Canberra CityNews May 27 - June 2, 2010

CityNews May 27-June 2

CityNews May 27-June 2

news

It’s cool to have a chook or three Welcome to the age of the urban chicken, the new, cool must-have for the backyard. ELERI HARRIS scratches around for the story

THEY’RE something the leafy bush capital does better than any other metro area in the nation, perhaps the only trend we had a head start on with regulative legislation pushed through in 1995 by the then-Environment Minister Gary Humphries, but they are the cool new thing for Australian families, yuppies, hippies and hipsters; they are urban chickens.

Engineer Evan Beaver and his wife Rebecca Smith, of Downer, decided to jump on the urban chicken bandwagon eight months ago, constructing a 7.2m by 3.6m run complete with sleeping coup, cabbage on a string and a pet canary known as “Nano-chicken”.

“They solve a lot of garden problems and they’re very easy pets,” Evan said, “They dig, eat kitchen scraps and insects – even cockroaches.

Plus we wanted eggs.”

With the intention of planting a dozen fruit trees in the run before the end of winter, urban chickens fit into Beaver’s grand backyard permaculture plans and, even through autumn, his chooks are still laying – something he attributes to their luxurious lifestyle.

“I cook the ladies a hot breakfast of two-minute noodles, veggie scraps and pellets.”

While the backyard chicken coop has been a stock standard in ACT backyards for decades, it has become quite fashionable of late Australia wide, partly because no one has any idea what the egg labels mean anymore.

INDEX May 27-June 2, 2010

Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 21

Arts&Entertainment Body Dining Environment Fashion Horoscope Letters Movie reviews News Property Puzzles Social Scene

25-28 30-31 28 8 29 35 12 26 3-12,16,20 38-47 35 22-24

FRONT COVER: Kate from Innovative Building Projects and Reds rugby player Anthony Faingaa inside the eight-star eco haus, story Page 14.

Photo by Silas

Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur, a former chicken owner, is all for the ethical eggs of urban chickens and their waste-management capabilities.

“Having your own chickens is a great way to ensure you have a good source of free-range eggs as well as helping enrich the soil,” she says.

“I have really enjoyed having chooks in the past, but I don’t have any at the moment. Whenever I have to compost old food, I regret that I can’t feed them to my chooks.”

Chickens can be purchased from a variety of sources from markets to private suppliers, but families with small children may be interested in Liane Rumble’s 10-day program “Hatching Chicks”.

For 11 years Rumble has been supplying eggs, incubators and brooding boxes to schools and families around Canberra.

“I deliver to preschools, day care centres and also people’s private homes in the school holidays,” Rumble says.”You get 10 to a dozen eggs in a transparent incubator, I incubate before I deliver them so children can watch them hatching.”

They hatch within two days and you can have the chicks just for the duration of the program, but Rumble says about 50 per cent of families choose to keep the birds as urban chickens.

“I come and collect them all, but if I do it at private homes and if they’re wanting to have backyard chickens, they can keep them,” she says.

contact us

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Evan Beaver with two of his chooks, Chen Kenichi and Rosie.

“We can’t tell straight away if they’re roosters or hens when they’re hatched.”

So she will come and remove the roosters after six weeks.

But life’s not free and easy for Canberra’s backyard chooks, even Evan Beaver’s brood, Lee Lin Chin, Chen Kenichi and Rosie, face the terrors of foxes, frost and disease – signalling the importance of a clean, solid and lockable coop.

Photo by Silas

The RSPCA and CSIRO have guidelines on building your own chicken run and coop from average hardware store materials.

For links to the 1995 ACT Code of Practice for the Welfare of Captive Birds, tips and advice on keeping urban chickens, check out the “CityNews” blog – for more information on “Hatching Chicks” email Liane at lianer@ozemail.com.au

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 27-June 2

news

Political waves greet digital radio Seven years after Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is to get a taste of digital radio when trials start in July. Trials? We have to go through it all again before the Federal Government steps up and provides permanent digital transmission infrastructure. ELERI HARRIS tries to find out why FROM July, Austereo, Capital Radio and SBS will begin a two-year digital radio trial for Canberra, nearly a year after the technology was rolled out in metropolitan areas across the country and seven years after the original Federally funded trials were conducted in Sydney and Melbourne.

Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner says our nation’s capital is considered a “regional” area and, because of dispersed audiences, commercial radio stations have been disinterested in pushing for the Feds to build the necessary infrastructure here.

“We would hope there would be digital spectrum permanently allocated to Canberra, trialled at low power so we can actually give the broadcasters experience – but there is no guarantee of spectrum around Australia.

“Digital radio becomes more expensive for regionals, the revenue bases are much lower and the return on investment much slower coming.

“The Government has provided hundreds of millions in assistance to regional broadcasters for TV. We wanted the national roll out of digital radio to give assistance for regional areas.”

The trial in Canberra will be equally funded by the three partners to attract Commonwealth support for permanent digital radio infrastructure – as has been forthcoming in the State capitals.

The ABC has refused to take part in the trial, arguing that digital radio testing has been done already and the Federal Government should just step up and provide permanent digital transmission infrastructure for Canberra.

“The capacity to install and broadcast this technology has been established, following the successful rollout into the five mainland State capital cities of a broad range digital radio services,” the ABC says in a statement.

“A trial would effectively encourage our audience to purchase digital radio equipment where we cannot guarantee an ongoing service.

“The ABC cannot guarantee an on-going service without a Government funding commitment.”

Cost is a key issue in the trial of both transmis-

CityNews May 27-June 2

ArtSound’s general manager Chris Deacon... “we’d like to at least have the opportunity to be involved and not be sidelined.” sion and reception with SBS defending the cost of its involvement while simultaneously discouraging people to go out and buy expensive digital radios for the trial.

As UC journalism lecturer Julie Posetti said: “Digital radio requires the purchase of costly new equipment – over $100 being the entry point, so while we live in a wealthy city, many Canberrans will be left out of the digital radio loop altogether.”

Canberra’s community radio stations can’t afford to be involved either. The Community Broadcaster’s Association Australia point out their participation in the Federally funded trials and roll out for the State capitals was financially supported.

CBAA digital radio project manager Kath Letch told “CityNews” community broadcasting expected Government support in Canberra if the technology was permanently rolled out here.

“I think the process of digital radio in regional areas is a process that will unfold. The Federal Government has been responsive in capital cities, making legislative access for community stations. We would certainly be expecting there

will be access positioned for community radio stations in the national capital as well when it is rolled out.”

Canberra community radio broadcaster ArtSound’s general manager Chris Deacon said it was disappointing they were not included in the trial given the level of alternative digital testing already being performed at the station.

“We’re already doing trials of digital sub-carrier technology, which is using our existing FM bandwith to distribute digital signals in a trial that is the first in Australia. So it’s a natural thing for us to look at other digital technologies as well for broadcasting. We’re well equipped to do so.

“We were told late last year that there was a possibility of trials being conducted and we were offered the opportunity to be involved by the Community Broadcasting Association and we were enthusiastic. That’s the last we heard about it till we saw it in the paper.

“The [Commonwealth] Government has committed to funding community radio’s transition to digital radio, so we would expect funding to be made available to assist us in participating in those trials.

Photo by Silas

“We’ve yet to be convinced of the benefits of digital radio, but we’d like to at least have the opportunity to be involved and not be sidelined.”

Deacon said ArtSound’s 2009 Radiothon run under the tagline “Help us embrace the digital future” and included the ACT Government amongst its sponsors.

“We think Canberra should have been included in the original metropolitan trials. Why should we be disadvantaged?” Deacon said.

SBS and the CBA have said they want digital radio to reach the politicians in Parliament House.

“We’re very pleased we’re getting digital up there,” Warner said, “We want politicians to understand why digital radio is so beneficial.”

Posetti points out that while the capital has been sidelined on the digital radio front, it is still the site of national power-brokering and if broadcasters across the sectors want further funding to support digital roll out all over Australia, this is the place to push the technology.

“Canberra is a city intimately connected to power and politics and an essential part of that connection is the media – in all its forms.”

CityNews May 27-June 2

news

briefly

Judy’s secret to long life: Keep moving

By Kathryn Vukovljak “I BELIEVE in functional fitness, the kind that translates into real life,” says personal trainer and nutritionist Judy Croston.

“When they’re 80, people just want to be independent, to be able to climb the stairs, pick up the grandkids, put on a pair of boots, simple things.

“But it’s amazing how many people can’t. If you want to be comfortable, fit and active at 80, you’d better start preparing now. Otherwise all you’re preparing for is to shut down.”

Tough love perhaps, but Judy says she’s passionate about sharing her positive attitude as well as her love of exercise and healthy eating with others.

“I train people to be the best they can be through movement,” she says.

“I teach young kids and 90-yearolds. What I teach applies to absolutely everyone.”

CityNews May 27-June 2

And what she teaches is relatively simple – eat right, move, stretch.

“I see people who spend all day on the computer, and it’s so bad for you,” she shudders. “We’re meant to move around, run, walk, not sit still, folding into ourselves all day.

Awful.”

Judy was nominated for the International Women’s Day award in March, and while she wasn’t a winner on the day, she says she was overwhelmed by the amount of “incredible” testimonials offered up by her clients.

“Apparently they were inundated.

I felt so special,” she says. “And truly, the best part about being nominated was the party held in my honour the night before the awards, arranged by the Belconnen Community Centre, who nominated me.

“It was just so touching, to have all the people I’ve worked with over the years come together to cel-

Proud firemen

THE United Firefighters Union of the ACT has donated the $20,000 raised from the first annual edition of a 12-month calendar featuring ACT firemen towards buying a humicrib for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital. “All of our firies donated their time and effort off-duty to produce and sell the calendar, and we are really proud to donate this money to the Neonatal Unit,” said union secretary Jason James.

Tower of power

“TOUCHING Lightly”, a 25-metre-high landmark glass tower by internationallyrecognised Australian artist Warren Langley, has been unveiled at the Kingston Power House. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the internally-lit tower that shimmers during the day and glows with blue lights at night, was designed to evoke the Power House’s previous 35 metre-high steel chimney and symbolised the heritage of Canberra’s oldest public building.

Socials, Page 22 Judy Croston... “I love people, I love watching them grow. I’m happy to make a difference in their lives.”

Photo by Silas ebrate my nomination; celebrate me,” she says.

“They talked about the ‘Judy magic’, meaning the support I provide people in the community. Overwhelming. It was wonderful.”

Described in testimonials as “selfless, big-hearted, loyal, honest, respectful, enthusiastic, generous, reliable, going beyond the call of duty”, and by one gentleman as an “angel”, Judy’s “magic” is wide-reaching. She runs her own personal training business “Move it with Jude” and teaches the Women’s Group “Healthy Body Healthy Mind” program. She specialises in diet and nutrition, wellness and fitness classes for women from diverse cultural backgrounds, people with arthritis, seniors, those with mental afflictions, disability and illness prevention and treatment,

personal development and those rehabilitating from physical and/or mental trauma.

“I just enjoy helping people,” she says. “I love people, I love watching them grow. I’m happy to make a difference in their lives.”

Canadian-born Judy, who has three children and a partner who’s an Iron Man, came to Australia in 1972 to travel around on a motorbike, and never left. Her passion for motorbikes remains the same, too – Judy zips around town on her electric-blue Suzuki 650, and tells me she’ll celebrate her upcoming 60th birthday on the open road.

“I’ll be in Europe, visiting family and biking around,” she says. “What could be better than that?

“It’s all part of my preparation for being 80!”

Nicky makes a move NICKY Simon (pictured) has joined local boutique real estate agency Philip Kouvelis Real Estate after six years with Peter Blackshaw Real Estate. In her new role, Nicky says she is able to offer her clients an individually tailored and more personalised service.

New fellow of science

AN internationally respected researcher responsible for major breakthroughs in the development of polymer technologies, CSIRO’s Dr Ezio Rizzardo, has been elected as a fellow of the UK Royal Society. Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the world’s oldest scientific academy. Dr Rizzardo’s name is recorded on a roll-call of some of the world’s most distinguished scientists including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking.

CityNews May 27-June 2

environment

Yum, yum, it’s biodynamic!

Biodynamic growers and producers are prepared to put their money where their mouth is in June, as three of the region’s prominent farmers take part in a “Talk and Taste”, says Environment writer TANYA DAVIES SUE Armstrong, Vince Heffernan and Tobias Koenig will join The Kitchen Cabinet’s executive chef Janet Jeffs in “Organic and Biodynamics” on Sunday June 20.

The farmers will share their produce and lead what should be a lively discussion as well as giving tips on how to establish and maintain your own sustainable kitchen and garden domain.

The monthly “Talk and Taste” events have been running since the middle of last year when Jeffs established The Kitchen Cabinet at Old Parliament House. As well as sourcing food from a 200km radius she has also established a gourmet shop on the premises selling her own home-made produce, such as pasta sauces, as well as the very best of our region’s growers, including locally made chocolates, olive oils, and lesserspotted fruits and veggies.

CityNews May 27-June 2

Lenore Coltheart, spokesperson for The Kitchen Cabinet, says many people are interested in the difference between organic and biodynamic growing, but don’t have the time to hear about it when they visit, so an event exploring the details was a way to answer many questions.

She says: “People are quite in awe of biodynamics. Biodynamics is as much, perhaps more, about what is happening underneath the soil as above it.

“Even organic growers sometimes call it ‘muck and magic’.

But it’s all in the taste. That is what convinces many people.”

It’s what convinced real estate agent Vince Heffernan to take over his late father’s farm, Moorlands, and convert it to a biodynamic property.

“Biodynamics is an enhanced organic approach, its practices are focused on producing

Biodynamic farmer Vince Heffernan... saying no to insecticide, artificial fertiliser, weedicide, chemical drench, vaccine, chemical dips or pesticides. healthy, living, well-structured soil. Healthy plants and animals are a result,” he says.

“None of our lambs are fed hay made from GM Canola, or exposed to fungicides or fed grain. No insecticide, artificial fertiliser, weedicide, chemical drench, vaccine, chemical dips or pesticides are applied to the

soil, the plants or the animals on Moorlands.”

“Talk and Taste”, The Kitchen Cabinet at Old Parliament House, 11am, Sunday, June 20, costs $20 (and can be followed by the Winter Solstice Sunday lunch, $30). Bookings to 6270 8156 are essential.

Paper’s influence fades, says survey ATOP sharp circulation declines in the latest sales audit, Canberra’s only daily paper seems also to be losing to the internet its pre-eminence in influencing real estate buyers, according to a new survey.

The embattled “Canberra Times” circulation continues to be in freefall regardless of marketing home-delivery offers that include five weeks for as little as $10. Average sales to March 31 have slumped on Saturday by 5.72 per cent (down to 56,187 copies), Monday to Friday by 4.42 per cent (to 32,835) and on Sunday by 3.08 per cent (to 34,544).

Despite its big Saturday real estate lift-out, funded largely by vendor-paid advertising, only 4.7 per cent of recent property buyers first saw their houses advertised in “The Canberra Times”, says the research, commissioned by local property website Allhomes.

The data was gathered by ACA Research in Sydney, which sent out questionnaires to 1200 buyers with 214 people providing a response.

Angela Brooks, senior consultant at McNair Ingenuity Research, in Sydney, said that while 214 people wasn’t a massive response rate, it was good enough to draw reasonable conclusions from.

“We know Allhomes is popular, but I’m surprised at the results – I think homebuyers have changed their habits,” says Tim White, CEO of Allhomes.

“I think this goes to show the extent of the use of the internet in Canberra.”

The research also shows that 83.2 per cent of new home buyers first saw their property on Allhomes.

“I’m very pleased. Three years ago it would have been 90 per cent saw their homes in ‘The Canberra Times’,” says Tim. Tim says that the traffic for Allhomes has increased from 1.1 million page views per day 18 months ago, to 1.8 million.

“These results will cause a reassessment by agents and clients about the value of real estate advertising in ‘The Canberra Times’,” he says.

CityNews May 27-June 2

politics

What is it about local Labor folk?

By Michael Moore A SENIOR Federal Labor adviser recently commented to me on the unusual character of the Canberra Labor Party. He was tut-tutting the fact that the local branches broke factional discipline when they elected rank-and-file members to fill the safe Labor seats of Canberra and Fraser.

The nature of these seats means that communications consultant Gai Brodtmann and ANU economist Andrew Leigh are all but guaranteed to become MPs at the next election.

What such outsiders may not have realised is that Canberrans are invariably wily voters.

The preselection of a party hack may have put the seat at risk. Although it is hard to extrapolate from Assembly elections – it is quite rare for Labor to win more than 50 per cent of the vote.

The first Assembly demonstrated what happens when the people of the ACT are unhappy with political parties. At that election Labor received less than 23 per cent of the first-preference vote.

In the 2008 Assembly election, Labor won just over 37 per cent and their strongest result was in 2004 when they were able to form a majority government with just less than 47 per cent of the first-preference vote.

It is likely that preferences will flow from Green candidates to Labor before they ever flow to the Liberal Party. It is even more likely with local people being preselected as candidates, rather than union heavies or party apparatchiks. Senator Kate Lundy, who was both a local and a union heavy with the CFMEU, is likely to maintain the Labor Senate seat for so long as she is willing to continue in politics.

While the factionally non-aligned Andrew Leigh in the seat of Fraser is likely to be popular with the electorate, he may well fall into the same abyss as his predecessor Bob McMullan when it comes to broader Australian politics.

Despite McMullan’s outstanding competence, ability and understanding, his non-factional alignment virtually guaranteed that for the last decade he would be unable to move beyond the backbench or a junior ministry. He was Minister for Trade and Administrative Services from 1993 to 1996 and will complete his term as Parliamentary Secretary for international Development Assistance.

The potential for Gai Brodtmann in the seat of Canberra is another story. She is politically astute and has the experience of dealing with

10 CityNews May 27-June 2

left politics within the Labor Party when she was an adviser to Chief Minister Rosemary Follett and later to Bob McMullan. She told “CityNews” reporter, Eleri Harris: “I’ve got a very good understanding of the process in terms of how things come up to Ministers and also I have worked in political offices”.

Federal Labor machinations take much more. One of the surprises for the people of Canberra was the relegation of Kate Lundy to the backbench instead of being given even a junior ministry in the Rudd Government. The ACT senator gained her position in 1996 through her networks and through her understanding of the party but these have not been enough.

Andrew Leigh, like McMullan, will bring an intelligent approach to Federal Labor politics.

A scan of his research interests combined with a read of some of his academic papers or his myriad of published opinion pieces reflect a sound academic mind genuinely interested in equality and using evidence to make decisions.

Leigh’s commentaries go well beyond economic issues, such as the global financial crisis, to wrestle with important social issues such as the place of women in the senior echelons of the workforce, the motivations behind terrorism, prison reform, the importance of education and ageing. His academic research includes the economic ramifications of such issues as gender, race and socio-economic status.

The Canberra Labor Party preselections may not have gone along factional lines and there is no doubt that many good candidates were eliminated. However, it does appear that the process has thrown up some extraordinarily talented local candidates.

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

Pyjama party helps homeless

opinion

Torn between two cultures

By Eleri Harris

MARK PARTON hits the pedals to discover bike riding is a big challenge on our roads IN the smash hit movie “Avatar”, the lead character Jake Sully finds himself torn between two cultures and not knowing to which he truly belongs. I know how he feels: I’m finding myself having an “Avatar” moment whenever I hit Canberra roads these days.

As a motorist for more than a quarter of a century, I’m a car driver from way back, but in the last few years I’ve returned to bike riding and I’m doing more and more of it.

Motorists and cyclists in this town are at times as diametrically opposed as are the Na’vi and the humans on Pandora. They despise each other. The cyclists have a sneaking suspicion that all the motorists want to kill them; the motorists suspect the cyclists of many things, among them not paying their way and being a bloody nuisance.

Motorists seem insanely jealous over the fact that cyclists can slip so easily through peak-hour traffic jams, and that they make their own rules at traffic lights. Cyclists who choose the road looking for the shortest route find themselves jousting for bitumen space with vehicles 20 times their weight. It often boils over into angry words and sometimes more.

I was riding along the Gungahlin Drive Extension a few weeks ago and I saw the cultural divide first hand. I was southbound and there was a small truck heading north.

One of the fluorescent-clad tradies in the truck leaned out of the window to shout abuse at me. I didn’t hear all of what he said, but it ended with “you f…ing faggot!”

What a bizarre thing? I wondered how riding my crappy mountain bike on the GDE translated into a declaration of my sexuality. How does that work? It seems if you ride a bike you vote for the Greens, you eat mung beans and you’re gay. Just as well the former NSW Transport Minister David Campbell wasn’t captured by a TV crew riding a bike in recent years or they would have had a field day.

The two warring factions often emerge from their bunkers to fire pot-shots at each other on my radio program. Last week, as we debated the deadlock between the Transport Workers Union and ACTION buses, I got this comment come through from mad-keen cyclist Alistair: “With the lack of respect many ACTION drivers show cyclists, they can sack the bloody lot.”

The other side hit back instantly through Greg, who said: “Those bike riders have no right to comment. Once they start paying their own registration, I’ll listen to them.”

I’m not sure I’ll join the cyclists when they rise up and revolt against the motorists in an all-out civil war, but I’m not surprised that it’s the law for cyclists to wear a helmet.

Mario Sanfrancesco... in his pyjamas to promote the CEO Sleepout.

Photo by Silas

MARIO Sanfrancesco is one of more than 60 of Canberra’s CEOs set to spend a cold night sleeping out in the National Museum of Australia’s Garden of Dreams to raise money and awareness of homelessness in the capital.

A dozen CEOs gathered pyjama-party style this week to promote Canberra’s first experience of the the annual St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout on June 17, where business leaders are sponsored to spend a night out of doors.

“So many people sleep on the streets every night,” said Mario, CEO of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong. “This is a great way to raise awareness and to experience it for yourself, it’s a worthwhile experience.”

Canberra is second place Australia wide for total funds raised and, with 66 business leaders signed up and just over $71,000 raised so far, the city looks good on the national scale as more female CEOs plan to sleep out here than anywhere else and only Sydney boasts more participants.

Each night more than 100 Canberrans sleep on the streets in three distinct homeless groups – youth, single women and single men. While there are many reasons for homelessness in the ACT St Vincent de Paul says a shortage of affordable housing is the key problem.

Sanfrancesco has never participated in the event before and has bought pyjamas specially for the night.

“The last time I slept outdoors was three or four months ago. I slept outside in the backyard with my daughter for a bit of fun, on the trampoline to be precise,” he said.

“I got involved because we’ve done a bit of work with St Vincent’s before and a number of my staff have been involved with them previously. It’s a great cause and event to promote.

“I don’t know how anyone could see this and not want to get involved and make things better.”

Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC

CityNews May 27-June 2 11

a dose of dorin

letters

Doing the best we can IF Robert Macklin’s article “Builders: Why won’t anyone bell the cat?” (CN, May 20) was meant to create debate, then it has done so.

What credentials does this man have to criticise other hard-working people? He appears to have forgotten that Australia is made up of ethical ethnics. I pride myself as being one of them.

Do we put all writers or journalists in the same category, those that write pornography and those like Mr Macklin? They all use paper to get their message read.

Mr Macklin seems to be judging everybody by the few. The building industry plays a major and vital role in keeping the Canberra community functioning. The majority of people in the industry give charitably, pay their taxes, are law-abiding citizens and very ethical citizens of Australia.

Don’t make assumptions, we are all different, we are all trying to make a go of doing the best we can and we are all trying to accept our everchanging world.

Name withheld, Nicholls

In search of tradespeople

ROBERT Macklin has made some good points (“Builders: Why won’t anyone bell the cat?” CN, May 20).

There was once a very useful website maintained by a Ms Seselja that listed reliable tradesmen in the ACT based on the recommendation of users. That site seems to have gone but it would be helpful if “CityNews” could track down such sites that are operating in Canberra and pass their names on to readers to access.

Where tradesmen are concerned, the recommendation of others is surely the best way to go.

than multi-bedroom units. The community effect and density efficiency is not considered.

A strict policy is required to guide a genuine mix and ratio of one, two and two-plus bedroom units within developments.

For example, all the new private development applications in Braddon are for one-bedroom units with the only exception being the token Rex Hotel residential development which has 149 units, 111 one bedroom, 37 two bedroom and one three bedroom, which equates to 75 per cent one-bedroom units.

The merits of increasing bedroom numbers in units would make it easier for people to stay within an area as housing needs change.

Geoff Davidson, Braddon

Lock them up longer

FOR the protection of citizens and businesses, the ACT Government should consider copying their political stablemates in NSW by introducing sober-up cells for drunks. But the maximum holding time of four hours in NSW would need re-visiting.

The human liver can metabolise per hour no more than the amount of alcohol in one standard drink – accepted to be a middy of beer, a medium-size glass of wine, or a nip of spirits.

All these have virtually the same amount of alcohol by volume.

Many binge-drinkers consume 10 to 15 drinks in three to four hours, very often between 10pm and 2am. Being released during one and four hours would leave them still intoxicated, and certainly over the limit for driving a vehicle!

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Shame on Katy

SHAME on Katy Gallagher for proposing to

John Milne, Chapman impose more red tape on Canberra solarium op-

Editor’s note: John makes an eminently sensible suggestion and we would be pleased to highlight reader recommendations of great, reliable, skilled tradespeople. Accolades to editor@ citynews.com.au, please.

The bedroom debate IN addition to the “Katy puts the brakes on the developers’ gravy train” column by Michael Moore (CN, May 13), the effect on housing type and mix is a serious issue in inner-city developments.

The simple fact is developers make more profit from one-bedroom unit developments rather

12 CityNews May 27-June 2

erators. Her policy will see increased licensing requirements, leading to higher costs and fewer operators of these vital facilities.

We’re starved enough for tanning opportunities here as it is, and I for one don’t want to lose my Mediterranean glow.

Fletcher Tully, Canberra

What’s in a name?

ANDREW Leigh, Labor candidate for the seat of Fraser, declares himself to be an atheist. I wonder why he named his son Theodore which means “lover of God”?

Mary Samara-Wickrama via email

CityNews May 27-June 2 13

Innovative Building Projects

Quality drives family business Brothers with a passion for a premium building experience INNOVATIVE Building Projects (IBP) occupies an exclusive niche within the construction industry as a premium designer and builder of new homes, extensions, multi-unit developments and commercial projects.

“Our dedication to high-quality design and construction is paramount, whether we’re working on low-budget projects or high-cost residences with complex technical specifications,” says architect Dane Kasunic.

The family-run business was started

by Dane and his father Miko in 2003, Brothers Tommy and Dane Kasunic... and is now run by Dane and his builder “Having an architect and a builder brother, Tommy. in the same package is a great “I think having an architect and a proposition for our clients,” says Dane. builder in the same package is a great proposition for our clients,” Dane says.

“But it doesn’t mean that clients obliged to use us for building, and vice have to utilise both. Clients can engage versa. We’re very flexible and always Innovative Architecture without being work with the needs of our clients.”

Kate from Innovative Building Projects shows Reds rugby player Anthony Faingaa the eight-star eco haus.

14 CityNews May 27-June 2

advertising feature

The display home at the Bonner Living Showcase, 7 Clay Street, Bonner.

Welcome to the eight-star ‘eco-haus’ Brothers Dane and Tommy Kasunic have just completed a spectacular eight-star energy-rated home at the Bonner Living Showcase display village, near Gungahlin.

“Our ‘eco-haus’ on Clay Street really just shows what we can do,” says Dane. “It’s an example of the kind of thing that is possible.

“We design houses to suit any needs, and we always take into account the features of the site and our clients’ budget to achieve the best sustainable result. Everything we build has sustainability in mind.”

The “eco-haus” is eight-star rated – how did they achieve this?

“The house is oriented for solar gain, so we created large, north-facing windows to maximise light and warmth,” says Dane. “The sun heats the raw materials – concrete floors and reversed brick-veneer walls – which make the house more efficient because the heat is trapped in the thermal mass.”

Tommy says: “The concrete slab has underfloor

(that’s right, eight stars!)

hydronic heating, and is also insulated around the edges to prevent the heat from escaping.”

The vast windows are double-glazed, timber framed, with argon-filled “low E” glass so that the summer heat is kept out and winter warmth in, according to Dane.

“The sustainability of the home is a combination of the solar-passive design, construction techniques and use of materials.” he says.

The house has no need for air-conditioning in summer either, because the thermal mass retains coolness as well as heat, and the high-level windows and interior courtyard provide crossventilation.

“That’s 90 per cent of what the courtyard is for,” explains Dane. “There has to be a limited width to the living areas, so when the windows are open,

something that hasn’t been done before.

“The floating cantilevered stairs are another cool feature. We didn’t want the house to be just about energy-efficiency – it has to have the wow-factor, too.” the ceiling fans will move the breeze through the IBP has recently launched a series of sustainable, space. It can’t be too big. The courtyard is a heat affordable one-off house and land packages called vacuum and sucks the hot air up and out. It’s not Innovative Lite. just good to look at.”

Dane is an award-winning architect with more It’s “the look” that poses the challenge in creatthan 10 years post-qualification experience, with ing a sustainable home, according to Dane. particular focus on good design incorporating “The house is energy-efficient, but the difficulty environmental sustainability. Tommy has six years is having it light-filled and a stylish, desirable place of practical experience and is currently co-ordinatto live, too,” he says. ing a multitude of projects.

Dane and Tommy have also installed a solar hot“We are committed to understanding our clients’ water system, photovoltaic cells which feed energy needs, working within realistic budgets and schedback into the grid, fluorescent and LED lighting, ules,” says Tommy. “Our buildings are constructed which all reduce running costs. with the greatest attention to detail while ensuring And the kitchen is breathtaking, thanks to a the highest level of professional and personalised gravity-defying floating work bench. customer service throughout the process.”

“That was done with lots of steelwork!” says Innovative Building Projects, 47 Wentworth Dane. “It’s just about trying something different, Avenue Kingston or www.ibp.net.au. Call 6162 3635

CityNews May 27-June 2 15

news feature

Career perils of maternity leave A RECENT poll conducted by the parenting website Essential Baby – and the raging forum debate that followed – showed overwhelmingly that many women have experienced a career slow-down post maternity leave – and that going part-time can be the final nail in the coffin.

“While my own experience of taking maternity leave and returning to work has been good, I know this is because I have an accommodating workplace – which inspires attachment and loyalty, in my opinion,” says website general manager Melina Cruickshank, who is about to embark on 12 months’ maternity leave.

“From the response to our poll, not everyone is so fortunate. It seems many employers find it hard to facilitate the situation.”

Essential Baby forum member LouiseT writes that she was leapfrogged and managed by people she trained and mentored following her maternity leave. “My pay reviews were overlooked as they took place while I was on leave, so my pay remained basically the same for seven years, no matter what my results were or how much work I took home,” she writes.

“Part-time hours are never really part-time when you are a professional. You take work home, get calls and more work couriered to your home on your days off. I missed out on training opportunities and courses because I was already ‘out of the office’ too much.”

Deputy Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, a mum of three and the first member of the Assembly to give birth while in office, admits that while she has been fortunate to have a wonderful boss and lots of support, ensuring her career has stayed

When heading off all aglow on maternity leave, many women expect that when they return to the office they’ll be welcomed back with flexible work practices and the same responsibility and career opportunities they had before – but this is not always the case, writes Kathryn Vukovljak. on track has not been an easy ride.

“It’s different for me because I’m in an elected position,” she says. “But I have had to modify the way I work.

“For example, I know I have to drop my kids at childcare in the morning and leave work at 5pm so I can pick them up, get home and do what every other mother across Canberra is doing at that time – getting the kids fed, bathed and to bed. And I have to fit in my work commitments around that, even if it means doing a couple of hours’ work once they’re in bed, and missing engagements in the early morning or evening.”

Katy, who took just six weeks off with her youngest children Charlie, four, and Evie, two, says she has made her choices knowing what her life is like.

“My job is a little bit of me – I enjoy it and it makes me a better mum,” she says. “It’s a long day for me, but that’s the payoff.

“I wrestle with my maternal guilt about them being in full-time childcare, but I rationalise it because I just can’t work part-time. It does help that they seem to love childcare!” she says. “I’d rather have four great hours with the kids after a day at work, than have 10 hours at home with

them and not enjoy it. It’s the quality of the time you spend together that counts.

“My children are very young now and they need me. I tell myself that some day it won’t be this hard.”

Melina agrees that finding the right balance can be a tough thing to get right – often your priorities change when you have children and work no longer dominates, she says.

“What new mums seek from work is flexibility – not a great promotion or increased responsibility,” she says.

“A balance has to be reached that works for both employer and employee.

“Sometimes I can be sitting in a meeting and think it’s a waste of time – the time I leave every day is non-negotiable and I don’t want to fall behind, so I’d rather get back to my desk and get on with my work. As a mum you’re constantly trying to find a balance,” Melina says.

She adds that some mums are accepting of a little career stagnation at this point in their lives, and that comments on the forum reflect this.

“You can’t really hold higher positions in my work unless you are full-time or close to it, but I frankly just don’t care that much about my career compared to my children,” writes forum member TammIam. “My kids come first and in all honesty, I just can’t fire up to be excited about career like I used to be.

I am happy to go to work, do a good job whilst I am there...but anything else? Just not really that interested anymore. Would eat too much into my headspace and time and energy... and I need all that for my kids and family now. So I am different, too. The whole context of my career has changed.”

Minister Gallagher says she can understand this train of thought. “If a promotion comes up, you might choose not to go for it because of your children – but it’s not forever,” she says.

“They won’t always need you as much as they do when they’re little.”

Melina Cruickshank… “What new mums seek from work is flexibility – not a great promotion or increased responsibility.”

Katy Gallagher… “My job is a little bit of me – I enjoy it and it makes me a better mum.”

Taking his leaf Love them or loathe them, cockatoos have nothing if not character. And anyone familiar with our splendid pages of social photos knows that snapper Silas Brown can pick a character across a crowded room.

Fresh from his masterful shot of a couple of kissing koalas last week, while loitering in Commonwealth Park in recent days, his sharp eye fell on this industrious fellow, who allowed Silas to get within two metres before winging it.

16 CityNews May 27-June 2

Majura Park Child Care Centre

1st birthday advertising feature

It’s about child care, not minding ONLY parents can understand the drive to make sure their children are in safe hands while they work or study, says Natalie Colbert, co-owner of the Majura Park Child Care Centre, which is celebrating its first birthday. It’s also one of the few centres in Canberra with several places available, she says.

“Because I’m a mother, I understand what it’s like to work full-time – and I need to know that my child is going to be looked after, that I can work and balance child care without feeling guilt,” she told “CityNews”.

She says that because they understand this need for mums (and dads!) to feel secure about their childcare, she and co-owner, sister-in-law Fiona Keyes, aim to offer a five-star service.

“Fiona is also passionate about early childhood education and ensuring that the learning process is understood and developed from an early age,” Natalie says.

Staff are encouraged to develop follow-through educational programs, such as phonics beginning as early as 15 months, through to the teachers in the older children’s rooms offering Spanish and outdoor development programs.

As the Centre turns one, it’s building up its preschool curriculum and capability, and Natalie says she and the staff are taking every opportunity to

carers – not only does the centre have a higher carer-to-child ratio than required, but it limits the employment of casuals to qualified previous full-time staff – so -they feel safe and secure about their routine.

“They know what to expect, and that minimises the separation anxiety. It also hopefully limits the worry from the parent’s perspective, instead of creating more stress for their work/life balance.

“A high staff/child ratio is critical, particularly when they are qualified, dedicated full-time staff. The parents get to know the staff, the staff have time to discuss issues with them, and they can work together, always for the best outcome for the child. That’s the difference between quality childcare and child minding.

“We’re most proud that we’re providing such good quality care that our parents constantly give us and the staff compliments, and let us know why they’re very happy.”

Ideal for North Canberrans and particularly parents who work in the city or at the airport, the centre Child carer Monique with Eleanor… Staff are encouraged to develop follow-through educational programs. is accessible for easy drop-off, and improve the service further. about them as individuals,” she said. the knowledge, resources and skills. located in the new growth centre of One of the most important factors “I want them to listen to what I want “We’ve applied this to Majura Park by Majura Park. for Natalie is that the children are able them to do for my child when I simply using qualified full-time staff who get Majura Park Child Care Centre, to bond with their carers. can’t do it myself. In some respects, I to know each child, and provide more Unit 1, 1 Wellington Avenue, Majura “My own criteria for good care is that want them to do a better job educathan just the basic essentials.”

Park, or www.majuraparkchildcare. the staff know my children and care tionally than I could, because they have Because the children know their com.au. Call 6257 7100.

CityNews May 27-June 2 17

World Environment Day, June 5

Species at risk, Biodiversity, the incredible variety of life on earth that sustains us, is in peril, says the UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, in his World Environment Day message.

“Species are becoming extinct at the fastest rate ever recorded. Most of these extinctions are tied to human activities that are polluting and depleting water resources, changing and degrading habitats and altering the global climate. From frogs to gorillas, from huge plants to tiny insects, thousands of species are in jeopardy,” he says.

“The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, ‘Many Species. One Planet. One Future’, echoes the call of the International Year of

Biodiversity to stop this mass extinction and raise awareness about the vital importance of the millions of species that inhabit our planet’s soils, forests, oceans, coral reefs and mountains.

“Our health, well-being and sustainable future depend on this intricate, delicate web of ecosystems and life.

“On World Environment Day, I appeal to everyone – from Kigali to Canberra, from Kuala Lumpur to Quito – to help us sound the alarm.

Get involved, speak out. Learn and teach others.

Show leadership and help clean up. Reconnect with nature, our life force. Together, we can develop a new vision for biodiversity: Many Species. One Planet. One Future.”

Fair way to spend the day WORLD Environment Day is being celebrated at the ACT Government’s World Environment Day fair in Garema Place, Civic, from 11am to 2pm on Friday, June 4.

At the fair, learn about the ACT’s natural environment, find out how to help look after it and have the chance to win a $350 compost bin.

There will be information on the ACT Government’s wide range of programs that can help keep a healthy garden, reduce water use and cut down on energy bills.

Information and advice will be available from a range of the ACT’s leading environmental groups, including the Conservation Council

18 CityNews May 27-June 2

ACT Region, Greening Australian, SEE-Change and Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, as well as Actew and ActewAGL. For some hands-on activities, there will the opportunity to learn how to build a bird house, an apple slinky, get up close to some water insects and bugs and learn how to make a seed ball.

All this is topped off by a feast of entertainment. Local band Annie and the Aramadillos will provide musical fun along with Jumptown Swing and the Hawker School Choir.

More information at www.environment.act. gov.au

warns Ban

special feature

Winter is time to plan water saving THE ACT Government is doubling the rebate to those who buy water-saving products for their garden following a free consultation session.

Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell, says: “The Government’s GardenSmart program is a great opportunity for residents in the ACT to get free expert advice on how they can save water in the garden, and now can receive a $100 rebate on water saving technologies.

“The garden represents the single biggest use of water in most households so the savings in consumption achieved through GardenSmart are important.

“Winter is a great time for people to invest in their gardens and install water-saving technologies ahead of the warmer winter months where demand for the resource grows.”

The GardenSmart service sees a qualified horticulturist visit households and provide advice focusing on plant choice and garden design along with and guidance on practical maintenance and watering. The rebate has previously been $50.

The $100 rebate can be used against selected water-saving products such as garden mulch, drip irrigation systems or components, weeping hose, tap timers, soil additives for moisture retention, irrigation system controllers, moisture/rain sensors for irrigation systems, water wands, downpipe water diverters, greywater hoses, compost bins, worm farms and books on water-efficient gardening.

More information on GardenSmart at www. thinkwater.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

All about Canberra, all the time twitter.com/city_news

CityNews May 27-June 2 19

community

WORTHY PEOPLE DOING WORTHY THINGS FOR WORTHY CAUSES

For the good that you can do...

Friends rally to raise funds

A FUNDRAISING auction is being held at the Hellenic Club on Friday, June 11, to raise money for Maria, who was diagnosed with breast and lymphatic cancer last year at the age of 41.

“The event will be a fabulous night, filled with great food, fun and laughter,” says Penny, one of the committee members of the Maria Fund.

“Maria is a wonderful lady but she’s doing it hard - she’s a single mum and since the diagnosis and surgery, she’s been unable to support herself and her two daughters.

“She is struggling to make mortgage repayments and her medical and household bills are quickly piling up. Maria needs our help!”

The committee members are aiming to raise funds to alleviate Maria’s stress and current financial challenges, allowing her to concentrate on her health and raise her daughters, according to Penny.

“Maria doesn’t know about the committee or the event. It will certainly be a spectacular surprise!” says Penny.

“My plea is if you can help in any way, whether it is big or small, it would be greatly appreciated.”

Bookings to Penny on 0416 068 871 or Rose on 6255 4784.

Share a spare blanket CHIEF Minister Jon Stanhope has urged Canberrans to donate spare blankets, doonas and warm clothing to the 2010 Share the Warmth appeal, organised by Bell’s Dry Cleaners and the Salvation Army.

Mr Stanhope said Canberrans could donate items to any of the 12 Bell’s Dry Cleaners outlets across the Territory where they would be cleaned free-of-charge and provided to the Salvation Army for distribution to local families.

Appeal for Scout hall

THE US Ambassador to Australia and his wife will be the VIP guests, and Kamahl, the Royal Australian Navy Band, and the Brindabella Chorus will provide the entertainment at the Scouts (ACT) gala benefit dinner and auction at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, on June 5 to raise funds to rebuild the Stromlo Forest Scout Group’s hall at Duffy, which was destroyed in the January 2003 bushfires.

Tickets are $120 each, with a table of 10 available for $1080. Booking and auction item details at www.act.scouts.asn.au or call 6282 5211.

Take a breath!

CANBERRA’S first mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber for public use will be part of the alternative fair happening in City Walk on Saturday, June 5.

“Oxygen therapy has been widely used for many years worldwide, its success due to the increased amount of oxygen in the bloodstream being raised from eight per cent to 35 per cent. This in turn assists in healing, post operative and sporting injury recovery. Many local clients also use it for cosmetic purposes as it enhances the skin,” says Kerry Woods, owner of Remedial Therapies Centre in Manuka.

The chamber is one of many alternative, new age and non-profit participants at fair, organised by The Spirituality Church of Canberra Inc., the largest alternative church in the ACT. The fair includes stalls from health and wellbeing businesses, psychic readers, CDs, books and charitable organisations.

For more information or to book a stall, email alternative.fairs@yahoo.com.au

Bikes are off to Africa THE business community has helped Michael Skene, a Telopea Park School Year 10 student, ship more than 200 second-hand bikes to Africa.

As part of a year-long project, Michael collected and repaired the donated bikes.

They will be sent, via a charity in Cape Town, to people of all ages in rural communities in South Africa.

ActewAGL, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Abletts Transport, Quaternary Resources, Switched on Cycles, Richard Luton Properties and individual donors all contributed to raising the money to cover the cost of a shipping container and sea freight.

Fun run to fight cancer THE 21st annual Canada Fun Run to raise money for cancer research will start from the Canadian High Commission, Forster Crescent, Yarralumla, at 10am (registration from 8.30am), on Sunday, June 20.

The event consists of a five or 10-kilometre run/walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

Participants can enjoy a warm breakfast of pancakes and Canadian maple syrup after the event.

All funds raised are donated to the ACT Cancer Council.

Register online or download a registration form at www.actcancer.org. Register

by Friday, June 11 for a chance to win two return airline tickets to Melbourne, courtesy of Capital Travel, Manuka.

20 CityNews May 27-June 2

Michael Skene... saying goodbye to his bikes.

Playing for Bangladesh

LOCAL musicians will gather at the Basement, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen, from 7pm on May 29 for a special night of live music to support children’s education in Bangladesh.

Local rock favourites such as Sunchaser & the Wayward Orchestra, Manilla Green and Starfish Hill, along with acoustic acts such as Mog, Eileen Francisco and Phill Wohlers will join forces for a great night of entertainment that will raise money for Plan International’s work helping rural children in Bangladesh access quality education.

Tickets at $15 each are available from Landspeed Records, Civic; Songland Records, Tuggeranong and The Basement, Belconnen.

Soccer for survivors A WORLD Refugee Day soccer tournament organised by Companion House, which assists survivors of torture and trauma, will be held at the AIS synthetic field at Bruce, from 10 am on Saturday, June 19.

Teams from the Sudan and Sierra Leone, Liberian, Chin, Karen and Mon communities will compete in the friendly soccer matches.

There will be children’s games and free barbecue. It is a free community event.

Further information from 6247 7227 or email glenn.flanagan@companionhouse. org.au

D’feet get walking again THE second annual Walk to d’feet Motor Neurone Disease event will start at the globe at Barrine Drive, Lake Burley Griffin from 10 am on Sunday, June 27.

The 5.5km walk is around the bridges

and participants can choose to walk, run, wheel or ride the round trip. Registration is $25 for adults and $5 for children and the walk will conclude with a sausage sizzle.

Register online at www.everydayhero. com.au/event/mndwalk_2010 or freecall 1800 777175.

Breakfast donation THE St.George Foundation has given the Galilee School $6000 towards the school’s Healthy Breakfast and Lunch Program.

The school provides an alternative education program for extremely disadvantaged at-risk youth aged between 12 and 16 years.

The program is offered over the 40-week school year and funding covers the cost of food. The St. George Foundation raises funds to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children.

Help for Camp Quality COMMUNITY CPS Australia has kickstarted a national partnership with the children’s cancer charity Camp Quality by donating $100,000 towards the $205,000 target to fund junior camps for children living with cancer. The funds raised will finance camps in the ACT, SA, WA and NSW and will allow 280 children to attend a camp, filled with optimism and fun therapy.

The credit union is hoping to raise the rest with the support of its members and the public, and through internal initiatives such as casual days, local fundraising events and workplace giving programs.

The ACT will receive $25,000 from the grant, but another $25,000 is needed to fully finance its camp.

CityNews May 27-June 2 21

scene

More photos at www.citynews.com.au

At ‘Framing Conflict’, Australian War Memorial

Kahterine McMahon, Rhonda Adler, Stewart Mitchell, Lyndell Brown and Charles Green

Helen Withnell, Mark De Jager with Christine and Brooke Hendry

Catherine and Craig Johnston with John and Ros Jackson

22 CityNews May 27-June 2

Ian Howard, Nola Anderson and Warwick Heywood

Bac Hopkins, Helen Sexton with baby Cleo Haywood, Kristen Bartlett and Peter Balint with baby Tala

Carol Cartwright, Darryl McIntyre, Mary-Lou Pooley and Geoff Geraghty

At launch of Canberra Glassworks Tower, Kingston

Kirstie Rea, Clare Belfrage and Nadine Betts

MLA Mary Porter and chairmanJohn Mackay

Jen Collins with Ben and Angie McDuff

David Dawes, Sandra Lambert and Peter Sesterka

Donna Bush, Kaye Pemberton with Bob and Anna Prosser

Jacqui and Sophia Vardos

Garry Cartwright, Anna and Ivan Slavich and Carol Cartwright

scene

More photos at www.citynews.com.au

At Law Week cocktail party, Uni Pub, Civic

At Supabarn Warehouse launch, Canberra Airport

Ben McCourtie, Frank Waters, Steve Whybrow, Rebecca McCourtie and Garry Parker

Ginette Snow and MD Eric Koundouris

Chris Stephens, Ben Salmon QC, Athol Opas and Louise Donohoe SC

Sergio Rosin and Tina Bernardi

Maria Doogan, Thomas Esposito and Svetlana Tovoroski

Chief Magistrate John Burns, Greg Stretton, Rob Blowes SC and Steven Hausfeld

Annie Glover, Wayne Sharwood and Bill Andrews

Richard Snow and Tori Murray

Leanne Corby, Virginia Braakman, Stephanie Mackey and Jill Voss

Amber Zocchi, Melissa Evans and Karen Emms

CityNews May 27-June 2  23

scene

invite us at silas@citynews.com.au

At ‘Present Tense’ exhibition opening night, National Portrait Gallery, Barton

Rozanne Wallace and Mac Nichols (the snappers college photography teacher - he’s to blame) Serena Ritchie, Helen McCarthy, Dylan Horne and Rachel Walsh

Artists Miso and Ghostpatrol with Tim Langford

24 CityNews May 27-June 2

Susan Pitt and Heather Purcell

Duncan McDonald and Jessica Adelan

all about living

arts | cinema | dining | fashion | body | health&fitness | home | puzzles Mum in the city

By Sonya Fladun

By Kathryn Vukovljak IT was an old shed full of rubbish and about 25 possums, but Irene Lilford and Christine Reid had a vision – and the owners and founders of Anuk Peru, Pialligo’s newest clothes outlet, have made their fashion dreams happen.

“It all started when Christine went to Peru in January 2009 and was inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship of the alpaca wear she found there,” says Irene.

“We went back, knocked on doors, told people we had a shop – okay, it was still a possum shed, but we had a plan! – and that we were interested in importing to Australia.”

Christine says: “We knew we could make this shop something special and that it would fit in well with Pialligo – it lends itself well to this kind of boutique.”

Tucked away up a winding country driveway off Beltana Road, past a field of alpacas, naturally, Anuk Peru is a sumptuous boutique, full of winter woollies that are far more luxurious than the average jumper.

Christine and Irene are bubbly, stylish and friendly, and while they confess that opening a clothes shop was not within their “square”, they clearly have a knack for it.

“We didn’t know if we would know what people would like, but it’s worked out great,” Christine says. “I’m an accountant, what do I know?”

Irene Lilford (left) and Christine Reid... “People seem to love the clothes as much as we do, Plenty, it would seem, with the former which is wonderful – I think Canberrans are ready for colour,” says Christine.

Photo by Silas possum shed packed with beautiful, colourful, delicate cardigans, gloves, hats, coats, shawls and wraps, boots and accessories that are fast selling out.

“People seem to love the clothes as much as we do, which is wonderful – I think Canberrans are ready for colour,” says Christine.

Irene is a photographer based in Queanbeyan and Christine is an accountant, whose office is close to the “possum shed”. The two make the business work by opening by appointment during the week and from 10am-4pm on weekends. of-a-kind items, and that there won’t be any taken with an ultra-soft plain black hoodie, but “It’s our winter weekend job,” say Christine more new stock this winter,” Christine says. he’s even more impressed that you don’t have and Irene, who also run Tanbella Orchard and Irene says: “We sell items that are special, to wash the wool very often as it breathes by press their own juice throughout the summer. unique, warm and soft. What’s not to love?” itself. We marvel again at the softness and They estimate that Anuk Peru will run out of The snapper and I have to agree, after each Irene has the explanation. stock by the end of July, when they will “dash sampling a Peruvian alpaca cardigan, there’s “Alpacas in Peru survive at high altitudes, back to Peru” to restock and look for more no going back – the gorgeous cardi that Chris- twice as high as Mount Kosciuszko, and are suppliers. tine insists I try on fits beautifully, is unbelievalmost malnourished, but it creates this incred“People are getting to know that we just ably soft, light as air but snug and warm, with ible long, straight, hollow fibre,” she says. have whatever we have, that it’s mainly onea breath of baby alpaca fur at the collar. Silas is “It can be finer than cashmere.”

Warm touch of Peru comes to Canberra

Put the brakes on growing up!

CHILDREN really are growing up way too fast these days. Sometimes I think there’s almost a cult of the precocious child that wants our children to do all manner of things at ever-younger ages.

This rather broad issue popped up the other week when the media got into a frenzy over a YouTube clip of talented seven and eight-year-old girls decked out like pole dancers and suggestively shaking their tiny bodies to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”. On one level it was kind of funny, a send up of all us big girls who take their bits and pieces too seriously. But on another level, it was just a bit creepy.

The news is peppered with reports about the increasing sexualisation of our children, particularly our daughters. In recent times these range from images of now 16-year-old Miley Cyrus (aka tween idol Hannah Montana) giving a lap dance to a 44-year-old man, to the marketing of cute little bras and g-strings to prepubescent girls.

This month, an academic researcher from Monash University released a study that looked at how sexually knowledgeable three-year-old children are and recommended that sexual education should be included in early childhood and kinder education!

Of course, in our consumer society our children are often regarded as little more than an easily influenced demographic. They are bombarded with information and advertising, much of it designed to promote consumption of ever more sophisticated and costly products. Marketing adult concepts to children and teenagers is big business.

The horrible part is that, as a parent wanting to shield one’s children’s innocence for a least a few years, there is only so much you can do because our consumer society is so all-pervasive.

You can’t keep children wrapped up in cotton wool, but I wonder whether this isn’t one of the biggest challenges of parenting in the 21st century.

I think we do need to put on the brakes just a bit.

Kids should and need to have plenty of time to learn about the world, good and bad, and we should let them do that at their own and their parents’ pace rather than allow them to be force-fed information and concepts way beyond their years.

CityNews May 27-June 2 25

arts&entertainment

Children? Some people shouldn’t CINEMA

By Dougal Macdonald

“The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2” (M)

Down and dirty with the Bard

“The Backup Plan”... Alex O’Loughlin, as Stan, with Jennifer Lopez in the role of Zoe Colosimo), also Greek/Australian, only slightly less socially inept.

“Wog Boy” earned its keep by satirizing Greek/Australian ethnicity. “The Kings of Mykonos” satirises nothing. The screenplay

by Giannopolous and Chris Anastassiades proposes that a Greek uncle has bequeathed to Steve a Mykonos beach and associated tourism infrastructure. From that point, Peter Andrikidis’s film stops being Australian and becomes something which neither Australia nor Greece should cheerfully acknowledge as their own.

Steve and Frank export their Ockerism to a community that was doing okay from tourism before they arrived. From the wall-to-wall bikini babes on the island, Steve falls for vocalist Zoe (Zetya Makrypoulia) and Frank sets his sights on the unattainable Miss Italy (Cosima Coppola). Property developer Mihali (Alex Dimitriades) tries to swindle Steve out of his inheritance. The winner of a car rally will take the lot. Predictability rules, OK ?

At Dendy, Hoyts, Limelight

A MEDIUM-sized audience generated not much “Food, Inc.” (PG) laughter when I watched this film.

Ten years ago, Nick Giannopolous introduced SOME documentaries deliver messages us to Steve, a layabout Greek/Australian that every elected legislator on the planet no-hoper, and his best mate Frank (Vince should heed. Robert Kenner’s examination of

monopoly, fiscal greed, bacterial contamination and exploitation of low-wage immigrant employees in America’s food production industries is one such.

The film’s central argument tells the story of Kevin, dead at two years old from E. coli.

Meat industry opposition has prevailed every time Congress tried to pass a law empowering the Department of Agriculture to close plants producing contaminated meat.

“Food, Inc.” is a litany of abuse of power in American food production culture and Government’s failure to control it. Examples include manipulating growth rates to produce chickens yielding more meat in less time, using intellectual property and weasel-worded contracts with growers to monopolise corn and soy bean production and the health consequences of the American diet.

The mega-corporations controlling what Americans eat refused invitations to take part in Kenner’s film, which says a lot. Yet “Food, Inc.” is not without optimism. It wants the world and especially the American public to be more aware of food safety. For Australians, it exemplifies the need for vigilance against corporate moves to emulate American practices here. Maybe they are already secretly nibbling at the edges. Now, that’s scary.

At Dendy

Dazzled by ‘Fame’ MUSICAL

“Fame” Queanbeyan Players The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until June 5.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

26 CityNews May 27-June 2

By Helen Musa

DON’T miss the four-boy, testosterone-pumped “Romeo and Juliet” coming up at the Q, Queanbeyan. Set in a school where the play has been banned, “Shakespeare’s R&J” is a daring, physical interpretation of the classic, written in the spirit of “Dead Poet’s Society” by New York playwright Joe Calacro. It runs June 8-12, bookings to 6298 0290 or visit www.theq.net.au

“The Backup Plan” (M) ZOE (Jennifer Lopez after a five-year layoff) in her thirties, unmarried, living alone, running a pet-care business, realises that her biological clock is ticking away.

In this obstetric rom-com, Zoe does what every woman in her circumstances would do – get artificially inseminated. And when she jumps into a cab in a New York rainstorm five minutes after leaving the gyno’s rooms, she bumps into a personable young man who has jumped in the other side.

From that moment, Zoe flounders through romance toward parturition in 105 minutes of cinematic clichés and predictability. The young man, Stan, has problems of his own.

It’s all there – pre-natal classes, singlemom’s support group, will-we-won’t-we cohabit decision, shopping for the new person, compulsive eating, morning sickness at evening functions, clothes that don’t fit, getting comfy in a shared bed.

Pregnancy, romance, a little laughter, a few tears, a tad of tension, a conflict or two, those are all valid components which director Alan Poul has staged with little attention to detail, further compounding Kate Angelo’s screenplay’s juvenile quality. Because Zoe manufactures her own problems, it’s hard to care about her. Some people should never make children.

I am concerned for Zoe’s.

At Greater Union, Hoyts, Limelight

ARTS in the city

QUEANBEYAN Players have a winner in this dazzling production of “Fame”, for which they’ve assembled an impressive cast of gifted young performers, backed by an excellent production team, to portray the trials and tribulations of young hopefuls attending the celebrated New York City High School of Performing Arts.

Thompson Quan Wing has utilised every inch of the Q’s stage for his clever multi-level set, successfully capturing the ambience of the run-down school. Raphael Wong’s excellent band is accommodated in full view of the audience, and there’s plenty of room for Jacquelyn Richard’s frenetic dance routines, which the young cast attack with relish and enthusiasm.

Drawing on all his experience and flair, director Stephen Pike coaxes strong performances from his young cast. Jaime Isfahani is compelling as

Director Stephen Pike. the willful, ill-fated, Carmen Diaz.

Pete Ricardo nails his laughs as the extrovert Joe Vegas, while Krystle Innes as the big-voiced Mabel, Beth Deer as ballet dancer Iris, Jordan Kelly as street dancer Tyrone, and Joanna Richards and Bill Bouchier providing the romantic interest as Serena and Nick, all offer strong, confident performances.

Marie Le Brun, Berin Denham and Jonathan Garland effectively portray the teaching faculty, with Amy Fitzpatrick, as the authoritarian Miss Sherman, providing one of many highlights with “These Are My Children”.

“Shakespeare’s R&J”... written in the spirit of “Dead Poet’s Society”.

CANBERRA will be offered a rare treat when the Southern Cross Soloists perform at the Wesley Music Centre at 7.30pm on June 4, as part of their 2010 national tour. Joining SXS on this tour is London flautist Wissam Boustany. SXS artistic director, Paul Dean, has just been appointed the new artistic director of the Australian National Academy of Music, taking over from his brother Brett. Advanced bookings to 6232 7248 and tickets at the door.

THIS year’s Tuggeranong Festival is in the planning stage and festival president, Michael Lindfield is asking people to fill out a two-minute, anonymous, online survey at www.tuggeranongcommunityfestival.com.au. The idea is to give organisers an understanding of how the public sees the festival and identify where it can be improved.

ENTRIES for this year’s Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards are now open and the theme is “I Hear Music”. The awards, which began in Gunnedah almost 30 years ago, attract up to 10,000 entries from around the country. Entries in the secondary section are all online, while primary school poems are still able to be submitted in writing. Entry forms can be downloaded only from the awards’ website www.dorothea.com.au CANBERRA goes to Singapore! In a collaboration between Maya Dance Theatre and QL2 (Quantum Leap) from Canberra, “Standing in Line in Order of Height” will be staged at the fabulous Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay. Directed by Maya’s Kavitha Krishnan, Liz Lea and our own Ruth Osborne, the work explores individuals’ journey in search for success. Osborne says: “We want to encourage audience appreciation of cross-cultural presentation.”

The performance will first be seen in Canberra from June 10-12 and then in Singapore from June 17-19.

Canberra bookings to 6247 3103.

A NEW local opera company is about to take the stage with “Gems of Opera”, to be heard at St John’s Hall, Constitution Avenue, Reid, at 2pm on May 30. The brainchild of Canberra tenor Gavan Fairclough and soprano Alira Prideaux, it is aimed at “giving local singers a chance to shine”. Inquiries to National Capital Opera on 6258 5571, 0428 698 952 or visitwww.nationalcapitalopera.org.au THE ACT Storytellers Guild, with special guests The Yarralumla Singers for Pleasure, is presenting “A Room in June” at Curtin Uniting Church Hall, Gillies Street, Curtin from 7.30pm on Saturday, June 5.

Cost, including a homemade supper, is $10 a ticket.

Inquiries to Mary on 6254 2349.

arts&entertainment

Of hurt and how Wendy copes with it

Wendy Hughes as Honor in “Honour”... “It’s very universal, it’s about people, it’s bitter.”

Reviewer CLINTON WHITE finds himself “floating” at the Canberra International Music Festival

Screen siren Wendy Hughes tells arts editor HELEN MUSA about the professional problems of growing old, local content and her new, bitter play A NEW production of Joanna Murray-Smith’s play “Honour”is about to be seen in Canberra after taking about 15 years to hit the Sydney Opera House.

Already familiar to audiences in Melbourne and Brisbane, it’s never been done in NSW or the ACT before. Directed by Lee Lewis, for the Sydney Theatre Company, it stars one of the Australian screen industry’s most ravishing actresses, Wendy Hughes.

Hughes has long been one of our genuine screen sirens, known for her seductive roles in everything from “Return to Eden” to her AFI award-winning role in “Careful He Might Hear You”.

In addition, she has chalked up some of the stage’s most telling roles – Maggie, in Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, and Martha, in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”.

Hughes has reached a mature age where the Australian screen industry is less welcoming and finds herself doing a lot of stage work, especially with the Melbourne Theatre Company.

She plays Honor (the spelling is the kind of pun) in “Honour.”

“It’s very universal, it’s about people, it’s bitter,” Hughes tells me. Universal because her opposite number George, played

by William Zappa, takes off after a successful 32-year long marriage with a much younger woman.

And that raises questions about decency and honour.

Bitter it may be, but with what Hughes calls “amazing dialogue” and “language that is so beautiful”, it has plenty of comic moments as we see how people cope with hurt. And in a unique experience for her, there is a high level of audience interaction as Zappa is regularly booed. “It pushes so

many buttons,” she says.

Hughes now lives in Sydney, but worked in the US during the ‘90s.

Despite some misgivings about her profession here, she says: “I do feel I belong in Australia.”

After “Honour,” she zips down to Melbourne’s to play in the the stage adaptation of Almodovar’s “All About My Mother”.

Though she still gets leading roles, as Hughes detects a cooling-off from agents and directors – “there’s not enough work”. She can’t think of an Australian parallel to Dame Judy Dench, whose advancing years have brought big-

ger and better roles than ever, and puts it down to our isolation from the rest of the world. “I advise any young actor to piss off overseas to find work,” she says.

Hughes bemoans what she sees as the decline in local content in Australian film and TV and feels sympathy for young people graduating from drama schools.

“Forget it, “ she says, “no one cares… all they care about is sport, endless sport… I just don’t get it.”

“Honour”, The Playhouse, June 9-12. Bookings to 62752700.

Project play proves powerful and sensitive “THE Laramie Project” is a play that responds to a famous hate crime in the town of Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. Matthew Shepard a young, gay university student was kidnapped, tortured and severely beaten. Matthew spent some days on life support before dying of his injuries, by which time the crime and the town were worldwide news.

“The Laramie Project” is the product of two years’ of interviews with Laramie residents conducted by Moises Kaufman and the New York-based Tectonic Theatre. It is a powerful and sensitive play with many threads weaving together to create a picture of the human

When a must-see becomes mandatory

THEATRE

“The Laramie Project”

By Moises Kaufman, directed by Jarrad West.

Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio, until May 29.

Reviewed by Simone Penkethman response to this tragic crime.

Everyman Theatre’s Canberra première of “The Laramie Project” featured simple and effective lights and set, designed by director Jarrad West and actor Duncan Ley. Ropes were threaded from floor to ceiling, creating different areas on a multi-level stage while leaving sightlines clear.

This visual effect resonated with the play’s threads of story.

Eight tightly choreographed actors played more than 80 characters. This ambitious undertaking demanded that each of the actors develop many different American accents for characters ranging from New York actors and university academics to young Wyoming rednecks. At times, the accents were distracting and speech patterns seemed unnatural, particularly in the first act.

Despite this difficulty, the cast delivered a moving and multi-faceted experience to its opening-night full house.

WHEN music by Australia’s pre-eminent composer, Peter Sculthorpe, is performed it’s a must-see: When he is present and talks about his pieces, attendance becomes mandatory.

So it was at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, part of the Canberra International Music Festival.

Some of Canberra’s pre-eminent musicians played, too; David Pereira (cello), Vernon Hill (flutes) and Alan Vivian (clarinet).

Sculthorpe’s “Love Thoughts”, inspired by 6th century Japanese poetry, was serene and atmospheric, with dual language narration by Dr Meredith McKinney. The words, while sometimes difficult to hear, really became part of the music.

Messiaen’s “Fantaisie” was a dramatic contrast, moving from fireworks to lyrical melodies and back. Anna McMichael (violin) and Daniel de Borah (piano) handled the dynamics brilliantly.

Sculthorpe’s “Eliza Fraser”, based on the life of the rather tragic historical figure, was at once fascinating and entertaining. Pianist Tamara Anna Cislowska spent more time tapping, plucking and swooshing the innards than playing the keys, and violinist Chris Latham produced unusual sounds.

Soprano Nicole Thomson’s story was impassioned. Sculthorpe was pleased. So was the audience.

Ross Edwards, too, is a treasure of Australia’s contemporary composers and he was present for a superb performance of his works in “The Wellspring”, in the Fitters Workshop.

Edwards’ music is wonderfully lyrical, which puts it on a higher plane. And the astonishing perfection of the room’s acoustic was used to equal perfection by The Song Company in the four choral works and the acclaimed New Zealand String Quartet in the Quartet No 1.

But, in the afternoon’s fading light, it was “Dawn Mantra” that best captured the acoustic and my imagination. Its eerie qualities oozed with indigenous mystery. Like many musical experiences during the festival, we floated off to other places, but never too far away from home.

Bring on next year.

CityNews May 27-June 2 27

arts&entertainment

Lots to love about the Duck THERE’S a lot to love about Phat Duck, a tiny eatery in the city. The portions and the prices are right (nothing over $10 and great coffee for only $2.50).

There is no deep-fried food on the menu, just healthy, slow-cooked meals.

And the serving containers are environmentally friendly (made from corn starch).

Owners James Duffell and Jeffery Shin – who many will know from their association with the Lanterne Room (Campbell Shops) and Chairman and Yip – started Phat Duck as a take-away, promising customers great-tasting, quality food with fast service… perfect for those wanting to grab a quick bite at lunchtime. They then added a small number of tables and chairs outside and it didn’t take long for there to be bums on seats.

We visited during the week and before we could blink our eyes our order was on the table. My friend’s slow-cooked

duck served on top of a fresh salad was good value at $9.50. She had had the dish before and loves the Asian influences, but suggested the salad was a bit bland, even though the julienned carrots begged to be loved.

Phat Duck has recently introduced a range of Phat burgers (all $8.50), but don’t expect minced meat patties.

These burgers, which James describes as “revolutionary-style Asian”, are made with bread sourced from Flute Bakery in Fyshwick and stuffed with interesting options such as chicken and coconut curry and seafood Malay curry.

The cut of Wagyu beef in my burger was sourced from well-known Blackmore Wagyu Beef Farm in Alexandra, Victoria, where they raise cattle in a healthy and stress-free environment,

growing slightly sweet, tender meat.

I found the amount of “burger bread” a bit overwhelming and it took me a moment or two before I found the meat.

However, once I got there, the taste was great and it made me decide I would return to Phat Duck.

Also available is a vegetable yellow curry, Peking sweet and sour pork curry, and the wildly popular red duck curry, with the meat still on the bone.

As I’ve said, all dishes are slow cooked and then braised and/or steamed so the

quality is there and you won’t feel sluggish after your meal as you often do with “junk food”. If you want something even lighter, go for one of the salads or a soup (pumpkin and miso when we visited, for only $7.50).

I finished with a Kaldi coffee, made with fresh beans air roasted here in Canberra. It was excellent, and so was the super-friendly service.

Phat Duck, corner of Bunda and Petrie Streets, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.45pm, with food served from 11.30am

Phat Duck... no deep-fried food on the menu, just healthy, slow-cooked meals.

win tickets

Lady Gaga like never before...

EXPERIENCE Marilyn Monroe, Britney Spears, Elton John, Lady Gaga and many more pop icons like you’ve never seen them before when “the living paper cartoon” Ennio Marchetto hits the Playhouse stage on Thursday, June 17.

Ennio, an international sensation, is bringing to Canberra for the first time his unique blend of fast-paced clowning, mime and origami for one night only and “CityNews” has 10 double passes (valued at $99.90 each) to give away.

He has performed his show in more than 70 countries, from the Edinburgh Festival to London’s West End and the Royal Variety Performance to the MTV Music Awards.

Full details and entry form to win a double pass are at www.citynews.com. au/competitions

Photo by Silas

Ennio Marchetto as Lady Gaga

The dance bomb drops THE dance bomb has dropped: the All Our Friends line-up will be one of the biggest and most exciting events Canberra has seen and “CityNews” has three double passes (valued at $169.90 each) to give away for when the music starts at the University of Canberra on Saturday, June 5.

Joining the international line-up of Laidback Luke, Tiga, Steve Aoki, Proxy live, Felix Da Housecat, Joachim Garraud and Tiga comes fellow We Love Sounders Sonic C and Felix Cartal plus, exclusively to the Canberra show, Concord Dawn, Klute, Nadastrom, The Aston Shuffle and Skool of Thought.

And from interstate, Funktrust DJs (Sydney), Paqman live (Melbourne), Lachlan Holland (Woollongong) and AKA (Woollongong).

Full details and entry form to win a double pass are at www.citynews.com. au/competitions 28 CityNews May 27-June 2

fashion

Empty the wardrobe and get organised

By Kathryn Vukovljak IMAGINE getting up in the morning, going to the wardrobe, picking out a favourite outfit in a minute flat and looking great all day – a big wardrobe clear-out is the key to achieving this, says Karen Koedding, Australia’s first and only certified professional organiser.

“Many people tell me their wardrobe is a mess, with ironed clothes getting crushed or not even making it in there for fear of wrinkles,” she says.

“If you’ve ever felt like you have nothing to wear, despite having lots of clothes, then you need to get organised.”

Karen’s steps to an organised wardrobe start with taking all the clothes out and placing them, say, on the bed. “You’ll probably be surprised by how much you’ve got!” she says.

Go through each item and ask yourself

Australia’s first and only certified professional organiser Karen Koedding...

“If you’ve ever felt like you have nothing to wear, despite having lots of clothes, then you need to get organised.”

these questions, she advises: “Will I ever wear this? Does it even fit me? Have I worn it in the past year? Is it free of stains and tears? Do I like it?

“If the answer is no, then you need to let go of it,” Karen says. “You should feel comfortable and attractive in every item that you decide to keep. If an item just isn’t working for you, then it has to go.”

Next, sort your clothes into four piles, she suggests.

“Keepers – clothes that are going back into the wardrobe, things that you wear often, look good on you and are ready to wear.

“Charity – clothes that you can give away to friends or charity shops. They must be in good condition, if not, they are throwaways.

“Sell/return – clothes that still have the tags attached and can be returned or exchanged, and clothes that are of a particular quality that can be sold online or to a consignment store.

“Throwaways – items that are worn out, stained or just plain hideous.”

Once you have done this, says Karen, get your wardrobe organised. She suggests grouping like items together, and sorting them by colour.

“Never hang knits or jumpers as they can become misshapen,” she says. “And don’t leave clothes in plastic dry-cleaning bags – they contain chemicals that can cause clothing to discolour.

“Store out-of-season clothes in clear plastic containers, and include cedar balls to protect the fabric.”

CityNews May 27-June 2 29

body

Be your eye-catching best!

GETTING eye make-up right when wearing glasses can be a challenge, but you can complement your frames with clever make-up tricks, says celebrity make-up artist Natasha Severino.

“I wear glasses myself, so I know how hard it can be,” she says. “Big, bold frames are in at the moment, but the trick is to show off your eyes with a colour palette that makes them stand out without overwhelming your face.”

Glasses will make your eyes seem larger if you’re long-sighted, Natasha says, so be careful not to overdo it.

“Apply a darker shade of eyeshadow on your eyelids – browns, dark greens and blues work well,” she says. “And make sure you blend, blend and blend! Any mistakes will be magnified.”

She suggests avoiding shimmery colours as

Natasha Severino... “I wear glasses myself, so I know how hard it can be.”

30 CityNews May 27-June 2

they can over-amplify eyes behind glasses. “Also, apply mascara on your upper lashes only – this will stop your eyes from appearing too round.”

Natasha says that if you’re short-sighted, the lenses will make eyes appear smaller – so bolder make-up will help your eyes stand out.

“Apply mascara on both the upper and lower lashes to accentuate your eyes, and for more definition, define the top lash line with a kohl pencil and blend well into the lashes,” she says.

“Keep the lid of the eye lighter in colour, and try a shimmer highlighting powder or cream on the inner corners of the eyes so they appear bigger.”

Natasha says that all specs wearers should curl their lashes. “This will stop them from touching your lenses,” she says.

“And always keep your eyebrows well groomed, as glasses usually sit just below them.”

All frames can cast a shadow under the eyes that make dark circles appear worse than they actually are, she says, so a great rule is to use a light-reflecting concealer to hide them, then set with a loose or pressed powder.

The frames you choose should influence your eye make-up palette, according to Natasha.

“With bold, bright frames, use lighter hues to open up your eyes – a pale taupe, tan, or soft pink are all good choices, also opt for a lighter lip gloss,” she says.

“More delicate, clear or wire-rimmed frame wearers should choose deeper hues to balance the eye area.

“For an edgier style, try brighter colours such as green, blue, or pink and be bolder with your lips with bright reds and deep earthier tones.”

Short-sighted:

Long-sighted:

Natio Mineral Sparkle Dust Eyeshadow Compact, $14.95.

Maybelline Expert Eyes 8-Pan Designer Selections Shadows, $18.50.

Estee Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil Duo, $44.

L’Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner, $23.95.

Benefit High Beam, $45.

Elizabeth Arden Double Density Maximum Volume Mascara, $40.

body

Matte nails the look

By Kathryn Vukovljak WINTER nail trends have gone beyond colour – it’s all about wow-factor texture, says Karon McKendrick-Taylor, Australian OPI educator. ”When we think about fabric we not only think colour but texture – be it sheer, shiny or translucent,” she says. “This now applies to nail lacquer.

Think velvety, soft and touchable!”

Sharon Mazzeo, Zoya’s Australian creative director, says the matte look is a nail trend from the ‘90s that’s enjoying a revival this autumn and winter thanks to a growing runway presence over the past few seasons.

“A matte nail popped up on the runways of everyone from Alexander Wang to DKNY and Malandrino,” she says.

“Celebrities like Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Agyness Deyn, Heidi Montag and Lady Gaga have all been spotted rocking the matte nail trend.

“It was only a matter of time before the look went mainstream.”

Matte polish is not intended to be worn with a base coat, top coat or speed dryer of any kind and due to the unique formulation, she says.

“Matte colour is not as hard wearing as traditional nail colour. A completely clean, dry nail surface

yields the best results for matte nail colour and it’s best to use a polish remover before application to make sure there’s no trace of lotion or any other greasy substance.”

Matte is edgy, stylish and sophisticated and is meant for those moments when you want to make a seriously strong fashion statement, according to Sharon.

“I’m loving the matte velvet look in gunmetal grey, black and wine shades,” she says.

“But high shine isn’t over either – shimmering metallic shades in warm coppery reds, golds and pink, as well as edgy, highly pigmented shades of purple, plum, sapphire blue and jade green are also some of the hottest hues of the season.”

Zoya Matte Velvet in Posh, $17.

Orly Matte Vinyl in Black Creme, $19.95.

OPI La Pazitively Hot.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark nail lacquer, $19.95.

CityNews May 27-June 2 31

advertising feature

all about manuka

So much to love about Manuka THERE’S so much to love about Manuka.

Here you can take a break from chain-store shopping to explore what’s on offer amid the leafy streets, laneways and arcades.

The area is named after Manuka Circle, the street which forms its northern boundary. Manuka Circle was on Walter Burley Griffin’s original plan for Canberra and named after the NZ tea tree Leptospermum scoparium. When Griffin drew up his plans in 1912, there was still some optimism that NZ might join the Federation of Australia.

Business allotments for Manuka were included in the first auction of city leases in December 1924. Lessees were required to erect buildings of approved design on the blocks within three years.

Shops were first built in Manuka between 1925 and 1930. In recent years a collection of outdoor cafes has taken over the more utilitarian shops that dominated the area up to the late 1970s.

In the 1960s the precinct included a hardware shop, two supermarkets, a large delicatessen, two butchers, a fishmongers, at least one greengrocer, several florists, a boot shop and repairer, clothes shops,

32 CityNews May 27-June 2

home wares and furniture shops, several shoe shops, chemists, newsagents, several barbers and hairdressers and a shop selling church candles.

Today you’ll find cinemas, nightspots and galleries, fine food, wining, dining and outdoor cafes, fashion for all ages, homewares, jewellery, hair and beauty studios; Manuka is renowned for quality, boutique shopping ranging from the affordable to the exclusive.

CityNews May 27-June 2 33

home

Oxo Pop Containers, ranging from $18.95 to $49.95, Howards Storage World.

Less stress from an organised kitchen

34 CityNews May 27-June 2

By Kathryn Vukovljak AN organised kitchen can not only reduce stress at busy meal times, but can also eliminate costly shopping double-ups and food wastage, says Cathy Player, of Howards Storage World.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home and a constant hub of activity, so being organised is the key to getting the most from this space,” she says.

Cathy suggests organising the pantry by adding extendable shelves which enable you to see the back of the cupboard easily and avoid double-ups.

“Another tip is to use clear food storage containers with the same-sized lids, so you can see items easily – and you’ll always find a lid that fits,” she says.

Use in-drawer dividers so utensils don’t end up in a tangled mess. Make the most of bench space by storing knives on a magnetic knife rack. Keep cooking essentials in a utensil holder. A cookbook holder will keep your favourite recipes to hand.

Gliding baskets will give easy access to items at the back of low cupboards. An over-thedoor towel holder is great for storing kitchen towels and a plastic bag holder will help keep re-usable bags handy, says Cathy.

“Organisation is important because it reduces stress and cuts the clutter,” she says. “It also creates extra space and saves time because you will be able to work more efficiently.”

Expandable cutlery tray with grip base, $49.95-$69.95, Howards Storage World.

Gliding baskets give easy access and use space efficiently.

home

Beat barbecue fires NON-toxic, non-hazardous and completely biodegradable, the FlameOut fire suppressant should be part of every home’s fire safety kit, says Naomi Sharpley, product manager at Master Distributors.

“It’s great for small fires, like backyard barbecues, grass fires, wood or paper,” she says.

The professional fire-fighting foam comes in a domestic-sized

container which clicks on to any garden hose. Once attached, the FlameOut will automatically mix the right quantity of foam to water, producing safe foam that douses flames straight away, Naomi says.

“If you use it indoors, it won’t damage your furniture any more than a bucket of water would – there’s no residue to clean up.”

Look for fire-resistant wood NATIVE bushfire-resistant timber can offer extra protection for homes in bushfire-prone areas, says Andrew Dunn, Timber Development Association (TDA).

“Australia has a number of native species that are fire-resistant, and we encourage homeowners to consider these when choosing a species for backyard projects,” he says.

“When it comes to the outdoors and timber decking, there are a number of bushfire resisting timbers to choose from.

“Moisture content, density and grain orientation all determine a timber species’ resistance to ignite should it come into contact with fire.

“Timber products go through rigorous testing to prove their fire resistance,” says Andrew.

Australian-grown Blackbutt and Spotted Gum both offer bushfire resisting properties, as do native hardwood timbers – an excellent decking solution thanks to their high density, toughness and durability.

Both Blackbutt and Spotted Gum species offer a rich, earthy hue for the outdoor area, and can either be left untreated for a natural, weathered aesthetic or stained to complement a specific colour theme.

A versatile product, timber decking can also be used for screens, pool surrounds, seating, gates, fences and decorative structures.

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.

FlameOut costs $69.95 and is available from Bunnings and other hardware outlets.

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 27-June 2 35

health&fitness

When body fat won’t move...

By Matthew Quixley

Not eating well enough

A lot of the time, people follow eating plans to help control meal portion size and lose fat. However, if you have one or two slip-ups most days, this can defeat the whole eating plan. It will then make it a lot harder to keep your weight stable, let alone decrease body fat. So, be conscious – plan what you want to eat for morning tea, and record what actually gets consumed. Knowing where the slip-ups occur and rectifying them makes a world of difference when it comes to stepping on the scales.

Not burning enough calories Nutrition is about 70 per cent of the contributing factor when it comes to fat loss. The other 30 per cent is due to your calorific output, or the amount of exercise you do. Exercise doesn’t have to be doing push-ups until you drop. There are many day-to-day functional activities that can increase your energy expenditure. Things such as walking to post a letter or going shopping locally, park your car further away from your destination or even just hang out the washing rather than using the dryer. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity a day, and remember that the higher intensity the activity is, the more calories you’re burning.

Not drinking enough water Water consumption is something that I can’t stress enough! Drinking two litres of water a day is good, three is even better. People think that if you drink that much you will be going to the toilet every five minutes, but the good news is that your body will adjust to the new consumption of water.

I like to encourage a glass of water before a meal and afterwards if possible. This will do a few things: help flush the fat out of your body, keep you hydrated for better dayto-day performance and allow you to distinguish between the feeling of hunger and thirst, as a lot of people eat when their body actually wants water.

36 CityNews May 27-June 2

Try drinking more water over the course of the day and see how it makes you feel!

Consuming too much fat

This is a more straightforward aspect which most people are aware of. If we want to lose fat we have to stop eating so much! There are the three types of fat – monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated.

Ideally, try to reduce your overall saturated fat intake.

Having a very small percentage of fats is still important to help reduce the stress on your heart and allow your body to use carbohydrates and proteins more effectively.

It can be hard to avoid too much fat, especially when you’re out and about or travelling. Preparation is vital, whether it’s packing lunch for work the night before, or calling up the hotel to see what food will be available when you arrive. Putting in the extra effort will make a huge difference towards your waistline.

Not eating smart

Eating smarter is something that you get better at as you become more familiar with how your body reacts to particular eating patterns. What I mean by eating smart is small portion sizes over the course of the day and eating appropriately for what your day entails.

Eating five to six small meals, instead of three large meals, makes your metabolism faster so that you can burn energy quicker, and helps to keep hunger cravings and overeating down. Eating appropriately for the day means slightly increasing size portions before training, and decreasing them before bed. Eating smart is vital to getting the desired results. Even if you eat really well but in an inappropriate way, you can still struggle to lose fat.

Personal trainer Matthew Quixley is the manager of Matthew Quixley... “aim for 30minutes of physical activity a day.”

Body Basics

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore May 31-June 6

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Restless Rams – are you ready to rumble? With Jupiter joining Uranus in your sign, there’s never been a better time to shake things up and explore new horizons. Be inspired by Clint Eastwood (born on May 31) “Sometimes, if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

You’re in the mood to indulge your senses and give in to all sorts of delicious temptations (even more than usual). Don’t overdo it though, or your waistline and bank balance will be the ones that suffer. There won’t be much peace at home this week. Mars is heating up emotions and – if you’re too slow-moving – you could be caught in the crossfire!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

You’ll feel physically and mentally restless mid-week, so you need to get out and about as you explore new ideas, friendships and places. Jupiter moves into your hopes and wishes zone on Sunday, so it’s time to reformulate your goals and make them as big and bold as possible. Your future is only limited by the size of your dreams.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

If you make rash decisions on Thursday, you could end up in a heap of hot water. You’re feeling emotionally excitable and are liable to make foolish choices – especially involving finances.

Saturday night favours socialising with family and friends, but Sunday is the day to hunker down in your Crab cave and spend time on your own.

general knowledge crossword No. 263 Across

Down

1 What is another name for an adjustable spanner?

8 What do we call a person who follows a philosophy made up from diverse sources?

9 Name the more common term for a "tonsorial artist".

10 What is a profit gained from the investment of money?

11 Which object is worn as a protecting charm?

13 What are spray containers sometimes known as?

16 Name another term for parentheses.

19 What are supporting frames for blackboards?

22 In which month does the Melbourne cup take place?

24 In tennis, what is the flight of a ball in play before striking the ground?

25 Which lubricated aid helps to sharpen knives, chisels, etc?

26 Name the agricultural implement with a long curved blade, used for mowing grass by hand.

2 What is a different term for a royal domain?

3 Who was the Swedish inventor of dynamite, Alfred ...?

4 What do we call that which comes to one by reason of birth?

5 Which word also describes a garden bed?

6 What is an alternative term for sets of twenty?

7 Name the French-born German engineer who invented a particular engine.

12 Which is one of the two bones of the forearm?

14 In some sports, what are the second grades called?

15 Name one of the woodwind instruments.

17 Informally, what is a raw recruit known as?

18 What is the curd of milk, separated from the whey?

20 Name a light two-wheeled onehorse carriage.

21 What is a bloodsucking aquatic worm?

23 Name a group of states united by some common factor.

Solution next week 1

2

3

4

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

It’s not your royal right to boss others around and be Top Cat all the time. This week, if you lead Team Leo with the reigns held too tightly, you can expect a right royal rebellion as your long-suffering subjects (ie family, friends and work colleagues) decide to fight back. The more disciplined you are with money, the happier you’ll be.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Librans adore companionship, collaboration and cosy togetherness but, with Uranus (and then Jupiter) moving through your relationship zone, loved ones need space at the moment. By all means nurture them but don’t smother them!

Socialising with work colleagues brings many benefits, both professionally and personally.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Mercury (planet of communication) is visiting your relationship zone, so make an effort to get the conversation flowing with your nearest and dearest. Don’t be such a super secretive Scorpio – open up and say what’s really on your mind! Make sure you spend quality time with a troubled child or teenager, especially on Friday.

6

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8 9 10 11

12 13

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With Saturn in your sign, the main lesson for you to learn at the moment is self-respect. As birthday great Clint Eastwood reminds us: “Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.” Expect a close relationship to be strained on Sunday, as Saturn pours cold water on affectionate advances.

5

16

17

14

15

18 19

22

20

21

23 24

25 26

Sudoku hard No.32

Solution next week

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week, expect your daily routine to be more lively and varied than usual. You could also be drawn into some stimulating conversations about work. Jupiter (your ruling planet) barnstorms into your romance zone on Sunday – for the first time in 12 years. So, whether you are attached or single, the coming year is all about love, love, love!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Mid-week you’re feeling optimistic and are keen to move ahead but don’t spoil opportunities by being demanding and thinking you have all the answers. Calm co-operation will get you where you want to go. With Uranus and Jupiter paying a house visit, the winds of change are about to blow through Casa Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

No one does eccentric and eclectic better than you! Mid-week sees you at your experimental best, as the Moon sweeps through your sign. So it’s the ideal time to look for fresh solutions to stubborn old problems. Short trips are favoured this weekend, so jump in the car (or hop on a plane) and go somewhere special.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Fish are very creative folk. Intuition, imagination and inspiration are all at your fingertips this week, so make sure you utilise the opportunities that come your way and channel the Piscean artist within. Sunday marks the start of 12 months of fabulous financial luck, as Jupiter (the planet of wealth) reboots your Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010. money mojo.

Solutions

Crossword No.262 S F S T H I N K E R R I I N S U L I K T L E E R E M O T E O A L L E G R E L L G L U C O S I S B S A C H E T

G U L L E T R O A I N C I S O N K T G A S K E T O R B R U N C C A O F F M A T T O C E E L T E R R I E S S O

Sudoku medium No.32 S A R I S H A C K E R S

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