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Well written, well read
Heavy work to pack light
SONYA FLADUN Happiness is an open restaurant
WENDY JOHNSON Presents are a pain, but...
NICK JENSEN
Funky
Cinders
with a twist Chartered Accountants Insolvency Practitioners BARTON | QUEANBEYAN
SEASON’S GREETINGS
from the Kazar Slaven team
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news
What’s been hot this past year? Here’s what Apple says are the hottest hits in music, movies, TV shows, books, podcasts and apps this year.
Evie Tattam, 7, and her gifts for the Giving Tree… tried to get a range of things for boys, girls and different ages. Photo by Holly Treadaway
Little Evie’s awfully big decision By Kathryn Vukovljak EVIE Tattam decided that for her seventh birthday, she would ask her friends to donate money rather than bring her presents. The altruistic year 1 student, of Kambah, wanted to raise money to buy presents for children who may not get much under the tree on Christmas morning. Evie’s proud mum, Emma, says it was all Evie’s idea.
“My husband asked if I had put her up to it, but it was all her!” she says. “Evie knew about the concept of the Giving Tree at school, and that we go shopping and buy something for kids who may not get presents on Christmas Day. “It started from that last year, when after her sixth birthday she announced that she didn’t want any presents from her friends next year, but donations instead.” Evie says that she didn’t mind not
getting presents from her friends at her pool party. “I had presents from my family and some of my friends donated money and brought a small present for me as well,” she says. After the party, Emma says she took Evie to Target and they were able to spend the $168 raised on about 10 different toys. The toys will go under the Giving Tree at 666 ABC Canberra to be donated to the Smith Family.
“Evie was very aware of the price of everything and wanting to make the money go as far as possible,” Emma says. “It was a really lovely process. She spent a long time choosing everything and tried to get a range of things for boys, girls and different ages. And some things that she really liked herself!” And will she do this again next year? “Hmmm... maybe for my ninth birthday,” she says.
Music • Best artist, Sia • Best album, Chet Faker, “Built on Glass” • Best song, Sam Smith, “Stay With Me” • Best new artist, 5 Seconds of Summer Movies • Best family movie, “The LEGO Movie” • Best blockbuster, “Guardians of the Galaxy” • Best Australian, “Charlie’s Country” TV shows • Show of the year, “Fargo” • Best performance, “True Detective Season” • Best book adaptation, “Outlander” • Best Australian Show, “Please Like Me”, Season 2 iPhone apps • App of the Year, “Elevate Brain Training” • Game of the Year, “Threes!” iPad apps • App of the Year, “Pixelmator” • Game of the Year, “Monument Valley” Books • Fiction book of the year, “Lost & Found” • Nonfiction book of the year, “Hack Attack” Podcasts • Best classic podcast, “Hamish & Andy” • Best new podcast, “Sleek Geeks Podcast”
Over 100 years of client service you can trust. Diana Farah Litigation Specialist • Medical Law Issues • Insurance Issues Negligence Issues
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CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 3
index
Since 1993: Volume 20, Number 47
Under fire, we made it back to camp
Canberra Confidential 20 Letters 14 News 3-16 Politics 12 Socials 18-19 THINGS TO DO Entertainment Cinema Dining Garden Horoscope Puzzles
21-29 28 21 30 31 31
Cover: “Cinderella”, Story Page 21. Photo by Andrew Campbell.
contacts CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Journalists: Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au Senior advertising executive: Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999 Advertising sales executives: Rebecca Dann, 0431 042087; Charlotte Cuttle, 6262 9100 Advertising sales co-ordinator: ad@citynews.com.au Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777 Production manager / graphic designer: Janet Ewen Graphic designer: Paulette Leo Photographers: Holly Treadaway and Andrew Finch Proof reader: Glenda Anderson Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au Distribution: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au
Well written, well read
summer days
Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Civic 2601
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
NOW that was a vintage year. One hundred years on from the start of the Great War it felt at times as though we were in hostile terrain and under fire from all sides. But with a couple of nicks and a few very near misses we made it back to camp. The first salvo from above arrived in the form of a massive hit to the Public Service with 7200 jobs in the firing line. Fortunately our departmental commanding officers had been through this before. Though one in 11 employees departed, most were treated with compassion and sensitivity. Then came the Budget which took us all by surprise. But somehow – with a little help from the Senate – we not only survived but found ourselves proclaimed the most liveable city in the world. The Mr Fluffy tragedy – a legacy from the Feds – exploded like an IED wounding more than 1000 of our troops. And while there’s some disquiet about the way they’ve been treated, our local medics, Gallagher and Barr, certainly put in the hard yards. In our own politics we’ve had some small arms fire. The jail has been a constant concern; the recently announced expansion of the Canberra Hospital’s Emergency Department should have
With a little help from the Senate – we not only survived but found ourselves proclaimed the most liveable city in the world. happened years ago; and that $800 million tram to Gungahlin has left most of us unconvinced of its viability. Katy Gallagher’s departure has left a hole in the Senator Jackie officer corps Lambie. Drawing that will be by Paul Dorin very difficult to fill. But enough of conflict. We can also look back on a year where Canberra has continued to come of age as the heart of the nation. Despite the economic challenges, the theatre and visual arts have flowered; our nascent film and
limelight such as Queensland’s bulbous Clive Palmer, Tasmania’s feisty Jackie Lambie, SA’s Nick Xenophon and squeaky Christopher Pyne make it unrecognisable from that dull, boring, pinstriped “Canberra” of yesteryear. Even Tony Abbott is a quintessential North Shore denizen who has never actually moved here with his family. I hope I’m not mistaken. It feels like tossing an old monkey off our backs. And here’s something else: remember when our friends in the states used to say: “Oh I couldn’t live there; it’s too cold”? Maybe in these days of global warming they’re starting to have second thoughts!
TV industry has leapt into the national arena. Sporting venues such as Manuka Oval and the new tennis complex have risen to international standards. New hotels have mushroomed. Entertainment venues have boomed. Tourist attractions from the NGA to the Arboretum to the National Museum have consolidated their place in the national itinerary. But perhaps most profoundly, I detect for the first time a sea change in the robert@robertmacklin.com way our compatriots in the states regard us. At last they seem to be making the distinction between Canberra the city and that “Canberra” of journalistic shorthand for a political ogre. And oddly enough, I think we can thank Prime Minister Tony Abbott and that awful Budget. Partly it’s because we were slugged hardest. And that news filtered through to the rest of the country. But also the federal characters it threw into the
ROBERT MACKLIN
An everyday crossing With the introduction of low speed traffic this means pedestrians can safely cross Bunda Street at any time. Wide kerbs will create an open environment to encourage business and community activity. Discover how Bunda Street is changing at tams.act.gov.au
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4 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WAY We understand that a home is representative of who you are and needs to become more than just a place to live, but a reflection of your style, your taste and your personality. Our Chelsea in O’Connor development has taken this into consideration with outstanding features such as the recycled Canberra red brick feature wall, a shared vegetable garden for residents; watered by a 12,000L water tank and striking raked high ceilings appealing to the interior designer in all of us. Chelsea will stand as a shining example of how a well-planned, designed and constructed development can help build a community. Not only are Chelsea’s features appealing, but with construction scheduled for completion in April 2015, today is the perfect time to secure your dream home.
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HAVE A MERRY MANUKA CHRISTMAS How long since you’ve had the Manuka experience? Manuka is evolving with new shops, boutiques, hospitality venues and professional services—everything you need. It’s Christmas and a perfect time to rediscover Manuka for great holiday shopping and socialising. Manuka has it all.
LIVING IN STYLE Living in Style is a one-stop destination for stylish décor and gift requirements. A Pandora’s Box of contemporary, unusual and quirky items from across Australia and around the world, the store continually delights customers. Hilarious cards, aprons and mugs. Speciality items for home, office, garden and pets. Free gift wrapping. TEL 6295 6894 facebook.com/pages/Living-In-Style-Manuka/512732572078001?ref=hl
THINGS OF DESIRE T.O.D. Manuka imports impeccable classic pieces with a twist direct from Europe. We empower our customers with a fresh sense of fashion and sophistication. Since establishing in 1999, T.O.D. Manuka has cultivated a highly satisfied base of customers from around Australia who appreciate stylish garments and accessories. TEL 6260 8844 / todesire.com.au
CREATIONS Creations is an award-winning, family-owned and operated business, something of a rarity in the traditional world of fine jewellery. The business has a modern approach and a keen sense of fashion. It specialises in designing, manufacturing and remodelling old jewellery. The friendly team of staff includes designers, gemmologists and creative jewellers. TEL 6295 1763 / creationsjewellers.com.au
HOME BY CREATIONS Step inside this tastefully designed store to find a breathtaking selection of homewares to tempt the discerning decorator and gift buyer. Brands include Alessi, Design House, mud australia, Fink, iitalla, Papaya, Murano glass and Mondaine watches. We’re on hand to help with your gift choice and gift wrap your purchase. TEL 6295 1985
HOME KIDS As Canberra’s favourite independent bookstore, our comfortable atmosphere is perfect for browsing. With knowledgeable staff who are passionate about reading, and a huge range of titles, we can find the right book for you. We hold regular events with authors and are open 9am to 8pm seven days a week. TEL 6295 6723 / paperchainbookstore.com.au
COUNTRY HOUSE Dedicated to sourcing unique and beautiful products from around the world, Country House Manuka is truly a feast for the senses. For 22 years, Marlene McCarthy has personally selected a diverse range of personal accessories and homewares, all chosen for their superb quality, beautiful design and the best materials. TEL 6295 1502 / countryhousemanuka.com
BRIOLETTE Located in the chic shopping precinct of Manuka, Briolette prides itself on the remarkable design and beauty of it’s original pieces. Briolette is dedicated to delivering, the highest standards of excellence, refined craftsmanship and assurance of quality, and the knowledgeable staff are experts in advising on all manner of inquiry. TEL 6295 9493 / briolette.com.au
WOLFIE Find fanciful fashion and whimsical wares for babies and children up to 16 years at Wolfie. We select the best quality clothes, shoes and gifts, so children can run wild and play hard. Kids can play in the outdoor forest while you shop. Brands include Sudo, Paper Wings, Eeeni Meeni and Wilson & Frenchy. TEL 6239 6038 / wearwolfie.com.au
An initiative of the Manuka Business Association.
PAPERCHAIN BOOKSTORE As Canberra’s favourite independent bookstore, our comfortable atmosphere is perfect for browsing. With knowledgeable staff who are passionate about reading, and a huge range of titles, we can find the right book for you. We hold regular events with authors and are open 9am to 8pm seven days a week. TEL 6295 6723 / paperchainbookstore.com.au
MBE MANUKA Marilyn and Arthur at Mail Boxes Etc Manuka, have been providing a range of services to customers for 19.5 years. Business services include digital, offset printing, courier, freight and mail services. Christmas promotion: We will pack and send your Christmas goods anywhere in the world with a trusted carrier. TEL 6239 5122 / mbemanuka.com.au
URBAN PANTRY Urban Pantry brings warmth and sophistication to Canberra’s leafy inner south. The rustic fit-out, vintage floorboards and earthy colour palate, creates a lived-in feel. The menu changes with the seasons and focuses on local produce. Blackboard specials delight. The wine list is carefully selected. Sit, taste and indulge at Urban Pantry. TEL 6162 3556 / urban-pantry.com.au
MY CAFÉ My Cafe promises something for everyone with a tasty breakfast menu from 7am to 5pm and all-day and late-night dining. Indulge in vegetarian dishes, paleo-friendly and gluten-free options, seasonal and daily specials and exquisite desserts. Shelter indoors or enjoy the breeze and a cocktail al fresco. Reservations are not necessary. TEL 6295 6632 / mycafemanuka.com.au
EAST HOTEL East Hotel is a 4.5-star apartment style hotel with creative event space where guests leave with expectations exceeded and with a sense of having experienced something different. Winner of the Australian Hotel Association National Award for Best Suite/Apartment Style Hotel 2013 and 2014, East is designed for couples and families. TEL 6295 6925 / easthotel.com.au
FORREST HOTEL AND APARTMENTS Located in the heart of Canberra, we are just a short walk to the cafés and restaurants of Manuka and close to many of Canberra’s major tourist attractions. The property comprises 76 hotel rooms, and 40 one-and two-bedroom serviced apartments. Overlooking beautiful parkland, our restaurant and deck are ideal for alfresco dinning. TEL 6203 4300 / forresthotel.com
CONTOURS DE FEMME Our boutique clinic offers a range of advanced, non-invasive skin and beauty treatments as well as individually tailored weight management programs. We offer extended hours, operate on an appointment only basis to ensure you receive the undivided attention you expect and will answer all your questions at a free consultation. TEL 6295 8848 / contoursdefemme.com.au
MANUKA COURT Manuka Court was built in the swinging 60s and remains packed full of creativity. It features national retailers offering the best of high fashion and local boutiques offering stunning jewellery, stylish outfits and fabulous gifts. You can also relax in air-conditioned comfort at one of Manuka Court’s cafés or restaurants.
M CENTRE M Centre has stunning style. The building is a stylish, boutique fashion and fine food destination featuring local and national retailers. You will be spoilt for choice when buying gifts for friends, family or even yourself. Immerse yourself in M Centre’s contemporary art spaces and experience the best in shopping.
PRICELINE With fabulous brands at famously low prices, we’ve got your health and beauty needs covered. Our pharmacists are committed to your well-being and offer expert advice and services. At Priceline Manuka you’ll love our huge range of makeup, skincare, hair products and fragrances and you’ll love paying less for them. TEL 6162 0007 / priceline.com.au
An initiative of the Manuka Business Association.
news
The trick to track a standard drink Pain of
an empty chair…
WITH the party season in full swing, it’s hard to keep track of how many standard drinks you are consuming, especially if your glass doesn’t always represent a standard drink. In Australia, a standard drink refers to 10 grams of alcohol. On average, this is how much the human body can process in one hour. In general, one standard drink is equal to 375ml of mid-strength beer, 100ml of wine or 30ml of spirits. While the label on most alcoholic drink containers shows the number of standard drinks in the container, once poured it’s often hard to know how many standard drinks are in the glass. There are no common glass sizes used in Australia and beverages can also vary in strength of alcohol*. Here are some tips to drinking responsibly: Drink water or non-alcoholic “spacers” between drinks to keep you refreshed and hydrated. Eating food before or while drinking slows alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Alcohol is alcohol – remember that the alcohol in a standard drink of beer, wine or spirits is the same – it’s how much you drink, not what you drink that matters. Avoid top ups so you can keep track of your alcohol intake. Think about how you’re going to get home before you leave home – take a cab or designate a driver. Never drink and drive. Be aware – if you accept a drink from someone you don’t know, you’ll know about as much about what’s in that drink as you do about the person who gave it to you. And for party hosts the advice is much the same: provide food and non-alcoholic drinks, water and soft drinks
THE Big D’s – death, divorce, diagnosis, disagreement – are hard to cope with at any time of the year, so it’s no surprise they can seem worse during the festive season
should be available for those who don’t want to drink alcohol and also so your guests can pace themselves over the course of the evening. Consider serving pre-made cocktails using a standard drinks measure, also known as a jigger. And don’t top up your guests’ glasses, it makes it more difficult to track how much they are drinking, making it harder for them to make responsible choices. Have cab phone numbers and taxi-booking apps at the ready. More information at DrinkWise.org.au or DrinkIQ.com
FOR LEASE
Support for families ANYONE worried about how drinking by someone they know is affecting them or you or their families, Al-Anon offers support. Al-Anon is for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone you know has a drinking problem, you can see what it’s doing to them – but can you see what it’s doing to you? Choose from 12 meetings each week in the Canberra region. Find them at al-anon.org/australia or call 6249 8866. Average serve
Amount of standard drinks
Nip of spirits (30ml measure)
Spirits (40% alc.) 1 standard drink
White wine glass (150ml) (avg. 11.5% alc.)
1.4 standard drinks
Red wine glass (150ml) (avg. 13% alc.)
1.5 standard drinks
Champagne glass (150ml) (avg. 12% alc.)
1.4 standard drinks
Schooner glass (425ml)
Low strength (avg. 2.7% alc.) 0.9 standard drinks Mid strength (avg. 3.5% alc.) 1.2 standard drinks Full strength (avg. 4.8% alc.) 1.6 standard drinks
Middy or a Pot (285ml)
Low strength (avg. 2.7% alc.) 0.6 standard drinks Mid strength (avg. 3.5% alc.) 0.8 standard drinks Full strength (avg. 4.8% alc.) 1.1 standard drinks
Commercial - Retail space
Garran Shopping Center
* Standard Drinks Guide from the Australian Government Department of Health Website
Suits
Retail - Medical - Food Professionals - Office
Area
Internal area External Total area
115.58 sqm 79.53 sqm 195.10 sqm
Close to Canberra Hospital
Town Planning - CZ4 - Local Centre Zone Contact your commercial agent or Email - theboxoffice@xboxprojects.com Phone - 02 6295 0575 10 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
“The first Christmas after a loved one dies is often traumatic as the empty space that person filled in our lives simply gapes at us,” says Petrea King, CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation. “However, it is very common for the second, third or subsequent Christmases to also be difficult or devastating as we fully comprehend the consequences of our lost love. “Traditionally, Christmas is a time of happiness, shared times, excitement, reunion and love. “Even at the best of times, this can be an enormous and unrealistic pressure on individuals and families. And for some people it will feel like everyone is having a wonderful time with their loved ones and the grieving person is starkly reminded of their aloneness and the loss of their loved one. “Feeling the pressure of having to be happy, jovial or even pleased to see people can feel insurmountable and only accentuates the pain of loss.” Knowing that Christmas can compound grief is the first step towards being prepared for it. King says, it’s important to “schedule in some time for ourselves so that we can express sadness, disbelief, anger or frustration. This can be more effective than grief coming out in less helpful reactive language or behaviours.” Things that can help include: • Singing Christmas carols – even if these do make you have a good cry – it’s a release. • Dancing. • Exercise – especially swimming. • Having a coffee with old friends. • Go to the zoo. • Gardening can be a great solace. • Don’t hope it will be a good Christmas – make plans. • Do anything that will help you relax – even just have a cup of tea and look into the distance. • Honour the loved one – raise the glass. • Make and display a corkboard of photos of people you love but who can’t be with you.
dose of dorin
OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 6pm
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21 DEC
Wednesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
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politics
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Saluting an Assembly of firsts
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Christmas Services
EN2168.indd 1
8/12/2014
THE ACT now has the first openly gay head of state in Australia with the election of Andrew Barr as Chief Minister. This is another first for the ACT and a point of pride for the Canberra community. Canberra has a proud history in innovation and leadership despite being one of the newest and smallest jurisdictions in Australia. Our political leadership has reinforced in the community the values of tolerance, understanding and caring. When Rosemary Follett was elected as the first Chief Minister on May 11, 1989, she was the first woman to be elected head of an Australian polity. Carmen Lawrence was to follow as the Premier of WA (February, 1990) and Joan Kirner (August, 1990) in Victoria. Whereas Follett had been elected in the start of the term, in each case the women premiers were elected in the middle of an election cycle in an attempt to save parties that were in dire political straits. The 1989 election was the first in Australia where the non-major party MLAs together outnumbered each of the major parties. In that election Labor won just five seats and the Liberals four, with the other eight seats held by non-majors. It was convenient to blame the d’Hondt electoral system. However, the reality was that there was such dissatisfaction with self-government being thrust on the ACT that Canberrans chose to use their vote to punish the parties that had made the decision. Four years to the day on which Follett had been appointed Chief Minister, Speaker Roberta McRae announced in the Assembly on May 11, 1993 that Kate Carnell had been elected Leader of the Opposition. The ACT Assembly became the first Australian parliament to have all major leadership positions held by women. The role of women was cemented in the leadership of the 3:46 pmcity-state.
There was such dissatisfaction with self-government being thrust on the ACT that Canberrans chose to use their vote to punish the parties that had made the decision. On April 28, 1998, when Carnell announced my appointment as Australia’s first independent minister, she established a pattern that would be followed in other states. The appointment of the current ACT Greens minister, Shane Rattenbury, follows the same pattern. The appointments delivered broader thinking and more stable governments. The ACT has also first ground in groundbreaking social movements. The Voluntary and Natural Death Bill 1993 (ACT) was the first voluntary active euthanasia legislation to be introduced in any legislature in the country. Marshall Peron’s Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill in the NT was modelled on ACT legislation and was voted into law on May 25, 1995. In 1997, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy approved a trial providing heroin to dependent users. In October, 2013, the ACT passed the first same-sex marriage laws in any jurisdiction. All of these socially progressive moves were blocked in one way or another by conservative Commonwealth governments. The Commonwealth Parliament changed the Self-Government Acts of both Territories to ensure: “The Assembly has no power to make laws permitting… intentional killing of another called euthanasia”. The federal cabinet refused to change the laws governing control of heroin in order to prevent the heroin trial proceeding. A successful High Court challenge by the Commonwealth meant some couples had their marriages annulled. One of the most successful pieces of
progressive legislation was the Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT) of then-Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope. The first of its kind legislation clarifies a series of fundamental rights including the right to life, equality before the law, a fair trial, freedom from retrospective criminal laws and (most importantly) the rights of minorities. The legislation recognises the challenge for democracies is not so much about looking after majorities but being able to protect individuals and look after minorities. There are many other examples of firsts for the ACT Assembly. However, these few examples and the elevation of Barr as Chief Minister reflect a community that is highly educated, politically savvy and open to new ideas and progressive thinking. As our community looks towards 2015 we can only hope that innovation and engagement continue in Canberra, the OECD’s city with the “best quality of life” in “income, safety and civic engagement”. Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
St Paul’s Anglican Church Cnr Canberra Avenue and Captain Cook Crescent, Manuka
Wednesday 24 December, 2014 6.00pm Children’s Eucharist and Nativity Play 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist Thursday 25 December, 2014 7am Holy Eucharist – Book of Common Prayer 8am Holy Eucharist – A Prayer Book for Australia 10am Sung Eucharist – A Prayer Book for Aust.
St David’s Anglican Church Fortitude Street, Red Hill
Thursday 25 December, 2014 8.30am Holy Eucharist – A Prayer Book for Aust.
12 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
Hold the tram, endangered species ahead I’M excited by the predicament of Canberra’s striped legless lizard. Excited, because I see a way out of the economic mire that we’re about to find ourselves in, courtesy of the billion-dollar toy train set. This is the deal: ACT Labor has staked its political life on the tramline from Civic to Gungahlin. Although there are those within the party who now see the folly in this ridiculously expensive infrastructure extravaganza they’re very much committed. Backing out would be embarrrassing. And then there’s the power-sharing agreement with Shane Rattenbury, which has the train set as its centrepiece. The natives are getting restless over the light rail and you can smell revolution in the air. Despite this, the new Chief Minister has declared nervously that he’s bolted on to the idea as much as his predecessor. He admits to “being a sceptic in
Andy and Ratters can save the day by abandoning the light rail project to save whichever creature is under threat. Everyone’s a winner. the early days” in the way that 10-year-old boys will sometimes admit that they were once scared of the dark. Andrew Barr has told me that there’s no chance of him backing out of this any time soon. So, what’s the striped legless lizard got to do with it? Well, this hapless lizard is the endangered one, because Canberra’s kangaroos are over grazing on the grasslands. ANU researcher Brett Howland has said that large kangaroo numbers could destroy the grassland habitats of lizards. It got me thinking that the answer to all of our problems is to find an endangered species that could well be threatened by the construction of the light rail line. Andy and Ratters can save the day by abandoning the light rail project to save whichever creature is under threat. Everyone’s a winner. All we have to do is find the right endangered species. I’ve been doing some exhaustive research and I’ve uncovered five local species that are in
MARK PARTON
danger of extinction: The six-legged Huntsman spider – this guy’s not very good at getting out of the way of whatever got him the first time. If we can find enough of them along Northbourne Avenue, they could be the answer. The straggly haired window washer – there’s no questioning that Northbourne Avenue is their natural habitat. Who knows how this endangered species will cope with the disruption of tram line construction. The Right-Leaning Independent – it’s been a while since one of them has been seen in the wild, not since the days of Dave Rugendyke and Paul Osborne. Chic Henry very nearly emerged from their cave in 2012, but it seems that the right-leaning independent now only exists in radio captivity in Canberra. The Public Phone Box – this species hasn’t adapted well to the 21st century and you must trek far and wide to see them at all in the suburbs. Even tougher to find one that works. The Local Shops’ Video Store – their decline has been well documented. How on earth we pin their survival to scuttling the tram line is beyond me, but I’m willing to try anything! Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer at 2CC
Celebrating
years 15 in dental services
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An evening talk with renowned international Buddhist teacher, Gen-La Kelsang Dekyong at the National Library 7 January 2015, 7-8.30pm Bookings: www.meditateincanberra.org Enquiries: info@meditateincanberra.org or phone 0477044607
letters
dose of dorin
Mr Fluffy comments ‘misjudged’ I DON’T know where to start on just how badly mistimed and misjudged John Griffiths’ comments are on Mr Fluffy homeowners (“Standing firm to Fluffy logic”, CN, December 11). Not only are they staggeringly insensitive, he’s completely misunderstood the issues. Comparing the “bad luck” of a failed business to owning or living in a Mr Fluffy house is, frankly, offensive. I’d strongly argue the vast majority of Fluffy owners are not looking to profit from the situation. In fact, a significant issue is people did not know they had bought or were renting a Fluffy property. Plus, another subgroup has declared they will accept the risk and want to stay. There are also thousands of people who have lived in one of these houses at some point, and since moved on. To characterise them all as greedy and selfish is unbelievable – and he owes them an apology. James Strang, Giralang
Why loaded questions? ONE tactic of the ACT Government to try to “sell” the Gungahlin to city tramline is to run a push poll of questions such as: “Would you walk to a tram if one ran near your residence?” Well yes. But you’d also walk to a nearby bus stop if there was one. Since there is no bus service during the day from Weston Creek direct to the city (nor planned any time soon) why the loaded question? I think Holder and Duffy were built in the 1970s. Their ratepayers must have financed a lot of new developments while waiting for decent services. P. Edwards, Holder
mum in the city
Heavy work to pack light IT’S that time of year again; the summer holidays are close at hand and for quite a few of us that means a long road trip, and that involves bundling the kids into the car amidst piles of luggage, sporting and recreational equipment, electronic gadgets, tents, sleeping bags, Christmas presents and who knows what else. I never have learnt the art of travelling light. Not surprisingly, neither have my offspring. This year my eight-year-old daughter is planning to bring clothes for every occasion and that involves an impressive array of ice skating costumes. Also lined up to be packed are a careful but extensive selection of favourite dolls and soft toys, a big bag of art supplies and another bag of spelling, maths and puzzle books. She hates to be bored. My 12-year-old son is less worried about clothes, though he’s careful to pack enough so he can look “cool” including when he’s skating. However, he does plan to bring with him all of his electronic devices – tablet, laptop, iPod, portable DVD player and a small library of DVDs and books.
I pack for every eventuality. As far as clothes are concerned, I like to cover all possibilities. Let’s face it, the weather’s been pretty erratic of late. Then there are at least half a dozen shoe options, blow drier, hair straightener, hair curler, case of essential cosmetics, a mid-sized bag of medical supplies, my Kindle, a few magazines and, of course, the coffee maker. I don’t know about other people, but my need for a good coffee to kickstart the day doesn’t fade during the holidays. There are also all the essentials for a road trip – GPS, maps in case the GPS doesn’t work, snacks, fruit, water, tissues and toilet paper in case there needs to be an unscheduled stop at some remote spot without plumbing. Quite a bit of the day before departure is spent packing the car. It’s a bit like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle requiring geometric calculation and some cunning. Luckily the kids are skinny. And there are all the other things that need to be done before departure – scrambling to sort out presents and cards, paying bills, taking our hound to the boarding kennel, getting our house sitter sorted including instructions about which plants in the garden need that extra bit of water if they are to survive a summer heatwave. Of course, that’s all before we get out of the driveway. Only then does the “fun” really begin!
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christmas
Presents are a pain, but there’s a payback LOGICALLY, I can’t really justify the whole idea of giving. The problem is the return on the investment of giving a present at Christmas time is detrimental. From a financial perspective we all know it is a rort. We outbid other desperate shoppers to pay an inflated price on a cheaply made necktie or Elmo doll – and for what? A credit statement full of negatives? And, if we are lucky, an even cheaper necktie than the one we bought. From an emotional perspective there is some return, but still incredibly imbalanced. The frustration of parking, the exhaustion of a full day of shopping and the stress of trying to buy Christmas gifts for relatives who already have everything. Sure, we get a little bit of emotional pleasure when we see them smile as they open our gift and give us a hug, but empirically this is hardly worth it. However, deep down we all know that there is some value in this exercise that goes beyond the hard financials and the empirical emotions. Otherwise why would we keep putting ourselves through this every year? Put simply I think there is some other reason, something other-dimensional, something transcendent. The selfless and sacrificial generosity of gift giving certainly doesn’t fit into the social Darwinism model of “survival of the fittest”. Instead it reflects a virtue of honour. We honour our parents as they age for their tireless contributions to our lives. We honour our friends for the support given during the tough times of the year. We honour our children, nieces, and nephews for the joy they bring and to recognise the life to come. On the highest level, however, it is an honour that reflects the gift first given to us. The baby in the
The selfless and sacrificial generosity of gift giving… reflects a virtue of honour. Christmas story was a gift from God to the world. In response to this we honour the giver by reflecting this same generous virtue. The three wise men that came to the birth of Jesus capture this relationship beautifully. The first brought gold, a gift designed for a king like the world had never seen. The second brought frankincense, a resin used as incense to recognise this baby would become a priest of sacrifice. The third brought myrrh, an embalming fluid used in funerals, which meant that this was a child born… to die. Not only were these men honouring the gift, they were also honouring the sacrifice to come. This story hints at the transcendent meaning as to why we put aside the financial and emotional pain to give generously to one another. Honouring our relationships with each other is the only way we know how to respond to the gift of those relationships. Deep down we know that we don’t deserve the good people around us. We haven’t earned this amazing gift of life. No matter the worthy acts we do, it will never be enough to make us worthy of the love we receive. Instead, all we can do at Christmas in response is to stand with genuine awe and humility, our imperfect but grace-filled family and friends alongside, as we acknowledge with deep thankfulness all that we have been given through those people. Therefore, as we strive towards that day, what keeps us going is the desire to simply bless in a small way the ones made in the image of the One who gave the greatest gift of all. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4.19) Merry Christmas
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lowbrow
Kaboom! The future is here GOOD news everyone, the future is here! Actually as any realist will tell you, this is a mixed blessing. Last week the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf deployed a serious laser cannon for blasting small aircraft and boats out of existence. As opposed to the laser demonstrator of a couple of years ago, this thing doesn’t linger on the target to set it gently smoking and smouldering before eventually setting it on fire. This was a KABOOM! sort of affair. While the cannon cost tens of millions of dollars, each shot is cheaper than a bullet at around 50 cents. This changes the military calculus dramatically compared to arsenals of expensive guided munitions running to millions of dollars each. This is an experimental weapon, but it has been deployed for active service with rules of engagement authorising real world use. Even better than “Star Wars” weapons, the beam is silent and invisible. Let us hope we can trust the US government with such a thing. CLOSER to home, the banks are rolling out PayTag technology which basically turns your mobile phone into a credit card. What’s the advantage over a credit card? Well, right now your PayWave credit card will cough up a payment to any terminal it’s exposed to for an amount under $100. While burglary and robbery is being driven from the earth by CCTV, DNA evidence and ubiquitous mobile phones, credit card fraud is a real growth area. A PayTagged mobile phone, on the other
While burglary and robbery is being driven from the earth by CCTV, DNA evidence and ubiquitous mobile phones, credit card fraud is a real growth area. hand, gives you a switch to make the tag inert. You decide when your credit card account gets tapped. I recommend asking your bank about it. IN other news, a year after hitting the market the Google Chromecast is mature and can be picked up at Dick Smiths and other similar stores for a near paltry $50. The main problem with it is the people who would benefit most from it don’t realise why they need one. Basically TV is, major news and sporting events aside, better enjoyed online at a time of your choosing rather than the TV networks’ caprice. If you’re not a gamer with a modern gaming console or a smart TV, the $50 Chromecast lets you access the ABC’s iView, everything on YouTube, and much else besides. Even if you’ve got a smart TV, a phone or tablet makes for a much easier interface for finding the show you want to watch than a TV remote. The Android phone most of you have will do the business, for Apple fans the AppleTV at twice the price does more in some ways. The point is that if you haven’t got your TV
online now is the time to do it. Why stay home for fear of missing a show? For those who are still resisting smartphones, the Chromecast also works with any tab in the Chrome web browser on your network (a free extension needs to be downloaded). Just don’t go forgetting you’re broadcasting that browser tab to the family TV before retiring for some more private, intimate web browsing. I’ve set one up for my parents for Christmas. If they make use of it I’ll get them two more for their other TVs. If you haven’t had the joy, being able, at your leisure, to settle in for 90 minutes of your favourite band in concert from pretty much any era on a full screen TV is well worth doing. John Griffiths is the online editor of citynews.com.au
JOHN GRIFFITHS
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5D Barrier St, Fyshwick – next to Toyworld • www.westlandcanberra.com 16 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
Keepin’ YOU safe is our priority wtih Luke from Maintaining a safe and reliable network is our priority. To do this, we need your help. When you’re out and about, keep an eye out for damage to gas or electricity equipment. Damaged equipment includes the following: • open or damaged substation doors • covers removed from mini pillars • damaged electricity poles and wires • bent or broken gas meter pipes. A little help from you could make a big difference to everyone’s safety.
CCA004/14
For faults and emergencies call 13 10 93 for electricity and 13 19 09 for gas – 24-hours.
scene / around canberra
invite us / scene@citynews.com.au
Social event of the week / ‘James Turrell: Retrospective’ opening, National Gallery NEXT year is the UN’s International Year of Light and I thought perhaps the National Gallery was being pre-emptive in launching us into the light that is “James Turrell: Retrospective”, but not a mention at the opening. If you thought you knew everything you needed about light, suspend all preconceptions and bathe in the glows that Turrell creates in this unique retrospective. It will be a deeply personal experience. The official opening was a picture of hot pink: pink carpet, pink drinks, pink pinnies on the staff and pink lights to give us a glow in the themed-to-the-nthdegree Gandel Hall, where the new (and still glowing in his excitement) Chief Minister Andrew Barr stepped up to the podium and applause to open the retrospective and extol the Turrell “experience” he’d just enjoyed. That was the Perceptual cell, a deepsea diving bell akin to a Jules Verne creation of 15 minutes of intense light to slide into. Turrell loves our southern sky and his NGA Skyspace reveals it. Now his light sculptures become an intangible, all encompassing experience for us to go where only light has gone before.
Artist James Turrell
Julia Greenstreet and Victoria Perin
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At Menslink’s Midweeker, Griffith
At the Convention Bureau’s networking night, Federal Golf Club
Guest speaker and Raiders’ coach Ricky Stuart with Mark Whithear
Adrianna Perabo, Kara Dawson, Lisa Jones and Belinda Haddon
Scott Winsor and Jayden Hedington
Geoff Didier, Neale Roberts and Michael Battenally
Jess Hardy and Anna Newton
Josh Matic and Des Linehan
Larisa Medeni, Jean Waghorn, Debora Miller and Alicia Doherty
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Canberra Confidential
Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au
trumpeted a media release from Planning Minister Mick Gentleman, but neglected to include a link to them.
Flying low FACEBOOK confession from press gallery TV cameraman Nick Haggarty that he’d been at work almost two hours before realising his fly was open. “That’s okay,” he laconically admits, “hadn’t shot anything serious, only one interview with the PM.”
Let’s shop physical
Panel beaters rejoice! THE panel beaters of Canberra must be rejoicing at TAMS’ tardiness to fix the parking idiocy at the Yarralumla shops where cars park nose in both sides of Bentham Street, meaning simultaneous reversing can end in accidents, as happened here. Local Liberal MLA Steve Doszpot,
Apparently a joke SPOTTED on hotcopper.com.au, a national stock market forum: “No Nativity Scene in Canberra this Year”, which apparently is a joke that goes: “The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a nativity scene in the nation’s capital this Christmas season. This isn’t for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise
who has been nagging for a safe solution, bemoaned the latest episode that had a black car lurching forward to avoid backing into someone and in the process pushed the parked grey car on to the welcome mat of a gift store. As Steve points out, it’s a mercy no one was walking by at the time. Men in Canberra. The search for a virgin continues. There was no problem, however, finding enough donkeys to fill the stable.” Hmmm.
Mick makes it easy “Understanding the rules behind place naming in the ACT has become easier with the launch of new online guidelines,”
SILLY season has started with this odd endorsement by the Heart Foundation CEO, Tony Stubbs, of the Bunda Street Shareway in Civic, which apparently “represents a significant step forward to a safer and healthier city.” It would seem shopping is good for your health.
The angry mob PERILS of offshore editing… CC’s Weston snout spotted this howler in “The Canberra Times”, commenting: “Obviously the NZ sub editors don’t know that kangaroos are herbivorous. In any case, the story does not support the heading”. The roos are eating the grassland habitat of the reptiles, not the animals themselves.
You’re invited to the
t s a o R y Sunda
Sundays from 10am, 2CC Talking Canberra presents an exciting new concept on Canberra radio – the CityNews Sunday Roast.
It’s a program that will trigger conversation and debate with news, views and background to issues that affect the great city in which we live. And it’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” writers and 2CC’s local personalities.
Be a part of the discussion and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon 20 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
TIRELESS snapper Andrew Campbell was up on O’Connor Oval at 11.35pm to capture the Geminid meteor shower over Canberra.
happy holidays / things to do advertising feature Happiness is an Cinders open restaurant... with a
funky twist COVER STORY by Helen Musa
THERE’S the story of “Cinderella”, the panto and the Disney version, but hands up anyone who knew Rodgers and Hammerstein had written a musical for TV on this time-honoured theme. And this is the show Canberra’s Ickle Pickle Productions is bringing to us in January, with a mixed adult-child cast of 37 actors, and you can hardly wipe the smile off the face of co-director and producer Justin Watson. They’ve all – principals, mice, footmen, villagers and cats – been busy working since September on the so-called “Enchanted” edition, based on the 1997 teleplay that starred Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother. Before that it played to millions in the 1965 version starring Lesley Ann Warren as Cinderella, a remake of the 1957 telefilm starring Julie Andrews. It’s a Rodgers and Hammerstein, full of songs you can hum along to. “It is one of those shows that ticks all our boxes, catering for adults and children both in the cast and the audience,” the excited Watson tells “CityNews” and just like recent shows such as “Oliver” and “Seussical”, there are lots of “really good roles” for young and old alike. The company, formed by Watson in 2005 when Belconnen Community Centre’s Jan Wawrzynczak suggested they needed a resident theatre company, has made holiday pantomimes its stock-in-trade for years. “It’s a company rebranding exercise to get
From left, Risa Craig, as stepsister Joy; Adellene Fitzsimmons as Cinderella and Holly Ross as stepsister Grace. Photo by Andrew Campbell away from pantomime, which is not what our better actors in Canberra expect,” he explains. And happily, 100 people auditioned. Top of the task list is the music and Ickle Pickle’s seasoned musical director Susan Davenport has been fine-tuning an electronic soundtrack. Because of the small size of Belconnen Theatre, Watson says, a 21-piece orchestra is out, so she’s reproduced that sound on CD. Watson is co-directing with Hannah McFadden, who will also choreograph. Coincidentally, she was in the chorus of a Tempo Theatre production of “Cinderella” directed by Watson in 2005, and they’ve collaborated ever since. Rebranding is one thing, but turning a pumpkin into a stagecoach is something else. With the idea of creating “a bit of an off-kilter feel, not a period production,” Watson says, costume designer Janette Humphrey and set designers Steve Galinec and Anita Davenport
have gone for a funky twist, more in the style of the musical “Wicked”. Other than that, it’s pretty much the Cinderella you know, with Adellene Fitzsimmons as Cinderella, her big break, Watson beams. All the lead roles are played by adults. There is some modernity. Prince Christopher (not Charming) declines to have a wife forced on him, but the suggestion that the Fairy Godmother might represent Cinderella’s dead mother comes straight from the original French story by Perrault. Watson is optimistic that “Cinderella” will sell out, as their summer shows have in recent years, describing it as “a fantastic school holiday entertainment in a nice cool air-conditioned theatre, great for kids, for parents and for grandparents.
A COUPLE of years ago I wrote about the reputation Canberra’s hospitality sector has for slamming doors shut during the holidays. Was it true there was nowhere to eat? The answer was that it was challenging but not impossible. As 2014 draws to an end I find myself asking if matters have improved. Have our eateries dined on the idea that residents and visitors enjoy eating out over the holidays? I called 40 establishments in more central locations to see and report that more places are ensuring you won’t starve. Many still choose to close at obvious times, such as Christmas and New Year’s Day (hospitality deserves a break, too). Others will close as early as December 20 and re-open as late as 15 January. Don’t get me going on those that were still deciding. Here’s a guide to some places still operating, and a big thanks to them for doing so: Le Bistronome, a new Braddon eatery, is as French as you can get, with sensational dishes created under Clement Chauvin, who has worked in Michelin star restaurants overseas. There’s nothing like a chilled brew in sweltering summer. Bentspoke Brewery, a Braddon microbrewery, offers 18 beers and ciders, all brewed on site. Braddon’s Hopscotch, named after hops (beer) and scotch (more than 50 available), celebrates barbecues of the world. Wood & Coal in the city is for those who love slow-roasted cooking on open flames. Its small plates will make your taste buds dance. Also smokin’ is Smoque, an American barbecue restaurant in the city (its recently opened Woden location is closed from December 24 to January 6). Smack in the city is Jamie’s Italian, part of the famous chef’s group of 30 restaurants. Decent food at decent prices and a large outdoor area.
I called 40 establishments in more central locations to see and report that more places are ensuring you won’t starve over the holiday period.
Sammy’s Kitchen, a long-time favourite, is perfect for those in love with Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. Tongue and Groove, with its seriously amazing fitout, invites you to sit back, relax and enjoy, as does Parlour Wine Room, a tapas and wine bar in New Acton. Pheast in Manuka offers cheap and cheerful dishes with generous proportions. Perched on The Lawns is Urban Pantry. Lovely fitout, lovely food, lovely coffee. Walt and Burley, Kingston Foreshore, has an amazing location. My experience is that the food can be hit and miss, although I hear improvements have been made since my last visit. Kingston’s Saffron Restaurant is always there for Canberrans, serving up tasty tapas with top-notch service. Waters Edge, with its glorious lake location, remains an exquisite dining experience. Nestled among the beautiful gardens of Pialligo plant farm, Pod Food is full of character. Dining on delicious cuisine, celebrating local and regional ingredients, is a real treat here. The National Museum Café, with its waterfront café, offers fabulous lake views. It’s not fine dining but a great place to catch a bite if you’re near or at the museum.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”, Belconnen Theatre, January 9-24, bookings to canberraticketing.com.au or 6275 2700.
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Call for whitening offers CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 21
things to do / stuff to see
All around the exhibitions Jindii EcoSpa is moving to the Australian National Botanic Gardens Immerse yourself in Nature. Be part of a beautiful journey.
THE National Gallery’s summer blockbuster exhibition is “James Turrell: A Retrospective” and in its Children’s Gallery is “Alive and Spirited”. THE Australian War Memorial has two new exhibitions – “Ben Quilty: After Afghanistan” and “Alex Seton: As of Today”. The “Glass X Design” exhibition, featuring the collaborative efforts of established and emerging designers and glass artists from across Australia, is on display at the Canberra Glassworks until January 25. “TRAVERSING Antarctica: The Australian Experience”, a rare collection of original equipment and diaries from early expeditions to Antarctica, will be exhibited by the National Archives until February 1, as is “A Ticket to Paradise”, revealing the human stories of post-World War II Australian migration.
equestrians and rodeo stars. THE National Portrait Gallery’s “In the Flesh” exhibition features 10 Australian artists confronting the concept of humanness and the experiences of consciousness and emotion through contemporary art.
Sport FROM December 27, the Canberra Cavalry takes on the Adelaide Bite at Narrabundah Ballpark, in a three-day clash involving four separate games (normal in baseball). On the Saturday plays starts at 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 6pm and Monday at noon. THE Canberra Capitals have two home games early in the year at the AIS Arena. On January 4 the Caps take on the Dandenong Rangers, and on January 9 face the West Coast Waves.
“SPIRITED: Australia’s Horse Story” at the National Museum, features icons of Australia’s thoroughbred racing history, horsedrawn vehicles and riding equipment, and trophies won by leading
Celebrate with Seafood!
Salmon, Prawns, Lobster, Oysters, Mussels, Swordfish, Snapper, Trout, Tuna, Squid, Caviar, Scallops and more!
HOLIDAY TRADING Mon 22 Dec 8am-6pm Tue 23 Dec 8am-6pm Wed 24 Dec 5am-4pm Xmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed Sat 27 Dec Closed Sun 28 Dec Closed Mon 29 Dec Closed Tue 30 Dec 8am-6pm Wed 31 Dec 8am-3pm New Year’s Day Closed Fri 2 Jan Resume normal trade
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First Trout: “Smoking’s bad for you!” Second Trout: “It’s okay. I’ve been cured…”
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22 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
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things to do / kids to amuse Don’t just take a photograph …make one
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Image: Stephen Corey
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Julia Johnson
An opportunity to ‘jam’ “WHEN kids take instrumental lessons on their own, there aren’t many opportunities to ‘jam’ with other kids who are into the same styles of music as you,” says Mieka Lake, program co-ordinator for Music for Everyone. “ She says “Jam It” brings together kids from all over Canberra who may not ever meet ordinarily. The not-for-profit community arts organisation, which provides music tuition, performance opportunities and workshops, is offering a holiday band workshop for youths aged 11-16 years. “Jam It” is a week-long program, January 27-30, that begins with vocal, rhythm and performance workshops and band formation, so students can start working together on covers or original compositions. As well as jamming, small groups of students – with professional musical guidance – will learn about song writing and structure, sound management and stage craft. This January the songwriting workshop will feature Julia Johnson from Julia & the Deep Sea Sirens, so participants will be able to learn from Julia’s industry experience. At the end of the workshop, the bands will perform for family and friends on the main stage at CIT, and at the Multicultural Festival in February. “It’s a fantastic confidence-building exercise, not to mention the new friends participants make. We find that kids usually step on to stage feeling nervous, but come offstage feeling like rock stars!” says Mieka. “Every time we run the program we are blown away by Canberra’s young talent.” More information at mfe.org.au or call 6230 7190.
have a strong focus on being supportive, enthusiastic, committed and positive. “We want the squad to be a big, happy family who adore the sport, learn about teamwork, and also build on their individual skills,” she says. Rianna says that while there is a recreational element to cheerleading, for the Sirens it’s also very much a competitive sport. “Dressing up, doing our hair and make-up and performing in front of a crowd is what we love,” she says. “We’re not sideline cheerleaders – we’re the stars of the show! We love to try things you’d never think were possible, like pyramids, being thrown five metres in the air – we do some crazy stuff!” The squad has been successful in recent competitions, with several first-place competitions, with several first-place trophies at a June comp, Rianna says. “We’ve won several times at the Nationals, and we are looking forward to our best season yet, with five more competitions scheduled this year.” The squad offers classes for everyone aged 18 months old and up, and it’s open to males and females. “I actually met my husband through cheerleading,” she says. “It’s great for fitness but also for the social aspect. I’m particularly efficient; for me, it’s my fitness, my work, my social life, my hobby and my passion! We also have a really supportive parent community, who help to get the performers ready at competitions. It’s a great environment and everyone works together really well.” Term 1 starts on February 9, and Sirens is also offering school holiday workshops on January 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, and 29.
IT’S not just about cheerleading for the Sirens squad, says head coach Rianna Macdougall – they
Sirens Cheerleaders, Unit 1e, 5 Pelle Street, Mitchell. Visit cheerleadersaustralia.com.au
from Julia & the Deep Sea Sirens!
JAMIT
January school holidays band workshop
REB0378.indd 2:29 pm 1 featuring a12/12/2014 song-writing workshop with
11/12/2014 11:56 am
POP • INDIE • ROCK • PUNK
lAlways wanted to form a band, but not surel where to start?l lMeet other experienced youngl players & jam all week, guided l lby professional musicians, as you learn about song-writing &l lstage craft, & perform to the crowds of the Multicultural Festival!l
Tue 27 th- Fri 30th Jan 2015 • 9am - 4pm • $350 Multicultural Fest gig Sun 15th Feb • ages 11-16yrs lYou’ll also receive audio recordings & photosl for your music folio! l lContact Music For Everyone • info@mfe.org.au • 6230 7190 • www.mfe.org.au l
La Scala Italian Restaurant Thank you Canberra
We wish there was enough space on the page to truly express our heartfelt gratitude. After 26 years of presenting Italian Cuisine, we will be closing our doors for the last time at the end of December. Until then we will be bringing back some of our favourite dishes for an encore specials menu. Thank you for being part of our family… Ciao
Centre Cinema Building, Garema Place, Canberra City 6248 8338 www.lascala.net.au CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 23
Festive Dining Whether you’re after a traditional Italian dining experience, a fusion of Southern American spices, a casual family meal or a hearty roast, you’re spoiled for choice with Bailey’s range of restaurants and cafes.
Tosolini’s ‘Gamberi Al Diavolo’ - King prawns chargrilled with chilli lemon lime oil on a bed of rocket. ‘Ravioli Di Zucca’ - Pumpkin ravioli in a burnt butter and sage sauce. Phone 02 6247 4317
Tree Eighty3
things to do / kids to amuse PHOTO Access is running holiday workshops, with two programs designed for 10 to 16-year-olds, to foster creativity and imagination. The “Kids Summer Digital Photography School” is a threeday course which includes a short field trip to capture images with a course tutor, followed by computerbased workshops to develop prints and create unique images. “No photography experience is necessary,” says Claire Capel-Stanley from Photo Access, “it’s just a fun workshop that gives kids skills to imagine through photography.” The digital photography workshops will run between January 14-16, and January 21-23, 9am-4pm. The Kids Day in the Darkroom is a one-day, school-holiday class, 9am3pm, on Tuesday, January 20, in which kids can gain a basic and practical understanding of black-and-white darkroom processes and pinhole photography, by making their own contact prints and photograms. Bookings and more information at photoaccess.org.au or call 6295 7810.
Hot seared lamb mince on baked potato slices, greens and onion. Mint aioli on top and the famous gravy underneath makes for a very special burger. Phone 02 6247 9464
Hogs Breath Cafe Hogs Breath’s famous 18 hours slow cooked calamari prime rib steak. Phone 02 6257 8501
THE National Botanic Gardens is hosting a month-long “2015 Summer Sounds” featuring local musicians every Saturday and Sunday evening in January. The Botanic Gardens is also presenting “Snakes Alive!” featuring live displays of snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs between January 12-18, 10am-4pm weekdays and 10am6pm weekends.
“Snakes Alive” at the National Botanic Gardens. THE Canberra Glassworks is running various summer programs including “Make Your Own Tiles”, “Make Your Own Paperweight”, and “The Great Glass Adventure” that offers a special behind-thescenes journey to all things glass, for the kids. CHRISTMAS in the City is presenting an array of family activities until January 1, including the SIDS & Kids ACT Christmas Lights
Its not for every family, but the Summernats Car Festival is at Exhibition Park, January 1-4.
Hawker student wins prize
Smoque
HAWKER College student Sheida Sabet Raftar is the winner of this year’s Belconnen College Art Prize.
‘Ultimate Platter: Carolina pulled pork, Memphispork ribs, Texas brisket, signature beef ribs, Kansas City chicken and house speciality buffalo chicken wings; pictured with potato salad, red cabbage coleslaw, hand cut fries with house seasoning and mexican street corn. Phone 02 6162 3350
The winner of the $500 prize, sponsored by realtors Ray White, was selected from nearly 100 young artists in years 11 and 12 from colleges in the north Canberra region who have been exploring the world around them through photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and design technology. Sheida won the award for her work “Lois”, executed in pencil on paper. Lois, the subject of the prizewinning work, is a resident at Kangara Waters Aged Care Facility and an enthusiastic knitter, so the artist has drawn knitting needles at the base of the drawing and used the texture of wool throughout the picture. Daramalan, Dickson, Gungahlin, Hawker, Radford, St Francis Xavier Colleges, Burgmann Anglican School and UC Secondary College Lake Ginninderra participated in the accompanying “College Express 6” exhibition, on show until January 18.
Australian Pizza Kitchen Mediterranean pizza - Pesto base, vine tomato, olives, shallots, roasted capsicum, basil & feta cheese. Phone 02 6257 2727
C O R N E R 143 London Circuit, Civic. Cnr London Circuit and East Row 24 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
Display, Flip Out which brings the latest bouncing craze into the CBD and camel rides starting near the fountain in City Walk. There is also the Kids Cubby, purchased by Canberra CBD at Floriade, the Music Hub, roving entertainers and the Festive Theatre.
The winning entry… “Lois” by Sheida Sabet Raftar.
– Helen Musa
things to do / holiday dining
Sinful but subtle
Large bookings, up to 100 people, easily catered for with an impeccable service
Please bring in this advertisement to indulge in any 3 exotic South Indian specials for a HOT LOW $25 pp.
Open 7 days Lunch & Dinner Delivery available for all of Canberra (cond. apply)
Phone 6248 7171 14 Childers St, Canberra City (opposite Street Theatre)
delhi6.com.au
Come in, join us and enjoy the friendly German atmosphere CLUB AND RESTAURANT OPEN FESTIVE SEASON & NEW YEAR’S EVE CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY
PLEASE RING FOR BOOKINGS • RESTAURANT 6239 4381 • CLUB 6295 9853
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• Bistro open 7 days • Lunch 12-2pm • Dinner 6-9pm • Restaurant open Tuesday-Saturday • Lunch 12-2pm – Dinner 6-9pm
HARMONIE GERMAN CLUB www.harmonieclub.com.au 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue | P: 02 6295 9853 | E: harmonie@bigpond.net.au | F: 02 6295 0132 Open: Tues to Sun 11:30am to 2:30pm & Dinner 5:30pm to 10pm
plaka.com.au • 5/55 Woolley St, Dickson • Bookings P. 6249 8880 •
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Namaste! Welcome to Indian dining – at its best.
15/12/2014 2:15 pm
OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH AND DINNER CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
Let Blu Ginger’s recipe of great food, great service, fresh and authentic flavours all prepared by our experienced master chef tempt your taste buds. The Tradition continues.
5 Genge Street (cnr Bunda St) Canberra City | 6247 2228 | bluginger.com.au
CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 25
things to do / new year’s eve
OPEN SATURDAYS
Eskimo Joe… stars of the family friendly concert in Civic Square.
Party night helps the Salvos
designer gifts · scrumptious christmas fare handmade decorations for the table and tree canberra’s unique and fun destination for christmas WENTWORTH AVE KINGSTON · 6295 3331 · OBDM.COM.AU
ZOO 52416
10AM-4PM BEFORE CHRISTMAS
KING O’Malley’s Irish Pub will be asking for donations to the Salvation Army again this New Year’s Eve. “Its a nice and easy way for people to make a donation and bring in the New Year knowing that they have helped someone,” says King O’Malley’s Peter Barclay. Instead of a door charge, King O’Malley’s will be asking patrons to make a donation to the Salvation Army officers who will be there collecting on the night. In past years the donations have come to $10,000, “that speaks so highly of the generosity of Canberrans,” says Peter. King O’Malley’s has been collecting donations on New Year’s Eve for the Salvation Army for more than 10 years, and it has become a tradition. “It’s something we think is really very special,” says Peter. “It’s a great way to support the Canberra community, and it’s really important to support people doing great work in our community.” There will be live music throughout the evening and patrons can enjoy meals and drinks in the outdoor area, from where the midnight fireworks can usually be seen. “It’s a great place to enjoy the festivities, and it’s close to public transport so people can get home safely,” says Peter. King O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 131 City Walk, Canberra.
AROUND 300 people are expected to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Rio style, at the National Arboretum. The Rio Carnival New Year’s Eve Party, hosted by Ginger Catering, will include live entertainment, dancing, drinks, canapes and a three-course meal for $150-a-head. “There will be live samba dancers and live drumming, and a DJ for afterwards,” says Nichole Caldersmith, from Ginger Catering. “Our head chef, Janet Jeffs, has chosen a menu that is really fun and fits in with the Rio Carnival theme and New Year’s Eve.” The menu will feature Brazilian street food, and Ginger Catering is able to cater for dietary requirements. Bookings are essential, more information at gingercatering.com.au TO farewell 2014 and welcome in 2015, this New Year’s Eve the ACT government is staging two major events in Civic: the family-friendly concert in Civic Square and an all-ages dance party in Garema Place. The family concert in Civic Square will feature Australian rock band Eskimo Joe supported by local party bands Plump and Dos Locos. Civic Square is also the best place to see one of
Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra 7:30pm – 1am, Wednesday 31st December 2014 Bookings essential: www.gingercatering.com.au
Canberra’s most state-of-the-art firework shows, which will complete the night with displays at 9pm and midnight set to a soundtrack heralding in the New Year. The high-energy dance party “Bass in the Place” starts at 9pm and will feature some of Australia’s top mixing talent including Joel Fletcher, Runamark, Hudak and Jake Raven. Both events are alcohol and glass free, and ACTION buses will operate the Nightrider service. NEW Year’s Eve is also the last chance to see the SIDS & Kids ACT Christmas Lights in the City. FAR from the din of the city, the Monaro Folk Society will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Bush Dance at the Yarralumla Woolshed featuring south coast band No Such Thing. Formed 30 years ago to promote Australian music and dance, the Monaro Folk Society requires no dancing experience, since all dances are taught and called on the night. The Bush Dance will cost $24 per person and participants are asked to bring a plate of food to share for supper. More information at mfs.org.au
C di an nn a p dr er, e és o in n n ks ter ar in ta riv cl in al ud m , 3 ed en c $1 t, D our 50 J se pp an d
AND SUNDAYS
26 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 GC-CityNews-RioAd-173x71mm.indd 1
9/12/14 2:38 PM
C ANBERR A S LEGEN L I V E M U’S D A RY I C supportin V ENUE g and cele brating lo cal m F our nights
a week for
usic for ev eryone. o ve r 1 5 ye ars!
CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR
at KING O’MALLEY’S ENTRY BY DONATION All donations go to the Salvation Army
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY OPEN ALL OTHER DAYS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVE SEASON
over $10,000 raised each year
KING O’MALLEY’S 131 CITY WALK, CANBERRA CITY | WWW.KINGOMALLEYS.COM.AU | 6257 0111 |
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
Australian Hotels Association – Best Bistro Award | Outstanding Community Service & Achievement Award | Restaurant & Catering Association Award Winner
things to do / movies to see
THE HOME OF THE HARD TO FIND!
What’s hot on the silver screen
YES!
We now carry
TALKING AUDIO BOOKS on CD!
Perfect for all ages, trips in the car, sight impaired – 100’s of titles available. OPEN mon-wed 9-5.30, thur 9-7, fri 9-8, sat 9-5, sun 10-4
Cooleman Court, Weston Creek 6293 4677 | www.songland.com.au
YOUR 7 DAY AGENCY
‘CityNews’ cinema reviewer DOUGAL MACDONALD previews the Boxing Day and New Year movie releases. Opening December 26
“Night at the Museum 3” (PG) – Vale Mickey Rooney, whose career began in 1926 and will end posthumously in 2015 playing Mr Louis in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. In this comedy set in a museum where the exhibits come alive after closing time, Rooney appears for the third time as Gus. Vale Robin Williams, playing Teddy Roosevelt for the third time in his penultimate appearance (still to come in “Absolutely Anything”). Jinx? Hoodoo? Will there be a version 4? Who cares? At Dendy, Capitol 6 and Palace “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (unclassified) – December’s blockbuster has Sir Peter Jackson setting the familiar cast to baulking Smaug’s ambition to rule over Middle Earth, from which the chief export is money to Sir Peter. Which enabled him to buy my sister-in-law’s garden from Ngaranui and transplant it to his place. At Dendy, Palace and Capitol 6 (3D) “St Vincent” (M) – I excoriated Melissa McCarthy for “Tammy”, the out-of-control ego trip that she wrote, produced, directed and played the lead in. In “St Vincent” she plays Maggie, mother of young Oliver who needs a minder. Playing her neighbour, Vietnam vet Vincent, Bill Murray needs no further acclamation. The film gives McCarthy and Murray great scope for interaction.
“St Vincent” shows that her unique style can deliver if there’s a director on hand to keep her under control. At Dendy, Palace and Capitol, 6 “The Penguins of Madagascar” (G) – Those brave, talented flightless birds join forces with undercover organisation The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr Octavius Brine from destroying the world. At Dendy and Capitol 6 “The Water Diviner” (M) – In his directorial debut, Russell Crowe also plays a father who goes to Gallipoli in 1919 to locate his three sons who fought there. At Dendy, Palace and Capitol, 6 “Big Hero 6” (G) – Baymax is a big inflatable animation hero whose whiz-kid best pal Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6” to save San Fransokyo from devastation. At Dendy, Palace and Capitol 6 “Suffragette” (unclassified) – Carey Mulligan plays a working-class woman who had seen peaceful protest achieve nothing against an increasingly brutal government’s opposition to women’s equality. Meryl Streep plays Emmeline Pankhurst and Helena Bonham Carter plays an upper-class woman. Writer Abi Morgan’s track record (“Shame”, “The Iron Lady”) doesn’t shy away from contentious themes. At Palace “Mr Turner” (M) – Such was the audience
response during the recent British Film Festival to Mike Leigh’s affectionate, no-holds-barred memoir of England’s greatest Romantic painter that Palace Electric ran it again, to full houses. Timothy Spall’s full-blown portrayal of Turner is breathtaking, perhaps at times exaggerated for fully-justified dramatic effect. And the paintings are a delight. At Capitol 6 and Palace
Opening January 1 “The Imitation Game” (M) – The story of the Enigma cipher machine and how mathematician Alan Turing invented a machine with which the British decoded Nazi military and naval signals during World War II was top secret until relatively recently. Turing’s awkward personality and homosexuality makes Norwegian Morten Tyldum’s film more poignant. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Turing is great. At Palace and Capitol, 6 “Into the Woods” (PG) – A baker and his wife cope with a curse laid on them by a witch (Meryl Streep). Rob Marshall’s film combines James Ledine’s Broadway screenplay with Stephen Sondheim’s musical adaptations of Brothers Grimm fairy tales Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. At Dendy and Palace Information correct at time of writing, but opening dates may vary. Some titles were still awaiting classification.
reviews
Turrell transports visual arts
“James Turrell: A Retrospective” At the National Gallery. Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak
Ten playwrights respond to the opening stage direction: “[A character] enters carrying a Christmas present.” In aid of Doctors Without Borders and World Animal Protection
The Courtyard Studio Canberra Theatre Centre
Tickets www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Puzzle Solutions Crossword No. 483 A M A A G N C E T P O A N C A A K E E
A Z I A T H R E R S S E L L O E R O S
O N E E S T A L E E M O P R I E S E S
Sudoku hard No.141
C U A D M O N T O N R A A H A T C H E R E A C T A G N H E S S A Y L E T Z A B A C U S E S R R T O R R I D N E E T R U D D E R
Breaking news, arts & socials every day… 28 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
“Paddington”… top position on every family’s list.
There’s a bear in there
“Paddington” (G)
“Horrible Bosses 2” (MA) No stars
IN a Peruvian jungle, explorer Montgomery Clyde befriends an extraordinary bear species hitherto unknown to science. It can speak human-speak. Its preferred diet is marmalade sandwiches. Clyde assures Mr and Mrs Bear that their family will always find a welcome in London. Then, as he sat alone and feeling low at Paddington Station late one night, an arriving train disgorged the Brown family. Mr and Mrs Brown (Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins), their children Judy and Jonathan and housekeeper Mrs Bird (Julie Walters) live in a pleasant London suburb. Opposite lives nosey-parker Curry (Peter Capaldi) whom the mysterious Millicent (ash-blonde-wigged Nicole Kidman) enlists to report on comings and goings at the Brown residence. When Millicent reveals her nefarious intentions, the tensions increase. Will Paddington meet a terrible end? I smiled constantly and laughed often at the antics that writer/director Paul King devised for the film. Only the rankest curmudgeon could fail to take pleasure from it. The coming holiday season offers several films ostensibly for children. “Paddington” merits top position on every family’s list.
AS Sean Anders’ sequel to Seth Gordon’s 2011 pungent dissection of business power plays progressed, I suppressed an urge to walk out. The moments of best merit in “HB2”, jointly directed by Anders and Gordon, involve cameos from Kevin Spacey, in jail where “HB1” left him, all venom and bile, and Jennifer Aniston as a sex-addicted shrink. Nick (Jason Bateman) and fellow dismissed employees Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) establish a company to produce and market “Shower Buddy”. For capital, they approach the online marketing mega-firm run by Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his nasty son Rex (Chris Pine). When the Hansons sneakily take control of the new company, the trio decide to recover their lost capital by kidnapping Rex, for which they engage MF (Jamie Foxx) as technical consultant. As the trio gets deeper bemired in their harebrained scheme, the unremitting stupidity of Kurt and Dale spirals out of control. It is a sad truth that few sequels live up to the promise extended by their predecessors.
At all cinemas
At all cinemas Dougal Macdonald’s review of “Folies Bergere” (M) *** and a half is at citynews.com.au
TO enter alone, lying on a flat bed, into the large sphere that is Turrell’s “Bindu Shards (2010) Perceptual cell”, results in a transcendent and profound experience. Physical and temporal barriers recede as rapidly moving intensities of coloured light create imperceptible changes in brain waves that induce a state of bliss. Surrender is inevitable and the joyful effects of this completely immersive experience lasted throughout the day. It is the installations, so unexpected and intensely dreamlike, that capture the imagination and the heart. Apart from the once-in-a-lifetime experience of “Bindu Shards”, this is most acutely experienced in “Virtuality squared” (2014) Ganzfeld, where the soaring 12-metre ceilings of the NGA accommodate the sensation of being within an amorphous, oneiric environment that goes well beyond the visual to incorporate the emotional. Installations such as “Afrum” (1966), “Shanta ll (blue)” (1970), “Joecar (red)” 1968 and “Raemar pink white” (1969) hover, as if untethered, in discrete spaces. “After green (1993) Wedgework”, approached in darkness, manifests the eye’s capacity to transform, incorporate or indeed reject the actuality of colour and light. To experience Turrell is to be transported.
things to do / arts in the city
Fuchsia blooms in Paris
LEGS Dance Studio graduate Fuchsia Bullot, back from 18 months at the Moulin Rouge as a dancer, has been offered a contract at the revamped Lido show, which opens in Paris in April. Bullot will become one of the famous Bluebell Girls.
QUEANBEYAN glass artist Matt Curtis, who recently joined “CityNews” in honouring the 2014 Artist of the Year by presenting one of his works, has been named the inaugural creative fellow at the Canberra Glassworks. Curtis, who was also the 2013 CAPO fellow, is just back from the big SOFA Fair in the US, where he met his biggest buyers. He wins a stipend, a residence, and access to the Glassworks’ facilities. THE High Court’s free Christmas concert, from 1.30pm on Sunday, December 21 will feature local favourites including singers Toby Cole, Louise Page, Helen Swan, pianist Phillipa Candy and trumpeter Zach Raffan with The Trumpet Club. HOTSHOT Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-Liang will present three of his films during the “Taiwan: the View from the South”, in the auditorium of the China in the World Building (188) in Fellows Lane, ANU. Cultural commentator Linda Jaivin will join him in discussions after the screenings. Registrations to bit.ly/1BLeRUq
Summer workshop dancers Thomas Bradley, left, and Paul Knobloch. THE Canberra Dance Development Centre director, Jackie Hallahan, now also runs the Balmain Dance Academy in Sydney. Both there and at the Mt Rogers headquarters in Spence, she’s offering a summer workshop program beginning on January 20 with professional dancers, CDDC graduate Paul Knobloch and Cootamundra-raised Thomas Bradley. Bookings essential to 6259 1558 and j.hallahan@bigpond.com THE Canberra Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s Young Arts Awards, each of $1000, have gone to glassmaker Laura Sandoval and ceramic artist Isabelle Mackay-Sim. ADFAS Canberra hopes the prestige attached to the award will help young artists in establishing a career.
HELEN MUSA
ANNUAL ARTISTS
CHRISTMAS CLEARANCE SALE Original Artworks from $100 STARTING FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER T H R E E G E N E R A T I O N S exhibition continues throughout December with works from Brittany, Velia and Anita Newman
Shop 11 Federation Square, Nicholls ACT www.aarwungallery.com CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 29
Glenbog Nursery and Landscaping The Canberra region’s largest range of locally-grown plants – grown on site for local conditions. • growers of drought tolerant and frost resistant plants • new garden creations and garden makeovers • sustainable garden design and advice • providing a value for money solution NURSERY OPEN: 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm Weekends
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We grow them hardy so you can watch them grow u Established over 50 years u MBA Supplier of the Year u Pavers 300x300, 400x400, 500x500 u Masonry Blocks, Brick Paving u Dry Stack Retaining Wall/Raised Garden Edge u Pre Cast Concrete Products u A Range of Colours Available u Wholesale Prices to The Public u Courtyard and pathways u Architects requests are welcome
Quality Service I Commercial & Residential
40 Dacre Street Mitchell 62427033 www.binkpavers.com.au
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-4.00pm | Sat 8am-12pm
things to do / in the garden
The special gift of gardening KEEPING children busy during school holidays can be a challenge, but encouraging them into gardening will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Many schools have gardens and it is encouraging to see children growing their own veggies and looking after chooks. So let’s help them to continue their projects at home in the holidays. One easy way to grow veggies is in the sort of polyurethane boxes thrown out by supermarkets, but look for the ones with drainage holes in the base. Fill them with premium-grade potting mix. Easy-to-grow seedlings include lettuce, cucumbers, spinach, capsicums and tomatoes. Quick-growing veggies such as radish give almost instant results when seed sown, while carrots take a little longer. Carrot seed is very fine so don’t cover the seed with soil, but rather place a piece of shade cloth over it. After a few days, when the shoots start to appear, the shade cloth can be removed. To overcome snails use Multicrop’s Slug and Snail Killer,
and remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. This accounts for 90 per cent of pruning. Look also for branches rubbing against each other, which can damage the bark, the skin of the tree, giving access to pests and diseases. Finally, stand back and look at the overall appearance to ensure it has an even shape.
A mini veggie garden… look for the sort of polyurethane boxes thrown out by supermarkets. which is safer for pets or even blue tongue lizards. WHY is home-grown fruit, such as the seasonal nectarines, peaches and
THANK YOU
FAMILY LAW IN CANBERRA
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2015
Obligation free first conference
a big
to all our valued customers.
• Pre-nuptial agreements • Separation and Divorce • De-facto relationships • Parenting and children • Property settlement
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02 6223 2400
Our beautiful nursery is closed on Christmas day and New years day.
DON’T FORGET THE BEST TIME TO PLANT A TREE IS YESTERDAY - Chinese proverb.
Banks Street, Weston Park, Yarralumla • 6281 7373 heritagenursery.com.au /TheHeritageNursery
Season’s greetings
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to our readers
R
IVER ROAD
YARRALUMLA
15/12/2014 2:52 pm
N U R S E R Y P T Y LT D
1/2 PRICE
PLANT SALE NOW ON
ROSES (standards, bush & ground covers), HYDRANGEAS, PETUNIAS, HEDGING PLANTS (including advanced stock), CITRUS TREES, SHRUBS, ORNAMENTAL TREES, NATIVES, FRUIT TREES, MICRO HERBS/GREENS, VEGETABLE SEEDLINGS and much more!
WHOLESALE PRICES – DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC 30 CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014
apricots, so much tastier than that bought at the supermarket? One reason is that supermarket fruit, including tomatoes as a fruit, is picked green or just showing a bit of colour. Whereas at home we wait until it is ripe with the sun developing the full fruit flavour. It is important that once all the fruiting has finished to give the trees a summer prune. The Royal Horticultural Society considers summer pruning just as important as winter pruning.
ALL the berry fruits, such as raspberries and strawberries, will be fruiting abundantly over the next few weeks. It is important to keep feeding them, preferably with a liquid plant nutrient such as certified organic Neutrog Seamungus (a combination of pelleted chook poo and seaweed), which is good for everything you grow – from veggies, trees and shrubs to lawns. Quoting a BBC garden broadcaster on chemicals in the garden: “I used to use an annual chemical weed-killer, moss killer and fertiliser application on my lawn. But one day I watched as a blackbird pulled a worm from the treated soil to take back to the young ones in a nest. I reckoned that chemically laden food was not something I would feed my own children, so I now use only organic products and if a few weeds are in the lawn, so what!” TWO great places for using children’s excess energy are the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. Both have a great range of activities for children.
OFTEN violent summer storms can bring the hazard of broken tree branches. This week I noticed that a large branch of our silver birch had broken and was suspended over where I normally park the car! When pruning, follow the three “Ds” principle – look for
R
Creating Sustainable Gardens
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General knowledge crossword No. 483
your week in the stars – December 22-28, 2014
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ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) This week (under the combined influence of Uranus and Pluto) your intense, impulsive and impetuous side is likely to go into overdrive, as you long to step in and take charge of festive proceedings. Perhaps it would be much smarter to slow down, delegate and cooperate? Too much bossy behaviour will only put others offside, so strive to be a gentle lamb (rather than rambunctious) this Christmas season.
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GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Gung-ho Gemini – are you mega-stressed and super busy but you’re actually achieving very little? Slow down and work your way through your to-do list one step at a time. A truck-load of tact is required on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of a feisty family feud, as you blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time!
CANCER (June 22 – July 22) There’s no getting away from intense family relationships this week, as Mercury and Pluto join forces in your partnership zone. Clannish Crabs are the keepers of the family flame, so do all you can to gather loved ones together over the next few days. Don’t labour under the ridiculous delusion that you can handle everything on your own. Cooperation is the secret to a successful Christmas for clever Cancers.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Party-loving Lions love the colourful drama of Yuletide celebrations. Just make sure you’re pulling your weight on Christmas Day with preparations and cleaning up – otherwise you’ll be in the bad books on Boxing Day. Even though it’s the height of the festive season, strive to make your food choices as healthy and nutritious as possible. 2015 will be a bumper year, and Cats need to be in tip-top condition.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Xmas Eve and Xmas Day look somewhat stressful as Mercury (your ruling planet) squares Uranus and then pairs up with Pluto. It will be very easy to feel unsettled and obsess over small details and minor matters. So – in order to avoid having a Virgo brain snap – heed the wise words of birthday great Quentin Crisp: “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities, but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) Many Librans will host Christmas celebrations at home this year but communication between guests looks somewhat chaotic, as Uranus and Pluto stir up drama in your domestic zone. It will take your considerable Libran diplomatic skills to keep children under control; parents from getting paranoid; and family members from fighting. When in doubt take ten long deep breaths, then keep calm and carry on!
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
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Across 1 Name the second longest river in the world. 8 Which Canadian city is the capital of Alberta? 9 Name children’s marbles made from a variety of quartz. 10 Who was the British prime minister 1979-1990, Lady Margaret ...? 11 Which plant yields edible grain, such as wheat, rye, oats etc? 12 Which transponder, attached to a vehicle, debits a toll charge (1,3)? 13 What, commonly in western movies, do they call a body of men empowered to assist a sheriff? 16 Name another term for a composition. 19 What do we call one who becomes established in the bureaucracy of the enemy to act as a spy when required? 21 Which is considered to be the oldest calculator in the world? 22 Name the units that express the energy value of a food. 23 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn? 24 What mixture of liquid hydrocarbons is used for lamps, engines, etc?
Solution page 28 25 Which device is used as a means of steering a boat or ship?
Down 2 What is a small generator of electric current? 3 Which musical instruments each consist of a flat soundbox with numerous strings over it? 4 To lie close and snug is to do what? 5 What is a train of attendants called? 6 Which term describes people from Salt Lake City? 7 What is a state of society without government or law? 13 Name a more readily known word for a flapjack. 14 Who was best known for his part in the Goon Show, and the Pink Panther series, Peter ...? 15 What do we call a woman ruler of an empire? 17 To have played a leading role in a performance, is to have done what? 18 Which gem of moderate value is ground from ore of copper? 20 Which Christian festival is celebrated from Good Friday to the following?
Sudoku hard No. 141
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Expect a momentous Christmas week, as Saturn shifts into Sagittarius (for the first time since 1988). So it’s the perfect time to give your burgeoning new serious and responsible persona a trial run with discerning relatives. Plus avoid being impatient and superficial when communicating with loved ones. Listen closely, and then look beneath the surface meaning to discover and understand what’s really going on.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) With the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all moving through your sign (and your ruler Saturn shifting into perennially positive Sagittarius) it’s up to you to handle Christmas celebrations with stacks of cool Capricorn style and composure. Be smart and brave enough to rise above silly family squabbles! As birthday great Marlene Dietrich wisely observed: “Courage and grace are a formidable mixture”.
C E F A L A S K A A Q M C U M U L I S I N E R E U S H E R S R A E A I R S P A N P A I R O N S I U O T M E N I S C
O U R E I K E N E G A C S T E C E K A D E R A U S
T E V R A S T I O I N N E R A T I D A
E N U N N N V E R G Y O A T E E E R S
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Sudoku medium No.141
Crossword No. 482
Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2014
Solution page 28
Solutions from last edition
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
MELVIN needs to buy new hearing aids and his wife had alerted him to tax changes in relation to medical expenses. “Gail, my new hearing aids will cost $10,500 and I am not sure that I want to spend that much money right now. I’d rather wait until next year when my cash flow will be better,” he told me. “Well, Melvin,” I said, “it’s good that you came to see me because the medical expense offset is being phased out from July 1 next year, which means that, for most medical expenses, you will be unable to make claims after June 30. “However, there are special rules for disability aids, attendant care and aged care. Hearing aids should be considered as disability aids, so you can still claim for them until June 30, 2019. But that may not be the best option.” Melvin looked surprised. “You cannot claim the medical expenses offset if you did not have a claim in 2014 and to claim in 2014 you needed to have had a claim in 2013,” I told him. “And 2015 is the last year that you’ll be able to claim for such items as spectacles, eye tests, general medical and dental expenses, prescribed medications, or physiotherapy and other items for which you are referred by a medical practitioner. “So, Melvin, if you maximise your medical expenses during 2015 – including purchase of hearing aids – you will get a larger amount of tax back on your hearing aids. “To clarify, if your family income is $176,000 or less and you are eligible to receive an offset in 2015 then you will receive an offset of 20 per cent of net medical expenses over $2162. If your family income exceeds $176,000 then you are only entitled to receive an offset of 10 per cent of your medical expenses over $5100. It is likely that these figures will be indexed when the 2015 return is lodged.” Melvin was still unconvinced saying he wasn’t sure why waiting 12 months wasn’t the best option. “Assuming your family income is below $176,000 and that you already have medical expenses in excess of $5500 and that you receive $500 from your health fund, the offset on your hearing aids will be 20 per cent of $10,500 less $500 which is $2000,” I explained. “If you wait to make the claim until 2016, then you will only receive 20 per cent of ($10,500 less $500 less $2162) which is $1568. Therefore they will cost you $432 more next year than if you buy them this year. “If your income exceeds the $176,000 family threshold, then your offset this year would be $1000 compared with $490 next year, a difference of $510. If you buy them this year they may well need replacing before June 30, 2019, so you should still be eligible to make a claim that year under the disability aid provisions.” Melvin finally smiled, saying: “Who would have thought that purchasing hearing aids required such careful planning. Thank you, Gail.” If you require information on the tax consequences of your proposed actions, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Have you left most of your Christmas shopping to the last minute… again? Make a list and pace yourself, then you’ll get the gifts you need without too many problems. Look for creative presents that stimulate the imagination. But if you spend more than you can comfortably afford, you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. You don’t have to go overboard in order to have a fabulously festive time.
Sound advice for Melvin’s hearing aid
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Avoid getting too intense, serious and stressed. A cool and methodical approach is the best way to handle the ongoing Christmas celebrations. And you’ll need to be extra diplomatic if you want to avoid a fraction too much friction with family members. Tread carefully and resist the temptation to be a sulky Scorpio. When it comes to last minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful.
Adventurous Aquarians are in the mood for plenty of Yuletide cheer and holiday hijinks! You’re in festive spirits as Uranus revs up your restless side and lowers your tolerance levels. Issues from the past and erratic thoughts could also cloud your judgment this week. So enjoy the Christmas celebrations – but leave important decision making for another time, when you’re thinking much more rationally.
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd Chartered Accountant
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Taureans are in a terrifically festive mood, as you enjoy the Yuletide revelry. A strategic, streamlined approach is the key to successful preparations. If you plan carefully and prioritise, then you’ll get everything done without too much stress. But, if you eat and drink too much on Christmas Day, you’ll be a grumpy Bull on Boxing Day! So simple meals (in small amounts) is the smart way to go on the weekend.
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Listen to our tax tips on 2CA and 2CC (Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)
w w w. g a i l f re e m a n . co m . a u Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @gailfreemantax CityNews December 18-January 7, 2014 31
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