CityNews June 17-23
news
Garden of sensory delights environment By Tanya Davies
WHAT was a dull and lifeless area at Black Mountain school has been transformed into a sensory garden filled with coloured, textured animals, a three-tiered fountain water feature, and plants the students can smell and taste. The garden at the school for children with disabilities was transformed by members of three local hardware stores. Sandy McLaren and daughters Angela Peters-McLaren and Monique Peters all contributed on the day. Sandy said it was a particularly important project to her as a friend’s daughter attends Black Mountain. Lesley Cummins’ daughter, Rebecca, 14, has been disabled since suffering a grand mal seizure at the age of nine. According to Lesley, the children had a wonderful time assisting with the installation of the garden, and seeing them enjoy the finished area was highly rewarding. “They helped plant and water. They helped construct wooden benches and they did some mosaics,” she said. Students from Radford College paired up with Black Mountain students as part of a weekly buddy program, and helped to plant pansies and ornamental cabbages in white, and pale and deep pinks. They also planted herbs to taste and smell, and wind-chimes and “speaker rocks” that will play music through the garden. Sandy and her family put many hours into planning the garden, cutting animal templates and preparing a variety of textured materials to cover and decorate them.
INDEX June 17-23, 2010
Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 24
Arts&Entertainment Body Crossword Dining Horoscope Home Letters Movie reviews News Politics Property Social Scene Sudoku
21-24 25 32 24 32 31 12 23 3-12 8 33-39 17-19 32
Bollywood fan MLA Amanda Bresnan. Story Page 14. Photo by Silas
briefly
Free ‘Keys’ to history THE “Keys to Canberra’s History”, a series of five history booklets, which explore Canberra’s early history as the national capital, are available as free downloads from the Centenary of Canberra website. The booklets were written by centenary adviser Dr David Headon, Greg Wood and Ian Warden and are available from www.canberra100.com.au
Women at risk
HEART disease kills four times as many women in Australia than breast cancer each year and Tony Stubbs, CEO of the Heart Foundation (ACT), says the risk increases significantly after menopause. More than 11,000 Australian women lose their lives to heart disease each year and about 226,000 women live with the disease.
Short festival returns
THE 2011 National Multicultural Festival will continue in its condensed three-day format. It will be held in Civic from February 11-13. This year, the festival attracted almost 100,000 visits over the three days, and contributed more than $1.2 million to the ACT economy.
Trivia for chopper Sensory gardeners, from left, Angela Peters-McLaren, Monique Peters, student Ellie Gardner and Sandy McLaren. Photo by Silas The garden is now home to a frog covered in astro turf, a platypus covered in fur and black vinyl and a fish with scales of cold, shiny washers. “The children love touching the different animals and experiencing the different textures,” said Sandy. “It was such a pleasure to see their faces as they went around the garden.” Lesley agrees. “Seeing the children come out and touch the animals was great,” she said. “Their faces were a picture. Many of the children came out in their wheelchairs and lay beneath the umbrellas. It was very mov-
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ing to see them so relaxed.” Angela Peters-McLaren took part in the day as part of the Leadership Challenge Program at Campbell High School, and spent the day working with her younger sister. “We helped to install speaker rocks, wind-chimes and lots of animal windmills,” she said. Angela is also planning a fund-raising event at Campbell school in coming weeks to raise money for a new wheelchair for Rebecca. The mufti day and sausage sizzle will see proceeds go toward a $24,000 chair.
THE Vietnam Veterans MC will hold a trivia night at the Rydges Lakeside on Friday, July 9 in aid of Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter service. Bookings to Karen at kazza_67@hotmail.com or on 0422 977288.
Great Minds donation
SERVCORP and the Doma Group have raised $180,000 from the 2010 Great Minds Charity Trivia night at the Hotel Realm last month. The money will be donated directly to three charities – Home in Queanbeyan ($85,000), Youngcare ($85,000) and the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group ($10,000) – says spokesperson Melissa Miller. Major sponsors were Maxim Chartered Accountants and Nathan Beer & Associates.
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 17-23
profile
Onward Christian Lin... If we’re serious about social justice we need a bit of fire in the belly, the non-tree-hugging ACT Greens Senate candidate tells ELERI HARRIS “PEOPLE have a stereotype of Greens as ‘tree-huggers’, that’s not me,” Lin Hatfield Dodds says calmly, sipping herbal tea from a white china cup, “I’ve never chained myself up a tree.” The lead Greens ACT candidate for the Senate and granddaughter of a carpenter sits at the heavy polished Jarrah dining table in her wood-panel kitchen near the back of her blue weatherboard house, amidst the trees of the bush capital, reiterating her Christian faith and values. “I grew up in the Uniting Church, a very progressive and inclusive church. And that probably explains a lot of my passion about social justice – it comes out of that framework. Which, I guess, is why I’m so comfortable in the Greens, the value sets overlap,” she says. “The Greens internally as a party talk about their four pillars and the first is social justice, the second one is environmental sustainability.” The former national director of UnitingCare is a social justice activist and psychologist by trade, who admits to being “hopelessly Pollyanna” – a person who is foolishly or blindly optimistic. But given her community credentials, it’s hard to see how Hatfield Dodds could possibly be considered blindly optimistic.
CityNews June 17-23
A former ACT Australian of the Year, Hatfield Dodds has worked on the front line with Canberra’s most disadvantaged in the fields of youth, drug rehabilitation and abuse, in remote Aboriginal communities in the NT, talked to the perpetrators of incest and counselled those struggling with longterm intergenerational unemployment. “I probably stack up fairly well against the bleeding liberal heart and I still have some tie-dyed clothes in my closet,” she says. “But the most intractable issues to deal with when trying to get people engaged back in communities, is actually addressing the feeling of hope and failure people feel. And they’re often seen by policy makers in Government as really soft issues, they don’t attach them to the labour market. Well, it actually isn’t; helping people to be able to hope again that things could change and could be different isn’t ‘soft’. “If we’re serious about social justice we need to be serious about solidarity, standing with people, and we need to be serious about empathy, we actually need to care, we need a bit of fire in the belly.” Mother of two teenage boys, Zac, 17, and Jesse, 13, and wife of CSIRO social economist Dr Steve Hatfield Dodds,
An eclipse not to miss THERE will be a partial eclipese of the moon on Saturday, June 26, with just over 50 per cent of the moon going into the earth’s inner shadow. The eclipse, which occurs when the earth gets between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow, begins at 8.16 pm with mid-eclipse around 9.38pm. “Lunar eclipses, either partial or full, are one of the most spectacular sights in astronomy and one not to be missed,” says astronomer, David Reneke, writer and publicist for “Australasian Science” magazine. “Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch, you don’t need any kind of protective filters... in fact, you can watch with nothing more than your own two eyes.”
Lin Hatfield Dodds... “I probably stack up fairly well against the bleeding liberal heart and I still have some tie-dyed clothes in my closet.” Photo by Silas the Greens candidate and Canberra native firmly believes in the power of individuals. “I think if those who have got options don’t step up, nothing will ever change,” she says. “It’s a very strong theme from my childhood, if you’re going to whinge about anything then you’d better be willing to step up and have a crack at doing something to make it better, which can be a big burden at times. It’s kind of good because it gives you a sense of urgency, you know it is possible for everyone to do something to make
the world a better place. “Making decisions with others is always going to be hard, if I’m the government there’s what resources I have and what constraints I’m operating under, but to me that’s the creative tension of democracy. “We need to start working with people’s strengths and their working capability.” Hatfield Dodds has stepped aside from the position of national director until after the election. She is working part-time as the director of Network Development for UnitingCare.
A partial lunar eclipse. Photo by Malcolm Lambert
CityNews June 17-23
sport
Tour to test the best By Eleri Harris
THE ACT’s Vikings and Canberra Cycling Club are set to join forces once more for the 2010 Junior and Women’s Canberra Tour, to be held over the first weekend in July. The three-day event is Australia’s biggest with 400 entrants and will include four stages, two road races, a criterium and a time trial. This year’s tour will promote cycle safety with all races due to take place on roads closed to traffic. Organiser Nigel Huckstep said the Canberra Tour is one of the most important events on the national cycling calender. “In the cycling seasons there’s a number of tours around Australia, this is the Canberra one. The Canberra one is actually the biggest one of all the tours in Australia. We attract some of the best cyclists in Australia. We usually have cyclists from every State represented. “So they’re racing for individual stage wins, but then it’s done on time, like the tour de France, for overall victory for the best time over all four stages. It’s actually quite a gruelling event. “For our kids, this is their playground, so they know the roads pretty well.” Vikings team mates Kate Huckstep, daughter of Nigel, and Sam Sautelle, both 15, have been training hard and are excited about the upcoming tour. “I train pretty much every morning for up to three hours,” Kate said. “I got into cycling through my family friend’s secondhand bike. I had a ride and it was fun, so I went to a women’s night and I really enjoyed it so I joined up.” Sam used to play rugby till an injury meant he couldn’t play for a year, but he could still cycle. “I Googled ‘cycling ACT’ and found the club online. I’m the only one in my family who does it and I’m stuck cycling now. I won’t go back to rugby.” Nigel says the event embodies the best aspects of cycling as a sport. “The good thing about Canberra is that even though we’ve got the two clubs, under ACT Cycling Federation, the juniors all race together as if they were one club even though they’re separate.
Canberra Tour competitors Kate Huckstep and Sam Sautelle... training hard and are excited about the upcoming tour. Photo by Silas “One thing that people don’t understand is that cycling is a very strong team sport. Even though individuals do it, they race as a team. “We’ve got a really strong Canberra contingent of under 17 girls so they race together and race in team tactics and they’ll set a team tactic at the start of the race, determine who they’re going to get to win the race and they’ll work as a team to get that person to win the race. So only one
person stands up on the podium and gets the glory, but in order to get there, you’ve got to work as a team. “It’s a really selfless sport in that regard. One person will give themselves 110 per cent for three quarters of the race so another rider can win. In that respect it’s a really great sport for developing team work.” More information at canberratour.actcyclingevents.com.au
Cold facts of night footy IF ever you needed evidence that television controls the scheduling of sporting fixtures, look no further than the rugby union test between Australia and Fiji at Canberra Stadium earlier this month. As it transpired, only about 15,500 people made their way to Canberra Stadium to watch the test. This low attendance threatens Canberra’s chances of hosting rugby tests in the future. Why didn’t they get a crowd of 20,000-plus? I believe the major reason for the poor attendance was the scheduling of the test. People in Canberra are reluctant to go to the football – whether league, union, soccer or AFL – at night time in winter. It was around 6C on the Saturday night of the test. Another issue is the quality of football; it is far better during the day than it is at night. There is dew on the playing surface at Canberra Stadium during the winter months at night and the ball becomes slippery and hard to handle and does little CityNews June 17-23
Night winter games in Canberra get a chilly reception from the fans, says TIM GAVEL for the game as a spectacle. The following day the Raiders played the Gold Coast Titans at the same venue. The game was a far better contest and spectacle. Fox Sports has emerged as the major contestant in television coverage of rugby union – and rightly so. It is pouring a lot of money into the game in Australia, covering Super Rugby and the tests. As such, it has right to have a major say on when matches are played and they want the games at night because there are more viewers and therefore more scope for sponsors. I remember when most sport was played during the day time and rugby tests were played at 3pm. In NZ and South Africa they still play some Super Rugby and tests in the afternoon, but in Australia
it has become almost non-existent. There has been a significant push by all of the commercial and pay television networks to schedule major sporting events at night. The NRL has gone part of the way with a twilight grand final; the AFL has resisted pressure to move the grand final from afternoon to the night. There is a major push now to play test cricket at night with Cricket Australia leading the charge. Call me old fashioned, but I find it hard to comprehend the need for playing test cricket at night. Television networks seeking to schedule every major sporting event at night need to consider many factors, including tradition. And please, in the case of Canberra during winter; help maintain the standard of play through sensible day-time games.
CityNews June 17-23
news
Hot time to be in town
Politics
By Michael Moore
Power to the prostitutes
Leading Sydney realtor John McGrath tells MEGAN HAGGAN why Canberra and why now. “RIGHT now, Canberra is one of the best [real estate] markets in Australia, and that would put it among the best markets in the world.” Says who? Says John McGrath and as the chief of one of Sydney’s most successful real estate agencies, he should know. John is chief executive of McGrath Estate Agents, a director of realestate.com.au, author of five books and agent of choice to many of Sydney’s A-listers, including his old schoolfriend Russell Crowe. His company and its disciplined style of business has just entered the ACT market, setting up a franchise office in Gungahlin, which John – who made a whirlwind trip to the capital last week – sees as one of the Territory’s key growth areas. “It’s full steam ahead. There are all the fundamentals which drive a great market: strong population growth, a shortage of property, rental yields which are very good, a strong economy, and low unemployment. All the boxes are ticked. “Australia is leading the global
real estate recovery, and we don’t think that’s a flash in the pan. “Melbourne and Sydney have traditionally been the powerhouse markets around Australia, so to have the ACT leading the charge is very exciting. It’s good to be in a place that’s leading Australian growth rates.” The ACT market saw growth of 15.9 per cent in the last 12 months, making it an Australian leader, John says: demand is outstripping supply even in the market for apartments, despite the recent influx of stock. For the first time, he says, apartment sales now outnumber houses; and over the April quarter, Canberra was the best-performing capital city, with home values rising by 4.1 per cent. The move to apartment living is a significant and positive change for the ACT, he said: “I’ve been looking at the Kingston foreshore and think the Aurora is as good as any development in Australia. “The area reminds me of [Melbourne] Docklands in its early
John McGrath... “It’s good to be in a place that’s leading Australian growth rates.” Photo by Silas stages: it’ll be a great new precinct. That’s the sort of project which will put Canberra on the national map. “Across the country there’s a definite swing towards apartment living, and people want to live by water, whether it’s lake, river or ocean.” John says that as well as opportunities for vendors and buyers, the investment market in Canberra is strong, with residential yields at five or six per cent. “There’s as strong capital growth predicted as for anywhere,” he said. And his advice for first home buyers? “Just do it. Getting on that first rung is hard, but if you make
sure you don’t overstretch yourself, you’ll never look back.” He says that for the company, the timing’s perfect to enter the ACT market: “And it’s critical for us that we not enter a market till we’ve found the right person.” The new managing principal at McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin is Craig Chapman, who has been involved in the property industry for many years as a fully licensed agent in the ACT and NSW, and also as a long-time property investor. Craig’s family background is in property, as well: his great-grandfather’s company, JJ Marr and Sons, built hundreds of homes in Canberra during the ‘60s and ‘70s.
briefly Win a car
Rooftop Foundation Inc. is marking its first year with a limited-ticket raffle for a new Holden Cruze CD, supplied by Commonwealth Motors. All proceeds will go towards providing further affordable housing stock within the Canberra community and to help raise the awareness of the rising number of homeless people, says Rooftop Foundation CEO, Loc Luu. Tickets are $50 each with 1000 tickets for sale. The raffle will be drawn on August 14. Tickets from Kristy on 6230 9881 or from the Belconnen Soccer Club, McKellar, where the car is on display.
‘Rain Man’ event Autism Asperger ACT is holding a fundraiser at Canberra Theatre during the season of the play “Rain Man”, based on the true life experiences of an autistic savant. Tickets at $65 include pre-theatre wine and canapés and a ticket to the July 14 performance. Bookings to admin@autismaspergeract.com. au or call 6176 0514.
Lifeline needs you LIFELINE Canberra has put out an urgent plea for people willing to train as volunteer telephone counsellors. Email telephonecounselling@act.lifeline.org. au or call 6247 0655.
Correction IN last week’s cover story (“Leader of the Pack”), Marie Stavropoulos was erroneously described as a public servant. She’s a computer consultant, her partner is a biker, not a bikie and her time in America as a guest of Harley Davidson was awesome.
CityNews June 17-23
It is time for the Prostitution Act (1992) to be reviewed by the ACT Assembly. The local sex industry has not been thoroughly examined by the Assembly since major changes were instituted almost 20 years ago. A review would look to see if there are ways in which the legislation can be improved. The issues around regulations of sex workers are complex. However, a foremost consideration is that the legislation recognises a private, commercial arrangement between two consenting adults. Secondly, legislation should be aimed at eliminating corruption associated with the sex industry. Thirdly, the law must take into consideration the possibility of the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Legislation must also ensure that the sex workers are adults and are protected from any form of sexual slavery – particularly if immigration issues are involved. With these considerations taken into account, the report tabled in the Assembly in the early 1990s and the resultant legislation was not constructed with the intention of controlling those working in the sex industry, but was designed to empower them. In doing so, the legislation took into account the opinion of workers, brothel owners and other stakeholders and was based on human rights principles. The main voice for prostitutes across Australia is provided by the Scarlett Alliance – an advocate for empowerment. Its objectives include that “by providing education, information and support to sex workers, sex workers will be effectively resourced as safer sex educators to pass on those educational benefits to the larger general population”. The alliance also seeks to lobby governments to provide legal avenues for work “without fear of arrest or prosecution for criminal offences related to sex-work business activities”. When shadow attorney general Vicki Dunne announced that the Liberals believed it time to review the laws, she raised a most important issue – it is more than 15 years since the legislation, which was groundbreaking in character, was thoroughly reviewed by the Assembly. Attorney General Simon Corbell agrees that it is appropriate for the legislation to be evaluated when the relevant committee of the Assembly has time to ensure a thorough appraisal. However, lessons may be learnt from the attempt to deliver similar legislation in Tasmania a few years ago. Attorney General Judy Jackson had modelled her legislation on the ACT laws and successfully managed the passage of the Bill through the lower house in that State. However, the upper house blocked the legislation with the swinging votes largely influenced by the religious right. The technique was to use ex-workers to influence the swinging voters. These former prostitutes were women who had moved out of sex work to join fundamentalist religious groups. As what could only be an attempt to salve their own consciences, they both claimed to have worked in Canberra brothels. Their understanding of the legislation, the claims they made about brothel and street work and working conditions were simply not consistent with the ACT legislation. The danger is clear. This review of the legislation should not be used as an opportunity for hardline religious views to dominate the debate around the morality of the issue. The reality is that prostitution has been part of community activity before Hammurabi was codifying his first laws in Babylon (which included prostitution). Every effort should be made to ensure that the protection of community health is maintained and the most effective way of achieving this is through the empowerment of the workers. Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government. He introduced the ACT Prostitution Act.
CityNews June 17-23
Queen’s Birthday honours
act and region recipients
Allan Hawke tops the local honours list ALLAN Douglas Hawke has been awarded Australia’s highest civilian honour, Companion of the Order of Australia, in the Queen’s Birthday honours. Dr Hawke, the former ANU chancellor, Australian High Commissioner to NZ and senior public servant was awarded the AC for eminent service to public administration, particularly through the formulation and implementation of policy in the areas of transport, defence and education, and to the strengthening of bilateral relations with NZ. Ian Gregory Carnell, former inspector-general, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, has been awarded an AM for service to public administration through contributions to the development and implementation of policy in the areas of national security and counter-terrorism. Among other distinguished Canberrans the AM was also awarded to former Deputy Chief Minister Ted Quinlan; Andrew Sayers, the founding director of the National Portrait Gallery and Prof Peter John Collignon, of Canberra Hospital. Recipients of the Order of Australia Medal include basketball identity Barry Barnes, developer Tim Efkarpidis and ACT Scouts chief commissioner Neville Tompkins.
Jeffory Malcolm BISHOP, Belconnen, for service to people with disabilities and their carers through the Stepping Stones for Life Project, and to the community as a contributor to a range of church and social welfare organisations.
Prof Peter John COLLIGNON, Canberra Hospital, for service to medicine, particularly as a practitioner and educator in the fields of clinical microbiology, infectious diseases and infection control. Brigadier Colin Nicholas KHAN (ret’d), Canberra, for service to the community through the development of memorials commemorating the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and as a supporter and patron of ex-service organisations. Denis Leslie McDERMOTT, Evatt, for service to community policing, particularly through leadership roles in the Pacific region, and to the community through a range of charitable and humanitarian assistance organisations.
Allan Hawke AC. Others in the local list include: OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Peter J N VARGHESE, Australian High Commissioner to India, for distinguished service to public administration, particularly in leading reform in the Australian intelligence community and as an adviser in the areas of foreign policy and international security. OFFICER (AO) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION Vice-Admiral Matthew John TRIPOVICH AM, for distinguished service as head Capability Systems and Chief Capability Development Group. Air Marshal Mark Donald BINSKIN AM, for distinguished service to the Australian Defence force in senior command and staff appointments. MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Dr Robert Stewart BELL, Yarralumla, for service to contemporary craft and design as a curator and advocate, and to the Art Gallery of WA and the National Gallery of Australia.
Warren Andrew PEARSON, Aranda, for service to the community through leadership roles with the National Australia Day Council, to the promotion of the celebration of the Australian identity and citizenship, and to reconciliation. Edward Andrew (Ted) QUINLAN, Weston, former deputy Chief Minister, for service to the ACT Legislative Assembly through a range of roles, and to the community. Dr James ROBERTSON, Kambah, for service to forensic science and education, particularly in the formation of the National Centre for Forensic Studies, through the development of research, teaching and training programs within the Australian Federal Police, as an academic, and to professional organisations. Andrew George SAYERS, inaugural director of the National Portrait Gallery, for service to arts administration, particularly as the director of the National Portrait Gallery, and to the promotion of Australian portraiture. Dr Peter Gordon SHARP, Garran, for service to medicine in the field of indigenous
health, particularly through clinical, teaching and administrative roles with the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service.
MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION Brig Michael George KRAUSE, for exceptional service as the head of recruitment and retention implementation staff and as the commander of the 1st Brigade. Col. Gavan John REYNOLDS, for exceptional service to the Australian Army in the fields of intelligence and career management, particularly as the commanding officer of the 1st Intelligence Battalion, the director of officer career management – army and the commander career management – army. Lieut-Col. Paul Anthony ROBARDS, ACT for exceptional service to the Australian Army and the Australian Defence force in the field of workforce modelling, forecasting and analysis. MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Dr Robert Scott ANDERSSEN, Hughes, for service to the mathematical and information sciences. Barry William BARNES, for service to basketball as a player, coach, and mentor. Neville Raymond BURROWS, Goulburn, for service to the community through philanthropic contributions to a range of charitable, youth, disabled and service organisations. Victor CRITTENDEN, Cook, for service to the arts as a researcher, author and publisher, particularly through the biographical and literary study of the Australian colonial period. Pamela Milba CROCKER, Tumut, for service to the community of Tumut. Anastasios (Tim) EFKARPIDIS, Red Hill, for service to business through the retail and construction sectors. Beryl Irene FILLERY, Kambah, for service to the community of the Canberra region as a volunteer with a range of social welfare organisations.
John Thomas FILLERY, Kambah, for service to the community of the Canberra region as a volunteer with a range of social welfare organisations.
George Brook HOWE, Hughes, for service to the performing arts as a carillonist. Beryl Joy JACOBS, Tumut, for service to the community of Tumut through volunteer roles with a range of organisations. Jennifer Joy MUIR, Sutton, for service to women, and to education. Constantinos (Dino) NIKIAS, Garran, for service to the community of the ACT through the provision of library services. Noel James REID, Queanbeyan, for service to the community of the Queanbeyan area through church and social welfare organisations. Alan STORR, Campbell, for service to the community through the research and documentation of World War II RAAF service personnel. Neville Robert TOMKINS, Aranda, chief commissioner, ACT Scouts, for service to the community, particularly through leadership roles in the Scouting movement. Morris John (Jack) WHITE, Duffy, for service to people with a hearing impairment, and to the community of the ACT. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL Glenys Ann BEAUCHAMP, Kambah; William Stanley CRAGO, Dickson; Philippa Margaret GODWIN, Phillip; Malisa de Lourdes GOLIGHTLY; Dr Paul Francis GRIMES; Peter John LAHY, Forrest; Shireane Kay McKINNIE, Kambah; Michael Brian MANTHORPE, Giralang; Stephen John MERCHANT, Narrabundah; Michael Anthony MUGLISTON, Torrens; Robert Gordon PATCH, Kambah; Peter Craig RYAN, Hughes, and Barry Keith STERLAND, Barton.
Wind back the duty THE recent stamp duty concessions for new homes costing up to $600,000 in the NSW Budget are not merely generous, they restore that State’s competitiveness. By Catherine Carter Stamp duty concessions have already been shown in Victoria to stimulate housing supply to the extent that Victoria now averages more and pay rates and taxes in NSW while using new homes than NSW each year, exceeds NSW Territory infrastructure and facilities when in the apartment market and leads in investor they come here to work. Do we really want loans for construction of new dwellings. this? The new concessions include a two-year ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, has said abolition of stamp duty for buying a new home the Territory Government will not be moving off the plan during pre-construction phase, a to match NSW stamp duty levels, saying the saving of up to $22,490. Territory has already implemented housing There is also a 25 per cent cut on new homes affordability measures and that it can’t afford under construction or at completion. Both of to give up the tax revenue. these cuts are for first-home buyers (who will Unfortunately, this again highlights the still access the NSW Territory’s over-reli$7000 First Home Ownance on property based er’s Grant as well as taxes and charges. Can the Territory the NSW Home BuildBut can the Territory er’s Bonus). afford to wind stamp afford to wind stamp Empty nesters over duty back? I believe, duty back? I believe, 65, seeking to downyes. size, will also have to While targeted yes. pay zero stamp duty on stamp duty reductions new homes if they are would encourage and selling their primary place of residence. attract investment in housing in the Territory, Not a bad offer at all, and one that will help the Government constantly under-forecasts home-building companies to bring their prod- revenue from stamp duty by tens of millions of ucts to markets. dollars, receiving an apparently unexpected Now look at the ACT. There is no doubt it “windfall” from stamp duty every year. is tough to buy a house here – especially for With 4000 residential blocks due to go on first-home buyers. sale over the next couple of years, it’s highly Our housing is some of the most expensive probable this will be the case again, highlightin the country with the median Canberra ing the Government really does have quite a house price at a steep $520,000. bit of room to move on this issue. Consider that those of us who do move across the border to Queanbeyan or Jerrabomberra Catherine Carter is the executive director of will enjoy the stamp duty concessions, live the Property Council of Australia (ACT).
Property
10 CityNews June 17-23
CityNews June 17-23 11
news
THE GADFLY
New terminal takes shape THE new terminal at Canberra airport is on track for a September opening, says managing director Stephen Byron. “The opening of the terminal will include the opening of the two-level access road to the terminal, so the days of road diversions and disruptions will be over,” he enthused to “CityNews”. “From then on, everyone will be using brand new roads and car parks in their final and permanent configuration. “We can then get on and build the second half of the project (including the international capability – think Singapore and NZ) without inconveniencing anyone any longer. This is due for completion in mid 2012 – well in time for the Centenary of Canberra.”
By Robert Macklin
The billions we gave to miners
This aerial photo shows progress on the new terminal at Canberra airport and how the new building plugs into the existing facility.
letters
a dose of dorin
It’s what real women want I HAVE just read the review of “Sex and the City 2” in “CityNews” (June 10) by Dougal Macdonald and wonder why old fuddy duddy Dougal thought he was qualified to sit and watch a film that is not aimed for him. What was the point of wasting his time and the paper’s valuable space to get a man to write about a film that he would have no interest in whatsoever? Why didn’t you get a woman to write about the film, someone who is either in her 30s and 40s, someone who can respect that the film gives glamour that one may or may never aspire to. The film allows us to dream for two hours that there is a dream world of hunky men, beautiful clothes and some really kinky sex to be had! Surely let us dream once in a while that we can be and bad as Samantha; watch and learn what you could do on a beach with a beautiful woman. Look and learn men, this is what REAL women want!
Nikki Sperring via email
Dougal is right I AM 20 years old and have just read Dougal Macdonald’s review of “Sex and the City 2” and would like to say he was absolutely precise and I genuinely and personally would like to thank him for speaking out about the movie, which was immoral and racially intolerant.
Alfred Thompson via email
Driving nowhere I FOUND Mark Parton’s views on the Motorists’ Party (“Giulia’s worth a flutter”, CN June 10) most interesting as they accorded with my own. We even discussed it further on his 2CC morning show on June 11. As then-president of the Community Alliance Party, I arranged a meeting with executives of the Motorists’ Party to see whether we could co-operate on some policy initiatives in the 2008 ACT election. That is when we were told that they were putting up a full ticket of candidates, but they could not see the ration-
ale for running fewer candidates and directing preferences towards candidates who had their interests at heart. As Mark said, their strategy resulted in their preferences being extinguished and a seat being delivered to the Greens. If the Motorist Party had run fewer candidates and, at the very least, preferenced Val Jeffery in his electorate, they would now have a sympathetic member in the Assembly. The CAP again attempted to approach the Motorists’ Party some time after the last election, but we were told that it intended to run a full ticket again and were not interested in discussing the issue. It seems as though the Motorists, are setting themselves up for extinction once again.
Ric Hingee, Duffy
Out comes the harpy I WAS just having a quick look at Senator Kate Lundy’s taxpayer-funded propaganda... er, newsletter, where she tells us all about the stuff she is doing that we elected her to do (“look at me, look at me, I’m doing my job!”). Well done! If only I could sing my praises using other people’s money. But I didn’t see anything about what she plans to do with the ABC’s Ross Solly, who brings out her whinging, whining, bitching harpy on Friday mornings on the radio. I love it! I eagerly await his public humiliation – taxpayer funded – with Lundy hurling the first basket of rotten tomatoes and screaming hysterically!
John Cleland, Latham 12 CityNews June 17-23
THE mining super tax debate has been all about what the miners pay to the community. However, there is another side to the coin: what we have been paying the great mining companies over the years through subsidy and services from the public purse. BHP Billiton is an excellent case in point. Virtually the day after it discovered the vast silver lead and zinc deposit at Broken Hill that forms the foundation of its wealth, it was asking the government to build it a water reservoir nearby. What followed was a public campaign and scandalous backroom wheeling and dealing in Macquarie Street involving the issue of free shares to influential government members. It got the reservoir. When it decided in 1908 to diversify into steel making, it applied similar pressure to the SA Government to secure the leases to two massive iron ore deposits near Port Pirie. And when it too caused an outcry it was investigated by a member of the Upper House – John Lewis – who just happened to be a major BHP shareholder. Not surprisingly, he gave the deal a clean bill of health. In fact, his son Essington would become CEO and later chairman of the company. Essington Lewis carried on the tradition. The company’s steel making arm could only succeed behind a wall of tariff protection that meant Australians paid more for their steel and the manufacturers that used it. This caused opposition from free marketeers, so Lewis employed the highly respected James Menzies as his in-house government lobbyist in 1925. Menzies had been a member of the Victorian Parliament and knew his way around the corridors of power. But he was also the father of Robert Menzies and remained at his post while his son became Federal Minister for Industry and Prime Minister of Australia, a situation that today would be called an outrageous conflict of interest. Over the decades the tariff subsidies were worth multi billions in today’s dollars... all from our pockets. Then in the 1960s when the company decided to search for oil, the government outlayed millions of dollars worth of “exploration incentives”. And when it was discovered in Bass Strait, they set an price that ensured BHP made massive profits – once again from the pockets of Australian taxpayers. When the huge iron ore deposits were discovered in WA, BHP’s government allies lifted the ban on iron ore exports in 1960 to begin the massive exploitation of the Pilbara. And the pattern of public support has continued to grow with the years. But for the cowboys at the top of the mining industry, it’s never enough. Their mindset is nicely illustrated by BHP’s CEO Marius Kloppers when he decided he wanted to take over his rival Rio Tinto in 2007. Such is his ego, that this was no ordinary business transaction; he called it Project de Bello, “to do battle and vanquish”. As it happened, he was himself defeated. So he cannot afford to fail once again, this time to the forces behind the mining super tax. And he certainly cannot acknowledge that he would have no company to lead had not the Australian people provided billions of dollars support over the last 125 years. By comparison the proposed super tax is a drop in the ocean. robert@robertmacklin.com Robert’s latest book is “ The Big Fella – The Rise and Rise of BHP Billiton”.
GET A LIFE! What MLAs do after hours
cover story Amanda Bresnan... “I just love the singing and dancing.”
The private lives of politicians – where do the members of the ACT Legislative Assembly go when they’re not wearing suits? ELERI HARRIS and snapper SILAS BROWN go snooping...
John Hargreaves in the role of camel thief!
FOR the last five years Greens MLA Amanda Bresnan has been going dancing Bollywood style. “I’d started getting into Bollywood movies, I just love the singing and dancing. Then I went to India and saw a Bollywood movie there. Even though I couldn’t understand it I thought it was great; it was a police drama and still had singing and dancing! When I got back [to Canberra] I heard about classes and I went along.” Bresnan attends two classes a week in classical and Bhangra Bollywood dance and performed in her first production, “Into My Heart”, at the Canberra Theatre Centre in 2006. “It keeps me fit,” she says. “It’s important with exercise to do something you enjoy. I really like the music and I’ve made some really good friends.” To see Bresnan performing check out Bollywood Dimensions’ Indian extravaganza “Jalwa” at the national Convention Centre, on July 24. The show includes dinner, henna painting, a fashion show and Bollywood dancing with a cast of 50. Tickets from Ticketek on 132849.
LIBERALS Jeremy Hanson and Leader Zed Seselja say running is the cool thing, having competed against one another at two charity runs. Seselja is apparently faster. “I was injured,” Hanson said. “I was going for a leisurely Sunday stroll,” Seselja said. “You’re only as good as your last victory,” Hanson said. Both run a few times a week, with Seselja clocking up 10km and Hanson 7-8km around Lake Burley Griffin and suburban Holder respectively. The Liberal MLAs will next go headto-head at the Cancer Council’s Canada Fun Run on June 20.
14 CityNews June 17-23
Zed Seselja, left, and Jeremy Hanson... both run a few times a week.
SINCE his heart scare, Labor’s John Hargreaves has become an avid gym junkie, but when “CityNews” turned up for a photo he suddenly slipped into a Jordanian sheik’s outfit he was given by Canberra’s Muslim community, back when he was Minister for Multicultural Affairs and pronounced: “In my spare time, I am a camel thief”. Eh? LIBERAL Steve Doszpot may be standing in front of a yacht, but he can’t actually sail. The former IT professional is more of a money man, helping raise funds for the not-for-profit “Sailability”, a club providing sailing lessons and facilities for Canberra’s disabled community in Tuggeranong. Doszpot has been involved in the club for two years.
Mary Porter... “I wanted to do something after the 2003 fires.”
Fireman Simon Corbell... “it’s very practical and hands on.”
FIRE fighting is clearly where it’s at for Labor, with Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell and backbencher Mary Porter volunteering in Duffy and Hawker. Corbell joined the Rivers Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade in 2002 right before the 2003 bushfires. “It was a baptism of fire,” he said, and he has since been deployed interstate, training weekly during the fire season and once a month in winter. “I do it because it’s very practical and
Liberal and mother of five, Vicki Dunne spends her free time walking the family pet, a four year-old Malamute/Husky known as Loki. Similarly, Treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister Katy Gallagher takes time out bush-walking on Mount Ainslie. Vicki Dunne and Loki, her four-year-old Malamute/ Husky.
hands on and a lot of my job isn’t.” Corbell said. “It can be six months before you see results in the Assembly, but this isn’t, you can see immediate results.” Porter joined her local ACT Community Fire Unit of 20 volunteers on Marrakai Street, Hawker, when it opened in 2005. “I wanted to do something after the 2003 fires,” she said. “I was the CEO of Volunteering ACT when it [Community Fire Units] was introduced.
The ACT Greens’ leader Meredith Hunter is a soccer mum to her sons Marcus, 17, Will, 13 and Isaac, 10. “All three boys play soccer. The two youngest at Majura Junior Soccer Club and the eldest plays for the Monaro Panthers,” she said. “After the soccer season is over they play futsal, which is indoor soccer. “I wash a lot of smelly soccer gear.” Having played soccer herself at school and as patron of the Majura Junior Soccer Club, Hunter admits her family life revolves around the game. “The World Cup is a massive event in my household, but not as big as the Kanga Cup.” The Kanga Cup is Australia’s largest junior soccer tournament played right here in Canberra from July 4-9. In 2010 Hunter will be supporting her two youngest, all three competed in 2009.
“It’s about learning how to connect hoses and operate the hose to defend, to wet down and defend actual properties situated on the boundaries, on the urban fringe. You learn how to operate radio, different commands, manning the pumps and hoses and also to put safety devices on the road.” Deputy Opposition Leader Brendan Smyth offers a bit of healthy competition for the firefighting hat, with a few years more under his belt.
Soccer mum Meredith Hunter... “I wash a lot of smelly soccer gear.”
Elsewhere, out there in the Canberra community Minister for Health Joy Burch goes dirt-bike riding with her husband, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope likes to salsa dance, Caroline Le Couteur is rarely seen in public without her bicycle, Education Minister Andrew Barr listens to the Rolling Stones and Speaker of the Assembly Shane Rattenbury is a champion triathlete. Who knew?
CityNews June 17-23 15
scene
invite us at silas@citynews.com.au
At the Heart Foundation’s ‘Go Red for Women’ high tea, residence of the Greek ambassador, Yarralumla
Vanessa and Nikoletta Nikias, Natalia Michail and Toula Dermatas
At CIT’s Bachelor of Fashion Design students’ ‘Sex and the City 2’ fundraiser, Greater Union, Manuka
Penny Gardner, Sinead McGowan and Aideen Daly
Sophia Vardos and Sophie Loader
MLA Amanda Bresnan, Anna Mountzi and Gillian McFeat Lin
Nerida Bellis, Catherine Itsiopoulos and Viola Kalokerinos
Anne O'Fainin, Dianne Hawkins and Asa Rowe
Maya Pratt, Mai Adams and Emma Chilman
Katina and Paula Katheklakis
Sharon Caudle, Suroo Wickramaratna and Karen Burraston
Oumaya and Badra Issa
Penelope Murdoch and Jake Guest
John Hughes and Alex Ewens
CityNews June 17-23 17
scene
More photos at www.citynews.com.au
At McGrath real estate Canberra launch, Hotel Realm, Barton
Bethwyn Richards, Lisa Chen, chief executive John McGrath and Julia Murphy
Adam Jones, Louisa and Damien Obst, Susan Gale and Cathy Chapman
Tony Poulakis, Steve Giannak with Liz and Mike Sarah
Suzi Wells, Fiona McGarry and Laura Taylor
Tom Leahey, Stav Lourandos and Nick Porreca
Eoghan O'Byrne, Jackie Rixon and Ivan Slavich
Melanie Spilker, Felicia and Ben Nash with Karen Unwin
Terry Shaw, Tom Simunic, Angelo Cerullo with Gavin and Renee Pound
At Telstra Country Wide’s 10-year anniversary dinner, Kamberra Winery
Neil Kennedy, Lorin Joyce, Mark Bramston and area general manager Chris Tayor
Joanne Butler, Dawn Goodwin and Felicity Bruce
Ian Peters, Jeff Favaloro, MLA Mary Porter, ALex James, and Chris Manchester
Paul Carmody, Amber Nichols and Glen Weymouth
Athol Chalmers, Sandie Judd and James Latta
CityNews June 17-23 19
20 CityNews June 17-23
all about living The ways of wicked women arts | cinema | dining | body | fashion | home | puzzles | horoscope
By arts editor Helen Musa TO crime novelist Raymond Chandler, the nicest women were “smooth shiny girls, hard-boiled and loaded with sin”. To Plato, women were, “by nature, prone to secrecy and stealth”. Yes, if you believe most commentators, we are a devious lot, not much better than the women conjured up in pulp fiction such as Carter Brown’s
Career criminal Clara Randall (pictured in 1923 at the age of 33) was sentenced to 18 months with light labour after claiming jewellery had been stolen from her Bondi flat when it was later discovered she had pawned it for cash.
“Delilah was Deadly.” Now the National Archives of Australia has entered the debate with its latest show “Femme Fatale: the female criminal”, an attempt to contrast the true stories of Australia’s most notorious women with the way female criminals are portrayed in popular culture. In other words, crime doesn’t pay as well as you’d imagine. Mind you, the more notorious figures highlighted in “Femme Fatale” are found to be wrapped in “magnificent ermine” and dripping with diamonds, but almost all ended up in Long Bay. This touring exhibition, mounted by the Historic Houses Trust of NSW with forensic photos from Sydney’s Justice and Police Museum, undoubtedly has the objective of unnerving viewers. This is especially so with the segment on abortion (the signage is red). It is curious how many of the mugshots of notorious abortionists in the show make them look like vicious, hardened criminals; they could as easily have been photograhed as kindly, nurse-like figures. By contrast, as manager of events and exhibitions at the archives Johannah Wilson observes, most of the fictional and media depictions of wicked women are glamorous in the extreme. As you enter, you are greeted by film
Sydney’s best-known brothel madam, Matilda “Tilly” Devine (pictured in 1925, aged 26) used a razor to slash a man’s face in a barber’s shop and was sentenced to two years jail.
Movie promotional poster. footage of screen siren Hedy Lamarr as Delilah. Then we see Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart facing off in a still from “The Big Sleep” and nearby Faye Dunaway as Bonnie, alongside axe murderer Lizzie Borden looking grim and uncompromising. Keen to bring a nature of normal reality to the exhibition the curator Nerida Campbell, from the Historic Houses Trust, has included a section on women in the Parramatta convict farm, mostly petty thieves like the greater number of women whose photographs are flashed up on screens in the show. But if you’re worried that this could be too much of a moral tale, fear not, notorious razor-gang leaders such as Sydney’s Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine are given due prominence, with one police officer tacitly praising them with the words, “neither lacks courage”. The ferocious lesbian mistress of sly grog shops Iris Webber is shown as
“Detective Book” magazine cover, 1949. an expert knife-wielder, while another female criminal was said to have “a punch like a mule’s kick”. This is a colourful exhibition with plenty to look at. Although the Historic Houses Trust and the National Archives may have detected a higher
moral purpose, you can bet most viewers will be entertained by the vicarious contemplation of unrepentant wickedness. “Femme Fatale: the female criminal,” National Archives of Australia until September 12.
CityNews June 17-23 21
arts&entertainment
Strange brew’s dance delight DANCE
“Standing in Line in Order of Height” Ql2 Centre for Youth Dance & Maya Dance Theatre Gorman House Arts Centre. Season ended. Reviewed by Bill Stephens AN unusual collaboration involving three experienced choreographers from Singapore, Canberra and London working with four dancers from the Maya Dance Theatre in Singapore and four from the Queensland University of Technology, has resulted in a satisfyingly homogenous dance work exploring notions of conformity and individualism. To music composed by Adam Ventura, Nicholas Ng and Rupak George, choreographers Kavitha Krishnan, Ruth Osborne and Liz Lea, drew on a variety of contemporary and traditional dance styles to create a cohesive ensemble piece that challenged the dancers, and provided an absorbing experience for the audience. Variances in technical ability, resulting from different dance backgrounds and training, only increased the pleasure of watching eight talented young dancers successfully become an ensemble negotiating the vocal work, body percussion, classical Indian movement, hip hop and conventional contemporary dance techniques cleverly woven into the choreography. The mutual trust and respect which had obviously developed between the dancers in such a short rehearsal period, and the care and commitment with which they interpreted the choreography, were testament to the value of such projects to all concerned. Following its Canberra performances, there will be three performances in Singapore, hopefully signaling the possibility of further such collaborations for QL2 in the future.
“Standing in Line in Order of Height”... challenged the dancers and provided an absorbing experience for the audience.
Soprano Rebecca Collins with baritone Jeremy Tatchell.
Winter music with an alpine theme HERE’S something genuinely seasonal. At the Tuggeranong Arts Centre at 2pm on June 20, Stopera will stage a concert of winter music with an alpine and Nordic theme. Songs and opera excerpts will include Solveig’s ravishing song from Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” the aria from Catalani’s “La Wally” and even hits from “The Sound of Music”. Star singers will be soprano Rebecca Collins, mezzo-soprano Christina Wilson and guest artist Jeremy Tatchell, a Canberra baritone known best for his roles with Adelaide company Co-Opera. AINSLIE artist Jessica Herrington is among the 148 graduate artists to receive the Australia Council’s new ArtStart grants of up to $10,000 for developing skills and business support. Represented by Iain Dawson Gallery in Paddington, Herrington says she works within the framework of “provisional” art, which in an aesthetic sense “seems unfinished, messy, ruined, a mistake or only exists for a short period of time”. Applications for round three close on October 4. Visit www.artstartgrant. com.au “ALL excesses are inimical to Nature,” the ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates
ARTS IN THE CITY By Helen Musa
once said. Two local artists, Caroline Riethmuller and Rachel Develin respond to this idea and the notion of “excess” that seems apparent in contemporary society. Develin responds through sculptural arrangements using recycled waste materials, while Riethmuller uses the materiality of paint in a mixture of large and small paintings. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 1pm– 4pm weekends. MEANTIME, at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place in Dickson until June 20, AG Stokes exhibits oil paintings under the title “Down But Not Out: casualties in the landscape”. These paintings reflect the artist’s field trips to various parts of the Murray-Darling Basin. YOUNG people, aged 11–15, can team up with one of Australia’s hottest music sensations, Emma Dean and Canberra Youth Theatre director, Karla Conway to create an original musical in a week from July 5-9. Enrol now by contacting CYT on 6248 5057.
When the star goes missing
22 CityNews June 17-23
THE big disappointment with “Rock the Ballet” was the absence of principal Rasta Thomas. No announcement, no explanation, just no Rasta. Given that the capacity audience had forked out hefty sums mainly to see Thomas dance, it was not surprising that there was a noticeable cooling in the atmosphere as the audience began to realise that he was a “no-show”. The otherwise entertaining program consisted of a series of bite-sized dance works in the style of “So You Think You Can Dance”, often very short, and often involving all six male dancers executing brilliant moves against huge back projections, to music mostly by Black Eyed Peas, U2, Lenny Kravitz and Coldplay and, after interval, to Queen, Prince and Michael Jackson. Highlights were an amusing piece danced with blow-up dolls to music from Bizet’s
DANCE
“Rock the Ballet” Canberra Theatre, season ended. Reviewed by Bill Stephens “Carmen”, a lovely ensemble piece to Jacques Brel’s “Ne Me Quittes Pas” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You”. There were dazzling performances by six of the best male dancers likely to be seen together on the same stage joined, in some items, by gorgeous Karla Garcia. But apart from greyhound-sleek virtuoso Russian dancer Segey Kheylik, who stood in for Thomas, their amazingly athletic dance feats failed to make much individual impression, as most of the routines had been choreographed to throw focus on the particular talents of the absent star.
arts&entertainment
On the road to Brisbane CINEMA
By Dougal Macdonald
“Lou” (M) written and directed, by Belinda Chaykon this feature tells a story in the genre of her earlier films themed around girl children in awkward family environments. Single mum Rhia and her three daughters live a basic lifestyle in a house set among canefields. Bailiffs want to repossess their material comforts. A social worker arrives with the girls’ paternal grandfather, Doyle, a merchant seaman whom none of the household has yet met. The local retirement home needs his bed for a more urgent case. Rearranging the children’s sleeping arrangements, Rhia tells eldest daughter Louise, enduring the confusion of puberty, to vacate her room for Doyle. Instant resentment. A relationship grows between about-to-be-12-going-on-20 Lou and Doyle. Suppressed tensions develop when Doyle, afflicted by Alzheimer’s, mistakes her for his late wife. Desperate to escape, Lou hits the road with Doyle for Brisbane to stow away on a ship bound for Fiji. “Lou” offers strong-flavoured innocence enhanced by first-rate performances. John Hurt handles Doyle with dignity and pathos. Stunning newcomer Lily Bell-Tindley plays Lou with a presence portending a bright acting future for her if she chooses. As Rhia, Emily Barclay delivers some great moments of maternal concern. Blemishes discernible in Chayko’s screenplay and direction are minor niggles more than major defects. Sidestepping them and taking satisfaction from the film’s otherwise credibility is not difficult. At Dendy
“The A-Team” (M) TWENTY years after disappearing from network TV, this pastiche of comedy, action and military madness comes to the big screen when its four-man covert operations team of US Army Rangers that has fallen foul of authority after a Mexican mission breaks out of jail and sets out to restore its reputation for derring do and loyalty to Uncle Sam. Liam Neeson plays cigar-puffing Col. Hannibal Smith with Bradley Cooper his 2IC Lieut ”Face” Peck, prize-fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson agreeably effective as the behemoth “BA” Baracus and Sharlto Copley, so good in “District 9”, as the aviator Murdock with whom no sane person would willingly fly. Jessica Biel plays the mysterious Lieut Sosa who might or might not be on the side of the angels; it doesn’t greatly matter, just so long as she arrives on time and looks decorative. The bad guys come from assorted government agencies and private concerns. The object of desire for both sides is a set of US currency engraving plates and a truck-load of printed banknotes. This sets the stage for flat-out, full-on action unbroken from the film’s opening passages to the closing credits. It’s imaginative, comical and inventive. If it had slowed down, the film would have collapsed under its own weight. What sustains its joyous folly is writer/director Joe Carnahan’s invention of unremitting incredible situations from which he has wrung every drop of entertainment juice. Reality isn’t in it. Great fun is what it’s all about. At all cinemas
Win tix to Tex “CityNews” has three double passes to give away to the Canberra Theatre opening night on Wednesday, June 30, of “The Man in Black”, starring Tex Perkins as Johnny Cash. Entries close at noon on Monday, June 21 and winners will be published in “CityNews” on June 24. Full entry details and conditions are at www.citynews.com.au/competitions
CityNews June 17-23 23
arts&entertainment
All in French and all for Brel By Helen Musa WHEN John Waters stepped on stage at the Canberra Theatre some years ago to perform the role of John Lennon in “Looking Though a Glass Onion”, you’d have sworn it WAS John Lennon, so perfectly was this role realised both from the outside and the inside. “I call it channelling,” Waters tells me, “but I’m not doing that this time.” Waters, will be here again on July 3 to perform in “Brel”, his tribute to one of the great singer-songwriters of the 20th century, Belgian-born Jacques Brel, and he’ll do it all in French. The English-born actor, who has been speaking fluent French since he backpacked around France in his rock ‘n’ rolling youth, has been a fan ever since he heard a Brel song performed by a street singer in the south of France. “I asked him what it was and I took it back to London with me,” he says. Waters says this production consists of “a few songs, not a narrative”. Mind you, when he thinks about it, apart from Brel’s most famous song “Ne me Quitte Pas” (“When You Go Away”), most of them are narratives. “Some are like stories, some like paintings with beautiful brushstrokes,” Waters says. A case in point is the song “La Valse a Mille Fois” (“Waltz in 1000-time”), which begins at normal pace and speeds up to conjure up what he calls “the swirling life of the city.”
John Waters... been speaking fluent French since he backpacked around France in his rock ‘n’ rolling youth.
While Waters knows he has a growing fan base among the French-speakers in Australia, he declares “this song is especially good for English speakers. They feel like they’ve been to Paris”. He is busy rehearsing for a tight tour after singer David Campbell, now director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, asked him to do the Brel songs he had made
famous throughout the ‘70s and ‘90s for that event. He’s also doing shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane and some coastal towns before beginning work on “Offspring”, a new TV series for Channel 10 scripted by Debra Oswald. “Brel”, The Playhouse, July 3. Bookings to www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or
Another bright burst of breakfast ‘Time Team’ winners
Congratulations to “CityNews” readers Roger Bush, of Kambah; Lily Troupe, Forde; Kirsty Brown, Kaleen; Jacqui Britton, Narrabundah, and Jessica Wilson, Bungendore, who have each won the “Time Team” DVD “Friars Wash and other digs”.
24 CityNews June 17-23
FOR years now, artespresso in Kingston had been closed for breakfast, but things have changed and it hasn’t taken long for word to get out that the restaurant has re-opened on Saturdays and Sundays for those who like to dine out for their first meal of the day. A group of us gals recently headed to artespresso, curious to see what the menu offered, and the restaurant was buzzing. Three breakfasts (one with an extra side of bacon), two large fresh juices and six coffees later, the bill came, averaging around $23 each. Excellent value, we agreed, for the quality of the food and friendly, efficient service – in a restaurant
The three-cheese omelet – grana padano, gruyere and fromage blanc – was accompanied with delicate chervil DINING ($14). It was absolutely delicious and the By Wendy Johnson side of quality bacon a generous portion. The croque monsieur – a fancy that has retained a lovely brasserie name for a hot ham-and-cheese grilled type atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling sandwich – was packed with gruyere, windows and rotating art hanging on the parmesan and quality ham ($10.50) and walls. a great option for someone who doesn’t My strawberry and ricotta hotcakes want a huge breakfast. with genuine maple syrup and an elegant, After an early start artespresso moves sweetened whipped crème Chantilly was into a lovely brunch with lots of dishes to $14.50. The strawberries tasted as though enjoy. they had just been hand picked from the garden and the hotcakes were lovely and Artespresso, 31 Giles Street, Kingston. light. Call 6295 8055.
body
Dressing up in tights By Megan Haggan Platinum Clover Tights in Black, $19.95.
Platinum Country Plaid Tights in Grape Royale, $19.95.
PATTERNED opaque tights are the perfect way for Canberrans to dress up a winter outfit, says Caroline Bourke, brand manager for Platinum. “Opaque tights made a comeback in 2006 – the trend was driven from the UK, when dresses and short skirts made a comeback to the catwalks in winter,” she told “CityNews”. “Prior to that, trousers were popular.” As well as being warmer than traditional pantyhose, opaques can be used to dress an outfit up or down, and can be worn to everything from formal events to festivals, she says. Patterns evolved from the opaque tights trend
Vinyl tights from Equip, $24.99.
because they’re an easy way to mix up a look. “They allow you to express your individual style; and they’re a cheap and easy way to update your wardrobe by tapping into the latest pattern trend, such as houndstooth.” Caroline says dark colours and small-scale patterns such as fine ribbing and mini-diamonds can be more flattering on the legs. “But if you want to make a statement, vibrant opaque tight colours can add a bit of fizz to your outfit, particularly when black has been the dominant hue in apparel over the last few winter seasons.” Vertical patterns that run down the leg can be the most slimming, and make the legs look longer.
Platinum Houndstooth Tights in Gunmetal Grey, $19.95.
CityNews June 17-23 25
winter fashion 2010
Winter’s grey gets a splash of colour, too GREY is right on-trend, for both the weather and the season’s fashions: but winter 2010 gives us lots of opportunities to liven up drab days with splashes of colour, says ‘CityNews’ fashion editor MEGAN HAGGAN LIKE a hot cup of coffee on a wintry morning, a splash of red is a brightening Canberra staple, whether it’s as a coat, handbag or a gorgeous pair of gloves. ❧ Those with confidence can try a pair of bright red leggings or the hottest trend of the season, red patterned opaque pantyhose! ❧ Purple and orange are also hot property this winter, with both translating into some of the biggest beauty looks around town. Try an orange or coral lipstick to make blue eyes pop, or a touch of mauve to bring instant polish to the lips. ❧ Getting nude’s all the rage: that is, nude or neutral shades that are far from boring beige. Try a nude heel for a polished look, or a softly tailored nude blouse, very feminine. ❧ Also standing out are prints: leopard emerged as the biggest animal-print trend, and it’s out there in shoes, bags, coats and even pants: just pick one! For an understated yet sexy look, try a leopard-print top under a sober blazer, or just a hint of big cat in a patterned ballet flat.
The Harem Cuff, $430, from Devine Goddess.
The Samantha Earrings, $460, from Devine Goddess.
Perri Cutten Fabulous Fur Collar, $69, and Karolina Coat in Oat, $449, from David Jones
Anthea Crawford Jacket Salsa, $399, from David Jones.
Georgia B Camoscio toupe shoes, $389, from La Cobbler
❧ Studs and zips are still hot property, adding a touch of edginess to even the most feminine of fabrics. Think Sass and Bide’s winter collection (and check out the new Canberra Centre store!). ❧ Shape and silhouette are important considerations this winter. The shoulder’s still a key part of the season: try something embellished, ruched or both! ❧ Soft draping is another important look, and the good news is that it hides a multitude of sins, including indulging in comfort food during the cold season. Try soft ruffles and draping down the front of a dress or top: flattering on everyone (if you have a large cup size, just keep those ruffles away from the chest area, as they emphasise it). Think about those softly tailored Halston Heritage drawstring pants inspired by “Sex and the City 2” – not too clingy, and very flattering! ❧ Bling’s still hot – try a statement necklace, ring or this season’s hottest accessory, a cuff. Draw inspiration from “Sex and the City 2” and head to Devine Goddess in the Canberra Centre to adorn yourself like Carrie and the girls. Or choose a selection of different necklaces (even if you mix gold and silver!) for a flapper-inspired look that’s very 2010.
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Shoe Bling, $54.95, from Devine Goddess.
Violet Pricilla Gloves in grey wool, $49, from La Cobbler
The Carrie Necklace, $465, from Devine Goddess.
Anthea Crawford red Chilly Top, $99, from David Jones.
Ballet top, $189.95, from Witchery, Canberra Centre.
Necklace, $139, from Devine Goddess.
Anthea Crawford skirt Multi, $259, from David Jones.
Maxton Blazer Otto Mode Grey, silver, white rose print, $65, from Ellory Lane.
Shopping the sales HERE’S the “CityNews” guide to coming home from the winter sales laden with things you’ll love! ❧ You don’t have to make a day of it. Popping into your favourite shop at lunch often yields nice surprises. ❧ If it doesn’t fit, don’t get it – losing weight in a healthy way is a long process, and by the time it fits, it might no longer be on-trend! ❧ Make a list of the things you actually need. If you really need a new skirt, check them out first before adding to your collection of dresses (though this season’s full of gorgeous frocks – we know they’re tempting!). ❧ Look for pieces that you know will last
more than one season – bag a bargain on investment pieces such as plain trousers, skirts, dresses and coats that you know you’ll get a lot of wear out of. ❧ If it’s right on-trend but you know the trend won’t last – decide whether it’s worth it. If you’re only going to wear it once or twice, think again, but if you’re going to live in it and love it all this winter, why not indulge? ❧ Think about becoming a “member” of some brands – you’ll get advance notification of some sales. CityNews June 17-23 27
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winter fashion 2010
Cynthia Bryson “Mabel” hat, $396, from Escala.
Antonio Murolo gloves, $130, from Escala.
Alison Agate and Pearl beads, $170, from Escala.
Anthea Crawford Black Jacket, $489, from David Jones.
Perri Cutten Metro pant in Charcoal, $174, from David Jones.
Georgia B Camoscio Prugna shoes, $355, from La Cobbler. Pink Stitch black and bronze dress, $159, from Ellory Lane. Shoe Bling, $44.95, from Devine Goddess.
Petusco bag, $549, from Escala. Gardenia shoes, $599, from Escala.
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mum in the city
home
Fear of home fires Royal VKB slow cooker, $109.90.
Kuhn Rikon limited edition 60th anniversary “Inox” pressure cooker, $462.
Kambrook KSC110 stainless 6L slow cooker, $79.95.
Comfort of slow cooking WINTRY conditions make us more likely to turn to traditional winter fare “to warm our bodies and minds,” says Adam Tacey, Kambrook marketing manager – and so using a slow cooker is a good option for Canberrans. “It’s a wonderful feeling to come out of the cold, wet weather into a warm house and a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to be served,” he says. Slow cookers are great time-saving devices, he says, because they simply need to be filled and turned on – and
meals are ready hours later. They’re also designed specifically to be safely used for cooking while unattended. “Slow cookers are safe because even when on high, the temperature doesn’t reach boiling point, but still operates at temperatures high enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria,” he says. Ideal for novice cooks, slow cookers are also versatile, ideal for anything from roasts to casseroles and desserts,
he says. The process also enhances the flavour and texture of cheaper cuts of meat. Slow cookers aren’t the only appliance enjoying a comeback, according to a spokesperson for Kuhn Rikon: pressure cookers offer another easy means of making warming comfort food, perfect for a chilly winter evening. They’re also fast, allowing food to cook quickly in its own juices, for instance a hearty beef casserole can be cooked in 20 minutes.
MANY years ago, I had to evacuate from a burning building. I had just started working there when one end of the office block suddenly caught fire. As a new-starter I had never been through a fire drill and I’d seen “Towering Inferno” way too many times. With black smoke billowing all around and no idea where the emergency exits were, I was all ready to succumb to panic. Fortunately, cooler heads were present and my more-experienced colleagues led everyone out according to the building evacuation plan. Still, thanks to having gone through numerous practice evacuations from various buildings, I was pretty confident that at work I’d know how and where to find safety if disaster struck. But what about at home? The other day a friend’ s little girl asked her what she should do if the house fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. My friend told her daughter to try to find her or her dad, but on reflection it occurred to her that this could involve trooping through smoke and fire in a dark house. I suspect many of us haven’t really thought about fire in the home and what to tell our children. I know I haven’t. The last time I accidently set the kitchen fire alarm off, both of them wandered around looking
By Sonya Fladun utterly confused until I turned the thing off by hitting it with a broom handle. So I’ve decided to take a leaf from work and conduct a home fire drill this weekend, relying on guidance from the ACT Fire Brigade’s homepage at the Emergency Services Agency website: www.esa. act.gov.au. Winter is a good time to think about fire safety. In the colder months last year, the ACT Fire Brigade attended 36 household fires, many of which could have been prevented by taking a few precautions. The NSW Fire Brigade studies show that between a third and half of the people who have died in house fires over the past decade could have escaped if they made proper preparations. The ACT Fire Brigade advises that all homes should have a fire-safety plan in place, and why not have a fire drill and run everyone through their paces. We’re also checking the fire alarms and making sure they’ve all got new batteries. After all, with a little bit of preparation, we will all sleep better and safer on these cold winter nights.
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your week in the stars
With Joanne Madeline Moore June 21-27
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Rams rush in where angels fear to tread! With the Lunar Eclipse falling in your career zone, you’ll be obsessed about a work project and won’t rest until it’s done and dusted. Take your time – not everyone is in as much of a hurry as you are. Pace yourself (especially on Thursday and Saturday) and be wary of arguing just for the sake of it.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Do you fantasize about upsizing your lifestyle? Saturday’s Lunar Eclipse stimulates your aspirations zone, so make sure you have the cold, hard cash to finance these super-sized dreams. In the current economic climate, small and sustainable is the sensible way to live. Let non-essentials go and focus on what’s really important to you.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Issues involving your finances could come to a head over the coming week. If your money is tied up with someone else (either personally or professionally) then make sure you adopt a conservative approach and keep the lines of communication open. Mercury moves into Cancer on Friday, so it’s time to learn more about your emotional self.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Saturday’s Lunar Eclipse shines the spotlight on power issues within a major relationship. You both need to compromise, otherwise the emotional tug-of-war will accelerate. Singles - have you been looking for love in all the obvious places? Perhaps it’s time to crawl out of your Crab cave and be a little more adventurous?
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Your charm meter is stuck on high this week, as Venus boosts your charisma and people skills. You’ll be at your persuasive best as you charm the birds out of the trees and inspire others with your passion and enthusiasm. Use it to your advantage – but don’t abuse it. Just remember a little Leo charm goes a long way!
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Saturn’s back in your sign and times are tough, but don’t let that stop you from doing all you can do and being all you can be. Jupiter jolts you into action mid-week and gives you the extra energy you need to power through projects. Be inspired by birthday great Helen Keller (born on June 27): “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Lazy Librans beware! With the Sun moving into your career zone, get ready for a month of taking care of business and working overtime. Saturday’s Lunar Eclipse stirs up your home zone, so it’s not the ideal time to get the long lost relatives together for a reunion, or to bring up sensitive issues with fractious family members.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
general knowledge crossword No. 266 Across
Down
3 Which device is used to secretly listen in to a telephone conversation (5,3)? 7 What is another term for a vicar? 8 Where do they slaughter animals for food? 9 The grain of which cereal grass is used in making beer and whisky, etc? 10 What are passages taken out of a book or such? 11 Which atmospheric conditions cause water to freeze? 14 Name another word for starry. 17 To once again establish as compulsory, is to what? 18 What is a hard, paste-like sweet containing almonds or other nuts? 19 To be fearless is to be what? 20 Nations united with each other are called what? 21 The pungent roots of which plant are eaten raw and in salads?
1 What do we call a member of the upper house of parliament? 2 Which style of printing looks like "running writing"? 3 What are devout petitions to an object of worship? 4 Which hard aromatic seeds are used as a spice? 5 Name an alternative word for a cavalry soldier. 6 What is another term for a sunshade? 11 Which word describes a blacksmith? 12 To be left out, is to be what? 13 What are tall silk hats called? 14 Name the lists of matters to be brought before a committee. 15 Name a Mexican drink produced by distillation of a fermented mash of agave. 16 What are assumed names known as?
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Sudoku medium No.34
Solution next week
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Sagittarians are the binge spenders of the zodiac and, with Saturday’s Lunar Eclipse activating your money zone, your selfcontrol is at an all-time low. So avoid a spot of weekend window shopping and temporarily misplace your credit card. You’ll have a successful week if you channel your abundant energy into productive pursuits.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Are there too many chiefs and not enough Indians in your life at the moment? Capable Capricorns love to be boss and call the shots, but cooperation and compromise are the keys to successful communication with loved ones this week. Resist the urge to be judgmental. Instead, take a stroll in the shoes of others for a while.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You’ve gotta have friends – and lots of them. Don’t let shyness or lack of confidence stand in the way of forming wonderful connections with others this week. It’s time to nurture friendships and tell loved ones how you feel. On the weekend, passion is combined with power games and romance is coupled with responsibility. Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010. 32 CityNews June 17-23
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Communication is highlighted as you throw yourself into activities like teaching, public speaking, serious study, intense discussions or neighbourhood negotiations. Travel is also likely (especially on the weekend) but try to slip out of Scorpio control-freak mode and into flexible mode, as plans are likely to be altered at the last minute.
Aquarians are masters of distraction, but avoiding responsibilities won’t work this week – it will only delay the inevitable. With hasty Mercury/Uranus energy about on Saturday, you need to apply the brain brakes, and think carefully before you speak. Otherwise you’ll say the wrong thing at the wrong time and unintentionally upset others.
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Crossword No.265 B A S S H O R N
U S H E L S E I M P P R I N G A F A L M O N E S T R U N I R N I N E T E E N S S U B O U T I Q U E B A U N E A S T W A R D R E Y O
B L E R I A L A U O N E R S D E C Y C L E P A I P P E R S A O I C K E D H E P E R A S
Sudoku hard No.33
commercial property
Top spot for sale By Tim Humphrey CANBERRA’S office investment market is seeing continued signs of activity with a number of high-profile properties looking to be sold. One high-profile example is 44 Sydney Avenue, which is being marketed through Jones Lang LaSalle and Colliers International with an expected sale price of $40 million plus. Home to the Minerals Council of Australia, Microsoft and law firm Walter & Turnbull, the landmark office block is widely known as one of Canberra’s most prestigious business locations. It is owned by a trust association with Becton, which has been divesting a number of properties over recent months in various locations across Australia. The building has seen seen a flurry of activity over recent weeks with the Minerals Council leading the mining sector’s resistance to the Rudd Government’s planned Resource Super Profits Tax. Anchor tenant Walter & Turnbull, which occupies 4140sqm, has also been in the news, having recently announced its merger with PricewaterhouseCoopers. It intends consolidating the latter’s operations, which are currently based nearby in the Minter Ellison building at 25 National Circuit. Co-location to Walter & Turnbull’s existing space is planned for early July. According to Jim Shonk, director of investment sales at Colliers International, the initial marketing campaign of 44 Sydney Avenue has already seen a strong interest from interstate investors. “It’s in a brilliant location – literally within the shadows of Parliament House and it offers a standard of office accommodation at the very
44 Sydney Avenue... “It’s in a brilliant location,” says Jim Shonk. top of the local market. The impressive foyer itself is a cut above most office buildings in Canberra,” he said. The building is expected to sell on a yield of 8-8.5 per cent. The ACT’s most prominent office market sales over the last 12 months have included the Australian Taxation Office’s new 43,413sqm national headquarters in Civic, which sold for close to $200 million (on an indicative yield of 7.6 per cent); the 41,195sqm Edmund Barton building, in Barton, for $186 million (on an indicative yield of 7.3 per cent); and the 25,009sqm Industry House for $123 million (on a 7.8 per cent yield). Tim Humphrey is editor of “Property Daily”, a market news and intelligence service focused on commercial property markets nationally. www. propertydaily.com.au
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