Views and Pleasant Surprises Here’s a magnificent opportunity to acquire a sturdily built brick and tile residence on 626 sq m with captivating views to Pretty Point and just a short cliff top walk to the surf at McKenzies Beach or the quieter beach at Pretty Point Bay. But there’s so much more including the capacity to have a self contained unit at ground level. Beautiful use of timber, a sweeping deck, a delightful rear garden and two garages plus enclosed carport are further attractions together with a sunroom and two delightful living areas plus a large recreation room. A sunny north east aspect completes this wonderful offering.

ARTISTS IMPRESSION

• Architect designed Tri-level 4 bedroom family home • 583m2 block in quiet street location with views • Separate living & rumpus rooms • Separate Main bedroom with designer ensuite • Double garage + internal access • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5,000 ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

Block 3 Section 27 $599,000 Forde House + Land package

ROSEDALE 50 Tranquil Bay Place

5 star energy rating

4

2

3

A Rosedale Treasure Price by negotiation View 9.5.09 @ 2pm, or by appointment Caryl Haslem 0418 564 599 raywhite.com/BBY11291

At perfect peace with its natural bush environment this architectdesigned and award winning house built by Smith+Primmer nestles at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The cathedral ceilings in the two storeyed design ensures views to trees and sky. The versatile floorplan includes three double bedrooms and one twin bedroom study and is enhanced throughout by the distinctive quality of timber finishes. Its spacious deck offers views onto secluded Tranquil Bay itself, with a direct track from the house to two beaches. Be at one with Nature in this truly delightful location.

Price by negotiation View 9.5.09 @ 1pm, or by appointment Melissa Williams 0408 253 481 Caryl Haslem 0418 564 599 raywhite.com/BBY110

GJ2867

Unti 14/5 Tennant Street, Fyshwick www.pbspropertygroup.com.au

• Architect 4 bedroom + ensuite design • 499m2 block in quiet street location • Beautiful street appeal • Double garage + internal access • Separate living area • Fencing & concrete driveway • 5,000 ltr rain water tank • Downlights to all living areas • Build time guarantee

Batemans Bay

CityNews May 7-13 33

HARRISON

In just 5 minutes your business can become big business

www.servcorpvirtual.com.au

Auction

This contemporary four bedroom ensuite residence spills over two levels and will be sure to impress those looking to buy a home that not only offers generous living space but also exceptional quality! A designer kitchen furnished with SMEG appliances and silstone benchtops, high ceilings with square set cornices, solid mirboo timber oors in the dining/ lounge room, hydronic heating and double glazed cedar framed windows are but some features.

For alfresco entertaining there is an expansive timber deck that extends off the kitchen/living area and is highlighted a duel jet water feature. Conveniently positioned close to the local school, Gungahlin Town Centre and that is just moments away from the City this home is a must see! Call me today to arrange an inspection!

EER 5 Address: 24 Windjana Street Harrison Open: Sat 9th May 1:30pm – 2:30pm & Wed 13th May 6:00pm – 6:30pm Price: Auction 3rd June, 6:00pm, Canberra Business Event Centre, Regatta Point Agent: Andrew Greenberger, L.J, Hooker Canberra City Contact: 6249 7700 or 0400 819 650

From $160 per month - no security deposit.

›

Month to month exibility.

›

Prestigious address for your business cards & letterheads.

›

Professional receptionist to answer your calls.

›

Access to over 300 boardrooms and meeting rooms, locally and internationally. Book online in real time.

Receive your first month at half price

THE REALM Level 1, 18 National Circuit, Barton (02) 6198 3200 ST GEORGE CENTRE Levels 6 & 11, Canberra City (02) 6243 3600

JH0036

STUNNING EXECUTIVE HOME

›

AUSTRALIA • NEW ZEALAND • JAPAN • CHINA • SE ASIA • INDIA • MIDDLE EAST • EUROPE

Canberra’s best value Apartments

La s Vil t Aff la/ or du da RE plexe ble GIS s fr Rel TE om $ ease R N 31 M OW 9,90 ay 1 ! 0 7

Picturesque …Affordable EER5-6

Land from $200,000* Bruce: 1 & 2 bedrooms from $294,900 EER5-6

Government grant of $21,000 for 1st home buyers**

Government grant of $21,000 for 1st home buyers*

IMAGINE THE NATURAL BEAUTY

LOCATED NEAR BEAUTIFUL PARKLANDS

of Canberra’s fastest selling community and winner of the HIA-CSR 2008 Best $IIRUGDEOH +RXVLQJ DZDUG IRU $&7 6RXWKHUQ 16: 1RZ LPDJLQH WKH EHQHßWVÞQHZ 3 bedroom homes with standard solar hot water, landscaping and water tanks, and easy access to schools, shops, community facilities and Belconnen Town Centre. Your time KDV FRPH WR GLVFRYHU %ULQGDEHOOD DW 0DFJUHJRUÞZKHUH GUHDPV DQG DIIRUGDELOLW\ PHHW

Open house

109 Eccles Circuit 10.30-4.30 Sat & Sun

Phone Elisha on

0448 891 146

villagebuilding.com.au 6DOHV 2IßFH at the end of Southern Cross Drive.

Open 3.00 - 6.00 Wed, Thur & Fri, 10.30 - 4.30 Sat & Sun.

* Land ready to build on now. ** Conditions apply. Stamp duty concessions for home sales less than $422,000. Stamp duty concessions for land sales less than $233,200.

34 CityNews May 7-13

the AIS, CIT, Calvary Hospital and Belconnen Mall, The Hub at Bruce offers a vibrant lifestyle in a beautiful environment at an affordable price.

The choice is yours…1 or 2 bedroom apartments in close proximity to numerous shopping, community and lifestyle conveniences and just 7 km to the City!

Phone Trenton on

New Release

NOW Selling!

0404 891 143

villagebuilding.com.au

Sales Office Thynne Street, near Kinloch Circuit, follow signs from Ginninderra Drive.

Open 10.30 - 4.30 Sat & Sun, 3.00 - 6.00 Mon & Fri. * Conditions apply. Stamp duty $20 for 1 bedroom units.

THE

you’re home

BRIND_HUB_CN_145x260_05.04.09

3 Bedrooms from $358,000

TO VIEW ALL PR OPER TIES www .lan yonr ealesta te .com.au PROPER OPERTIES www.lan .lany onrealesta ealestate te.com.au

GORDON

NEW LISTING

$490 000 - $540 000

Viva la Difference! Striking Design with Light & Bright Living Spaces

At last, a home with a difference has come your way – 4 bedrooms (or 3 plus study); huge ensuite; large formal lounge with vaulted ceiling; spacious formal dining and family room with full length windows overlooking a healthy fernery and outdoor pergola; ducted heating & cooling; quality floor tiles in entrance, walkways, family, meals and large kitchen; tons of linen storage; big laundry; great gardens; deck; huge paved and pitched roof pergola entertaining area; double brick garage with panel lift auto door. And the location is also perfect!

EER 1

KAMBAH

NEW LISTING

4 Bedrooms + Study + Ensuite + Double Garage in a quiet Cul-De-Sac!!

What more could you want? Well..... how about 200sqm of living area, double brick construction, large family room, separate lounge and dining, open fire place in the lounge, wood fire in the family room, large open plan kitchen with dishwasher, internal access from the garage (with rear roller door), great size backyard with a paved area and sufficient space for a trampoline! With some TLC this home could be a real show piece!!

BE QUICK...... something as unique as this won’t be available for long.

EER 0

Paula Guy 0418 285 737 BANKS

Kate Williams 0408 186 532

NEW LISTING

$365 000 - $395 000

Modern Spacious Home – Ideal for First Home Buyers

Well presented contemporary north facing three bedroom home, two spacious sun-filled living areas, built in robes in all bedrooms, modern open plan design with high ceilings in some areas creating light and space. This home is the jewel in the crown with features galore-wooden venetians-dishwasher-gas heating-RC/AC unit- insulation- covered pergola double garage plus double carport and much more. Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and close to all amenities this home has it all, with nothing to do!

EER 1.5

ISABELLA PLAINS

$390 000 - $430 000

Cliché-Free Zone.

Facts Only. 2 storey townhouse in small complex. 3 bedrooms (main almost 5.3m long – think about it), covered balcony off master, ensuite, walk-in robe, spa bath, double garage with int acc, sunny meals area and kitchen, gas appliances, powder room and, being an ‘end’ unit, extra yard space. EER 4

Andrew York 0418 624 411 BONYTHON

$499 000

Invest, Live, Group Share!!

WANNIASSA

Location, Space, Flowing Floor Plan & a Pool!!

Betty Wark 0408 166 833 $380 000 - $420 000

Time’s Running Out……

….maybe. If the FHOG finishes in June, you’ve only got about 5 or 6 weeks left to secure something so check out this 3 bedroom home in a quiet street close to what’s important to most families. A fresh and tidy home with ducted gas heating, garage, carport and a well treed block. Don’t miss it. EER 1.5

Andrew York 0418 624 411 CONDER

$555 000 - $595 000

Located in walking distance to shops, schools, buses- & even the doctor, this stunning 4 bedrooms, ensuite home features a huge parents retreat or work from home office, separate dining room currently used as a clinic, separate lounge & family rooms, huge rumpus/sunroom with a servery from the kitchen. Sliding doors out from the sunroom to a beautifully landscaped rear yard with a sale covered, solar heated inground pool. Beside the brick double garage you will also find double gates leading to a secure area great for extra parking for caravan, trailer & cars.

EER 3

Wayne Kennedy 0414 622 926 BONYTHON

$420 000 - $470 000

$390 000 - $440 000

Decked Out with Views!!

This is the perfect property if you would like easy access to Tuggeranong CBD, plenty of space & separate areas. 185sqm (20 square)of living plus a dble gge. 4 bedrooms, ensuite, 3 toilets, 2 courtyards. Great size, location & floor plan = a great investment. Bonus: No Body Corp Fees!! EER 4

This beautiful free-standing 3 bdrm townhouse has lots of room to move plus a rear deck & a nice size yard with little maintenance needed! All 3 bdrms have BIR & the main bdrm is segregated & has an ensuite. Open-plan living, ducted gas heating & internal access to the double garage.

EER 4

Betty Wark 0408 166 8335

Kate Williams 0408 186 532

GORDON

$659 000

Stunning, Spacious Family Home!!

Segregated main bedroom, plus walk in robe & ensuite with corner spa, separate formal lounge & dining rooms, very spacious family room & meals area, large rumpus room, all double sized bedrooms, powder room, 2 x double garages on a large, level , secure block. Just Beautiful! EER 4

Betty Wark 0408 166 833 CHISHOLM

$640 000

EXTRAORDINARY 5 Bedroom Executive Home

BANKS

$449 000

Fabulous Home with A Great Deckl!!

If you are looking to make a move up to a 4 bedroom ensuite home without breaking the bank, then this one should be on your viewing list. Built in robes in all bedrooms, gas heating & cooking. 2 x RCAC. Sep lounge, dining & family rooms plus a large covered rear deck & double carport. EER 4

Betty Wark 0408 166 833 CLEAR RANGE

$380 000 - $420 000

Rare River Frontage Land

Grand formal areas with timber floors – huge kitchen – large family room – ensuite – walk in robe - gorgeous deck with spa – 4 car garage – beautiful grounds – ducted heating & cooling – large purpose built office with its own entrance.

EER 1

Freehold elevated land with Murrumbidgee River frontage, 18ha (44 acres) not far from from Lanyon.

Approved building envelope with several house sites all with river views in unspoiled native forest, all this and the privacy of country life just a short drive from the ACT. Build your dream home!!

Paula Guy 0418 285 737

Wayne Kennedy 0414 622 926

CityNews May 7-13 35

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