Canberra CityNews February 18-24 2010

CityNews February 18-24

CityNews February 18-24

news

Revenue drops despite pokie cap THE amount of money spent on poker machines in Canberra has fallen by up to 31 per cent over the last seven years, despite the ACT having the highest number of gaming machines per capita of any State or Territory, says Jeff House, the new chief executive of ClubsACT. Mr House has written to every member of the Legistaltive Assembly, firmly refuting recent media reports labelling the ACT the pokie capital of the nation.

“Indeed, recent media coverage would have readers of ‘The Canberra Times’ thinking that people in Canberra are gambling more than ever and losing more than ever,” he writes.

“However, the figures tell a very different story.”

Mr House says the cap on the number of machines allowed to operate in the ACT has not changed since its introduction in 1998 and remains at 5200.

“While the 5155 poker machines that are operating in the ACT represents one machine for every 68 people, that figure will, of course, continue to fall while ever the population continues to increase and the cap remains static,” he says.

“In January, 2003, the amount of money spent on poker machines in the ACT for that month was $14.16m. The figure for December, 2009, was $14.22m. So when these figures are adjusted for inflation, it shows that the amount of money

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spent on poker machines in Canberra has fallen by 22 per cent over the last seven years.

“If the figures are adjusted using the more appropriate Wage Price Index (which measures the growth in wages) instead of the Consumer Price Index, then the reduction in expenditure is 31.6 per cent.

“This trend is supported by data included in the ACT Government’s discussion paper on the gaming machine cap and reallocation scheme of May, 2009, which states that per capita expenditure on gaming machines in the ACT represents 1.5 per cent of household disposable income which is below the national average of 1.6 per cent and well below that of NSW, which is 2.3 per cent.

“Everything the clubs in Canberra provide whether it be wages, taxes or community contributions, represents the dividend the community receives from the operation of poker machines in the ACT. “We have an industry which is highly regulated, professionally run by dedicated and talented staff who are without exception, firmly and demonstrably committed to ensuring their patrons gamble responsibly, all the while offering a safe and comfortable environment for people to socialise, many of whom would have no other place to go.

“I believe that is indeed something that the ACT can and should be very proud of.”

15-18 27 20 25 24 27 14 16 3-10 4 28-35 19 27

FRONT COVER: Carol Furtado, star of “The Merchants of Bollywood”.

Story Page 15.

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Artist Barbara van der Linden and subject Franco Calabria with her Archibald Prize entry.

Portrait of an artist

By Kathryn Vukovljak A NEW portrait of Franco Calabria, founder of hair salon Franco of Canberra, painted by local artist Barbara van der Linden, has been entered in the 2010 Archibald Prize.

The painting will be unveiled at the salon on February 22.

Barbara says she first met Franco in 1965, when she was a client at his salon. “I went there for my first grown-up hair cut!” she says.

She approached him last year to sit for her as part of her series of 10 paintings of Canberra identities.

“It occurred to me that styling hair is similar to painting a portrait,” says Barbara. “Franco is an artist, too. A stylist will ask people about themselves and create images in their mind of possible styles that will suit them.

“Like Franco I examine my subject – find their

best characteristics. I ask questions and put together a picture, a story, and then paint a portrait that I hope will get across all this information, energy and emotion.

“I’m very happy with this painting. I think it conveys Franco’s friendliness, approachability and skill.”

Franco said he appreciated being asked to sit for the painting. “I think it’s wonderful, and Barbara is a great artist. Sitting was easy for me – I just worked and Barbara sketched.”

Franco of Canberra, one of Civic’s longest-established city hair salons, was established in 1956 when Franco moved from Italy to Canberra.

The portrait will be unveiled on Monday, February 22 from 6pm-8pm at Franco of Canberra, Shop 29, Bailey’s Corner, London Circuit. Contact Ann Calabria on 6249 7991 for information.

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Political reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618 493 eleri@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

42,001 copies a week Six-month audit to September 30, 2009

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

CityNews February 18-24

politics

Where is the vision for Civic?

A MYOPIC view of Canberra planning leads to outcomes like the latest plan for Civic. The “Greater Canberra City Area Co-ordinated Action Plan 2010-2016” has just been released for comment by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.

Canberra is different from other cities. It was designed to be unique. Canberrans should revel in its distinctiveness and seek to build on its singular advantages.

A visionary approach would have put Civic in the context of the long-term future of Canberra and its region. Instead, it seems that Stanhope and his planners want Canberra to be like every other city. Of course, it is presented in a positive light suggesting Civic as “the dynamic heart of the region” and there is lip service to the context of “the ACT’s town-centre structure”. But it is not enough. The fundamental is that this document plans to make things worse, whereas surely planning should be about making things better. At least the Chief Minister is providing an opportunity to have a say.

Take parking and transport as just one example of how this plan will make things worse. By 2016 this plan predicts a doubling of Civic residents from 5200 to 10,400 and a workforce increase by 25 per cent from 36,400 to 45,000. The plan also

The trumpeted grand, new plan for Civic is likely to make things only worse, argues political columnist MICHAEL MOORE

outlines an additional 300,000sqm of office space.

The planned increase in publicly available parking spaces for that additional 14,000 people in Civic is an additional 3314 spaces. Supposedly, the more than 10,000 deficit will be made up by public transport, more car passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. Darryl Kerrigan would have said “tell ‘em the’re dreamin’”!

A solution is provided, of course: “Adjust parking charges as necessary in order to maintain the targeted vacancy rates”. The side benefit for government revenue is not mentioned, particularly if these are modelled on Sydney.

Traffic delays are another issue. Average delays of more than a quarter of an hour can be expected for anyone intending to go to Civic or to pass through the area.

Modelling of likely delays indicates an increase by 25 per cent from about nine minutes to about 12 minutes if the $25.5million proposed improvements to road networks are carried out on time.

How is this planning to make things better?

It seems planners and this government are now

content with “less worse”? Instead of providing planning leadership as Canberra did for so many decades, this plan slavishly follows other Australian cities.

Part of the problem is that Australia has no population plan. Kevin Rudd’s preference for a population explosion would suggest that this doubling by 2016 is probably just the beginning.

Who will provide a vision for a sustainable population? Federal actions have for decades undermined the Canberra plan. The last substantial support was when Labor minister and member for Canberra Ros Kelly insisted that her department move to Tuggeranong. Having Centrelink and Medicare in Tuggeranong adds life to the town centre and significantly reduces the traffic heading for Civic. When the Australian Taxation Office consolidated its workers in Civic, a huge decentralising opportunity was lost as was the case with the monolithic Intelligence Services development at Russell.

At a time when other cities are attempting to find ways to decentralise, the ACT Government

should be busting its boiler to make use of the existing decentralised system that has long been fundamental to Canberra planning. Instead of increasing the number of public servants moving against the traffic on bikes, in buses or in cars, this draft plan just exacerbates current problems. Mr Stanhope should, for example, bring pressure on Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, to begin rectifying the situation by moving his Department to Gungahlin – starting, appropriately, with the climate change area and then following branch by branch. Gungahlin could be more than dormitory suburbs. It should have a vibrant town centre invigorated by government office workers.

The irony is not to be missed that the draft plan concludes with a diagram of stakeholders that excludes residents and workers. It is these same residents and workers who will be footing the tax money that should be spent on decentralisation rather than even more centralisation.

The plan for public consultation until March 30 can be found at www.communityengagement. act.gov.au Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government.

too much information By Eleri Harris

Encore une journée au bureau, Monsieur Hargreaves?

ANOTHER day at the office... ACT Labor MLA John Hargreaves has retired from the front bench and taken up French – in Question Time. We have it on the good word of his office that Mr Hargreaves’ reading of this French travel magazine, dictionary in hand, while the Assembly sat on February 10 was part of his Alliance Francaise homework.

So, is it okay to read stuff like this in the Assembly? There is nothing in the the Standing Orders or its more recent “Companion” handbook. But they defer to the House of Representative practices, which state: “It has always been the appropriate practice of the House not to permit the reading of newspapers in the Chamber, although latterly it has been accepted if done discretely.”

Happiness is petunias

WHEN questioned about the “tatty” state of Civic and what the Government was doing about it at the launch

CityNews February 18-24

John Hargreaves reads a French magazine in Question Time. of the draft “Greater Canberra City Area Co-ordinated Action Plan”, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope pointed to Civic’s hanging baskets of petunias a few times and then moved on to some

Photo by Silas

vague promises: “The city is certainly in some areas showing its age and I must say that over this last year or two, I must say particularly through the efforts of CBD

Ltd in partnership with the ACT Government, changes have occurred and I think there is a light, airy, happier feel to the city through the petunias that are now everywhere throughout the city. The flowers are wonderful and we are progressively getting to work on other parts of the city.”

Anyone remember Douglas Adams’ writing in “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” about the bowl of petunias suddenly called into existence above an alien planet?

“Curiously enough, the only thing that went through the mind of the bowl of petunias as it fell was, Oh no, not again. Many people have speculated that if we knew exactly why the bowl of petunias had thought that we would know a lot more about the nature of the universe than we do now.”

When standing at the launch of “Bonjour Canberra” in front of a pair of glittering can-can dancers and a bunch of Paris Masterpieces posters, I was again reminded of the importance

of the petunias by CBD Ltd. CEO Linda Staite.

Yes Canberra, we have petunias.

How successful the Government’s Action Plan will be is yet to be determined, but if they can turn the priority development into actually doing something and get over the petunias, there may be hope for Civic.

Insulating the facts

LAST week in Question Time, Liberal Alistair Coe had a moment of triumph to match Chief Minister Stanhope’s mocking call for his elevation to leadership on Thursday when he stood up to wave his computer around, pointing at a complaint about bedroom lights that didn’t work after insulation was installed. Unfortunately for Alistair, the complaint was made in June 2009 and the Commonwealth program that started all the kerfuffle didn’t begin until July 1.

For more see the City News Blog www.citynews.com.au/blog/

CityNews February 18-24

mum in the city

briefly

Sight for sore eyes

Is the media to blame?

MY other half has been suggesting for some time that I need glasses! Now, glasses look great – on other people.

Recently, I thought I’d get into the whole “do it yourself” thing. I’m not talking about home renovation, but rather some of those little personal maintenance things that I used to deal with in hurried visits to beauty therapists.

These days, there are a whole lot of great products that are supposed to be almost idiot proof. So it’s tempting to save money and do something in your own time (in my case, after the kids have gone to bed, next day’s lunches made and the kitchen cleaned, that’s between 11 pm and midnight).

But I fear I may have left the whole DIY learning curve a bit too late in life. The first thing that struck me as I was trying to pick some products out of a bewildering array on the shop shelves was that small print (i.e. vital instructions and safety warnings) had got really small. Still, I figured, how hard can it be? I got what I thought was a reasonable assortment of wax and depilatory creams and was all set for a late evening of deforestation and defoliating.

Firstly, one’s legs have to be “left to marinate” with the depilatory cream.

I then set about applying the hot wax

By Sonya Fladun around the two hairy, almost conjoined, caterpillars above my eyes. It was then that I hit my first snag.

The light in the bathroom just wasn’t as bright as it ought to be (really, it wasn’t my eyesight). I applied too much wax and took off rather too much eyebrow on one side to produce a pretty weird effect. Unfortunately, trying to even up the other side with the application of more wax only worsened the overall effect.

But the real problem ended up being the depilatory cream which by this time had been totally forgotten. If you have never used this sort of product, please note: You need to adhere strictly to the time it is supposed to come off. Of course, by this stage I was seriously over done with painful burns and a persistent and pretty gross rash.

I know what you’re thinking: It pays to be able to see clearly! Certainly, I’ve learned my lesson. From now on, bugger the cost, I’m giving DIY a miss and making time to put all my maintenance issues in the capable hands and hopefully good eyes of experts. Maybe laser eye surgery’s an option as well!

Local heads big credit union CANBERRAN Robert Keogh (pictured) is the new CEO of Community CPS Australia credit union. He succeeds Kevin Benger, who has retired.

Mr Keogh has been the Deputy CEO for four years and had spent more than 20 years as the CEO of CPS Credit Union Co-operative (ACT).

Community CPS, which has $2.85 billion worth of assets under management, has more than

CityNews February 18-24

180,000 members and employs 540 staff across branches in the ACT, SA, regional NSW and WA. Mr Keogh said: “Since Community CPS’ inception in 2006, the credit union has grown strongly and it has been a pleasure to be part of this success story. Our goal is to continue to grow and deliver value to our members and their communities through our dedicated and professional team.”

“The Media is to Blame” is the Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise’s annual “Great Debate” at the Finkel Theatre, in the ANU’s John Curtain School of Medical Research, at 8pm on Wednesday, February 24. Speakers include ACT Deputy Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, journalist Jack Waterford, sports commentator Tim Gavel, the Australian Sex Party’s Fiona Patten, columnist Paddy Gourley and PR expert David Pembroke. It will be adjudicated by Deputy Chief Justice of the Family Court John Faulks. There are cocktails from 6.30pm. Tickets are $45 and all proceeds go to the St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol.

Soft ‘Times’ CIRCULATION of the flagship Saturday “Canberra Times” slumped 6.36 per cent to 55,000 in the 12 months to December, according to the latest Audit Bureau of Circulation report.

The Sunday edition fell 5.32 per cent to 33,000 and the weekday edition was down 4.7 per cent to 33,000.

Graf gets award THE Rotary Club of Canberra has awarded a Paul Harris fellowship to Canberra Capitals’ coach Carrie Graf.

President Barbara Griffiths, said Graf had made an enormous contribution not only to women’s basketball in Australia, but also to women’s sport in general and to the whole of the Canberra community.

Dead dolphin

Robert Keogh

THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported that a bottlenose dolphin has been found dead in Tuross Lake but is unable to confirm whether it is one of the three which had been inhabiting the lake over the past year.

CityNews February 18-24

opinion

Caught chatting on a sticky wicket HOW did this happen? What had started as a quiet day at the cricket now threatened to turn ugly.

I’m interviewing Chris Gayle after his recordbreaking innings against the Prime Minister’s XI, but all of a sudden his mood has changed and he looks angry… with me.

There are a couple of thousand people watching on and they all go silent because they can they feel the tension, the tension between him and me. He’s a big man is Chris Gayle. I’m thinking, if he lands a left hook on my jaw it’s going to hurt.

I’m standing alongside the Prime Minister and I steal a sideways glance at our esteemed leader to see if he’s any chance of stepping in to sort this

How the West Indian cricket captain freaked out MARK PARTON... out. He looks more frightened than me.

A minute or so earlier, Kevin Rudd had announced the joint winners of the man-of-thematch award for the PM’s XI game and it’s my job to interview the winners on the public address system.

Tom Cooper was quiet… a man of few words.

He’d just scored 150 for the losing side and he was chuffed with his personal achievement. And then to Chris Gayle. The West Indian captain had

earlier played the most belligerent, effortless but explosive one-day innnings that I have ever seen. He hit eight sixes and a mountain of fours in compiling 147 runs in a display which I will always remember.

I tend to interview people in a very conversational style. I’m always thinking: “What would I say to this person if there was no microphone and we were just chatting?” With that in mind, my opening gambit to Chris Gayle was something like this: “Chris, that was the most amazing innings.

You are a freak.”

There was silence and a look of disdain.

“That word has ay diff-e-rent conn-oh-tation

where I come from than it does where you come from.”

I’m looking up at this big mountain of a man thinking that this is my “Hey Hey/Harry Connick” moment and wondering what’s going to happen next. And then he broke into a big vibrant Carribean smile. “…but I know what you mean. Thank you.”

I told Chris that he would always be welcome in Canberra after entertaining us so much and we finished the interview as friends.

For the record a “freak” in Chris Gayle’s home town is a prostitute.

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC

briefly

George, Edward, whatever!

WE sent the panting snapper straight out to get the picture above when we heard from reader Shane Ryan, of Palmerston, who said that a huge, new brown and white sign erected on King’s Avenue that points down King Edward Terrace listing the attractions to be found along its length, such as the National Library, National Portrait Gallery, High Court etc., is labelled at its top in big letters: King George Terrace. Alas, this is the street one block south of this position, where Old Parliament House is located. “How, with all the people involved in ordering, proofing and erecting such an enormous and prominent sign, such a mistake could be made, is beyond me!” says Shane. He’s got a point, NCA.

Facelift for centre

A $10.6 million refurbishment and upgrade of Queanbeyan’s Riverside Plaza will begin later this month. Marketing manager Sarah Gallagher said the work will provide new amenities and refresh the centre’s exterior with parking upgrades and contemporary

CityNews February 18-24

signage. The centre will have the region’s first “new look” Coles and Target stores.

Uni’s new faces

ACTEW Corporation chairman John Mackay and the executive director of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, Prue Power, have been appointed to the University of Canberra’s governing council.

‘Canary’ celebrates

THE Rotary Club of Canberra South will celebrate the 105th Anniversary of Rotary International by supporting the National Archives of Australia’s “Shake Your Family Tree” Open Day on February 23, with a mobile barbecue from its bright yellow trailer (“The Canary”).

Concert ticket winners

Winners of three double tickets to see “One of Those Nights: Celebration of The Eagles”, Canberra Theatre, were: Brenda Moules, of Kambah; Margaret McKay, Isabella Plains and Nick Arganese, Bruce.

news

Walking the talk to remember Terry

By Eleri Harris

WHEN prominent public figure, ex-politician and judge, Terry Connolly, died suddenly of a heart attack in 2007 he was too far away from hospital to become an organ donor, but his widow, ACT Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr Helen Watchirs, made sure his corneas were given away.

“He could only donate his corneas because he died at Red Hill, not in hospital,” she said.

“But everything is important because he relieved someone’s suffering. Organ donors can save lives and make a very big difference.

“Life wins in the end, even though one family has lost, they can donate. It’s an act of charity for the person you’re helping.”

At 7am on February 24, Dr Watchirs will be joined by 1000 ordinary Canberrans in the annual Terry Connolly ORGANised Walk around Lake Burley Griffin in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

The walk, now in its fourth year, was started by organ-donation campaigner Anne Cahill Lambert to engage the Canberra community and encourage family dialogue.

“We want people to discover, decide and discuss. People generally know what they want to do, but they haven’t discussed it with their loved ones and that’s the key thing,” she said.

Dr Watchirs admits that talking to family members about what happens to your remains is not easy.

“I think, in principle, everyone agrees with it [organ donation], but in practice it can be difficult to talk about,” she said.

“In the individual family it’s an act of love to have the conversation, nobody likes talking about death.

“It came easily to us, I saw a form in the Medicare office and I thought it was a good idea, we already had wills sorted out as parents.

“It was just a responsible thing to do and it meant that the burden wasn’t on me to make the decision. I knew what his wishes were and he knew mine.”

The walk is free to attend. As Cahill Lambert says: “What we need is organs, not money. One organ donor can save as many as 10 lives.”

It takes roughly an hour to walk around the lake depending on your level of fitness and breakfast will be supplied at the end.

Register at www.giftoflife.asn.au

ACT Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr Helen Watchirs... “In the individual family it’s an act of love to have the conversation, nobody likes talking about death.”

Photo by Silas

Property

By Catherine Carter

Big decisions in future plan THE ACT Planning and Land Authority’s recently released, three-year Sustainable Future Program deals with big decisions which will affect us all: population size and density, and transport.

In his foreword, Planning Minister Andrew Barr says: “The program recognises that the built environment, which includes transport, contributes to more than 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT.” This figure is significant.

The program aims to improve the city’s sustainability through land-use planning strategies and polices that will make the city more resilient to change, minimise redundancy and duplication, and promote actions that abate climate change – all the while reinforcing: “Canberra’s amenity and the community’s open and democratic values”.

The program aims to achieve two outcomes and ACTPLA is already working on one: a review of the Territory Plan for policy content in land-use codes. The aim is to modify policy if necessary where it might conflict with sustainability goals.

The second is an evaluation of the Canberra Spatial Plan, to refine strategic planning actions to achieve the ACT Government’s policy agenda on affordability, liveability and sustainability. “Ultimately,” according to the program, “this evaluation will inform the review of the ACT Planning Strategy.”

A more compact city structure is envisaged in the program, but such goals take a long time to become reality and we need to start planning now, especially as the city structure will directly affect any plans for infrastructure for the future, and that needs also to be planned.

Minister Barr has called for the community to read the program, which can be seen at www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_projects/change/sustainable_future Catherine Carter is the executive director of the ACT Property Council.

CityNews February 18-24

environment

Swimming for solar power

By Tanya Davies

Where succulents and semi-tropics thrive WITH an unassuming front garden, there is nothing to reveal the peaceful, multi-level Narrabundah haven packed with succulents behind David and Romayne Ash’s house that’s so relaxing, even a possum has moved in.

The garden will be open to the public on February 27 and 28 as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme, a self-funding, not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote the pleasure of gardening.

Ground-covering succulents dominate the rockery banks and a former rose bed beneath the house’s eaves now holds an eclectic mix of container grown plants including aeoniums, kalanchoes, cotelydons, senecios, sedums, upside-down tomatoes and vines laden with grapes.

“Every corner of this garden tells a story,” says Romayne. “When we moved here in 1982 it was bare and barren. We planted absolutely everything. And

WORDS: Kathryn Vukovljak PHOTOS: Silas Brown the succulents – we have many thousands – just keep on growing!”

The beautifully landscaped garden features a sloping bank of bush rocks with twin waterfalls leading to frog ponds, a built-in stone sofa and quirky ornaments to give visual interest.

A possum house, fixed on to the main house, is inhabited by a friendly possum and her babies, an Aboriginal-style rockery is taking over a patch where the grass has died and a “gin and tonic” corner provides one of many places to kick back and relax.

The weekend will also include a plant sale of many of the unusual plants propagated by professional florist Romayne.

“Thisilldo”, 34 Scott Street, Narrabundah, will be open between 10am and 4.30pm on February 27 and 28. Entry fee is $6 and children under 18 are free.

THERE’S still time to beat the heat and raise money for a good cause before summer ends. Clean Energy for Eternity’s Big Swims are being held at three pools – Civic, Dickson and Queanbeyan, and proceeds go towards providing solar panels for the pools.

CEFE Executive Officer, Philippa Rowland, reminds us that solar is a “no-brainer” for Australians. “And yet, less than one per cent of our energy comes from this source.”

The swims also help raise money for emergency services.

In Jindabyne, Big Swims have provided solar panels to Yabby Surf Club and rural fire brigade sheds.

Rowland says: “Stay cool this summer, and start an energy revolution in your lunch hour.” Participants can register via the CEFE website and for a $20 registration fee swim as much or as little as they want. “Even swimming one lap is a contribution on an individual level. Or you can swim 100 kilometres, and get lots of sponsors!”

Clean Energy for Eternity was founded by Matthew Nott, an osteopath and parttime surf life-saving volunteer, and the Big Swims have been going for two years.

Nott’s last two swims raised enough to buy solar panels for two rural fire brigades who are now committed to putting the saved money into a revolving fund for other emergency services to benefit from solar.

Rowland, who joined talks at Copenhagen late last year, says: “We have a commitment to keep working with the emergency services who so often save us from fires, floods and more.”

They are also keen to continue forging links with government who are supportive of their efforts, though last year’s amendments to feed-in tariffs put a halt to their plans to invest in and develop community solar farms.

“The technology is here,” says Rowland. “We don’t need to wait for government to do everything for us. We can work with them, and we can make an individual contribution.”

To find out more about the Big Swim series or to register go to www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au

10 CityNews February 18-24

CityNews February 18-24 11

Schmooze

Meeting, greeting and making new contacts SCHMOOZE is just what it sounds like: An independent and collaborate environment for professionals to make valuable connections and promote their expertise, services and events.

Established in Canberra in 2003 by Phillip Jones, it has evolved into one of the ACT region’s leading professional and social networking organisations. “Schmooze aims to create for its members and guests a personalised and welcoming environment that is conducive to establishing rewarding relationships,” says Mr Jones.

“It offers a comprehensive program and resources through a unique combination of the social and professional in a sophisticated and stylish vibe.

“Events are personalised, informal and aim to create an atmosphere that will make it easy to meet new people and foster synergies.

“We hold our events in some of the region’s best venues, and sometimes in unconventional spaces, to ensure that participants are experiencing something new and stimulating each time.”

He says Schmooze hosts several events every month (all of which are free for members to attend) including: • Professional development workshops for small business owners and start-ups.

• Schmooze Young Professional Group and Young Entrepreneur presentations and special events.

• Discussion groups where the members drive the content and discussion based on themes including sustainability, marketing/communications, small business owners, leadership and young entrepreneurs.

Phillip Jones... “Schmooze aims to create for its members and guests a personalised and welcoming environment that is conducive to establishing rewarding relationships.”

• The monthly networking function, which is held in some of the leading venues in the region.

• Events hosted by members.

“Also in the pipeline,“ he says, “is a business mentoring program that will run through March and April, and later this year a small business expo bringing together a range of government agencies and services that support small business in the region.”

How to get involved The Schmooze website, at www.schmooze.net. au, offers an events calendar and resources for its members including a contacts database, exclusive offers and thought-leadership articles. You can also subscribe to a weekly e-news, which features events and opportunities offered by its members.

If you are interested in joining, try us first and request a guest pass by calling 6243 3698 during business hours or emailing info@ schmooze.net.au Subscribe to the weekly e-news via the link Join and choose from a professional, young on our homepage. professional or social membership for either Follow us via Twitter and on Facebook. six or 12 months.

12 CityNews February 18-24

advertising feature

Fostering great connections “THANKS to many valued sponsors, volunteers and support from the business community over the years, Schmooze now provides the most comprehensive environment in the region for fostering great connections,” says founder Phillip Jones.

Schmooze is comprised of three branches: Professional, for professionals over 30 who want to connect for professional or social reasons; the Schmooze Young Professional Group, which offers regular professional development activities for under 30s, and a social program for members.

“Schmooze’s philosophy is outward looking and collaborative – so it often works with many other kindred organisations such as professional associations and ACT Government initiatives such as Canberra Business Point, or the Live in

Canberra campaign. We also participated in Focus in Business Month last year,” he says.

“The organisation is also poised to expand interstate, with new sister chapters starting this year in Melbourne and the Illawarra region – expanding the

contacts and promotional opportunities for its members significantly.”

“Our young professional group provides a unique environment, bringing together the full spectrum of professions and its speakers including a range of young entrepreneurs or young professionals from the region to inspire and inform.

“The program is developed and run by a volunteer council of enthusiastic young professionals and interns and each event is different, offering a variety of themes and insights throughout the year that’s relevant to them.

“We also offer a young entrepreneurs group, which provides a supportive environment and contacts for those starting their business journey.”

Membership brings valuable benefits ORGANISATIONS or individuals can join for a variety of reasons, whether simply to make new friends if they are new to Canberra, to learn valuable skills, or to promote their expertise and services in a targeted way or enhance their range of contacts, says Phillip Jones.

“We offer professional, social or young professional membership options for both six or 12 months and all our hosted events are free for members to participate in and members enjoy a wide range of benefits and exclusive resources,” he says.

“While there is no such thing as a typical Schmooze member, our professional membership is generally made up of either an owner of their company or is a senior manager representing a national company,

while our young professional members are in their 20s.

“What is unique within our membership is the diversity of the sectors represented with 80 per cent from the private sector, while 20 per cent are from public/not-for -profit sectors.

“Schmooze also attracts many public servants who are developing their business passion or next career transition, since it offers both a collaborative environment to learn and connect, as well as promote their businesses and activities.”

Mr Jones says most of the activities can be attended on a casual basis, but members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including: • Free attendance at our hosted events.

•Exclusive offers and discounts to member-hosted activities.

• Online resources including a contacts database.

• Meeting creative professionals and decision makers in a personalised environment.

• Complimentary guest passes to bring colleagues along to events.

• Access to exclusive member-only professional and social activities.

• The opportunity to promote events and services via the website and e-news.

• Access to the concierge service, which facilitates professional introductions, particularly for new and prospective members to ensure they are made to feel welcome.

CityNews February 18-24 13

letters

It’s just plain wrong AFTER 30 years the George Harcourt Inn, purchased three years ago by four Canberra couples, is being renovated.

The plans for the renovation, including adding five metres of new building, enlarging the toilets and putting in a new kitchen have been passed by the ACT Planning & Land Authority pending public comment.

After months of planning, everything is in place to proceed; but at the last minute one person has complained to ACTPLA and everything has had to stop.

The nature of the complaint is entirely irrelevant to the process that now has to be gone through.

This single complaint is about noise. The complainant lives close by. What this has to do with extending the building we are yet to fathom – and ACTPLA can’t enlighten us.

We have had two noise complaints in three and a half years – and both from the same person who has raised the objection to our renovation, saying that we have “not made provision for reducing the noise”.

Everything has come to a halt – all tradespeople, my husband Gil the publican, and our builder have now been told by ACTPLA that we have to wait the “statutory period” before we can get a response from them (which is February 22), and then – providing we get a decision in our favour – we have to wait another 20 working days to see if this one person wishes to appeal ACTPLA’s decision.

The number of live music venues in Canberra is rapidly dwindling. When The George opened its doors, we were in the bush with no residential premises for miles around. Now we have a block of units built about 500 metres away.

This is where the complaint has come from.

But if people choose to buy property close to an established live music venue, it’s unreasonable to then start complaining about the noise.

Nevertheless, the community loves what we have done with The George and the alternative that we provide to loud pubs or pokie-filled clubs, but that one person objects and the system allows that person to cause so much grief – it’s just plain wrong.

Path of progress IN 2011, my 90th year, the ACT Government has advised me that Rosenthal Street, Campbell, will have its first footpath.

Perhaps with relief the Chief Minister will be on hand to do the honours of making the first pour of concrete for the footpath.

Harold Grant, Campbell

Political shambles

HOW political standards have dropped. Years ago, Michael MacKellar, a Federal Liberal MP, brought a TV with him upon returning to Australia. Unfortunately, he declared it as black and white when, in fact, it was colour. A great uproar occurred in Parliament. Mr MacKellar stood down for this unforgivable breach of our laws. A public servant who spoke in his favour was also stood aside.

Consider this against the complete national shambles resulting from Minister Garrett’s insulation project, which has unfortunately resulted in four deaths. If he remains as Minister, he may well be seen as having been insulated by the Prime Minister against political electrocution.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Why we fish

MIKE O’Shaughnessy (Letters, CN February 11) conveniently ignores the main reason why people go fishing, that being to catch a fish to eat.

If Mike knew anything about fish, he would realise that they eat hard, spiky things like oysters, crayfish and other fish. They live in an eat-or-be-eaten world. If they felt pain, surely they would either starve to death or die quivering in fear of the thought of their next meal.

Perhaps they should all convert to a lentil and mung bean diet, as Mike would like us all to. I hope he doesn’t wear leather shoes…

Shane Jasprizza, Dunlop

Painful rhyme

Colleen Miller, George Harcourt Inn, Of course fish feel pain! (Letters, CN, February Gold Creek 11). It’s ludicrous to imagine that any sensitive,

Perils of population

A PITY both Michael Moore and Catherine Carter (CN, February 11) were not present to hear Kelvin Thomson MP at Havelock House, February 10, on sustainable population.

Each calmly accepts a Federal government report predicting a 50 per cent increase in Australia’s population by 2050, with Catherine Carter also quoting the government anticipates population will only rise to 36 million by that date.

Have they considered the probability of crowded cities, gridlocked traffic, shortages of basic necessities, particularly water, environmental degredation and the standard of health and education from such overpopulation?

Yet people, including presumeably your correspondents, claim concern for their grandchildrens’ future?

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Ric’s wrong

intelligent animal wouldn’t. This is what I’d like to say to fishing guru Bryan Pratt –and all anglers: How would you feel if you reached for some lunch And just as you happily started to munch, A sharp metal hook that was hidden within Got stuck in your throat and tore into your skin.

Then even before you could utter a cry A tug on the hook left you dangling high.

How would you feel as you swung in the air?

Would you think it was fun? Would you think it was fair?

Would you think it was fun as you struggled in vain The hook in your mouth causing ever more pain?

How would you feel as you winced and you wailed, Tormented and tortured and firmly impaled?

RIC Hingeee’s bagging of Canberra (Letters, CN, February 11) will not stop people flocking to Canberra as a great place to live.

To say we have, for example, the worst bus system is ridiculous. Where in Australia has better?

How would you feel being cunningly caught, Like all of the fish you’ve impaled for your sport?

How would you like it if out of the blue, Somebody, suddenly did it to you?

J. McDonald, Hackett

Jenny Moxham, Monbulk, Victoria

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to editor@citynews.com.au, use a form at www.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.

14 CityNews February 18-24

all about living

arts | cinema | dining | fashion | socials | home | puzzles | horoscope

Glitter, glamour and a big blast of Bollywood FOR anyone with a love of tinsel, glitter, non-stop costume changes and bouncy music all wrapped up in romance and Rajasthani settings, it will be hard to go past “The Merchants of Bollywood”, which returns after five years to Canberra Theatre next month.

Its star, Carol Furtado, is all glamour. Born to a Goanese Indian family, the former beauty queen is very much a modern girl, who got her first break dancing alongside Slash, of Guns & Roses fame.

She is essentially a popular modern dancer, though in the story of “The Merchants”, she plays a young artist rooted in the subtle northern Indian tradition of Kathak dance.

This is not her first time in Australia. She was here for seasons in Perth and the Gold Coast during 2008. Sharp and eloquent, she talks about the main theme of the show – the reconciliation between a dancer granddaughter and her classical dance guru grandfather.

The title of the show is a pun on the name of the famous Merchant family dynasty, involved for generations in film and entertainment.

It is a real-life story. She plays Ayesha, the pivotal character, and she has met the real-life prototype for the part, the choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant who, sadly, never did have time to achieve such reconciliation before the death of her maternal grandfather, the great choreographer Shri B. Hiralal.

Merchant did much of the editing and choreography for the show, and regularly appeared on set.

Furtado is quick to point out that

cover story

By Arts Editor Helen Musa Bollywood dance is totally different from classical forms – it’s a part of world dance.

“Although you can easily find Indian classical dance elements in Bollywood, it never happens the other way around,” she says.

Bollywood incorporates lots of western movements in an opulent display of theatrical spectacle.

And these dancers are not singers, although they can mouth the words – it’s all dubbed. As well as beautiful girls changing their frocks there are also “guys in amazing costumes… in Indian patriarchal society men on stage are considered to be superior”. Still, she can’t complain – she is the main character so she gets more costumes than they do.

Furtado has spent 10 years on the stage and feels very comfortable with it. “I don’t say never, but I don’t see myself going to Bollywood,” she says, referring to the huge Mumbai film industry that chews up young dancers by the thousands.

Strange to report, “The Merchants of Bollywood” was originally devised in Australia by writer-director Toby Gough, though it wisely uses Indian talent, in this case 40 dancers and actors from Mumbai.

“But 99 per cent of the time we play to local audiences, not to Indians,” Furtado says.

“The Merchants of Bollywood”, Canberra Theatre, March 2-6. Book- Carol Furtado... “Although you can easily find Indian classical dance elements in Bollywood, it never happens the other way around.” ings www.canberratheatre.org.au

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

Locals loom large in Tropfest final TROPFEST, the world’s largest short-film festival, will be screened at Commonwealth Park on February 21, commencing at 3pm. Guess what? This year, four of the 16 short listees are Canberrans and they’re expecting over 23,000 people to roll up here, including many from Sydney who can’t bear the crush at The Domain screening. Finalists Shannon Wilson, Liam Newton and Scott Holgate attended the alfresco launch, where Holgate was bold enough to admit to sponsoring TransACT CEO and film buff Ivan Slavich that the compulsory inclusion of dice in this year’s films was a bit of a distraction. Wilson said it was the second year that she and her collaborator Duane Fogwell (of “The Milkman” fame) had been shortlisted.

CERAMICIST Jenny Orchard is showing her exotic hybrid “Creatures” at Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin until March 2. Orchard’s newest weird creatures are all multi-species, at once plant and animal and calling up “a shamanistic presence” intended to seduced the viewer into looking and, presumably, buying.

YOU’VE got until February 25 to apply for Wesley Music Foundation Scholarships for 2010, a “must” for Canberra’s emerging musicians.

Seventy scholarships have been awarded in association with Wesley Uniting Church since 1994 for voice, violin, cello, trumpet, oboe, guitar, organ and other instruments. Full-time tertiary students studying for music or other degrees, or high school or college students should think about applying. Visit www.wesleycanberra.org.au/images/download/scholarshipapplication.doc THE Canberra Youth Theatre Actors’ Ensemble plans to develop and perform a new hybrid, art installation performance called “Retrieval,” that will plunge deep into the stacks of the National Library, where it will be performed this year as part of the International Year of Youth. You’ll need to get in touch by February 23 to book an audition from February 27. Phone Karla Conway on 6248 5057 or email karla@cytc.net THE Queanbeyan Art Society’s first exhibition for 2010 is up at its gallery under the Queanbeyan bridge at 6 Trinculo Place, until February 26, 10am to 1pm, weekdays and weekends. As the title “Anything Goes” suggests, the artworks by society members run the gamut of different media and styles.

CityNews February 18-24 15

arts&entertainment

Wacky but the gods will smile CINEMA

By Dougal Macdonald “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (M) ON film in a 21st century American setting, Rick Riordan’s novel distorts the dramatic narrative respect due to mythical Greek gods.

Boss god Zeus (Sean Bean) and his brothers Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) and Hades (Steve Coogan) are threatening war over possession of Zeus’s missing lightning bolt manifesting his awesome power over the earth. In New York, Poseidon briefs the wise and gentle centaur Cheiron (Pierce Brosnan) about the squabble. Cheiron arranges with Sally (Catherine Keenan) for her dyslexic adolescent son Percy (Logan “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”... the film takes no benefit from its undiscerning Lermon) to enter a training camp that Sally, use of contemporary US cultural values. being mortal, cannot enter. The trainees are the offspring of unions between gods calendar or by any public holiday, rampant returns after so many years. But all is not and humans. Sally shouldn’t have gone mercantilism that flowering plants across as it should be in the family’s country swimming. Poseidon is Percy’s pa. the country await with dread. home.

Percy, Athena’s daughter Annabeth It has a pleasant collection of performThe first half of Joe Johnston’s remake (Alexandra Daddario) and trainee satyr ances. Jessica Biel captured my heart as a of George Waggner’s 1941 pioneering Grover (Brandon T Jackson) set off across PR consultant who annually hosts a party foray into cinematic lycanthropy shows the US to find three pearls that will allow to celebrate loathing of Valentine’s Day. Lawrence’s transformation on the night of them to return from the underworld after Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo every full moon into a ravening beast of finding the bolt and rescuing Sally. play a couple 51 years married suddenly great physical power and terrible antiSo what director Chris Columbus has to confronted with an unwelcome truth. Julia social habits roaming the moors and forest play with are a road movie and scope for Roberts spends most of her screen time killing whatever animal crosses its path awesome special effects to tell a story that, sitting in economy class beside a person– sheep or human, it cares not. for sheer improbability, has few equals. able fellow (Bradley Cooper) on a 14-hour Lawrence dislikes what afflicts him but That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but flight to spend a day’s leave with a special can’t bring himself to stop. His eventual the film takes no benefit from its undisperson whose revelation, while perhaps capture by Inspector Abberline (Hugo cerning use of contemporary US cultural corny, gives a lift to the last act.

Weaving) moves the film from noisy, values.

As a teacher in a relationship with an un- brutish rural violence to a London insane Mildly wacky, it will do nobody any suitable man, Jennifer Garner is as always asylum from which Lawrence escapes to harm, providing modern fantasy spectacle impressive. Ashton Kutcher, never a great do more brutish violence across the city’s more than Greek Mythology 101 (Uma actor, gets no help from the screenplay rooftops.

Thurman is great as Medusa who loses her playing a florist who thinks that because he Lycanthropy as semiotic invention is head too soon). has bought his girl (Jessica Alba) a diamond equally valid to vampirism or Dr FrankAt Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight ring, marriage is inevitable. Anne Hathaway enstein’s monster. Only the quality of selling telephone sex to pay college fees is cinematic production distinguishes every a lot of fun. example from every other. This version “Valentine’s Day” (M) At all Canberra cinemas lacks sparkle and draws out the denoueWITH the cavortings of New Yorkers who ment well beyond its logical moment. believe order will come into their romantic Gwen, aware that there is only one pos“The Wolfman” (MA) lives on February 14, Garry Marshall’s romsible course, faffs about trying to rescue com bears some resemblance to Richard IN 1891, Gwen (Emily Blunt) writes to Lawrence from his awful fate instead Curtis’s “Love Actually”.

Lawrence (Benicio Del Toro) touring the of using Abberline’s revolver and silver Katherine Fugate’s screenplay weaves a US playing Shakespeare to tell him that bullets to release the poor creature from its floral thread into a brash fabric of cultural Ben, her fiancé and his brother, has died in agony and anguish. In 1941, our first view colonialism typical of American movies, horrible circumstances. evoked sympathy. Second and subsequent projecting an air of a publicity campaign Lawrence’s father Sir John (Anthony viewings seem superfluous. for a festival unmarked in the Christian Hopkins) is overjoyed when Lawrence At all Canberra cinemas

16 CityNews February 18-24

arts&entertainment

Where sexy pizzas fly out the door

SERIOUSLY sexy pizzas are flying out the door of a new gourmet pizza bar in Braddon – around 600 one recent Friday night. I wouldn’t have thought this was possible out of such a small space, but it is; testament to the quality and marvellous flavours on offer.

Crust, on Mort Street, has been an instant success – so much so that owners and brothers Peter and Chris Felemegas are installing a second oven to cope with the orders of the customers queuing up outside.

Up to 20 staff make work in the hub of busy Crust operation. Some roll dough, others spike it so it won’t rise too much and, yet others, top the bases with sauces from Crust’s selection of 11 varieties

DINING

By Wendy Johnson (from tomato to bechamel, hoisen and refried bean).

Then there are the five pizza makers creating an amazing array of pizzas using super fresh, locally sourced , tasty ingredients and 100 per cent Australian mozzarella. They do this within view so you can watch the action as you wait for your order.

Clearly I’m not the only one to have discovered the pizzas are well worth waiting for. More than 30 types are on offer roughly divided into traditional,

meat, chicken, seafood, vegetarian and upper crust (rectangular). And Crust is the first pizza outlet in Australia to earn the Heart Foundation tick of approval on (six) selected types. “Yahoo,” say I. My friends and I shared three types. The vegetarian supreme was loaded with chunks of eggplants, fresh basil, locally sourced vegetables and quality bocconcini and was topped with with a decorative spread of a delicate home-made pesto aioli.

Then we tucked into the sausage duo, holding the title “2006 Best Use of Smallgoods National Award”.

Not sure where that title comes from, but it made me order the pizza and there were no regrets.

It was served on a retangular, tomato base and comprised slighlty spicy Italian and Chorizo sausage

and a mix of other tasty goodies.

The grand finale was the Szechuan chilli prawn pizza on a sweet chilli base and made with a generous number of spicy, plump prawns. This delightful pizza had a lovely heat that made its presence known without overstaying its welcome, although it was “too burnie hot” for one of my friends.

Crust is mostly takeaway (a few tables are out front) and delivers (check if you’re in their zone) to some areas. Peter has confirmed they’ll soon be opening in Belconnen and then later in Kingston (next six months).

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, 34 Mort Street, Saturday-Wednesday, 4pm till late and Thursday-Friday from noon till late. Call 6262 6657 or order online.

The Moo, live and proud of it

By Eleri Harris CANBERRA is set to shudder and shake on May 9 with the arrival of Australia’s only touring regional music festival, Groovin’ the Moo. Occupying the same space as the famous Stonefest, Groovin’ the Moo promoter Stephen Halpin says the pitstop is the product of a proposal by the University of Canberra.

“We had looked at coming to Canberra before, but this year we were informally approached by UC interested in hosting a show.

“They wanted something in the first half of the year to pair up with Stonefest and thought we should combine forces.

“There are not a lot of festivals in Canberra in May and the population of Canberra kind of suits our model.”

Headlined by international indi acts Tegan and Sara, Vampire Weekend and Spoon, not to mention Aussie rock royalty Silverchair, Groovin’ the Moo will have three stages, including a dance tent to fit 5000 and a double D stage to rival the Big Day Out. Halpin says they’re hoping for 10,000 festival goers, but can go up to 15,000.

Melbourne band British India are Stonefest alumni, but have never before played Groovin’ the Moo, now in its fifth year.

Lead singer Declan Melia is pumped to be playing Canberra, arguing that, as a one-day festival, Groovin’ the Moo is a great opportunity for bands

Melbourne band British India... Playing Groovin’’ the Moo. to perform in front of larger crowds here.

“It’s such a good idea to have a tour like this to rival something like the Big Day Out, that rolls across the country crushing everything in its wake,” he says.

“I take pity on your fair city because there aren’t too many live venues where people can play, which I don’t understand because Canberra is well positioned and full of kids. The kids should storm the bastille of music licencing!”

Melia promises a “marble cake of past and present” songs, with new album “Avalanche” hitting music stores on April 3.

“It [‘Avalanche’] has got the loud and fast stuff that British India made a name with and pop songs that girls seem to like.”

British India join the line up with Empire of the Sun, Grinspoon, Lisa Mitchell, Miami Horror, Kischasey, Bag Raiders, Muph and Plutonic, Illy and more.

For the full Groovin’ the Moo line up head to www.gtm.net.au/canberra tickets are on sale now.

CityNews February 18-24 17

reviews

Merciless, coarse and funny COARSE, merciless and very funny, The Wharf Revue has come to the ACT for the first time in its 16-year history with “Pennies from Kevin”.

Billed by the theatre as coming “home to Canberra”, it takes the scalpel to politicians the world over, not just here. Scriptwriterperformers Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott leave no hostages behind in ridiculing everybody from the Prime Minister to the Pope.

Canberra audiences are political specialists, and while a controversial anti-Israeli spoof on the number “Tradition” from “Fiddler on the Roof” was applauded, a cruel depiction by Forsythe of public servant Godwin Grech as Tolkien’s Gollum elicited an uneasy reaction.

Not so “La Dolce Big Eater,” the Wharf team’s romp through Silvio Berlusconi’s palazzo with a

REVUE

“The Wharf Revue: Pennies from Kevin,” at the Playhouse, closed February 13, return season March 11-13. Reviewed by Helen Musa larger-than-life Amanda Vanstone (newcomer to the team Virginia Gay) and the Pope – that had even the Catholics laughing.

Another slightly dodgy gambit was the depiction of Sydney personality Bob Ellis as a latter-day Samuel Pepys. A good deal of this focused on NSW politics and may have gone over the heads of younger audience members. A skit on the Democrats in heaven was full of hit and miss jokes, whereas the vaudeville style “Kevin Potter and the Lower Chamber of Secrets” found the target every time.

Locals shine in ‘Rain’ MUSICAL

“Singin’ in the Rain”. Free-Rain Theatre Company. The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until february 27. Reviewed by Bill Stephens “SINGIN’ In The Rain”, packed with tuneful songs, catchy dance numbers and lovely costumes, tells the story of the birth of talking pictures through the experiences of two stars of the silent era, Lina Lamont and Don Lockwood.

Lexie Sekuless almost steals the show with her masterful performance as Lina Lamont, creating a character who is glamorous, wonderfully funny and rather moving.

Adrian Flor and Tim Sekuless are a winning team, as the handsome Hollywood star, Don Lockwood, and his ex-dancing partner, Cosmo Brown. Both have good voices and fine stage presence, and pull off some astonishing dance routines with panache. A pity therefore that Hannah Ley as Cathy, Tim Sekuless (centre) they spoil otherwise excellent performances as Cosmo and Adrian Flor as Don. by overacting. Hanna Ley brings intelligence Photo by Captured Moments Photography and warmth to her role as the aspiring actress, Kathy Selden, singing well and dancing beautifully, despite an unflattering hairstyle filmed sequences, the work of Dallas Bland, and costumes. add immeasurably to the proceedings.

A large orchestra, conducted by Ian It’s a credit to director Anne Somes, her McLean, recovered from a scratchy overture, production team, and large cast, that despite to provide excellent backing for the many limited resources, Free Rain have been able clever musical sequences choreographed to achieve such an attractive and entertaining

by Annette Sharpe, and a series of hilarious production of this delightful musical.

Dazzling hour of feminine power

18 CityNews February 18-24

AN elegant red and gold setting, hung with Chinese lanterns, provides the perfect environment for a series of superbly performed, beautifully costumed vignettes, more performance art than burlesque, with each act suggesting intriguing, hidden meanings.

I’m not sure I got all those meanings, but I was impressed by the incredible skills of Jess Love and her ditzy hula-hoop girl, and by both her trapeze turns. Yumi Umiumare enchanted with her lovely “Hebi Onna”, in which, gracefully removing layers of Japanese kimonos, she reveals calligraphy decorating her body.

The sinuous undulations of Moira Finucane mesmerised, as black liquid from balloons held above her head, traced patterns on her naked body.

Azaria Universe captivated, clad only in a huge pearl necklace and platform shoes, patiently responding to repeated commands to “turn around” during “Total Eclipse of the Heart”,

BURLESQUE

“The Burlesque Hour”. The Street Theatre, Until February 20. Reviewed by Bill Stephens and Maude Davies intrigued with her gorilla, which, when stripped of its skin, becomes even more animalistic.

Toni Lamond, a genuine theatrical legend, accompanied by Peter J. Casey on piano, added lustre and drew cheers for her three appearances, which effortlessly demonstrated exactly why she is so revered.

Provocative? Lewd? Confronting? Subversive?

Silly? “The Burlesque Hour” is probably all of these things, and while not everyone’s cup of tea, for the adventurous, it offers a beautifully produced and performed presentation which challenges perceptions of femininity in a way that is exciting, thought-provoking, and above all, entertaining.

scene

More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews

At ‘Pennies from Kevin’ opening, The Playhouse

At the Pol Roger Bar, National Gallery of Australia

Crystal Ja, Sophie Horgan and Melody Broome

Kara Martin and Skye Rogers

Alex and Melissa Pinfield

Amanda East, Emma Collien and Anne McMillen

MLA Joy Burch and Debbie Richards

Anne and John Moten

Jake Cussen, Matt Campbell and Kate Russell

Alex Coble and Mils Achi

Melissa Dunphy, Ivan Slavich, Mark Dunphy, Omania Terry and Robert Leticq

Eddie Glavinic and Anthony Tokich

Marietta Rudolf and Melissa Moss

Anneliese McClelland, Gabriella Marsh, Wesley Perrott, Cameron Warren, Jacqueline Michel and Melanie Dodd

CityNews February 18-24 19

fashion

Rockatansky tote, $699, Mimco.

20 CityNews February 18-24

Big is best for bags Oroton Maison

By Kathryn Vukovljak leather tote, BIGGER is better when it comes to bags this $695, David season – but it’s all about classic design, says Jones. stylist Jenny Kozlow.

“Large, roomy tote bags are very in,” says Jenny. “We’re moving away from tiny bags that you can barely fit a lipstick in.

“The demand now is for functional bags with space for everything.”

Jenny says that fashion has moved on from the decorative, statement “it” bag.

“It’s more about the shoes now - they are the starting point, and the bag has to co-ordinate with them,” she says.

“We’re also seeing large, stylish totes used as baby bags by trendy mums,” Jenny adds. “They look great and you’d never guess there were bottles and nappies inside.”

The look for autumn/ winter is a structured tote in earthy shades of taupe, grey, berry and black, she says.

The man bag is becoming more popular, too, she says. “It’s a practical idea and many designs look great – very cool,” she says. “Men have to carry lots of things around, too!”

Hannah tote in olive, Chains flower design, $139, Nine West. $52.45, Bags To Go.

Armani black man bag, $299, Ken Cook Menswear.

Black/Grey canvas tote, $119, French Connection.

Black briefcase, $549, Bugatti.

CityNews February 18-24 21

Jamison Plaza

Eat more, weigh less WITH interest rates increasing, and a fixed rate that is potentially off-putting to buyers, owner of Priority One Mortgages Craig Russell says it’s vital that people have the right mortgage – “to make every single dollar work for them”.

Based in Jamison Plaza since November 2007, Craig says that Priority One strives to give the most honest advice possible.

“We believe in honesty, and it brings people back to us,” he says. “We might say, ‘look, you’re not there now, but if you put this strategy in place then you would be able to afford this property in a year’. And a year later they’re back with us.”

Many people don’t even know what their mortgage rate is, or what functions it has that aren’t being utilised, Craig says.

“Whether you’re an investor, a home owner, a first-time buyer or a business, we can offer the right financing to help you build your future,” he says.

“I like the feeling of being the local broker,” he adds. “I’m a Belconnen man through and through, so I really know the area and I’m happy being based at Jamison.

“I know my clients well – personal contact is a great way to work, to find out what they want and why, then we can work out how to get it for them, if it’s possible.

“In the future I’d like to see us expand and diversify, perhaps aiming for a new commercial premises here.”

THE secret to weight loss is to stimulate the metabolism by increasing calorie intake – you just have to eat the right things, says Melissa Turner, co-owner of Curves Jamison Plaza.

“We offer weight management classes that are completely free – for both members and non-members,” says Melissa.

“The focus is on tuning up the metabolism, showing people how to eat well and healthily, but also to increase their calorific intake while still losing weight.

“We promote a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.”

Curves Weight Management classes provide information, recipes, ongoing support and regular weigh-ins.

The gym provides a complete cardio and strength training workout in just 30 minutes, says Melissa.

With a system of hydraulic machines that can help members burn up to 500 calories and work every major muscle group.

Unit 12/1, Bowman Street, Jamison Plaza. Call 6251 0555 or email reception@priorityonemortgages.com.au.

Curves, 8-10 Bowman Street, Jamison Plaza. Call 6251 1111.

Honesty best policy

22 CityNews February 18-24

advertising feature

The bank that keeps it local

Macquarie 2614

Shop D05, Bowman Street 8-10 Bowman Street

Unit 12/1, Bowman Street

Map from Goolge Maps.

CUSTOMER service and keeping it local is the name of the game, says John McLellan, manager of Bendigo Bank in Jamison Plaza.

“We have a clear focus on our clients – we know everyone by name and aim to solve any problems on-site,” he says.

Bendigo Bank has a real sincerity to it, he adds, and says that they are very happy to be located in Jamison Plaza.

“I’m here on-site all the time and I always encourage people to come and talk to myself or another member of staff if they need anything – anything at all,” he says.

“We don’t have a call centre in Bombay – we’re right here. Plus with easy parking just outside, our customers can be in and out in no time at all.”

John says that Bendigo Bank has a broad range of banking products, including competitive home loans and credit card offers.

“We have everything you need to help you achieve your financial goals,” he says.

Shop D05, Bowman Street, Jamison Plaza. Call 6253 0088.

TOP PRIZES FOR TOP READERS A CLASS ABOVE Enjoy the Black Opal from the members’ stand! 10x2 passes worth $150 each.

+

MONEY CAN’T BUY 3 VIP passenger seats in the Royal Show stunt team driving display.

DVDs and concert tickets

– all waiting to be won at citynews.com.au/competitions

CityNews February 18-24 23

home

Timber for top deck “RAW or finished, decorative or structural, hardwood timber decking continues to be a popular choice for the backyard,” says Jamie Durie, horticulturalist and landscape designer.

The fact that timber is still such a soughtafter material for the garden has a lot to do with its versatility.

Timber offers a never-ending number of design options for the garden, making it suitable not only for decking and structural

use, but also for creative and innovative designs.

Gazebos and pergolas can add European flavour to the garden, decorated with colourful summer flowers for a vibrant aesthetic.

Timber tabletops and seating make a striking design statement while screens made from decking are both functional and add a contemporary feel to the modern garden.

“Timber is a truly versatile product, lending itself to a wide variety of outdoor

applications,” says Jamie. “I particularly enjoy using timber decking because of the natural warmth that it brings. Plus it feels great under bare feet.”

Timber also delivers environmental benefits. Timber products are carbon positive, storing carbon which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

Timber is a reusable product so that at the end of its life, instead of being wasted it can be turned into a new wood product.

Timber... lending itself to a variety of outdoor applications.

24 CityNews February 18-24

health&fitness

Build core strength to improve wellbeing

By Kathryn Vukovljak PILATES improves strength and muscle tone throughout the body, particularly the core – the muscles that connect the ribcage and the pelvis – leading to a flatter tummy, better movement of joints and improving stability and balance, says Catherine Lucas, Pilates teacher and owner/ founder of Lucas Studios in Gungahlin.

“People generally don’t really know what Pilates is all about,” says Catherine. “It’s often thought to be similar to yoga, but it couldn’t be more different.

“Yoga is all about flexibility, although there’s no real need to be flexible. There’s no health benefit to it.

“In Pilates, we talk about mobility – strong muscles and ligaments will help you in all aspects of your life, whether you’re an elite athlete or just want to feel better in yourself.”

Pilates consists of a series of body-conditioning exercises that focus on integrating mind and body, with attention given to the core muscles and the pelvic floor.

“Increasing control of the pelvic floor muscles is important for women, particularly following childbirth and as we get older, this is an area that is often in need of greater control and strength,” she says.

“But the exercises are just as

Instructor Catherine Lucas... Pilates “suits anyone, of any age or level of fitness.” beneficial to men.”

Catherine, who is also a personal trainer, says Pilates is essential to any fitness program because the exercises it prescribes promote correct posture and improved overall stability and mobility.

“Almost everyone has something slightly ‘off’ about their posture,” she says. “We all have a natural point in the spine where it is correctly aligned, and Pilates can help you develop an awareness of that, which is the first step to correcting any imbalances.

“It teaches efficient body

movements and breathing techniques which lead to lower stress levels, increase breathing capacity and give an overall sense of well being.”

The most important thing to bear in mind is that it’s not about weight loss, says Catherine. “Pilates is more to do with reducing the risk of back pain and injury, increasing mobility and working on those deep internal abdominal muscles that are so important for good posture,” she says.

“It can change your life, make you feel stronger – and it has a remedial aspect, too. But it has to work alongside a cardiovascular fitness regime if weight loss is your goal.”

Catherine says that Pilates is gentle, low-impact and highly effective. “It suits anyone, of any age or level of fitness,” she says. “I’ve worked with everyone from elite athletes to pregnant and post-natal women and older people.”

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26 CityNews February 18-24

general knowledge crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1 To quickly descend a vertical cliff, etc by a rope or harness is to what?

8 What is another term for repugnance?

9 What is a crude representation of a person?

10 Name the passages taken out of a book or the like.

11 What is the froth made for shaving?

12 Name the capital of Fiji.

13 Which deep, water-filled trenches surround some castles?

16 What is another term for the amount produced?

19 What is a mausoleum?

21 Which word describes an instrumentality?

22 Name the Australian bush scene artist (1855-1917), Frederick...

23 What are handsome flowers and also parts of the eye?

24 Which alternative term describes violinists?

25 To be walking long distances for pleasure is to be doing what?

1

2

No.249

3

2 Name a lofty granite mountain near Bright Vic? 3 What is an attributive tag such as in Alexander "the great"?

4 What is another word for strata?

5 Which main road, usually divided, is clear of intersections?

6 To engage in argument is to what?

7 Name an aromatic seed used in medicine, cooking, etc.

13 To treat a dead body by embalming and drying, is to do what?

14 What is an alligator pear?

15 What is a short rough growth of beard?

17 Name an artificially prepared floor for a particular type of skating.

18 Which term describes a church desk from which lessons are read?

20 To expel one from a country is to what?

Solution next week

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5

6

7

8

11 12 15

16

19

17

18

Your natural inclination is to rush relationships. This week, the Moon joins up with retro Mars in your love zone, so you need to slow down and reflect on how you can improve on previous partnerships. And be extra diplomatic with friends, otherwise you’re likely to say the wrong thing at the wrong time – to the wrong person.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Thursday is your pick of the week as you reach out to a wide range of friends and acquaintances, and enjoy exchanging news and gossip.

Are there family ‘issues’ that you’ve been avoiding? Now is the time to face them. Going over old emotional ground is needed before you can move forward with confidence and ease.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Your Gemini gift of the gab is in full flight this week; as you talk, chatter, converse and gossip up a storm. Don’t get too carried away though. If you pass on unverified ‘news’ you could end up with egg on your face! Make sure you complete unfinished projects before you launch into exciting new fields.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) Money matters look confusing this week Cancer. Loved ones have their own agendas and you’ll need to keep them up-to-date with your plans otherwise there could be misunderstandings. When dealing with financial transactions, make sure you do all your homework in order to avoid problems further down the track.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) You are usually so sensible that a dose of Jupiter’s boldness and Neptune’s escapism is just what the doctor ordered. It’s time to look to the future and dream big dreams. Your quote for the week is from Elizabeth Taylor (born on February 27): “There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”

20 21

22 23

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

25

Choose your companions wisely. True friends will bring love and lucky opportunities into your life, whereas fair-weather friends will lead you up the primrose path to trouble. Saturn is urging you to distinguish between the serious and the superfluous – don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked from what’s really important.

24

Sudoku hard No.25

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Avoid jumping to conclusions this week, Cats! Close relationships will be complicated and confusing so tread carefully. What others say won’t necessarily be what they mean so don’t take things too literally.

And don’t blur the lines between fact and fiction – especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

10

14

With Joanne Madeline Moore February 22 - 28

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

9

13

your week in the stars

Solution next week

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21) Sexy? Sultry? Seductive? You’re a Scorpio, so tick all of the above. But this week, add ‘secretive’ to the list. You’re keen to do your own thing in your own way and time, without the interference of others. You’re more sociable on Sunday, as positive Moon/Pluto aspects boost your ability to win friends and influence people.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Your sunny Sagittarian smile and sense of humor will take you far this week. You’re also in the mood to lavish time, attention and money on loved ones. Encourage those around you to reach their goals, as you are inspired by the words of birthday great Steve Irwin (born on February 22): “Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) It’s not a good time to make major financial decisions, purchases or investments. You’re usually financially frugal but impulse buys and extravagant spending are a danger this week (as are unrealistic expectations). So make sure your goals are grounded in reality – and leave your credit card at home!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Solution Crossword No.248 W B E P I N E A L D A I C O N V E X W E I E R R C R U S T S O N O M I L E P O I U M C O C K A T A K S L A Y E T T

S O T O MM U R MM I S S T I S T C A O O M A E S

E R A N I M N E N A T I R B A A G N S

I C O T Y O N T E U S R A N A I U M M

Solution Sudoku medium No.25

Is a current partnership going nowhere? Avoid making any drastic decisions just yet. Allow time for reflection – maybe the relationship can be resuscitated and renewed? You’ll find there’s a fine line between fact and fantasy (especially on Sunday) so use your Aquarian acumen to work out which is which.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) You’re in the mood to help the sick or disadvantaged through charity projects or volunteer work. Your career seems stalled but hang in there – a change of direction is coming from March 11 onwards.

Sunday’s stars will boost your confidence and creative output, so don’t waste the opportunity to display your numerous talents.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

CityNews February 18-24 27

property

McGrath gets foothold into north Canberra LOCAL businessman and real-estate agent Craig Chapman is spearheading the launch of Sydneybased residential real estate group, McGrath Estate Agents into the ACT. He has opened the north Canberra-based McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin, the first of three regional franchise offices for the ACT. John McGrath, chief executive of McGrath, said: “Our overall strategy is to move into areas that have a geographical synergy with Sydney where we can add maximum value. There is a strong flow of buyers between Sydney and the ACT and our existing operations will enable highly effective cross-promotion of ACT homes.”

Mr Chapman said the Canberra market had weathered the global financial crisis well due to its strong jobs market and thriving private sector fuelled by IT, defence, construction and education.

“Canberra is in a unique and positive position,” he said.

“Tight supply fuels strong demand and Gungahlin is a relatively new region with all housing types from $1.5 million, grand-scale homes on the waterfront or golf course estates to a thriving apartment market with entry opportunities from $260,000.

“It’s one of the fastest growing areas in the country and is currently home to over 35,000 people. When fully established, the Gungahlin region will account for 100,000 residents.

“We’re seeing heavy investment from the Government and major developers such as Delfin LendLease and Macquarie in Gungahlin, so much

28 CityNews February 18-24

Craig Chapman (left) with McGrath Real Estate Agents principal John McGrath. so that the emerging land supply in our region represents 65 per cent of the ACT’s total land supply program over the next five years.

“It’s Canberra’s new region of choice for home buyers.”

Mr Chapman has a background in property marketing and consulting in the communications and advertising industries. As a sales agent, he spent four years with Elders Gungahlin.

Also joining Mr Chapman is Justin Taylor, who has sold more property in Gungahlin than any other agent and holds the records for Amaroo and Higgins, and new homes and developments specialist, Adam Jones.

McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin is located at Level 1, The G, 46-50 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin.

Call 6123 8000.

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