Canberra CityNews June 3-9, 2010

news

Minister ducks student crisis

By Eleri Harris

CANBERRA’S student housing crisis was brought to the fore again when Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek was put on the spot at an ACT Fabians address on housing affordability by the ANU Student Association president Tully Fletcher.

“What is the Government doing for students?” he asked.

Plibersek pointed to the National Rental Affordability Scheme, saying universities could apply for its $9140 per annum, per tenant program, but there’s a catch.

“Universities must build and operate this housing.

The Federal Government is not going to build dormitories and not on campus and they must be governed by the relevant tenancy laws,” Plibersek said.

The requirement for individual tenancy agreements under the scheme excludes college-style accommodation for students – although Fletcher is keen to point out that students living in colleges and on campus accommodation already sign tenancy-like agreements.

Plibersek’s office could not tell “CityNews” why the Federal Government would not support collegestyle accommodation, or why construction had to occur off campus to qualify for NRAS. Earlier this year ANU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Students Elizabeth Deane emphasised the importance of personal and academic support structures provided by college life on campus when discussing Canberra’s student housing crisis.

“We try to put in some pastoral support and care,” Deane said, describing the not unexpected influx of hundreds of homeless students in January and February.

“There are so many factors at play in this, we had a higher rate of return, but we had also made a six per cent increase in offers.”

INDEX June 3-9, 2010

Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 22

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

17-19 24 19 8 24 8 18 3-9 7 25-31 10-12 6

FRONT COVER: Shop Handmade partners Julie Nichols, left, and Rachel Evagelou. Story Page 4.

Photo by Silas

“From the perspective of student communities, we think the Commonwealth should make capital works funds available for colleges, halls and dorms because university students are among the mostvulnerable, low-income groups in the country and as a group suffer the highest rates of rental stress,” he said.

“There is a severe shortage of student specific rental accommodation in Canberra and across the country.

“In the ‘50s ‘60s and ‘70s, the Commonwealth and State Governments provided capital works funding to support the development of halls and colleges across the country.

“ANU benefited a lot from that and our existing halls of residence are almost certainly one of ANU’s most attractive features for prospective students.

“Students can’t study well if they don’t have a roof over their heads and if we expect Australian graduates to compete with the best in the world, we should be doing everything we can to foster strong and supportive academic environments for students at universities.

“The question I would ask the Commonwealth is that universities across the country are being expected to absorb thousands of new students over the coming years, where are we going to put them?”

The University of Canberra opened student acANU Student Association president Tully Fletcher... commodation on campus last year with the support “Students can’t study well if they don’t have a roof of the ACT Government. over their heads.”

Photo by Silas A Government spokesman told “CityNews”: “Funding for these types of projects is a consideraThat six per cent increase in offers for student tion for the university as part of its normal business places was initiated by the Federal Government’s planning.”

“Education Revolution”, the same Federal GovernANU, which received more than $100 million to ment which is now failing to provide capital works build new educational facilities in the 2010 Budget, funding to house these students. could not provide comment because it has an appliTully Fletcher is unimpressed. cation with the NRAS.

contact us

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au twitter.com/city_news facebook.com/canberracitynews

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briefly Pledge for bank

A MEETING to pledge support for the establishment of a Curtin Community Bank will be held at St James Church, 40 Gillies Street, Curtin, at 6.30pm, Wednesday, June 9. The local committee and Bendigo Bank will officially launch the community’s pledge campaign.

Under Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank model, once the pledge and feasibility processes have been complete, the community raises share capital via a public share offer. A pledge target of $800,000 from more than 250 people has been set for the Curtin campaign.

More from information woden.cb@ hotmail.com or call 6291 0022.

Marymead marathon

RADIO personalities Leighton Archer and Larry Appley will broadcast for 24 hours, non-stop from midday Saturday, June 12, in aid of the 2CA’s Marathon for Marymead. The marathon aims to raise funds for the Marymead Counselling Centre, which provides clinical assessment and intervention with families of young children under the age of 8 years.

Law Week gift

ACTIVITIES during the recent Law Week raised a record $13,000 for Galilee. This included funds raised by Canberra lawyers and a donation by the 2010 Law Week major sponsor, LawCover. Galilee is a Canberrabased, not-for-profit organisation that cares for children and young people.

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Political reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618493 eleri@citynews.com.au Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 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 June 3-9

news

Doing it by hand cover story

By Kathryn Vukovljak SHOP Handmade on Allara Street, Civic, is the first of its kind in Canberra stocked entirely with handmade items, including cards, clothes, jewellery, biscuits, homewares, art and toys.

Its opening weeks have been a runaway retail success with stock selling out faster than designers can provide it, according to owners and mums Julie Nichols and Rachel Evagelou.

The women are keen to point out that the shop is about design, not daggy craft. “Or perhaps we’re glamorising craft, or banning the word entirely. I’m not sure,” Julie laughs. “Anyway, handmade is the new black.”

“It’s been so busy, we’ve been absolutely smashed,” says Rachel. “The first two weeks alone surpassed our expectations. We know how we thought it would go, but the response has been incredible.”

And everything is just gorgeous, of course. The designers are mostly local – the girls try to keep it to a ratio of 80 per cent Canberrans to 20 per cent interstate contributors.

Julie, who created the quarterly Handmade

Market, says she has no plans to take the concept nationwide.

“It’s special because it’s in Canberra,” she says.

“It will never be a franchise. We’ve captured a market here – there’s something about Canberra.

“Plus we’re from here, we connect with the place.

We’re not anonymous. We know customers by name and have a relationship with all our designers. We love to hear everyone’s stories.”

Julie is a milliner and Rachel makes childrens’ clothes that are sold through the store, although they admit they don’t have time to be creative now they’re running the store full-time.

“We all go gaga over whatever arrives in the post, and sometimes it’s a battle not to buy everything ourselves!” says Rachel.

“The biggest thrill for me is ringing a designer to tell them they’ve sold out.

“Our designers supplied enough stock for a month when we started, and many sold out within the first two weeks, which was just amazing. It’s wonderful to be supporting these small businesses, who are often mums at home with small children.”

Julie agrees. “I love discovering designers, and playing a small part in changing their lives,” she says.

Getting the landlord to tweet

Julie Nichols, left, and Rachel Evagelou... “It’s special because it’s in Canberra,” says Julie.

Photo by Silas.

Image comes clean CityNews winners!

Winners of double passes to the All Our Friends music festival are Jacqui Britton, of Narrabundah, Robyn Kelly, of Melba, and Darren Veraar, of Forrest.

Winners of the LonVitalite Collagen facial packs were Tricia Thomas, of Campbell, and Sarah Lindsay, of Kaleen.

CityNews June 3-9

VACUUM and cleaning specialists Godfrey’s has revamped its image with new branding set to be trialled in Canberra.

Executive chairman Stephen Heath said the 80-year-old company hadn’t upgraded its logo or in-store look since the ‘80s.

“We need to give the brand a bit of a refresh,” Heath said.

“Our coverage of stores across Canberra gives us a good feel for the whole market and it’s also very competitive environment.”

The new branding includes a focus on bright red or pink colouring, a tech-look new logo and the strapline, “We live for clean”.

“We didn’t want to lose the quirkiness out of the brand,” Heath said.

Stephen Heath... “didn’t want to lose the quirkiness.”

PETER Williams, said to be one of the most fascinating tech heads in the country, will be outlining opportunities available through the internet to make buildings more effective, and user friendly at the Uni Pub, Civic, at 6pm on June 10.

A Deloitte partner and CEO of Deloitte Digital, Williams is an acknowledged technology guru and plain-speaking expert who uses colloquial English.

He points out that building owners, particularly those who own office buildings have enough people turning up every day to constitute a community.

But many building owners do not Peter Williams. communicate with the community using their building, let alone ask them for their ideas and opinions or listen to those which are volunteered.

Given the communication options available to make this possible without extra investment, social networking is the answer, he says, citing London’s Tower Bridge, which uses Twitter to let commuters know when it will be opening.

Our buildings can also tweet to let their users know when conditions are changing, or get up-to-the-minute user reports on items which need attention.

Williams is a chartered accountant with 13 years’ experience in corporate recovery and insolvency.

He says his philosophy is that property owners, like other business people, must focus on the customer, the end user, and as the web now provides opportunities to do so, there is no excuse not to.

Contact the Property Council on 6248 6902 for further details.

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

CityNews June 3-9

sport

Huxley, of all players...

AFTER the support shown by the Canberra community and the Brumbies in his battle with cancer, you would have thought Julian Huxley, of all the players likely to stay, it would have been him.

He owed it to Canberra to stay with the Brumbies; the mere thought that he was contemplating heading elsewhere was an act of betrayal.

How ungrateful.

That was my initial reaction. But when he explained his reasons, I changed my mind immediately and chastised myself for being so fickle and narrow-minded. Huxley is going to Melbourne to start afresh, to avoid the constant reminders of his illness in Canberra. He wants the anonymity of Melbourne as opposed to the fishbowl of Canberra where his battle with cancer is almost as prominent as his ability to play rugby union.

The reaction to Huxley’s decision and the angst being felt in the Canberra community over the future of Raiders’ fullback Josh Dugan seems to highlight a certain amount of insecurity.

When Matt Giteau left the Brumbies to join the Western Force we needed somebody to blame. We didn’t begrudge Giteau the chance to make a dollar, and at least he didn’t sign with the Waratahs!

I had the same sense of mixed emotions when watching Todd Carney for the first time in Roosters’ colours. But, good luck to him, he is starting to turn his life around. It’s just a pity he couldn’t do it while he was in Canberra.

Raiders’ fans have turned their angst to the future of Josh Dugan. In many aspects it’s understandable; he’s a local junior who has been given an opportunity and should be playing for

CityNews June 3-9

When TIM GAVEL discovered Julian Huxley had signed with the Melbourne Rebels he was dumbfounded. the Raiders for many years to come. Instead, he is holding off resigning with the club beyond next season despite attempts by the Raiders to lock him into a long-term deal.

Then we have this grubby story about him falling out with the Furners as the reason why he wants out. What Julian Huxley. a load of rubbish! I can understand why we need to fight back and counter these claims because it can be very damaging to the image of the club.

Possibly our reaction to the story in “The Sunday Telegraph” has more to do with the uncertainty over Dugan’s future than anything else.

Dugan has denied that he has spoken to the Roosters about the 2012 season, let alone sign with them. If he had, it would be illegal while he is still contracted to the Raiders for another 18 months.

I think we all need to take a deep breath and put things into perspective. He is a 19-year-old contemplating making the biggest decision in his life. We should give him some space.

briefly Amazing Grace

GRACE Dunlop is the ACT’s outstanding principal. The Kaleen Primary School principal for 18 years has been recognised in the 2010 Public Education Awards, the annual acknowledgement of the Territory’s most outstanding teachers and support staff in public schools. Amaroo School teacher Zac Hain was named outstanding teacher.

Grant winners

ACTAADS Inc, an association that twice yearly makes grants to people with a disability to help them increase their work, sporting, artistic or other skills so they can participate more widely in the life of the community, has awarded five grants of $1000 each to Natalie Hallet, of Wanniassa; Nathan Cawley, Watson; Paul Kennedy, Reid; Stephanie Narayan, Pearce and Kenneth Cardwell, Gordon.

Take a seat

Don’t get between snapper Silas Brown and food, unless you can distract him, which is what this ute did when he was foraging for lunch the other day in Civic.

politics

Stand firm, miners should pay

By Michael Moore HOW much tax do you pay? If you are a middle-level salary earner you have probably spent most of your life paying somewhere between a third and a half of your earnings in taxes.

It should really get up your nose when the large mining companies are kick and scream about paying 40 per cent of their “super profits” to the community. Why shouldn’t they pay their fair share? After all, why does anyone pay taxes? In a civilised society we pay them to have good infrastructure, to ensure public health and safety and for a more equitable society.

Congratulations go to Leigh Sales on ABC “Lateline”, relatively early in the debate for challenging the alternative view being orchestrated by the mining companies and the Minerals Council of Australia to saturation point. Her interview with economics correspondent Stephen Long put the Government’s proposed resources super tax into perspective.

Long’s first words set the tone: “Well, it’s not gonna kill the golden goose.

The hyperbole and rhetoric we’ve had around this, Leigh, is really, really silly”.

The profits of these companies are

dependent on the resources of all Australians. Our resources! Why shouldn’t they be contributing at least as much as the average salary earner to improve our community? Why is it that the media has not been challenging their credibility?

Of course they do not want to pay taxes. We would all love to live in a benevolent society with someone else picking up the tab.

The challenge for the Government is to stick to its guns when the mining industry fires up its campaign. Even now

big mining reminds me of big tobacco.

They do run some of their own messages but by and large they will use others to do it for them. Just as tobacco runs its campaigns through retailers and pubs, the mining industry will use superannuation funds and tame economic commentators. A campaign based on fear and uncertainty is already under way threatening shareholder income.

The irony is that the companies will not actually be paying 40 per cent anyway. Their deductions will reduce the contribution substantially. As Long

puts it: “It isn’t a 40 per cent tax because it’s gonna be offset against State mining royalties, plus you can offset it against projects that aren’t doing well.”

Perhaps the Government may not have sold it as well as they might but they have taken the right decision.

The Minerals Council tactic is clear.

Come out punching hard with threats of doom and gloom and then promise to negotiate with the Government – on their terms. In a media release the Deputy CEO, Brendan Pearson, said the industry “is ready to engage in genuine good-faith” and then set out the parameters. They included all of the Government’s policy structure such as the definition of ‘super profit’, the 40 per cent rate, the application to existing projects and variable application to different commodities.

Prime Minister Rudd should be telling them to get lost. He has already seen how the community views a diplomatic, soft approach on climate change. This is the time to stand firm. As the mining companies extract our community resources it is appropriate for them to shoulder their share of community responsibility.

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

Stephen Long interview: www.abc.net. au/lateline/content/2010/s2900237.htm

CityNews June 3-9

letters

a dose of dorin

Column was a ‘kick in the guts’ ROBERT Macklin’s column “Builders: Why won’t anyone bell the cat?” (CN, May 20) is grossly generalised and is a “kick in the guts” for a proud industry that produces homes and renovations for many happy customers year after year, of exceptionally high quality.

What this article fails to consider is that the industry is one of the most regulated and scrutinised in the country. Builders in the ACT are required to be licensed and comply with a range of building, planning, OH&S, workplace and tax laws (to name just a few) that are “policed” by a multitude of agencies.

To also suggest that almost every builder in the land has been turned into a “serial lawbreaker” undermines the Australian Taxation Office. The ATO has strict tax reporting requirements and sophisticated methods at their disposal to uncover any rorting of the system.

But then again Mr Macklin has “asked around” so that should count for something in the believability stakes.

I also note that industry has been blamed for the insulation debacle. The problems with the scheme related to its accelerated roll-out and the entry of opportunistic businesses into this sector. It was not the businesses that rely on this work for their livelihoods that were at fault.

Mr Macklin is also attempting to discredit builders participating in the Building Education Revolution. Those involved in these projects have had to jump through countless hoops to be eligible to perform this work. The jobs were subject to tender and on government’s terms. Is Mr Macklin suggesting that industry is not entitled to pursue the best price for a job?

Finally, I offer up a good rule of thumb for Mr Macklin – “never trust a sensationalistic columnist”.

Stuart Collins, executive director, HIA ACT and Southern NSW

CityNews June 3-9

Cranky with Cat Stevens I REMEMBER vividly when [singer] Cat Stevens seriously agreed with the Iranian fatwa for the killing of [author] Salman Rushdie.

Now Stevens wants to visit Australia to make some money for his concerts and wants us to forget what he said about Rushdie.

What part of his agreement for the killing of Rushdie was not serious? I cannot believe that the media is not following up this extremely serious matter. Stevens’ statement was witnessed all over the world on the media and yet we allow this man to enter our country and believe his current explanation that he meant it as a joke!

Alexander Ardalich, Netherby, SA

The electioneering has begun ELECTIONEERING has begun. Many papers have run a full-page, government-sponsored, “informational advertisement”: “Our tax system needs to change.”

How much is the super contribution being raised? How much is the tax cut on savings interest? Am I one who benefits from simpler standard deductions? Does my small business qualify for tax cuts? Etcetera.

Information? None. Feelgood messages? Overload.

Add to this Labor’s circumventing its Independent Communications Committee – created in response to Laborproclaimed Coalition-government-sponsored advertising abuses.

The first moment there’s pressure, Labor cries foul and

avoids integrity-checking, auto-approving $38.5-million for advertising its pro-mining tax.

Precisely the wrong time to short-cut self-imposed checks and balances.

Precisely the right time to give the message that rules apply to everybody, except Labor.

I await the mining tax advertising campaign; I’ll scrutinise it for “facts on the table” – or whether it’s merely a “scare campaign” of its own.

I’ll consider whether it’s “objective” and “free of political argument” – or just “foster[s] a positive impression of a particular political party”... like the full-page tax/super ad clearly does.

Judy Bamberger, O’Connor

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

opinion

End the hysteria!

IT’S time to sort out the confusion around the ACT Government’s proposed codification of the change-of-use charge (CUC), in the face of some hysterical views that have found their way into the media.

Urban infill and consolidation is on the Government’s agenda, but for it to take place there needs to be demand (which there is) and willingness for someone to undertake the risk of development.

To date, the Government has been prepared to listening to feedback from industry and the ACT Treasury has released two discussion papers on the subject. The period for consultation has been extended and the Government has suspended the July 1 start date for the introduction of the new CUC scheme.

The issues surrounding proposed codification are complex and important decisions about scheme design and implementation must be carefully explored. Any draft amending legislation to the Planning and Development Act 2007 is too important to be rushed through.

There are concerns; specifically, that the potentially large increase in costs associated with the proposed scheme will stifle redevelopment activity and the CUC will be turned into a disincentive to investors who, beyond the already unique difficulties of dealing with our crown leasehold system, face the highest stamp duty rate in the country, the fire and emergency services levy and the crown lease building and development provision extension fees.

An increase in upfront housing costs in the middle of our post-GFC recovery period is untimely and discouraging investors at such a delicate time is destructively silly.

Political columnist Michael Moore has praised Treasurer Katy Gallagher for her recent Budget initiative of enforcing the contentious change-of-use charge.

Here CATHERINE CARTER argues any change to the current leasehold legislation will spook investors and send property prices up...

The CUC is likely to increase housing prices because, by discouraging development, it will exacerbate the current shortage. As the Government’s consultant says in his discussion paper, if these changes go through as framed, either the current owner and seller of property reduces the sale price; or the developer cuts his margin/profit; or the end product is sold for a greater price.

So the changed CUC will likely have a negative impact on the value of properties suitable for change of use.

It is important to remember just how mobile capital is in our economy. Investors can invest where the taxes and fees are lower and prospects of return are the greatest. As a greatly increased CUC will result in diminished returns, the Territory will lose the benefit of potential investment to more attractive economies.

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

CityNews June 3-9

scene

More photos at www.citynews.com.au

At Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Elisabeth Jensen, Kristin and Louise Chait with Vikki and Tori Templeman

Kathy Clarke, Mark Gibson-Huck, Janet Henry and Nancy Ganter

Caitlin Pearse and Julene Seears

Dot Waldren and Jenny Blake

Julie Toma and Ros Lindsey

10  CityNews June 3-9

Dianne Moir and Dr Anneke Blackburn

At Marymead Bride and Groom Ball, Southern Cross Club, Woden

Emma Street, Stuart Ritchie, Jo Dean-Ritchie and Lauren McPhee

Jeff Griffiths, Annie Sloan and Greg Page

Mary Laughlin, Helen Weller and Kim Marshall

Leilah Ayton with Andrew and Chauntell McNamara

Sandra Brown with Ken and Trish Burchell

Jon O'Regan, Rachel Kirvan, Rebecca Chapman and Tavis Burke

Chris and Bridget Bandle, Adrian Merciera with Wendy and Murray Emerton

CityNews June 3-9 11

scene

More photos at www.citynews.com.au

At ‘Designing a Capital: Crafting a City’ opening, Craft ACT, Civic

Tim Moore and Zsuzsi Soboslay with daughters Mimir and Ruby

At Innovative Building Projects display home opening, Bonner

Dane Kasunic, David and John Payne and Tommy Kasunic

Ida Brozinic and Cindy Kasunic Julie Ryder, Wendy Lugg, Mark and Sharon Peoples with Chris Bourke

Artist Paull McKee, Alison Sexton-Green and Fiona Sivyer

Clarissa Fugill, David Jamali, Anthony Faingaa and Stephanie Tokich

Artist Kirstie Rea, Bernard Morris and Diana Hare

Alison Seale with Rozie and Demelza Sherwood

Brian Box and Jason Demopoulos

12 CityNews June 3-9

Denis Brozinic and Daniel Gibson

Ronny Guglielmin, Glen Webster, Sonja Archer, Kier Gregg and Craig Greenwood

Courtney, Henry, Samantha and Lyndell Kazar

financial and investment services

advertising feature

The need to know

The economy’s been a hot topic since before the global financial crisis began – and these days our interest in all-things-financial are only growing.

Whether it’s exploring investment options, finding the right bank, accountant or financial adviser, managing money better, or getting advice on running a business, “CityNews” tracked down the ACT’s movers and shakers...

Active property network WHILE running Diamond Blue Solutions, her business which helps organisations make the best use out of resources such as employees, Yvonne Thomas hit on the idea of creating a property networking group – “because there wasn’t really anything like that in Canberra,” she says.

“I’ve been running meetings for the group every month – it’s not binding; people are welcome to come along as they wish – featuring three speakers each time.

“Through that, I’ve been approached to run a bigger event, with presentations aimed at a variety of investors, from beginners to advanced investors.”

Diamond Blue Solutions will present the Canberra Active Property Network Capital Wealth Conference on Saturday, June 19, at the WorkWatch Training Centre in Mitchell.

“The speakers will talk about their strategies, how they made money,” says Yvonne, who says she aimed at providing a wide range of strategies, without being beholden to a particular method of wealth creation.

“It’s about opening people’s eyes and helping them see what strategies are out there to build wealth.”

Speakers include Sharyn Youngson, author of the book “Sacked to Successful” talking about the property renovation strategy; Dr Gordon Ku; Queanbeyan’s Colin Emerson speaking on buying a business; and Sky Business Foxtel TV’s David Hunt.

Yvonne Thomas... “It’s about opening people’s eyes More information at diamondbluesolutions.com.au/events or call and helping them see what strategies are out there 0410 103131. to build wealth.”

Making the jump

ONE of the biggest barriers that stops young people investing is simply that they don’t know where to start, says Eva Karakotas, support member of the Investor’s Club.

Since its inception last year, the Young Investors Club has operated under the umbrella of the Investors’ Club, a national organisation established in 1994, she says.

“Trying to find properties is daunting; understanding the tax situation is daunting,” Eva says. “People don’t know where to start, or what financial advice to get. Some people don’t want to invest in their own postcode, but interstate instead; so there’s a lot to understand.

“This is where the Young Investors Club can help them. It focuses on support for people embarking on a wealth creation strategy through property – generally people who are 18 to 35.

“The most common question is how people can get started. Today, with the financial crisis, younger people find it harder to save a deposit; and the lending criteria keep changing.

“Even once you have the deposit, it can be hard to know where to start – so I run monthly workshops where I focus on the benefits of investing in property, especially now that superannuation isn’t enough; and the benefits of financial independence.”

Young Investors Club’s next workshop will be on Thursday, June 24.

More information at www.invest.tic.com.au

Demystifying trading COMING to Canberra on Monday, June 21 is “Ultimate Forex Secrets”, a seminar which aims to help people generate a solid income through trading.

Aimed at all investors, from the novice to experienced home traders, the seminar, presented

by Knowledge to Action, offers professional experience in trading, from a teaching background with experience in demystifying the mechanics of trading.

To many people, trading can appear confusing, even overwhelming – and even those with experience can find making significant money to be a slow, frustrating process, say the seminar organisers.

The seminar will detail simple systems which can work quickly; identify the signals to look out for, for winning trades without the guesswork, and how to automate processes.

More information at www.freefxseminar.com. au or call 1800 685479.

CityNews June 3-9 13

14 CityNews June 3-9

financial and investment services

advertising feature Finance for life

Dedicated specialists PARKHILL Financial Group, formerly J O’Connor & Son, has been supporting Queanbeyan and ACT residents for more than 25 years – and has now expanded to encompass representatives from key sectors of the financial industry.

Each area of the financial services industry is serviced by a dedicated specialist, so there’s no “jack of all trades” mentality, the group says.

It prides itself on its “boardroom service”, where clients receive a comprehensive review of their overall financial strategy by each of the specialists.

This may include the client’s accountant, solicitor, financial adviser and insurance broker, all meeting the client at once, says CEO Martyn O’Connor.

“The meeting is all about the client, who will discuss with their ‘advisory board’ what their financial goals are, and the board members will then provide the appropriate advice.”

More information at www.parkhill.com.au or call 6297 1655.

WHEN offering financial advice, it’s vital to take into account the life circumstances of clients, says Zuraida Ariffin, certified financial planner and Value of Advice Award NSW/ACT State winner for 2007.

“A young person may be looking at accumulating funds so they can buy a house; but housing affordability is low, and people need as much money as possible,” Zuraida says.

“When saving, putting that money in cash isn’t going to help that much: Sometimes, investing the money might be a better way. We can advise on that.”

Zuraida says one of her biggest client groups is families who are looking to consolidate their financial position over a long period.

“We work with our clients in a comprehensive way to look at all their goals – not just one thing like buying a house, but paying off a mortgage, for example.

“Most couples take about 28 years to pay off a mortgage. That’s a long time; we’re able to help clients pay their mortgages off in a shorter time – half that time, or less.”

Zuraida says she also helps families who are looking at private and tertiary education for their children, as well as budgeting for “the fun things in life, like holidays”.

More information at www.zawealthcreation.com.au or call 6162 2942.

Zuraida Ariffin... can advise on halving the time it takes to pay off a mortgage.

The Green team... “We cover everything from superannuation, wealth accumulation, investment properties and estate planning to issues of tax,” says Trina Woods.

Green is all go

GREEN Associates prides itself on being more than just a financial planner, says the company’s Trina Woods – not only does it offer financial advice packages for people in different stages of life, but also the option of ethical investing.

The company was recently awarded Certified Quality Advice Practice status by AXA, the first in Canberra to attain this achievement, she says.

“We cover everything from superannuation, wealth accumulation, investment properties and estate planning to issues of tax, but what makes us a bit different is that we’ve introduced client value packages,” she says.

These include a wealth accumulation package for 18 to 40 year olds; a preretirement package; and a retirement package, covering tailored advice for people in these life stages. The retirement

package, for example, covers estate planning, maximising Centrelink benefits and retirement income planning strategies.

“We’ve also initiated a green portfolio, which isn’t just a play on our name. It’s an ethically and socially responsible portfolio.

A lot of people like the feel-good factor involved – we have a portfolio that’s mixed, and another that’s all-ethical.”

More information at www.greenassociates.com.au or call 6282 5474.

CityNews June 3-9 15

financial and investment services A stitch in time...

It’s a commonly touted statistic that 50 per cent of businesses fail in their first year, says Henry Kazar, pictured, partner at Kazar Slaven Chartered Accountants/Insolvency Practitioners.

Mr Kazar says that many people who go into business don’t adequately prepare for adverse circumstances, contributing to the amount of business failures and costing them even more money if they’re not successful.

Seeking advice before they open their doors can help prevent bigger problems down the track.

“Instead, for a relatively small price to pay at the beginning of a venture, we can save business people thousands or tens of thousands at the end of a venture,” he said.”

The firm has an extensive network of advisors relevant to different types of business, and a good understanding of the pitfalls relevant to going into business, he says.

One of the biggest pitfalls, for example, is going into business with a friend or relative without putting in relevant checks and balances, or strategies to combat problems.

“People are very excited about going into business; but they often don’t have enough money behind what they’re doing, either. If you draw their attention to some of these problems, they can take account of them at the beginning.”

More information at www.kazarslaven.com.au or call 6285 1310.

Achieve the best ACHIEVE Business Solutions aims to help businesses by taking care of all accounting, taxation and business consulting needs, including reporting compliance requirements.

The service is suitable for getting a start-up business running, or improving current busi-

16 CityNews June 3-9

ness performance, the company says.

Achieve Business Solutions offers free quotations with fixed-price agreements and monthly payment plans, in order to avoid surprise bills.

More information at www.achievecorp.com. au or call 1300 139217.

all about living

arts | cinema | dining | reviews | crossword | horoscope | sudoku

Ennio, the living paper cartoon HE’S travelled to more than 70 countries, has received more than five million hits on You Tube and won numerous theatrical awards – now the “living paper cartoon” Ennio Marchetto is visiting Canberra for one-night-only.

“I was working in my family’s espresso machine repair shop when I realised that I should entertain,” Ennio told “CityNews”. “I used to lock myself into the shop and play Marilyn Monroe really loudly, mouthing along. And then, I used to perform on the streets of Venice.”

Born in Venice, Ennio was firstly inspired by the cartoons of Walt Disney.

It wasn’t until years later when creating masks for Venice’s Carnivale that he

In his one-hour show, the extraordinary Ennio Marchetto combines clowning, mime and origami to evolve into 50 different characters including Marilyn Monroe, Britney Spears, Elton John, Lady Gaga and Kanye West. developed his costuming skills to what they are today. Ennio now collaborates with fashion and costume designer Sosthen Hennekam and together they have created his show.

Ennio says he began impersonating the world’s biggest stars because they were “hilarious”.

“My show is a whirlwind of physical comedy ripping into the celebrities we all love to pieces,” he says.

His show’s success has seen him perform in several UK tours, West End runs and international festivals and his list of accolades include the Venetian Entertainment Festival’s prestigious Golden Lion Award, the Golden Mosquito Award for Comedy and the Garland Award for his show in LA. He also received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment.

And his advice to young people with

unique talents... “You must follow your heart and your dreams – very important,” he says.

Ennio Marchetto, Thursday, June 17 at The Playhouse. Tickets from canberratheatrecentre.com.au or call 6275 2700.

WIN TICKETS “CityNews” has 10 double passes valued at $99.90 each to give away. Entries close at midday on Monday, June 7. Entry and details at citynews.com.au/competitions

Sun shine in Snowy festival By arts editor Helen Musa THE second Perisher’s Snowy Mountains of Music Festival coming up on the June long weekend as an icebreaker to the official opening of the snow season certainly is “Australia’s coolest festival”. It’s doubly cool because of the world, folk, roots, blues, Celtic and traditional music aired at high altitude.

Ryan van Gennip is the bass player, sound engineer and spokesman for the group Chase the Sun, one of the lead acts at the festival.

Though he lives in the Blue Mountains, the group is Sydney-based and began with what he calls “a bit of a jam” back in 2006, after which they went straight into a studio and recorded an album.

That first album, “Chase the Sun”, was released in 2007 and one number from it, “You Gotta Go”, shot to the top of blues on iTunes. Now they’re busy promoting their second album “Rednecks & Gentlemen”,

Ennio Marchetto... ”My show is a whirlwind of physical comedy ripping into the celebrities we all love to pieces.”

Prize with promise

Festival darlings Chase the Sun, from left, Jon “Howler” Howell, Ryan van Gennip and Jan Rynsaardt. which they are billing as “mostly big rock that granny will hate.”

“We’re glad that people like it,” van Gennip says, making no apologies for their new more popular move. “We sort of play the music that we like.”

Van Gennip says the festivals have played a large part in the work and that they have “pretty much” played every blues and roots festival on the continent. “Festivals attract more people… they give us a chance to show our individual quality.”

Chase the Sun joins a 40-act live line-up over 10 venues featuring performers such

as Blue King Brown, Jeff Lang, reggae/dub stars Mista Savona, Jan Preston and the Wongawilli Band, which is no surprise because the whole festival is directed by Wongawilli performer David de Santi. Oh, yes, there’s even the Broken Ski Poetry Competition (entries due to the website by June 8) and a live poetry slam at Basil’s Bar on June 13.

The Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music Festival, June 11-14, Perisher, Guthega and Smiggins Hole. More information at www. snowymountainsofmusic.com.au

IT’S amazing how many previous winners of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Tuggeranong Rotary Club annual youth art award have gone on to grander things. Now young artists aged 15-25 are invited to register for this year’s prize. The award is sponsored by Tuggeranong Rotary Club, Aarwun Gallery and Photoaccess, and has been running since 1994. Previous winners include Danie Mellor, Paul Mosig and Andrew Battye, all big names now. Entries are due by August 16. For entry forms and conditions visit www. tuggeranongarts.com or phone Suzie Edwards on 6293 1443.

A SNAZZY drug and alcoholfree entertainment night of hip-hop dance will hit the stage of The Street Theatre at 7pm on June 12 and 2pm on June 13 with the Canberra preliminaries of the Australian Hip-Hop Championships. NZ hip-hop dancer Leerok, MC KGn and DJ Richie Blaze will battle it out freestyle. Canberra dancers can still register their crews for the

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

preliminaries. To be part of the audience phone 6247 1223; for details and registration visit www.ueg.com.au au THERE’S more: From June 18 to July 3, in the lead-up to launching its 2011 Solo Performance Festival, The Street Theatre will present “Solo at The Street,” a collection of solo performances ranging from traditional storytelling to avant-garde cross-artform work. Performing solo, they tell us, “can be one of the most frightening and rewarding artistic challenges a performer/ creator can undertake”. William Zappa’s coming “Winter’s Discontent”, the Chunky Move dance show show “Glow”, David Finnigan’s “Underage House Party Play” and Max Cullen’s recent Henry Lawson show are all examples.

CityNews June 3-9 17

arts&entertainment

Comic-strip clichés of no social value “The Losers “(M) SYLVAIN White’s comic-strip adaptation sprinkles clichés over visual impact, dialogue and situations, while Peter Berg and James Vanderbilt’s screenplay makes predictability a fine art.

Five multi-skilled US Army Special Forces veterans in Bolivia to mark a target in the war against drugs decide the chopper tasked to recover them should carry children out of the killing zone. So they get angry when mysterious controller Max orders a missile attack on it.

Marooned without funds, Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) gets up close and personal with Ayisha (Zoe Saldana) who promises not to kill him if he will lead the team in a mission to hunt and destroy Max whose ambition is like a zillion other bad guys – ruling the world, using stolen CIA funds.

In a relaxed plot, characters deliver occasional moments of comedy, rather more strict about the pointy end of the action. Its passion for destruction knows no limits, although it occasionally overlooks golden opportunities for spectacular visuals. The heavies spray the neighbourhood with bullets, but the good guys never miss a shot.

You’ll perhaps wonder what it was all about.

At any intellectual level, the answer is 97 minutes of violent fun with high conflict values, low tensions, energetic action and no discernible social value.

At Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight

“The Secret In Their Eyes” (MA) A MAN haunts Buenos Aires railway stations convinced that one day he will recognise the eyes of the man who raped and murdered his wife 25 years earlier. The case is unsolved and retired detective Benjamin is writing a book about it.

This Oscar-winning thriller begins by exploring a broad range of human aspirations and behaviours, setting up relationships and issues, connecting us to its principal characters, perhaps making us a little impatient for it to pick up speed. During a football match, the narrative moves from leisurely introspection to an energetic forensic quest and ultimately a multi-strand denouement in which a subtly savage revenge leads to resolution of love.

Writer/director Juan Jose Campanella puts

18 CityNews June 3-9

CINEMA

By Dougal Macdonald Eduardo Sacheri’s novel before us with impressive verity, real people dealing with credible issues, coping with adversities and taking advantage from opportunities no matter how small. Ricardo Darin is convincing as Benjamin, Soledal Vilamil strong and Ricardo Darín plays lovely as his superior Benjamín Esposito. officer.

The film runs for 133 minutes. It’s worth it.

At Dendy

“Animal Kingdom” (MA) SET in the moral vacuum of a Melbourne criminal family in the 1980s, “Animal Kingdom” is an uncompromising drama in which, for matriarch Janine (a breathtaking portrayal by Jacki Weaver) and her sons, community laws are merely an irritation and avoiding jail for horrendous crimes measures professional success. Janine’s teenaged grandson J (James Frecheville) has come to live with her after his mother’s death – fresh meat for his uncles to abuse and corrupt. Leading the others and brooking no disagreement, the eldest, Andrew a.k.a. Pope is a rat-cunning career criminal. Ben Mendelsohn projects his amoral insensitivity with terrifying brilliance.

Leading the film along an uneasy path toward a powerful outcome denying the conventions of its genre, David Michod’s sure-handed direction of his own screenplay makes every frame work, skillfully telling a profound story about J and his vulnerability. J’s morally bankrupt uncles, now his only family, are slowly educating him into a lifestyle of murder and brutality, offering unacceptable answers to its important questions, pitting honest cops against corrupt ones, mocking judicial processes. J’s dilemma becomes increasingly dreadful as its diverging threads challenge our expectations.

Verdict – highly entertaining, expertly fashioned, deeply disturbing, meriting a place in the front rank of Australian cinema.

At Dendy

arts&entertainment

Dancing Rasta’s a Bad Boy with big dreams

DINING

By Wendy Johnson

Feast for eyes at hilltop cafe THE view is glorious any time of year, but particularly so in autumn. Indeed, the view is the main attraction at the Lookout Bar and Café, which sits on top of iconic Red Hill with sweeping views of Canberra.

The lunch menu isn’t extensive, but by design. We thought it was just right, having agreed on many occasions that struggling through a menu that is as long as the King’s Highway isn’t always a pleasant experience.

We both kept nodding as we worked through the menu, indicating to each other that there were several yummy options on offer.

My friend chose the salt and pepper calamari, which was super tender and had plenty of kick ($26.50). It came with a fresh, crunchy green salad and nice-tasting fries.

I opted for the zucchini fritters – not too fluffy, but not too dense – and the subtle flavours held interest ($23.50). The mint yoghurt was delightful and the salad the dish was served with was one of the nicest I’d had in a while. The tomatoes were beautifully ripe and full of flavour, the avocado creamy, the mixed lettuce as perky as can be and the dressing light with a slightly sweet touch.

Also on the menu was tempura red snapper ($28.50), Darling Downs beef fillet ($29.50) and chicken and pistachio terrine with tomato chutney and Turkish toast ($22.50). The pizzas also sounded interesting (small from $18.50 to $21.50 and the large $26.50 to $29.50).

The quality of the food was there in both our dishes, but the portions small (especially for the price) – so much so we needed dessert to satisfy.

The café offers the delightful Swiss Movenpick ice cream (which you can buy and take away in little tubs). This ice cream is so special the flavours are referred to as a “collection”. My friend indulged – and I mean indulged – in the maple walnut, made with real Canadian maple syrup. Heaven with every bite.

My apple and rhubarb crumble was soul satisfying (not too sweet) and came with a little scoop of the Movenpick “vanilla dream” ice cream, created with Madagascar vanilla.

The wine list is short but inviting and we enjoyed our bottle of Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise unwooded chardonnay ($29 bottle and also available by the glass for $8). It was nice to just sit in the sun and relax. There’s nothing fancy about the indoor or outdoor dining areas, but the view makes up for that.

The service was a bit hmmm… especially for the prices charged. We sensed there was some chaos in the air as it took ages for our lunch to come out and one of our desserts was initially forgotten.

Lookout Bar and Café, Red Hill. Call 6273 2915.

Open Wednesday to Sunday.

The Lookout Bar and Café... nothing fancy about the indoor or outdoor dining areas, but the view from Red Hill makes up for that.

Photo by Silas

Dancer Rasta Thomas.

By Helen Musa WHEN dancer-choreographer Rasta Thomas was a boy, his father once threatened: “If you don’t behave, I’ll put you in a tutu”.

A useless threat, it turns out. At age nine he won a full scholarship at the Kirov Academy in Washington, DC, a boarding school with about 60 pupils devoted to dance. “I was privileged,” Thomas says.

He’s been going it alone as a dance producer since 2008 when he formed his in-your-face Bad Boys of Dance group.

“There is a lot in the title,” he says, explaining that the name of “Rock the Ballet”, his show coming to Canberra on June 11 and 12, also carries implications of stirring things up.

Thomas’s name has nothing to do with Rastafarians or reggae, but is rather based on an Arabic word picked while he was living with his family in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia.

His idols are Nijinsky and Baryshnikov, both of whom he believes bucked the system in the ballet world.

“To be a pioneer, you have to stray from the past… you

can’t conform to the old traditions. You have to dream big,” he says.

Thomas rose fast in the dance world. He is only 28 now, but at age 13 he was already dancing in Paris. After guests spots and working on Broadway with superchoreographer Twyla Tharp, he has played the role of Timmy in Patrick Swayze’s film “One Last Dance”, but tells me his proudest moment was getting a guest spot in the American Ballet Theatre at age 25.

Thomas created his “fleshy, raunchy powerful” Bad Boys from a new generation of dancers, all under 35 and drawn from “So You Think You Can Dance”, dance schools and TV on-line competitions. They dance not to Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky but to Queen, Prince and Michael Jackson. “My dancers make the male vocabulary accessible,” he says.

What he has come up with, he believes, is a sexy, spectacular show that has played to 99 per cent full houses in Vienna, New York, Spain, Finland and Switzerland.

“Rock the Ballet”, Canberra Theatre, June 11-12. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

reviews

‘Glow’ of success

A FEMALE lies on the floor, scanned by lines of light. She glides across the floor as if on ice. For a split second, the dancer’s toes leave the ground a fraction, given away by two small imprints left on the white square canvas, before the imprint melts into the next series of movements.

This is “Glow” – the Helpmann Award-winning production from Melbourne company Chunky Move.

The performance revolves entirely on interaction between a solo dancer and German-designed multimedia technology. Both elements hold equal importance, setting “Glow” apart from other contemporary performances and therein lies its appeal.

Infrared light picks up and projects images created by the dancer’s movements, and is manipulated around the dancer by multimedia operator Nick Roux, so no two shows are identical.

The choreography itself was not taxing, but the ability to engage an audience night after night, maintaining stamina, intensity and charac-

DANCE

“Glow” Chunky Move Street Theatre, season closed Reviewed by Samara Purnel terisation, requires the maturity of an experienced dancer and performer – in this case, Kristy Ayer.

Awkward, distressed movements are juxtaposed by the simple, pure costume design. Grimaces and muted screams give way to silence and stillness, as the dancer lies spent, before beginning the next sequence.

The imprint of her shadow mutates into menacing shapes to overpower her. It’s beautiful and clever but an ominous feeling pervades in watching this pure but tormented being comprehend and dictate her surroundings, trying to escape her own body or exorcise its demons, real or imagined.

“Glow’s” wide appeal was summed up in a comment overheard on exiting the theatre: “I don’t know anything about dance shows, but that was one of the best things I’ve ever seen.”

‘Barber’s’ comedy cuts SUNG well in English by an accomplished cast, with attractive sets and costumes by Anna Cordingley, Melbourne Opera’s “The Barber of Seville” is one of the funniest productions of Rossini’s masterpiece that I’ve seen.

Unafraid to spice up proceedings with topical references and vaudevillestyle sight gags, director Hugh Halliday kept the farcical action bubbling along without losing the focus of the storyline or sacrificing the beauty of the delightful music.

Sally-Anne Russell, in glorious voice as the rebellious Rosina, was wilful, rude and funny, at one stage resorting to iPod earphones to avoid listening to her guardian, Dr Bartolo, a stylish comic performance by Ian Cousins.

OPERA

“The Barber of Seville” Melbourne Opera, Canberra Theatre Reviewed by Bill Stephens Baritone Phillip Calcagno was excellent as Figaro, the manipulative barber. Operatunity tenor, Roy Best, revealed a flair for comedy as the object of Rosina’s affections, Count Almaviva, but it was Margaret Haggart, as the housekeeper, Berta, who almost stole the show with her brilliant second act aria. Adding to the pleasure, the Melbourne Opera Orchestra, conducted by Greg Hocking, provided crisp, sensitive accompaniment, full bodied when required, but alert to the necessity for the lyrics to be heard above the orchestrations.

CityNews June 3-9 19

Antigo’s Cafe and Bar 20th birthday

advertising feature

New menu celebrates Antigo’s birthday JUNE is set to be an exciting month for Antigo’s Cafe and Bar – not only is the Civic eatery turning 20, it has a fresh new menu, inspired by award-winning chef Nick Corbett’s recent travels around Europe.

Taking pride of place on the new menu is what restaurant manager Bernadette Connors calls the “biggest steak in Canberra” – a massive 600g rib steak with the customer’s choice of port wine jus, peppercorn sauce, mushroom and, surf and turf.

Nick says the new menu, which features some of the new techniques he learned working in countries from the UK to Italy, has a focus on simple, delicious food using fresh produce.

“I worked for a while in a pub in the the richest village in the UK, so we had a lot of top footballers and so on pulling up to eat,” he says. “We won a lot of rosettes, and it was very exciting.

“When you’re overseas, everyone’s very interested in Australian cuisine because we have a lot of different influences compared to Europe, where a lot of cuisine is very traditional.

“Because of that difference, I was able to pick up a lot of techniques that I hadn’t tried before, and I’ve brought them back to Antigo’s.”

The menu features dishes including veal saltimbocca (veal and prawns pan-seared and served in a garlic and lemon butter sauce with crispy prosciutto); chicken roulade with field mushrooms, roasted capsicum, prosciutto, Romano cheese and orange jus; and penne with Cajun prawns, roast capsicum, sun-dried tomatoes and fetta.

Antigo’s also offers more casual cafe-style

dining throughout the day, as well as a range of desserts.

“Everything’s made on the premises,” says Nick, “even the sauces. It’s all homemade.”

For its birthday month of June, Antigo’s is offering 20 per cent off the bill (up to $100), when customers book an early bird dinner or a pre-theatre dinner before 6.30pm.

After June, this will revert to the usual 10 per cent discount for pre-theatre or early bird diners.

There’s also a new wine list, featuring wines from Taylors, Beelgara and from Marlborough, NZ, Squealing Pig. Antigo’s cheeky cocktails are a highlight of the drinks menu, says Bernadette – ideal for a night out after taking in a show.

“Antigo’s is a great place to top off a wonderful night out at the theatre – it’s great to have somewhere close by to unwind, have a liqueur, coffee or cocktail, or one of our homemade desserts.”

Nick and Bernadette are both looking forward Antigo’s cheeky cocktails… a highlight of the drinks menu, says manager Bernadette Connors to sharing Antigo’s 20th birthday with regulars – ideal for a night out after taking in a show. and newcomers alike.

“We’ve been here since 1990, and Antigo’s has become one of Canberra’s greatest places to eat,” says Bernadette.

“A lot of memories have been made here. And we’re looking forward to making many more.”

Antigo’s Cafe is at Shop 2, Bailey’s Corner, Civic.

Award-winning chef Nick Corbett, left, with collegues Nick Bromley-Smith, Adam Trick, Kevin Cox and Vince Coomber.

20 CityNews June 3-9

Antigo’s dining delights…

Top left, the “Big Rib”, right, caramel mousse layered between a crispy cinnamon biscuit and, left, Cajun spice calamari.

Booming Belconnen

special feature

Belconnen’s about to turn 44 years old – and it’s an exciting time for the district, with extensive changes taking place in the town centre.

Work on the new-look Westfield Shopping Centre is well underway, building of the new police station has commenced and new residential developments are springing up.

Belconnen was planned in the 1960s, with Aranda the first of its 25 suburbs to begin development in 1966. The district was named for an early land grant, made to explorer Charles Sturt.

From left, Radek Rekas, John R Bear and Paul Langworthy, of the Shorinkai Iaido-Jodo Club, pose in front of the Belconnen Community Centre Mural.

Heart of the community THE Belconnen Community Centre has become a pivotal part of the district community, says Simone Penkethman, community engagement officer at the Belconnen Community Service.

The centre offers a fully-equipped theatre, which can be hired out for conferences, presentations and theatrical events, at $150 a day, she says.

“It’s probably the most affordable, fullyequipped theatre in the country,” says Simone.

The centre also offers other spaces such as the sports hall; but it’s the role it plays in the community that lies at its heart.

Simone says: “We run projects for people with disabilities, people with mental health issues, families and other Canberrans.

“For example, we have a gym with really affordable classes and people out there in the community who want to access things like tai

chi, aerobics and so on – the whole gamut of fitness – are able to do so.”

The centre runs art classes under the auspices of mental health programs – the children’s program aims to promote resilience and mental health in children, while the classes for adults are open to all, giving people suffering from mental illness an opportunity to engage with other community members.

Gonzo’s Cafe offers another opportunity for Belconnen residents to touch base with the rest of the community. “It has affordable and nutritious food and is a really important part of the community centre.”

Community groups and organisation such as the Shorinkai Iaido-Jodo Club already make use of the centre; and Simone says that interest from other groups is welcome.

More information at www.bcsact.com.au or call 6264 0200.

CityNews June 3-9 21

winter and warm

Different ways of Winter has arrived, but there’s more to staying warm than sitting in front of a fire for the next few months. Here we look at a couple of cosy ways of keeping the c-c-cold outdoors...

Holding on to heat INSULATION can keep homes up to 10 degrees warmer in winter and seven degrees cooler in summer, yet it’s one of the most overlooked factors in Australian homes, according to Just Rite, in Fyshwick.

The company supplies a range of products including ceiling insulation, cavity wall insulation, under-floor insulation and double glazing.

The company says that installing ceiling insulation can stop up to 70 per cent of heat flowing out through a home’s ceilings.

A high percentage of Canberran homes don’t have adequate ceiling insulation – old loose fill insulation can settle or blow around, leaving a home with less protection. Just Rite uses Bradford ComfortSeal Insulation to better protect homes.

For walls, it uses Bradford Cavity Wall insulation, a specially treated water-repellent Rockwool.

Double glazing is affordable with Just Rite, the company says – as well as preventing further heat loss in winter, it also has the benefit of significant noise reduction.

More information at www.justrite.com. au or call 6280 5300.

22 CityNews June 3-9

advertising feature

keeping warm & cosy

Get under the right quilt

“Tog” ratings are less important than taking into account what’s gone into a quilt, Andrew says.

CHOOSING the right quilt can be a difficult decision, says Goose down quilts offer premium filling, he says, which have Andrew Nelson, ACT area manager for Home Express. greater warmth and insulation without adding to weight.

People need firstly to consider how warm or heavy a quilt “Wool quilts offer natural insulation, and breathe naturally, they need – and then consider the material used. expelling excess heat and giving an even distribution of “Some quilts are heavier and more insulating than others warmth. They’re warm in winter, cool in summer,” says – and it depends on things like how and, indeed, whether you Andrew. heat your home in winter,” Andrew explains.

Synthetic quilts are non-allergenic, fully washable, also With the cold weather starting to bite and a sale on at offer warmth without weight and are normally a cheaper alHome Express, it’s time to upgrade our quilts, he suggests. ternative to wool or down, with the newest type of synthetic “Basically the market offers three different types of quilts: quilt being made from microfibre, offering the look and feel down quilts, wool quilts and synthetic quilts,” he says. of down, but the benefits of synthetic quilts, he says.

“They all offer some sort of benefit, but it’s up to you More information at www.homeexpress.com.au or call which one best suits your needs.”

6247 4398.

When the chocolate bug starts to bite SINCE Easter, my four-year-old has developed a serious addiction to chocolate. We’re blaming it on an irresistible but rather large chocolate bilby.

One moment it was there, in pride of place in her egg basket, the next it was gone. Normally, she’s a sensible little thing and would save up her chocolate to drive a hard bargain with her older brother who is wont to gobble his share in five minutes or less.

But not this time. Suddenly, she couldn’t eat her chocolate fast enough. Then she wanted more and more, and gradually we realised we had an addict on our hands.

First there was the heartwrenching pleading, begging, and promises she would do anything and love me forever for just one more chocolate egg, even half an egg. Then the whining began, and then nagging and when I said “no more”, there was inconsolable screaming. She was on the floor rolling around like a small angry bear with a stomach ache, and then it was full-on tantrum with arms and legs flaying away while my husband and I watched in amazement.

In the end, we had to make her go cold turkey and wait her out,

Mum in the city

By Sonya Fladun

swearing to ourselves never to let her near anything more than the tiniest taste of chocolate again. But it’s been less of a battle and more of a war – especially when I have to admit to a serious weakness for chocolate myself.

She can suss out any chocolate brought into the house, seemingly with super-human senses.

She’s been caught commando crawling across the kitchen floor to avoid detection as she homes in on the grocery shopping bags.

She’s been found hiding under her bed gorging herself on stolen contraband. Another time, I found her precariously balanced on the top shelf of the pantry with a family sized block of chocolate clutched between her teeth as she attempted to scramble back down.

Now, I love chocolate but these days my passion, though far from diminished, is tempered with restraint – something, I guess, that comes with the weight of years.

So this is a cautionary tale. You can’t be too careful when looking after those too young to handle their cocoa beans. Otherwise, be afraid; be very afraid!

CityNews June 3-9 23

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore June 7-13

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With Jupiter and Uranus joining up in your sign, there’s an extra bounce in your step and a glint in your eye, as you initiate innovative projects with passion and enthusiasm. It’s time to be the real you! Be inspired by birthday great Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Show me the money! You’ve been talking about saving for something big (like a car, holiday or home deposit) for a long while but now, with the New Moon in your finance zone, you need to put your money where your mouth is and actually start saving. It’s time for luxury-loving Bulls to get the hang of balancing the budget.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Mercury makes a multitude of aspects this week (plus there’s a New Moon in your sign) so expect a busy, bustling and bamboozling time. Lightning flashes of inspiration will strike, as you discover exciting new ways to convey old ideas. Make sure you communicate clearly though, or there’ll be some crazy mix-ups along the way!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Get ready for a week of mystery, where you’re surrounded by innuendo and intrigue. What others say won’t necessarily be what they mean, so make sure you read between the lines to uncover what’s really going on. Lucky Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus give your career one gigantic boost, and success is waiting where you least expect it.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions can be vain creatures. There’s nothing wrong with looking gorgeous, but don’t make it your main focus. Look within (yourself and others) to find real beauty. Reflect on the words of Michael J. Fox (born on June 9) “One of the things I’ve learned is that vanity is worthless. Whatever you look like is such a complete and utter waste of time.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Have you been feeling tired and run-down? Mighty Mars marches into your sign this week so your mojo is set to return in spades.

From now until July 30 is the time to get motivated as you initiate projects and put ambitious plans into action (especially at work).

You’re uncharacteristically impatient but make sure you’ve done your homework first.

general knowledge crossword No. 264 Across

Down 1 Name a tourist resort island province of Indonesia, popular with Australians.

1

2

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Don’t get too set in your ways Scorpio – Jupiter and Uranus are conspiring to shake up your daily routine. With the New Moon in your intrigue zone, no secret is safe from you this week as you uncover clues and pick up on cues that others miss. Be careful what you unearth though, as it may stir up issues from your own less-than-perfect past.

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LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

With Jupiter and Uranus in your relationship zone, the course of true love won’t run smoothly. If you’re attached, adjustments must be made (on both sides) and you’ll need to be honest about your concerns and expectations. For those who are looking for love, it’s time to face the reality that Mr/Miss Absolutely Perfect doesn’t actually exist!

2 What is a hastily executed drawing called?

3 Name a common term for a male horse not past its fourth birthday.

4 What is a boat used to convey passengers, vehicles, etc, across a river?

5 Which word is descriptive of foreigners?

6 What is a small piece of enclosed ground for tillage, pasture, etc?

9 Name the bush bread made from a simple flour and water dough.

10 What are spotted leopard-like cats?

12 Name those persons of exceptional holiness who are canonised.

14 Which particular shed contains a number of beehives?

16 When one tests ores or minerals one does what?

18 What is a more common term for a thespian?

19 Which acronym describes a means of locating the presence of an object?

21 In computers, what are billions of instructions per second?

22 Columbus is the capital of which US state?

4 In which country was Georges Bizet born?

7 What is another term for the spine?

8 What is an abbreviated form of the word rhinoceroses?

9 Name a person who assumes absolute control without free consent of the people.

11 What are young swans called?

13 What is an alternative term for an engine?

15 Which polygon has eight sides and eight angles?

17 Name something that serves as a bulwark or defence.

20 What is a fibrous amphibole used for making fireproof articles?

23 Name the street in central London, at one time on the bank of the Thames.

24 What is another term descriptive of suffocation?

25 The word "amen" signifies the end of a what?

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Sudoku medium No.33

Solution next week

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Have you been feeling bored and uninspired? Hold onto your seat Sagittarius! Your life is set to expand in exciting ways, especially in areas involving romance, children, friends, hobbies or sport.

Saturday’s New Moon activates your relationship zone so your partner will act as a mirror, reflecting back your strengths – and weaknesses.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The winds of change are blowing through your domestic zone, courtesy of adventurous Jupiter and restless Uranus. You could extend your family via a wedding or baby; move house, renovate your present dwelling or plan a trip to far-away places. Sunday is all about love and respect, as you get real about relationship responsibilities.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re in the mood to express yourself and expand your local contacts, as Uranus (your ruling planet) joins up with Jupiter in your communication zone. Saturday’s New Moon stimulates your entertainment sector, so it’s time to clear your throat, polish your maracas, and find yourself a captive audience as you perform and party like a pro!

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You need to be clear and straightforward in your dealings with others, especially mid-week. Don’t waste precious Pisces time pussyfooting around. Saturday’s New Moon is a time of magical beginnings. Family and home life are the areas where you need to make some overdue changes and adjustments – the sooner the Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010. better.

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Solutions

Crossword No.263 W R E N C H E O E B A R B E R L E I A M U L E T L A N G B R A C K E O H N O V E M B K E L O I L S T O E E C

P S C L E C T O O N T E R E E E R O S O E B T S O E A S E E R U V O L L N E K S C Y T

Sudoku hard No.32 D I C E S T E L S

L S E E Y C H E

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