Canberra CityNews December 3-9, 2009

CityNews December 3-9 

  CityNews December 3-9

news

briefly

Hubble bubblers,

Memorial’s carols BARRY Crocker and Hayley Jensen backed by the Band of the Royal Military College of Australia and local choirs are the stars of this year’s Australian War Memorial’s annual Christmas Carols at 7pm on Friday, December 11.

toil and trouble

Hot town CANBERRA has experienced its hottest November on record with maximum temperatures 4°C above average. It was also the driest November for the city since 2002 with only 17mm of rain compared to the November average of 65mm.

“Canberra, like much of Australia, suffered through an unprecedented heatwave during November with 15 days over 30 degrees, well above the November average,” says Tom Saunders, Meteorologist at The Weather Channel.

We’ve asked and cajoled; they’ve announced and promised, but a year on, summer’s started and Civic’s four new public water fountains are nowhere to be seen. But wait, says IAN MEIKLE...

FOR a year “CityNews” has been campaigning for better, cleaner and more drinking fountains in Civic.

In January, when Canberra was sweltering towards 40C+ days, “CityNews” exposed the sorry state of public drinking fountains, or “bubblers” in our city centre.

We found broken drink fountains and filthy bubblers that were more like ashtrays, which promoted a commendably quick response from Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.

He announced in February that the drinking fountains would be fixed and that four new water fountains would be installed by mid-year – at the bottom of the grassed area of City Walk where it intersects with Akuna Street; at the bus interchange; on London Circuit at the end of Ainslie Avenue and on Bunda Street.

In September, we went looking to see if he had kept his promise and found nothing. At that point, The Department of Territory and Municipal Services then crossed their hearts that all new bubblers would be in place by December.

This week our work-experience reporter Katarina Slavich visited every proposed site that TAMS promised in September would be up and running by summer. She found no sign of work.

However, after pressing TAMS, “CityNews” can

INDEX

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contact us

December 3-9, 2009

Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 47

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

reveal that as the hot days of summer begin, the months of announcements and promises by politicians and bureaucrats seem finally, if slowly, to be coming to something.

TAMS says that work is expected to start next week on the London Circuit site and then move to Akuna Street.

“These installations will be completed by Christmas. The third drinking fountain (disabled access) to be located in the bus interchange is on order and is expected to be delivered by Christmas and should be installed early in the New Year,” the spokesman said.

The fate of the fourth bubbler proposed for Bunda Street has been caught up in revised planning for the area.

According to TAMS, there are “approximately 96 operational” bubblers scattered across the urban area, predictably in shopping centres, sports grounds and parks. In the city, there are but seven bubblers – in City Walk, two tucked away in Glebe Park, two around Hobart Place, one in Civic Square and one in Garema Place. In October, the department replaced the long-term, broken bubbler near the carousel in City Walk.

25-29 30 31 29 31 10 27 3-12 6 32-35 13-16 9 31

FRONT COVER: A wounded AIF soldier

receives an affectionate welcome home at the Anzac Buffet in The Domain in Sydney in 1918. Story Page 4.

General manager: Greg Jones 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au Senior advertising executive: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Advertising sales executives: Jim Hamilton, 0400 696568 Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701 Scott Meikle, 0404 318888 Advertising sales co-ordinator: Rebecca Darman 6262 9100, ad@citynews.com.au Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9439 9929 Adelaide advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 8379 9522 Perth advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 9429 3075

Award winners HUMAN rights advocate, Dr Patricia Easteal, is the ACT Australian of the Year; breast cancer surgeon Dr John Buckingham, ACT Senior Australian; basketballer Pierre Johannessen, ACT Young Australian of the Year and Julie Grehan, who for the past 29 years has worked tirelessly to support people with disabilities, the ACT Local Hero. The winners will represent the Territory in the national Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra on Australia Day Eve, on January 25.

Dancing in the streets Girls bedecked in sequins, beads, feathers and little else brought snapper Silas Brown to attention in Garema Place at the ‘Round Town Latin Fiesta. The colourful Kokoloco dancers spiced up the night with energetic Latin American choreography and spectacular costumes.

New arts editor Helen Musa (pictured) has been appointed arts editor of “CityNews”.

Editor Ian Meikle warmly welcomed her to the paper in this new role.

“Helen is probably Canberra’s bestknown critic and arts identity. She will bring a broad and experienced perspective to our important weekly arts coverage.”

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Lifestyle editor: Kathryn Vukovljak, 6262 9100 lifestyle@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au 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 circulation@citynews.com.au JGD

41,165 copies a week Six-month audit to March 31, 2009

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

CityNews December 3-9

cover story

Love is all you need RELATIONSHIPS forged during times of conflict, and the emotions felt by couples as a result of separation, loss and reunion are the themes of the Australian War Memorial’s new exhibition.

“Of Love and War” details the excitement of blossoming romance, passionate affairs and whirlwind weddings that have taken place since World War I – and continue today.

The exhibition features mementoes such as letters, gifts of jewellery, and photographs of weddings, farewells and

A member of the US Navy and his Australian companion pose for the “while-youwait” photographer in Hyde Park, Sydney, watched by other sailors.

The YMCA marked Anzac Day 1919 with a dance for servicemen and nurses who were still in Britain.

reunions. There are wedding dresses worn by war brides; posters of pin-up girls; and works of art by Penleigh Boyd and Peter Churcher that has drawn on love and war as a theme.

The exhibition tells of sweethearts and lovers separated by war, the loneliness and trauma that could tear some apart, and the

anguish of those who had lost a partner.

There are the stories of the survivors and their new beginnings when peace returned: the joy of reunion, the challenges of relationships built on wartime experiences, and the new discoveries by war brides resettling in foreign lands.

The exhibition closes on May 5.

briefly Growing success YARRALUMLA Nursery has won Best Government Nursery – NSW and ACT at the State Nursery and Garden Industry Awards and will go on to compete at the national industry awards in April. Yarralumla Nursery employs 25 permanent staff at its two sites: 10 hectares at Yarralumla where plants are propagated, wholesale plants are dispatched and where the retail garden centre serves the general public; and 21 hectares at the Pialligo annex where deciduous trees are propagated and grown in-ground. The nursery has grown about 50 million plants in its 90-year history.

Park’s first tenant

THE first tenant of the ACT’s first industrial estate, the $100-million, 30-hectare Monaro Industrial Park in Hume, is Grace Records Management. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has launched the construction of Grace’s new 11,480sqm facility. The estate is being developed by one of Australia’s leading property development groups, Walker Corporation and has also attracted infrastructure group Downer EDI Ltd and local freight transporter, Innaimo Transport, as tenants.

CityNews December 3-9

Chopper chief calls for care SANTA drops into the launch of the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Christmas Appeal by CEO Steve Gregory. “This year we hope to see a reduction in the missions over December and Christmas period.

Realistically though, despite all the many warnings and campaigns, based on the statistics we must prepare for another onslaught of busy days and nights.” Mr Gregory said.

“For our crews, medical staff and other emergency personnel – these are not just statistics, they are people, with families. We need to change the behaviour and attitudes of our community, because accidents don’t discriminate.”

CityNews December 3-9 

politics

When the answer is the question

John’s mo goes for a good cause

By Katarina Slavich TELEVISION presenter Lachlan Kennedy’s razor edged closer and closer to the grey moustache that had been in the renowned place on the upper lip of MLA John Hargreaves for an (almost) uninterrupted 37 years.

The confident, cocky politician sat waiting to honour the challenge he’d made a month ago when he goaded Kennedy to grow a moustache to support the Movember appeal and that if the WIN sports presenter was successful in winning a prize, Johno’s mo would go.

At the earlier annual Gala Parté at King O’Malley’s Irish Pub, where more than 500 local “Mo Bros” turned up in weird and wacky costumes to help support the cause of men’s health, the crowd voted unanimously for Hargreaves to lose the ‘tache.

So it was back at King O’Malley’s for the “shave off” where Kennedy gripped the razor and shaved the former minister’s trademark mo with confidence. With half the moustache gone, Hargreaves joked: “I’ve had enough, let’s go.”

This is only the third time the former minister has shaved his mo since 1972, but is confident that it will be back by the end of December.

He said that it was not all about the competition between two alpha males, but about promoting the important cause of men’s health.

And while Kennedy was pleased with winning

CityNews December 3-9

Stiff upper lip... Lachlan Kennedy takes a razor to John Hargreaves’ trademark moustache.

Photo by Silas the bet, he didn’t take the title of “Man of Movember” – that belonged to Ryan Mongan, for the second year running.

More than 5000 Canberrans registered for Movember, with the region raising $600,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue.

“WELL, that’s two minutes of our lives that we will never see again,” quipped Senator Ludlum in Question Time in the Senate. The laughter of all of his Coalition colleagues probably united them for the first and last time for that week. Ludlum’s frustration at constant filibustering rather than an answer to a straightforward question highlights the endemic problems of Question Time right across Westminster parliaments.

Ministers who fail to answer questions, but rail against oppositions and cross-benchers do not just insult the other sides of politics – they insult anyone who believes that our democracy is important.

Question Time is an institution that has been established to ensure that governments can be cross-examined by the parliament. It is there to expose how they are managing, what arrangements they have entered into and what they are doing. Question Time is there to improve accountability.

Ministers who fail to answer questions are either incompetent or are thumbing their nose at the democratic system and at the electorate.

It may be that they think it is a great political game. Some are avoiding the questions. Others simply do not know the answers or just revel in the sound of their own voices.

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, happened to be on the receiving end of the Ludlum remark, but anyone who has recently listened to a Senate Question Time or Question Time in the House of Representatives will know that this is not an isolated instance.

The process is often described as a farce by people in the gallery as well as those who watch the replay on late night TV and those who stream parliament on to their computer. If such behaviour were a rare occurrence it might be dismissed lightly – but it is not.

It is not all bad news. ACT Speaker Shane Rattenbury has introduced a new system of supplementary questions that seems to be improving Question Time in the Legislative Assembly.

Even a cursory glance at Question Time on the web illustrates the advantages of the additional supplementary question that is able to be asked by any member. It does keep ministers on their toes.

The new system may have added to the woes of new Minister Joy Birch and exacerbated the trepidation that proved such a problem for her.

It was reported in the “CityNews” last week that the ACT Opposition may have started question-

By Michael Moore

Speaker Shane Rattenbury… introduced a new system of supplementary questions. ing gently for the first couple of days but by the end of her first sitting period it was clear that the minister was not yet on top of her responsibilities. The Opposition were not caught up in the usual lather of being fed up with non-answers; they were obviously fed up with her lack of knowledge and her inability to provide a reasonable answer to straightforward questions.

In most parliaments new ministers are given some allowance for their lack of experience in what is usually described as their “honeymoon period”. This seemed to start well for Ms Burch after answering her first question that came from the Greens – but it did not last long. At the end of the two weeks, the Opposition gave her short shrift and decided to go for the political jugular. Perhaps somewhat unfairly; this minister was appointed on November 1 and had to face questions not much more than a week later. Even so, for Minister Burch the writing is on the wall.

She will need to be on top of her portfolio areas and ready to answer questions during the last sitting period of the year (December 8-10).

There is an advantage. She now has the opportunity to step above the political lambasting, learn her portfolio area and genuinely answer questions to the best of her ability without overreliance on departmental briefings. That is really how Question Time should be used and this is how she will improve her credibility.

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

CityNews December 3-9 

news

‘Nerve-racking’ fashion

By Kathryn Vukovljak

MORE than 90 models will strut the catwalk for Raw Edge, the CIT fashion parade at the National Museum of Australia on December 6 – showcasing everything from intricate bridal to military-inspired looks.

“It’s a really diverse year for labels,” says graduating student and marketing manager Elissa Brunato. “We’re seeing new ways with leather and lots of black, from pale to dense – every shade imaginable. Texture plays a big part, too.”

Raw Edge, starting at 8.30pm, celebrates the debut collections of the 15 fashion designers who are graduating from CIT’s Bachelor of Design (Fashion) class of 2009.

“It’s been a long slog with plenty of stress and tears, but I wouldn’t change a second of it,” says student Zoe Turketo, whose label Mana by Turketo is inspired by Maori tattooing. “What we present at the parade is a reflection of ourselves, a representation of our years of study. It makes the show is quite nerve-racking.”

Added to that stress is the fact the students organise, orchestrate and fund the parade themselves. And each garment – every student has between four and seven – is tailored for a specific model. “Each model has a synchronicity with their garment,” says Zoe. “Preparing backstage for the show is going to be pretty hectic – but we can’t wait!”

Tickets cost $40 and are available from itrip iskip, 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

Winners beat grey day CIT fashion graduates with their models (right), from left, Mana by Turketo, Zoe Turketo, Bouffant by Anna Dixon and Mistique by Jeni Apps.

Photo by Silas

Wet weather didn’t dampen the fashion aspirations of the Canberra Cup fashion-on-the- field winners at Thoroughbred Park. Kellie Odell (centre) came first, second prize went to Brittney McGlone (right) and third to Angela Menx.

Photo by Silas

When it comes to the game, it’s all in the name Most sports team names reflect the region in which they come from including wildlife, the geology, folklore, astronomy or aspirations of the team.

There’s the Wallabies, the Kangaroos, the Matildas, The Opals, the Southern Stars and the list goes on.

The Australian netball team searched for years to find a name before coming up with the Diamonds. Then, of course, there are those teams who have simply taken on the names of overseas-based clubs such as the Giants and the Kings, although it could be argued that it reflects the teams’ aspirations.

There is often debate as to what the names mean and how they originated.

There are two schools of thought as

What’s in a name? A great deal it seems when it comes to naming sports teams, says broadcaster TIM GAVEL to the origins of the Canberra Raiders’ name. Some suggest its a take on the Oakland Raiders NFL team, while others have put forward the theory that the name has its genesis in the theory that the Canberra team was coming from the south to raid the Sydney-based competition. It could also be a combination of both theories.

The Capitals name is self explanatory, while cricket has a passion for astronomy, the ACT Meteors women’s cricket side is a follow on from the

Comets men’s team. Canberra soccer teams in the past have also had a close affinity with the galaxy with the Cosmos and the Eclipse. The North Queensland NRL team has an appropriate name; the Cowboys.

The Brumbies reflect the history of the region in which they have emerged as well as the style of football that the team wanted to become known for.

The Brumbies running wild in the high country south of Canberra creates a vivid image of free-flowing rugby.

Just as an aside, it’s interesting to consider that the brumbies (of the horse variety) are decedents of the “Walers”, the horses used by the light horsemen in the Middle East during World War I. They were called Walers because they were originally sold through NSW; similar to the beginning of our Brumbies, of the football variety.

In selecting the name, coach Rod Macqueen considered a list of up to 20 before deciding on the image of the wild horse. Names such as the Senators were in the mix at one stage.

The Australian Baseball League is going through a similar process in selecting a name for the ACT team in the newly formed ABL for next season.

ABL boss, Mark Peters, says names such as the Senators or anything reflecting politicians or the public service won’t be considered. Another name which won’t be considered is the Bushrangers, the last Canberra team in the national baseball league.

Instead, there will a public survey of names before one is selected, hopefully reflecting an aspect of the Canberra region. Netball went through a similar process before coming up with the Darters.

In my opinion it’s vital for teams representing Canberra to have names reflecting aspects of the region. Generic names do little to promote the sport involved or the ACT.

CityNews December 3-9

opinion

Ignoring the elephant in the Great Hall FOR all the outpouring of grief and gracious apology, there was something curiously unsatisfying about last month’s ceremony for the so-called Forgotten Australians. No one seemed prepared to acknowledge the elephant in the Great Hall – the vicious, unprincipled creatures who persecuted and tormented all those children in their care.

Indeed, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull uttered not a single word of condemnation of either the individuals or their organisations. Instead, they enveloped all that personal and institutional cruelty into some kind of national tent on the grounds that they operated under the laws of land. Somehow the laws failed them, so we were all responsible; we all should take the blame.

THE GADFLY

By Robert Macklin Well, I’m sorry, but that’s not good enough.

It is true that a minority of the orphanages were run by the State Governments and they were no bed of roses.

But as the various Senate reports point out, it was overwhelmingly the Christian churches who inflicted the most appalling treatment upon youngsters who had nowhere else to turn.

Had secular organisations like, say, the Smith Family (or horror of horrors, a Muslim group) been responsible for such an outrage over such a long

period, they would have been publicly scarified, their leaders prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Yet because they belong to the favoured priestly class – at a time when both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader are devout Christian apologists – they escape scot free.

But there’s more.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon chose just such a time to raise the issue of tax exemption for the equally far-fetched beliefs of the Scientologists.

Indeed, his accusations against them of oppression and sexual assault bore a close resemblance to the complaints of the Forgotten Australians against the nuns and Christian Brothers who made the lives of their powerless dependents hell on earth.

letters

Make this Christmas meaningful FOR me and my family, Christmas is a time to stop and reflect on the year that’s been; it’s a time to be thankful and to celebrate; and, perhaps most importantly, it’s a time for goodwill, compassion and kindness.

In the hectic weeks that lead up to December 25, we often forget that for thousands of families across the world every day is a struggle, and the things we take for granted, such as food, shelter, health, education and economic stability, seem completely unattainable.

So this year, I ask that Canberra families make this Christmas a meaningful one, by considering charitable gifts for friends and loved ones.

Gifts from the World Vision Smiles online catalogue represent the kind of activities World Vision will undertake in disadvantaged communities. Donations support programs in agriculture and environment, health, water and sanitation, education and vocational training, emergency relief, or the protecting of children and indigenous Australia.

Tim Costello, CEO World Vision, Australia

Au revoir, Rupert SO Rupert Murdoch wants to sell news

10 CityNews December 3-9

content to Microsoft available only via Microsoft's proprietary browser? (ABC News OnLine, November 24) What a great motivation for me to strengthen my allegiance to Google and free media!

While I value the information I get from Murdoch media, I get virtually the exact stories elsewhere, unrestricted.

Au revoir, Mr Murdoch; it's been nice knowin' ya!

Judy Bamberger, O'Connor

Toddler warning THIS summer we will once again see many Aussies enjoying the pool in the backyard.

Tragically in the past 12 months, toddler drownings have increased and risen dramatically, which obviously deeply concerns me. One drowning is one too many.

We want to urge people in your local area to take action so we can all work together to reduce the number of tragic toddler drownings.

Latest figures show that in the past 12 months, 32 toddlers drowned aged 0 to 4. I particularly want to highlight to people in your area that 59 per cent of toddler drownings happened in backyard pools.

Everyone needs to make this weekend

a “home pool safety weekend”. A backyard home pool that has faulty fencing or a gate that doesn’t shut properly is – put simply – a potential death trap.

A special checklist can be found at homepoolsafety.com.au which shows you how to check your pool is safe and secure.

Often parents affected by tragedy tell us they were going to get around to fixing the problem with their pool, but by then it is sadly too late.

Rob Bradley, CEO, Royal Life Saving Society, Australia.

Drug push works A RECENT Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research study found that strong police interventions have helped significantly to force up prices on a range of illegal drugs and reduced the demand for them. Suppliers are not only putting up their prices because of the police drug seizures, but also because of the increased risk of arrest.

The social benefit of these two legal drugs is annually 22,000 dead and 70,000 hospitalised. The study is good news for both businesses and the community who simply want to be free of drug-related crime.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Yet when the independent member for New England, Tony Windsor, raised the issue in Question Time, Kevin Rudd supported moves against the Scientologists, but defended the tax exempt status quo for his own churches whose dark deeds are far more extensive than those of the Scientologists.

But there’s more.

Also in Question Time, Kevin Rudd declared himself “proud” to support the insidious system of permanent government-paid “Chaplains” – Christian propagandists – in State schools.

And the following day he announced a massive $42.8 million handout to support them on grounds that sometimes they act as “career counsellors” in the smaller schools.

That fulsome endorsement will re-

bound on him. It’s only a matter of time before some of these “counsellors” take advantage of their position to exact “favours” from their students. Indeed, experience suggests it is happening as we speak.

Kevin Rudd is following the lead of his predecessor in blurring the lines between church and state. When I spent all those hours with him for my book “Kevin Rudd: The Biography”, I challenged him on the issue.

“The key thing in a system such as ours,” he replied, “is to have [your] propositions tested properly, through reason, in the secular forum of the Parliament.”

Indeed. robert@robertmacklin.com

mum in the city

New mums for old EVER heard the term "elderly primagravida"? It’s not an opera singer long past her prime or a ballet dancer whose pins and pointe shoes have seen better days; it’s a horrid medical term used to describe older, first-time mothers.

I don’t mean 70 years and making-medical-history-old, I mean any first-time mum over the age of 35!

The first time I heard this term – and it was applied to me – I was in hospital with my first baby imminently due. I was sure the medical staff were talking about someone else.

Up until that point, it really hadn’t occurred to me that I was going to be “an older mum’’. Maybe it is part of being a Canberra person where having children a little later in life is not uncommon. However, a few months after the birth of my first child, we moved to Tasmania for a short time where younger mums seemed more the go, and people often assumed I was actually my son’s grandmother!

Even in this day and age, older mums are not uncommonly por-

By Sonya Fladun trayed as being in some way selfish because we did the “career thing” first, or else irresponsible because of the increased medical complications that can accompany our pregnancies.

Maybe it’s just another double standard because the reaction to older dads is quite different: You know, lots of backslapping and congratulations and never any suggestion that “you’re a bit too old for it, mate”.

I’m told the term "elderly primagravida" is being shelved, as I hope, too, will be negative attitudes towards first-time mums of all ages.

Maybe if you need to use your stroller as a walking frame on a regular basis, you might need to do a rethink. Surely it’s all about whether you are able to responsibly provide a loving and caring environment for your children to grow up in? And in most cases each mum and dad is the best judge of that.

CityNews December 3-9  11

profile

How Mr Smith makes money

By Jorian Gardner MEET Graham Smith – the man who makes more money than anyone else in Australia.

But don’t think he’s jet-setting between his homes in Sydney, New York and Milan – he’s the acting chief executive officer of the Royal Australian Mint.

“We do about 400 million coins a year – and with about 22 million people in this country, there is always a question about where all these coins go!”

The Governor General opened a significant refurbishment of the Mint in September.

“It’s a three-year, $66 million refurbishment that will ensure the economic life of the Royal Australian Mint for, at minimum, the next 25 years,” says Graham. “It makes us more productive and we can now compete better on the international stage.”

“We get a lot of tourists, of course, but more recently there have been a great deal of Canberrans who have been coming back to discover what a unique place the Royal Australian Mint is for a visitor. There’s free parking, free barbeque facilities, a great shopfront – there is so much to do here. It’s just a fascinating place.”

In the clean-room environment that is the engine room of the Royal Australian Mint, with automatic machines carting things around the floor seemingly by themselves, and the world’s strongest robot Titan listening in, Smith says he is passionate about ensuring more people have access to the mint.

“Everyday is different, that’s what’s great about this job,” he says over the whirring of many machines.

“I think that members of the public take it for granted how coins end up in their pocket – they should come down and take a look. We have to make sure the coins can not be easily forged, for instance, so we give them some unique characteristics and make them with speciality equipment made on the factory floor right here.

“We want more people to know what we do here – it’s funded by taxpayers, it’s their building; their investment, so they should come and see how it works. Every Australian has our product in their pocket and not many organisations can say that!”

Smith was a long-time senior team member of the Federal Treasury so he knows finance well, which comes in handy when dealing with the complications of the Mint. But he’s running more than a money-making factory.

The Mint helps regulate the amount of money

Graham Smith… “I think that members of the public take it for granted how coins end up in their pocket – they should come down and take a look.” flowing through the financial system; it’s also a haven for collectors, a museum, and an active workshop and factory. His job is varied – and he loves it.

“This is one of the most exciting positions in the country,” he says. “One minute I am meeting with representatives from Treasury then discussing what our shop refurbishments are going to look like or meeting with an artist who’s doing one of our coins. It’s great.”

Caribou’s last flight PHOTOGRAPHER Silas Brown captures the last scheduled flight for an RAAF Caribou as it flies down across Anzac Parade.

The Department of Defence has donated A4-140, the RAAF’s oldest-remaining Caribou, to the Australian War Memorial.

Memorial curators will dismantle the aircraft in the coming weeks, in preparation for its transportation to the AWM’s storage facility.

“Many of today’s servicemen and women will remember the Caribou and its significant role. A4-140 was especially well known for its operational role in Vietnam, PNG and East Timor,” says assistant director Nola Anderson.

A4-140 is one of the initial three aircraft delivered to Australia in April, 1964.

12 CityNews December 3-9

scene

Invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At the Canberra Cup race day, Thoroughbred Park

Sarah Martin, Gavin Jeffries, Niki Allworth and Naomi Orchard

Bronwen and Andrew Stead

At the Business After Business Christmas party, the Boat House Fashions on the Field judges 2008 Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic, Elkie Stewart and and Sarah Kelly Toni Friend and Steve Craddock

Dennis Souter and Emily Krugger

David Reid, Janine Yokom, Julie Elliott, Chris Peters and Tracey Merray

Amanda Johnson, Cerri Mclean and Karen Noad

Viktoria Novak and Shona Sommers

Adam Miller, Emily Hall, Brittani Clout, Aimee Davidson and Aarron Smith

Fiona Lyttle, Michelle Ennis, Jemma Knox and Yolanda Smith

CityNews December 3-9  13

More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews

scene

At Canberra Critics Circle awards, Belconnen

Scott Wombey and Harriet Pike

Joy Warren, David Whitney and Carol Cartwright

Hanna Semler, MLA Mary Porter and Evol McLeod

Chrissie Shaw, Camilla Blunden and Carissa Campbell

14  CityNews December 3-9

Liz McKenzie and Robyn Holmes

At ACT Australians of the Year awards, NPG, Parkes

Jessica Good and Shirley Quinlan

Rosalie Hudson, Jennifer James, Linda Reaby and Elizabeth MacKinlay

Geoff Farquhar-Still, with Frank and Anne Thirion

Caroline Stacey, Michael White and Malcolm Miller

Warren Pearson, Elizabeth Rolfe and Ian Hill

John McCullough, Michelle Mellier and Adrian Watts

Sonja Baran, Katie Bridge, Sharon Kent and Belinda Trushell

CityNews December 3-9  15

scene

Invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At the Movember Gala Parté, King O’Malley’s, Civic

Emily Duffy and Lisa McSorley

At Eden Monaro Cancer Council’s Hawaiian Ball, Woden

“Man of Movember” Ryan Mongan and publican Peter Barclay Susan Miller, Tara Winters, Vikki Taylor and Luke Carter

Andrew Douglis, Claudia Vannithone and Richard Luton

Jason Vant, Blake Davis and Todd Davis

16 CityNews December 3-9

Glen Alcock and Ben Plummer

Todd Sweeting, Bruce Morgan and Mark Harrison

Francesca, Kian and Mark Flynn

Garry Sykes, Janeanne Moss and Abdul Osmond

Mark Hindle and Melissa Willox

Warren and Amanda Apps with Adriana and Bruce Shepherd

(Back) Hugh Percey, Ross Haddin, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, Paul Walshe and Betty Percey; (front) Anne Haddin, Robyn Stanhope and Kelly Walshe

Christmas gift guide

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Great gift ideas for unique people

To help you get Christmas shopping organised early this year, “CityNews” has gathered Canberra’s best shopping locations into one feature. Read on to find unique, thoughtful gift ideas for him, for her and the ultimate places to get great quality, exciting toys for the kids. Now there’s no excuse to leave it to the last minute!

Fresh colours of pearls

Colourful Jane Brown Pearls charm necklaces on soft suede team newseason colours with lustrous pearls.

NEW designs for summer have arrived at Jane Brown Pearls in Yarralumla in time for Christmas, says Jane Brown, owner of the showroom.

“Splashes of colour add to the universal appeal of quality pearls and these designs are fresh, appealing and can be matched to any outfit,” she says.

Jane is offering 50 per cent off selected designs across her range of necklaces bracelets and earrings, with the sale starting on December 4.

The showroom will be open every day until December 23, between 10am and 5pm or by appointment.

Jane Brown Pearls, 4/23 Bentham Street, Yarralumla. Call 6260 3630.

Colourful games and toys

International Baker’s Dozen, $99

With a man in mind STUCK for what to get the man in your life – then think beer, says Fiona Allerdyce, owner of Hamperart.

“The beer hampers are a quirky gift, and what guy doesn’t love beer?” says Fiona. “There’s the International Baker’s Dozen, with 13 beers from different countries including Guinness Extra Stout (Ireland), Corona (Mexico) and Carlsberg (Holland), or you could go local and get the Aussie Boutique Beers for an unusual take.

“There’s also the Aussie Six-Pack, with all your usual Coopers Pale Ale, Boags Draught, Crown Lager, James Squire, Cascade and Blue Tongue.”

Hamper Art also has a traditional Christmas hamper (Art of Christmas, $139), containing a bottle of red, raspberry humbugs, shortbread, chocolate slabs, Christmas puddings and mince pies.

Hamperart, Unit 2, 19-25 Kembla Street, Fyshwick. Call 6162 2777.

CHILDPLAY offers quality toys, puzzles, games and books in a friendly setting, says manager Sharon Wells.

“By creating a stimulating environment we hope to take some of the stress out of shopping with children and to create a welcoming space,” she says.

“Our experience means we can help you to find the right toy and we can also source products on your behalf.”

In store are colourful blocks, games and toys from German company Haba. Cuddles abound with the Ze Super Zeroes and the Australiandesigned Flipsy Flopsy Dolls. Mudpuppy puzzles, creative kits from Djeco and teepees made

by Australia’s Dobbin and Drum will keep parents and children entertained during the long hours indoors forced by Canberra’s temperature extremes, says Sharon.

Childplay, 22 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 0050

Harba Visavis blocks, $219.95

MB Actros cement mixer, $139.95

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Christmas gift guide

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Toys for imaginative kids

Massage for everyone A RELAXING, revitalising massage makes a wonderful Christmas gift, says Luciana Todd, of Om Shanti College.

“We’re offering 15 per cent off massages in our professional wellness clinic, so it’s the ideal time to give the gift of massage this year,” she says.

“You could also pamper someone you love with an Om Shanti gift voucher, so they can choose the massage they would like,” she says. “We offer relaxation, remedial and hot rock massage, stress management consultations and professional organising.”

Om Shanti College, Griffith shops. Call 6295 2323.

Tivoli Audio radios, from $299 Lupo (Barcelona) leather bag, $729.

Byblos scarf, $179

Time to treat a lady CHRISTMAS is the perfect time to treat the lady in your life to some luxury, says Gail Lubbock of Escala Manuka.

Stocking truly desirable shoes, handbags and gloves, from labels including Guglielmo Rotta, Bally, Lupo and Dorotea, Escala has a fabulous range in store that will bring any outfit to life.

“Stick to bags, jewellery or scarves as gifts,” advises Gail.

“Shoes are hard to buy as a surprise for someone, but a beautiful bag or a delicate, luxurious scarf will always be a hit!”

Escala, Shop 1, Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 7666

Danish design directions DESIGNCRAFT offers design quality, form and function, says showroom manager Lenora Aspen.

Stelton Embrace vase, from $92

“For Christmas, we have modern glass designs in high quality that can be used every day,” she says. “Holmegaard, one of Denmark’s best glass designers, experiments with technique, form and material to create beautiful vases and bowls.”

The retro-style Tivoli Audio radios look fantastic and make a great gift, according to Lenora.

“They are beautifully designed, simple to use, high-quality audio products at a fair price.

Our products represent a level of sound quality, fit and finish which is unequalled in this price range.”

Designcraft, corner of Monaro Highway and Shepherd Street, Hume. Call 6290 4999.

LITTLE boys aged four and up with big imaginations will love Meccano, says Cathy McLean, owner of Little Sprout. The mechanical tool box contains all the parts you need to build five models (plus extra five suggestions) with detailed instructions to build it. It also comes in a handy orange tool box.

For younger kids, Cathy recommends Comfy Easy PC, a first keyboard learning system.

“With Comfy, young children from one to five years old can enjoy the rich world of computer edutainment through interactive multimedia products, without having to use a mouse or a standard keyboard. It’s a great learning tool,” she says.

Little Sprout, Canberra Centre.

Call 6163 2100.

Comfy Easy PC, $149.95

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Christmas gift guide

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Superior quality, unique toys

Gold coin gifts THE Royal Australian Mint has a great selection of gift ideas for the whole family, according to Nigel Priest, direct marketing project officer.

“We have some fantastic commemorative gifts, such as the 2009 24-carat, gold-plated Christmas medallion, which would make a lovely present for a newborn or to celebrate a child’s first Christmas,” he says.

Nigel also recommends the 2009 Year Set coins, which highlights the international Year of Astronomy, and the 2010 Year Set, which commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Burke & Wills Expedition.

“And for all those tigers out there, we have a 2010 Chinese Year of the Tiger coin set to celebrate your year!”

Royal Australian Mint shop, Denison Street, Deakin. Call 6202 6999.

2010 Year of the Tiger, from $12.95

“WE have beautiful wooden toys in store, including the gorgeous ride-on Janoschik animals for 12-months-plus – we have kangaroos, dogs and cows,” says Louise De Waal, co-owner of new toyshop Toyhaus in Fyshwick.

“They’re unusual European designs, and as well as being fun for kids, they look stylish enough to have in the most design-conscious home!”

Louise says that Toyhaus’ range of Paola Reina dolls, dressed in fashionable, collectable outfits and each with a different hair and eye colour, would make a wonderful gift for girls of eight and up.

“We sell toys that are of superior quality, and our aim is to find items that are new and exciting, and not available elsewhere in Canberra,” she says.

Toyhaus, Unit 6, 83 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick.

Call 6239 1105.

150th Anniversary of the Burke & Wills Expedition, from $15 Christmas Medallion, $35

to all our readers Paola Reina dolls, from $94.50 each

CityNews December 3-9 21

Christmas gift guide “The Mind and Times of Reg Mombassa”

by Murry Waldren, $75

Zaishu Antique Kimono stool, $350

Matryoshkas measuring cups, $24.95

Obscure books and quirky gifts THE Portrait Gallery Store is an independent bookstore at the National Portrait Gallery – but it sells more than books.

“About two-thirds of our stock is books, but we also sell unique items from Australian designer-makers who work in jewellery, glass, wood and textiles,” says owner Richard Baz. For Christmas, Richard loves the Russian doll measuring cups, and the Australian-made Zaishu stool.

“We have some great quirky and contemporary gifts, as well as more than 9000 books online and in store,” he says. “The Reg Mombassa autobiography looks to be a very

22 CityNews December 3-9

popular gift this year.”

With a focus on art, design and photography, The Portrait Gallery Store also offers an extensive range of biography, history, literature and children’s picture books.

With more than 15 years’ book-buying experience, Richard prides himself on finding the hard to find and obscure title. “We import from overseas on a weekly basis and are constantly expanding our database to offer a wider range of literature, art and design.”

The Portrait Gallery Store, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Call 6102 7170

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Inspiring, beautiful interiors “WE are inspired by vibrant colour combinations and the use of different textures and unexpected details to add excitement to something that would otherwise be mundane,” says Ulrica Klintberg, owner of Inside Story.

“We look for quality in materials and workmanship in all the products that we use to create inspiring, liveable interiors.”

Inside Story’s objective is to interpret what their client is asking for and blend that input with their expertise, to combine colours and fabrics to create an interior that is stimulating and comfortable at the same time.

“New for Christmas, we are very excited to offer the latest products by Missoni Home and George Nelson,” says Ulrica.

“World-renowned Missoni Home has stunning designs in fabrics, textured rugs and beautifully soft towels. This year Missoni is featuring strong, colourful oversized designs which are teamed with their classic, iconic patterns.

“The Criss Cross Bubble Lamps are also new to our range, designed by American modernist George Nelson who is known as ‘the creator of beautiful and practical things’.”

Inside Story, 27-29 Collie Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5434

Missoni Home Aeonium fabrics, from $180 per metre Missoni Home towels, from $34

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all about living

arts | dining | cinema | body | crossword | horoscope | sudoku

Lasting impressions from Paris They’re here, direct from Paris, the paintings that will enthrall Australia. Arts editor HELEN MUSA previews this remarkable collection of masterpieces So, you don’t know what Post Impressionism is? Don’t worry, by the time the National Gallery of Australia’s new exhibition “Masterpieces from Paris” is finished, you probably will.

It’s not all that difficult – the show will comprise 112 paintings representing a section of the Musée d’Orsay collection from the Post Impressionist era. Theoretically, that begins in 1886 after the eighth and last Impressionist exhibition. The

Claude Monet’s study of a figure outdoors, 1886. Musée d’Orsay.

bulk of the paintings will come from the period 1886 to 1900.

But fear not, that enticing word “Impressionism” is there in the show’s full title “Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and beyond; Post Impressionism from the Musée d’Orsay” and Impressionism usually means money in the bank for any gallery.

No wonder staff at the NGA have enthusiastically enumerated the figures: seven van Goghs, nine Gauguins, eight Cézannes, five Monets, nine Bonnards, eight Vuillards and eleven Seurats – readers will already have spotted that some of those names might just as easily be associated with Impressionism.

Simeran Maxwell, who has researched “Masterpieces from Paris”, is the exhibition assistant in international art at the NGA and helped me clear up the confusion.

Maxwell was studying in Paris early this year and visited the room of works at the Musée d’Orsay coming to Australia while the whole section is being refurbished.

Maxwell says the exhibition involves a “great overlap,” with some artists such as Camille Pissarro “flip-flopping” between Impressionism and later forms.

That’s hardly surprising, given that the term Post-Impressionism wasn’t even coined until 1910 by British art critic Roger Fry – the jury is still out

Paul Gauguin’s “Tahitian Women”, 1891. Musée d’Orsay. on defining the characteristics of the period. Also, while the earliest Impressionists were considered extreme radicals in their time, by 1886 they were the establishment.

Maxwell names Georges Seurat as one of the ground-breakers of the era through his use of pointillism.

The Musée d’Orsay has two of the croquetons or sketchettes of his celebrated work “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”. But other names in the show, van Gogh, Gauguin and Cézanne, are definitely in the flip-flop category.

“Some artists in the show will be less well-known to the Australian public,” Maxwell says, “but they will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the works.” Both van Gogh and Gauguin worked with some of those artists at a time when neither of them was well known.

Of course, there are intimidating figures such as Monet and Degas, who spanned the whole movement

and outlived it. And Cezanne, who remained isolated from all these movements in Aix La Provence, but whose far-reaching influenced will be seen in the Picassos in the show – he was the next generation.

With such a huge exhibition, Maxwell says, it had to be broken down into manageable, clearly captioned sections, like personal domestic scenes, the Neo-impressionists, the Symbolists and the large decorative works by the Nabis group.

Maxwell’s personal favourite is a study of Seurat’s wife viewed from the back – “absolutely gorgeous”.

But then again, as she says, it’s a funny thing with paintings, “when they come out of the box, your view can change altogether”.

“Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and beyond; Post Impressionism from the Musée d’Orsay” is on show in Canberra only at the National Gallery of Australia until April 5.

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

Arise, Saint Ron, of French art WAS it pure serendipity that saw the French ambassador Michel Filhol so recently conferring the French Order of Arts and Letters on National Gallery of Australia director Ron Radford? The ambassador made no bones about the fact that his announcement was a worthy precursor to the opening of “Masterpieces from Paris”. And was there more serendipity in the Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett also announcing the reappointment of Radford as director of the NGA for a further three years?

IT was sort of bad luck for Canberra Youth Theatre that “Tank”, its six short plays about our relationship to water, opened on the first day in ages when rain fell in Canberra. Staged inside a small theatrical water tank in Garema Place, “Tank” told tales of Martian zombies, eccentric pirates, a bushranger who steals water and a displaced polar bear.

AND talking of water, where were all the politicians when far-south-coast film makers Toni Houston and Bettina Richter recently screened a short version of their Barrier Reef documentary “Aqua” at Parliament House? It’s the only Australian event selected into the official cultural calendar for the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen. With ravishing underwater cinematography by David Hannan and a score

by Denmark’s star dance music act Safri Duo, they manage to make even the crown of thorns starfish look tragically beautiful. At least the Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly and Greens senators Bob Brown and Christine Milne were present. “The whole of the Parliament should be here,” Brown thundered on the way out.

MORE culture at the coast: The Borealis Brass Quintet from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks will be at St Bernard’s Church, David Street, Batehaven on December 4 at 7.30pm.

Among other works, the fab five will perform world premieres of two compositions by former Canberra composer Katia Tiutiunnik.

IT’S time for Hawaiian shirts and cheap Hawaiian pizzas at the Holy Grail Kingston on December 6 for the “Aloha! Blues & Roots Hawaii” charity gig running from 1pm to 7pm to raise funds for the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group. Seven local bands will all donate their fees.

CityNews December 3-9 25

arts&entertainment

reviews

Contrasting farewell to gallery FOR the last 20 years, Helen Maxwell, firstly at AGOG (A Girls Own Gallery) in Kingston and, secondly, at Helen Maxwell Gallery in Braddon, has nurtured hundreds of indigenous and nonindigenous artists and educated thousands of art lovers. Maxwell’s skills, knowledge and generosity will be greatly missed when the gallery’s final exhibition comes down on December 19.

Ruth Waller, “Op Lozenge 1”, acrylic and oil on canvas.

VISUAL ARTS

“(painting): Ruth Waller”; “In The Gallery: Waratah Lahy”, Helen Maxwell Gallery, until Dec 19 Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak The gallery’s swan song appropriately comprises two quite different bodies of work, the first concerning the act of painting and the second, the act of viewing. Ruth Waller, currently head of painting at the ANU School of Art, has produced 12 technically demanding paintings using acrylics and/or oils on canvas or linen. Waller works her intellectual, refined aesthetic hard, manipulating paint with tremendous discipline to produce a series of juxtapositions of hard-edged grids, overlaid with softly crumpled paper. These optical illusions speed up in a second series, where a masterfully plotted, multi-coloured pattern of varying, small rectangles pulls the viewer into a vertiginous, unsettling optical fall.

Lahy strives to bring the transformative experience of art discovery to the viewer.

Her titles signify her intent with a series of pastel/charcoal works on brown craft paper titled “photographing a work of art” and a series of pastel/charcoals on paper and perspex titled “in the gallery – looking at the Mona Lisa”. Lahy’s stylised figures – there’s a whiff of Melbourne Bracks – fuse into small, anonymous groups jostling for position, their viewing experience mediated by the camera and each other’s presence. A sweet study, in which only the centre of the bottom sixth of the paper is occupied, presents a solitary youthful face staring upwards – wide eyed – the thrill of discovery incarnate.

Nym Bandak’s “All the World” (1958-59, natural pigments on board, 92x157cms).

Celebrating a special collection THIS exhibition, and the large and beautiful book which accompanies it, celebrates the fact that the ANU has one of the most substantial collections of Aboriginal art in Australia.

The ANU’s engagement with indigenous artists began in the ‘50s and continues to this day, through commissions, acquisitions and collaborative partnerships.

One of the first of these was between ANU anthropologist W.E.H. Stanner and Port Keats area artist Nym Bandak. Bandak’s “All the World” (1958-59, natural pigments on board, 92x157cms), is a grand representation of the cosmos in five layers. Although primarily a means of imparting a different worldview, “All the World” evinces a fair sense of perspective and a highly decorative aesthetic..

As well as early works, the exhibition includes a large number of contemporary bark paintings from significant Arnhem Land artists such as John Mawurndjul. “Milmilingkan” (2008, natural pigments on bark, 113x51cms), notable for the finesse

A little, local gem WHEN innocent florist Chris (Chris Brain) accidently kills a hit man with a telephone cord, he finds himself hit man for a day in a fresh, funny situation comedy written by young Canberra playwright Sam Floyd.

This is a sparkling production; part of The Street Theatre’s “Made in Canberra” project, it deserves a longer run. Floyd’s dialogue crackles along as most of the characters, straight out of a TV gangster show, dig themselves into their own graves.

Floyd has been assisted by noted Melbourne

VISUAL ARTS

“Indigenous Art at the ANU” Drill Hall Gallery, until December 20.

Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak of fine rrark cross hatching, shimmers, silk-like, with peach, white and black natural pigments.

Amongst the work of overtly political urban artists, including Gordon Hookey and Robert Campbell Jnr, is Julie Dowling’s “Indawong (star)” (2008, acrylic and ochre on canvas, 94x74cms).

“Indawong”, writes curator Nancy Sever, “depicts a woman who symbolises the star that guides the artist’s people to find water, sacred places and good hunting areas”.

The entire work is richly embellished; the skin velvety, the eyes liquid, the dress and merging landscape sequined and glittered, lined and dotted with paint. Dowling’s oeuvre weaves complex counter narratives and the political thrust of this visually arresting work is no less potent than that of her male contemporaries.

THEATRE

“Not Axel Harrison” Written and directed by Sam Floyd for Freshly Ground Theatre, at the Street Theatre until December 5.

Reviewed by Helen Musa dramaturg Peter Matheson, so that this is a finished piece.

With tight performances all around, a perfectly credible portrayal of the ingenuous Chris, and a fine piece of comical thuggery by Adam Salter, as the rejected hit man Val, this production is a little gem.

Patrons’ group grants wishes IT was a happy 26th birthday for the Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation, which held its annual arts auction at the National Archives.

CAPO patron Michael Bryce was on hand to announce the annual awards, funding for which are uniquely supported by the visual arts and business communities of Canberra.

The 2010 CAPO Fellowship went to filmmaker Andrew Pike to edit a documentary, “As it is on Earth”; the Rosalie Gascoigne Award to artist Mariana del Castillo to purchase an 26 CityNews December 3-9

industrial sewing machine; the Singapore Airlines grant to photographer Ed Whalan to take up a residency opportunity in the former East Berlin; the Eckersley’s Materials Grant to sculptor Sarah Firth for her Experimenta Commission; the Capital Insurance Brokers Grant to contemporary musician and poet Fenella Edwards and a grant to Jigsaw Theatre Company for composition of original music by Peter J Casey.

–Helen Musa

arts&entertainment

Fantasy for the young fry “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” (G) ON a small island where everybody eats sardines, young Flint invents a machine that disgorges food from its base after water is poured into its top.

Figuring that Samantha is just another dumb blonde, the Weather Channel assigns her to cover the event. But Sam’s really quite smart and when Flint’s machine goes feral and creates a satellite regulating Earth’s weather by precipitating food, the pair, together with island folk, prepares to save the planet from a food-fuelled apocalypse.

That’s the dramatic core of this CG animation from Disney, based on a kids’ novel by Judi and Ron Barrett, unabashed fantasy, reinforced by flashes of satire, sending confused messages about gluttony, obesity, selfishness and political venality.

Watching its image quality and characterisations in 3D (at the Dendy) had an anaesthetic effect for me. No doubt, young fry will go for it in a big way, but I doubt that youngsters will perceive its subliminal contrasting of the quantity and quality of diets between developed and developing countries.

At all Canberra cinemas

“The Invention of Lying” (PG)

A WORLD where people spoke only the truth would be a dull place.

CINEMA

By Dougal Macdonald Writer/director Ricky Gervais’ film proposes that one man in such a world tells a fib and revels in the consequences.

Gervais plays Mark, justifiably smitten by Anna (Jennifer Garner) who, not wanting chubby kids with snub noses, seeks a marriage partner whose genes will co-operate with hers in making beautiful, intelligent children. Brad (Rob Lowe) has put himself forward for the position.

Within the hearing of hospital staff, Mark tells his dying mother that she will move into a comfortable mansion belonging to a special man. The word gets around and people, unable to believe he’s not telling the truth, flock to seek further information.

The key to the film is those many mansions to which Mark, having no intention of going ahead to prepare them for occupancy, makes incomplete reference (John 14:2).

The best that Gervais’ screenplay offers him is debating the special man’s control of all human experience, good or bad.

Other, better, films have explored lying. Adherents to book-based religions such as the Bible, Koran or Talmud have spent centuries and waged wars disputing the primacy of their particular credos. Then along comes Ricky Gervais to muddy the waters again! Cynics may find the screenplay’s thesis somewhat weak

and its comedy less than effective.

At Hoyts, Greater Union

“The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls” (PG) LEANNE Pooley’s doco gave me much laughter, sentiment, admiration and unalloyed pleasure.

Jools and Linda compose and perform their mostly-C&W repertoire with wonderful gusto or delicate sweetness. Their vocal and comedic performances may seem unpolished, lacking style but, in fact, are professionalism of a high order, great fun to watch and hear.

Documentary needs responsive content more than structural sophistication. Together and separately, two complex and interesting women provide Pooley with wonderful material, examining NZ-ness, cross dressing, sexual inclination (they are both lesbian and their only brother is gay), sharp social observation, Jools’ chemotherapy after a double mastectomy.

There are brief interviews with their long-term partners, longer interviews with entertainment colleagues, archive footage about political conflicts involving nuclearfree zones and same-sex marriage. Their reminiscences of childhood on the family farm resonated with this husband of the daughter of a NZ farmer.

Jools and Linda celebrate the power that life offers to those willing and able to make the most of it. Recommended without reservation.

At Dendy

HUNGRY ADERS RE advertise your cafe. advertise. * McNair Ingenuity Research 2006

6262 9100

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arts&entertainment

Burgers to boast about DINING

By Wendy Johnson WE’VE all seen the signs blazoned across small take-away joints – “Best hamburgers, #1 in Australia”. You smile, confident that the operator really hasn’t researched whether his claims are 100 per cent accurate.

But such “boasting” is more than advertising puffery at the old-fashioned, red caravan now parked on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, at Bowen Park, near Kingston, that is dishing up hundreds – if not thousands – of burgers a week to fans from across Canberra.

Owned by partners Joelle Bou-Jaoude and chef Sascha Brodbeck (who has worked at former Element and Tryst, and le Rendezvous), Brodburger is drawing people of all shapes and sizes. The business suits were there when we visited, as were dog walkers, mum ‘n’ bubs, joggers, cyclists and even owners of other Canberra food establishments – all raving about their take away.

Joelle and Sascha, with the team they manage to squeeze into the caravan’s small kitchen, aim to provide gourmet burgers and other takeaway items at an affordable price.

We both went for the Brodburger ($9) – juicy, flame-grilled patties made with quality ground beef (delivered daily), fresh buns, house-made aioli (with a secret ingredient or two that makes a difference), housemade relish, crispy lettuce and juicy tomato,

Brodburger owners Joelle Bou-Jaoude and chef Sascha Brodbeck... providing gourmet burgers at an affordable price.

Photo by Silas topped with your choice of blue cheese, brie or Swiss. Yum, yum.

If one beef patty isn’t enough you can go for two, with four rashers of bacon, and two eggs ($14). Love chicken? The Brodchicken is marinated and served with bacon, avocado and house-made sweet chili mayo. Vegetarians drool over the chargrilled veggies, including mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, fried haloumi and sweet chili mayo all packed in a bun ($9). And fish lovers aren’t left behind either; the fresh char-grilled fish comes with tartare sauce and salad ($9).

You wait in line (no one seems to mind for how long), place an order at the van, get a number and hang out until your food is

ready. There are no tables nearby, so you bring your own blanket and sit on the grass, eat in the car or take your meal home. I chatted to a woman who is a big fan of the red van. She was “addicted” to the food and had visited dozens of times with her husband, never minding how long she has to wait. Even her mother visiting from out of town fell in love with Brodburgers.

The van is open Tuesday-Saturday lunch (11am to 2pm). Dinner is until 10pm Tuesday and Wednesday and until midnight Thursday-Saturday. Bowen Park has lots of parking and you won’t miss the van at night since it’s lit up with strings of bright lights.

Art for (graduating) art’s sake THE ANU School of Art will be turned into a vast exhibition space showcasing the latest work by emerging artists for the graduating exhibition, which runs until December 13.

“The exhibition will centre around the main gallery which displays the honours students’ work,” says James Holland, program co-ordinator for the ANU Gallery.

The ANU grad show showcases the work of all nine workshops in the school – ceramics, painting, textiles, glass, furniture and wood, print media and drawing, photography and media arts, sculpture, gold and silversmithing.

“It’s a great opportunity for local institutions to support our artists and to help launch students’ Painting honours student Emma Beer... “I created 3D models then painted on careers,” says James. them and from them. I’m excited to be able to display my work at the show.”

–Kathryn Vukovljak Photo by Silas

CityNews December 3-9 29

body

All things bright and beautiful

“Neon brights in pink, yellow, orange and red are big nail news this summer, as are metallic shades of blue, green, gold and silver,” she says.

Sharon advises maintaining bright nail lacquers by ensuring you start with a clean, oil-free nail bed and painting your polish in thin, even coats.

“Bright colours will show chips easily, so always use a base coat and seal with a top coat for long-lasting resistance,” she says. “Remember to wait until each coat of colour is dry before applying the next layer. Applying another layer of top coat every couple of days will also help to preserve the varnish and prevent chipping.”

Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome eyeliner in Violet Rose, $16

By Kathryn Vukovljak BRIGHT, bold colour is a hot make-up trend this summer – the key is to use it in a way that isn’t overpowering, says Sarah Booth, from Bentleys of Canberra in Garran.

“Bright patterns and fluoro clothes are everywhere – and make-up trends are no different,” says Sarah. “Popular colours include bright oranges, greens and violets, but they can be quite full-on.

“Instead of orange, for example, use a soft shell terracotta eyeshadow to be on-trend without overpowering your face with colour.

It’s all about using brights in a softer, more wearable way.”

Sarah says that eyeliner and mascara in bright colours are striking yet easy to wear. “Choose electric blue and teal shades for a stunning party look – keep the colour to one feature though, as that will be bold enough to create a funky look.”

Lips are super glossy and any shade of pink, says Sarah. “And the whole look has to be topped off with a glow – bronzer sets off bright colour beautifully and really completes the summer look,” she says.

With nails, there’s no need to hold back! A bright pop of colour on fingers and toes can really make a statement and bring an outfit together, says Sharon Mazzeo from Zoya.

OPI nail lacquer in Banana Bandanna, $19.95

30 CityNews December 3-9

Zoya nail lacquer in Ooh-La-La Midori, $17 Rimmel London Colour Rush Mono Special Effects eyeshadow in Tempted, $11.95

Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara in Electric Blue, $12.95 Australis Colour Inject lipstick in Flamenco, $12.95

your week in the stars With Joanne Madeline Moore December 7 - 13 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) With the Sun and Venus stimulating your adventure zone, you’re keen to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. Time for a walk in the park, a weekend in the country or a visit to your local travel agent. Start stretching yourself in exciting new directions – physically, mentally and spiritually.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Are you overwhelmed by all the jobs that need to be done around your home? It’s the perfect time to hone your handyman/woman skills as you tackle overdue DIY projects and complete unfinished work. Don’t overdo it though! Some restful rejuvenation will renew your vitality for life – and love.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) One-on-one relationships should blossom this week, as sociable Venus provides plenty of opportunities for sharing good times with loved ones. Slow down and listen to what they are trying to tell you. If you are attached, it’s time to up the romance factor and make your partner feel extra special.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) Are you having problems with family members? When it comes to domestic matters, Saturn is asking you to adopt a long-term view and be patient. Your emotions are up and down mid-week but, come the weekend, you’re feeling more relaxed and ready for some serious romantic action.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Your playful side is highlighted this week. So it’s a great time to connect with the child within – and the children around you – as you laugh, play and enjoy yourself with loved ones. Your creativity is also at an all-time high so tap into the artist within as you play music, write, paint, dance, act or sing up a storm!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Make room for your own quiet pursuits this week. Time spent alone can help you refocus, so you can work out what you want (and don’t want) from your professional and personal lives at the moment. It’s also an appropriate time to seek out the wise counsel of a teacher, older friend or family member.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) You’ve got a pile of work that needs to be done but, with plenty of activity in your communication zone, you’re preoccupied with exchanging gossip, trading witty emails or flirting with someone special. For Libran fashionistas – Thursday and Friday are the best days to hit the shops and grab some bargains.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

general knowledge crossword No. 240 ACROSS

DOWN

4 Name small vessels as of glass, for liquids.

7 What is something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc?

8 Name a NSW coastal town, south of Taree (3,3).

9 What is a jack-of-all-trades called?

11 What, colloquially, is a betting coup?

13 Before a musical instrument can be in harmony which others, it must be what (5,2)?

15 Montgomery is the capital of which US state?

17 Which musical entertainment is given usually by a single performer?

20 Who is the patron saint of England (2,6)?

23 What is the faculty of oral communication?

24 An agent sent on a mission is called what?

25 Name the elevated structures at which religious rites are performed.

Solution next week 1

2

3

1 Which is the second letter of the Greek alphabet?

2 Name a dish of melted cheese etc, heated over a burner at the table.

3 What is another term for a movie?

4 Which name, informally, is given to cheap wine?

5 Name the non-metallic element used in medicine as an antiseptic, symbol I. 6 What is a contract granting possession of property for rent?

9 Which term describes a milliner?

10 Name the bituminous substance used for roads, etc.

12 What is a return of an amount paid for merchandise?

14 What is a theatre where films are shown?

16 In medicine, what is the excision and diagnostic study of a piece of body tissue?

18 To cut one off from membership is to do what?

19 Name the test cricket trophy played for by England and Australia.

21 What is a grating of crossed bars?

22 Name a Hindu spiritual guide.

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7 8 9

10 11

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14 17

18

15

16

19 20

21

22

23 24 25

Sudoku medium No.21

Solution next week

Mid-week is the ideal time to nurture your friendships, plus follow up exciting new contacts. Look for mates who encourage your talents and understand the complex person you are. Your quote for the week is from Jim Morrison (born December 8) “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) With Venus in your sign (until December 26) it’s all about love. Love of life, love of beauty, love of others and love of yourself. With strong self-esteem you can climb any mountain and weather any storm. It’s also the perfect time to call in some favours. The world is your oyster this festive season – ask and you shall receive!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Don’t dwell on what might have been. Venus promises love, but you have to leave the past behind and be open to new ways of relating in the future. When one door closes, another opens. Moving onto fresh romantic pastures (in an old or new relationship) has you back in the saddle of love again. Giddy up Goats!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Are you suffering from aspiration exasperation? Does it seem as if your dreams are constantly dashed or put on hold? Saturn is asking you to review and modify your wish list, and then do the hard work required to make those dreams come to fruition. Dreaming isn’t enough – you have to roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Singles – make sure you’ve got plenty of lipstick or aftershave in your briefcase! Love, lust and work are lusciously linked, with a proposition from a work colleague likely for some lucky Fish. Attached Pisceans - a smart career move sees you link up with a special person who helps you zoom ahead professionally.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

Solution Crossword No.239 D R O N G O U I P B I S H O P N I E O S T L E R I M C A G O S L I N P A C A R N I V Q C O A U R E O L E T T

S P A T E R S A I N G I N E C U L B E R I I G S N T U N D A L O E A S T E S E S I S T

Solution Sudoku hard No.20

V O N Y E R U R Y

R A E E R V E R

CityNews December 3-9 31

property

Renewal brings vibrant cities SHOW me a city that doesn't evolve and I'll show you a ghost town. Cities are far, far more than a group of commercial buildings surrounded by residential areas. They change all the time, and smart city planners aim to shape their evolution with urban renewal programs, which guide the change, channeling it into the directions required by the community.

When it works well, you get a vibrant, lively and prosperous city, which is impressive and welcoming to visitors, while meeting the needs of its citizens.

It should be overseen by a single body, which liaises, where necessary with the appropriate government departments as well as industry and community stakeholders. New ideas and plans should be carefully fitted into the community's vision for the city as well as environmental standards and economic necessities.

Our government's proposed new land and property department could potentially be the ideal body to fill this central urban renewal role. And if it does, it will give us the chance to enjoy our city in the secure knowledge that we can adapt splendidly and appropriately to whatever the future throws at us.

Most of our cities in Australia, and elsewhere, were built at a time when shipping was the primary way to move goods and people around. They were sited near good harbours,

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By Catherine Carter and warehousing, refining and manufacturing districts quickly grew around their watersides.

As air and land transport gained primacy, the docklands withered.

But innovative urban renewal programs have breathed new life into those areas in many cities by taking back the waterfronts, cleaning polluted sites and building entertainment precincts that exploited the water frontages to provide al-fresco dining, community meeting places, shops and homes that combined the best features of convenient city locations with water views and offshore breezes.

An urban renewal program should be as continually evolving as the city it serves and if it is done well, it should continually improve the city's environmental profile by making use of new building and engineering technologies and ensuring the efficient use of infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and transport.

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

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