Canberra CityNews May 20 - 26, 2010

CityNews May 20-26

CityNews May 20-26

news

Tree fears as funds lopped THE ACT Government has failed to follow up its commitment to the Urban Forest Renewal Program with funding deferred in the 2010-11 “Budget For Our Growing City” – and Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur is expressing concern the politically unpopular program will be quietly dumped.

“The Government explained quite well at the beginning of the program that the trees in Canberra are aging and dying,” she says.

“It was going to be $12 million put in for the urban forest renewal and it hasn’t, it’s been deferred for four years. It’s been reduced to a quarter of what it was going to be.

“But what they said is still the case; the trees are just getting a year older and if Canberra is to continue to be the bush capital we love, we need to look after our urban forests. We don’t want to see it postponed.”

The Urban Forest Renewal Program was put on hold last year following public outcry over its community consultation process, prompting an investigation by Environment Commissioner Maxine Cooper.

Cooper told the “CityNews” that the “Investigation into the Government’s tree management practices and the renewal of Canberra’s urban forest” had received 46 “robust” submissions and would be reporting back to the Government in late June.

“We are engaging with the community, trees are very important to the Canberra community,” Cooper says.

“We have to look at where the city might be going in the future – we hope to integrate trees, we don’t want to trade them off.”

TAMS executive director Fay Steward says the recommendations of Cooper’s investigation

INDEX May 20-26, 2010

Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 20

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

25-28 29 30 28 30 24 26 3-12 12 31-39 13-14 30

FRONT COVER: Red Shield Appeal volunteer Chelsea Buckley, story Page 10.

Photo by Silas.

Despite the ACT Budget spin, when it comes to “Our Growing City”, growing trees, it seems, doesn’t cut it this year.

ELERI HARRIS finds out why would directly inform the way trees are managed in the capital.

“The urban forest is so important to the identity of Canberra, there’s all sorts of things we can do to prolong tree life and quality,” she says.

“Removing a tree is an absolute last resort.

“The Urban Forest Renewal Program was only put on pause until such time as the commissioner finishes her review. We will review the program in light of her report.”

But without funding, the Urban Forest Renewal Program cannot go ahead, regardless of the Commissioner’s recommendations, and Chief Minister Stanhope has said it’s easier to close a school in Canberra than to cut down a tree.

“The program has been deferred until the commissioner’s report has been received and its recommendations considered,” Stanhope told “CityNews”.

“In the meantime, the Government has allocated significant funding over the next year ($1 million for 10/11) to undertake a tree audit to help us manage and better understand the existing urban forest; plant and water new trees in gaps in the landscape; as well as remove hazardous trees.

“Future funding will be determined in response to the audit results and the commission-

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comment

There’s room but no view With Canberra to kick in $100 million of a $237 million stadium if Australia wins the right to host the FIFA World Cup, TIM GAVEL explains why multi-purpose venues are bad news for some spectators

The ACT’s ageing trees... “If Canberra is to continue to be the bush capital we love, we need to look after our urban forests,” says Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur. Photo by Silas er’s report as part of the 2011/12 ACT Budget.”

The Greens say this isn’t good enough and Le Couteur wants the Government to act on the commissioner’s report as soon as it is released.

“The consultations have momentum already.

From a public point of view, the program has started. If we stop now the momentum will be lost.

If the Government says for the next four years we won’t really do anything, the momentum that has started with the consultation, the conversation the commissioner has started, will stop.”

The ACT Greens will use the Budget estimates process to grill the Government over the Urban Forest Renewal Program in upcoming weeks.

WATCHING rugby league, rugby union and soccer at Stadium Australia in Sydney is akin to watching a game from a hot-air balloon. It’s thrilling, but you can’t really distinguish much.

In the main stands, you are so far from the action that it is often difficult to discern the players, let alone get into the game.

Part of the problem is that it is a multipurpose, oval-shaped ground that caters for AFL and cricket then uses retractable seating for rugby union, league and soccer to bring spectators closer to the action. Because of the retractable seating, the main grandstands are a long way from the playing field.

It’s the same problem when trying to watch union, league and soccer at the MCG or at Subiaco Oval in Perth; it just doesn’t work.

That is the reason why the Western Force moved their home games to a far inferior facility, but at least it was a rectangle. It brought the spectators closer to the players rather than being in the distance, as was the case at Subiaco.

Continued Page 4

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Political reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618493 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 May 20-26

news

Humphries hobbled by Libs’ job ‘prejudice’ PUBLIC service jobs. It’s the key to keeping Canberra’s constituency happy Budget-wise, but when no one outside the capital cares about bureaucrats and less than half the city’s population are Government employees, what’s all the fuss about?

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s budget-in-reply speech clearly indicated disdain for Canberra’s public service, promising to cut 12,000 jobs over two years.

Unfortunately, cuts to public service jobs was exactly what ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries ticked off the Government for in the aftermath of the Budget, before Abbott got a word in.

“The thing that worries me most about this Budget is that it looks mostly like business as

The Budget got the campaign ball rolling but the Federal Opposition Leader’s promise to cut public sevice jobs has put Liberal Senator Gary Humphries between a rock and a hard place, reports ELERI HARRIS usual, but there’s a dark cloud looming over it,” Humphries had said.

“There are serious job cuts in a number of areas, it’s not explained in the Budget why those cuts have been made.

“Canberra will end up being the place where the cuts will take place because of the public service jobs here.”

ANU Crawford School of Economics and

Government Prof Norman Abjorensen told “CityNews” that Humphries is in a difficult position as a Liberal in Canberra – with the party willing to sacrifice his constituents for an ideological stance in favour of small government.

“Canberra is a Labor stronghold, the Liberals have got nothing to lose,” Abjornesen said.

“There’s always going to be a battle from the left, being a Liberal senator in the ACT is always going to be hard.”

“Abbott’s Budget reply is a populist attempt to plug into pre-existing prejudice against bureaucrats, but conventional wisdom on that no longer applies. It’s misleading because the private sector feeds entirely off the public sector.”

ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy argues that in Canberra the two are interconnected.

“The headline issue for Canberra is always the size of the public service.

“The public sector worries about it, because

it’s their jobs, and the private sector worries about it because it’s like a ballast for our security and provides as a buffer for the economic ups and downs as well as the direct business opportunities offered with the public sector.”

“The Liberals have a habit of talking up the public sector job losses in a scare campaign and for the third Budget running we’re not seeing that. The Labor Government is not about slash and burn of the public sector that the Howard Government was in their first term.”

But when cutting public service jobs is exactly what they’re proposing, Humphries is between a rock and a hard place.

NSW Labor MP for Eden-Monaro, Dr Mike Kelly, has said Abbott’s proposed public service cuts would be an “absolute kick in the guts” not just for the ACT, but for the greater Canberra region.

“Queanbeyan and the ACT are an interlinked economy. Thousands of people cross the border to work every day. This massive job cut of 12,000 public service jobs is all going to be be a kick in the guts. That’s 12,000 families we’re talking about.

“There is no analysis in this, we’re very fortunate that the Budget has kept our region out of the recession. It’s a responsible Budget.”

There’s room but no view

From Page 3 venue to be built in Canberra, if Australia wins The crowd’s remoteness from the play is the right to host the World Cup in either 2018 the reason the Broncos moved from their or 2022. former ground which was built for the ComOne of the proposals is for a multi-purpose monwealth Games; it was essentially a circular stadium with retractable seating at the Bruce athletics track. The Melbourne Storm and precinct, catering for all codes of football the Melbourne Rebels will play at a purposeand cricket. I can see the financial logic. The built rectangular stadium.

Commonwealth owns the Bruce Docklands is great for AFL but sporting precinct and they It has the mediocre for union, league would be responsible for much potential to and soccer. of the funding to build a new There seems to be a move facility, so why not make it a be a disaster for away from playing these multi-purpose ground? union, league games on AFL and cricket AFL and cricket facilities need and soccer grounds. to be brought up to standard, Soccer, league and union with Manuka needing lighting home teams need the boost from a parochial and more covered seating. This is required if crowd and the crowd needs to be close to the the push by Greater Western Sydney to play action. up to four AFL games a year comes off, as well It was a problem when rugby union and as the possibility that Cricket Australia may league experimented with Manuka Oval. award Canberra a 20/20 franchise.

Portable seating was brought on when From this point of view, it makes sense the Kookaburras, the Vikings and the ACT because the ACT Government would be spared played union matches and people in the main the cost of major renovations to Manuka and grandstands were a long way from the action. improvements to Canberra Stadium.

The lack of atmosphere when league, union But unless it could be proven that spectaand soccer are played on AFL and cricket tors in the main grandstand at the multi-purgrounds should be taken into account when pose facility would be just as close as they are the ACT Government, the Commonwealth now, it has the potential to be a disaster for and the World Cup bid committee look at the union, league and soccer.

CityNews May 20-26

CityNews May 20-26

the gadfly

Builders: Why won’t anyone bell the cat?

HERE’S a good rule of thumb: never trust a builder.

The Federal Government has certainly learned that lesson – to its cost – in the last 12 months.

First came the shonks in the ceiling insulation business. Peter Garrett made the mistake of thinking he could rely on the honesty and decency of people in the trade and it cost him his career. Sure, he’s still in the Cabinet but it will be years – if ever – before he recovers from the damage to his reputation by the tradies who turned a genuinely good idea into a PR disaster for the Government.

Then some of their equally disreputable colleagues tried it on in the massive school-building program. There they had a tougher overseer in Julia Gillard who built in several layers of oversight to identify the rip-off merchants. But even then, there were enough to cause some embarrassment.

It’s pathetic, really. Apparently there’s something about the building industry that attracts the con men and lowlifes of society. And while the Rudd Government has suffered, the truth is that the real scandal can be sheeted home to its predecessor. For it was the Coalition under John Howard that introduced the GST;

CityNews May 20-26

What is it about the building industry that attracts the con men and lowlifes, wonders ROBERT MACKLIN? and that has turned almost every builder in the land into a serial lawbreaker.

Just ask anyone who has had a building job done in the years since that wretched, regressive tax was introduced. They will all tell you: “There is one price ‘on the books’ and another for cash-in-hand.”

Even before the GST became law, there were a minority of building tradesmen who tried to avoid tax by giving a “special deal” for cash. But according to my friends in high places, the GST opened the floodgates. And the massive home-renovation boom over the past few years has created a “black economy” that is not only costing the public purse billions, it is bringing the law of the land into disrespect.

So, why has no one been prepared to bell the cat? Where are the whistleblowers from within the industry? Where are the fearless investigative journalists from the mainstream media? Perhaps they themselves are compromised. Maybe the practice is so widespread that no one wants to wake the sleeping giant.

So in the absence of a major inquiry, what’s to be done?

Here are three suggestions. They won’t eradicate the problem but they will go some way to minimising it.

First, a government campaign explaining that this law-breaking is not part of the good old traditional Aussie response to authority; it’s just cheating your mates.

Second, a stronger attempt to police building contracts and practices.

And third, the introduction of an ethical component to building trade apprenticeships. I appreciate that this one is a particularly radical step. Most building tradesmen in my experience take their “ethics” from whichever shock jock can be found on the radio dial of their district.

And they spread the word by playing it loud enough for the entire neighbourhood to share.

At least with them it’s worth a try. Their colleagues reckon “ethics” are foreigners... as in “bunch of bloody ethics”.

I guess for them, that’s about right.

CityNews May 20-26

news

Quick! Call an ambulance, says lucky Grahame Morris The laid-back, legendary former political adviser to Prime Minister John Howard finds himself uncomfortably the centre of attention. He tells KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK why “MY heart attack was in October,” Grahame Morris, tells me cheerfully. “It was a good one, too, as much as they can be.

“I was meeting Mickey Mouse and riding Space Mountain by Christmas.”

Flippant he may sound, but the former adviser to John Howard knows he was one of the lucky ones.

“The pain in my chest was unbearable. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” he says.

Knowing the warning signs and taking quick action is the key message of the Heart Foundation’s new campaign, “Will you recognise your heart attack?”

Grahame says he’d had no symptoms, but woke at four one morning with what he thought was heartburn.

“I did everything I usually do for heartburn, but it didn’t work,” he says. “Then something must have shifted because I went back to sleep.

I woke at 7am in severe pain, hot, sweaty, nauseous but, typical me, I got dressed for work!”

His wife Bronwyn thought it might be something more serious, and drove him to hospital.

Halfway there the pain became very severe, he says. “I was doubled over in agony, and that was the point when I realised I should have called an ambulance.

“If I’d been in an ambulance they would have been able to diagnose me and given me care on the way there, but we had no one to talk to.”

Grahame admits that, for a laid-back guy, he was pretty stressed when he got to the hospital.

“But the Canberra Hospital was magnificent,” he says. “A small army marched out to look after me, and they whacked in a stent and I was fine.”

Heart disease kills 500 people each year in the ACT and both Grahame and the Heart Foundation emphasise the importance of seek-

The warning signs PAIN, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of the upper body (chest, neck, jaw, arm(s), shoulder(s) or back) in combination with other symptoms of nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold sweat. People who have had a heart attack have described a feeling of being generally unwell or “not quite right”.

CityNews May 20-26

Grahame Morris... “Heartburn could be a heart attack, so don’t muck about. At worst, if it’s not a heart attack you’ll feel like a bit of a goose.”

Photo by Silas ing medical advice if you’re experiencing any symptoms at all.

“Err on the side of caution and call an ambulance,” says Grahame. “Heartburn could be a heart attack, so don’t muck about. At worst, if it’s not a heart attack you’ll feel like a bit of a goose, but if not you’re dead for a long time.”

Before the heart attack, Grahame admits he never exercised and wasn’t careful about what he “stuffed in his mouth”.

Grahame, who has two grown-up children and 11-year-old twins, says he and Bronwyn are more conscious about what they cook at home now, and the size of the meals they eat.

“Now, if I’m having a roll for lunch, I’ll have avocado on it instead of butter. Just little things like that.

“And at 6.30am, I’m out, walking around with my white labradoodle, who has never known such joy.

“Thoroughout my political career I’ve always been pretty relaxed, and I thought heart attacks were for people who have high blood pressure and are stressed out,” he says.

“It just goes to show, you don’t have to be ruddy-faced, 15-stone and chomping on pies to have a heart attack.”

Heart Foundation ACT CEO Tony Stubbs agrees.

“Seeking help by calling 000 for an ambulance may not only save your life but quick treatment will also reduce the amount of damage to your heart and therefore the amount of disability suffered,” he says.

For further information go to www.heartfoundation.org.au or call our heart health information service on 1300 36 27 87.

news

Court out: Why Corbell’s cheap justice won’t work THE ACT Government has dismayed trial lawyers by its announcement in the Budget, without consultation, that it will establish a “virtual” District Court.

The Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, proudly described the proposal as “an Australian first”, which will address the serious delays in the Supreme Court.

The proposal seems to have only one advantage. The Government thinks it will avoid the cost of appointing an additional Supreme Court judge, of some $820,000 per year.

In reality, it is likely to add substantially to the costs of the Government and litigants alike.

This is because the proposal involves the appointment of two of the current magistrates on part-time commissions to the District Court.

Canberra legal identity RIC LUCAS says the ACT Government’s decision to create a ‘virtual’ District Court creates more problems than it solves Hence the tag “virtual” District Court. It is just the Magistrate’s Court under a different name.

However, the new name is a political necessity because magistrates have never before conducted jury trials. Nor should they.

The current ACT magistrates are capable lawyers, and as good as any magistracy in the country. But so far as I know, none apart from the chief magistrate has ever conducted a jury trial, whether as counsel or presiding. I understand that none of them has any significant jury experience in the last 15 years.

So while the ACT’s new District Court judges learn on the job, the community is likely to suffer

the delays and expense of numerous appeals.

The reality is that high-level legal skills and experience are in short supply. To secure such talent, particularly with experience in jury trials, the ACT should not be looking for a cheap solution.

It is notable that neither Tasmania nor the NT have opted to introduce a District Court and in no jurisdiction in Australia has the Government announced it will appoint its District Court judges from the current magistrates. This is indeed an Australian “first”, as Mr Corbell has put it.

There is a significant risk that the creation of a District Court staffed by magistrates will diminish the role of the Supreme Court. In the last four

years, the ACT Supreme Court listed 418 criminal trials, according to the ACT Government. Of these, only 16 involved offences, which in NSW would have been heard in the Supreme Court.

Those who care nothing for quality of justice and focus only on cost are sure to press for more and more part-time District Court judges.

There is value for the Supreme Court and the community in having at least four Supreme Court judges. It would be undesirable if the creation of a “District Court-lite” allowed the ACT Government to take us back to the days when there were only one or two resident ACT Supreme Court judges.

The ”virtual” District Court should not become a reality.

Ric Lucas is a principal of the Canberra legal firm Colquhoun and Murphy.

Go on, give us a kiss Mate, I love you... mateship was in the air when the snapper turned up at Tidbinbilla’s Eucalypt Forest enclosure on a routine assignment: Go take a photo of two three-year-old male koalas that had arrived from SA’s Cleland Wildlife Park. The koalas scampered into their new integration enclosure and although one took a bit of a fall, the two friends seem to be sticking together with a blush-making show of affection.

They’ll be released into the “wild” – a 16-hectare enclosure – after 30 days when they’ll meet the seven other koalas who already live there.

Lovely photo

by Silas For more koala cuteness, visit our blog at citynews.com.au/blog

CityNews May 20-26

cover story

Chelsea hears the Salvos call THE Salvation Army in Canberra and Queanbeyan is calling for volunteer collectors for the Red Shield Appeal doorknock on the weekend of May 29 and 30.

Chelsea Buckley, 23, one of four Canberra contestants for the Miss World Australia beauty pageant, will be out and about knocking on doors for the charity.

“The Salvation Army is aiming to get more than 3000 volunteer collectors out there over the weekend, which is just amazing,” she says.

“Volunteering for the Salvation Army is so rewarding. The Miss World ACT competition gave me the incentive to do so, but I really enjoy it.

“I love that they don’t just do one thing, there’s such a wide variety of fantastic work, and the benefits within the community are very clear.”

This year there will be an official launch to the Doorknock held in Garema Place, in the city, at lunchtime on Thursday, May 27, with entertainment and a sausage sizzle.

Capt Dale Murray, divisional communications and public relations secretary for The Salvation Army in ACT and South NSW, says: “The Red Shield Appeal doorknock raises vital funds for The Salvation Army in order for it to continue its social programs which help people in need.”

Local social programs include the Salvation Army’s Community Services Centre which helped more than 800 families and individuals needing practical support in financial crisis last year; recovery services, for drug, alcohol and gambling addicts, Oasis Youth Services for young people aged 15-21 who are in crisis; three different aged-care facilities; chaplaincy services for prisons, hospitals and rural areas; and community school programs such as breakfast programs, and homework clubs to provide mentoring and in-class support for at-risk children.

This year, the doorknock goal for the Canberra and Queanbeyan areas is $230,000.

Chelsea says: “Volunteering has makes me more aware of what the community needs and what is being done. I’ll definitely carry on volunteering for the Salvation Army after the Miss World Australia competition is over.”

10 CityNews May 20-26

Volunteer Chelsea Buckley... “volunteering for the Salvation Army is so rewarding. The Miss World ACT competition gave me the incentive to do so, but I really enjoy it.”

To volunteer call 13 SALVOS (137258) or visit salvos.org.au To donate to the Red Shield Appeal, call 13 SALVOS, visit salvos.org.au, donate at any Westpac branch, or post a cheque to The Salvation Army, PO Box 304, Canberra ACT 2601.

Mum in the city

By Sonya Fladun

Who’s who in a queue THERE are some things in life that are inescapable – death, taxes and queuing. I seem to spend a lot of time queuing, and queuing isn’t always bad.

I met my husband in the photocopying queue at the National Library (it was a really long queue).

Over the years, I have struck up some great conversations with people while waiting in line.

But I’ve noticed a rise in the use of cunning tactics to cut down the time spent waiting in line.

Most of us have encountered those numerically challenged individuals, who frustratingly bring 30 items into the 15 or items-orless express lane.

Then there are the “squatters”, those shoppers who park their trolley in a shopping queue and go off and do more shopping.

They come back every now and again to unload and make sure that that their trolley is moving up the queue. While they often hold everyone up, God help the person who figures they might as well just go ahead of them because they aren’t there.

Then there are the “tandem queuers”. These people shop in groups and line up in different check out lanes to hedge their bets. When one gets to the front, their collaborators rush their mass of groceries to the front, causing those behind to consider multiple homicides.

Then there are my personal favourites, the “time wasters”.

Made of stern stuff, these folk appear only at the busiest of times.

They argue over the price of things and frequently walk away with an item for free or greatly reduced because the operator and the waiting customers are so desperate for them to just go away.

From an early age we are taught to queue, to form straight lines and wait our turn. We shouldn’t forget that it’s all about co-operating and respecting others. And of course, no one likes a queue jumper!

politics

The party life for candidate Leigh SCEPTICAL, suited-up and skinny, Andrew Leigh peers down his glasses and chews on on a berry friand in a well-lit ANU cafe.

“I wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for organised religion, but personally I’m an atheist,” says the newly preselected Labor candidate for the safe seat of Fraser.

“I haven’t been able to maintain a faith in an external being.”

Yet his faith in the Labor Party has been well maintained after 20 years of party membership and a career spanning both the private and public sector.

“I’m proud of what the Labor Party has achieved in its history. It’s the party that put in place uniform taxation in Australia, it’s the party that put in place Medicare, it’s the party that’s done the most to expand the university sector.”

And that’s the rub. Lawyer, economist, academic and dad, Andrew Leigh could be classified as “New Labour” UK-style, were it not for the fact they emerged more than a decade ago and have just been voted out of power.

Leigh has been a lawyer for Minter Ellison, associate to Justice Kirby, a PhD student at Har-

For Prof Andrew Leigh, election to the north Canberra seat of Fraser is just a formality but, as ELERI HARRIS discovers, he is no ordinary candidate vard and now Professor at the ANU Research School of Economics and he’s only 37.

He blogs, he believes in state-funded childcare and maternity leave, he supports an ETS, he is a policy wonk with serious economic credentials and, most importantly, he claims to love Canberra because it’s full of intellectuals.

“I think Canberra is Australia’s knowledge centre,” he says.

“A lot of the ideas generated here are played out to the rest of Australia and affect the way in which State governments are run and effect ideas on the other side of the world.

“It’s just a terrifically stimulating place.

“It’s my home, it’s where we’ve raised the two boys, so there’s nowhere else I want to live.”

Leigh is smart, Kevin-Rudd smart, with a mind for media messages and a paper-thin link

Candidate Andrew Leigh... “I think Canberra is Australia’s knowledge centre... It’s my home, it’s where we’ve raised the two boys, so there’s nowhere else I want to live.” to the blue-collar grassroots of the party he represents.

“My parents are both academics. My dad is a political scientist and my mum does educational anthropology.”

Husband of Harvard-educated, American landscape architect Gweneth Leigh, father of Sebastian, three, and Theodore, 10 months, the professor is a good-message politician already; he’s got his life-story dot points set for replay whenever needed. A quick flick through sound

bites reveals his favourite and most often repeated anecdote: “I was born in 1972, three months before the Whitlam Government won office and when my mum was pregnant with me she wore an ‘It’s Time’ badge, so in that sense I was Labor before I was born.”

When he won preselection in April, the internet was awash with politics wonks rejoicing for a man after their own geeky hearts, while simultaneously lamenting the loss of his independent voice.

“I’m going to keep on blogging, but probably in a different style,” Leigh told “CityNews”.

“My blog at the moment is part commentary, part policy and so obviously as a political candidate you want to do a little bit less commentary.

You don’t want to pretend that you’re able to sit above the fray when you’re part of it.

“I think what people like about blogs is the ability to engage directly in a way you can’t otherwise.

“As my friend Jim Jones puts it, ‘God gave us two ears and one mouth’. It’s important to use social networking to be a set of ears rather than just a mouthpiece.”

Dilemma with democracy THE British democracy has fulfilled its most important role, allowing a peaceful change of power. However, the recent general election has also demonstrated the archaic and undemocratic system that the British use to select governments.

Even worse, the guardians of democracy, the British media, is so blinded by the importance of political advantage that it rarely seems capable of identifying and evaluating the issues.

The concerns seem strange to those of us in Canberra whose preferential voting system is improved by a system of proportional representation which includes refinements such as the Robson rotation.

Our system is designed to maximise the choice of the voter and to minimise the power of the political parties. The opposite is true in the UK. How democratic is it that one political party can win 29 per cent of the vote and secure 258 seats while another that secures 23 per cent gets 57 seats in a 650 seat parliament? The Conservatives have gone into government having won 36 per cent of the vote and 306 (or 47 per cent) of the seats. At least the coalition

12 CityNews May 20-26

By Michael Moore means that the government is formed at the will of the majority of the voters.

Although with only 65 per cent of eligible voters casting a ballot, it is certainly not a majority of the community.

The Liberal Democrats are now demanding changes to a system that has unfairly reduced the influence that they have been able to exercise. The first demand is one that should occur in all parliaments – a fixed term.

The second is preferential voting also known as the “alternative vote” in the UK. The distorted results from the UK election are a direct consequence of the “first-past-the-post” system, which has been retained up until now as it favours the major parties and is very effective at reducing the influence of the minor ones.

The cost is to severely limit the choice of voters. The proposal will now to go to referendum.

The greatest fear reflected in the UK media is about forming a government

when there is no clear majority. They have not been in this situation since just after World War II. It is not necessary to examine non-Westminster systems to see how this can work. NZ and almost all of the Australian States and Territories have regularly established stable governments in similar circumstances. These governments compare favourably to the majority governments that have parties that change their leader for political expediency.

It is too much to expect the British media to examine the single, most undemocratic element of British politics – an upper house that remains a non-elected house of review.

Let’s hope also that some of our Australian leaders learn from the UK experience so that democratic principles are actually put in front of political advantage. At least the new prime minister and his deputy refer to their constituents being fed up with the negativity and animosity in politics.

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

scene

More photos at www.citynews.com.au

At Snowy Hydro SouthCare’s ‘A Night in the Clouds’ gala ball, National Convention Centre, Civic

Lachlan Kennedy, Chloe Wheeler, Megan Wilson and Speaker Shane Rattenbury

Stephanie Henry, Sarah Moorhouse and Caroline Hogan

Claire Cimbora, Emma Hilyard and Janet Nylander

Penni Milton, Fiona Sanfrancesco, Michael Milton and Jamie Nicholls

Zed and Ros Seselja with Sam Begg

Stephen Lazaro and Alicia Day

Tom Penford, Lisa Ridgley and Cam Sullings

Ian de Landelles, MLA Mary Porter with Jenny and MLA John Hargreaves

MP Annette Ellis, Joyce and Len Goodman with Senator Kate Lundy

CityNews May 20-26 13

scene

invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At Servcorp and Doma’s ‘Great Minds charity trivia night’, Hotel Realm, Barton

Kristin McDowall and Mandy Stanford

Michael and Gemma Rose, Mitchell Daniher with Nathan and Kate Beer

Harry Telfer, Andrew and Eileen Simon with Leanne and Andy Gregory

Kylie Milward and Ben Faulks

Melissa Anderson and Laura Martin

James and Sue Service with Ken Cush

At the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal launch

Rebecca and Peter Gott

David Marshall, Chris Faulks and MLA Brendan Smyth

Gordon Watson, Katrina Pawley, David Palywoda and Elise Van Dorssen

Rick Coate and Lt Bronwyn Williams

14 CityNews May 20-26

Peter Barclay, David Kenyon and John Biggs

Brian Acworth, Janine Yokom, Evol McLeod and Mark McConnel

Ash Colmer, Annette Nobbs and Kate Gallegos

Grey Melick with Barry and Pam Nancarrow

Carolyn Andreae and Kate Prior

Kyra Bradley and Tina Pasternack

conferences and training

advertising feature

The many wonderful ways of meeting In this wide-ranging special feature, we look at some of Canberra and the region’s top conference venues and catering options, we introduce some great training opportunities and tempt you to come to a conference...

Room with a view WITH the ability to cater for 10-110 people, the Belconnen Premier Inn has a selection of packages that will ensure the success of your conference or function, according to general manager Murray Emerton.

“The Oak Room is a semicircular room with three-stage lighting, data points, climate control air-conditioning and heating and floor-to-ceiling windows with lovely views of the trees of Benjamin Way,” he says.

“It can comfortably fit up to 110 people, or can be split into two rooms to sit 30 people each.

“We also have three breakout rooms and boardroom suites, ideal for smaller functions.”

Featuring the latest in audio-visual equipment, fresh new facilities and professional staff, the Belconnen Premier Inn provides an excellent venue for any special event, says Murray.

“We have the Benjamin Restaurant downstairs which can cater for lunch or dinner, and we offer a variety of catering packages depending on your needs and budget,” he says.

All conference rooms feature wired and wireless broadband access.

Belconnen Premier Inn, 110 Benjamin Way, Belconnen.

Call 6253 3633

Meet at the airport CANBERRA Airport’s first-class facilities include 10 meeting rooms and two audio-visual theatres, providing more than 1200sqm of conference and meeting space, says an airport spokesperson.

The facilities are suitable for the private and public sectors and are designed for strategic planning sessions, annual general meetings, business seminars, conferences, board meetings, training sessions, product launches and media conferences.

Located eight minutes from Civic, Canberra Airport offers ample parking and public transport services operate from each location. Meeting and conference facilities, each suited to different purposes, are located within all three office precincts: Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and historical Fairbairn.

“An array of audio visual equipment can be supplied upon request,” says the airport. “The theatres incorporate assisted hearing systems, digital audio systems for speech reinforcement, data projector, motorised data projection screen, controlled by a Crestron touch-control system.

“All rooms offer good natural light with blockout blinds, whiteboard, projection screen and space for catering with cold Canberra Airport, email functions@canberraairport.com.au or filtered and boiling water.” call 6275 2222

Stimulating thinking LOOKING for a place that stimulates innovative thinking and competitive excellence? Host your next business event at the Australian Institute of Sport, and inspire your delegates to excel, says Mel Swain, sales manager at the AIS. With a choice of 12 versatile venues, each with differing capacities to suit any requirements, the AIS is one of the nation’s most unique venues.

“From a high-powered meeting for 10 to a business conference for 500, our dedicated events and catering teams will help you deliver an event that exceeds expectations,” Mel says.

The AIS offers catering, free parking in a 500-capacity car park, easy access to public transport, audio-visual equipment for some events and on-site accommodation.

“Whether you’re planning a small conference or a grand gala dinner, your guests can be assured of healthy and innovative cuisine at the AIS,” she says. “Alliance – our dedicated catering partner – is committed to providing the highest standards of creativity, quality and value-for-money for every type of event.

“Book now and our experienced events staff will help you to deliver a world-class business event,” says Mel. “Plus, we’re only minutes from Canberra’s city centre!”

AIS, Leverrier Street, Bruce. Call 6214 1111

CityNews May 20-26 15

conferences and training Home to history

LOCATED in the Barton business district, close to the Parliamentary Triangle, The Brassey has conference packages designed to suit all requirements, says the hotel’s Markus Huck.

“We have six meeting rooms of different sizes, catering for groups as small as six and up to 160 people,” he says.

Built in 1927, the heritage-listed Brassey is the same age as Old Parliament House and is one of oldest buildings in Canberra. The refurbishment of the conference wing in 1998 saw the facilities upgraded to heritage style, including chandeliers, wood paneling and large windows for natural light “All the necessary equipment can be provided to ensure a successful conference, and additional breakout space can be created,” says Markus.

“Our conference facilities are ideal for corporate and Government conferences, workshops and training seminars, private functions and social gatherings.

“The Brassey offers all the facilities expected of modern conference venue while still retaining charm, elegance and character.”

The Brassey Hotel, Belmore Gardens & Macquarie Street, Barton. Call 6273 3766 or email conference@brassey.net.au

Relaxation benefits

WITH a focus on “tasty food and successful outcomes”, Cooradigbee Homestead, located at Wee Jasper in a “visually interesting” rural landscape, offers a special facility for conferences, according to owners Ian and Helen Cathles.

“Cooradigbee is a small venue with facilities for up to 30 people, with accommodation spread between an upmarket homestead and shearers quarters,” says Helen. “The lack of mobile phone access means that people participate without any distractions.

“You get a different perspective on life out

16 CityNews May 20-26

advertising feature Promise of perfection

THE Clifton Suites on Northbourne is the perfect place for your corporate or private function, with a wide variety of venue options, catering packages and all the extra features and services you would expect from Canberra’s newest 4.5-star hotel, according to Jackie McKeown, general manager of Cliftons.

“The conference centre offers the facilities and services guaranteed to make your next event a huge success,” she says. “Our professional functions team look forward to tailoring a package to suit your needs.”

Clifton Suites on Northbourne is located two kilometres from Canberra City and close to all major attractions.

“We offer conference and meeting rooms which can accommodate from two to 120 delegates,” she says. “Our function rooms offer natural light.

“The tranquil setting and attentive professional service makes this an ideal location for any function.”

Clifton Suites on Northbourne, 100 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. Call 6262 6266 here – we’re on early Devonian fossil fields so you can touch 400 million years with your fingertips.

“Guests will benefit from the relaxation – it’s about more than merely achieving their goals.

“We also make sure the food we offer is really wonderful. We believe that good food means good thinking.”

Helen says they get a lot of repeat business.

“When people have been once, they come again.”

Cooradigbee Conferencing and Quarters, Wee Jasper NSW 2582. Call 6227 9680

CityNews May 20-26 17

conferences and training Picture-perfect meetings

THE National Portrait Gallery has all the mod-cons of a conference facility, situated in picture-perfect surrounds, says Anthony Barhoush, functions manager at the Portrait Café and Catering.

“We cater for conferences, boardroom lunches, formal dinners and cocktail parties as well as private celebrations and weddings,” he says.

“Our service is personal and professional and the menus reflect the freshness of the season.

“Many clients love to finish their conference with a selection of gourmet canapés, a glass of wine and even spoil their attendees with a private viewing of the gallery,” he says.

There are various function spaces available for hire within the Gallery, from the Gordon Darling Entrance Hall, suitable for corporate cocktail parties, to the Terrace rooms, which open on to a terrace overlooking Reconciliation Place.

“Our contemporary and seasonal menus served in this uniquely elegant gallery will make yours the event to remember,” he says.

Portrait Café, National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace. Call 6102 7162 or email info@ portraitgallerycafe.com.au

Catering with passion

Boutique facility

FOR the conference organiser who’s looking for privacy and peaceful surroundings, Goolabri Country Resort should be high on their list, according to resort manager Kim Noenbergs.

“The beauty of Goolabri is that it’s 15 minutes from Canberra, so people can come for the day,” says Kim. “There’s also accommodation for interstate visitors.”

“It’s a large, quiet bushland property just off the highway, with ample parking.”

Set on 160 hectares of bush country, Goolabri is a “boutique conference facility” that has a restaurant for all meals, as well as photocopying and faxing, electronic white board, flip chart, large-screen TV/DVD/CD player, teleconferencing and overhead projector screen. The main conference room large double-glazed windows with views of the golf course and manicured gardens. The room can be darkened for projector use.

Goolabri Country Resort, 202 Goolabri Road, Sutton NSW 2620. Call 6230 3294

we can work with you to design a menu that will exceed you expectations,” says Kay. SITTING Ducks Catering offers a service that “From the simple catering requirement to the is personal and professional, with food that extravagant indulgence, let our professional team reflects the freshness and imagination of the create a memorable event, from set up to clean up season, aimed to make any catering experience we will look after you every step of the way.” an event to remember, says Kay from Sitting From office meetings, corporate lunches, Ducks Catering. cocktail parties, private functions and weddings, Sitting Ducks has menus ranging from lunches Sitting Ducks Catering can assist with every for office meetings and all-day conference aspect of an event. catering, through to corporate lunches and Menus can be designed especially or you can cocktail parties as well as private parties and select from the wide range of menus developed weddings.

by Sitting Ducks’ top chefs.

“Our menus are seasonal and contemporary, Sitting Ducks Catering, 17b Bentham Street, innovative in taste, style and presentation and Yarralumla. Call 6282 1631

18 CityNews May 20-26

advertising feature Get away from it all

ALTITUDE 1260 is a winter and summer resort located high above the Alpine Way in Crackenback, NSW, and offers conference guests no distractions but the view, says manager Sue Cartwright.

“We’re located on over 100 hectares of natural

Australian bushland, and the views are just amazing – we get breathtaking panoramic views from Lake Jindabyne through to the mountain peaks of Kosciuszko National Park.”

Only 10 minutes by road to Jindabyne, less than 25 minutes to Thredbo or less than 10 minutes to the Skitube at Bullocks Flat, which can take you to Perisher Valley or Mt Blue Cow, this is a true retreat location where you can really get away from it all, according to Sue. “For conferences or team-building exercises, we can offer sole use of the facility so that a meeting room and breakout rooms can be set up anywhere,” she says. “We have a huge split-level lounge that can be set up in any way you wish.

“Just ask us and we’ll work out a way to organise whatever you need.

“This is a really special venue. We’re also fully licensed, can arrange little local gifts for each guest, and all-inclusive packages for meals.”

Altitude 1260, 226 Westons Road, Crackenback, NSW. Call 6456 2511

Be steered in the right direction LOOKING for a conference, incentive or exhibition venue in one of Victoria’s leading business events destinations, Geelong and the Great Ocean Road? Business Events Geelong can help, says Andrew Hiebl, convention bureau coordinator.

“As part of Geelong Otway Tourism, we represent over 1,000 professional businesses in every aspect of tourism, meeting, incentive, exhibition and the travel industry,” he says.

“We provide free assistance in locating a conference venue, suppliers or activities, and as we work with a myriad of venues, we can always find something that will suit.”

The region offers a range of venues suitable for conference groups of five to 1,500

delegates and has an abundance of social activities to suit everyone.

Business Events Geelong can assist with a local planners’ guide – outlining venues, services and incentives programs to suit any conference requirement: product referrals and advice, professional bid documents and presentations, delegate-boosting collateral such as image library, promotional material, delegate discount passes, official visitors guides and maps.

“Booking online is easy, there are just three steps and we can steer you in the right direction.”

Visit www.businesseventsgeelong.com.au or call (03) 5223 2588

CityNews May 20-26 19

conferences and training Hi-tech and charming

memorable experience. University House can provide all three.

UNIVERSITY House, located in the Australian “Heritage, award-winning architecture, tranquil National University, has embraced the latest gardens and classic décor make University House in state-of-the-art technology to assist in a charming setting for any occasion, from a conducting a completely flawless conference or three-day conference for 200 delegates to an al seminar, according to general manager Walter fresco cocktail wedding for up to 1000 guests.

Sauer.

“Our experienced and qualified team is “From a highly technical, multi-media presen- dedicated to making your event a huge success tation to a basic workshop, we have a range of and can work with you to ensure that every detail audio-visual tools available for you,” he says. is attended to. The charm of University House, “Our hotel rooms provide the perfect venue combined with our quality, affordable function for residential training courses and conferences packages, range of unique venue choices and and feature high-speed, wireless internet impeccable service will leave guests with an access, large desks and plenty of natural light. unforgettable experience and a reason to return “The success of any event hinges on three again.” key elements: an outstanding venue, meticulous University House, ANU, Corner of Balmain attention to detail and the ability to provide Crescent and Liversidge Street, Acton. Call Lyn every guest or attendee with a satisfying and North or Audrey Haslam on 6125 5270

Choose your event space FOR state-of-the-art conferencing facilities for anything from one-off special events and multi-day trade shows, through to sophisticated conferences and complex exhibitions, the Australian Technology Park in Sydney is unique and versatile, according to Ruby Chronis, its director for sales and marketing.

“We’re a world-class conference centre that will comfortably accommodate groups of 10 to 5,000 people,” she says.

“We offer comprehensive audiovisual design and production capabilities, state-of-the-art wireless electronic and video conferencing equipment, as well as access to a range of

Down to the beach WHY not hold your next conference by the beach, suggests Tess Clark, conference coordinator at the Coachhouse Marina Resort in Batemans Bay? “We’re only a two-hour drive from Canberra on the stunning south coast of NSW,” she says.

“Whether you’re conducting a presentation, a training day, a gala dinner or a trade show, we have a conference room to suit.

“The Coachhouse Marina Resort is renowned for its professional attention to detail regarding all your conferencing needs.”

With 6.6 hectares of grounds, there is also plenty of room outside for team-building, and with 89 self-contained villas, five purpose-built conference areas and a professional on-site conference co-ordinator, your event will run smoothly from start to finish, Tess says.

Catering from 10-200, the resort has a large selection of accommodation available and a menu selection from local, award-winning chef Victoria Urbanik.

20 CityNews May 20-26

services through specialist in-house partner companies that will cater for your every need.

“The cuisine is always memorable too, from a simple lunch box to a grand-scale gourmet banquet.”

With heritage surrounds, the dining room and adjoining atrium is great for all events, from fine dining to cocktail parties and exhibitions.

“You have the choice of a selection of event spaces, including a full-screen cinema and outdoor areas with sporting facilities for corporate team-building activities.”

Australian Technology Park, Bay 4, Level 2, 2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.

Call 9209 4220

Coachhouse Marina Resort, 49 Beach Road, Batemans Bay. Call 4472 4392

advertising feature A versatile venue “WE have a number of conference facilities available, from a boardroom for two to a conference for up to 200 people,” says Cathryn Hendrickson from Rydges Capital Hill.

The hotel has 10 conference rooms with an abundance of natural light, an internet kiosk and a private balcony, perfect for use as a breakout room, says Cathryn.

“We also have a stunning indoor atrium of trees, which is perfect for pre-dinner drinks, dinners and cocktail parties,” she says. “It’s unique and versatile, and the Fig Tree Cafe is really popular for lunches, particularly the amazing buffet they put on.”

High-speed and secure broadband internet access (both wired and wireless) is available in all conference rooms.

Multiple users can access a company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the internet via an in-room hub.

Conference delegates and function attendees can also utilise Rydges Capital Hill’s affordable, high-speed, secure broadband internet services via wireless connection from all public areas. Prepaid access cards are available from reception.

Rydges Capital Hill Hotel, Canberra, Cnr Canberra Avenue & National Circuit, Forrest. Call 6295 3144

MBA’s high-tech solution

training sessions, product launches and media conferences.”

The Master Builders IT room is fitted with THE Master Builders Headquarters in Fyshwick is a modern and purpose-built building, offering the latest Core 2 Duo computers with fast graphics, 22-inch widescreen monitors, new training and meeting facilities at competiInternet access, Office 2007 Professional tive prices, says David Leitch, senior manager of marketing and membership services, Master (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint and Access) and printing capabilities. Other Builders Association of the ACT. applications can be installed for your training “The building offers rooms of various sizes at a reasonable fee. and layouts, including large-capacity rooms, Facilities include high-speed internet access, smaller breakout areas and dining/kitchen whiteboard and markers, data projector and facilities,” he says. screen, inbuilt audio system, TV DVD/video, flip “The multi-purpose facilities are suitcharts, facsimile and photocopier. able for administrative meetings, business For more information call 6175 5970. seminars, conferences, board meetings,

CityNews May 20-26 21

conferences and training

Speaking with confidence CANBERRA- based Speak2us is a boutique consultancy specialising in private coaching for people who speak in public for a purpose, or who just need to be confident and articulate, whether in the workplace, socially, or in any situation, according to director Sofia Majewski.

“I work with people who want to speak with a purpose, for example, executives in the workplace who want to send a clear message with a call to action – they want results,” she says. “It could also be someone who wants to give a speech at a wedding, or someone who runs a small business and needs to get out there and sell themselves and their product.

“I also work with people to prepare them for job interviews, so they’re confident at getting their message across and can sell themselves.”

Speak2us presents public workshops providing

22 CityNews May 20-26

practical technique and practice in public speaking.

“Whether you are an executive, academic, trainer, facilitator, presenter, or in sales – or anywhere else where you interact with an audience – our individual coaching and workshops will help Sofia Majewski. you find your unique voice and become an authentic, more confident and effective public speaker,” says Sofia.

“It’s a skill for life and, as we know, people who can do this successfully really stand out.”

For more information email sofia@speak2us. com.au or call 0433 717347

Innovative training IF organisations are to survive and prosper, they need to be more flexible, faster-moving and faster-learning than ever before, according to a spokesperson from Learn4Results.

“Learn4Results designs and delivers a variety of innovative training programs,” the spokesperson says. “We believe that providing training for people not only helps them develop their skills and knowledge, but it is also motivational and a building block to organisational success.

“We offer public training programs, customised in-house training programs and coaching and mentoring services.”

Learn4Results is managed by professionally qualified facilitators who understand the intricacies of training. Its philosophy is simple: “Training to Make a Difference”.

“Active participation and application is

advertising feature integral to the success of our programs,” the spokesperson says. “We are committed to developing and delivering interactive, relevant, and skill-enhancing workshops.

“We value the knowledge and experience of our participants and encourage their contribution. At the same time, our programs endeavour to challenge and stretch every individual.

Exploration of issues and problem solving is promoted by active management of group dynamics to maximise learning for all participants; application of all learning to the workplace and organisational context; diverse learning activities to actively engage participants; encouragement of group discussion and feedback; continuous use of reflective thinking, and transfer of learning through individual action plans.”

Visit www.learn4results.com.au or call (03) 9889 5150

Coach Kevin to the rescue

All together in Adelaide

THE role of managers increasingly includes responsibility for planning and budgeting, says Kevin Riley, managing director of Riley & Riley Strategic Advisers and Capital Training.

“Most managers would rather have root canal than analyse a financial report,” he says.

Kevin is presenting the Financial Literacy for Public Sector Managers workshop, hosted by PD Partners, on June 24 at Cliftons on Moore Street, Civic.

While Kevin is a Fellow with both the Institute of Chartered Accountant and CPA Australia, he says that his style of courses and seminars “are not designed to turn you into an accountant, but to demystify the financial jargon and ensure participants gain an understanding of key financial tools.”

PD Partners specialises in professional development programs, workshops and conferences. It can also assist with in-house training as well as research and content development services for industry-based conferences.

Visit www.pdpartners.com.au or contact John Harmata on 8006 0755

THE 2010 IPAA National Conference is the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s annual premier event, which gives public sector managers from across the country the chance to meet with academics and those involved in public administration, to discuss the big issues affecting public administration and strengthen their networks, says Andrew Podger, national president of IPAA. “The theme this year is ‘Bringing it all Together’ and is about shared responsibilty,” he says. “There will be a focus on responsibilities, inter-governmental frameworks and service delivery.”

The conference will be held in the Adelaide Convention Centre in the Riverbank precinct, which overlooks the Torrens Lake.

“The program has a mixture of invited, prominent speakers – including Chief Justice James Speigelman as the Garran Orator – and presentations by individuals based on submitted papers, with considerable time for discussion by everyone,” he says.

The IPAA National Conference, to be held on Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22, will be the pinnacle of public sector conferences in Australia, says Andrew.

Registrations can be made directly at www.ipaa.org.au

CityNews May 20-26 23

a dose of dorin

letters

Loneliness of the longdistance bus commuter CONSIDER the hapless catcher of buses. He waits in Civic for the 9.09 300 to get him to the so-called Belconnen Interchange in time to catch one of the two buses (the 13 and 14) that can deposit him around Latham. For some bizarre reason – which obviously has nothing to do with providing a decent service to the hapless catcher of buses – the two buses go within minutes of each other. Miss them and you wait nearly an hour.

The hapless would-be catcher of buses waits and waits and waits in Civic. The 9.09 turns up around 9.30, just before the 9.24. He gets to Belconnen just after the two connecting buses are gone. Why, he ponders, can’t the 13 and 14 – which go in roughly the same direction to the same places – go every 30 minutes? Especially as they are both dispatched from the depot barely a hop, skip and a stumble away.

Harboring uncharitable thoughts, the hapless would-be catcher of buses waits and waits and freezes and broods and waits…

John Cleland, Latham

Falling for spin

AS one who spent a considerable amount of time working in publicity, communication and media for various Federal politicians, I still find it unsettling that people like Mark Rowley continue to fall for the spin put out by government, business associations, real estate and property associations and the like (Letters, CN May 13).

Rowley seems to have fallen for the “growth is good” mantra and appears to fully support urban infill, the removal of bushland corridors and the loss of many of our parks and gardens.

Yes, there is a finite amount of land within our borders, but we don’t have to have urban sprawl if we do something about limiting our population growth. Then we get the best of both worlds.

Shocked by facts

Ric Hingee, Duffy

AS a member of the Australian cast of the stage production of “Calendar Girls”, I’ve learned a lot about blood cancer preparing for my role.

I’ve learned that around 10,000 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year. I’ve learned that most people start treatment straight away and for those in regional areas, they often need to relocate because treatment is in the city.

I was shocked to learn that blood cancer is the second-biggest cause of cancer death in Aus-

24 CityNews May 20-26

tralia. And I’ve learned what is possible when people work together for a common cause.

The “real calendar girls” were ordinary women who responded to a blood-cancer experience with a decision to do something. They posed nude for a charity calendar causing a media storm, but 12 years on, they’ve raised over $1.5 million for leukaemia and lymphoma research in the UK. Like our UK counterparts, the Australian production of “Calendar Girls” will help lessen the emotional, financial and physical impact of blood cancer. Proceeds from a special charity final dress rehearsal performance on April 28 in Sydney and merchandise sold throughout the season will fund research and free services to support Australians impacted by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Leukaemia Foundation’s Vision to Cure and Mission to Care.

Amanda Muggleton, via email

Sons of the south

THE William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160, of the international Sons of Confederate Veterans heritage organisation, has been chartered in Australia. This group was organised to honour those Confederate soldiers from, or who are buried in, Australia and NZ; and is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of those Australians and their dedicated sacrifice in defence of the southern states of America in the civil war of 1861-1865.

The group’s website has been described as being most informative to Australian descendants and as being one of the best SCV websites online. It provides the story for whom the camp was named, Confederate William Kenyon of Australia, a Confederate marine aboard the CSS Shenandoa and the officially confirmed oldest “real son” of a Confederate soldier left alive today and living in Australia; Col. Author John, 102 years old.

Any Australian or New Zealand descendant, either directly or collaterally related to a former Confederate soldier, is invited to become a member of the William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160. Officers will be happy to assist you with the research of your ancestors. Visit www.scvau.com and have a look at what has been accomplished.

James Gray, commander, William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160.

all about living

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

A short, sweet feeling

By Helen Musa WHEN Alex Broun, artistic director of the “Shorter + Sweeter” play season coming soon to the Playhouse, recently shared a podium with “Wolf lullaby” playwright Hilary Bell, they were asked about the difference between full-length and 10-minute plays. Easy, said Bell, “in the long play you think, in a short play you feel.”

“That’s just it,” says Broun, an acknowledged expert on the short play, “it’s an experience.”

Of course, “Short + Sweet,” the 10-minuteplay festival that was founded in Newtown by director Mark Cleary nine years ago, is now an international phenomenon that can also be seen in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The show we’ll see

Sublime start to music festival CLINTON WHITE reviews the opening night of the Canberra International Music Festival

“Shorter + Sweeter” actors Sonya Kerr, Nick Gunn, Roanna Dempsey and Carl Sorheim... performing the creme de la crème of plays from the last three years. represents the creme de la crème of plays from the last three years.

There will be eight plays by Australian writers, including a re-run of “ Sleepless Night” by Canberra actor and playwright Jonathan Gavin and “49 stories about Brian Mackenzie”, to be directed by directed by Melbourne’s Beng Oh. “10,000 Cigarettes” by Broun himself, now the most produced of all “Short + Sweet” plays, will be on the list of scripts, to be directed by Melbourne’s Rachel Baring.

“We wanted a good selection of comedy, drama, thrillers, and absurd,” he says.

Broun believes “the world has sped up” and that many older theatre practitioners ignore phenomena like Youtube and MTV, which have meant that “Short + Sweet” plays gain ready recognition among his target youthful audience aged 18 to 24.

“Shorter + Sweeter”, The Playhouse, May 25-29. Bookings to 6275 2700.

Michael’s a singer of many tastes IT’S been 17 years since rock star Michael Bolton last toured Australia.

In the intervening years, he’s sung with Luciano Pavarotti and Ray Charles, written songs for Barbra Streisand and in recent years had his music recorded and sampled by rap superstars Jayzee and Kanye West.

Bolton, who has sold more than 53 million records worldwide for romantic hits like “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “How am I Supposed to Live Without You,” has recently released his new studio album titled, “One World, One Love,” which he co-wrote and produced.

Although in his new album Bolton sees himself as reverting to his more romantic and melodic songwriting, he also shows himself as a contem-

porary artist by collaborating with Ne-Yo and Lady Gaga.

Bolton says: “One big idea I grew up with was this – remain open to all genres and means of musical expression… it’s about accepting any type of music as the artist’s right or freedom of exposition.”

In a career spanning 22 years, Bolton first hit centre-stage by reinterpreting soul classics by Ray Charles, Percy Sledge and most particularly Otis Redding, whose widow Zelma has publicly praised his rendition of “Dock of the Bay” as “my favorite version of my husband’s classic”. He played guitar with the blues superstar BB King and in 1991 wrote the song “Steel Bars” with Bob Dylan.

Years later, his inclination towards eclecticism was still evident when in 2006, he got the idea of recording an album of Frank Sinatra’s swing classics and was also approached Kanye West (President Obama’s favourite hip-hop artist) for permission to sample his vocals on “Maybe It’s The Power Of Love” and “Never Let Me Down” for a track with Jayzee. Noticeably flattered by this approach, it got him thinking just how far he had come from being “a white kid from Connecticut who set out singing lead in a 1970s metal band.”

By Helen Musa Michael Bolton appears at the AIS Arena on May 21. Bookings 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Michael Bolton... open to all genres and means of musical expression.

ORGANISERS must have slept well after two brilliant concerts, boasting capacity audiences, opened the Canberra International Music Festival’s 10-day “Gold” extravaganza.

In the stately National Library was the New Purple Forbidden City Orchestra, China’s finest traditional ensemble. Their classical Chinese music took us to another world; one of calm, perhaps in a verdant valley high in the mountains, punctuated with the gentle music of a stream.

Intriguing instruments were bowed or blown, plucked or struck giving a floating energy to the notion of music being the supreme connection between humans, earth and heaven.

Poetry by Hermit monks interspersed the music, read in Chinese and English. I would have preferred Chinese only. The English seemed incongruous to our thoughts.

Over in the fabulous acoustic of St Christopher’s was a stunning performance of Handel’s “Zadok the Priest”. Roland Peelman conducting the Canberra Camerata and the Song Company were out front, with the Combined Festival Chorus scattered throughout the audience, filling the cathedral with a thrilling sound.

From the grandeur of Handel, we went to the sublime sounds of The Harp Consort, featuring virtuoso, Andrew Lawrence-King. The 17th century Irish music of Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhallain took us to yet another place. Lovely as it was though, it seemed lost in St Christopher’s vastness.

Elena Katz-Chernin’s “Beaver Blaze”, the festival’s fanfare, received a jazz treatment from trumpeter Miroslav Bukovsky and friends. Unlike the harp, the trumpet’s confident presence wafted through the space like a heavenly, well, fanfare.

Ending a superb concert, the Canberra Camerata and the Song Company were back for Bach’s “Easter Oratorio”. The singing and playing was brilliant, rich and expressive. Virginia Taylor’s flute was beguiling.

This Festival has something for everyone; variety, free events and concerts in unusual venues. Its theme of “Gold” is well chosen. See some.

The Canberra International Music Festival runs until May 23.

CityNews May 20-26 25

arts&entertainment

Over-acted, faltering musical THIS is a good example of why it’s not good idea for an author to direct her own play.

Written and directed by Joanna Weinberg, “Every Single Saturday”, explores the relationships that develop between four parents who meet every week to cheer on their children at soccer.

The promising show contains some wellwritten songs and interesting ideas about parenting and body image, but it needs much slicker and more focused direction if it is to reach its full potential.

As presented in its “world premiere” at

MUSICAL

“Every Single Saturday” Watchdog Productions.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre, season ended Reviewed by Bill Stephens the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, with no set, and only op-shop costumes and props, it looked and played more like a workshop than a fully realised production.

The quartet of Melanie de Ferranti, Sara Grenfell, Matt Young and Geoff Sirmai struggled to find a coherent performance

style, oscillating between realism and over-acting, making it difficult to care for the characters, or the issues, they were portraying.

“Fatty”, one of the show’s best songs, was destroyed by inappropriate choreography, while the unnecessary interval, and superfluous, heavy-handed, cod-opera finale, were unhelpful.

However, it was refreshing to see an original Australian musical on stage, and Tuggeranong Art Centre’s initiative in bringing the show to Canberra is applauded.

Fijian with an eye for art VISUAL ART

“Mezzanine”

By Rusiate Lali, at Alliance Française, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, until May 28.

Reviewed by Helen Musa AN artistic sensibility shaped by the Melanesian traditions of his home in the Rewa Delta of Fiji, artist Rusiate Lali’s paintings are imbued with a sense of world politics and encounters with other cultures.

Throughout “Mezzanine”, the human eye appears in myriad forms and configurations. In “Ancestral Mermaids 2009”, the eyes appear amid telephone wires denoting technology. His father’s ancestral name “Matai Tini”, means “10 eyes,” a perfect symbol of the artist’s special power.

In this large exhibition ancestral motifs of the whale, fish and creatures of prey are mixed in brilliant acrylic colours. Western motifs like the sheep in wolf’s clothing (“Wolfman”) mix with cityscapes and communist motifs he got from a New Caledonian history professor and seen in “Red Star”.

The Alliance Française must be complimented on bringing this rare exhibition to Canberra.

26 CityNews May 20-26

cinema

By Dougal Macdonald

Tales from the Big Apple’s core “New York, I Love You” (MA) THIS collage of 11 short films unfolds mainly among ordinary New Yorkers living cheek-by-jowl in houses or walk-up apartments and working in small local businesses, not glitzy offices.

Iconic locations get passing attention rather than starring roles.

The package is a tribute to perceptive writing and economical staging. While each has its own theme, characters in some occasionally appear in others. The credited cast, some well-known, others of lesser fame, is a joy to watch.

The thematic variations explore new love, old love, joyous love, love unrequited, love among the senses, love that lasts, a loveless marriage and temporary love.

Maggie Q listens while Chris Cooper explains men’s perception of women’s erogenous mechanisms. Robin Wright and Ethan Hawke play risky emotional games. Julie Christie and John Hurt negotiate a dramatic moment. Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman find comfort in the familiarity of a 61-year marriage.

Unexpected outcomes result from a drop-off in a dry-cleaning shop and a young man taking a blind date to his school prom.

Some of the stories present bold punch-lines, others insist that we use our imagination. What they offer is mostly worth hearing.

At Dendy

“Robin Hood” (M) IT’S said of Brian Helgeland’s screenplay for this rollicking medieval adventure that co-producer and star Russell Crowe several times returned it for adjustment, improvement, whatever.

Whatever the screenplay’s history, the Sherwood Forest and Sheriff of Nottingham period gets only brief mention. Director Ridley Scott’s film is a mythology about Robin’s adventures between returning from a Crusade and King John’s declaring him an outlaw whom any Englishman might slay with impunity.

Crowe makes an easy job of Robin Longstride, who becomes Robin Loxley at the behest of blind Sir William Loxley (Max von Sydow). As Marian, Cate Blanchett delivers physical demands with admirable brio and verve. Mark Strong is evil as Godfrey and Oscar Isaac is nasty Prince John.

The film looks good. The arrival of an invading French army on the beach beneath the Dover cliffs imitates the scene across the channel on June 6, 1944. While the battle scenes look impressive, occasionally their conduct made me laugh.

Don’t expect great historical or intellectual insights from this film. It was made as pure entertainment and does it well, despite moments best described as corny.

At all Canberra cinemas

“Harry Brown” (MA) THE Brits call Elephant and Castle a “sink” estate, with a population that can’t afford better addresses, where crime is an inevitable lifestyle choice for young adults with few prospects and scant hope.

After burying his Katherine alongside their daughter, decorated former Royal Marine Harry Brown’s only pal is Len with whom he plays chess in Sid’s pub. Len is scared of the young folk who gather around an underpass that he must negotiate. As well he might, because one day they gang up on Len and murder him.

Daniel Barber’s film tells how Harry, essentially a good person, responds to the murder. He takes up arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing ends them.

Despite being ugly, squalid, brutal and uncompromising, it’s compelling cinema, looking at an aspect of Britain that tourism brochures don’t mention – its world-class criminal class.

As Harry, Michael Caine’s performance is superb. Emily Mortimer is strong as the detective assigned to solve Len’s murder. Dominating the film’s middle is an un-named, truly revolting, feral young man into drugs, pimping, gun running and violence as entertainment.

The squeamish may find Harry Brown discomfiting, but that’s no reason to avoid it.

At Dendy

Supabarn Warehouse

advertising feature

Supabarn Warehouse… The goal is to provide Canberra’s lowest overall food prices.

Warehouse promises cheaper prices for all THE new Supabarn Warehouse at Canberra Airport, which represents an essential feature of the Canberra supermarket group’s long-term plans for future growth, will be open to everyone.

“We believe our warehouse concept is unique,” says managing director Eric Koundouris.

“Shoppers, small businesses, restaurants will all be welcome.

“Put simply, our new warehouse will enable Supabarn to store large volumes of product for distribution to its stores and increase its bulk-buying power and this, too, will contribute to substantially lower grocery prices.

“The Supabarn Warehouse will focus on delivering lower prices by eliminating all unnecessary costs and overheads. We will also use our increased buying power and the new warehouse to pass these savings on to every Supabarn supermarket store.

“At Supabarn we know we’re not the biggest in the marketplace, which means we have to try harder to make sure we’re always doing it better.

“We always strive to buy better, have better quality fresh foods and, of course, better service.”

Mr Koundouris says that the Supabarn Warehouse goal is to provide Canberra’s lowest overall food prices.

“The warehouse format has operating efficiencies which enables us to pass on cost savings to our customers,” he says.

“Our fresh food departments provide quality goods, and we offer our customers a great range of the brands that Australians know and love, all at competitively low prices.”

He says customers can save by buying in bulk, as all grocery items are sold not only individually but by the case with further savings.

“Our fresh departments carry the best-selling items at very competitive prices and we always maintain the highest quality. We will sell the

Customers can save by bulk purchasing. main produce lines, bulk cheeses, smallgoods, meat and poultry,” he says.

“Our meat department is a new concept, where you can buy bulk meat which our on-site butchers will cut to suit your needs. We have everything from grass-fed Angus to Wagyu beef, all yearling and only the best quality. We source our meat from the best farmers from Tasmania to Queensland with no middle men, meaning incredible prices.

“The warehouse carries a range of continental groceries and hospitality products in a mix unique to no other supermarket in Canberra. And if there is a product you’d like us to range, please ask our friendly staff and we will to our best to help you out.

“If Supabarn is to further grow its supermarket presence in Canberra and retain its competitive edge against the major chains it must have the capacity to buy in bulk and increase its volume.

“Volume is a critical factor because it too ultimately delivers cheaper groceries to shoppers – both at our new warehouse and our Supabarn stores.”

Supabarn Warehouse, 7-15 Mustang Avenue, Majura Park, Canberra Airport. The warehouse is open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm.

CityNews May 20-26 27

arts&entertainment

Iori’s tranquil celebration DINING

By Wendy Johnson THE first time I walked into Iori, I remember the quiet and tranquillity. That was many years ago. When I walked in this week it was just as peaceful. That’s no surprise since, in Japanese, “iori” means a place to relax. And relax over dinner we did.

Iori is celebrating nine years in business.

The menu includes traditional Japanese courses, including sushi (perhaps the most famous Japanese food) and sashimi, to modern cuisine. It’s skilfully prepared, meticulously presented and as fresh as can be.

The Agedoshi Tofu – an absolute fave of one of our party – was first up and it hit the mark. The bean curd was lightly deep-fried and topped with nori and shallots ($10). Our second entrée, the Nasu Dengako, is deepfried eggplant topped with house-made miso sauce. If it all sounds too deep-fried, it’s not.

Iori is light on with the oil.

Look carefully at Iori’s menu to discover a sweet little symbol flagging “most popular” dishes. These are a safe bet if you’re not familiar with the world of Japanese cuisine.

The symbol led us to the Dragon Rolls ($16), filled with prawn tempura and topped with thinly sliced, ripe avocado, delicately fanned on top of the roll.

Japan is one of the world’s greatest consumers of seafood so it’s no surprise that the assorted sashimi plate is an amazing dish,

Iori... traditional Japanese courses, including sushi and sashimi, to modern cuisine, skilfully prepared, meticulously presented and as fresh as can be.

Photo by Silas the raw seafood super fresh and up to its reputation as a Japanese delicacy (regular $17 and large $30)… and who can do anything but love Japanese horseradish?

Don’t shy away from Iori because you shudder at the thought of eating raw fish.

The majority of Japanese food is cooked and Iori prepares dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Be bold and try the chargrilled eel ($20) even though it’s a bit strong (for some) and somewhat an acquired taste.

The one dish I expected to adore but didn’t was the Wagyu Premium Tataki steak ($35).

Highly marbled, this beef is meant to be the most tender in the world, but it didn’t melt in my mouth.

To celebrate its anniversary, Iori has a chef’s special dinner, which is worth exploring, especially if you’re in a large group.

Iori is divided into three sections – a long, wide table tucked in an enclave where you rest on cushions as you dine; a section with small wooden tables and a small sushi bar where you can watch the creation of edible art.

I have to say that, compared to my last visit, Iori could use a lick of paint and some brightening up, but that didn’t take away from the experience.

Iori, 41 East Row, Civic. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday dinner only. Call 6257 2334.

When sharing a felt experience BOLTON WINNERS Five double passes to see Michael Bolton’s only Canberra concert at the AIS Arena on May 21, valued at $190 each, were won by Amanda Nelson of Jerrabomberra, Alyssa Butchers, Acton, Kathy Smith from Mawson, M Simpson, Woden, and KA Mewett of Lyons.

28 CityNews May 20-26

BETTY Hudson (pictured) is about to exhibit her handcrafted work for the 10th year in a row in the popular Canberra Region Feltmakers’ exhibition “Rapt in Felt” exhibition. According to organisers, “there is no way that you can make two pieces of felt the same even if you try.” It’s at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross Drive, 10am to 4pm, May 27-30, with fashion parades on Friday and Saturday at 12.30pm.

IT’S been ages since we’ve seen Gideon Obarnazek’s Melbourne company Chunky Move in Canberra, but they’re coming to The Street Theatre with “Glow”, May 26-29.

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

Described as “an illuminating choreographic essay” by Obarzanek and interactive software creator Frieder Weiss, it stars former Canberra (Quantum Leap) dancer Sara Black in her 2008 Helpmann Award-winning performance. Bookings to 6247 1223.

STAFF and volunteers are at ArtSound FM are justly miffed at the news from Commercial Radio Australia that digital radio trials involving commercial radio stations and the SBS will begin in Canberra in early July, but that community radio and ABC stations do not appear to have not been included.

NEWS from London – former Canberra director Adam Spreadbury-Maher’s theatre venture “Play and a Pint” has been is showcasing “Strangers In Between” by Queanbeyan playwright Tommy Murphy.

The idea is to give audiences a taste of new Australian work in a relaxed pub environment.

I LIKE a good exhibition title and the Canberra Photographic Society’s show running at Strathnairn Homestead Gallery in Stockdill Drive, Holt, until May 30, has just that with “Diversity is a Nine Letter Word”. It highlights work by Steve Caress, Ross Gould, Andree Laurie, Judy Parker, Genrikh Salata, Barbara Smith, Ray Osmotherly, Lisbeth Westra and Brian Rope.

body

Seeing red

2 3

By Kathryn Vukovljak

1 4 5

6

1.Maybelline Colour Sensational in Are You Red-dy, $16.95, Priceline 2.Chanel Rouge Coco Gabrielle, #19, $50, David Jones 3.Maybelline Colour Sensational in Red Revival, $16.95, Priceline 4.Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Divine Red, $42, David Jones 5.Christian Dior, Rouge Diorific #13, $50, David Jones 6.Max Factor #820 Intensely Red, $20.75, Priceline.

SPRAY TANNING SPECIAL

For May, June & July,

NORMALLY $25 NOW

$20

62868178 CUT ME OUT

KNOCKOUT glamour, sexiness and confidence go along with red lipstick – and it never goes out of style, according to Anna Papadopoulos, of Napoleon Perdis.

“Just think of all the sexy screen sirens who have made the look famous, like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Betty Page,” she says. “And celebs who are rocking a red lip today, like Gwen Stefani, Dita Von Teese and Scarlett Johansson. It’s a gorgeous look.

“It’s definitely a statement to wear red.

“A woman can appear quite self-assured and powerful with it!”

However, Anna says that red lipstick does require a certain amount of maintenance.

“Red lipstick needs to be touched up regularly to ensure it stays looking fresh and glam,” she says. “It also helps if your lips are in a good condition and free from dry skin, as any bold colour can enhance any imperfections.”

The way to get the best result is to use a lip brush, she says. “This will ensure accuracy when applying and help you achieve a smooth result.

“Ensure it stays in place for as long as possible by starting with a lip pencil application in nude or a similar colour to the lipstick,” Anna adds.

“Applying lip liner beforehand will give the lipstick something to grab on to and help it stay in place for much longer.

“After applying the lipstick, re-line the lips so the lipstick appears crisp and won’t bleed.”

Anna says that if you have a light complexion, choose a berry or plum red, and those with more of a golden glow should choose warmer shades.

“In saying that, trying the colour first is a great way to check suitability,” she says, so just pick one you like and give it a go.

Red lips can be worn either day or night, depending on what look you’re going for, according to Anna.

“It can be quite a nice corporate and confident colour to wear for work, or can easily be transformed into a playful party look after 5pm,” she says.

Open 7.30am TILL LATE

Mon-Sat

SOUTHSIDE

Win a collagen facial pack “CityNews” has one LonVitalite Collagen Protein Wrinkle-Removing Mask pack and one Collagen Protein Firming Mask pack, valued at $200 each, to give away.

The first application will be done in the Innovative Hair and Body salon on Northbourne Avenue, and the remaining four treatments can be done at home.

Details and entry instructions are at www.citynews.com.au/competitions

CityNews May 20-26 29

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore May 24-30

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Uranus storms into your sign on Friday (for the first time since 1934). You’ll become more independent and innovative, but you must learn to control your impulsive nature. Remember there’s a fine line between being daring and being plain reckless. By all means take risks Rams, but make sure they are calculated (and clever) ones.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Bulls become insecure when things start to change. With this week’s Full Moon moving through your transformation zone, the only certainty at the moment is change. Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, your personal metamorphosis is happening at an unusually rapid rate. So you’d better get used to it, Taurus!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Don’t get so caught up in daily business that you neglect family and friends. This week, put aside time to spend with someone special. Your enthusiasm is contagious and you have the ability to inspire others to follow their dreams. Your motto for the next seven days is from birthday boy, Jamie Oliver: “Inspiration is around every corner…”

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

It’s Full Moon time so many Crabs will be tense and touchy. You tend to stew on things but try not to bottle up your feelings.

Express how you feel – and then move on. Are you bored with your job? Be careful what you wish for! With Uranus charging into your career zone, big professional changes are heading your way over the next few years.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Friday’s fiery full moonbeams light up your drama zone. So those around you can expect some classic attention-grabbing antics, as you throw yourself into the day with diva-like abandon. Resist the urge to throw a huge hissy fit on the weekend, when loved ones don’t tow the line. Life certainly won’t be dull in Leo Land this week!

general knowledge crossword No. 262 Across 4 Name another term for oesophagi.

8 What do we call one who ponders?

9 Which tooth in the anterior part of the jaw is adapted for cutting?

10 Which protein hormone maintains the balance of glucose metabolism?

11 What are things used as a packing material for making joints fluid-tight?

12 To be far distant in space, is to be what?

14 Which meal serves as both breakfast and lunch?

18 Name the musical direction which suggests rapid tempo.

21 Which instrument is used for loosening the soil for digging?

22 Name the sugar which occurs in many fruits, fluids, etc.

23 Name a variety of small dog with a propensity to pursue prey.

24 What are small sealed bags, used for packaging a variety of goods?

Down

1 In cricket, what do we call the batting player who is facing the bowling?

1

2

3

2 In which place must a competitor come to receive the gold medal?

3 What is another term for a frying pan?

4 Among Spanish Americans, what do they call an Anglo-Saxon foreigner?

5 What are devices for securing doors, gates, etc?

6 What describes the direction from which the sun rises?

7 Name the principal outer garments worn by Hindu women.

13 To which class of creature does the snail or bivalve, etc, belong?

15 Which sloping timbers sustain the outer covering of a roof?

16 What do we call computer vandals?

17 Name the celestial bodies that move about the sun in an elongated orbit.

18 In Greek mythology, what is the shield of Zeus?

19 What is another term for a spherical body?

20 What is a volume having pages of the largest size?

Solution next week

4

5

6

7

8 9 10 11

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Taskmaster Saturn has moved back into your sign (until July 22) and you’re having a tough time, but worrying and complaining won’t help the situation. You need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on. It’s time to adopt the no-nonsense approach of birthday great, John Wayne: “Quit your belly-aching and saddle-up!”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Uranus barnstorms into your partnership zone on Friday so, over the next nine years, your major relationships will alter in unexpected ways. With Venus in your career zone (until June 14) it’s the ideal time to patch up problems with co-workers, plus spruce up your work space. You perform best when you’re surrounded by beauty and harmony.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

How comfortable are you feeling, Scorpio? Financial and emotional security are highlighted this week, as the Full Moon shines the spotlight on your money/self-esteem zone.

Accumulating cash, assets and possessions will make you feel more secure on the outside, but true security and peace of mind can only come from within.

12

13

14

15

16

17 18

19

20 21

22 23 24

Sudoku medium No.32

Solution next week

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week magnifies your positive traits and your negative ones. Aim to be gregarious and generous, rather than bossy and belligerent. On Saturday you’re exuberantly enthusiastic, as you embark on an exciting adventure. Be inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson (born May 25): “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Cool, calm, collected Capricorns – this week you could be called on to smooth troubled waters, as those around you suffer from a hefty dose of Full Moon Madness. With Uranus entering your domestic zone, things are about to be shaken up on the home front. So you need to be flexible and keep up-to-date with what’s going on at Casa Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Uranus (your ruling planet) shifts into Aries, for the first time in 76 years. This increases your independent, innovative nature – but also your restless and rebellious side. With the Full Moon in your peer group zone, take a close look at your friendships.

Fair-weather friends will lead you astray, whereas true mates will fill your life with abundance and joy.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With Friday’s Full Moon in your work zone, it’s time to be bold and brave as you plan your professional future. Pliable Pisceans can waste a lot of energy trying to be all things to all people.

This weekend, temporarily put the needs of others aside and concentrate on Numero Uno, as you pursue personal projects that make your heart sing. Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.

30 CityNews May 20-26

Solutions

Crossword No.261 G R O B O S S T E B R A P T H I S A T

O W H V I T R I N I G G N E S O U T S

U P R N E S C T O S K E I P I P E R R

D C S U M I N A N T G D A E R G E A N T E V U M A R E E S E R F S L P M A U P P I T Y A N E H N A R R O W N E O M T H R E S H

Sudoku hard No.31

property

Hotbed in the north COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

By Tim Humphrey

CANBERRA’S northern industrial market is proving to be a hotbed of sales activity as owner-occupiers make the most of buoyant local economic conditions.

With strata units selling between $1800-$2000 per sqm the Mitchell precinct is competitive with traditional areas such as Fyshwick and Hume.

According to Mark Nicholls, negotiator of CB Richard Ellis in Canberra, demand for smallersized industrial spaces has been strong over the past six months.

“Current buyers are getting more for their money in Mitchell and it’s very close to where a lot of the work is for many of the specialist trades, due to the expanding residential suburbs of Gungahlin” Mr Nicholls said.

“A key difference between say Mitchell and Fyshwick is that for around $1800-$1900 per sqm you get a brand-new, higher spec unit in the former, while the same money will only buy a older style, poor-quality building in the latter.”

Mr Nicholls’ sales in this market over recent months include Unit 4, 189 Flemington Road comprising 221sqm, sold for $405,000+GST to Pure Gelato, which equates to $1833 per sqm. Similarly he has also transacted Unit 3, 42- 44 Essington Street, Mitchell, comprising 285sqm, sold for $550,000+GST to a commercial refrigeration company – which equates to $1930 per sqm.

Sales of larger premises also remains strong

Warehouse transaction in Mitchell... 3 Pelle Street sold for $1.95 million. with Mr Nicholls recently selling the former Australia Post Mail Delivery Centre on Vicars Street, Mitchell, to the Australian War Memorial at a price of $1.85m.

CB Richard Ellis also is close to wrapping up a deal over Unit 3, 25 Dacre Street, Mitchell, comprising 276sqm, which has had an asking price of $495,000+GST, and this will exchange over coming weeks.

Fellow agent Michael Heather, of Colliers International, recently brokered one of the larger 1100sqm freestanding warehouse transactions in Mitchell at 3 Pelle Street for $1.95 million to a part-owner-occupier.

Tim Humphrey is editor of “Property Daily”, a market news and intelligence service focused on commercial property markets nationally. www.propertydaily.com.au

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