FUSE21 : Breaking down stereotypes (Boy Cover)

FUSE

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU FEB / MAR 2011

21

LIFE LOVE EQUALITY

PUNCH

HIM IN THE

RING EAT ME

I’M FRESH! MARDI GRAS 2011 FESTIVAL LINEUP

WIKILEAKS &

DIKILEAKS

+

TRANSFORMING CANBERRA PATSY & EDDIE REBOOT TONY’S OSCAR BUZZ JODIE FOSTER’S BEAVER FLICK!

FILM’S NEW GOLDEN BOY

XAVIER DOLAN

> > > BREAKING AWAY FROM STEREOTYPES

CONTENTS

FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA FEB / MAR 2011

LIFE LOVE 21 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Tony Hamlyn

31

POLITICAL EDITOR Simon Copland

FUSE FEATURES

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element

11

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Andrew Barr Rose Pappalardo Chad Wijayatilake Carmen Sarjeant Keiran Rossteuscher Zipporah Rothfield Gabrielle Hitch Johnathan Davis Thien Nguyen Lucy Jane PHOTOGRAPHERS Silas Brown Jimmy Walsh Daniel Liebeck Douglas Robinson

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13 This is no ‘boxercise’ class... When these guys

enter the ring, they aren’t holding back any

punches. We look at the world of gay boxing.

20 A tomato and me. Growing your own food not

only supplies you with deliciously nutritious

produce but can also quieten a very busy mind.

23

40

C is for… Centenary. This year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. An occasion to rekindle the awareness and need for gender equality worldwide.

FUSE OP.ED 26

CONTACT FUSE Telephone: 0412 309 992 Email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au Mail: PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603

Our nation’s capital should be Australia’s most liveable and vibrant modern city.

MLA Andrew Barr talks about transforming Canberra for future generations.

39 Keiran Rossteuscher muses about glitter,

Mardi Gras, meat pies and men’s health.

Published + designed by: Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd www.lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387

FUSE REGULARS 11

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 11 All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The appearance, mention or likeness of any person or organisation in editorial or advertising in no way suggests sexual or political orientation. Photographs used to illustrate editorial do not depict the real lives, behaviour or sexuality of the models. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or FUSE staff. Any health, fitness or dietry advice contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician and a fitness/health professional before changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements or remedies of any kind. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material.

2012 will be the first year women kickboxers will be allowed to compete at the Olympics.

With the Oceania boxing title under her belt Bianca Elmir has her sights set on London.

02 04 06 08 14 16 25 29 31 32 34 40 42 44 46 48

Editor’s Rant What’s On & The Flicks Mardi Gras 2011 Festival Lineup Round Up : News & Politics Fab Things : Hot New Cool Stuff!

Buzz : Entertainment & Gossip Money Shot : Understanding Your Needs Grooming & Fashion : Trend Spotter Big Screen : Xavier Dolan Rules Tip Off : Property, Holidays, Water & Stress Out & About : Canberra’s Night Life Out & About :The Red Herring Opening Ear Candy : Music Reviews & Gossip Community : Queer Cafe & A Gender Agenda FUSE Community Directory Dear Rose 1

EDITOR’S EDITOR’SRANT RANT

❂ THAT’S SO GAY. I suppose we all fit into a stereotype in one way or another — I know as a gay man I do. I like hanging out at the gym, I moisturize and my features are a bit effeminate (at a party recently a woman asked me how long I had been living as a man!? It was quite a hit to my masculine ego, but I’m OK with it now — really). Although these might be considered ‘gay’ traits, I know plenty of straight guys who have similar features and share many of the same interests, and many other gay guys who are completely the opposite to me. The only thing stereotypical about all gay men it seems is that we like other blokes, and I can’t even guarantee that.

Alexander Thatcher Editor

So what does that mean for stereotypes? Maybe, that really, they don’t actually exist at all. It seems though, that people like to lump others into neat little packages… all gays are like this… all women are like that... it’s rubbish!

In this issue we chatted to two people that really sit outside their ‘perceived’ stereotypes: Bianca Elmir and Andrew Georigiou are both boxers. Bianca has been kickboxing for over ten years and was recently crowned the Oceania boxing champion.

With her eyes firmly set on the 2012 Olympics, she’s keen to kick some ass, so to speak. And Andrew runs a popular gay boxing club in Sydney — not quite Fight Club but these gay boys know how to throw a punch… even the pretty ones. So it looks like we’ll have to invent a whole new stereotype for female and gay boxers — or not.

Check out the features by Simon Copland on p11 and p13.

Tony Hamlyn Entertainment Editor

So you’ve probably noticed that FUSE has had a make-over (that’s so like the gays).

Yep, we’ve tweaked and prodded and now FUSE21 is all grown up. We hope you like it — everyone on the team had to give up some valuable beach time to bring it to you.

We’ve added a few new sections, like ‘Round Up’, ‘Tip Off’ and a gardening/food section called ‘Eat Me’ by yours truly. Plus of course all the regular stuff we’ve grown to love, like ‘What’s On’, ‘Buzz’ and ‘Ear Candy’. Another great year of FUSE is heading your way.

Enjoy, Alex

PS. If you want to make sure you always get a copy of FUSE (delivered directly to your mail box) you can subscribe on the website. See below!

Simon Copland Political Editor

Susie Kennett I love how fuse is never boring, it’s full of useful info, great stories and topics to read... couldn’t ask for a better magazine.

February 1 at 7:40am Anita Pettinato A massive thanks to FUSE for supporting InScene Art. It’s a really awesome magazine, I love it and you’re all stars.

January 13 at 12:27am

Yasmin Element Associate Editor

Christopher Powell Creative Director

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MOVIES 127 HOURS OPENS 10 FEBRUARY 127 Hours is the new film from Danny Boyle, the Academy Award winning director of last year’s Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire. 127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. A visceral thrilling story that will take the audience on a never before experienced journey and prove what we can do when we choose life.

Cinema Roll Danny Boyle loves to give his audiences better than life films. Well, with this one, he clearly outdid himself.

HEREAFTER OPENS 10 FEBRUARY Hereafter tells the story of three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. Matt Damon stars as George, a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie, a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality.

And when Marcus, a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each on a path in search of the truth, their lives will intersect, forever changed by what they believe might, or must exist in the hereafter.

Obsessed With Film Matt Damon is impressive as George, and injects credibility into some pretty ropey scenes.

THE FLICKS GNOMEO AND JULIET OPENS 17 FEBRUARY The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming Gnomeo & Juliet, Shakespeare’s revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover.

Showcasing songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbours. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?

✔

2011 MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL DENDY NEWTOWN : 17 FEBRUARY- 3 MARCH Mardi Gras Film Festival boasts its biggest program of LGBT cinema in years. The two-week season is based at Cinema Paris in the Entertainment Quarter with a boosted slate of sessions at Dendy Newtown. Queer film lovers will be treated to the very finest in local and international LGBT stories, award winning dramas, sidesplitting comedies and gritty indie arthouse. (Image: lan B directed by Marco Berger.) Full festival line up at www.queerscreen.com.au

FREE MOVIE TICKETS FUSE has double passes to give away to Dendy Cinemas.

Email us and tell us what you think of FUSE, comment on an article or sign up to the FUSE website and you could win these great Dendy movie tickets • email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au • www.fusemagazine.com.au FREE MOVIE PASSES KINDLY SUPPLIED BY DENDY CINEMAS CANBERRA LEVEL 2, NORTH QUARTER CANBERRA CENTRE, BUNDA STREET, CANBERRA CITY 261-263 KING STREET, NEWTOWN • SHOP 9, 2 EAST CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY PORTSIDE WHARF, REMORA ROAD, HAMILTON • 108 JONSON STREET, BYRON BAY WWW.DENDY.COM.AU

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♥

WHAT’S ON

CANBERRA FESTIVAL2011

GRAHAME BOND MY IMAGINARY FAMILY 4–26 MARCH 2011 AT THE STREET THEATRE The stories of a ‘Jack of all Trades’ and the backing songs of his life. What made a boy from a straight-laced, working class family end up earning a living wearing a frock, a fat suit and a gold boxing glove on national television? Grahame Bond has always been attracted to danger, whether it be living with head-hunters in New Guinea, dealing with man-eaters in advertising or creating total bloody chaos on television. He has spent his life constantly changing roles on his quest to find the perfect ‘imaginary family’.

My Imaginary Family is about a bizarre childhood, a chaotic period of schooling and a ridiculous university education during the sexual revolution which finally produced a degree in architecture. With academic success, why did he choose a life of poverty in the arts? Grahame’s stories and songs are full of humour, whimsy and pathos.

TICKET BOOKINGS 02 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au

JIGSAW THEATRE PRESENTS

MASTER

& SERVANT 11-19 MARCH 2011 AT THE COURTYARD THEATRE CANBERRA The Master has requested your presence for a very special evening that you’ll never forget. Master & Servant examines the darker side of human relationships, the nature of power and status, and how the balance can be shifted by circumstances.

What are the things you fear most? Are you afraid of the dark? Be prepared for a theatre experience unlike any you’ve known before.

Bookings 6275 2700 or at www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

11-20 MARCH 2011 CANBERRA For ten amazing days, Canberra will come alive with a feast of popular Australian entertainment, sporting events, music, festivals, film, theatre, hot air balloons and dance.

Balloon Spectacular 12-20 March Symphony in the Park Sunday 13 March Celebrate in the Park Monday 14 March Lights!Canberra!Action! Friday 18 March Check out www.events.act.gov.au for a full line up.

WHAT’S ON! Check out fusemagazine.com.au for a full list of what’s on

1OOTH INTERNATIONAL

WOMENS

DAY

11 MARCH AT 7.OOPM THE RED HERRING CAFE 83 PETRIE PLAZA, CANBERRA Rebel Grrrl Productions and The Red Herring Cafe presents a night for all women. Embrace art, performance, music, community, innovation and the achievement of women all over the world at The Red Herring Cafe. Afterwards join the girls for more celebrations at the official after party to be held at Cube. More events for the week of IWD are to be announced during the month, visit their website for more details. www.internationalwomensday.org.au 5

WHAT’S ON

THE ONE AND ONLY

MARDI GRAS

PARTY POOLPARTY

FAIRDAY

28 FEB 2.00PM - 12.00AM IVY POOL BAR 320 GEORGE ST

20 FEB 10.00AM - 8.00PM VICTORIA PARK CITY ROAD

It’s time to get wet and wild at one of Sydney’s most exclusive clubs.

Strip down and get poolside with a cocktail or two, enjoy an evening dip in the pristine pool or simply dance the night away. Make a splash at the Pool Party at The Ivy.

Everyone’s favourite picnic in the park is back and better than ever! Kicking off the official Mardi Gras season, this year’s Fair Day promises a fun and relaxed day out with your friends and family, even your pets!

5 MARCH 10.00PM - 8.00AM ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER, MOORE PARK TICKTES AT: PREMIER.TICKETEK.COM.AU Mardi Gras Party has been reunited with Parade, making Saturday 5th March one of the biggest dates in the party calendar.

PARADE2011 5 MARCH STARTS AT 7.45PM TAYLOR SQUARE, DARLINGHURST As the sun sets and the energy builds, thousands of parade participants mingle, sparkle and check their dance moves before exploding onto Oxford Street in the world’s most flamboyant, hilarious, creative and friendly celebration of gay pride.

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BEACHPARTY FESTIVALBAR 4 MARCH 12.00PM - 9.00PM BONDI BEACH SYDNEY

EVERY NIGHT! HOSTED BY THE OXFORD HOTEL

Sun, surf and sand! Party and dance on one of the world’s most famous natural icons, Bondi Beach.

It’s also the perfect vantage point to watch the (in)famous Drag Races.

Come and see something sensational at the 2011 Canadian Club Mardi Gras Festival Bar every night, with over 20 different events; Drag, burlesque, cabaret, and theatre.

MARDI GRAS

There’s a stellar international and local lineup for 2011, check out www.mardigras.org.au for full details. The Mardi Gras Party will have different venues offering a range of music RHI will be home to superb shows and hands in the air anthems while the Hordern takes you progressive, electro and house journey.

Other venues will offer up tribal and retro.

See ya on the dance floor!

MARDI GRAS GALLERY 22 FEBRUARY UNTIL 3 MARCH URBAN UPRISING GALLERY 314 CROWN ST. DARLINGHURST After its successful return in 2010, the Mardi Gras Gallery is back in 2011! Featuring the work of local and international artists, the Gallery showcases the exciting queer talent our community has on offer, all inspired by the theme ‘The City’.

Artists include: Anita Pettinato, Liam Benson, Charlotte Brookes, Cade Buchanan, Ingrid Dernee, Aaron McGarry, Martin Roberts, Sonya Rothwell, Niobe Syme, Mr. Tina and Mrs. Vera.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

OH WHAT A NIGHT! THE START OF ANOTHER FANTASTIC SELLOUT YEAR AT THE QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

FUNNY MONEY 6–16 APRIL

What would you do if you found approximately 2 million dollars of someone else’s ill gotten gains in used bank notes and thought the owner had no way of tracing you? A dull office worker picks up the wrong briefcase and inside it finds just that. Instead of handing it in to the police, he takes it home with plans to make an immediate dash to the airport with his wife. Unfortunately things are doomed to go wrong for Henry Perkins.

“It’s like a runaway train — you have to jump on and cling on for dear life.” Neil Caple

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE 10-12 MARCH

Morrie Schwartz was an inspirational teacher and mentor, touching the lives of all his students, but in particular, Mitch Albom. Sixteen years have passed since graduation when Mitch learns that Morrie has Lou Gehrig’s disease (Motor Neurone Disease). Returning to visit his old professor he is once again captivated by Morrie’s wit, wisdom and the joy he takes in living. As one Tuesday becomes another and another Mitch realises that Morrie is teaching him one final lesson in how to live.

“The production is beautifully directed by Mark Kilmurry and simply constructed. Tuesdays With Morrie is a surprisingly funny and tender play, full of quick one liners and insightful banter, beautifully performed.” Australian Stage Online

CAPTURE THE FLAG

253 CRAWFORD STREET QUEANBEYAN

Berlin1945. Three young boys huddle for days in the sewers as the Russian tanks rumble through the streets above. Members of the Hitler Youth, the rules of their favourite game have changed and now the bullets are real. Capture The Flag is a play about history and our children, warfare and free will.

TICKET BOOKINGS 6285 6290 WWW.THEQ.NET.AU

6 & 7 MAY

“Capture The Flag is a stunning play which captures the bleak mood of the end of the Second World War, and reminds us of the dangers of glorifying war to the younger generation as certain leaders of countries are wont to do.” Aussietheatre.com 7

NEWS & POLITICS

WIKILEAKS AND DIKILEAKS Be careful next time you put something in writing or take a photo of it. That’s the advice many diplomats around the world and a few football players are probably wishing they had sought recently.

By Simon Copland

ROUND UP)

With over 250,000 diplomatic cables in their hands Wikileaks has caused storms as the intricate workings of Government have been exposed to all. The revelations have ranged from the extremely serious to the benign and are destined to have a long-term effect on the way Governments operate and communicate in to the future.

Of the documents leaked so far, we have learnt that that the US Government has been secretly spying on the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon; that the Government of Myanmar has been working with the Government of North Korea to develop a nuclear weapons arsenal; and that US diplomats think that our former Prime Minister and current Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, isn’t very good at foreign relations.

Taking a leaf out of the Wikileaks book was one young woman, who released two nude photos of St. Kilda football players. The photos came out after claims of poor treatment from the club by the woman, following allegations that she became pregnant to one of the players at the age of sixteen. The photos saw a court and media battle erupt as the club tried to remove them from circulation and as the media asked questions, what exactly did happen to lead to their release?

‘‘

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END OF YEAR VICTORIES After a disastrous result in the mid-term elections in November, Democrats in the United States were buoyant after a number of important victories in the final months of 2010. Included was the repeal ‘Don’t-Ask, Don’t-tell’, the legislation that barred gay and lesbian people from service openly in the US military.

Unfortunately, the policy was not extended to trans* members of the US community.

Other victories for the Democrats included a compromised tax plan, the ratification of the START nuclear treaty and the passing of a 9/11 responders health care bill.

NOTHING SUS! Do you like soccer? Well, according to Sepp Blatter, the President of FIFA you may have to consider how you want to act if you want to go to the 2022 World Cup. After FIFA awarded Qatar the 2022 cup, Blatter said that gay football fans will just have to hold back from having sex if they wish to attend. Qatar is one of the remaining countries where homosexuality is illegal, with people receiving up to five years in prison if they’re caught in the act. Blatter later withdrew his comments and apologised to all gay football fans. No explanation as to why FIFA picked a country where homosexuality is illegal has yet been provided.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND Tragedy struck off Christmas Island in late December as a boat of asylum seekers was wrecked off a rocky outreach on the Island. After the boat crashed on the island, local residents spent hours trying to help people as they were washed back and forth through backwash. With ninety people on the boat, about thirty have been confirmed dead, but with only 42 known survivors many more are assumed to be lost at sea.

I hope that when we pass this legislation that we will understand that we are doing great damage.

US Senator and 2008 Republican Presidential Candidate, John McCain speaking just before the vote to repeal the policy ‘Don’t-Ask, Don’t-Tell’.

‘‘

I would say they should refrain from any sexual activities.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter answering a question about what he would say to gay soccer fans who want to go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ROUND UP)

ADD IT UP

PEACE AND VIOLENCE

7000kg

Amount of Fireworks set off in Sydney on New Year’s Eve.

$123,272,583

Amount of money raised for flood victims by the Queensland Premier’s flood appeal, as of 1 January 2011.

Donate at: www.qld.gov.au

12,500

Number of people dismissed by the policy ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ (DADT), who will now be able to reenlist in the US.

OVER 30,000

Number of people killed by guns in the US each year.

251,287

Number of documents held by Wikileaks that are expected to be released.

6,901,655,400

A VIOLENT CULTURE? Does the US have an inherently violent culture?

That was the question being asked across the country after a 26-year-old man attempted an assassination on the US member of congress and then followed to murder six other people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl.

In the aftermath, questions about the violent nature of the US and their political discourse has raged, with Sarah Palin tweeting ‘Don’t retreat, Reload’. Palin say’s she tolerates gays, (and even has a gay friend) but not gay marriage — she does however think it’s OK for a gay to have a gun and go to war.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND RELIGION The group Australian Marriage Equality has made an explicit commitment to respect the religious beliefs of opponents of marriage equality, in return, they hope for a commitment from opposing churches not to “inflame prejudice” during the same-sex marriage debate. AME’s National Convener Alex Greenwich said, “As the debate on marriage equality intensifies this year, it is important that both sides conduct themselves with maturity, respect, and commit to using truthful and factual arguments” He hopes both sides can start the debate by identifying common ground and shared values.

For the first time in decades, peace looks like a possibility in Sudan as members of the southern population voted in a referendum to determine whether they should secede from the north. The south, which has a dominant African, Christian population, has spent years embroiled in a civil war with their northern Middle Eastern country folk.

Over 2 million people have been killed in the conflict. It is widely expected that the south will vote in favour of secession, bringing with them the creation of the newest nation state and the possibly of peace.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and capital punishment applies. For gay men, lashes are given for the first offence, with the death penalty following the third.

On the other side of Africa however, violence erupted, as a revolution broke out in Tunisia. In mid January, Tunisia’s President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was forced out of office. Mr Ben Ali, who has been President for 24 years after taking power in a coup of his own, was removed after a month of violent protests caused by the state of the economy. With Mr Ben Ali now in hiding in Saudi Arabia, the future looks uncertain in Tunisia, with the country both in political and economic turmoil.

PERSONAL GAYDAR. Wondered how people might size you up as a ‘gay’? A recent online poll asked how you can tell if somebody is gay — we’ll, obviously it’s that gay lisp you have! 68% of poll recipients were gay or bi, 32% were heterosexual.

I am always able to tell if someone is gay 19% by the way they talk.

10% by the way they dress.

World population as of Tuesday 3 February 2011.

17% from the people they hang out with.

129,000+

45% can’t tell if someone is gay unless they tell me they are.

Net population growth for one single day (and growing).

9% by the way they walk.

In another online poll 37% of people said gays always work in ballet and hairdressing.

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It’s a free service from ACT Health.

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The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a NSW Health Live Life Well Initiative

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FEATURE

By Simon Copland

Kickboxing isn’t a sport one often associates with women and 2012 will be the first year women are allowed to compete in it the Olympics. Yet, one Canberran hasn’t been deterred by the male dominance of the game.

Bianca Elmir has been kickboxing for ten years, boxing for two years and was recently crowned the Oceania boxing champion. With this title under her belt, she now has her sights set on London. As she heads into the next phase of her career, Simon Copland had a chat with this rising Canberran star.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT KICKBOXING THAT DRAWS YOU TO THE SPORT? I think there are many layers to my attraction to boxing. Originally it was about having a channel to put my energy into. My previous kickboxing coach tells a story of how I entered the gym and announced that my soccer coach thinks that I should choose a sport where I am allowed to hit people!

Since then it has become a lifestyle for me — I’ve made lots of friends at my gym and it’s become my little hub. I now see my training and sport as an art form — it is like other martial arts, a dance where every intricate move put together at the right time can produce something beautiful.

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED SPORT? Boxing has been described to me as ‘leather and lace’ — which for me is exciting! I like pushing social norms, so the fact that it’s so “out there” is cool!

AS A WOMAN YOU ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE PAID TO FIGHT EVEN IF YOU ARE AS GOOD AS, OR BETTER THAN YOUR MALE COUNTERPARTS.

Photo by Silas Brown

BIANCA ELMIR IS

FIGHTING IN A MAN’S SPORT

However, there are some drawbacks with being in such a small minority.

For instance, it’s really hard to find matches in Australia, especially at my weight division. There are a lot of promoters who will hesitate to put you on their shows because they think that it won’t bring the crowds even if it’s in your own town. And as a woman you are less likely to be paid to fight even if you are as good as or better than your male counterparts.

Of course many people still have the attitude the ring is not a place for females. Being the only female in my gym, you have to have thick skin and put up with some pretty awful jokes, but I like that larrikin environment.

YOU RECENTLY BECAME THE OCEANIA CHAMPION AND ARE NOW LOOKING TOWARDS THE OLYMPICS — WHAT’S IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET YOU THERE? Winning the Oceania championship was a real turning point in my career. It was my first international competition to be in and win. The fight also proved to me that I had the ability to aim further and I haven’t looked back since.

I think being able to compete in the Olympics is the ultimate. Of course it’s about patriotism but beyond that it is about setting high goals and reaching them. The Olympics is one high goal! This will be the very first time that Women’s boxing will feature in the Olympics too so that also makes it really exciting.

I am really lucky to be living in Canberra because I have found so much support here from the community, including people at my workplace who put up with a lot. In terms of getting support so that I can train properly and look after my body, Crust Pizza have backed me a hundred per cent and I have had really good management from Martin Hodgeson — all these elements, including hard work, I believe will get me to the Olympics.

I hope that I can get a medal for Australia.

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FEATURE A group of young, sweaty, beaten men stand in a dark, damp basement. The sound of dripping water pulsates through air.

Brad Pitt addresses the crowd: ‘The first rule of Fight Club’, he says, ‘is that no one talks about fight club. The second rule of Fight Club, is that no one talks about fight club’.

As Pitt concludes, the men begin to fight. Without any rules of engagement, the battle sees them beat each other to a bloody pulp with their bare hands. It doesn’t matter how far you go, as long as you don’t talk about it when you get home. Describing the film Brad Pitt stated, ‘Fight Club is a metaphor for the need to push through the walls we put around ourselves and just go for it, so for the first time we can experience the pain.’

Around the world, groups of gay men are living up to the Fight Club spirit. Meeting in gyms, halls, basements and even parks, these men are coming together to engage in the ancient art of boxing.

Whilst these clubs are not secret (although some people might not tell people they participate) and they’re not run by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, they are, just like in Fight Club, a place where men can punch through their personal and societal barriers.

‘We get all sorts of gay guys who what to box — camp, butch, twink, femme and masculine men. It becomes a place where everyone can be themselves, make new friends and learn a sensational sport and good fighting skills,’ say’s Andrew.

It is the fight against discrimination, bullying and stereotyping that leads many guys to join these clubs.

Boxing has a long history of homophobic discrimination.

In 2002, Mike Tyson famously yelled at a reporter, ‘I’ll fuck you till you love me, faggot!’ making it clear that he didn’t think gay men were welcome in the boxing ring.

Unfortunately the discrimination isn’t limited to the taunts of Tyson. Gay men have always been the subject of teasing about the inability to fight, both in and outside the ring.

The idea of a gay fighter is foreign in mainstream society.

It is the ability to break free from homophobia and stereotypes that makes boxing appealing to Andrew Georigiou. ‘I was frustrated to read about victims of homophobic violence, unprovoked and random assaults. I made a decision to empower myself and others,’ Andrew says.

PUNCH HIM

IN THE RING

4

BOXING

HOMOS

This is the world of gay boxing. We asked Andrew Georigiou, a gay bloke who boxes in Sydney, if he would give us an insight into what it is that draws him and many other gay guys to boxing. ‘I love the empowerment. There is nothing like the feeling of boxing... it’s a constant sweat-fest. What’s not to love about guys sweating together?’

By Simon Copland

“DON’T BE MISTAKEN, THIS IS NO ‘BOXERCISE’ CLASS... WHEN THESE GUYS ENTER THE RING, THEY AREN’T HOLDING BACK.”

Andrew is the brains and brawn behind ‘Punch Him in the Ring’ — a gay boxing club run in Sydney, designed to teach men about traditional boxing techniques. About ten men join the group each week, with a professional trainer teaching skills such as footwork, and the correct way to throw, block and duck punches. ‘Don’t be mistaken; this is no “boxercise” class that you’ll see at your local gym. When these guys enter the ring, they aren’t holding back.’ say’s Andrew.

These clubs are about empowerment; boxing provides a social, physical and even political outlet for a growing number of gay men. It is an opportunity for men to fight back, not just against homophobic attacks, but also the discrimination and stereotyping that says a gay man can’t fight. Most of all however, boxing provides men with an opportunity to participate in a great sport, to get fit and to have a lot of fun.

This isn’t the kind of sport that most people would associate with gay men — a rough and brutal game — yet, these and many other men don’t actually fit that ‘gay men are all effeminate and soft’ stereotype.

Punch Him in the Ring runs twice a week in Darlinghurst, Sydney. If you’re interested in boxing and would like to know more contact Andrew on 0405 491 523.

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NEW STUFF

GAGA FOR POLAROID So it’s confirmed, Lady Gaga can do more than just sing and dance.

Polaroid’s announcement that Lady Gaga was taking over as their Creative Director was met with plenty of scepticism, but it seems she has proved all the naysayers wrong with the release of Polaroid’s grey label devices. Like Gaga they are pretty damn cool. The GL30 Instant Digital Camera (think traditional Polaroid) let’s your print your digital photos on the spot and hand them out to your friends.

And you’ll look smoking hot in her fabulous GL20 Camera Glasses, which feature a built-in camera and an LCD screen to let others see what you saw. That sounds dangerous. polaroid.com.au

PILLOW REMOTE Finally a remote that’s virtually impossible to lose between the cushions... because it is one!

It can be programmed to work with over 500 devices — and it’s the perfect accessory for falling asleep while watching TV. brookstone.com

thIngs FAB { } FULL BODY SLEEPING BAG

COMPASS IPAD STAND Simplicity is a beautiful thing. This wonderfully designed stand is perfect for when you’re using your iPad to display photos, reading that recipe in the kitchen or playing your music. elementcase.com

RunPee

No this guy’s not heading off to space, but he may be off exploring foreign lands or maybe just the backyard. The Selk’bag Sleepwear System is a heavily padded full-body sleeping bag with arms and legs. Putting one on will transform you into a creature somewhere in-between an astronaut and a puffy cloud or something like that. We’re not sure if you have to act like an idiot when you put it on, but it definitely looks comfy... and yes they come in a range of rainbow colours and sizes. theselkbagstore.com

{APP}

So you’re sitting in the theatre and the movie’s awesome.

Damn, you really need to pee... you spend the next ten minutes holding on until you just can’t wait any longer and find yourself running to the toilet wondering what you’re missing — it really, really, really sucks!

RunPee saves the day — it has a vibrating timer that lets you know when it’s safe to dash to the loo during the boring bits, plus gives you a wrap up of what you’ve missed. This cool little app also lets you know whether you should stay ‘til the end of the credits, since some movies include bonus footage or bloopers afterwards.

The developers tote it as an app that lets your bladder enjoy the movie as much as you do. RunPee is available on iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms and it’s free. http://runpee.com or download it from iTunes.

14

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

The fact is “real“ grass is often brown, patchy or dying and it takes a lot of looking after. From weekly mowing to watering and, if you want it to look any good, fertilising. All that time and money looking after your lawn instead of enjoying it.

There are many benefits of using synthetic grass.

The look and feel of synthetic grass is just like real grass, plus it stays lush and green every day, all year round.

It’s perfect for a full sized lawn, a small courtyard or even a balcony.

It’s great for kids, pets and you.

Lie back and enjoy the goodness...

Oh, and did we forget to mention that you’ll never have to worry about bindis?

Drop by The Greenhouse Emporium, take your shoes off and test-drive our synthetic grass today!

NO

bindis here!

You won’t believe all the exciting environmentally conscious products we have at Greenhouse Emporium.

Composite Decking • Solar Solutions • Water Solutions • Synthetic Grass • Worm Farms • Cleaning Products • Personal Care Items • Organic Baby Products • Environmental Products • Why not drop by, grab a coffee or lunch in our relaxed and laid back coffee shop, and see what’s new on the green market.

277 Canberra Ave Fyshwick Telephone 02 6162 2800 greenhouseemporium.com.au 15

ENTERTAINMENT

By Tony Hamlyn

BUZZ !

KURT AND BLANE SITTIN’ IN A TREE… Are Kurt and Blane about to get their kiss on?

Glee’s recent Christmas episode featured the sweetest duet between the gay lovebirds, a moment of romance and fun usually saved for straightie couples like Finn and Rachel.

But it ended without any lip-locking, which has left us all wanting more, yes? Rumours are abound that an upcoming ep will have the two duet once again on the funky ‘When I Get You Alone’, which hints at perhaps something physical sparking up between the two. Hot sexy lovin’! But really all we want for Kurt is a kiss, good and proper. Are you with me? Well it’s supposed to happen before the end of this season…

END OF THE D-LIST Sad to report that Kathy Griffin has just announced she will no longer be making her reality series My Life on the D-List.

Season six just finished airing last year in the US and whilst the general feeling was that the show had kinda run its course, there were still some kickass comedy moments that can’t be overlooked. Who could forget her getting a pap smear in front of a live audience in an effort to raise awareness for cervical cancer? Or her fabulous The Hills parody featuring Lauren Conrad Mean Girl-ing her with the help of Kathy’s mother Maggie? Or how about those awkward backstage moments with a drunken Cloris Leachman? At a time when reality TV seems to be fast running out of ideas, this incredible comedienne never stopped bringing the fun and exposing the crazy.

The fabulous Chris Colfer continues his streak as Hollywood’s new golden boy, even getting nominated this year for a Screen Actors Guild Award, a really big deal for any up-and-comer. And Variety.com reports that a film project will be in the works later this year.

Described cagily as a coming-of-age teen comedy, the project has the working title Struck by Lightning and is apparently a very John Hughes inspired script, which Colfer actually wrote himself. He can sing, he can act, he can dance AND he can write. It would seem the only thing Chris Colfer can’t do is kiss another dude on network television. Let’s hope that changes real soon.

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But with the sad announcement comes some good news — Bravo is keeping her on to do four comedy standup specials a year for the network, and if you’ve seen any of the classic ones she’s done in the past then you’ll know we’re all in for something really special. Hopefully Foxtel here in Australia will get a hold of them and give them the promo they deserve. The standup is usually no-holds-barred and painfully funny so hopefully we’ll all get to see it when it airs. And no doubt she will be doing bits and pieces, like the New Years Eve specials she’s done on CNN with prominent gay newscaster Anderson Cooper. If you haven’t seen any of this footage get onto YouTube now. Her aim is to outrage the network and embarrass her co-host as much as possible, and the results are outrageous. At one stage she actually tries to disrobe Cooper and lick his face. It’s priceless!

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

BUZZ !

TURN OFF THE DARK The talk of Broadway for some time now has been of a new show based on the Spider-Man franchise called Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.

It is the most expensive musical theatre production ever with estimates of up to $65 million, and probably the most eagerly awaited New York show this century. The music and lyrics are from none other than Bono and The Edge, and the cast is made up of relative unknowns, with a 26-year-old hottie called Reeve Carney (worst name ever?) in the Peter Parker/Spiderman role and Jennifer Damiano, who featured in a fantastic 2009 musical called Next To Normal, as Mary Jane. The director is the legendary Julie Taymor who is widely regarded as a kind of insane Broadway genius and who was apparently wholly responsible for making The Lion King such a benchmark in musical theatre.

Producers have attempted to create something technically colossal and new, with an exquisite set design that folds in and out like giant origami, and with acrobats flying through the theatre above and around audiences. But the ideas haven’t always proven practical, and the results have become an endless folly of media-fuelled drama and bad press. One actor’s harness failed and he fell twenty feet into the orchestra pit during a performance, and another of the main cast was concussed after being hit in the head by a prop backstage.

After an exhaustive search that included a casting call tour spanning six cities and thousands of candidates, the producers and creative team have selected Reeve Carney to play the role of Peter Parker, The Amazing Spider-Man.

The official opening has been delayed again and again, although its current preview run is selling out every single performance. Whether it’s morbid fascination or genuine appreciation, audiences appear to be flocking to Turn off the Dark in droves, with it being the number one money-spinning show in New York even managing to outsell the Broadway juggernaut Wicked.

I’m yet to hear all of the score, but one of the songs was featured on a US morning show performed by Reeve Carney entitled ‘The Boy Falls from the Sky’. It’s all screeching guitar and ambiguous lyrics, but like a lot of U2 tracks it does have an air of the dramatic and would work well in a show of this nature. And while the press is disastrous, the word of mouth is nothing but good. A friend of mine attended one of the previews and described himself as being ‘blown the f*** away’ by it, and others have said it’s ultimate escapism at its best. Whichever it may be, don’t expect to be seeing it at your local amateur theatre company any time soon, as the idea for this production is to tour it in arenas throughout the world over the next decade.

NICE BEAVER! Oh dear! The new Jodie Foster film, which she directs and stars in, comes out next month, entitled The Beaver.

If that alone hasn’t raised your eyebrows, prepare yourself ‘cos there’s more. The movie is tipped to be the big return for Oscar winner and “Husband of the Year” nominee, Mel Gibson, playing the part of a corporate executive whose depression becomes so out of hand that he can only express himself through the character of a puppet beaver. Yes, like a vaudeville mannequin. No, it’s not meant to be a comedy.

Actually, that last bit is not entirely true. It’s a dramedy, and a possibly fresh and touching look into the issues associated with adult males and depression. I mean, the last thing in the world any of us want to see is a Mel Gibson comeback, but it’s clearly going to be this kind of filmmaking, and this kind of handholding with a Hollywood figurehead like Foster, that could be the first step in potential penance for Mad Mel.

But what of the film itself? Well, if the trailers are to be believed it’s actually a pretty decent performance from both Gibson and Foster, who of course worked together on the ill-fated Maverick back in 1994. The film was shot just prior to the infamous leaked tapes of him screaming ‘whore’ and threatening the life of the mother of his newborn child. One might assume then that, at the time, Mel had the sort of angst going on in his life from which to draw a convincing portrayal of degenerative psychosis.

It’s part Lars and the Real Girl and part Basil Brush, but I like Foster a lot, especially as a director. I’m vaguely optimistic about it. I don’t know that the rest of the global gay village will be as embracing however, with the website AfterEllen.com already calling The Beaver, a ‘cockamamie premise’. Clearly, the endorsement from a lesbian and feminist film icon won’t necessarily get you your very own Mardi Gras float, but it’s sure to at least guarantee you a table at The Ivy in West Hollywood — that’s all Mel Gibson wants I’m sure.

17

BUZZ !

ENTERTAINMENT

AB FAB AGAIN Word on the web is that Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are in discussions about the possibility of doing another series of Absolutely Fabulous.

Lumley spoke to the Daily Mail online, saying, ‘Jen wrote to me and said, “Let’s talk through it. What do you think?” And I said, “Bring it on.”’ Very exciting news for fans the world over dying to see where Eddie and Pats end up next. ABC2 have been airing repeats of the existing episodes and, if you get the opportunity, check them out because they are still incredibly laugh-out-loud funny even after all these years.

Jennifer Saunders has had a rough time of it of late, undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Laughter is supposedly the best medicine so if this new Ab Fab series does eventuate it might be (dare I say it?) just what the doctor ordered! Of course it wouldn’t be Ab Fab without June Whitfield, Julia Sawalha and the incomparable Jane Horrocks, and thankfully nobody will be left out, with Joanna Lumley quoted as saying, ‘We’re all still alive and available-ish, and I think we just have to do it.’

Fabulous, darling!

HOMO HERITAGE SUPERBITCH We look back at a significant cultural phenomenon from our big gay past…

Have thirty long years really passed since the super-soap Dynasty first aired on TV screens?

Originally developed as a competitor to Dallas, the ABC network in the US had problems when the show began airing in January 1981, unable to really garner any major ratings. That was until UK actress Joan Collins joined the cast, and her character Alexis led the media to coin the term “Superbitch” and singularly made a generation of young male viewers homosexual.

Created by Richard and Esther Shapiro, and famously produced by TV legend Aaron Spelling, Dynasty took the outrageous implausibility of daytime soap and reinvented it within primetime drama. Face-slapping, drink-throwing and bed-hopping was de rigueur in the morally bankrupt business world of Denver Colorado, and Nolan Miller’s costuming made shoulder pads a necessity for any working woman or drag queen throughout the1980s. The screenings at Sydney’s Albury Hotel on Oxford Street became almost as infamous back then as the show itself.

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And Steven; poor, troubled and misguided Steven Carrington, played initially by Al Corley and then later by Jack Coleman (the change was explained by plastic surgery required after a freak oil rig accident), was patriarch Blake Carrington’s only son — a homosexual! — who notoriously became one of the first openly gay characters on network television.

To this day, my very own attraction to blondes can be traced back to topless bedroom scenes involving Steven Carrington and any number of men (or women — Steven’s lifestyle was confusing, to say the least).

Dynasty made camp a national pastime, and shined the biggest, brightest spotlight on crazy excess and insane pyromania with 1984/85 (season 5) often regarded as the show’s most wonderfully gay pinnacle. It featured stars such as Diahann Carroll, Ali McGraw and Heather Locklear, and became the final legacy of Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson before HIV/AIDS took him in 1985.

One of the genuine television phenomenon’s of the latter 20th Century, Dynasty lives on thirty years later with DVD releases and YouTube uploads.

It is a truly hilarious but compelling series and I challenge anyone to not be taken in by Pamela Bellwood’s devastatingly awful portrayal of Claudia Blaisdel-Carrington, the ultimate soap victim. Her 1981 accessories are sure to bring a tear to your eye.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

OSCAR BUZZ !

RAZZIE LOVE

AND THE WINNER IS...

We love the Oscars. Glamour and excitement, tidily wrapped up in the guise of art and ambition, it’s no wonder we get a little buzzy from it every year.

It’s been all hot contenders and close competition leading up to the annual awards season, and whilst there are one or two films that might appear to be a sure thing this year, nothing is guaranteed. Here’s how it looks, and who we think will take home Oscars on Feb 27.

BEST ACTOR • Jeff Bridges for True Grit • Javier Berdem for Biutiful • James Franco for 127 Hours • Colin Firth for The King’s Speech • Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network It’s a close race between Firth and Eisenberg. My money is on Firth, but don’t discount Javier Berdem. Major lobbying from the likes of Julia Roberts cemented his nomination, and he may just split the field between Firth and Eisenberg. Maybe…

BEST ACTRESS • Annette Bening for The Kids Are All Right • Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole • Jennifer Lawrence for Winter’s Bone • Natalie Portman for Black Swan • Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine Toughest call of the night. All five gave incredible performances, but Natalie Portman has momentum, with pregnancy and good press on her side. Our Nikki is a long shot, with Bening being Portman’s biggest threat. And rightly so; her lesbian den-mother in The Kids Are All Right was perfection. But I don’t think it’ll be enough to out-Swan Ms Portman.

BEST PICTURE • Black Swan • The Kids Are All Right • The King’s Speech • The Social Network

• The Fighter • 127 Hours • True Grit

• Inception • Toy Story 3 • Winter’s Bone

Toy Story 3 was so terrific, so it’s great to see it up there in the Best Picture list, as well as in the Screenplay and Animation category. The King’s Speech was an exquisite film, and The Kids Are All Right was fantastic. Black Swan was an intense ride, and has Oscar written all over it, and The Social Network was a filmmaking masterclass, all parts working flawlessly to make near-perfect cinema. The pundits are saying it will have the night, but Black Swan may cause an upset. High Art and performance anxiety might appeal to voters more than, say, Revenge Of The IT Nerds.

The Golden Raspberry Awards, or the Razzies as they’re generally referred to, are awarded every year on the day prior to the Oscars to acknowledge the truly awful achievements in cinema throughout the year. If the Oscars are our call to glamour, then the Razzies are our call to truth. Sandra Bullock famously won the Razzie for Worst Actress in All About Steve the same year she won the Oscar for The Blind Side, so clearly anything can happen! Here are the nominations for this year.

WORST ACTOR • Jack Black for Gulliver’s Travels • Gerard Butler for The Bounty Hunter • Ashton Kutcher for Killers & Valentine’s Day • Taylor Lautner for Eclipse & Valentine’s Day • Robert Pattinson for Remember Me & Eclipse It’s great to see the Edward/Jacob rivalry reaching all facets of those Twilight boys’ careers. Such a worthy list of nominees, it’s hard to know who to pick. Gulliver’s is getting a savaging by the critics, so (even though I adore him) Jack Black might be a frontrunner.

WORST ACTRESS • Jennifer Aniston for The Bounty Hunter and The Switch • Miley Cyrus for The Last Song • The Four “Gal Pals” for Sex and The City 2 • Megan Fox for Jonah Hex • Kristen Stewart for Eclipse People generally hate Megan Fox, so I’m predicting a win for her.

I have a sneaking suspicion her turn in those Transformers movies garnered her one or more nominations, but this could be her year.

WORST PICTURE • The Bounty Hunter • The Last Airbender • Eclipse • Sex and The City 2 • Vampire’s Suck (pictured) Being a glorified infomercial with not much sex and hardly any city, I think any bad film this year is gonna have a hard task beating out Sex and The City 2.

One last Oscar related piece of news: How AMAZING to see Jacki Weaver get a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category this year for the Aussie flick Animal Kingdom. This lady has been working tirelessly on our TV screens and our theatres and in films for decades. She is a legend and unquestionably an icon. She’s not the only Australian, with Geoffrey Rush getting a Best Supporting Actor nod for The King’s Speech and of course Our Nikki nominated as well. But we’ve seen Nickers and Geoff working awards ceremonies a hundred times already, whereas this will be Jacki’s first Oscar experience. I can’t wait to see her strut that red carpet. Maybe we’ll hear her name announced on the night. Good luck, Jacki!

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EAT ME

By Alex Thatcher

I’m a Libran and in my search for ‘balance’ one part of me wants to party like it’s 1999 and the other meditate deeper than a Zen Monk. Well, there has not been too much party madness lately and as for meditation, I often have trouble sitting still for more than five minutes. Of course this duality is no way to find inner peace or balance — in fact running from one end to other of the scales is just plain exhausting and I’m often left with a lot of unfulfilled needs as my brain runs from one desire to the next.

A TOMATO If you remember, I wrote an article in FUSE01 about my own development of vanity and self-obsession after being on the Sydney gay scene for only a few months. It was around that time I also became very interested in food, what I was putting in my body and how it was effecting me. I started to see the need for food that was fresh, rich with nutrition and chemical free.

So one sunny Saturday on my apartment balcony, I built myself a small potted vegetable garden with mixed lettuce, rocket, snow peas, herbs and tomatoes. I normally get bored pretty quickly, but in this particular instance I found myself very dedicated to my new little veggie garden. Before I knew it the months had passed by and I was ready to pick my first juicy ripe tomato. This small event was to become a major turning point in my life.

As I carefully twisted the tomato from the vine, I noticed that unlike supermarket produce it was plump and soft to touch. Gently I sunk my teeth into its moist red flesh and so much flavour burst into my mouth that the reward receptors in my little brain lit up like a friggin Christmas tree. I had no idea a tomato was supposed to taste and feel like that — my desire for more matched my aching for an afternoon with Brent Corrigan.

Since then I have been growing my own food and discovering the true taste of so many vegetables and fruit. I quickly realised that much of our mass produced food is pretty much tasteless and I’m not even going to begin to get into the amount of chemicals that are sprayed on them… that’s for another day. I’m lucky enough to now have a sunny backyard with a small food garden and I grow a whole range of wonderful produce. The feeling of satisfaction I get from cooking, sharing and eating my own grown food is immense.

I’ve also discovered something else in my veggie patch — it’s more than just a place to grow food. When I find myself walking around the garden, pruning, planting and picking, there is a stillness that comes over me and I naturally find myself quiet and reflective.

A wave of peacefulness and oneness envelops me and I can see things in my life for what they are. Although there will probably always be that duality within me, I’ve found a space where I too can grow, understand my place and slowly learn to find true balance in my life.

Me SUMMER PLOT...

It’s drawing to the end of summer and it’s the time that most home veggie gardens are brimming with fresh produce. It’s a very rewarding time for anybody who already has a garden but it’s never too late to get in on the action. So grab a few pots or commandeer a space in your backyard and get planting!

Plant Brassicas : Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower.

Broccoli is considered a powerhouse when it comes to nutrient density and benefits, while cabbage has shown links towards reduced risk of cancer and cauliflower is an immune system booster. Plant them now and they’ll be ready to eat in winter. They like rich soil and full sun to partial shade. Oh and watch out for caterpillars, they are hungry little buggers.

Plant Root Veggies : Carrots, Beets and Radishes.

Sweet, nutritious root vegetables are easier to grow than you might think and you’ll be harvesting your own carrots, radishes, beetroots, turnips and swedes in no time at all! As a general rule they should be directly seeded, as they do not transplant well, with the exception of beetroot. Root crops like a well-drained, loose soil. You’ll need to thin them out as they grow, to give the roots plenty of room. You can eat them as babies or wait until early spring when they will be fully-grown.

And there’s more...

You can also sow some spring onions, garlic, chives, lettuce, spinach, salad leaves, rocket and coriander — all really easy to grow and all work fabulous in a pot.

Below: Capsicums waiting to be eaten, Christopher picking greens for his bunnies and our newly planted broccoli and cauliflower.

So now you know why I garden and why I love it so much. I hope to share my wonderful experiences growing food and encourage others to do the same. It’s easy and you don’t need a lot of room — in fact a couple of pots and a balcony will do just fine. Growing your own food will be one of the most satisfying things you can do, plus your taste buds and immune system will reward you more than you can imagine. Until the next issue... eat, grow and be happy.

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR 2 & 5 TODAY? WHY NOT GROW YOUR OWN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT HOME? For good health it is recommended that adults eat 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables each day.

Living in a unit or with a small garden shouldn’t mean that you can’t grow fruit and vegetables yourself; there are many fruits and vegetables which can be easily grown in pots. Some of the larger fruits and vegetables also have miniature varieties, which are perfect for containers.

Some common fruits and vegetables which can be grown in a small space or containers (even on a balcony) include: WARMER MONTHS • Tomatoes (good starter & pots) • Chilli & Capsicums • Potatoes • Beans (good starter) • Cucumbers • Melons (miniature varieties) • Pumpkins (grow vertically) • Eggplant • Zucchini (good starter)

COOLER MONTHS • Strawberries • Radish & Beets • Lettuce (good for starter & pots) • Garlic, Onions & Chives (easy) • Broccoli & Cauliflower • Spinach (good starter & pots) • Broad Breans (good starter) • Carrots • Rhubarb (good starter)

ALL YEAR ROUND • Herbs (good starter & pots) • Salad crops (good starter & pots) • Spring onion (good starter & pots) • Peas (good starter & pots) • Beans (good starter & pots)

Plus citrus trees (oranges, lemons, mandarins, etc) can work great in pots or a small garden... Remember to feed and water them regularly!

For delicious, easy to prepare recipe ideas for any budget, visit the Go for 2 & 5 website: www.gofor2and5.com.au For more information please contact Canberra Connect on 13 2281 21

1 in 14 people have Chlamydia.

W Have you been tested?

S.O.C

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STAMP OUT CHLAMYDIA

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FEATURE

Womens‘

1OOTH INTERNATIONAL

C IS FOR… CENTENARY

International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked on the 8th of March every year. It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements.

DAY

International Women’s Day (IWD) is held every year on the 8th March. This year marks the 100th anniversary of its initiation in 1911 at the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen. IWD developed out of protests in support of the right for women to vote, work and hold public office. The date of 8th March was selected to commemorate the abdication of the Tsar in Russia, which coincided with the right for women to vote and work within the new socialist regime. IWD is an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. On the 8th March men in these countries honour their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues — the women in their lives with flowers and small gifts. The United Nations has recognised IWD since 1975. The colours for IWD are white for purity, purple for dignity and self-respect and green for hope and new life.

It is an occasion like this that rekindles the awareness and need for gender equality worldwide and celebrates the achievements of women. Currently the Australian Government funds projects that will focus on body image, the gender pay gap, the contribution of immigrant and refugee women to Australia, and inspirational indigenous women leaders. UNIFEM Australia is also establishing a new link between the United Nations and the women of Australia with UN Women, which advocates gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. The main theme for IWD this year is ‘Celebrating 100 Years’. It is a day to honour the achievements of the past and address challenges for the future.

The ACT will present awards on IWD to women in the community who have contributed to and achieved in social, environmental and economic spheres.

This is an opportunity for women of the world to prioritise certain issues at a local and global level and UN Women invites all who are interested to organise events. Anyone can get involved with International Women’s Day. Canberra will be holding a UNIFEM Australia International Women’s Day lunch on the 4th March.

Check out events australia wide at www.internationalwomensday.org.au.

Additionally, a new local group, Rebel Grrrl Productions, will hold a night for all women of Canberra to embrace art, performance, music, community, innovation and the achievement of women. With the apparent death of the Purple Party there are currently no women’s events in Canberra. Rebel Grrrl hopes to install a new and original series of events for women. The first of these events will be ‘C’ to celebrate the 100th International Women’s Day on Friday 11th March at The Red Herring. In an attempt to bring together a wide variety of women from all walks of life with different skills, talents, interests and inspirations, the organisers of ‘C’ want your participation to create something unique, whether it is in helping with the preparations or on the night, performing or attending. Female dancers, artists, skaters, theatre performers, technicians, musicians, fetishists, exhibitionists, athletes, creators, enthusiasts, fire twirlers, circus performers, photographers — anything you are into is wanted. So remember: 7pm on 11th March at The Red Herring with the official after party to be held at Cube.

More info on the FUSE website. C is coming!

By Carmen Sarjeant

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

MONEY SHOT

M

O

UNDERSTANDING YOUR

NEY NEEDS

FOR N

W AND YOUR FUTURE

#1 DEBT AND CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT

This time of year often starts with some reflection. I thought, as FUSE ventures into a new chapter, it was a good opportunity to reflect on the many people I have gotten to meet over the last couple of years and how I have been able to assist in their financial life.

I have met with a number of people wanting to manage their debt in a better manner.

Having someone as a sounding board or coach, to keep you accountable and also give you advice on things you might not know, can get you set up to focus on debt reduction. I have a range of templates that can help with your budgeting and finding savings in your current spending habits to use for reducing debt or even building up some savings and investments to get the cool stuff you really want!

As many of my ‘FUSE clients’ (hi to all the readers!) have commented, ‘It’s great to be able to work with someone who I don’t have to explain my relationship situation to or feel judgment from!’

If you are looking to buy your first property or setting up an investment portfolio of properties, getting advice before you sign any contracts means that you structure the purchase correctly for asset protection, taxation management and estate planning.

In the ACT, with ‘crown land’, there are tips and traps to buying first or subsequent properties that can save you thousands of dollars in stamp duty depending on your situation. Each area (including buying properties in the USA) has its own dynamics and it is important to get some independent guidance on how it could impact you from a benefits and limitations point of view!

Scotty’s Loose Change Get involved in a great investment this year in microfinance. Empower entrepreneurs and connect across the globe by combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

Check it out and join the Money Mechanics team at: http://www.kiva.org/ team/moneymechanics

By Scott Malcolm

#2 BUYING A HOUSE

#3 SUPERANNUATION Generally this is a longer-term savings or investment strategy however, relying on the fact that ‘your employer looks after this’ isn’t enough. You should take an active role in understanding what sort of super fund you have, how much is being put away, and what it could be worth when you get to access it! Regardless of your situation there are set rules around how super works and getting involved in what you have at an early age can mean having enough to not worry when you get to retirement. I have even assisted clients in getting their own self-managed or D-I-Y super fund setup so they have greater control over the investment of their super money into property (both here in Australian and the US) and shares or other investments!

#4 BACK UP PLANNING This is often the less sexy area of financial planning, as it is all about risk management and making sure you have a back-up plan in place. The complexities of relationships can mean that people have ex-partners (of either sex) and new partners and or children who they want to provide for in the event of death or disablement. Having a space to have honest conversations about what you want, in order to manage the risks in life, can mean getting on with the good things and sleeping easy!

I am excited by what 2011 will bring and wish all our readers the best. If you need assistance in exploring these ideas further contact me. But most importantly take action to start your journey to being free around your money and creating wealth with understanding.

If would like to ask Scott any questions, you can email him at scott@money-mechanics.com.au or call 02 6257 5557. (http://money-mechanics.com.au) Scott Malcolm is Director of Money Mechanics who are authorised to provide financial advice through PATRON Financial Advice AFSL 307379.

The information provided on this article is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Before acting on this information you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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OP.ED

By Andrew Barr MLA ACT Planning and Education Minister

TRANSFORMING Canberra into Australia’s most liveable and vibrant modern city

A debate has been raging in the community about what Canberra will look like in 2030.

One issue I have been seeking to highlight in this debate is the fact that Canberrans under the age of 45 (Generations X and Y) don’t seem to have the voice that reflects their numbers.

Younger Canberrans have, until now, been relatively silent about the sort of city they want to live in. Is their relative silence a reflection of the fact that they have nothing to say? I doubt it. It’s just that Gen X and Gen Y communicate in a different way.

They have moved beyond traditional media and 20th century community meetings — you don’t see them writing ‘letters to the editor’ of the Canberra Times or attending that many public ‘town hall’ style meetings.

They are much more likely to post a blog, participate in an online forum or use the booming social media like facebook or twitter to express their views.

And so through the ACT Government’s online Canberra 2030 conversation, and through my own online interactions, my aim is to ensure that all Canberrans are heard.

By 2050, Canberra will house half a million people. Our city has a relative over-representation of those aged 20 to 34, and a relative under-representation of those aged 60 and over. So while the population is ageing, youth will continue to dominate numerically — and this will be driven by interstate migration of skilled workers and growth in our world-class higher education institutions.

Canberra will never be a ‘retirement village’, like Port Macquarie or some parts of the South Coast.

It will always be a ‘working city’ and a ‘learning city’.

So our second century as a city must be about responding to the emerging needs of the citizens of our working and learning city.

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We know that many of the educated young from Canberra leave for Melbourne, Sydney or further afield because our city lacks the excitement that they seek.

How then can a city appeal to a wider audience and cater for a range of lifestyles? In part, this requires a diversification in our economy to further promote creative industries and provide for employment opportunities in emerging technologies, particularly those associated with a sustainable economy.

We also need to invest in the public domain of our city to move the ordinary into the imaginative.

However, we need to cultivate a showcase of what is possible through the reinvestment that is already taking place within established parts of the city, a phenomenon not previously experienced in Canberra, but routine to other cities that are much older.

Urban planning has always been the ultimate policy area for balancing interests. Balancing individualism with community needs.

Balancing the economic with the social. And now, urban planning and design has an overriding interest — sustainability.

“CANBERRA SHOULD BE AUSTRALIA’S MOST LIVEABLE & VIBRANT MODERN CITY.” The average Canberran now depends on approximately 8.9 hectares of land in order to sustain their lifestyle. This compares with the average person on the planet, who requires 1.9 hectares. In other words, if every person on the planet lived like we do, we would need four planets. This equation is simply unsustainable. And it is why the Government has legislated for a forty per cent greenhouse gas reduction target. To achieve it we are going to need higher urban density. We need to develop our urban transport corridors. We will need to reappraise our patterns of consumption and innovate in the way we develop and live within our city.

So what should Canberra look like in 2030? In my view, Canberra should be a city of ideas and a city that can quickly adapt to change; a place where everyone has a home and where every household is valued, respected and included. A city with a diversified economy built on unlimited growth of intellectual capital. We should lead the world in sustainable design and planning and be a city where the apartment or townhouse is just as accepted as the quarter acre block.

We should be Australia’s most liveable and vibrant modern city.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Tilley’s

Devine Café Gallery

TILLEY’S IS NESTLED IN TREE LINED LYNEHAM For over 26 years Tilley’s has been famous for its breakfasts, lunches, and dinners... and of course its fabulous coffees. Tilley’s attracts not only ‘regulars’ but visitors from overseas and interstate who enjoy the all-day menu specials, and oh such lovely cake!

Internationally renowned for legendary blues, jazz and classical concerts, Tilley’s continues to attract artists of international calibre who prefer the intimacy of a warm theatre atmosphere clad in red velvet, brass and dark timber booths.

With a fully licensed bar, one can enjoy champagne with breakfast, or in the evening savour our broad range of wines, spirits or boutique beers on tap.

IRISH TROUBADOUR LUKA BLOOM Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage. His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar playing guarantees an impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs. Don’t miss this fantastic talent.

SHOW DATES 22, 23, 24 MARCH 2011 TICKETS & MORE INFO WWW.TILLEYS.COM.AU

THE CALL IS YOURS! TILLEY’S CAN DO IT FOR YOU! CORNER OF WATTLE & BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM Serving you breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days • Monday to Saturday: 9am – 10pm Sundays: 9am – 6pm • To reserve your favourite table or booth phone us on 6247 7753 27

Thurs nights @ Champions: 3/3 - 31/3 Sat mornings @ Westlund House: 5/3 - 2/4

www.aidsaction.org.au/strip

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GROOMING

TREND. SPOTTER Hair 2011 will see the return of smooth and sleek straight hair and high shine, no frizz, no fuss hair.

If sleek and straight isn’t your thing, try having your hair blow waved with volume and movement — not messy like you may have seen Nicole Ritchie doing, more like Kim Kardashian (pictured) — smooth and full of body.

The new year is a great time to try something new, so why not try a fringe? Fringes are a great way to frame the face and can look amazing.

Fringes can also help disguise large foreheads and frown lines. If you go for a solid straight fringe, make sure it is below your eyebrows; anything above the eyebrow can make you look like you’re ten. Only a few people can pull of the blunt fringe so don’t try it if you know it’s not your thing. If you’re a blonde, try going a little deeper with the tone of your blonde — more of a creamy sandy colour. For brunettes, try having a warmer gold tone with some very subtle low lights for something a little different.

Guys’ hair is still heading down the classic and well-refined all-American look — sharp and very versatile. If you’re lucky enough to have curly hair and are sick of having the mop afro look, why not try having a short back and sides with your curls on top?

Have some length on top to make a statement.

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By Chad Wijayatilake Chad is a stylist at Form Haircutters

CHAD’S 2011 FASHION

MUST HAVES GO WHITE You just can’t go wrong with a classic white fitted shirt that can go with almost anything. A white T is also a cheaper alternative and looks great under a blazer or over a pair of blue denim jeans.

RAINBOW CHINOS Grab a few a pairs of chinos in some new season colours, for a great year-round refreshing look.

They are extremely versatile and worn cuffed at the bottom you can’t go wrong.

DENIM RULES A new pair of raw denim jeans is a great classic look. We suggest you don’t wash them for a good nine months and girls wear them with a pair of black patent leather heels for a chic look.

TIE IT UP Splurge in a hand printed Hermes scarf just like celebrities and models wear. If you don’t have the money for an authentic Hermes, don’t worry, you can still wear a scarf that you already own.

FLASHER It seems that it’s raining a lot these days, so a lightweight trench is a great fashion investment.

A good quality trench coat is always going to be useful and can make a strong fashion statement.

ROSE COLOURED GLASSES Tom Ford sunglasses are reminiscent of the old Hollywood glamour days and are seen on some of the most famous faces in Hollywood. Splurge on a pair of these and you’ll never look back.

FOR A LIFETIME Unlike a pair of jeans, a leather jacket’s use should span many years, if not a lifetime. Factors such as your age, personality and lifestyle are extremely important when making your choice.

LACE UP A classic pair of black lace-ups should sit in everyone’s closet. Don’t think they’re only useful for work or a special occasion, they can also look great with a casual pair of jeans and a T.

Milan Fashion Week 2011

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BIG SCREEN

By Thien Nguyen

XAVIER DOLAN

THE NEXT HOT TALENT

At the tender age of 21, Xavier Dolan has single-handedly written, directed and starred in two internationally recognised films.

Xavier’s work largely centralises on the theme of youth culture, dealing with homosexual identity and experience, fashion, beauty and love. His films are visually stimulating, with interesting use of framing and angle. However, as often is the case with a young artist, he falls in the trap of the so called contemporary art vacuum where atmospheric sense and style are captured, but there is a distinct lack of strength and foundation in script — elements that could really carry the work and lift it above the traps placed underneath.

The first of the two films I Killed My Mother, describes a tumultuous relationship between a mother and her gay son. Their frequent disputes and disjointed relationship are not due to his sexual identity, but rather their personalities, misunderstandings and expectations of each other. Teenager Hubert Minel is highly critical of his mother, having aversions to her taste in clothes, dining manner and differences in opinions, while Chantale, the mother, usually disregards his opinions and does what she thinks is best for her son. The arguments can be quite repetitive, and the film has some heart wrenching and warming moments. However at heart, I feel it lacks momentum and thought provoking ideas. Hubert’s relationship with his teacher is sincere and beautiful; in one scene, Hubert had a pseudo-Freudian moment with his teacher where he’s running after her in a wedding dress amidst the falling autumn coloured leaves.

The second film Heartbeats, winner of the 2010 Sydney Film Festival, is sharper, with tighter control and sequence. Xavier displays his knowledge for film by implementing impressive camera techniques such as those characteristic of directors such as Jean Luc Goddard and Wong Ka Wai. In addition, wonderful colours and tones are used to set the mood for the scenes and the selection of music, most noticeably ‘Bang Bang’ from 1980’s quintessential French/Italian pop artist Dalida, and Johan Sebastien Bach’s cello suite solo were both eccentric and electrifying. The film follows the relationship between a young gay man and his best girl friend, both of whom fall in love with a golden curled adonis. The film, being written by Xavier, of course was a little biased towards the male Francis allowing more tender moments and loving scenes between Nicolas — the golden curls adonis. His best friend Marie however, is stiff and cold, her love and pain are less expressive and intimate to the viewers. Similar to Tom Ford’s A Single Man, the film is musically and visually spectacular, while at the heart of it, no strong ideas really come through.

The film therefore left no deep impression on viewers and critics. However, at the tender age of 21, Xavier will no doubt progress and improve with time and experience and hopefully he will understand that visual perfection does not perfect the film.

Xavier’s next project again concerns gay culture and sexual complexes involving a drag queen in a hetero marriage relationship, starring the deliciously charming Louis Garrel (The dreamers, Love Song, Dans Paris…). The anticipated date of release for this film is approximately 2012, in the mean time, if you’re lucky, you might find DVD copies of Heartbeats and I Killed My Mother.

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TIP OFF

TIP.01 HOW TO GET THAT RENTAL PROPERTY Securing a rental property you like can be very difficult in a tight rental market, so it’s important to stand out and ensure your application is of the highest standard.

Treat the whole experience as a first date. As cheesy as that sounds essentially you are falling into the same pattern of behaviour: impressing someone and trying to show that you’re better than all the other potential applicants.

So like a first date, first impressions are everything. Call the property manager to confirm the inspection time and express interest — this gives you a chance to build some rapport and introduce yourself beforehand. Try showing up to the viewing at least five minutes early — this shows you are punctual and organised. It’s also a good idea to offer to take off your shoes before entering the property, particularly if the property is carpeted. If you have kids, get someone to take care of them or make sure they are well behaved at the inspection — tearing around the property or drawing on the walls may not be a good start.

Your personal presentation is important too. You want to give the immediate impression that you are a clean and orderly person. Also try to ask questions and engage in conversation with the property manager so they remember you when reviewing applications.

Of course the single most important part: The Application for Tenancy. Ask the office for a copy of the application before attending the inspection (some agencies will have it available to download on their website). Ensure you include all the required documents like references, pay slips and proof of identity. Prepare your employer and the people you intend on using as references, as a bad reference will see your application goes straight to the shredder. Then make sure your application makes it to the office ASAP. Remember the three ‘Ps’: polite, punctual and prepared — these qualities land you property!

TIP BY : JOHNATHAN DAVIS : REAL ESTATE AGENT & AUCTIONEER IN ACT & NSW.

TIP.02

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOLIDAY SPOT Choosing the wrong holiday spot can be disastrous. You could end up bored to tears or much worse, in danger. Make sure you read up about the country you wish to visit. Get your hands on a good guide-book, trawl whatever information is available online and talk to friends.

It’s also vital that you find out as much as possible about the laws and customs of your intended destination. And remember to look out for unexpected destinations that are surprisingly tolerant or gay-friendly, for instance Tel Aviv has a burgeoning gay scene. Visit: www.gayisrael.org.il BEFORE TRAVELLING IT’S ADVISABLE TO VISIT WWW.SMARTRAVELLER.GOV.AU THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S TRAVEL ADVISORY AND CONSULAR INFORMATION SERVICE.

TIP.03 STRESS LESS Stress, the silent killer. If you don’t manage your stress levels, you can end up suffering from any number of illnesses, including depression and heart problems. To help with stressful situations, try to keep things in perspective. Whenever a stressful situation pops up, take a few steps back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself, ‘Will this really matter in a year from now?’ More than likely, it won’t. Don’t let the little day-to-day stresses ruin your life and health.

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TIP.04 MORE WATER You’ve heard this a million times — but it’s true! Drinking water helps flush those nasty toxins from the body and keeps the kidneys healthy. Staying hydrated also helps eyes skin and hair stay moist, sinuses drain, stomachs digest better and blood cells fight off infection. Water is also a great weight loss tool because it can replace high-calorie drinks with something that has no calories. Feeling tired? Being dehydrated can zap your mojo. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness and dizziness. Oh and remember exercise requires additional water, so be sure to hydrate before you start and during.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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OUT & ABOUT

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DJ PETE mixing it up with the best!

Thursdays 8.30-11.00pm . 2011

DJ Matt mixing hits from yesterday and today without giving you a second to stop.

Friday 18 March . 2011

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

♥ KARAOKE THURSDAYS @ CUBE 8.30-11pm every Thursday night with FREE entry, FREE pool, DJ Pete & happy hour until 11pm.

1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes will be awarded based on quality of performance & entertainment value.

OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 8.30PM-5AM • FRIDAY 9PM-5AM • SATURDAY 10PM-5AM • SUNDAY 10PM-LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY WWW.CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU

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OUT & ABOUT AT HUSH

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“

“

Worrying’s a bitch.

Condoms mean I don’t have to!

Troi, 24 Door Bitch Cube Nightclub

Photography by

aidsaction.org.au 38

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HEALTH OP.ED

ALL THAT

GLITTERS

In my near three years working at the AIDS Action Council I have been challenged many times by some of the thoughts, motivations and experiences of people from ‘my community’ that I had never before considered.

What kind of things? Well, let’s start with Mardi Gras!

My heady days of university student activism (you know that time when you feel like you’re on the precipice of the revolution that some guy who died about a century ago wrote about, and we are still waiting for — but then you leave uni and realise your student brand of politics was never going to buy you an iPod or affordable accommodation with less than five other people and that is still in the inner north?) saw me marching twice at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

My first march was incredibly surreal, especially considering I was still not out to many people, and yet I was able to share it with 200,000+ strangers that night. But THIS was Mardi Gras: the celebration, the love, the glitter, the dancing, the sexy boys in hotpants and fake tan, the retro dance classics competing to be heard from the back of trucks lining the parade and anticipation of the after party. These are the same reasons everyone goes to Mardi Gras isn’t it?

By Keiran Rossteuscher Keiran is the AIDS Action Council’s Social Marketing Officer

Well, turns out I was wrong wasn’t I? With our discussion in the back of my mind and being at the 2010 Mardi Gras, I started realising that there were heaps of guys who did just go up there for sex. Sure, some were marching or watching the parade, but for many of them that was a secondary reason for going. They were there for sex: at venues like saunas and cruise clubs, sex parties or through the power of GRINDR or other online dating sites. With so many gay guys in one location for a weekend, why not? All of a sudden the beer and pies seemed so much more appropriate and I had to admit that the GM was right, damnit!

Well, fast forward to 2009 and I’m in the AAC General Manager’s office discussing the final phase of the ‘Up Ya Bum’ campaign (what would later be the first Annual AIDS Action Council Trivia Night Extravaganza). The imagery for the ad is a meat pie and two middies of beer (it is middies right? I don’t drink beer...) and the GM was floating ideas of us putting on an event that we could use to launch the campaign and it would be linked in, somehow, to Mardi Gras. Possibly raising money, who knows?

No! I wouldn’t have it. I was not going to have this festival of all things glittery and fabulous connected with a campaign that would look more comfortable in King O’Malley’s – it was so ‘everyman’, not glamorous or celebratory. I stood my ground as the GM and I debated people’s motivations for attending Mardi Gras. I was sure that my reason for attending Mardi Gras was the same as everyone else’s, not, as the boss was postulating, that it was so guys could go and have sex. I mean, sure, people have sex there, but I figured it was only because guys were picking up at the various after parties, so clearly imagery of glitter was far more appropriate than pie and beers!

Knowing this, it is no coincidence that the first round of STRIP each year is held around the time of Mardi Gras. For FREE and Easy Sexual Health checkups visit the STRIP clinics, no appointment necessary: For men only at Champions Mustang Ranch, Molonglo Mall Fyshwick: Thursdays 6:00 – 8:30 pm 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 March at Westlund House, Gordon Street Acton Saturdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 5, 19, 26 March and 2 April. More info at www.aidsaction.org.au/strip 39

OUT & ABOUT

OPENING NIGHT OF THE RED HERRING CAFE : THE NEW ALTERNATIVE & QUEER CAFE IN PETRIE PLAZA CANBERRA

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What do you have left to plan for Mardi Gras?

Accommodation and transport

Entry into Parade HOT SEX!

Condoms and lube

Tickets to afterparty

Book into 24 hr pass to your favourite STRIP sauna clinic aidsaction.org.au/strip 41

MUSIC

By Tony Hamlyn

EAR CANDY SINGLES BRITNEY SPEARS

HOLD IT AGAINST ME This is a fun-enough dance/pop blend that will get you smiling whether at home, in the car, or at the disco. The lyrics are inspired (‘You feel like paradise, and I need a vacation tonight...’) and the production is a slightly rougher romp, with an almost industrial feel. From all reports, the upcoming album, due in March, will follow suit with an edgier, rave-ish sound. Is it 1994 again? Is drum’n’bass back? Did I miss that memo? But don’t stress too much, as the chorus is totally Britney-bynumbers, with a hands-in-the-air, rub-up-against-him kick that probably doesn’t deserve as many hyphens as I gave it there, but I’m in the mood so what the hell!

This whole thing is apparently a Dr Luke/Max Martin production, and if you don’t know what that means then you totally need to read the liner notes on your Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson and Ke$ha albums. They are the who’s-who of hit music and this is the direction they’re steering the boat in. The question is, should we be sunning ourselves out on the Lido Deck, or jumping overboard? Sadly this is no ‘Oops!... I Did It Again’, but it’s another hit for Brit and just what any self-respecting homosexual has been waiting for. Keep it up, Britney.

TAKE THAT

KIDZ

In Australia Take That have always been sadly overlooked, but in their homeland of the UK they are rightly the stuff of legend. Robbie Williams has returned to the fold after fifteen years of solo stardom, and the result is Progress, an album of fresh sounds and new directions. This song ‘Kidz’ is easily the best from the album, and it’s terrific to see it released as a single. It contains the necessary proportions of chief songwriters Robbie, Mark and Gary, but also sounds nothing like what the band have offered up previously, placing them in a new hemisphere of indie-pop genius. It’s a little Killers-ish and a bit Scissor Sisters-esque, with producer de jour Stuart Price mixing up electro with bite, so catchy you’ll wanna set yourself on fire just to make a point. Whatever that means! It’s pop, it’s real, it’s big and it’s good lookin’. March out and buy it. Now!

AVRIL LAVIGNE

WHAT THE HELL Being a teenager is fun! Summer parties and barbeques, flirting with boys on the dance floor, road trips, and sipping on Lime infused Corona or a Watermelon Breezer. This song is all those things. And whilst my loathing of Avril Lavigne borders on homicidal, I have to admit she knows how to put together an A-grade pop song and this is no exception. It’s formulaic, but it’s a fabulous, fizzy formula and its punchy organ and jangly guitar will have you jumping right up until Avril’s “La-la-la’s” at the song’s very end. And then you’ll be reaching for the repeat button.

The album is titled ‘Goodbye Lullaby’ (oh dear god!) and is another March release. It promises to be more of the same quirky anthems and riot-girl lite, although there does appear to be a cover of REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’, which is of course just what the world needs. Love her or hate her, Avril is back.

Pink can finally take a breather.

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EAR CANDY

GOSSIP LIVE AND LOUD! Touring time is upon us, with Rihanna here in February and Katy Perry in April. No Canberra gigs for these ladies (why is it only GaGa who’s game to come to Canberra?) but well worth a coach trip to Sydney for stars of this calibre.

WANNA HAVE FUN? Also here in March is the audacious Cyndi Lauper. Long-time galpal of the gays, this chick is a one in a million and an absolute powerhouse live.

Again, no Canberra gigs (Tilley’s should a been onto this one!) but Sydney’s State Theatre is the place to be.

WINEHOUSE COMEBACK. It’s a sad indictment on Amy Winehouse’s career that they’re calling it a comeback just ‘cos she managed to get through one gig relatively sober. But nonetheless, the Brazil performance has industry paying attention again and fans salivating for new material.

Watch this space.

BORN WHAT WAY? Nobody does hype like the Lady herself. GaGa caused a New Year’s Day frenzy, tweeting the artwork for her new single and album along with the simple statement: ‘THE SONG 2 13 11.

THE RECORD 5 23 11.’ Make sure you’re glued to the Grammys on February 13 for the world debut and what is potentially the biggest moment in music for 2011.

UNPLUGGED MINOGUE. Doing the YouTube rounds last month was an acoustic gig Kylie did for BBC’s Radio2 in the UK. The arrangements are divine, with stuff like ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ and ‘In My Arms’ getting stripped down to just a guitar, a piano and Ms Minogue working it out. See it on the FUSE webiste.

VANITY BIEBER. Justin Bieber is featured on the cover of the new Vanity Fair. His interview skills are still insipid and the photography is not great for Vanity Fair standards. It is however a huge coup. The movie is out soon, and songs are coming from the likes of Dianne Warren. We can’t help but wonder… is Bieber about to become legit?

COINCIDENCE? American Idol started up mid-January with new judge Jennifer Lopez releasing a single the same week! The song entitled ‘On the Floor’ is produced by GaGa’s collaborator, RedOne, and features a sample of ‘The Lambada’. Seriously!

ALBUMS ADELE

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Remember Adele? She helped pioneer a UK white soul-girl movement a few years back, with the help of Duffy and Amy Winehouse. Her 2008 single ‘Chasing Pavements’ was ahmaaazing. The corresponding album was not. It was patchy and all a bit dull really.

Well that’s all been fixed now. The follow-up, 21, is simply wonderful. She’s banded together with people who know how to write good songs, people like Ryan Tedder and Greg Wells and Paul Epworth, names you may not really recognise, but who are all responsible for some of the more fabulous hit singles in the last five years. The result is a fantastic pop/soul hybrid, smoother than a bald baby’s bottom and better than sex, and just a sublime collection of songs. Tracks like ‘Rumour Has It’, and the first single ‘Rolling in the Deep’, have retro rhythms, soaring sounds a go-go, and are the perfect vehicle for this young woman’s exquisite vocal prowess.

There are shades of Janis Joplin, but instead of rawness, Adele brings warmth and a kind of Joni Mitchell vibe.

A surprise cover of The Cure’s ‘Lovesong’ is one of the album’s standouts, with an acoustic arrangement that should not work but so does. And the incredible jolt of ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ (PLEASE let it be the next single!) will makes you shake and shimmy and praise the lord for fat girls singin’ loud! Soulful, ethereal, and innovative is a pretty hard mix to pull off. Adele does it with eyes closed and arms outstretched. Superb!

CHER/CHRISTINA

BURLESQUE SOUNDTRACK Are you gay? Do you love it?

If the answer to both these questions is a resounding ‘yes’ then the only thing you need to know is that if you don’t already have the Burlesque album you are just wasting everybody’s time, because it will undoubtedly become a part of your collection and your soul eventually. Cher time is minimal here, with only two of the ten tracks, and so it’s mainly Christina’s beast.

And what a beast it is! All big vocal licks and sassy brass, the best moments coming from the track ‘How Do You Burlesque’ and the beautiful ‘Bound To You’, which was co-written with her new, Aussie buddy, Sia Furler. It is no big surprises, just Divas delivering, and thank god for that. Get it now!

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COMMUNITY

NEW QUEER & ALTERNATIVE CAFE OPENS IN CANBERRA CBD You start the day at an un-named cafe. The seats are stock-standard metal contraptions that dig into your body. The person behind you reaches up and hits you in the head. Awkward apologies are exchanged and you go back to reading the menu. The waitress arrives, grunts recognition at your order and wanders away. Fifteen minutes later she returns and silently places the coffee on your table. It is average, at best.

Perplexed, you exclaim, ‘The un-named cafe is dead!

No longer shall we suffer from bad service, cramped quarters and awful coffee!’ The next morning you walk through the city, hoping that you can make good on your promise to never return to the un-named cafe.

By Gabrielle Hitch Gabrielle is the A Gender Agenda Media Representative You can contact her at: media@genderrights.org.au or visit the AGA website at: genderrights.org.au

A Gender Agenda Heyo cutie... How you doin’? Introductions are so awkward, aren’t they? But I feel the chemistry between us; so let me tell you a little about myself. I’m Gab, false eyelash aficionado, obnoxious queerbag, and lucky enough to be the media representative of A Gender Agenda. AGA is a Canberra-based organisation that works for the sex and gender diverse community as advocates, lobbyists, information providers, peers, supporters and offers opportunities for fun, safe social engagement. In short, we do like, heaps. But what do we mean by ‘sex and gender diversity’?

Everybody is ‘sex and gender diverse’. We each perform our sex and our gender in thousands of ways every day, from the clothing choices that we make to the way we walk, talk, and work. There are ways to perform our gender that are culturally approved, and there are ways that are not. People who live and embody their sex or gender identity in ways that do not correspond with the mainstream, such as transpeople, intersex people or genderqueers, can face harsh and cruel cultural reactions that range from the legal (deprivation of rights) to the medical (pathologisation, medical mistreatment and marginalisation from services) or the social (abuse, mistreatment or alienation).

AGA values all sex and gender identities, all sex and gender expressions, and all sex and gender experiences. In particular, we exist to fight cruelties against people who experience their gender or sex in non-normative ways, and also to celebrate the richness, validity and hands-up fabulosity that these lives possess!

You happen upon a red herring — or rather, The Red Herring — a café that deliberately aims to challenge Canberra cafe culture. Situated in the heart of Civic, The Red Herring does things differently: You are greeted by a bow-tied lesbian, who not only takes your order, but does so with a smile. The furniture consists of a collection of cobbled together couches and armchairs arranged in a series of ‘rooms’ — a study, lounge room, bedroom and even a kid’s play area.

The coffee is a rainforest certified blend, which is expertly made by a trained barista. The Red Herring serves inexpensive, fresh, and delicious food that is made daily by the owner of the cafe. Make sure to try the roast pumpkin and ricotta cannelloni and the French custard and nectarine-baked cheesecake.

Gluten free and vegan options are also available.

The Red Herring is located at 83 Petrie Plaza, between Cotton On Kids and Onya Bike. It is open 8:30-5:30, Monday to Saturday. They have live music on Friday nights.

By Zipporah Rothfield

If you have a specific question that you want answered, get in touch! I’ll do my best to track down the answers for you. In our more immediate future, AGA is launching our 2011 calendar of events, which includes art therapy, sewing classes, bike-riding and other displays of how-can-something-be-so-rad. Check it out, register for activities, and we’ll call it our second date! ‘Til next time, queermo... x

AMERICA’S

✔ FIRST TRANSGENDER SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

In an historic milestone Victoria Kolakowski was sworn in as America’s first transgender trial judge effective January 2011. She brings an impressive resume to the bench, but the topic of her gender status has never been something she has shied away from discussing.

‘To me, the real news of my being here tonight is not that a transgender person was elected as a judge, but it was never an issue in my campaign,’ Kolakowski said in remarks delivered after being sworn in, adding, ‘Throughout my career, once my colleagues found out that I am transgender, there was always a curiosity for a day or two and then I just became Vicky.’

Canberra Townie and Cafe Enthusiast

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Girl Thing ON RAW FM 87.6 Wednesdays & Sundays from 7pm Presented by Tori Mac, an hour of sexy house and electro served up girly style.

ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer

Long Yang Club ACT A social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. More info at: www.lyccanberra.org

Bent Lenses Canberra’s very own queer film culture group. Check out movie times online at www.bentlenses.org

Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm – 9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts.

Bit Bent Youth Group Meet other young people, get support or just hang out. Mondays at Belconnen Youth Centre 6pm–8pm and Thursdays at the Woden Youth Centre 5pm–6.30pm.

More info email: bit_bent@hotmail.com

Qnet - queer youth cyberspace Qnet is an online community for GLBTI people under the age of 25. www.qnet.org.au

Canberra Bears Bears at the Bar is held at 4pm, first Sunday of each month HUSH. For the bear facts: www.bearscanberra.com Canberra Gap Group Gap group is a monthly coffee/drinks group for same sex attracted women and gender diverse people. Contact: meganmunro2001@yahoo.com.au Canberra Gay & Lesbian QWIRE Want to be involved with Canberra’s own gay and lesbian choir? Singers and non-singers encouraged. More info: canberraqwire@yahoo.com.au Dyke Dinner & Movie Group More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.

Fruits in Boots A social and support network for rural GLBTI members outside the ACT. Email: fruitsinboots@gmail.com Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm.National Sports Club, Mouat St, Lyneham. groups.google.com/group/gayactsquash

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✪

AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services.

More info: www.aidsaction.org.au

Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids.

Email: hoogied@yahoo. com

HANGOUTS Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue.

33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. www.cubenightclub.com.au The Hush Lounge A stylish gay and lesbian and alternative lounge bar with a friendly and relaxed feel. Live music, shows and great food.

Cnr Launceston & Irving Sts, Phillip. www.hushlounge.com.au Tilley’s Devine Cafe For over 26 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community. Warm and sumptuous, it’s famous for its food and fabulous coffees and cake. To reserve your favourite table or booth call us on 6247 7753.

Rainbow Bowlers Meet new people on ‘Gay Bowling’ Sunday nights at Belconnen Bowling Alley. 1 Emu Bank from 7pm.

Cnr of Wattle & Brigalow Sts, Lyneham.

Same Way Rainbow Network ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GLB and Sister Girl community network. Email: lespur77@hotmail.com

Petrie Plaza, Canberra City

South Coast Pride NSW From Wollongong down to Merimbula come out, come out, wherever you are!

Email: southcoastpride@live.com Transgender Network A social and support group for all transgendered persons. More info at: http://canberratransgendernetwork. webs.com/ Uni of Canberra LGBTI group A social group for all LGBTI students and staff at the Uni of Canberra. Queer Space is located at the UCSA building 1 at the Uni of Canberra. Info email: sexuality@theucsa.org.au

The Red Herring Cafe A place for quirky, queer, and just curious people to meet, mix and mingle.

Bar32 Bar32 is gay friendly bar and nightclub with a mixed younger crowd. Indy and alternative dance music and bands.

32 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. www.bar32.com Champions Men’s Lounge Canberra’s men’s space. Champions Lounge is located within Mustang Ranch and is a venue for men who want to meet men.

Want to know ‘What’s On’ or be listed here, then visit us at www.fusemagazine.com.au

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graphic design corporate identity branding print advertising website design email newsletters call 0412 309 992 www.lithium.net.au

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DEAR ROSE

‘‘ ‘‘

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, My best mate and I have been “friends with benefits” for almost three years. Recently he said he’d like to find a serious BF and asked if I’d take photos of him for some dating sites. What am I, invisible? I don’t think I should point out the obvious... Or should I? TJ

TJ, @ Dear I have consulted with quite a few people about this one, and can I say that you would be surprised at how many people just don’t see the signs? So it seems that sometimes, ya need to point out the bloody obvious! It was only until my current partner actually said she wanted to date that I realised that she was serious. Your BFWB may also just think you’re happy with the current arrangement!

So my advice is: invite your BFWB out on an actual date! Shock and awe him, take him on a date that is wonderful and exciting and state your intentions.

By doing this, you might get yourself into the race of winning a permanent relationship with him.

Be prepared though, you might want something he may not. As heart breaking as this might be, I’m sure you’ll still have a best friend in the end.

‘‘

Dear Rose, I have recently moved to Sydney from Canberra as part of a work promotion. I’m having a very difficult time making new friends — I feel out of place and I’m becoming incredibly lonely. What should I do?

Leo

Leo, @ Dear Having lived in both Sydney and Canberra, I can understand the difficulty in finding new friends to hang out with. I can tell you with authority that it generally takes about two years of persistence.

With Mardi Gras season upon us, it’s a perfect time to start! There are heaps of events that you can go to. You might also consider volunteering.

There are so many organisations out there that are screaming for people to assist with lots of different things — it’s a great way to meet people.

Remember, the biggest obstacle that you have is yourself. It’s really easy to stay at home and think it’s all too hard, but you need to convince yourself, nothing ventured is nothing gained! Be brave Leo, and get yourself out there, the world is your oyster!

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If you would like to write to Dear Rose please email her at dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au

‘‘

Dear Rose, My girlfriend and I have recently moved in together, she’s a smoker and I’ve never really minded, but now we live together it’s driving me crazy. I’ve found myself nagging her, the house smells and it’s causing some serious tension.

Kay

Kay, @ Dear You need to be mindful that if you are to have a lasting and happy relationship, there needs to be a balance of fairness. Your relationship will quickly sour if she feels that she can’t be comfortable in her surroundings. And let’s be fair, smoking is not the only thing that partners do to drive you crazy.

I have had some girlfriends in the past that did not pick up after them selves. I was constantly picking up clothes, wet towels, dirty dishes etc. with the end result a relationship that morphed into a pseudo mother/child thing resulting in me becoming angry and resentful.

My advice is, together with your new girlfriend, find a space that she is able to escape to; It could be the front veranda, back patio or a garage or carport — ideal spaces for your girlfriend to indulge in her habit without annoying you. She can use the space to add things that she likes such as furniture, plants etc. Your other insistence should be that she is responsible for making sure that the area is clean and tidy. Remember, when dealing with a partner’s personal habits, whatever they might be, it’s a matter of compromise.

As for the smell, check out different deodoriser options to ensure that post smoking smell is minimised, try them all till you find something that works with you both.

‘No government has the right to tell its citizens when or whom to love. The only queer people are those who don’t love anybody.’

Rita Mae Brown

An American writer, best known for her first novel Rubyfruit Jungle. Published in 1973, it dealt with lesbian themes in an explicit manner unusual for the time.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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A BETTER NIGHT’S REST TO BE FOUND AT SLEEPY’S FYSHWICK

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For residents of Canberra and surrounding areas, a good night’s sleep is one step closer thanks to Sleepy’s Fyshwick. ‘‘You sleep for 1/3 of your life. A bed is one of the only household items you will buy that is a health benefit and contributes largely to how well you function every day,” Mr George proprietor of Sleepy’s Fyshwick said.

The latest technology in latex, memory foam, pocket-coil and chiropractic mattresses and ensembles that Sleepy’s provide could be a solution for many Australians who suffer back, neck, hip or shoulder pain.

‘‘Sleepy’s chiropractic range of beds is the only bedding range that the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA) has developed, tested and endorsed ,’’ Mr George said. ‘‘At Sleepy’s we offer a 60-day comfort exchange on our core range, so if you are not sleeping better within two months, you can exchange your mattress,’’ he said.

Sleepy’s deliver free of charge to Canberra, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. ‘‘We also offer a mattress and ensemble base removal service at no charge to our customers,” Mr George said.

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TIME LIKE MARDI

Sat 26 Sun 27 Mon 28 Tues 1 Wed 2 Thurs 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Sun 6

GRAS...

Lifesavers with Pride Beach BBQ Harbour ’11 with 100% added Daywash Pool Party Festival Bar Harbour Cruise Armistead Maupin Drag Races & Beach Party At Bondi Parade and Party Toybox at Luna Park Plus the incomparable Lily Tomlin on Friday 4 March.

To see the full program go to mardigras.org.au.

For travel options visit mardigras.org.au/travel.

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