Canberra CityNews September 10-16, 2009

Snapper to the stars SILAS BROWN’s four fabulous pages of social photos SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2009

ALL ABOUT FLORIADE

Q: Which

MICHAEL MOORE

minister spent $40k on research then ignored the outcome?

Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Andrew Barr

ROBERT MACKLIN

A: John

In a world built on conflict

Hargreaves

Q: Why? A: Jorian

TIM GAVEL

Patience will pay off for the Raiders

Gardner investigates

SONYA FLADUN Perils of puppy love

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news

Hargreaves ignores fireworks support Minister John Hargreaves spent $40,000 on “extensive community consultation” only to ignore what the research was telling him, reports JORIAN GARDNER. WAS Industrial Relations Minister John Hargreaves reflecting public opinion when he banned the public from buying and using fireworks in the ACT? Not according to the $40,000 worth of “extensive community consultation” research contained in the ministerial brief that informed the ACT Government’s decision last month to ban the traditional Queen’s Birthday weekend fireworks.

The brief, sighted by “CityNews”, shows that over three telephone surveys of 1000 people each when asked: “To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Canberra public should be able to buy and use fireworks?” replied in the affirmative of 50 per cent (October 2007); 62 per cent (June 2008) and 56 per cent (August 2008).

That is, over 2008, the most-recent research showed a clear majority of people in the ACT wanted to maintain the fireworks tradition.

However Cabinet, including a reluctant Chief Minister, issued the ban based on what might be argued as a highly subjective ministerial brief that, apart from the unhelpful research, included newspaper reportage, correspondence from MPs, an RSPCA “position paper”, a “Chronology of illegal use in Richardson” and a table listing cranky constituents seeking a prohibition.

In July, when Cabinet was considering its position, Mr Hargreaves said that while he knew the general public were well behaved on “cracker night”, there was a small element of the community who were not.

"My patience ran out 10 years ago when my pet had fireworks strapped to his belly and he was set on fire by people," he said, going on to explain his long-felt, personal views.

At the time of Cabinet’s deliberations, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope had curiously said that he was aware of the community’s mood on the subject and that there was an "incrementally growing opposition to fireworks,” at odds with the data. But the Chief Minister has since revealed that he while he abides by Government’s decision on the matter – he “regrets it.” ''I always enjoyed fireworks, cracker night, I loved it as a child,” Mr Stanhope said after the ban was announced. “I think of decisions I've made in Government… it's one of the decisions that I have significant regret around.”

However, it might hearten the Chief Minister to know that not all is lost: The community has

INDEX Septmeber 10-16, 2009

Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 35

Arts&Entertainment Crossword Dining Fashion Floriade Home Horoscope Letters Movie reviews News Politics Property Social Scene Sport Sudoku

26-28 31 28 29 19-25 30 31 13 28 5-13 6 32-40 14-17 9 31

COVER PHOTO: Marcia Hines, who headlines this year’s Floriade entertainment program, story Page 19.

CONTACT US

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Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Senior writer and 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 Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100

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John Hargreaves.

Government wrong, say our readers “CITYNEWS” asked its Facebook fans this week if they agreed with the Government’s firework ban: A resounding 73 per cent said they didn’t. rallied against the ban with a Facebook group “Lift ACT Ban on Fireworks”, amassing an amazing 7000 members in a week.

Creator of the group Clare Hogan said that it showed that Government is not representing the majority of Canberrans who wanted to see the continuation of a family tradition in the ACT – cracker night.

“The Government is only listening to a small minority whose opposition to fireworks is because a handful of people don’t follow the rules,” Ms Hogan said. “This is going to ruin it for everyone.”

Referring to the minister’s report Ms Hogan said: “This same research also reports that 18 per cent of respondents or their families used fireworks on the 2008 Queen’s Birthday long weekend. This means there are over 60,000 Canberra residents enjoying fireworks in contrast to approximately 200 complaints John Hargreaves has received.

“We are calling on the ACT Government to work with the community to develop strategies to adequately regulate the use of fireworks – ensuring they look at the issue in a holistic manner rather than listening to a number of lobby groups and the few complaints they get.

“The same logic could be applied to alcohol abuse or speeding on our roads. A few people breaking the rules does not justify an outright ban.”

CityNews September 10-16

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politics

Cloud over arrogant Andrew A cloud hangs over ACT Education Minister Andrew Barr, says MICHAEL MOORE. He been chastised in the Assembly and required by the Assembly to apologise for the way he has treated Liberal Steve Doszpot. But he won’t say sorry.

IT should not be so hard to say sorry when you have made a mistake. But Minister Barr won’t.

In February, 2004, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope introduced a code of conduct for ministers. At the start of each term of the Assembly, all ministers sign the code, which states that “ministers will treat other members of the Legislative Assembly, members of the public and other officials honestly and fairly, with proper regard for their personal dignity, rights, entitlements, duties and obligations.

“Ministers should exercise due diligence, care and attention, and at all times seek to achieve the highest standards practicable in relation to their duties and responsibilities in their official capacity as a Government minister.”

Barr’s refusal to comply with an Assembly instruction raises the spectre of his growing arrogance. It also raises the core issue of ministerial responsibility. Whether he thinks his Liberal education shadow deserves an apology is now irrelevant – the minister is under direct instruction by the Assembly and he has not complied.

The irony is that Barr brought this on himself by setting up a question from colleague Mary Porter allowing him to launch an attack on Doszpot.

Barr has now had time since the Assembly rose to reconsider his position. It would be acceptable for him to write to Assembly Members indicating that he intends to issue the apology at the beginning of the next sitting of the Assembly on September 15.

However, should he refuse to comply it would

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Goodbye Fringe, hello Fringe THE ACT Government wil call for expressions of interest for a new annual Civic-based arts event from March next year to enliven the city centre during the Canberra Festival and in the lead up to the city’s 100th birthday celebrations in 2013. This follows its recent decision to truncate the February multicultural festival and controversially relocate its fringe element to the Easter National Folk Festival.

be appropriate for Stanhope to ask him to stand down. Ignoring an instruction of the Assembly can hardly be considered consistent with the Ministerial Code of Conduct. The difficulty for the Chief Minister is that he does not have the numbers in the caucus to stand the minister down – the numbers lie with Barr’s right-wing faction.

However, for the Assembly the issue is at least as significant. If it allows even one of its instructions to be ignored by a minister it will be disempowered, neutered, castrated! The reason that people vote for a minority government is to ensure that the Assembly holds the government of the day accountable. No doubt the Liberals will pursue Mr Barr to make him accountable. But will the Greens allow Mr Barr to get away with this and thereby make themselves the Assembly’s eunuchs?

If Mr Barr continues to arrogantly ignore the instruction the next steps are clear. There should be a motion of no confidence in the minister simply on the grounds of ignoring the will of the Assembly. The Greens would be compelled to support it if they are to deliver on their election promises of holding government accountable. Mr Barr would then either have to step down himself or be discharged from his ministerial duties.

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

briefly

Bunyip in bronze

ALEXANDER Bunyip, from the children’s book “The Monster that ate Canberra” will be immortalised in bronze outside the new Gungahlin Library. The Gungahlin Community Council's campaign for a public art piece recognising the popular children's book by Michael Salmon has been successful, with ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope approving the idea for a sculpture.

Walk for research

THE second Walk 4 Life fundraiser, in aid of breast cancer research, will start from the Linear Park town common at Gungahlin on Sunday, September 20 at 10 am. The walk stretches around the Gungahlin Town Centre and Yerrabi Pond for five kilometres. Registration is $20 for adults from any store in the Gungahlin Town Centre or at either centre management office of the Gungahlin Marketplace and The G. Andrew Barr… sorry seems to be the hardest word.

Summer promise for new bubblers THE Government is now promising that the five drinking fountains the Chief Minister announced would be installed and working in Civic by mid-year will now be installed in time for summer, six months late.

Last week “CityNews” reported that the new “bubblers” promised in January for completion by mid-year had not been started. While no explanation was forthcoming, a spokesman for the Chief Minister said: “The new Civic drinking fountains (City Walk at Akuna Street, the bus interchange, London Circuit at Ainslie Avenue, on Bunda Street and near the carousel on City Walk), will be installed by the beginning of summer this year – that is to say, December.”

EsCarpade bonus

NEARLY $30,000 has been raised for the Camp Quality esCarpade 104.7 Torana and crew in a “helping hands” fundraiser held in 16 McDonald’s outlets in the ACT, Queanbeyan and Yass. Camp Quality supports children and their families living with cancer. “The money raised… is a great contribution to our 2009 Camp Quality esCarpade car rally,” said Ivan Slavich who, with Eoghan O’Byrne, will participate in the rally, which starts on October 17 in Nowra, travelling to Lightning Ridge and ending in Gilgandra on October 24.

Prize winner

CONGRATULATIONS to Shona Kitto who has won a personal styling consultation and half-day shopping date with personal stylist Jenny Koslow, worth $360. Shona impressed our judging panel with a new interpretation of children’s rhyme “Hickory dickory dock” – “nursery rhymes I know, but my fashion’s not so hot!” the Ngunnawal mum told “CityNews”.

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sport

Patience will pay off THROUGH the season, I have lost count of the number of calls and e-mails I have received from Raiders’ supporters virtually begging the club to go in search of experienced players.

That changed as the season progressed and the younger players became familiar with the nature of backing up week-in week-out in the NRL. Josh Dugan is a case in point; he struggled early in the season and was sent to South Logan, the Raiders’ feeder Club in the Queensland Cup, rather than play in the under 20s. Dugan returned a tougher player and, along with Travis Waddell, Joel Thompson and Jarod Croker, will form the nucleus of the team in years to come.

In my opinion it is the only way to go.

Whether we like it or not, many players in the NRL are not keen to come to Canberra.

The lack of exposure on free-to-air television doesn’t help things, nor does the perception that Canberra is cold and boring.

One potential recruit was flown to Canberra in the middle of winter; he stepped off the plane severely under dressed for the conditions and refused to walk out of the terminal. To the surprise of Raiders’ officials at the airport to pick him up, the player jumped on the next plane and returned home complaining of the cold conditions.

If they are so concerned about play-

8 CityNews September 10-16

The Canberra Raiders’ policy of keeping its young players at the expense of chasing bigname stars from other teams will eventually pay dividends, but fans will need to be patient, says TIM GAVEL. ing and training in cool conditions we are probably better off without them and instead focus on players coming to Canberra seeking an opportunity that may not exist elsewhere.

of exposure ‘Theonlackfree-to-air television doesn’t help things, nor does the perception that Canberra is cold and boring.

’

You have to laugh, though, when players suggest the cold weather is the reason for not coming to Canberra before signing to play with a UK Super League team.

The Raiders have to pay over the odds to get a player to come here. This puts pressure on the salary cap and the

individual might not have the desire to stay for the long haul.

While Canberra’s future is very much in the hands of the local juniors coming through, there is still a need to maintain a level of experience within the side. We have seen the importance of Bronson Harrison, Josh Miller, Scott Logan, David Shillington, Troy Thompson, Terry Campese and Allan Tongue this season and their role with the younger players.

The club is currently planning well into the next decade. They are currently negotiating a 10-year deal with Canberra Stadium to run alongside the lease they have on their training facility at Bruce.

When the Raiders won the premiership in 1989 the side was predominantly made up of players from the local region such as Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart, Glen Lazarus and Bradley Clyde with a mix of Queenslanders such as Mal Meninga, Garry Belcher, Steve Walters and Garry Coyne. If Canberra can keep their current young brigade alongside Tom Leroyd Lahs and the like, supporters have plenty of reason for optimism.

What’s in the water?

As Canberra preens itself with a little Floriade Civic pride, travelling snapper Silas Brown bumbled by Civic Square the other day and couldn’t resist this wonderful shot of a Lilliputian gardener appearing to water the giant promotional tulips for Floriade. We’ve got a feature all about the big event. It starts on Page 18.

CityNews September 10-16

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news

Kate rises to The raw reality of a the challenge world built on conflict

By Megan Haggan IT’S a challenge to help people take control of their health – but it’s all in a day’s work for Katherine Allen, of Capital Chemist, Southlands in Mawson, who has just been named ACT Pharmacy Assistant of the Year by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

“We’re trying to help people lead healthier lives and be more proactive, rather than reactive, about their health,” says Katherine.

“Part of the problem is that everybody wants to just take a pill for whatever’s wrong, whether they want to lose weight or quit smoking, and have the problem go away.”

She says pharmacy assistants, who support pharmacists in their work, are a “vital link” in providing health care.

“Pharmacy has changed really drastically over the years. Twenty or 30 years ago, pharmacy assistants did pretty much everything, and Katherine Allen… “Everybody then our job became more of a ‘cash wants to just take a pill for and wrap’ role. whatever’s wrong.”

“These days, it’s gone back to the way it was, and there’s a lot we can help with – and people are starting Katherine will compete in the to realise it!” national finals in October.

LAST month, while on a book tour, I found myself in the Supreme Court in Perth, three metres from Christian Rossiter who was pleading for the right to die. It was a thoroughly unnerving – but immensely edifying – experience.

My “CityNews” colleague, Michael Moore covered the issue thoroughly in a column soon afterwards. Mr Rossiter, 49 was suffering from spastic quadriplegia after being hit by a car. The Chief Justice of WA, Wayne Martin, ruled that he had the right to order his carers to cease feeding him and provided them with legal immunity when they complied.

But what really interested me was the sequel to the hearing. I was near Mr Rossiter when he thanked the judge outside the court. Then suddenly he announced that he might well change his mind and choose to live. It was a stunning reversal and I believe it may well help us to understand what the “Sydney Morning Herald” has called Australia’s “suicide epidemic”.

In the courtroom early that morning, Mr Rossiter had seemed a sad, pathetic figure weighed down by the sheer awfulness of his plight. “My life is a living hell,” he said. “I can’t

THE GADFLY

By Robert Macklin even wipe the tears from my eyes.”

The pain was constant; the future hopeless.

Judge Martin was deeply considerate and throughout the hearing he made it clear that Mr Rossiter’s comfort was his first concern. The man in the wheelchair was the centre of attention. The lawyers were equally thoughtful and when the judge announced that Mr Rossiter would be given charge of his own destiny, his day was complete. Psychologically at least, he had discovered a new sense of self-esteem.

It was this, I believe, which lay at the base of his sudden indecision about dying. As a demonstration of the manner in which our frame of mind affects life and death decision making, it could hardly have been more striking.

So, how can this knowledge be applied to change the minds of the 2000 or more young people who every year take their own lives in Australia? It

is a question that has haunted me for the decades since my younger brother ended his own life at the end of a gun.

Neither he nor any of the others are victim to the physical disabilities that lie at the basis of Mr Rossiter’s story.

But clearly their sense of hopelessness and alienation is a powerful factor in taking the ultimate decision to end their lives.

Part of the answer, I suspect, is the earnest, humourless nature of the Judeo-Christian paradigm in which we live. It is a world in which we equate acquisitiveness with “success”; in which we base our social institutions – from law to sport to politics – on conflict. Winner takes all; the also ran picks up the pieces of a shattered self-esteem.

Indeed, our society is so psychologically bereft that we consume oceans of alcohol simply to get us through the week. And we conduct a “war on drugs” by demonising the supply side of the equation – the coca and poppy growers – instead of trying to figure out why we prefer the drug-induced illusion to the awful reality.

Perhaps we have the equation the wrong way round. robert@robertmacklin.com

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families

Perils of puppy love

Mothers' Day...

THE Thorpe and Duck families from Wollongong (above) were among the 2000 Australians who braved the rain to attend a prohomebirth rally in front of Parliament House, protesting Federal legislation that would effectively make giving birth at home illegal.

... and Father's AARON Mann (left) with children Ella, Aidan and Mia celebrate dad's special day at Fathers' Day in the Park.

Photos by Silas.

GETTING a puppy is serious business, after all, we’re talking about a new member of the family – someone who will be around for a long time, shedding over the furniture, ruining anything black you might have on, chewing up your brand new patentleather, Sunday best shoes and going potty (at least initially) in all the wrong places. Yes, there’s a lot to look forward to.

I’ve resisted my children’s pleas for a puppy for as long as possible, but it’s all my six-year-old son wants for his seventh birthday. And somehow boys and dogs are an irresistible combination, like Laurel and Hardy, Bonnie and Clyde, and maybe Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

My little man has some broad criteria for a suitable pup: A white, male dog that will play with him, likes to fetch things, will sleep on the end of his bed and be brave, just like the cartoon dog “Bolt”. So the last month has seen me (and him) poring over websites that offer advice about breeds, what to look for in buying a pup, and endless lists of puppies currently for sale (and all too often already sold).

Finding a good trustworthy breeder is highly recommended; otherwise you might end up buying a cute little thing only to find out a year later that daddy was a Great Dane/Rottweiller cross with bad hips, and a hereditary overbite and anger-management issues.

But that’s not the only pitfall in the modern world of puppy purchasing. I also discovered there are other dangers because the puppy selling business has been invaded by confidence tricksters running some nasty scams. Fraudsters post false advertisements on bona fide websites in the hope of getting hopeful dog owners to make down payments on a cute puppy that will never be delivered.

When you’ve got a desperate six-year-old hover-

MUM IN THE CITY

By Sonya Fladun

ing over your shoulder and going into a frenzy over every cute puppy picture on the web, it is easy to let the heart rule the head. Even I found myself emailing people who turned out to be engaged in nothing more than a scam. Fortunately, no money changed hands, but I’ll admit in one case I was taken in by what seemed a very convincing advertisement for an adorable but probably non-existent puppy, much to my boy’s deep disappointment and my annoyance.

So if you’re a family about to enter the market for an adorable pet – beware the bite of the Trojan pup.

Meanwhile, our search continues.

CityNews September 10-16

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letters

Men are rubbish!

I DON’T think Sonya Fladun’s been paying attention (“Boys, who cares?”, CN, Septemeber 3). No-one has cared about boys for decades, least of all in our appalling “education system”.

Betty Friedan’s “1,000,001 Things I Hate About Men” and Germaine Greer’s “Every Man Needs a Good R… up the A…” set the ball rolling and it has been crushing males ever since.

Men are rubbish. I should know. I’m a man, and have been all my life. Though, there was a period in my early 20s that was a bit vague.

The “education system” is making up for 3000 years of male oppression, as one man-hating feminist told me. But the future is rosy. According to fierce feminist Ita Buttrose, the old male troglodytes are dying out, as the new breed of well behaved, crushed men come through to do the housework and wear the knickers round the house.

You can finish me off now.

John Cleland, Latham

I agree with Jorian

I AGREE with Jorian Gardner (“Bubbler Hunting”, CN, September 3). Then again, when we have a total fire ban in Canberra Stanhope and his mob turn off all the barbecues even though they are electric.

Gerard Halton, via email

Let’s ban sex?

WHAT a great article and so right, Mr. Moore (“Crackers, that’s the argument”, CN, September 3). Our office comment was why isn't sex on the list of fun activities to be banned or balloons or giggling babies?

It’s not the fireworks that are unsafe, it is the user!

Slowly but surely, the fun and freedom is going out of life (a bit like the reduced amount of nuts in a popular chocolate bar).

I have two dogs, neither of which likes the noise of fireworks going off so I keep them indoors and safe. Anyone who has pets should do the same. As for people getting hurt, we have to stop blaming someone else all the time and take responsibility for our own actions or lack of.

Marj Russell, animal, human and firework lover, via email

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to ed@citynews.com. au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.

I REALLY enjoyed Michael Moore's article "Crackers, that's the argument" (CN, September 3) about John Hargreaves, of the Fun Police. What does concern me though is that the good folk of Tuggeranong continue to vote this poor-performing minister into the Assembly again and again. This makes not only Tuggeranong, but the whole of Canberra, somewhat of a laughing stock and is certainly not a good advertisement for full self-government. We have joined NSW as the butt of political jokes, although many would say that we were first.

It is high time that Hargreaves was put out to pasture.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Tedious images

THE images of Rudd in hard hats and Swan claiming credit for some mythical turnaround in our economic fortunes are getting a bit tedious.

We are doing better than much of the world, but there are many quite negative figures and trends in the national account figures. Capital spending has contracted, as has national disposable income, eight out of 18 industry sectors have contracted in the last three months, and the biggest growth sector is the “statistical discrepancy” again!

Underemployment is a serious issue; with obviously many people dropping out of the workforce all together, total hours worked has dropped in the last quarter and the last year.

Businesses are reducing inventories, including in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors.

The stimulus package is not an economic strategy but a re-election strategy which may explain the “excessive” spin rather than the “normal” spin we have come to expect!

M. Gordon, Flynn

“CITYNEWS” Facebook fans offer some pithy comments Michael Moore’s column ridiculing the Government’s decision to ban the use and sale of fireworks: Martin Ross: I do not agree. There are many responsible people that enjoy a good night or two of close-knit time with family and friends and fireworks. But the donkeys that use these incorrectly are the ones that need monitoring and the community also needs to play their part in policing these idiots. That way property won't be as damaged, if at all. And animal owners may have to strategise a bit more so dogs and cats don't turn up at RSPCA, but God bless Michael Linke and the staff for the work they do Lydia Teo: [Replying to Martin’s comment]

Please don't slander donkeys, they are sensitive, intelligent creatures. The dropkicks who do damage with fireworks are human – dictated by Shnooky the donkey, keyed by Lydia.

Trevar Alan Chilver: Pity we can't ban banishment.

Melanie Lindner: I actually like the suggestion to ban the rugby players... well some of them anyway :) Alan Kerlin: We could ban smart-arse comments in the Assembly. That'd screw Hargreaves up big time.

CityNews September 10-16

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scene

Invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At Ruth Oliphant and Dean Bowen exhibition openings, Beaver Galleries

Ayumi Sakamoto and Kerryn Wagg

Belinda Toll, Matt Ryan and Erin Conron

Sara Hellsing, Alex Fraser Smith, Kathy Rindt and Nicole Muniz

Ruth Oliphant, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, Susie Beaver, Dean Bowen and Martin Beaver

Christine Pennell, Jade Nelson, Josephine Lamech and Madeleine Dornan

David Oliphant, Marcus and Margaret Lewis with Angela Young

14 CityNews September 10-16

Anthea Cahill and Wes Smith

Soli Middleby, Neil Lade and Susie van den Heuvel

Nikki Main and Ann Jakle

Marian Pettit, Dawn Waterhouse and Laurel Yeend

scene

More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews

At the Canberra Cystic Fibrosis dinner, Cadets’ Mess, Duntroon

Narelle and Stephen Bundy with Jon English

Clyde and Carrie Rathbone with Julian Huxley

Ros Seselja, Cam and Ally Sullings Lisa Ridgley and Renee Shearer

Catherine Craig, Judy Breen and Kristen Knowd

Geoff and Vivien Cox with John Alexander

Ross Solly and Emma Griffiths

Justin Carney, Brie Groves, Joel Monaghan and Samantha Lugwig

Michael Jonas and Adrienne Moss with Jamie and Cynthia McDonald

Sonia and Matthew Howarth

Karen Byrne and Rowan Brennan

Jessica Bibby, Natalie Hurst and Kellie Abrams

CityNews September 10-16

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scene

Invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At Carmen Steffens spring/summer fashion show, Canberra Centre

ACT Property Taxes and Charges – a refresher guide When: Monday 21 September 2009 | Time: 4pm to 6pm Venue: Hotel Realm, Barton Proudly sponsored by CB Richard Ellis

Property Council Golf Classic When: Thursday 22 October 2009 | Venue: Federal Golf Club, Red Hill Proudly sponsored by NDH Property Services

Division Luncheon with the Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP When: Wednesday 28 October 2009 | Time: 12:00 to 2:00pm Venue: Hyatt Hotel Canberra Proudly sponsored by Commonwealth Bank For more information on upcoming events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Antoinette Perera on 02 6248 6902 or email Aperera@properyoz.com.au

of Australia

Ophelia Lam, Mai Adams and Cara Becker

Emilia Rossi with Megan Johns

VOLUNTEER GRANTS 2009 Invitation to Apply for Funding Eligible non-profit organisations are invited to apply for funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000 to support the work of their volunteers. This funding will enable organisations to purchase practical and tangible small equipment items and to contribute to their volunteers’ fuel costs to support the work of their volunteers.

Jorge Castro, Lizzy Wagner, Katarina Castro and Nina Martinovic

The Volunteer Grants 2009 Application Form and Application Guidelines are available at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by phoning the Volunteer Grants 2009 toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374. A TTY service is available for persons who have a hearing or speech impairment, on 1800 555 677.

www.fahcsia.gov.au

16 CityNews September 10-16

At the M16 Artspace’s exhibition openings, Fyshwick

adcorp11714A

Applications close on Friday 25 September 2009 at 5pm.

Toni Brasting with Eric and Solange Rossi

Margaret Carlin and Robynne Carey

Darren Brown and Amelia Whitelaw

Marilyn Gray and Anita McIntyre

Alistair Riddell and Valerie Kirk

scene

More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews

At the Wattle Day dinner, Teatro Vivaldi, ANU

Cathy Crozier, Lisa Conroy, Margot Firth and Anna Olsen

Michelle Hetherington and Suzette Searle

Janie Busby Grant and Will Grant

MLA Shane Rattenbury and Florence Fahy

Shirley Stewart, Graeme Shore, Shirlee Wilkinson and Judy Tunningley

Ian De Landelles, MLA Mary Porter and John Warhurst

Mark Lodder, Tony Firth, Kevin Olsen and Max Crozier

At ‘Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade’ opening night, Civic

Ian Teasdale, Michelle Green and Rafael Bonachela

Colin Haining, Deshi Rahim, Tim Lynch and Rob Dearn

Tamina Koehne-Drube and MLA Alistair Coe

Dona Busic, Mark McConnell, Tam Johnston and Warren Pearson

Clinton Jacka, Sally Haysom and Bree Winchester

Prof. Don and Bev Aitkin

Hannah Wallace, John Wilson, Maria Wallace, Lynette Wilson with Madison and Ian Tidy

Andrew Bartlett and Frank Madrid

CityNews September 10-16

17

Better Building

advertising feature

Striving to build the very best “OUR philosophy is very simple,” says Better Building Principal Ivan Juric. “We strive to build the very best houses we can. We think the experience while you are building is as important as the end product.

“We offer a personalised service, one where there are no hidden costs. We do not believe that quality is a function of the amount of money you spend. We treat each house as if we were building our own. And remember, we only build outstanding custom built homes, so specialising means we really know our stuff.”

It’s easy to see why his design and construction work is so good: he oozes a passion for what he does.

It shows, too, with Better Building one of the most-awarded builders in Australia having won awards from the MBA and HIA every year since 1999. The company has won seven major nationals awards, something which Ivan says he couldn’t have done without his team.

“I have to thank all our designers, suppliers and contractors for the job they do – they are the ones who have helped us provide the highestpossible level of service we can,” says Ivan.

“We do any style of architecture. We custom design a house to suit the location, to suit the customer, to suit the aspect and to suit the view.

We simply say to our clients ‘what’s your budget?’ and go from there. We t everything into the budget we start with – it’s the only way to do it.

“We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on

Better Building Principal Ivan Juric… “We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.” design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.

“We look after interior design, the approvals, the construction and landscaping – everything from start to nish.”

Ivan says that clients appreciate the effort that

Better Building puts in to supplying a superior service and hassle-free construction process.

“We strive for excellence in customer service,” enthuses Ivan. “The team of people that we have working on each home have the same philosophy we do, that is, that the client’s needs are paramount – we all have a ‘yes’ attitude and it shows through our work.

“We are very proud of our record and we think it shows exactly how much attention to detail we put into each and every one of our projects.

“It’s very simple – we work with our clients to create a living environment that is tailored to their need and budget, with integrity and customer service excellence. Each house is unique with no two houses the same. A superior product is the end result – one that satises even the toughest critics.”

Better Buildings 2009 National Display Home of the Year is open every Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm, until December at 47 Birdwood Street, Hughes.

‘It’s our team of contractors that help us make the real difference – it’s one of the reasons we have won seven major national awards.’

All about Floriade

September 12-October 11

Marcia shines in free show ARIA Hall of Fame star and Australia’s queen of soul, Marcia Hines, headlines this year’s Floriade entertainment program with a special one-off, free concert performance at Stage 88 on Sunday, September 19.

With the million blooms of spring as a backdrop, dozens of top entertainers will weave their magic in Commonwealth Park throughout the month-long Floriade, drawing inspiration from this year’s theme of “Mind, Body and Soul”.

From Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, October 11, ANU School of Music musicians will feed the soul with a series of lunchtime concerts with all sorts of music – jazz, classical, solos, ensembles, piano,

Everything you need to know about Floriade, September 12-October 11.

What is Floriade?

percussion, guitars, harps, strings and wind.

On Sunday, October 4, country music’s biggest female act The McClymonts will perform on Stage 88 along with current 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Peter McWhirter.

The concert will showcase a bevy of budding country music talent, including NZ Country Horizon Award winner, Ashley Cooper.

Melbourne theatre troupe Born in a Taxi will pop up throughout Floriade to present quirky, funny and often absurd original performances, which combine physical comedy with improvisation. The group’s award-winning street theatre shows transform everyday environments into places of unexpected wonder, playfulness and delight.

For the kids KIDS can join in one of the roving performances by the jugglers, acrobats and street artists who will bring an extra splash of colour to every day of the festival.

Then there’s the patting paddock where kids can feed and pat springtime animals including kittens, pigs, hatching chicks, baby ducks and little lambs.

From Sunday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4, kids can help SpongeBob SquarePants celebrate his 10th birthday!

Snakes, lizards, frogs and other creepy crawlies will be on show at the National Zoo and Aquarium’s “Riveting Reptiles” exhibition from Wednesday, September 23 to Thursday, October 1. Handlers will run workshops on their habitats, favourite foods, and what to do if you meet one in the backyard.

The fast guide to Floriade

Everyone will be enchanted by the magical creations of Erth, one of Australia’s premier puppetry and visual affects groups. From Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 9, whole worlds will inflate within minutes and be filled with fantastical beasts, while original music and visual effects create an experience to engage the full five senses.

The Australian Sports Commission marquee features a diverse range of sporting activities, demonstrations, presentations and workshops.

From Saturday, October 3 to Friday, October 9, you can test your mind power and get your body fit at the Nintendo marquee.

Try games such as Wii Sports, Wii Fit, brain training and more.

FLORIADE is the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere with more than one million blooms creating a colourful backdrop for Canberra’s month-long celebration of spring.

The event boasts an exciting entertainment program with local, national and international performers on show, kids’ activities, garden workshops, exhibitions, displays and plenty of fine food and wine from across the Canberra region.

It also encompasses Floriade NightFest, five nights filled with outdoor movie screenings, music and more.

But while the music plays and the wine flows, it is always the flowers that are the star of the show, all planted out in eye-catching and unusual designs.

When did it start?

FLORIADE began in 1986 when the ACT Parks and Conservation Society dreamed up a huge floral display to celebrate the 1988 bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday. Canberra’s Floriade is now the largest springtime festival of its type.

It was inspired by the Dutch Keukenhof flower display and Holland’s Floriade, which happens every 10 years.

The name Floriade comes from the Latin word “florist”,

which means to design with flowers.

This year’s theme

EACH year the Floriade team selects a new theme that guides the plantings for the festival as well as the entertainment program and other events. Last year’s theme was “Films that Shaped Our Nation”, but in 2009 the festival will bend expectations and lift spirits with the theme “Mind, Body and Soul”. The displays involve more than one million bulbs and annuals, which bloom and change throughout the month-long event.

When?

FLORIADE will be held from September 12 to October 11. Gates open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday and from 9am until 5.30pm on weekends and public holidays. Last entry to the festival is 30 minutes before closing.

Where?

THE home of Floriade is Commonwealth Park in Canberra, on the northern banks of Lake Burley Griffin. The spot takes in views across the lake to Canberra’s other landmarks, including Parliament House, the High Court and the National Museum of Australia.

Continued Page 22.

CityNews September 10-16

19

Floriade

Message in the

Clouds

ENTER the world of mind, body and soul through this garden bed, which depicts the billowing clouds of a dream.

The light-pastel colours, ruffled petals of the tulips and round, soft shapes will help your mind drift off in a daydream.

Music for the soul

A SONG can evoke a million memories, and the mind can remember lyrics from favourite songs for a lifetime. Look out for the music notes depicted in this garden bed. The red flowers represent the emotion, love and passion evoked by music.

The white flowers represent the paper sheets, which hold the blue and purple notes.

Water drop

THIS bed features a sea of tulips, irises and hyacinths mainly in different shades of blue, representing life-giving water. Water hydrates our bodies and quenches our thirst, and is essential for life. It also rejuvenates the soul, be it the sound of the ocean, the smell of rain or the tranquillity of a waterfall.

20 CityNews September 10-16

EVERY year, the team behind Floriade put on their creative caps to come up with new designs for the garden beds, and this year is no exception.

The following themed garden bed descriptions offer an insight into what all visitors can look forward to.

Ocean waves THIS three-dimensional garden bed rises and falls to depict the waves of the ocean. The different shades of blue, white, and yellow are colours we associate with iconic Australian beach culture.

Love

(supported by the Heart Foundation)

THE heart represents our emotional core and is recognised as a symbol for love. Love takes many forms and enriches the mind, body and soul. Deep shades of pink and red depict a beating heart.

Elixir of life

THIS garden features raised

mounds representing plump grapes, which are used to create the elixir of life – wine.

Wine is symbolic of celebration, relaxation, friendship and luxury and holds an important place in many cultures.

Friends and family

MOMENTS of friendship, intimacy, bonding and laughter define our lives. Friends and family make us who we are, and can transform our mood in a second. The five people of different colours and sizes holding hands depicted in this garden bed represent the friends and family who nurture our mind, body and soul.

Checkmate

REPRESENTING the sharpness of

Floriade

blooms and beds and balance one another. This yin and yang symbol is nestled in a sea of pink flowers.

Feast of colour

THE colourful tulips in these symmetrical garden beds continue the theme of balance and represent food as essential to wellbeing. Food helps to enrich and nurture the mind, body and soul.

Lotus pool

the mind, this giant chessboard will make you want to challenge your friends to a game.

Crosswords, board games, word puzzles and more allow us to challenge ourselves and keep our minds active.

Window to the soul

THIS garden bed depicts the first of the five senses – sight.

The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. Peer into this deep blue eye with its long, dark lashes as you wonder what your eyes say about you.

THESE stunning garden beds are placed separately near and around Nerang Pool, depicting The senses brightly coloured lotus flowers.

AFTER taking time to reflect on The lotus flower represents the wonder of sight, consider purity and peace. Its unfolding the remaining four senses in petals reflect the expanding these three-dimensional garden of the soul. Sit and soak up beds. These garden beds depict the serenity of this peaceful, each of the senses which allow reflective area. us to experience life – touch, Sunlight taste, smell and sound.

THE centre of the solar system, Yin and yang the sun is the source of life. This IN Chinese philosophy, yin and garden bed depicts a large ball yang represent how everything of fire with long reaching rays in life must be balanced radiating out from the centre – you can’t have good without over two beds. The sun’s rays bad and opposites can only are juxtaposed by the blue, exist with one another. These sunlit sky that can be seen at opposites complement, interact the edges of the flower beds.

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21

Floriade

Horticultural happenings FASHION, like flowers, is all about beauty, and the 2009 “Passion for Fashion” competition will be a stunning display of creativity and colour. Local and national florists and floral designers will do battle to create the most original and unique floral gowns based on the theme, “Mind, Body and Soul”.

Watch demonstrations, learn how to make spectacular arrangements and get tips from the experts on how to treat and look after your flowers at the Interflora displays and demonstrations. From Thursday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 7, watch leading Interflora florists go head-to-head in the finals of the Interflora national competitions (Australia Cup and Florists of the Future).

STEAM

& CUISINE PARTY EXPRESS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

ZIERHOLZ PREMIUM BREWERY

Dinner at heritage listed Queanbeyan Station, dessert & specially produced ales on the train, with music & dancing on the train on the way home.

The train leaves Canberra Station at 6 pm.

Diary dates…

INTERFLORA Exhibition Marquee Passion for Fashion competition and displays: Saturday, September 12 to Wednesday, September 16.

• Bernie Gadd: floral demonstration “Understanding Fibonacci”: Sunday, September 13.

• Haute Couture Bridal Expose: Thursday, September 17 to Monday, September.

• Amelia’s Cakes wedding cake display: Thursday 17-Monday 21 September 21.

• Cake decorating demonstrations and workshops: Friday, September 18 to Monday, September 22.

• Award-winning international floral designer Richard Go floral demonstrations: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.

• Sogetsu Ikebana display: Tuesday, September 22 to Thursday, October 1.

• Finals of the Interflora national competition: Australia Cup and Florist of the Future) Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11. water from the air. Gardening experts Graham Ross and Cedric Bryant will demonstrate practical gardening tips in the kitchen garden.

Saturday 3 October 2009 Enjoy vintage steam train travel, a delicious Golden Roast dinner and outstanding beverages on our new all-occasions celebration train to Bungendore.

Floriade takes gardening to a new level with dozens of workshops, activities and events happening throughout the festival.

FLORIADE also has plenty to offer for those who want to be a bit more hands-on, including workshops and seminars on gardening, how to grow your own plants and herbs, and creating a self-sufficient and sustainable kitchen garden. Renowned author Jackie French will lead a series of seminars on turning the urban backyard into a fertile farm, and how to harvest

IF being around so much colour and life gives you the urge to capture it all for posterity, members from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography will be running special early morning and twilight workshops on capturing nature through a camera lens.

JUDY Horton from Yates will also be in the marquee running presentations on how to identify and handle common bugs and pests while still maintaining an organic garden.

Sustainable gardening will be a big focus this year, in keeping with the holistic theme of “Mind, Body and Soul”. Many of the workshops and presentations will look at how to grow healthy vegetables and plants without taking too great a toll on the earth, while the dedicated kitchen garden will emphasise practical tips and tricks to try at home.

What a great night out!

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES 02 6284 2790 Mon - Fri, 9 - 3

Continued from Page 19.

Getting there GETTING to Commonwealth Park is easy. You can drive, walk, ride a bike or catch a bus. There is ample parking at sites nearby, including the

main site across the road off Commonwealth Avenue.

Just follow the tulip signs.

Commonwealth Park is a fiveminute walk from the heart of Civic and ACTION runs regular buses to and from the festival, visit www.action.act.gov.au or

call 131710 for a timetable.

Access to the festival is through four entry points: at Regatta Point, off Commonwealth Avenue; off the Parkes Way overpass next to the Olympic Pool car park in Allora Street; at the south-western

Blooming with new retailers Friday 11th September 6pm-9pm

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (ACT Division Inc.) www.trains.org.au

(Boutique Twilight market with champagne and shopping!!) &

Exciting new location

Saturday 12th September 10am-4pm

Come and see our gorgeous new space with wide aisles, ample parking and rustic interior. Only 5km from the city!

Free parking Free entry No ATM facilities

THE YARRALUMLA WOOLSHED

– boutique beers, wine bar, coffee and glorious food.

Phone 0402 247 532 www.handmademarket.com.au 22 CityNews September 10-16

WIN! A set of blossom rings

Simply subscribe to the newsletter to go into the draw.

SK0439

Launching EAT@handmade

end of the Nerang Pool where the ferry docks, and at Nerang Pool with access via the underpass off Constitution Avenue.

Entry and fees

ENTRY to Floriade is free, so visitors can attend as many times as they like throughout the season to see the beautiful blooms develop and change.

Tickets for Floriade NightFest, the five-night fiesta of music, movies, food and wine, are available from Ticketek at www. ticketek.com or by calling 132849.

They cost*: Adults (17 years and over), $20; child (5 to16 years), $10; concessions (pensioners, seniors and student ID card holders), $10; Family (two adults and two children), $50; children (four years and under), free *Price per night. Transaction fees apply.

CityNews September 10-16

23

Floriade

All about you FLORIADE 2009 is all about “Mind, Body and Soul”: So “CityNews” spoke to some of Canberra’s leading wellbeing services to find out more.

wellbeing Jindii EcoSpa – the first of its kind in the Canberra region, according to owner Bianca Pritchard – is set to open in late 2009, and in the meantime, Jindii Mini Spa is offering quality treatments at reduced prices.

“Our team is here to provide Canberrans with the opportunity to be completely present in the moment – to unwind and just be,” says Bianca.

The Clear Complexions Clinics in Belconnen and Erindale are focusing on treating sundamaged skin this spring, says founder and registered nurse Suzie Hoitink.

“Without doubt, Fraxel laser treatments offer the most dramatic results I have ever seen,” says Suzie.

Avida Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic, at Bailey’s Corner, Civic, offers a range of non-invasive treatments to enhance beauty and wellbeing.

Owner Lina Prego says that treatments such as non-surgical liposuction, cellulite reduction, photorejuvenation and oxygen facials can leave us looking and feeling great.

Sole Essence is a holistic healing service that helps people “restore their oneness” by using their minds, bodies, spirits and hearts, says owner and holistic healer Annette Hennessy.

Beauty Salon Rest and Recuperate in Pearce is inviting Canberrans and visitors to celebrate their mind, body and soul with a spring special offer.

Jindii: call 6257 8777 or email relax@jindii. com.au.

Clear Complexions: visit www.clearcomplexions.com.au or call 6251 8889 (Belconnen) or 6231 0003 (Erindale).

Avida: visit www.avidaclinic.com.au or call 6249 1848.

Sole Essence: visit www.soleessence.vpweb. com.au.

Rest and Recuperate: call 6286 8123.

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24 CityNews September 10-16

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Floriade

Seen the flowers? Try some of these CANBERRA’S many other attractions have joined in the city’s celebration of spring with Floriade-themed mind, body and soul experiences.

Old Parliament House

Tidbinbilla

Institute of Sport

IT’S the International Year of Astronomy and for 40 years the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. There are views of the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere, a piece of moon rock that’s 3.8 billion years old and the latest images from Mars.

“HANDS-ON democracy” is the theme of an exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The exhibition encourages younger visitors to become active citizens by learning about how democracy relates to them.

TAKE a tour guided by an elite athlete and discover where Australia’s sporting champions live and train. Step into a world of fun at Sportex, the interactive sports experience. Children and adults can try wheelchair basketball, take a simulated mountain bike race or try flying head first down on a bobsled track. The newest exhibit,

“Science of Success”, displays the secret technology developed by the institute’s sports science sport medicine department.

National Zoo

BIGGER kids (ages 10 and over) can hand feed lions, tigers and bears, play ball with a cheetah and interact with monkeys, otters, giraffes, penguins, dingoes and more at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

National Museum

CREATE a house or vehicle of the future in K-Space and watch your creation come to life in a 3D cinema at the National Museum of Australia. You can also visit the new Australian Journeys Gallery,

and explore the voyages that connect Australia to the world.

Australian War Memorial DISCOVER the Australian War Memorial’s “Discovery Zone” and crawl through a trench, climb into a Vietnam War helicopter and learn about peacekeeping.

Questacon

AT Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, you can explore the world inside your head and discover that reality isn’t what it seems.

Questacon has something for everyone – from giant dinosaurs, a two-metre freefall slide to science theatre shows.

Floriade dining guide

Haven for fine Indian cuisine LOCATED in a large open-plan space along Genge Street in Civic, Blu Ginger is the capital’s modern haven for fine Indian cuisine.

The restaurant’s high ceilings, ceilingto-floor windows and edgy wallpaper add character to the dining experience.

The focus at Blu Ginger is on modern Indian cuisine, with an extensive menu

that’s easy to decipher.

Each dish has a useful heat strength rating and information is provided about the various dishes’ origins.

Blu Ginger is a stone’s throw from bars, cafe and boutiques and a good meeting point for a great evening out.

BLU GINGER Open seven days for lunch and dinner.

5 Genge Street, Civic.

Call 6247 2228.

Some bar that, bar none OPENED in 1996, All Bar Nun at O’Connor has become a Canberra institution and, with the creation of its new lounge bar offering great-value, gastro-style cuisine at an affordable price (including opening for breakfast seven days from 8am), the venue is now able to cater for a wide clientele from professionals and uni students, to tourists and the sporting crowd.

With an expanded menu and attentive,

friendly staff, All Bar Nun provides one of Canberra’s largest arrays of international and domestic beers (including SA’s Coopers beers) and one of the ACT’s most impressive wine lists.

With live music on Sunday afternoons, “pizza and pint” nights (Monday and Tuesday), the latest live sport action on huge screens in a beautiful inner-city location, All Bar Nun is a great place to escape after the sights and sounds of Floriade.

ALL BAR NUN O’Connor Shops, Macpherson Street, O’Connor.

Call 6257 9191 or visit www.allbarnun.com.au.

Combining art and food IORI provides an enjoyable and relaxing dining atmosphere with food and service that may make you feel you’re dining in Tokyo!

It offers a range of menu options, from traditional Japanese dishes, hot pot courses, sushi and sashimi to modern Japanese cuisine.

The freshest of produce is used to guarantee the highest quality possible. The restaurant has a sushi bar, a special function

area and traditional Japanese tables to cater for your seating preference.

“Our menu is based on the use of only the freshest ingredients,” says owner Mamoru Aizawa.

“We bring an experience that combines art and food into one.”

Pictured are the specialities Real Eel Meal Deal (left) and Crab Club.

IORI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Lunch Monday to Friday from 12pm.

Dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm.

41 East Row, Sydney Building, Civic.

For bookings 6257 2334.

Enjoyable and relaxing dining COO Japanese Izakaya is the latest addition to the growing city precinct of traditional Japanese restaurants. Opened recently by the team from IORI Japanese restaurant, Coo offers a wide range of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.

An “izakaya” is a common kind of Japanese restaurant, found in cosmopolitan cities throughout the world. You can dine in the traditional Japanese style while enjoying

fresh sushi or sashimi and other exotic dishes made by top chefs, who say they bring.

It’s not just tradition that makes Coo worth the visit, but the touch of the new Japan in a selection of innovative and sophisticated modern Japanese dishes that herald the country’s broad-based, multinational appetite.

Floriade lunch boxes are available from 11:30am.

COO JAPANESE IZAKAYA Lunch take-away from 11.30am.

Dinner Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm.

15 East Row, Sydney Building, Civic.

For bookings 6257 2233.

CityNews September 10-16

25

arts&entertainment

Funny side of the blues

By Helen Musa

reviews

Torment and delight

Comedian and blues performer Michael Connell… “There is a common theme between blues and comedy.”

appreciate it very much, though,” he says. Now it’s time for him to put TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Melbourne co- his apparently mismatched skills to median and blues performer Michael work. Hence the latest show, which Connell was a happy man when I met he describes as “a kind of experihim recently. ment.”

“I came up for the ‘Green Faces’ If you imagine that there isn't much comedy competition at the Canberra in common between comedy and the Irish Club and guess what? Last night blues, you’d be wrong, I discover.

“You take emotions and pain and I won.”

Connell, a stand-up comic for eight then you turn it to something beautiyears, has recently changed tactics ful,” he says. “And there is a common and plans to mix his own comedy, theme between blues and comedy. blues guitar, harmonica-playing with Just about any blues song will begin: local ACT comedy talents in a show ‘My car’s broken down, my girl's just called “The Blues” coming up at The left me and I don’t have a job... when you think about it, it’s exactly the Street Theatre.

Two or three years ago, Connell same in comedy.” tells me, he found himself travelling Connell admits that the blues are too much on suburban trains in not an obvious choice for a white, Melbourne and decided he needed an middle-class Australian, but then occupation, so he taught himself how again, middle-class themes easily to play the harmonica. intrude – “woke up this morning and “My fellow passengers didn’t my i-Pod was broken”. And there is

26 CityNews September 10-16

a three-line structure in blues that precisely matches the structure of a joke – “it’s bizarre!”

With Connell is Goulburn blues guitarist Jonno Zilber as guest musician. He and Connell met a couple of years ago at the Australian Blues Music and Wangaratta Festivals.

In this “experimental” concert, Connell is engaging a local comedian each night. One such is Jay Sullivan, well known from the Multicultural Fringe and its National Heckler’s Competition. These days he sports an unexpected pinstripe suit and looks every bit the Defence Department employee that he has become – more fodder for comedy. He'll be followed by musical comedy duo The Stevenson Experience and comedian Tom Gibson.

“The Blues”, The Street Theatre, September 17-19.

NEW York-based choreographer Aszure Barton created this work from her six-week visit to Australia and close collaboration with the Sydney Dance Company dancers.

Bradley Chatfield, as the company’s retiring stalwart is Sid, initially seeming to channel Dr Evil, as he descends from the rafters in a throne, to embark on his birthday masquerade through a shared, intimate space that feels like an underground world unto itself.

He is led through this journey by Reed Luplau, who embodies New York style and flair in a wonderfully dapper, smooth performance with a touch of Gene Kelly and a nod to Bob Fosse.

Sid is simultaneously delighted and tormented by the people he encounters. A distinctly sexual yet understated language

DANCE “Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade” Sydney Dance Company. The Playhouse.

Season ended.

Reviewed By Samara Purnell is used to create a dialogue between the dancers to communicate relationships, flirtations, and playfulness.

Contemporary dance with hints of “Swan Lake” and influences of jazz, tango and waltz, move us along the journey with Sid, as familiar bush-tunes blend seamlessly into classical works. Barton’s choreography, while not ground-breaking is unique. It is wonderfully executed as the cast moves from poignant, beautiful stillness to energetic, acrobatic repartee.

Complex and visually arresting THE 35 finalists in this year’s Ranamok Glass Prize employ more than 28 separate techniques in many combinations.

The winning work from emerging NZ artist Lisa Walsh is complex and visually arresting. “Across The Lines” (hot moulded glass, paint and wire, 90x170x 5cms), is concerned with the role of women in World War I. This wall work, undeniably feminine in nature, is composed of more than 500 glass pegs wired together to form a Maori cloak.

Colours weave and flow, creating a mesmeric display. Weighing in at 102 kilograms, “Across The Lines” was unquestionably the winning piece in a strong field.

Other outstanding works include: Ede

VISUAL ARTS Ranamok Glass Prize 2009 Canberra Glassworks, until September 27.

Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak Horton’s whimsical group of three curious, birds-head cups, titled “Chinese Whispers”; Mark Elliot’s “Transcen-dance”, an exquisite work lushly echoing North Bondi’s aquamarine, white and cobalt sea; Emma Varga’s complex exercise in manipulation of both material and viewer response titled “Vertigo #1 (totally under control)” and respected, local artist Judi Elliot’s “Enclosure-Wall Series”, a sophisticated and entirely resolved meditation of curves and flat planes.

arts&entertainment

Wild about Larry CANBERRA’S most famous composer Larry Sitsky (pictured at work) celebrated his 75th birthday with a star turn in the foyer of the National Library of Australia. “The Musical Journey of Larry Sitsky” featured performances of his works by Sitsky and friends including Michael Kieran Harvey, Geoffrey Lancaster, Angela Giblin, Susanne Powell and Tor Fromyhr. The library is also celebrating the acquisition of Sitsky’s personal papers and the launch of a new Larry Sitsky website created and donated by his former student Dr Marcia Ruff Hewitt.

–Helen Musa

Colour and lots of movement “COLOUR my World” is a performance showcasing the creative and performing arts skills of more than 1000 students from the ACT’s 88 public schools. The show (September 16 and 17) to be staged in the Canberra Theatre will blend music, drama, dance, media and visual arts. More information at www.canberratheatre. com.au.

STARRING in his new show, “Jimeoin on Ice”, this muchloved Aussie/Irish comedian explores the fiercely funny observations on the absurdities of everyday life and says he will gracefully skate around as an added hilarity for this performance! It’s one night only – on September 12. More

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Rachel Crampton Smith information at www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

WHAT happens when the chocolate-loving bunny from the local animal kingdom, builds up enough courage to confront the terrible and all mighty Plop? Find out when quirky puppetry, funky tunes, lots of rhyming and bright designs come together to create this fun play specifically designed for pre-school aged children. “Plop” aims to provide an intimate and non-threatening first theatrical experience. Tickets are priced at a family friendly $15 and will

be performed at the Canberra Theatre Centre’s Courtyard Studio multiple times during the week starting September 14. For bookings call 6275 2700.

THE Canberra Youth Orchestra is presenting “Romeo and Juliet” in Llewellyn Hall, ANU on September 18. The orchestra has three pieces prepared including “Concerto for Four Horns and Orchestra” featuring soloists Julian Hunt, Angharad Johnson, Alison Logan and Alistair McGregor. For more information call 6247 4714.

Work-experience student Rachel Crampton Smith prepared this week’s column.

Regular writer Jorian Gardner will return next week.

CityNews September 10-16

27

arts&entertainment

Despite flaws, it’s Charlie, Boots and all “CHARLIE AND BOOTS”

CINEMA

DESPITE the flaws in “Charlie and Boots”, cowriter/director Dean Murphy has made a fun film.

It’s a father/son road movie founded on loss, of Charlie’s wife of 42 years, whose funeral opens the film, and Boots’ son who drowned while grandma was minding him.

When Charlie (Paul Hogan) wallows in self pity on the family’s dairy farm near Port Fairy, Boots (Shane Jacobson) decides to shake him up by hijacking him without warning and setting off in the Kingswood to go fishing at Cape York.

Murphy built the script with short grabs that make perceptive observations of Australia and ordinary Australians, but don’t always move the story along. Occasionally, he pauses the northward progress while Charlie and Boots reminisce or admonish each other in a relationship-clearing process.

The Government is about to spend mega-bucks re-branding Australia as a tourist destination.

“Charlie and Boots” makes a pretty good, even

By Dougal Macdonald credible, template.

Wait after the end credits for Charlie’s sneaky in-joke.

At all Canberra cinemas

“THE SOLOIST” (MA) ‘TIS averred that this film tells the true story about how “Los Angeles Times” feature writer Steve Lopez discovered Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, befriended him and ultimately rescued him from a beggar’s life among the 90,000 homeless on the city’s Skid Row. We may have confidence in that averment, although director Joe Wright and co-writer (with Lopez) Susannah Grant have added components of cinema art that provide useful diversions from the emotional intensity of a very moving picture.

Ayers is an Afro-American with a passion for

and seventh as writer is a mish-mash of romance, comedy, violence, melodrama, crime, corruption and Indian societal values. Bhardwaj has written characters and situations with Hollywood flavours filmed in styles strongly influenced by Bollywood – hand-held camera often chasing focus unsuccessfully, a multi-stranded screenplay that even with subtitles made little sense to any of us and moral issues that failed to convince at least me of their validity.

The plot centres on twin brothers, Charlie with a lisp and low moral values, Guddu with higher morality and a stutter, who haven’t seen each other for several years. Guddu’s love-making with Sweety, insisting that she wanted to feel him, not latex, inside her, has the inevitable result. Charlie “KAMINEY” (MA) has stolen cocaine belonging to Sweety’s crimelord brother.

THERE were three others in the cinema, a reviewer With real-life relations between Australia and for a daily paper and an Indian couple, well spoken, India in uncomfortable territory, I’d like to praise well dressed, obviously educated and intelligent.

“Kaminey” rather than disparage it, but it simply doesn’t let me.

We agreed that we hadn’t seen a good At Hoyts Belconnen movie. Vishal Bhardwaj’s sixth film as director real music and great talent performing it. But, not unlike “Shine’s” David Helfgott, he is cursed by a destabilising mental illness while studying at the Juilliard School of Music, denying him any chance of a performing career.

Jamie Foxx is magnificent as Ayers. And Robert Downey Jr is a convincing Lopez.

The music, mostly excerpts from Beethoven’s “Eroica” and choral symphonies with occasional visits to the acme of composition for solo cello, the Bach suites, is infinitely better than purposecomposed film scores!

Don’t see it alone. See it with somebody important to you.

At all Canberra cinemas

Sittin’ on the dock of the bay…

THERE’S nothing like sitting on the water’s edge (perhaps with your toes dipping in), munching on fresh, takeaway fish and chips.

Think it’s still a bit chilly for that? Well, at the south coast, where it’s several degrees warmer than in Canberra, it is possible to enjoy the experience.

Tuross Heads – where the lake meets the sea – is a nice hidey-hole, with O’Briens Boatshed, the Pickled Octopus and, if you are not fussed with fresh fish, Red Box Pizza all nestled on Trafalgar Road. While not exactly a “gourmet strip”, these three eateries offer “honest food” with a great position right on the lake with beautiful views and all-day sun.

It is a perfect spot to watch fishing boats, amazing sunsets, and the dolphins trapped in the lake because of a king tide, which has closed off the mouth of the Tuross River.

We dined at Pickled Octopus, with takeaway available on the wooden lower deck and a “fancier” licensed seafood café on the upper deck, both with 180-degree views. It is owned by Greg Ferguson, a local character who works hard to offer the freshest fish available from the abundant supply in Tuross

28 CityNews September 10-16

Short + sold out THEATRE “Short + Sweet” Reviewed by Helen Musa

DINING

By Wendy Johnson Lake and surrounding coastal areas. This sees him regularly having a line or two out himself and filleting on the premises.

The line-caught local fish, barbequed outdoors on the upper deck and served with creamy béarnaise sauce ($28) was succulent and, to be honest, did not need anything more than a squirt or two of lemon to set it off.

However, you don’t have to “go fishy”. The Pickled Octopus’ set menu and specials board include plenty of other dishes. The chargrilled scotch fillet ($28) was tender and the oysters fresh and creamy. The only “ho-hum” item was the entrée – a generous serve of crumbed mushrooms stuffed with Camembert and served with red wine jelly ($15). The execution was pedestrian and the mushrooms watery. Still, the scenery made up for it.

Tuross Heads… where the lake meets the sea.

The kids’ menu includes fish and chips or calamari and chips for $8. Desserts are inexpensive ($9) and included pecan pie and a brandy snap basket.

After lunch, we wandered next door to Red Box Pizza. The wood-fired oven was going full blast cooking up an extensive range of pizzas – traditional, specialty and bianco (garlic and olive oil base), with plenty of options for vegetarians. Small pizzas start at $12.90 and the large top off at $24.90. It is byo (no corkage) and you can eat in or take away.

If you’d rather be on the lake, simply rent a tinny from O’Brien’s Boatshed and grab a pretty decent coffee while getting organised.

The Pickled Octopus, 93D Trafalgar Road, Tuross Heads, 4473 6804.

“SHORT + Sweet” is a striking theatrical phenomenon founded in Australia and now extended into Singapore and Malaysia. In its first Canberra manifestation, the Courtyard Studio saw sell-out audiences for the Sydneyselected “Top 10” 10-minute plays, while The Street saw packed houses for the next 10 on the list, packaged as “Wildcards.”

Only three scripts were singled out: the overall winning script, Hal Judge’s “Tell Me Your Secret”, and two separate People’s Choices in Adam Hadley’s “Wheelbarrows, Stoat and Mountain Man, Attorneys at Law” and Elizabeth Ward’s “Flamingo Dancing”. Mystifyingly, the top play came from the second rank, though indeed some of the “Wildcards” seemed more interesting than many in the “Top 10.”

If more plays had been included on the judged list, we might have seen evidence that it was dramaturgy which was under the microscope, not production. That way we could have understood if their criteria included the effective use of the 10-minute format (some of those 10 minutes dragged), the tightness of focus, the use of narration and dressed-up monologue.

As it was, the judges Katie Pollock, Caroline Stacey, Anne-Marie Britton and Bruce Carmichael singled out director David Atfield and actors Brian Kavanagh and Ali McGregor, an odd way to go in the context of a play festival that should have emphasised the scripts.

fashion

Shine and sizzle

Sequin boyfriend jacket in Silver, $149.99 from Forever New.

FIREWORKS might be gone, but shine and sizzle is hot this spring in fashion – all the way from a few discreet sequins to full-on bling.

“I think we’ve all had a long, hard winter and this summer, we want things to be colourful, shiny and fun,” says Canberran personal stylist Jenny Kozlow. “And I think it’s fantastic!

“Eighties-style silver sequins are everywhere – you can texturise with them easily by layering.”

This could mean teaming a sparkly top with one of this season’s “boyfriend” jackets, she suggests.

“Make sequins a day look – it’s not just for the Etiquette “Sofia” clutch, $229 from La Cobbler. red carpet or cocktails!”

- Megan Haggan

Ap-sha black silk clutch, $149 from La Cobbler.

Gerry Shaw “Lola” dress, $555 from Soho.

Prata shoes with Austrian crystals, $899 from Carmen Steffens.

CityNews September 10-16

29

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home

The daily grind Breville Fresca Espresso Machina BES860, $799.

Sunbeam CafĂŠ Series Espresso Machine, $799.

30 CityNews September 10-16

AUSTRALIANS are keener than ever on making their own coffee at home, says John RussellStorey, coffee guru at Lavazza – but making good coffee requires a bit of effort, he says. “The new generation of home espresso machines we’re seeing on the market are a lot easier to use; and coffee companies, including us, are making blends appropriate for home machines,� John told “CityNews�.

He says that user-friendliness is an important consideration when shopping for a machine. “Don’t just take it out of the box and expect to be a barista straightaway, though. “You have to set it up and, most importantly, clean it correctly – and it does take a little while to learn how to use a machine, so make Lavazza A Modo Mio Capsule sure you take that time.

Machine in red, $399. “If you’re a short-black fanatic, make sure it produces a good short black; if you drink your coffee with milk, you need to consider that – most machines produce reasonably good milk these days, but milk quality is something you need to be aware of.�

We also need to buy a good quality grinder to get the most out of home espresso machines. “If you buy an inexpensive grinder, it won’t grind coffee – it will rip, tear and smash coffee and you won’t get a good quality cup.�

- Megan Haggan Smeg CMSC45 Linear Coffee Machine, $4290.

your week in the stars

general knowledge crossword No. 228

With Joanne Madeline Moore September 14-20

ACROSS

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20 Restless Rams hate being bored and this week certainly won’t be humdrum as the New Moon promises surprises and changes to your daily routine. You’ll be at your enterprising best as you use every opportunity to combine home, work, love and lust into one exciting epic. Expect the unexpected!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Saturday’s New Moon lights up your hobby/leisure zone, so you need to get out of a work rut and do more of what you love. Get physical, creative, musical, sporty, outdoorsy – whatever turns you on. Don’t have enough time to have fun? Stop making excuses and instead make recreation a top priority.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Is your home life a disorganized mess? Are you finding it difficult to communicate with loved ones? Saturday’s New Moon will help motivate you to spring-clean, clear the clutter and rejuvenate rickety relationships. With a disciplined approach you can restore domestic harmony once more.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) Don’t let comfort shopping burn a hole in your wallet. Crabs adore buying beautiful things (especially for the home) but avoid spending more than you can afford. Are you having problems communicating with a sibling or neighbour? Perhaps it’s time to tune into the energy of the New Moon and try a different approach?

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Vivacious Venus is in your sign (until Sunday) so you’re emanating some serious charisma. Don’t waste it – ask for the Moon and you shall receive!

Leos love a lavish lifestyle but, with the New Moon (and Saturn) in your money zone, it’s time to focus on being a saver rather than a spender.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) With Saturday’s New Moon is in your sign, you’re standing at the crossroads and need to make some momentous decisions. You’re in the mood to start a new project or initiate important changes. Don’t obsess over what might have been – it’s time to let go of the past and be independent, bold and beautiful!

4 What is another term for Morning Prayers?

7 Name an artificial channel for conducting water from a distance.

8 Which smaller tract of land is completely surrounded by water?

9 Name the slashing steel instruments made to be attached to rifle muzzles.

11 What is another term for xenophobes?

13 To be deeply thoughtful is to be what?

15 In tennis, what did the "two Woodies" excel at?

17 Which tube enables a person swimming face downwards in the water, to breathe?

20 Name a different term for boudoirs.

23 What is a common call used to attract someone's attention?

24 What is another expression for a homonym?

25 Which word means towards evil or wrong ways?

DOWN 1 Name a colour descriptive of light blue-green or greenish blue.

1

2

Solution next week

3

4

5

6

7 8 9

10 11

12

13

14 17

18

15

16

19 20

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) Don’t let your perfectionist streak get the better of you this week Libra.

Just remember that perfection is a goal, not a destination. The New Moon falls in your contemplation zone, so take a break from your usual social whirl and indulge in some splendid solitude – for a change.

2 What do we call those who entice people, etc, into traps?

3 Which strong fibre is used for making sacking or cordage?

4 Where was Greg Norman born (2,3)?

5 What was a cinematic film, produced in the early days of filmmaking?

6 Name the term for a composition for nine instruments or voices.

9 What are two-footed creatures called?

10 What is a lever worked by the foot to impart motion to a machine?

12 Which term describes sudden abnormal involuntary muscular contractions?

14 Name the racehorse that won the first two Melbourne cups.

16 What is a light loosely-fitting shirt?

18 What describes small recesses?

19 Name a hard, heavy, durable, most-prized black wood.

21 What is a generally hemispherical roof?

22 Which abbreviated term is used for a microphone?

21

22

23 24 25

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21) “Can’t get you out of my head …” Thursday and Friday are your days to be obsessive, compulsive and oh-so-orderly as you organize everyone and everything around you. Try to relax (just a little) or you’ll get yourself into a real Scorpio state. For some singles – love and work are an intoxicating mix.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Some people will feel stressed this week, but not sassy Sagittarians! Reach out to others and lighten things up with your humorous approach to life. Saturday’s New Moon activates your career zone so make sure you explore (and follow up) all the professional opportunities possible.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Capricorns are conscientious and demanding, and no-one (yourself included) can ever live up to your ludicrously high expectations. This week you’re even more fastidious than usual as you follow the example set by birthday boy Jeremy Irons who declared: “I’m not interested in doing anything second rate.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Uranus (your ruling planet) and Saturn are in exact opposition this week, which signifies momentous changes for you (and the world at large).

You’re restless for new experiences but don’t go overboard and throw the baby out with the bathwater. Intelligent, selective changes are what’s required at the moment.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) With the New Moon stimulating your relationship zone, Piscean partnerships are in for a major rejuvenation. Does your partner encourage your talents and support your dreams? If the answer is no, it may be time to give them the boot. Singles – stop side-stepping and get serious about long-term love!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

Sudoku medium No.15

Solution next week

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CityNews September 10-16

31

property

At home in Yass NELLIGEN 21 Sproxtons Lane

3

1

3

River Frontage + Pontoon

GJ3280

There’s bound to be a lot of interest in this precious offering, so don’t dally. Here is a neat and tidy three bedroom traditional cottage with timber floors, right on the banks of the Clyde River AND with a sturdy pontoon and three garages! On a good sized block of 1,897sqm with a spacious deck taking in the river views, it is an absolute delight for anglers and water skiers. What more can we say. Come see!

Ray White works!

32 CityNews September 10-16

Price by negotiation View by appointment John Haslem 0418 514 399 raywhite.com/BBY11336

Batemans Bay

MEADOWVALE is nestled amongst established gardens and 4000sqm of lawns.

The property’s homestead features high ceilings and French doors, and comprises formal lounge with a Cheminee Philippe fireplace, a dining room, sunroom and a family room meals area with an Arrow, slow-combustion wood fireplace.

The meals area adjoins the large country kitchen. Four bedrooms, main with walk in robe plus three with built-ins, two bathrooms, office, attic and a vine-covered patio with colonnades.

There’s a two-storey double garage with a large studio above and a professionally constructed tennis court.

The lawn is irrigated by an underground sprinkler system supplied from the homestead dam, plus most of the garden is irrigated with a dripper system.

The property of about 60 ha, offers highly fertile, heavy granite loams with some red basalt caps and sedimentary soils in lower areas, the pasture is composed of microlaena, danthonia,

phalaris and sub clover and the property enjoys an average rainfall of 650 mm.

There are established scattered shade trees of red gum and yellow box, plus a stand of pine trees east of Derringullen Creek where a pump delivers about 10,000 litres an hour to the homestead dam. This is used for stock, garden and watering the 5200 lavender plants.

Stock water is also drawn and piped to troughs.

Metered town water is connected and available for house, garden and stock.

The property also features a two-stand shearing shed with raised board, modern design and drafting and holding yards along with a grain silo and two machinery sheds.

Address: 10 Lachlan Valley Way, Yass.

Inspection: By appointment.

Auction: Midday, Sunday, September 27.

Agent: Greg Hedger, of Richard Luton Properties, on 0427 214337.

Ainslie

Aranda

5 LESLIE STREET

6 ARABANA STREET

Builder’s showpiece - crafted to fastidious perfection & exquisitely finished throughout this builders

Crisp design, contemporary vision and an excellence of construction. A magnificent, yet understated 4

own residence presents as new and is the ultimate offering in modern living. Architecturally designed

bedroom, 2 bathroom family home in an ideal location, set on a level, perfectly oriented block of 761m2.

for gracious living & entertaining, this home is perfect for the large family, those who like to entertain

The home offers a warm yet minimalist feel with hardwood timber flooring, cedar doors frames, living

on a grand scale or home business. An open light filled floor plan provides spacious formal & informal

spaces which lead through to a large combined lounge and dining, then to an airy family room, backed

areas, 4 bedrooms, powder room, rumpus, study & large office area with ensuite easily converted to

by a sensational kitchen with stone bench tops and stainless steel appliances. This truly unique Aranda

teenagers retreat or granny flat. EER 3 Auction on site 6.30pm Thursday 1st October

home is ready to move into and enjoy. EER 3.5 Auction on site 11am Saturday 26th September

Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

Louise Harget 0412 997 894

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Braddon

Red Hill

709/86-88 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE

12 BORROWDALE STREET

There is so much to like about this seventh floor apartment. The location is excellent, within walking

In a private and quiet position close to Red Hill reserve and popular local shops, a sophisticated family

distance of the ANU, Mort & Lonsdale Street’s fashionable boutiques, trendy bars & cafes & the best the

residence in superb condition. 12 Borrowdale Street offers a striking main living and dining area with

City has to offer. Take in spectacular Black Mountain views from the open plan living spaces & balcony.

bright aspect and direct access to pool terrace. Adjacent kitchen features European appliances, island

There are two generous bedrooms, main with ensuite bathroom & a well appointed kitchen. Reverse

bench and walk in pantry. 4 bedrooms (all with built in robes) include segregated master with large marble

cycle air conditioning, secure parallel parking for two cars, storage & resident use of the gym & pool are

ensuite. There is also a double garage, semi circular drive and good storage. A beautifully presented family

included. EER 6 $480,000

home with a careful attention to detail. EER 2 Auction on site 12pm Saturday 3rd October

Mary Debus 0414 623 876

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Belconnen 6251 9111

Gungahlin 6241 9444

Inner North 6262 5122

www.peterblackshaw.com.au

Manuka 6295 2433

Tuggeranong 6296 7077

Woden 6282 4488 CityNews September 10-16

33

O’Connor

Chapman

12 BRIGALOW STREET

32 WINSTANLEY STREET

A near new family residence in outstanding condition comprising striking open plan living and dining

A superb resort style residence in a commanding location with stunning northern views over Weston

room with polished spotted gum flooring plus superb gourmet kitchen with island bar and Smeg

Creek and the Woden Valley. On a fabulous parcel of land almost 2000m2 backing onto Cooleman Ridge

appliances (including 900mm oven). Adjoining large family room opens to huge wraparound deck and

reserve and featuring a full size tennis court and inground pool. The residence offers generous living and

private gardens. There are 4 spacious bedrooms (plus study nook), downstairs segregated main bedroom

entertaining options including large main lounge room, bar area, separate dining room and spacious

includes walk in wardrobe and ensuite. Double garage with internal access. High quality design and

family room/kitchen. In addition there are 4 bedrooms (ensuite to master), large rumpus room and

finish with extensive use of feature timber. EER 5 Auction on site 10am Saturday 3rd October

double garage with internal access. EER 5 Auction on site 10am Saturday 26th September

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422 or Josh Hanlon 0423 277 113

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Pearce

Isaacs

10 TUBB PLACE

2 CHAPPLE CLOSE

In a premium cul de sac location with an open leafy outlook and glorious sunny aspect, a light and

In a quiet position with 180 degree views over Woden to the Brindabella Mountains. An exceptionally

spacious 3-4 bedroom family home in outstanding condition. Beautifully presented throughout it comprises

spacious family residence with elegant lounge plus separate dining room and oversize bedrooms.

generous lounge and adjoining informal meals area with polished brushbox flooring, study nook, downstairs

Immaculate solid timber kitchen with full Miele appliances flows into a large family room and to

rumpus room, updated kitchen, three large bedrooms (ensuite to master) and separate dining room or

beautifully landscaped rear gardens with heated inground swimming pool. There are 5 excellent

fourth bedroom. Set within immaculate gardens featuring mature formal plantings a fabulous entertaining

bedrooms plus separate study nook. Downstairs area offers rumpus room, bathroom, hobby room and

deck. Double garage with internal access. EER 0.5 Auction on site 11am Saturday 26th September

excellent storage. Secure parking for 3 cars. EER 2 Auction on site 11am Saturday 19th September

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Belconnen 6251 9111

Gungahlin 6241 9444

Inner North 6262 5122

www.peterblackshaw.com.au

34 CityNews September 10-16

Manuka 6295 2433

Tuggeranong 6296 7077

Woden 6282 4488

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Property Management: 6296 5595

hrussell@peterblackshawtuggeranong.com.au

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*./ .0i20o4m6 Chisholm Village Shopping Centre • • • •

High proďƒžle shops available from 98sqm* Shopping Centre anchored by strongly performing Coles Supermarket Busy centre with excellent ďƒ&#x;ow of pedestrian trafďƒžc Owner says “Bring us tenants and we’ll do deals!â€?

Robert Murray 789: 8;: <<8 / 02 6274 9888 *APPROX

Robert Westropp-Evans 7899 >?@ ??? / 02 6232 2733 Level 4, 92 Northbourne Ave, Braddon

cbre.com.au/5476845

Heidi Russell Property Management Co-Ordinator

Danielle Freeman Property Manager

Craig Cr Sleeman Property Pr Manager

Sarah Thorpe Property Manager

Natasha Na Greaves Executive Ex Assistant

Do you require the services of someone MORE than just a property manager?

Being posted can be an exciting and busy time. At Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong, we can minimise all the worry in relation to the care of your home while you are away. Our team of highly experienced property management professionals will always give you direct, honest advice and feedback which is critical when you are away from Canberra. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Our tenant selection process is comprehensive. Like you, we only want the best possible tenant We guarantee that we will communicate with you proactively on all matters relating to your property We will arrange inspections with you and your tenants at times that suit you, on short visits to Canberra Benefit from having only the best people in the business manage your home Be assured your home will be well managed, just like it was our own

We will be offering obligation free market appraisals for you and special government rates during the months of September and October.

TUGGERANONG

Tel: 6296 5595

51 Comrie St, Wanniassa ACT 2903

NPA

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NEW PROJECTS AUSTRALIA

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CityNews September 10-16

35

Unbelievable Opportunity for First Home Buyers This selection of brand new one, two and three bedroom townhouses offer first home buyers a wonderful opportunity to enter the market in a convenient and highly sought after location. There is still time for first home buyers to secure the $21,000 new home grant, whilst also paying no stamp duty.

The majority of these fantastic townhouses are two bedroom ensuite homes with courtyards and there is a choice of various oor plan designs.

From this prime location close to Erindale Shops you only have a short drive over the hill to Woden and handy access to the Tuggeranong Hyperdome. Within

walking distance to Erindale College, Active Leisure Centre, cafés, restaurants and the Vikings Club, this position is one not to be missed! A full set of plans and inclusions lists are available from the agent, so move quickly to secure your townhouse because this opportunity at these prices will not last long.

EERs 5, 5.5, 6.

Address: McWhae Circuit, Wanniassa Price: From $320,000 - $420,000 Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Brand New Home in Kingston Foreshore

Brand New Home in Kingston Foreshore

This contemporary home in a tree-lined street, features four bedrooms, ensuite and separate studio above the garage. With cutting edge architecture by Tomi Milan, this home offers approximately 26 squares of living over two levels, with double lock up garage and private outdoor courtyard for entertaining. Quality nishings, modern xtures, a stroll to the lake, shops and cafes of this cosmopolitan location - enquire today for this rare opportunity! EER 5.

This beautiful four bedroom ensuite home offers approximately 38 squares of living area, spread over two levels, with triple garaging and a private courtyard for outdoor entertaining, in the prestigious new Kingston Foreshore!

36 CityNews September 10-16

Address: 58 Dawes Street, Kingston Price: By Negotiation Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

GJ3277

Address: 51 Cunningham Street, Kingston Inspect: Saturday 2:00—2:30pm Price: By Negotiation Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Stroll to the lake, shops and cafes from this separate title house. With quality inclusions such as Miele appliances, glass balustrades, double glazed windows and much more - enquire today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! EER 5

Brand New And Waiting For 1ou!

Choose your favourite! These two brand new, surrounded by roomy informal family and spacious four bedroom ensuite homes have meals areas which spill onto the alfresco been built by an award winning entertaining areas. local builder.

With double auto garages with internal Designed with the family in mind, these access, modern nishes, ducted vacuum, stylish homes enjoy open plan designs reverse cycle air conditioning, oor coverings centring on large kitchens with stone and much more - you can just move in and benchtops and stainless steel appliances, enjoy! EERs 5.

Address: 8 Aldous Street, Franklin and 4 Arndt Street, Forde Inspect: 4 Arndt Street, Forde open for inspection Saturday 3:00—3:30pm Price: $594,000 and $495,000 Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

CityNews September 10-16

37

DUEANBEYAN

FURLONG A;ARTMENTS SELL>NG FAST

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38 CityNews September 10-16

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CityNews September 10-16

39

Secrets of a better night’s rest...

ON any good night in Australia, more than 1.2 million people will have trouble getting a good, restful sleep and will greet the morning feeling tired and cranky.

But now for residents of Canberra and surrounding areas, a good night’s sleep is one step closer thanks to Sleepy’s Fyshwick.

According to the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA), many people sleep badly and suffer preventable pain and other spinal conditions due to their beds being incorrect for their body type. ‘‘We spend one third of our life in bed, so it is important to choose the right one and look after it,’’ Dr Eva McQueen, spokesperson for the CAA said.

Proprietor of Sleepy’s Fyshwick, Michael George said: ‘‘If your aches and pains feel worse in the morning than before you went to bed or if your mattress has annoying peaks, dips or lumps, then you need to consider updating.’’

The latest technology in latex, memory foam, pocket-coil and chiropractic mattresses and ensembles that Sleepy’s provide could be a solution for many Australians who suffer back, neck, hip or shoulder pain. ‘‘Sleepy’s chiropractic range of beds is the only bedding range that the CAA has helped design,’’ Mr George said. ‘‘The CAA thoroughly tests the range and when they pass all the chiropractic criteria they are approved – the only CAA endorsed range in the Australian Bedding Industry.’’

A bedding purchase is one of the most important choices you make for your body and is one of the most used items in the home. ‘‘It is one of the only household items you will buy that is a health benefit and factors largely to how well you function every day,’’ Mr George said. ‘‘Some people want to spend up to $10,000 on a plasma or LCD television and many only watch it for two hours a day. It is not unusual to spend $30,000 or more on a car, which becomes an ongoing expense, yet we may only spend an hour or two in it each day. ‘‘A bed that is comfortable can alleviate many sleep problems, improve quality of life and is an investment in your health. ‘‘At Sleepy’s, we offer a 60-day replacement guarantee on our core range, so if you are not sleeping better within two months, you can exchange your mattress,’’ he said.

‘‘The exchange program is all about having peace of mind, as it is often difficult to tell how a mattress really feels in the short period of time you spend in a bedding store.’’

Sleepy’s deliver free to Canberra, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. They stock a large range of mattresses, which means you don’t have to wait six weeks to take delivery. ‘‘We also offer a mattress and ensemble removal service at no charge to our customers. We take out the old and bring in the new – all you have to do is strip the bed,’’ Mr George said.

Sleepy’s also sponsor sleep awareness programs and host chiropractic workshops support Breast Cancer Network Australia, Sids for Kids and local community groups.

The staff at Sleepy’s have been trained by Sleepmaker and representatives from the CAA so they are able to give expert advice.

FYSHWICK

6239 1140 UPSIZE YOUR MATTRESS FOR FREE 125 Gladstone Street

If you have any questions or need advice about a new or existing mattress, call Michael, Stephen or Susan at Sleepy’s Fyshwick on 6239 1140 or drop in and visit the team at 125 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick.

Offer ends 30 September 2009

FINAL FLOORSTOCK CLEARANCE UP TO

50% OFF

NEW RELEASE GELITE INTRODUCTORY OFFER FROM

$2299 (

queen mattress

NEW RELEASE

Chiropractic )

ENDORSED POCKET SPRING RANGE

ALL OUR MATTRESSES ARE AUSTRALIAN MADE • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY