canberra citynews september 10-16, 2009

CityNews September 10-16 1

SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2009

ALL ABOUT FLORIADE

MICHAEL MOORE Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Andrew Barr

ROBERT MACKLIN In a world built on conflict

TIM GAVEL Patience will pay off for the Raiders

FOR FLORIADE

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Q: Which minister spent

$40k on research then ignored the

outcome?

A: John

Hargreaves

Q: Why?

A: Jorian

Gardner

investigates

Snapper to the stars SILAS BROWN’s four fabulous pages of social photos

SONYA FLADUN

Perils of puppy love

2 CityNews September 10-16


news

WAS Industrial Relations Minister John Hargreaves reflecting public opinion when he banned the public from buying and using fire-works in the ACT?

Not according to the $40,000 worth of “extensi-ve community consultation” research contained in the ministerial brief that informed the ACT Government’s decision last month to ban the tra-ditional Queen’s Birthday weekend fireworks.

The brief, sighted by “CityNews”, shows that over three telephone surveys of 1000 people each when asked: “To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Canberra public should be able to buy and use fireworks?” replied in the affir-mative of 50 per cent (October 2007); 62 per cent (June 2008) and 56 per cent (August 2008).

That is, over 2008, the most-recent research showed a clear majority of people in the ACT wanted to maintain the fireworks tradition.

However Cabinet, including a reluctant Chief Minister, issued the ban based on what might be argued as a highly subjective ministerial brief that, apart from the unhelpful research, inclu-ded newspaper reportage, correspondence from MPs, an RSPCA “position paper”, a “Chronology of illegal use in Richardson” and a table listing cranky constituents seeking a prohibition.

In July, when Cabinet was considering its position, Mr Hargreaves said that while he knew the general public were well behaved on “cracker night”, there was a small element of the commu-nity who were not.

"My patience ran out 10 years ago when my pet had fireworks strapped to his belly and he was set on fire by people," he said, going on to explain his long-felt, personal views.

At the time of Cabinet’s deliberations, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope had curiously said that he was aware of the community’s mood on the subject and that there was an "incrementally growing opposition to fireworks,” at odds with the data. But the Chief Minister has since re-vealed that he while he abides by Government’s decision on the matter – he “regrets it.”

''I always enjoyed fireworks, cracker night, I loved it as a child,” Mr Stanhope said after the ban was announced. “I think of decisions I've made in Government… it's one of the decisions that I have significant regret around.”

However, it might hearten the Chief Minister to know that not all is lost: The community has

rallied against the ban with a Facebook group “Lift ACT Ban on Fireworks”, amassing an ama-zing 7000 members in a week.

Creator of the group Clare Hogan said that it showed that Government is not representing the majority of Canberrans who wanted to see the continuation of a family tradition in the ACT – cracker night.

“The Government is only listening to a small minority whose opposition to fireworks is becau-se a handful of people don’t follow the rules,” Ms Hogan said. “This is going to ruin it for everyone.” Referring to the minister’s report Ms Hogan said: “This same research also reports that 18 per cent of respondents or their families used fireworks on the 2008 Queen’s Birthday long weekend. This means there are over 60,000 Canberra residents enjoying fireworks in contrast to approximately 200 complaints John Hargreaves has received.

“We are calling on the ACT Government to work with the community to develop strategies to adequately regulate the use of fireworks – en-suring they look at the issue in a holistic manner rather than listening to a number of lobby groups and the few complaints they get.

“The same logic could be applied to alcohol abuse or speeding on our roads. A few people breaking the rules does not justify an outright ban.”

Hargreaves ignores !reworks support

Minister John Hargreaves spent $40,000 on “extensive community consultation” only to ignore what the research was telling him, reports JORIAN GARDNER.

Government wrong, say our readers“CITYNEWS” asked its Facebook fans this

week if they agreed with the Government’s

firework ban: A resounding 73 per cent said they didn’t.

John Hargreaves.

INDEXSeptmeber 10-16, 2009 Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 35 Editor: Ian Meikle,

[email protected] writer and arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 0411 045592 [email protected] writer: Helen Musa, 0413 466121 Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086Designer: Joran DilucianAccounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler [email protected] and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100

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Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601www.citynews.com.au

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COVER PHOTO: Marcia Hines, who headlines this year’s Floriade enter-tainment program, story Page 19.

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brieflypolitics

IT should not be so hard to say sorry when you have made a mistake. But Minister Barr won’t.

In February, 2004, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope introduced a code of conduct for ministers. At the start of each term of the Assembly, all ministers sign the code, which states that “ministers will treat other members of the Legislative Assembly, members of the public and other officials honestly and fairly, with proper regard for their personal dignity, rights, entitlements, duties and obliga-tions.

“Ministers should exercise due diligence, care and attention, and at all times seek to achieve the highest standards practicable in relation to their duties and responsibilities in their official capac-ity as a Government minister.”

Barr’s refusal to comply with an Assembly instruction raises the spectre of his growing ar-rogance. It also raises the core issue of ministe-rial responsibility. Whether he thinks his Liberal education shadow deserves an apology is now ir-relevant – the minister is under direct instruction by the Assembly and he has not complied.

The irony is that Barr brought this on himself by setting up a question from colleague Mary Por-ter allowing him to launch an attack on Doszpot. Barr has now had time since the Assembly rose to reconsider his position. It would be acceptable for him to write to Assembly Members indicating that he intends to issue the apology at the beginning of the next sitting of the Assembly on September 15.

However, should he refuse to comply it would

be appropriate for Stanhope to ask him to stand down. Ignoring an instruction of the Assembly can hardly be considered consistent with the Ministerial Code of Conduct. The difficulty for the Chief Minister is that he does not have the numbers in the caucus to stand the minister down – the numbers lie with Barr’s right-wing faction.

However, for the Assembly the issue is at least as significant. If it allows even one of its instructions to be ignored by a minister it will be disempowered, neutered, castrated! The reason that people vote for a minority government is to ensure that the Assembly holds the government of the day accountable. No doubt the Liberals will pursue Mr Barr to make him accountable. But will the Greens allow Mr Barr to get away with this and thereby make themselves the Assembly’s eunuchs?

If Mr Barr continues to arrogantly ignore the instruction the next steps are clear. There should be a motion of no confidence in the minister simply on the grounds of ignoring the will of the Assembly. The Greens would be compelled to support it if they are to deliver on their election promises of holding government accountable. Mr Barr would then either have to step down himself or be discharged from his ministerial duties.

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

Andrew Barr… sorry seems to be the hardest word.

A cloud hangs over ACT Education Minister Andrew Barr, says MICHAEL MOORE. He been chastised in the Assembly and required by the Assembly to apologise for the way he has treated Liberal Steve Doszpot. But he won’t say sorry.

Cloud over arrogant Andrew

THE Government is now promising that the five drinking fountains the Chief Minister announced would be installed and working in Civic by mid-year will now be installed in time for summer, six months late.

Last week “CityNews” reported that the new “bubblers” promised in January for completion by mid-year had not been started. While no explanation was forthcoming, a spokesman for the Chief Minister said: “The new Civic drinking fountains (City Walk at Akuna Street, the bus interchange, London Circuit at Ainslie Avenue, on Bunda Street and near the carousel on City Walk), will be installed by the beginning of summer this year – that is to say, December.”

Summer promise for new bubblers

Goodbye Fringe,hello FringeTHE ACT Government wil call for expressions of interest for a new annual Civic-based arts event from March next year to enliven the city centre during the Canberra Festival and in the lead up to the city’s 100th birthday celebrations in 2013. This follows its recent decision to truncate the February multicultural festival and controversially relocate its fringe element to the Easter National Folk Festival.

Bunyip in bronzeALEXANDER Bunyip, from the children’s book “The Monster that ate Canberra” will be immor-talised in bronze outside the new Gungahlin Library. The Gungahlin Community Council's campaign for a public art piece recognising the popular children's book by Michael Salmon has been successful, with ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope approving the idea for a sculpture.

Walk for researchTHE second Walk 4 Life fundraiser, in aid of breast cancer research, will start from the Linear Park town common at Gungahlin on Sunday, September 20 at 10 am. The walk stretches around the Gungahlin Town Centre and Yerrabi Pond for five kilometres. Registra-

tion is $20 for adults from any store in the Gungahlin Town Centre or at either centre management office of the Gungahlin Market-place and The G.

EsCarpade bonusNEARLY $30,000 has been raised for the Camp Quality esCarpade 104.7 Torana and crew in a “helping hands” fundraiser held in 16 McDonald’s outlets in the ACT, Queanbeyan and Yass. Camp Quality supports children and their families living with cancer. “The money raised… is a great contribution to our 2009 Camp Quality esCarpade car rally,” said Ivan Slavich who, with Eoghan O’Byrne, will participate in the rally, which starts on October 17 in Nowra, travelling to Lightning Ridge and ending in Gilgandra on October 24.

Prize winnerCONGRATULATIONS to Shona Kitto who has

won a personal styling consultation and half-day shopping date with personal stylist Jenny Koslow, worth $360. Shona impressed our judging panel with a new interpretation of children’s rhyme “Hickory dickory dock” – “nursery rhymes I know, but my fashion’s not so hot!” the Ngunnawal mum told “CityNews”.

CityNews September 10-16 7expression-s.com.au

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THROUGH the season, I have lost count of the number of calls and e-mails I have received from Raiders’ support-ers virtually begging the club to go in search of experienced players.

That changed as the season pro-gressed and the younger players became familiar with the nature of backing up week-in week-out in the NRL.

Josh Dugan is a case in point; he struggled early in the season and was sent to South Logan, the Raiders’ feeder Club in the Queensland Cup, rather than play in the under 20s. Dugan re-turned a tougher player and, along with Travis Waddell, Joel Thompson and Jarod Croker, will form the nucleus of the team in years to come.

In my opinion it is the only way to go. Whether we like it or not, many play-ers in the NRL are not keen to come to Canberra.

The lack of exposure on free-to-air television doesn’t help things, nor does the perception that Canberra is cold and boring.

One potential recruit was flown to Canberra in the middle of winter; he stepped off the plane severely under dressed for the conditions and refused to walk out of the terminal. To the sur-prise of Raiders’ officials at the airport to pick him up, the player jumped on the next plane and returned home com-plaining of the cold conditions.

If they are so concerned about play-

ing and training in cool conditions we are probably better off without them and instead focus on players coming to Canberra seeking an opportunity that may not exist elsewhere.

You have to laugh, though, when players suggest the cold weather is the reason for not coming to Canberra before signing to play with a UK Super League team.

The Raiders have to pay over the odds to get a player to come here. This puts pressure on the salary cap and the

individual might not have the desire to stay for the long haul.

While Canberra’s future is very much in the hands of the local juniors coming through, there is still a need to maintain a level of experience within the side. We have seen the importance of Bronson Harrison, Josh Miller, Scott Logan, David Shillington, Troy Thompson, Terry Campese and Allan Tongue this season and their role with the younger players.

The club is currently planning well into the next decade. They are currently negotiating a 10-year deal with Canberra Stadium to run alongside the lease they have on their training facility at Bruce.

When the Raiders won the premier-ship in 1989 the side was predominantly made up of players from the local region such as Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart, Glen Lazarus and Bradley Clyde with a mix of Queenslanders such as Mal Meninga, Garry Belcher, Steve Walters and Garry Coyne. If Canberra can keep their current young brigade alongside Tom Leroyd Lahs and the like, support-ers have plenty of reason for optimism.

sport

The Canberra Raiders’ policy of keeping its young players at the expense of chasing big-name stars from other teams will eventually pay dividends, but fans will need to be patient, says TIM GAVEL.

The lack of exposure on free-to-air

television doesn’t help things, nor does the perception that Canberra is cold and

boring.

‘

’

Patience will pay o"

What’s in the water?As Canberra preens itself with a little Floriade Civic pride, travelling snapper Silas Brown bumbled by Civic Square the other day and couldn’t resist this wonderful shot of a Lilliputian gardener appearing to water the giant promotional tulips for Floriade. We’ve got a feature all about the big event. It starts on Page 18.


LAST month, while on a book tour, I found myself in the Supreme Court in Perth, three metres from Chris-tian Rossiter who was pleading for the right to die. It was a thoroughly unnerving – but immensely edifying – experience.

My “CityNews” colleague, Michael Moore covered the issue thoroughly in a column soon afterwards. Mr Rossiter, 49 was suffering from spas-tic quadriplegia after being hit by a car. The Chief Justice of WA, Wayne Martin, ruled that he had the right to order his carers to cease feeding him and provided them with legal immu-nity when they complied.

But what really interested me was the sequel to the hearing. I was near Mr Rossiter when he thanked the judge outside the court. Then suddenly he announced that he might well change his mind and choose to live. It was a stunning reversal and I believe it may well help us to understand what the “Sydney Morning Herald” has called Australia’s “suicide epidemic”.

In the courtroom early that morn-ing, Mr Rossiter had seemed a sad, pathetic figure weighed down by the sheer awfulness of his plight. “My life is a living hell,” he said. “I can’t

even wipe the tears from my eyes.” The pain was constant; the future hopeless.

Judge Martin was deeply consider-ate and throughout the hearing he made it clear that Mr Rossiter’s com-fort was his first concern. The man in the wheelchair was the centre of attention. The lawyers were equally thoughtful and when the judge an-nounced that Mr Rossiter would be given charge of his own destiny, his day was complete. Psychologically at least, he had discovered a new sense of self-esteem.

It was this, I believe, which lay at the base of his sudden indecision about dying. As a demonstration of the manner in which our frame of mind affects life and death decision making, it could hardly have been more striking.

So, how can this knowledge be ap-plied to change the minds of the 2000 or more young people who every year take their own lives in Australia? It

is a question that has haunted me for the decades since my younger brother ended his own life at the end of a gun.

Neither he nor any of the others are victim to the physical disabilities that lie at the basis of Mr Rossiter’s story. But clearly their sense of hopelessness and alienation is a powerful factor in taking the ultimate decision to end their lives.

Part of the answer, I suspect, is the earnest, humourless nature of the Judeo-Christian paradigm in which we live. It is a world in which we equate acquisitiveness with “suc-cess”; in which we base our social institutions – from law to sport to politics – on conflict. Winner takes all; the also ran picks up the pieces of a shattered self-esteem.

Indeed, our society is so psychologi-cally bereft that we consume oceans of alcohol simply to get us through the week. And we conduct a “war on drugs” by demonising the supply side of the equation – the coca and poppy growers – instead of trying to figure out why we prefer the drug-induced illusion to the awful reality.

Perhaps we have the equation the wrong way round.

[email protected]

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THE GADFLYBy Robert Macklin

news

#e raw reality of a world built on con$ict

By Megan HagganIT’S a challenge to help people take control of their health – but it’s all in a day’s work for Katherine Allen, of Capital Chemist, Southlands in Mawson, who has just been named ACT Pharmacy Assistant of the Year by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

“We’re trying to help people lead healthier lives and be more proac-

tive, rather than reactive, about their health,” says Katherine.

“Part of the problem is that everybody wants to just take a pill for whatever’s wrong, whether they want to lose weight or quit smoking, and have the problem go away.”

She says pharmacy assistants, who support pharmacists in their work, are a “vital link” in providing health care.

“Pharmacy has changed really drastically over the years. Twenty or 30 years ago, pharmacy assistants did pretty much everything, and then our job became more of a ‘cash and wrap’ role.

“These days, it’s gone back to the way it was, and there’s a lot we can help with – and people are starting to realise it!”

Katherine will compete in the national finals in October.

Katherine Allen… “Everybody wants to just take a pill for whatever’s wrong.”

Kate rises to the challenge


families

GETTING a puppy is serious business, after all, we’re talking about a new member of the family – someone who will be around for a long time, shed-ding over the furniture, ruining anything black you might have on, chewing up your brand new patent-leather, Sunday best shoes and going potty (at least initially) in all the wrong places. Yes, there’s a lot to look forward to.

I’ve resisted my children’s pleas for a puppy for as long as possible, but it’s all my six-year-old son wants for his seventh birthday. And somehow boys and dogs are an irresistible combination, like Laurel and Hardy, Bonnie and Clyde, and maybe Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

My little man has some broad criteria for a suit-able pup: A white, male dog that will play with him, likes to fetch things, will sleep on the end of his bed and be brave, just like the cartoon dog “Bolt”. So the last month has seen me (and him) poring over websites that offer advice about breeds, what to look for in buying a pup, and endless lists of puppies cur-rently for sale (and all too often already sold).

Finding a good trustworthy breeder is highly recommended; otherwise you might end up buying a cute little thing only to find out a year later that daddy was a Great Dane/Rottweiller cross with bad hips, and a hereditary overbite and anger-manage-ment issues.

But that’s not the only pitfall in the modern world of puppy purchasing. I also discovered there are other dangers because the puppy selling business has been invaded by confidence tricksters running some nasty scams. Fraudsters post false advertise-ments on bona fide websites in the hope of getting hopeful dog owners to make down payments on a cute puppy that will never be delivered.

When you’ve got a desperate six-year-old hover-

ing over your shoulder and going into a frenzy over every cute puppy picture on the web, it is easy to let the heart rule the head. Even I found myself email-ing people who turned out to be engaged in nothing more than a scam. Fortunately, no money changed hands, but I’ll admit in one case I was taken in by what seemed a very convincing advertisement for an adorable but probably non-existent puppy, much to my boy’s deep disappointment and my annoyance. So if you’re a family about to enter the market for an adorable pet – beware the bite of the Trojan pup. Meanwhile, our search continues.

Perils of puppy loveMUM IN THE CITYBy Sonya Fladun

Mothers' Day...THE Thorpe and Duck families from Wollongong (above) were among the 2000 Australians who braved the rain to attend a pro-homebirth rally in front of Parliament House, protesting Federal legislation that would effectively make giving birth at home illegal.

... and Father's AARON Mann (left) with children Ella, Aidan and Mia celebrate dad's special day at Fathers' Day in the Park.

Photos by Silas.


letters

I DON’T think Sonya Fladun’s been paying at-tention (“Boys, who cares?”, CN, Septemeber 3). No-one has cared about boys for decades, least of all in our appalling “education system”. Betty Friedan’s “1,000,001 Things I Hate About Men” and Germaine Greer’s “Every Man Needs a Good R… up the A…” set the ball rolling and it has been crushing males ever since.

Men are rubbish. I should know. I’m a man, and have been all my life. Though, there was a period in my early 20s that was a bit vague.

The “education system” is making up for 3000 years of male oppression, as one man-hating feminist told me. But the future is rosy. Accord-ing to fierce feminist Ita Buttrose, the old male troglodytes are dying out, as the new breed of well behaved, crushed men come through to do the housework and wear the knickers round the house.

You can finish me off now. John Cleland, Latham

I agree with JorianI AGREE with Jorian Gardner (“Bubbler Hunt-ing”, CN, September 3). Then again, when we have a total fire ban in Canberra Stanhope and his mob turn off all the barbecues even though they are electric.

Gerard Halton, via email

Let’s ban sex?WHAT a great article and so right, Mr. Moore (“Crackers, that’s the argument”, CN, Septem-ber 3). Our office comment was why isn't sex on the list of fun activities to be banned or balloons or giggling babies?

It’s not the fireworks that are unsafe, it is the user!

Slowly but surely, the fun and freedom is go-ing out of life (a bit like the reduced amount of nuts in a popular chocolate bar).

I have two dogs, neither of which likes the noise of fireworks going off so I keep them in-doors and safe. Anyone who has pets should do the same. As for people getting hurt, we have to stop blaming someone else all the time and take responsibility for our own actions or lack of.

Marj Russell, animal, human and firework lover, via email

I REALLY enjoyed Michael Moore's article "Crackers, that's the argument" (CN, Sep-tember 3) about John Hargreaves, of the Fun Police. What does concern me though is that the good folk of Tuggeranong continue to vote this poor-performing minister into the Assembly again and again. This makes not only Tugger-anong, but the whole of Canberra, somewhat of a laughing stock and is certainly not a good advertisement for full self-government. We have joined NSW as the butt of political jokes, although many would say that we were first. It is high time that Hargreaves was put out to pasture.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Tedious imagesTHE images of Rudd in hard hats and Swan claiming credit for some mythical turnaround in our economic fortunes are getting a bit tedi-ous.

We are doing better than much of the world, but there are many quite negative figures and trends in the national account figures. Capital spending has contracted, as has national dis-posable income, eight out of 18 industry sectors have contracted in the last three months, and the biggest growth sector is the “statistical dis-crepancy” again!

Underemployment is a serious issue; with obviously many people dropping out of the workforce all together, total hours worked has dropped in the last quarter and the last year. Businesses are reducing inventories, including in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail sec-tors.

The stimulus package is not an economic strategy but a re-election strategy which may explain the “excessive” spin rather than the “normal” spin we have come to expect!

M. Gordon, Flynn

Men are rubbish!Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to [email protected] or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.

Martin Ross: I do not agree. There are many responsible people that enjoy a good night or two of close-knit time with family and friends and fireworks. But the donkeys that use these incorrectly are the ones that need monitoring and the community also needs to play their part in policing these idiots. That way property won't be as damaged, if at all. And animal owners may have to strategise a bit more so

dogs and cats don't turn up at RSPCA, but God bless Michael Linke and the staff for the work they do

Lydia Teo: [Replying to Martin’s comment]

Please don't slander donkeys, they are sensitive, intelligent creatures. The dropkicks who do damage with fireworks are human – dictated by Shnooky the donkey, keyed by Lydia.

Trevar Alan Chilver: Pity we can't ban banishment.

Melanie Lindner: I actually like the sugges-

tion to ban the rugby players... well some of them anyway :)

Alan Kerlin: We could ban smart-arse comments in the Assembly. That'd screw Hargreaves up big time.

“CITYNEWS” Facebook fans offer some pithy comments Michael Moore’s column ridiculing the Government’s decision to ban the use and sale of fireworks:


scene Invite us at [email protected]

At Ruth Oliphant and Dean Bowen exhibition openings, Beaver Galleries

Sara Hellsing, Alex Fraser Smith, Kathy Rindt and Nicole MunizAyumi Sakamoto and Kerryn Wagg

Belinda Toll, Matt Ryan and Erin Conron Ruth Oliphant, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, Susie Beaver, Dean Bowen and Martin Beaver

Christine Pennell, Jade Nelson, Josephine Lamech and Madeleine Dornan Anthea Cahill and Wes Smith Nikki Main and Ann Jakle

David Oliphant, Marcus and Margaret Lewis with Angela Young

Soli Middleby, Neil Lade and Susie van den Heuvel

Marian Pettit, Dawn Waterhouse and Laurel Yeend


More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews sceneAt the Canberra Cystic Fibrosis dinner, Cadets’ Mess, Duntroon

Narelle and Stephen Bundy with Jon English Clyde and Carrie Rathbone with Julian Huxley

Sonia and Matthew HowarthRoss Solly and Emma GriffithsRos Seselja, Cam and Ally Sullings Lisa Ridgley and Renee Shearer

Catherine Craig, Judy Breen and Kristen KnowdJustin Carney, Brie Groves, Joel Monaghan and Samantha Lugwig Karen Byrne and Rowan Brennan

Geoff and Vivien Cox with John AlexanderMichael Jonas and Adrienne Moss with Jamie and Cynthia McDonald

Jessica Bibby, Natalie Hurst and Kellie Abrams


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ACT Property Taxes and Charges– a refresher guide When: Monday 21 September 2009 | Time: 4pm to 6pm Venue: Hotel Realm, Barton Proudly sponsored by CB Richard Ellis

Property Council Golf ClassicWhen: Thursday 22 October 2009 | Venue: Federal Golf Club, Red HillProudly sponsored by NDH Property Services

Division Luncheon with the Hon.Lindsay Tanner MPWhen: Wednesday 28 October 2009 | Time: 12:00 to 2:00pmVenue: Hyatt Hotel CanberraProudly sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

scene Invite us at [email protected]

At Carmen Steffens spring/summer fashion show, Canberra Centre

At the M16 Artspace’s exhibition openings, Fyshwick

Ophelia Lam, Mai Adams and Cara Becker Emilia Rossi with Megan Johns

Jorge Castro, Lizzy Wagner, Katarina Castro and Nina Martinovic Toni Brasting with Eric and Solange Rossi

Margaret Carlin and Robynne Carey Darren Brown and Amelia Whitelaw Marilyn Gray and Anita McIntyre Alistair Riddell and Valerie Kirk


More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews sceneAt ‘Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade’ opening night, CivicAt the Wattle Day dinner, Teatro Vivaldi, ANU

Ian Teasdale, Michelle Green and Rafael BonachelaDona Busic, Mark McConnell, Tam Johnston and Warren Pearson

Colin Haining, Deshi Rahim, Tim Lynch and Rob Dearn

Clinton Jacka, Sally Haysom and Bree Winchester Prof. Don and Bev Aitkin

Tamina Koehne-Drube and MLA Alistair Coe

Hannah Wallace, John Wilson, Maria Wallace, Lynette Wilson with Madison and Ian Tidy

Andrew Bartlett and Frank Madrid

Cathy Crozier, Lisa Conroy, Margot Firth and Anna Olsen Janie Busby Grant and Will Grant

Michelle Hetherington and Suzette Searle

MLA Shane Rattenbury and Florence Fahy

Ian De Landelles, MLA Mary Porter and John Warhurst

Shirley Stewart, Graeme Shore, Shirlee Wilkinson and Judy Tunningley Mark Lodder, Tony Firth, Kevin Olsen and Max Crozier

Better Building advertising feature

“OUR philosophy is very simple,” says Better Building Principal Ivan Juric. “We strive to build the very best houses we can. We think the experience while you are building is as important as the end product.

“We offer a personalised service, one where there are no hidden costs. We do not believe that quality is a function of the amount of money you spend. We treat each house as if we were building our own. And remember, we only build outstanding custom built homes, so specialising means we really know our stuff.”

It’s easy to see why his design and construction work is so good: he oozes a passion for what he does.

It shows, too, with Better Building one of the most-awarded builders in Australia having won awards from the MBA and HIA every year since 1999. The company has won seven major nationals awards, something which Ivan says he couldn’t have done without his team.

“I have to thank all our designers, suppliers and contractors for the job they do – they are the ones who have helped us provide the highest-possible level of service we can,” says Ivan.

“We do any style of architecture. We custom design a house to suit the location, to suit the customer, to suit the aspect and to suit the view. We simply say to our clients ‘what’s your budget?’ and go from there. We t everything into the budget we start with – it’s the only way to do it.

“We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on

design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.

“We look after interior design, the approvals, the construction and landscaping – everything from start to nish.”

Ivan says that clients appreciate the effort that

Better Building puts in to supplying a superior service and hassle-free construction process.

“We strive for excellence in customer service,” enthuses Ivan. “The team of people that we have working on each home have the same philosophy we do, that is, that the client’s needs are paramount – we all have a ‘yes’ attitude and it shows through our work.

“We are very proud of our record and we think it shows exactly how much attention to detail we put into each and every one of our projects.

“It’s very simple – we work with our clients to create a living environment that is tailored to their need and budget, with integrity and customer service excellence. Each house is unique with no two houses the same. A superior product is the end result – one that satis es even the toughest critics.”

Better Buildings 2009 National Display Home of the Year is open every Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm, until December at 47 Birdwood Street, Hughes.

Better Building Principal Ivan Juric… “We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.”

Striving to build the very best

‘It’s our team of contractors that help us make the real difference – it’s one

of the reasons we have won seven major national awards.’


All about Floriade September 12-October 11

What is Floriade?FLORIADE is the largest flower festival in the south-

ern hemisphere with more than one million blooms creating a colourful backdrop for Canberra’s month-long celebration of spring.

The event boasts an excit-ing entertainment program with local, national and international performers on show, kids’ activities, garden workshops, exhibitions, displays and plenty of fine food and wine from across

the Canberra region.

It also encompasses Floriade NightFest, five nights filled with outdoor movie screenings, music and more.

But while the music plays and the wine flows, it is always the flowers that are the star of the show, all planted out in eye-catching and unusual designs.

When did it start?FLORIADE began in 1986 when the ACT Parks and Conservation Society

dreamed up a huge floral display to celebrate the 1988 bicentenary and Canberra’s

75th birthday. Canberra’s Floriade is now the largest springtime festival of its type. It was inspired by the Dutch Keukenhof flower display and Holland’s Floriade, which happens every 10 years.

The name Floriade comes from the Latin word “florist”,

which means to design with

flowers.

This year’s themeEACH year the Floriade team selects a new theme that guides the plantings for the festival as well as the enter-tainment program and other events. Last year’s theme

was “Films that Shaped Our Nation”, but in 2009 the festival will bend expecta-

tions and lift spirits with the theme “Mind, Body and Soul”. The displays involve more than one million bulbs and annuals, which bloom and change throughout the month-long event.

When?FLORIADE will be held from September 12 to October 11. Gates open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday and from 9am until 5.30pm on weekends and public holidays. Last entry to the festival is 30 minutes before closing.

Where?THE home of Floriade is Com-

monwealth Park in Canberra, on the northern banks of

Lake Burley Griffin. The spot takes in views across the lake to Canberra’s other land-

marks, including Parliament House, the High Court and the National Museum of Australia.

Continued Page 22.

Marcia shines in free showARIA Hall of Fame star and Australia’s queen of soul, Marcia Hines, headlines this year’s Floriade entertainment program with a special one-off, free concert performance at Stage 88 on Sunday, September 19.

With the million blooms of spring as a backdrop, dozens of top entertainers will weave their magic in Commonwealth Park throughout the month-long Floriade, drawing inspiration from this year’s theme of “Mind, Body and Soul”.

From Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, October 11, ANU School of Music

musicians will feed the soul with a series of lunchtime concerts with all sorts of music – jazz, classical, solos, ensembles, piano,

percussion, guitars, harps, strings and wind.On Sunday, October 4, country music’s big-

gest female act The McClymonts will perform on Stage 88 along with current 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Peter McWhirter. The concert will showcase a bevy of budding country music talent, including NZ Country Horizon Award winner, Ashley Cooper.

Melbourne theatre troupe Born in a Taxi will pop up throughout Floriade to present quirky, funny and often absurd original performances, which combine physical comedy with improvisation. The group’s award-winning street theatre shows trans-

form everyday environments into places of unexpected wonder, playfulness and delight.

KIDS can join in one of the roving performances by the jugglers, acrobats and street artists who

will bring an extra splash of colour to every day of the festival.

Then there’s the patting paddock where kids can feed and pat springtime animals including kittens, pigs, hatching chicks, baby ducks and little lambs.

From Sunday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4, kids can help SpongeBob SquarePants celebrate his 10th birthday!

Snakes, lizards, frogs and other creepy crawlies will be on show at the National Zoo and Aquarium’s “Riveting Reptiles” exhibition from Wednesday, September 23 to Thursday, October 1. Handlers will run workshops on their habitats, favourite foods, and what to do if you meet one in the backyard.

Everyone will be enchanted by the magical creations of Erth, one of Australia’s premier puppetry and visual affects groups. From Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 9, whole worlds will inflate within minutes and be filled with fantastical beasts, while original music and visual effects create an experience to engage the full five senses.

The Australian Sports Commis-

sion marquee features a diverse range of sporting activities, demonstrations, presentations and workshops.

From Saturday, October 3 to Friday, October 9, you can test your mind power and get your body fit at the Nintendo marquee. Try games such as Wii Sports, Wii Fit, brain training and more.

For the kids

The fast guide to Floriade Everything you need to know about Floriade, September 12-October 11.

Better Building advertising feature

“OUR philosophy is very simple,” says Better Building Principal Ivan Juric. “We strive to build the very best houses we can. We think the experience while you are building is as important as the end product.

“We offer a personalised service, one where there are no hidden costs. We do not believe that quality is a function of the amount of money you spend. We treat each house as if we were building our own. And remember, we only build outstanding custom built homes, so specialising means we really know our stuff.”

It’s easy to see why his design and construction work is so good: he oozes a passion for what he does.

It shows, too, with Better Building one of the most-awarded builders in Australia having won awards from the MBA and HIA every year since 1999. The company has won seven major nationals awards, something which Ivan says he couldn’t have done without his team.

“I have to thank all our designers, suppliers and contractors for the job they do – they are the ones who have helped us provide the highest-possible level of service we can,” says Ivan.

“We do any style of architecture. We custom design a house to suit the location, to suit the customer, to suit the aspect and to suit the view. We simply say to our clients ‘what’s your budget?’ and go from there. We t everything into the budget we start with – it’s the only way to do it.

“We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on

design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.

“We look after interior design, the approvals, the construction and landscaping – everything from start to nish.”

Ivan says that clients appreciate the effort that

Better Building puts in to supplying a superior service and hassle-free construction process.

“We strive for excellence in customer service,” enthuses Ivan. “The team of people that we have working on each home have the same philosophy we do, that is, that the client’s needs are paramount – we all have a ‘yes’ attitude and it shows through our work.

“We are very proud of our record and we think it shows exactly how much attention to detail we put into each and every one of our projects.

“It’s very simple – we work with our clients to create a living environment that is tailored to their need and budget, with integrity and customer service excellence. Each house is unique with no two houses the same. A superior product is the end result – one that satis es even the toughest critics.”

Better Buildings 2009 National Display Home of the Year is open every Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm, until December at 47 Birdwood Street, Hughes.

Better Building Principal Ivan Juric… “We tailor everything to your budget, and this is especially helpful so you don’t waste money on design work before you know what the nal cost will actually be.”

Striving to build the very best

‘It’s our team of contractors that help us make the real difference – it’s one

of the reasons we have won seven major national awards.’


Floriade

CloudsENTER the world of mind, body and soul through this garden bed, which depicts the billowing clouds of a dream. The light-pastel colours, ruffled petals of the tulips and round, soft shapes will help your mind drift off in a daydream.

Music for the soulA SONG can evoke a million memories, and the mind can remember lyrics from favourite songs for a lifetime. Look out for the music notes depicted in this garden bed. The red flow-

ers represent the emotion, love and passion evoked by music. The white flowers represent the paper sheets, which hold the blue and purple notes.

Water dropTHIS bed features a sea of tulips, irises and hyacinths mainly in different shades of blue, representing life-giving water. Water hydrates our bodies and quenches our thirst, and is essential for life. It also rejuvenates the soul, be it the sound of the ocean, the smell of rain or the tranquillity of a waterfall.

Ocean wavesTHIS three-dimensional garden bed rises and falls to depict the waves of the ocean. The

different shades of blue, white, and yellow are colours we associate with iconic Australian beach culture.

Love (supported by the Heart Foundation)

THE heart represents our emotional core and is recog-

nised as a symbol for love. Love takes many forms and enriches

the mind, body and soul. Deep shades of pink and red depict a beating heart.

Elixir of lifeTHIS garden features raised

mounds representing plump grapes, which are used to create the elixir of life – wine. Wine is symbolic of celebration, relaxation, friendship and luxury and holds an important place in many cultures.

Friends and familyMOMENTS of friendship, intimacy, bonding and laughter define our lives. Friends and family make us who we are, and can transform our mood in a second. The five people of dif-ferent colours and sizes holding hands depicted in this garden bed represent the friends and family who nurture our mind, body and soul.

CheckmateREPRESENTING the sharpness of

Message in the EVERY year, the team behind Floriade put on their creative caps to come up with new designs for the garden beds, and this year is no exception.The following themed garden bed descriptions offer an insight into what all visitors can look forward to.


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Floriade

blooms and beds

the mind, this giant chessboard will make you want to chal-lenge your friends to a game. Crosswords, board games, word puzzles and more allow us to challenge ourselves and keep our minds active.

Window to the soulTHIS garden bed depicts the first of the five senses – sight. The eyes are said to be the

windows to the soul. Peer into this deep blue eye with its long, dark lashes as you wonder what your eyes say about you.

The sensesAFTER taking time to reflect on the wonder of sight, consider the remaining four senses in these three-dimensional garden beds. These garden beds depict each of the senses which allow us to experience life – touch, taste, smell and sound.

Yin and yangIN Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent how everything in life must be balanced – you can’t have good without bad and opposites can only exist with one another. These opposites complement, interact

and balance one another. This yin and yang symbol is nestled in a sea of pink flowers.

Feast of colourTHE colourful tulips in these symmetrical garden beds continue the theme of balance and represent food as essential to wellbeing. Food helps to enrich and nurture the mind, body and soul.

Lotus poolTHESE stunning garden beds are placed separately near and around Nerang Pool, depicting brightly coloured lotus flowers. The lotus flower represents purity and peace. Its unfolding petals reflect the expanding of the soul. Sit and soak up the serenity of this peaceful, reflective area.

SunlightTHE centre of the solar system, the sun is the source of life. This garden bed depicts a large ball of fire with long reaching rays radiating out from the centre over two beds. The sun’s rays are juxtaposed by the blue, sunlit sky that can be seen at the edges of the flower beds.


Blooming with new retailers SK

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Friday 11th September 6pm-9pm(Boutique Twilight market with champagne and shopping!!) &

Saturday 12th September 10am-4pm

WIN! A set of blossom rings Simply subscribe to the newsletter to go into the draw.

Launching EAT@handmade– boutique beers, wine bar, coffee and glorious food.

Free parkingFree entry No ATM facilities

Exciting new locationTHE YARRALUMLA WOOLSHEDCome and see our gorgeous new space with wide aisles, ample parking and rustic interior. Only 5km from the city!

Phone 0402 247 532www.handmademarket.com.au

STEAM & CUISINEPARTY EXPRESS

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Enjoy vintage steam train travel, a deliciousGolden Roast dinner and outstandingbeverages on our new all-occasionscelebration train to Bungendore.

Dinner at heritage listed QueanbeyanStation, dessert & specially produced ales onthe train, with music & dancing on the trainon the way home.

The train leaves Canberra Station at 6 pm.

What a great night out!

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYHISTORICAL SOCIETY

(ACT Division Inc.)www.trains.org.au

Saturday 3 October 2009

FASHION, like flowers, is all about beauty, and the 2009 “Passion for Fashion” competition will be a stunning display of creativity and colour. Local and national florists and floral designers will do battle to create the most original and unique floral gowns based on the theme, “Mind, Body and Soul”.

Watch demonstrations, learn how to make spectacular arrangements and get tips from the experts on how to treat and look after your flowers at the Interflora dis-

plays and demonstrations. From Thursday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 7, watch leading Interflora florists go head-to-head in the finals of the Interflora national competitions (Australia Cup and Florists of the Future).

FLORIADE also has plenty to offer for those who want to be a bit more hands-on, including workshops and seminars on gardening, how to grow your own plants and herbs, and creating a self-sufficient and sustainable kitchen garden. Renowned author Jackie French will lead a series of seminars on turning the urban backyard into a fertile farm, and how to harvest

water from the air. Gardening experts Graham Ross and Cedric Bryant will demonstrate practical gardening tips in the kitchen garden.

IF being around so much colour and life gives you the urge to capture it all for posterity, members from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography will be running special early morning and twilight workshops on capturing nature through a camera lens.

JUDY Horton from Yates will also be in the marquee running presentations on how to identify and handle common bugs and pests while still maintaining an organic garden.

Sustainable gardening will be a big focus this year, in keeping with the holistic theme of “Mind, Body and Soul”. Many of the workshops and presentations will look at how to grow healthy vegetables and plants without taking too great a toll on the earth, while the dedicated kitchen garden will emphasise practical tips and tricks to try at home.

Continued from Page 19.

Getting thereGETTING to Commonwealth Park is easy. You can drive, walk, ride a bike or catch a bus. There is ample parking at sites nearby, including the

main site across the road

off Commonwealth Avenue. Just follow the tulip signs. Commonwealth Park is a five-minute walk from the heart of Civic and ACTION runs regular buses to and from the festival, visit www.action.act.gov.au or

call 131710 for a timetable. Access to the festival is

through four entry points: at Regatta Point, off Common-

wealth Avenue; off the Parkes Way overpass next to the Olympic Pool car park in Allora Street; at the south-western

end of the Nerang Pool where the ferry docks, and at Nerang Pool with access via the underpass off Constitution Avenue.

Entry and feesENTRY to Floriade is free, so

visitors can attend as many

times as they like through-

out the season to see the beautiful blooms develop and change.

Tickets for Floriade NightFest, the five-night fiesta of music, movies, food and wine, are avail-able from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132849.

They cost*: Adults (17 years and over), $20; child (5 to16 years), $10; concessions (pensioners, seniors and student ID card holders), $10; Family (two adults and two children), $50; children (four years and under), free

*Price per night. Transac-tion fees apply.

Horticultural happeningsFloriade takes gardening to a new level with dozens of workshops, activities and events happening throughout the festival.

Diary dates…INTERFLORA Exhibition Marquee Passion for Fashion competition and displays: Saturday, September 12 to Wednesday, September 16.• Bernie Gadd: floral demonstration “Understanding Fibonacci”: Sunday, September 13.• Haute Couture Bridal Expose: Thursday, September 17 to Monday, September.• Amelia’s Cakes wedding cake display: Thursday 17-Monday 21 September 21.• Cake decorating demonstrations and

workshops: Friday, September 18 to Monday, September 22.• Award-winning international floral de-

signer Richard Go floral demonstrations: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. • Sogetsu Ikebana display: Tuesday, September 22 to Thursday, October 1.• Finals of the Interflora national competition: Australia Cup and Florist of the Future) Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11.

Floriade


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Floriade

Jindii EcoSpa – the first of its kind in the Canberra region, according to owner Bianca Pritchard – is set to open in late 2009, and in the meantime, Jindii Mini Spa is offering quality treatments at reduced prices.

“Our team is here to provide Canberrans with the opportunity to be completely present in the moment – to unwind and just be,” says Bianca.

The Clear Complexions Clinics in Belconnen and Erindale are focusing on treating sun-damaged skin this spring, says founder and registered nurse Suzie Hoitink.

“Without doubt, Fraxel laser treatments offer the most dramatic results I have ever seen,” says Suzie.

Avida Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic, at Bai-ley’s Corner, Civic, offers a range of non-invasive treatments to enhance beauty and wellbeing.

Owner Lina Prego says that treatments such as non-surgical liposuction, cellulite reduction, photorejuvenation and oxygen facials can leave us looking and feeling great.

Sole Essence is a holistic healing service that helps people “restore their oneness” by using their minds, bodies, spirits and hearts, says owner and holistic healer Annette Hennessy.

Beauty Salon Rest and Recuperate in Pearce

is inviting Canberrans and visitors to celebrate their mind, body and soul with a spring special offer.

Jindii: call 6257 8777 or email [email protected] Complexions: visit www.clearcomplex-ions.com.au or call 6251 8889 (Belconnen) or 6231 0003 (Erindale). Avida: visit www.avidaclinic.com.au or call 6249 1848.Sole Essence: visit www.soleessence.vpweb.com.au. Rest and Recuperate: call 6286 8123.

wellbeing

All about youFLORIADE 2009 is all about “Mind, Body and Soul”:

So “CityNews” spoke to some of Canberra’s leading wellbeing services to find out more.


Floriade dining guide

Some bar that, bar noneOPENED in 1996, All Bar Nun at O’Connor has become a Canberra institution and, with the creation of its new lounge bar offering great-value, gastro-style cuisine at an affordable price (including opening for breakfast seven days from 8am), the venue is now able to cater for a wide clientele from professionals and uni students, to tourists and the sporting crowd.

With an expanded menu and attentive,

friendly staff, All Bar Nun provides one of Canberra’s largest arrays of international and domestic beers (including SA’s Coopers beers) and one of the ACT’s most impressive wine lists.

With live music on Sunday afternoons, “pizza and pint” nights (Monday and Tues-

day), the latest live sport action on huge screens in a beautiful inner-city location, All Bar Nun is a great place to escape after the sights and sounds of Floriade.

ALL BAR NUN

O’Connor Shops, Macpherson Street, O’Connor. Call 6257 9191 or visit www.allbarnun.com.au.

Enjoyable and relaxing dining

IORI provides an enjoyable and relaxing din-

ing atmosphere with food and service that may make you feel you’re dining in Tokyo!

It offers a range of menu options, from traditional Japanese dishes, hot pot courses, sushi and sashimi to modern Japanese cuisine.

The freshest of produce is used to guarantee the highest quality possible. The restaurant has a sushi bar, a special function

area and traditional Japanese tables to cater for your seating preference.

“Our menu is based on the use of only the freshest ingredients,” says owner Mamoru Aizawa.

“We bring an experience that combines art and food into one.”

Pictured are the specialities Real Eel Meal Deal (left) and Crab Club.

IORI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Lunch Monday to Friday from 12pm. Dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm. 41 East Row, Sydney Building, Civic. For bookings 6257 2334.

Combining art and food

COO Japanese Izakaya is the latest addition to the growing city precinct of traditional Japanese restaurants. Opened recently by the team from IORI Japanese restaurant, Coo offers a wide range of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.

An “izakaya” is a common kind of Japanese restaurant, found in cosmopolitan cities throughout the world. You can dine in the traditional Japanese style while enjoying

fresh sushi or sashimi and other exotic dishes made by top chefs, who say they bring.

It’s not just tradition that makes Coo worth the visit, but the touch of the new Japan in a selection of innovative and sophisticated modern Japanese dishes that herald the country’s broad-based, multi-national appetite.

Floriade lunch boxes are available from 11:30am.

COO JAPANESE IZAKAYA

Lunch take-away from 11.30am.Dinner Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm. 15 East Row, Sydney Building, Civic. For bookings 6257 2233.

Haven for fine Indian cuisineLOCATED in a large open-plan space along Genge Street in Civic, Blu Ginger is the capital’s modern haven for fine Indian cuisine.

The restaurant’s high ceilings, ceiling-to-floor windows and edgy wallpaper add character to the dining experience.

The focus at Blu Ginger is on modern Indian cuisine, with an extensive menu

that’s easy to decipher. Each dish has a useful heat strength

rating and information is provided about the various dishes’ origins.

Blu Ginger is a stone’s throw from bars, cafe and boutiques and a good meeting point for a great evening out.

BLU GINGER

Open seven days for lunch and dinner. 5 Genge Street, Civic.Call 6247 2228.

Floriade

CANBERRA’S many other attractions have joined in the city’s celebration of spring with Floriade-themed mind, body and soul experiences.

TidbinbillaIT’S the International Year of Astronomy and for 40 years the Canberra Deep Space Communica-

tion Complex at Tidbinbilla has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. There are views of the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere, a piece of moon rock that’s 3.8 billion years old and the latest images from Mars.

Old Parliament House“HANDS-ON democracy” is the theme of an exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The exhibition encourages younger visitors to become active citizens by learning about how democracy relates to them.

Institute of SportTAKE a tour guided by an elite athlete and discover where Australia’s sporting champions live and train. Step into a world of fun at Sportex, the interactive sports experience. Children and adults can try wheelchair basketball, take a simulated mountain bike race or try flying head first down on a bobsled track. The newest exhibit,

“Science of Success”, displays the secret technol-ogy developed by the institute’s sports science sport medicine department.

National ZooBIGGER kids (ages 10 and over) can hand feed lions, tigers and bears, play ball with a cheetah and interact with monkeys, otters, giraffes, penguins, dingoes and more at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

National MuseumCREATE a house or vehicle of the future in K-Space and watch your creation come to life in a 3D cinema at the National Museum of Australia. You can also visit the new Australian Journeys Gallery,

and explore the voyages that connect Australia to the world.

Australian War MemorialDISCOVER the Australian War Memorial’s “Discovery Zone” and crawl through a trench, climb into a Vietnam War helicopter and learn about peacekeeping.

QuestaconAT Questacon, the National Science and Technol-ogy Centre, you can explore the world inside your head and discover that reality isn’t what it seems.

Questacon has something for everyone – from giant dinosaurs, a two-metre freefall slide to science theatre shows.

Seen the flowers? Try some of these


NEW York-based choreographer Aszure Barton created this work from her six-week visit to Australia and close collaboration with the Sydney Dance Company dancers.

Bradley Chatfield, as the company’s retiring stalwart is Sid, initially seeming to channel Dr Evil, as he descends from the rafters in a throne, to embark on his birthday masquerade through a shared, intimate space that feels like an under-ground world unto itself.

He is led through this journey by Reed Luplau, who embodies New York style and flair in a wonderfully dapper, smooth performance with a touch of Gene Kelly and a nod to Bob Fosse.

Sid is simultaneously delighted and tormented by the people he encounters. A distinctly sexual yet understated language

is used to create a dialogue between the dancers to communicate relationships, flirtations, and playfulness.

Contemporary dance with hints of “Swan Lake” and influences of jazz, tango and waltz, move us along the journey with Sid, as familiar bush-tunes blend seamlessly into classical works. Barton’s choreography, while not ground-breaking is unique. It is wonderfully executed as the cast moves from poignant, beautiful stillness to energetic, acrobatic repartee.

DANCE“Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade”Sydney Dance Company. The Playhouse. Season ended.Reviewed By Samara Purnell

arts&entertainment reviews

THE 35 finalists in this year’s Ranamok Glass Prize employ more than 28 separate techniques in many combinations.

The winning work from emerging NZ artist Lisa Walsh is complex and visually arresting. “Across The Lines” (hot moulded glass, paint and wire, 90x170x 5cms), is concerned with the role of women in World War I.

This wall work, undeniably feminine in nature, is composed of more than 500 glass pegs wired together to form a Maori cloak. Colours weave and flow, creating a mes-

meric display. Weighing in at 102 kilograms, “Across The Lines” was unquestionably the winning piece in a strong field.

Other outstanding works include: Ede

Horton’s whimsical group of three curious, birds-head cups, titled “Chinese Whispers”; Mark Elliot’s “Transcen-dance”, an exquisite work lushly echoing North Bondi’s aquamarine, white and cobalt sea; Emma Varga’s complex exercise in manipulation of both material and viewer response titled “Vertigo #1 (totally under control)” and respected, local artist Judi Elliot’s “Enclosure-Wall Series”, a sophisticated and entirely resolved meditation of curves and flat planes.

Complex and visually arrestingVISUAL ARTSRanamok Glass Prize 2009Canberra Glassworks, until September 27.Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

Torment and delight

By Helen Musa

TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Melbourne co-

median and blues performer Michael Connell was a happy man when I met him recently.

“I came up for the ‘Green Faces’ comedy competition at the Canberra Irish Club and guess what? Last night I won.”

Connell, a stand-up comic for eight years, has recently changed tactics and plans to mix his own comedy, blues guitar, harmonica-playing with local ACT comedy talents in a show called “The Blues” coming up at The Street Theatre.

Two or three years ago, Connell tells me, he found himself travelling too much on suburban trains in Melbourne and decided he needed an occupation, so he taught himself how to play the harmonica.

“My fellow passengers didn’t

appreciate it very much, though,” he says. Now it’s time for him to put his apparently mismatched skills to work. Hence the latest show, which he describes as “a kind of experi-ment.”

If you imagine that there isn't much in common between comedy and the

blues, you’d be wrong, I discover. “You take emotions and pain and

then you turn it to something beauti-ful,” he says. “And there is a common theme between blues and comedy. Just about any blues song will begin: ‘My car’s broken down, my girl's just left me and I don’t have a job... when you think about it, it’s exactly the same in comedy.”

Connell admits that the blues are not an obvious choice for a white, middle-class Australian, but then again, middle-class themes easily intrude – “woke up this morning and my i-Pod was broken”. And there is

a three-line structure in blues that precisely matches the structure of a joke – “it’s bizarre!”

With Connell is Goulburn blues guitarist Jonno Zilber as guest musician. He and Connell met a couple of years ago at the Australian Blues Music and Wangaratta Festivals.

In this “experimental” concert, Con-

nell is engaging a local comedian each night. One such is Jay Sullivan, well known from the Multicul-tural Fringe and its National Heckler’s Competition. These days he sports an unexpected pinstripe suit and looks every bit the Defence Depart-ment employee that he has become – more fodder for comedy. He'll be followed by musical comedy duo The Stevenson Experience and comedian Tom Gibson.

“The Blues”, The Street Theatre, September 17-19.

Comedian and blues performer Michael Connell… “There is a common theme between blues and comedy.”

Funny side of the blues


arts&entertainment

CANBERRA’S most famous composer Larry Sitsky (pictured at work) celebrated his 75th birthday with a star turn in the foyer of the National Library of Australia. “The Musical Journey of Larry Sitsky” featured perform-

ances of his works by Sitsky and friends

including Michael Kieran Harvey, Geoffrey Lancaster, Angela Giblin, Susanne Powell and Tor Fromyhr. The library is also cel-ebrating the acquisition of Sitsky’s personal papers and the launch of a new Larry Sitsky website created and donated by his former

student Dr Marcia Ruff Hewitt. –Helen Musa

Wild about Larry

“COLOUR my World” is a performance showcasing the creative and performing arts skills of more than 1000 stu-

dents from the ACT’s 88 public schools. The show (September 16 and 17) to be staged in the Canberra Theatre will blend music, drama, dance, media and visual arts. More informa-

tion at www.canberratheatre.

com.au.

STARRING in his new show, “Jimeoin on Ice”, this much-loved Aussie/Irish comedian explores the fiercely funny observations on the absurdities of everyday life and says he will gracefully skate around as an added hilarity for this performance! It’s one night only – on September 12. More

information at www.canber-

ratheatrecentre.com.au.

WHAT happens when the chocolate-loving bunny from the local animal kingdom, builds up enough courage to confront the terrible and all mighty Plop? Find out when quirky puppetry, funky tunes, lots of rhyming and bright designs come together to

create this fun play specifi-

cally designed for pre-school aged children. “Plop” aims to provide an intimate and non-threatening first theatrical experience. Tickets are priced at a family friendly $15 and will

be performed at the Canberra Theatre Centre’s Courtyard Studio multiple times during the week starting September 14. For bookings call 6275 2700.

THE Canberra Youth Orches-

tra is presenting “Romeo and Juliet” in Llewellyn Hall, ANU on September 18. The orchestra has three pieces prepared including “Concerto for Four Horns and Orchestra” featuring soloists Julian Hunt, Angharad Johnson, Alison Logan and Alistair McGregor. For more information call 6247 4714.

Work-experience student Rachel Crampton Smith prepared this week’s column. Regular writer Jorian Gardner will return next week.

Colour and lots of movementARTS IN THE CITYBy Rachel Crampton Smith


arts&entertainment

DESPITE the flaws in “Charlie and Boots”, co-writer/director Dean Murphy has made a fun film.

It’s a father/son road movie founded on loss, of Charlie’s wife of 42 years, whose funeral opens the film, and Boots’ son who drowned while grandma was minding him.

When Charlie (Paul Hogan) wallows in self pity on the family’s dairy farm near Port Fairy, Boots (Shane Jacobson) decides to shake him up by hijacking him without warning and setting off in the Kingswood to go fishing at Cape York.

Murphy built the script with short grabs that make perceptive observations of Australia and ordinary Australians, but don’t always move the story along. Occasionally, he pauses the north-

ward progress while Charlie and Boots reminisce or admonish each other in a relationship-clearing process.

The Government is about to spend mega-bucks re-branding Australia as a tourist destination. “Charlie and Boots” makes a pretty good, even

credible, template.Wait after the end credits for Charlie’s sneaky

in-joke.At all Canberra cinemas

‘TIS averred that this film tells the true story about how “Los Angeles Times” feature writer Steve Lopez discovered Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, befriended him and ultimately rescued him from a beggar’s life among the 90,000 homeless on the city’s Skid Row.

We may have confidence in that averment, although director Joe Wright and co-writer (with Lopez) Susannah Grant have added components of cinema art that provide useful diversions from the emotional intensity of a very moving picture.

Ayers is an Afro-American with a passion for

real music and great talent performing it. But, not unlike “Shine’s” David Helfgott, he is cursed by a destabilising mental illness while studying at the Juilliard School of Music, denying him any chance of a performing career.

Jamie Foxx is magnificent as Ayers. And Robert Downey Jr is a convincing Lopez.

The music, mostly excerpts from Beethoven’s “Eroica” and choral symphonies with occasional visits to the acme of composition for solo cello, the Bach suites, is infinitely better than purpose-composed film scores!

Don’t see it alone. See it with somebody important to you.

At all Canberra cinemas

THERE were three others in the cinema, a reviewer for a daily paper and an Indian couple, well spoken, well dressed, obviously educated and intelligent.

We agreed that we hadn’t seen a good

movie. Vishal Bhardwaj’s sixth film as director

and seventh as writer is a mish-mash of romance, comedy, violence, melodrama, crime, corruption and Indian societal values. Bhardwaj has written characters and situations with Hollywood flavours filmed in styles strongly influenced by Bollywood – hand-held camera often chasing focus unsuc-

cessfully, a multi-stranded screenplay that even with subtitles made little sense to any of us and moral issues that failed to convince at least me of their validity.

The plot centres on twin brothers, Charlie with a lisp and low moral values, Guddu with higher morality and a stutter, who haven’t seen each other for several years. Guddu’s love-making with Sweety, insisting that she wanted to feel him, not latex, inside her, has the inevitable result. Charlie has stolen cocaine belonging to Sweety’s crime-lord brother.

With real-life relations between Australia and India in uncomfortable territory, I’d like to praise “Kaminey” rather than disparage it, but it simply doesn’t let me.

At Hoyts Belconnen

“SHORT + Sweet” is a striking theatrical phenomenon founded in Australia and now extended into Singapore and Malaysia. In its first Canberra manifestation, the Courtyard Studio saw sell-out audiences for the Sydney-selected “Top 10” 10-minute plays, while The Street saw packed houses for the next 10 on the list, packaged as “Wildcards.”

Only three scripts were singled out: the overall winning script, Hal Judge’s “Tell Me Your Secret”, and two sepa-

rate People’s Choices in Adam Hadley’s “Wheelbarrows, Stoat and Mountain Man, Attorneys at Law” and Elizabeth Ward’s “Flamingo Dancing”. Mystifyingly, the top play came from the second rank, though indeed some of the “Wildcards” seemed more interesting than many in the “Top 10.”

If more plays had been included on the judged list, we might have seen evidence that it was dramaturgy which was under the microscope, not production. That way we could have understood if their criteria included the effective use of the 10-minute format (some of those 10 minutes dragged), the tightness of focus, the use of narration and dressed-up monologue.

As it was, the judges Katie Pollock, Caroline Stacey, Anne-Marie Britton and Bruce Carmichael singled out director David Atfield and actors Brian Kavanagh and Ali McGregor, an odd way to go in the context of a play festival that should have emphasised the scripts.

THERE’S nothing like sitting on the water’s edge (perhaps with your toes dipping in), munching on fresh, takeaway fish and chips. Think it’s still a bit chilly for that? Well, at the south coast, where it’s several degrees warmer than in Canberra, it is possible to enjoy the experience.

Tuross Heads – where the lake meets the sea – is a nice hidey-hole, with O’Briens Boatshed, the Pickled Octopus and, if you are not fussed with fresh fish, Red Box Pizza all nestled on Trafalgar Road. While not exactly a “gourmet strip”, these three eateries offer “honest food” with a great position right on the lake with beautiful views and all-day sun. It is a perfect spot to watch fishing boats, amazing sunsets, and the dolphins trapped in the lake because of a king tide, which has closed off the mouth of the Tuross River.

We dined at Pickled Octopus, with takeaway available on the wooden lower deck and a “fancier” licensed seafood café on the upper deck, both with 180-degree views. It is owned by Greg Ferguson, a local character who works hard to offer the freshest fish available from the abundant supply in Tuross

Lake and surrounding coastal areas. This sees him regularly having a line or two out himself and filleting on the premises.

The line-caught local fish, barbequed outdoors on the upper deck and served with creamy béarnaise sauce ($28) was succulent and, to be honest, did not need anything more than a squirt or two of lemon to set it off.

However, you don’t have to “go fishy”. The Pickled Octopus’ set menu and specials board include plenty of other dishes. The char-grilled scotch fillet ($28) was tender and the oysters fresh and creamy. The only “ho-hum” item was the entrée – a generous serve of crumbed mushrooms stuffed with Camem-

bert and served with red wine jelly ($15). The execution was pedestrian and the mushrooms watery. Still, the scenery made up for it.

The kids’ menu includes fish and chips or calamari and chips for $8. Desserts are inexpensive ($9) and included pecan pie and a brandy snap basket.

After lunch, we wandered next door to Red Box Pizza. The wood-fired oven was going full blast cooking up an extensive range of pizzas – traditional, specialty and bianco (garlic and olive oil base), with plenty of options for vegetarians. Small pizzas start at $12.90 and the large top off at $24.90. It is byo (no corkage) and you can eat in or take away.

If you’d rather be on the lake, simply rent a tinny from O’Brien’s Boatshed and grab a pretty decent coffee while getting organised.

The Pickled Octopus, 93D Trafalgar Road, Tuross Heads, 4473 6804.

Tuross Heads… where the lake meets the sea.

Sittin’ on the dockof the bay…

Short + sold out

CINEMABy Dougal Macdonald

THEATRE“Short + Sweet” Reviewed by Helen Musa

“KAMINEY” (MA)

“CHARLIE AND BOOTS”

“THE SOLOIST” (MA)

Despite flaws, it’s Charlie, Boots and all

DININGBy Wendy Johnson


Shine and sizzleFIREWORKS might be gone, but shine and sizzle is hot this spring in fashion – all the way from a few discreet sequins to full-on bling.

“I think we’ve all had a long, hard winter and this summer, we want things to be colourful, shiny and fun,” says Canberran personal stylist Jenny Kozlow. “And I think it’s fantastic!

“Eighties-style silver sequins are everywhere – you can texturise with them easily by layering.”

This could mean teaming a sparkly top with one of this season’s “boyfriend” jackets, she suggests.

“Make sequins a day look – it’s not just for the red carpet or cocktails!”

- Megan Haggan

fashion

Gerry Shaw “Lola” dress, $555 from Soho.

Sequin boyfriend jacket in

Silver, $149.99 from

Forever New.

Prata shoes with

Austrian crystals, $899 from Carmen Steffens.

Ap-sha black silk clutch, $149 from La Cobbler.

Etiquette “Sofia” clutch, $229 from La Cobbler.


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Call 0449 924 955 www.k9poopickup.com.au

home

AUSTRALIANS are keener than ever on making

their own coffee at home, says John Russell-Storey, coffee guru at Lavazza – but making good coffee requires a bit of effort, he says.

“The new generation of home espresso machines we’re seeing on the market are a lot easier to use; and coffee companies, including us, are making blends appropriate for home machines,” John told “CityNews”.

He says that user-friendliness is an important consideration when shopping for a machine.

“Don’t just take it out of the box and expect to be a barista straightaway, though.

“You have to set it up and, most importantly, clean it correctly – and it does take a little while to learn how to use a machine, so make sure you take that time.

“If you’re a short-black fanatic, make sure it produces a good short black; if you drink your coffee with milk, you need to consider that – most machines produce reasonably good milk these days, but milk quality is something you need to be aware of.”

We also need to buy a good quality grinder to get the most out of home espresso machines.

“If you buy an inexpensive grinder, it won’t grind coffee – it will rip, tear and smash coffee and you won’t get a good quality cup.”

- Megan Haggan

The daily grind

Lavazza A Modo Mio Capsule Machine in red, $399.

Smeg CMSC45 Linear Coffee Machine, $4290.

Breville Fresca Espresso Machina BES860, $799.

Sunbeam Café Series Espresso Machine, $799.


your week in the starsWith Joanne Madeline Moore September 14-20

general knowledge crossword No. 228

4 What is another term for Morning Prayers?7 Name an artificial channel for conducting water from a distance.8 Which smaller tract of land is completely surrounded by water?9 Name the slashing steel instruments made to be attached to rifle muzzles.11 What is another term for xenophobes?13 To be deeply thoughtful is to be what?15 In tennis, what did the "two Woodies" excel at?17 Which tube enables a person swimming face downwards in the water, to breathe?20 Name a different term for boudoirs.23 What is a common call used to attract someone's attention?24 What is another expression for a homonym?25 Which word means towards evil or wrong ways?

DOWN1 Name a colour descriptive of light blue-green or greenish blue.

2 What do we call those who entice people, etc, into traps?3 Which strong fibre is used for making sacking or cordage?4 Where was Greg Norman born (2,3)?5 What was a cinematic film, produced in the early days of filmmaking?6 Name the term for a composition for nine instruments or voices.9 What are two-footed creatures called?10 What is a lever worked by the foot to impart motion to a machine?12 Which term describes sudden abnormal involuntary muscular contractions?14 Name the racehorse that won the first two Melbourne cups.16 What is a light loosely-fitting shirt?18 What describes small recesses?19 Name a hard, heavy, durable, most-prized black wood.21 What is a generally hemispherical roof?22 Which abbreviated term is used for a microphone?

Solution next week

Restless Rams hate being bored and this week certainly won’t be humdrum as the New Moon promises surprises and changes to your daily routine. You’ll be at your enterprising best as you use every opportunity to combine home, work, love and lust into one exciting epic. Expect the unexpected!

Saturday’s New Moon lights up your hobby/leisure zone, so you need to get out of a work rut and do more of what you love. Get physical, creative, musical, sporty, outdoorsy – whatever turns you on. Don’t have enough time to have fun? Stop making excuses and instead make recreation a top priority.

Is your home life a disorganized mess? Are you finding it difficult to com-

municate with loved ones? Saturday’s New Moon will help motivate you to spring-clean, clear the clutter and rejuvenate rickety relationships. With a disciplined approach you can restore domestic harmony once more.

Don’t let comfort shopping burn a hole in your wallet. Crabs adore buying beautiful things (especially for the home) but avoid spending more than you can afford. Are you having problems communicating with a sibling or neighbour? Perhaps it’s time to tune into the energy of the New Moon and try a different approach?

Vivacious Venus is in your sign (until Sunday) so you’re emanating some serious charisma. Don’t waste it – ask for the Moon and you shall receive! Leos love a lavish lifestyle but, with the New Moon (and Saturn) in your money zone, it’s time to focus on being a saver rather than a spender.

With Saturday’s New Moon is in your sign, you’re standing at the cross-

roads and need to make some momentous decisions. You’re in the mood to start a new project or initiate important changes. Don’t obsess over what might have been – it’s time to let go of the past and be independent, bold and beautiful!

Don’t let your perfectionist streak get the better of you this week Libra. Just remember that perfection is a goal, not a destination. The New Moon falls in your contemplation zone, so take a break from your usual social whirl and indulge in some splendid solitude – for a change.

“Can’t get you out of my head …” Thursday and Friday are your days to be obsessive, compulsive and oh-so-orderly as you organize everyone and everything around you. Try to relax (just a little) or you’ll get yourself into a real Scorpio state. For some singles – love and work are an intoxicating mix.

Some people will feel stressed this week, but not sassy Sagittarians! Reach out to others and lighten things up with your humorous approach to life. Saturday’s New Moon activates your career zone so make sure you explore (and follow up) all the professional opportunities possible.

Capricorns are conscientious and demanding, and no-one (yourself included) can ever live up to your ludicrously high expectations. This week you’re even more fastidious than usual as you follow the example set by birthday boy Jeremy Irons who declared: “I’m not interested in doing anything second rate.”

Uranus (your ruling planet) and Saturn are in exact opposition this week, which signifies momentous changes for you (and the world at large). You’re restless for new experiences but don’t go overboard and throw the baby out with the bathwater. Intelligent, selective changes are what’s required at the moment.

With the New Moon stimulating your relationship zone, Piscean partner-ships are in for a major rejuvenation. Does your partner encourage your talents and support your dreams? If the answer is no, it may be time to give them the boot. Singles – stop side-stepping and get serious about long-term love!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Sudoku medium No.15 Solution next week

Solution Sudoku hard No.14Solution Crossword No.227! Auspac Media

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Batemans Bay

Ray White works!

NELLIGEN 21 Sproxtons LaneRiver Frontage + PontoonThere’s bound to be a lot of interest in this precious offering, so don’t dally. Here is a neat and tidy three bedroom traditional cottage with timber floors, right on the banks of the Clyde River AND with a sturdy pontoon and three garages! On a good sized block of 1,897sqm with a spacious deck taking in the river views, it is an absolute delight for anglers and water skiers. What more can we say. Come see!

Price by negotiation

View by appointmentJohn Haslem 0418 514 399raywhite.com/BBY11336

3 1 3

GJ32

80property

MEADOWVALE is nestled amongst established gardens and 4000sqm of lawns.

The property’s homestead features high ceilings and French doors, and comprises formal lounge with a Cheminee Philippe fireplace, a dining room, sunroom and a family room meals area with an Arrow, slow-combustion wood fireplace.

The meals area adjoins the large country kitchen. Four bedrooms, main with walk in robe plus three with built-ins, two bathrooms, office, attic and a vine-covered patio with colonnades.

There’s a two-storey double garage with a large studio above and a professionally con-

structed tennis court.The lawn is irrigated by an underground

sprinkler system supplied from the homestead dam, plus most of the garden is irrigated with a dripper system.

The property of about 60 ha, offers highly fertile, heavy granite loams with some red basalt caps and sedimentary soils in lower areas, the pasture is composed of microlaena, danthonia,

phalaris and sub clover and the property enjoys an average rainfall of 650 mm.

There are established scattered shade trees of red gum and yellow box, plus a stand of pine trees east of Derringullen Creek where a pump delivers about 10,000 litres an hour to the homestead dam. This is used for stock, garden and watering the 5200 lavender plants. Stock water is also drawn and piped to troughs. Metered town water is connected and available for house, garden and stock.

The property also features a two-stand shear-ing shed with raised board, modern design and drafting and holding yards along with a grain silo and two machinery sheds.

At home in Yass

Address: 10 Lachlan Valley Way, Yass.Inspection: By appointment.Auction: Midday, Sunday, September 27.Agent: Greg Hedger, of Richard Luton Properties, on 0427 214337.

CityNews September 10-16 33www.peterblackshaw.com.auBelconnen 6251 9111 Gungahlin 6241 9444 Inner North 6262 5122 Manuka 6295 2433 Tuggeranong 6296 7077 Woden 6282 4488

Builder’s showpiece - crafted to fastidious perfection & exquisitely finished throughout this builders

own residence presents as new and is the ultimate offering in modern living. Architecturally designed

for gracious living & entertaining, this home is perfect for the large family, those who like to entertain

on a grand scale or home business. An open light filled floor plan provides spacious formal & informal

areas, 4 bedrooms, powder room, rumpus, study & large office area with ensuite easily converted to

teenagers retreat or granny flat. EER 3 Auction on site 6.30pm Thursday 1st October

Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

5 LESLIE STREET

Ainslie

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

There is so much to like about this seventh floor apartment. The location is excellent, within walking

distance of the ANU, Mort & Lonsdale Street’s fashionable boutiques, trendy bars & cafes & the best the

City has to offer. Take in spectacular Black Mountain views from the open plan living spaces & balcony.

There are two generous bedrooms, main with ensuite bathroom & a well appointed kitchen. Reverse

cycle air conditioning, secure parallel parking for two cars, storage & resident use of the gym & pool are

included. EER 6 $480,000

Mary Debus 0414 623 876

709/86-88 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE

Braddon


Crisp design, contemporary vision and an excellence of construction. A magnificent, yet understated 4

bedroom, 2 bathroom family home in an ideal location, set on a level, perfectly oriented block of 761m2.

The home offers a warm yet minimalist feel with hardwood timber flooring, cedar doors frames, living

spaces which lead through to a large combined lounge and dining, then to an airy family room, backed

by a sensational kitchen with stone bench tops and stainless steel appliances. This truly unique Aranda

home is ready to move into and enjoy. EER 3.5 Auction on site 11am Saturday 26th September

Louise Harget 0412 997 894

6 ARABANA STREET

Aranda


In a private and quiet position close to Red Hill reserve and popular local shops, a sophisticated family

residence in superb condition. 12 Borrowdale Street offers a striking main living and dining area with

bright aspect and direct access to pool terrace. Adjacent kitchen features European appliances, island

bench and walk in pantry. 4 bedrooms (all with built in robes) include segregated master with large marble

ensuite. There is also a double garage, semi circular drive and good storage. A beautifully presented family

home with a careful attention to detail. EER 2 Auction on site 12pm Saturday 3rd October

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

12 BORROWDALE STREET

Red Hill


34 CityNews September 10-16www.peterblackshaw.com.auBelconnen 6251 9111 Gungahlin 6241 9444 Inner North 6262 5122 Manuka 6295 2433 Tuggeranong 6296 7077 Woden 6282 4488

A near new family residence in outstanding condition comprising striking open plan living and dining

room with polished spotted gum flooring plus superb gourmet kitchen with island bar and Smeg

appliances (including 900mm oven). Adjoining large family room opens to huge wraparound deck and

private gardens. There are 4 spacious bedrooms (plus study nook), downstairs segregated main bedroom

includes walk in wardrobe and ensuite. Double garage with internal access. High quality design and

finish with extensive use of feature timber. EER 5 Auction on site 10am Saturday 3rd October

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422 or Josh Hanlon 0423 277 113

12 BRIGALOW STREET

O’Connor


A superb resort style residence in a commanding location with stunning northern views over Weston

Creek and the Woden Valley. On a fabulous parcel of land almost 2000m2 backing onto Cooleman Ridge

reserve and featuring a full size tennis court and inground pool. The residence offers generous living and

entertaining options including large main lounge room, bar area, separate dining room and spacious

family room/kitchen. In addition there are 4 bedrooms (ensuite to master), large rumpus room and

double garage with internal access. EER 5 Auction on site 10am Saturday 26th September


32 WINSTANLEY STREET

Chapman


In a quiet position with 180 degree views over Woden to the Brindabella Mountains. An exceptionally

spacious family residence with elegant lounge plus separate dining room and oversize bedrooms.

Immaculate solid timber kitchen with full Miele appliances flows into a large family room and to

beautifully landscaped rear gardens with heated inground swimming pool. There are 5 excellent

bedrooms plus separate study nook. Downstairs area offers rumpus room, bathroom, hobby room and

excellent storage. Secure parking for 3 cars. EER 2 Auction on site 11am Saturday 19th September


2 CHAPPLE CLOSE

Isaacs


In a premium cul de sac location with an open leafy outlook and glorious sunny aspect, a light and

spacious 3-4 bedroom family home in outstanding condition. Beautifully presented throughout it comprises

generous lounge and adjoining informal meals area with polished brushbox flooring, study nook, downstairs

rumpus room, updated kitchen, three large bedrooms (ensuite to master) and separate dining room or

fourth bedroom. Set within immaculate gardens featuring mature formal plantings a fabulous entertaining

deck. Double garage with internal access. EER 0.5 Auction on site 11am Saturday 26th September


10 TUBB PLACE

Pearce



• High pro le shops available from 98sqm*

• Shopping Centre anchored by strongly performing Coles Supermarket

• Busy centre with excellent ow of pedestrian traf c• Owner says “Bring us tenants and we’ll do deals!”

cbre.com.au/5476845

!"#"$%&' )"*+' %# %,,"$-,%$ +"*'"

*./ .0i20o4m6 Chisholm Village Shopping Centre

Robert Murray 789: 8;: <<8 / 02 6274 9888

Robert Westropp-Evans 7899 >?@ ??? / 02 6232 2733

Level 4, 92 Northbourne Ave, Braddon*APPROX

NPAN E W P R O J E C T S A U S T R A L I A

Natasha GreavesExecutive AssistantNaNaExExEx

Sarah ThorpeProperty Manager

Craig SleemanProperty ManagerCrCrPrPrPr

Danielle FreemanProperty Manager

Heidi RussellProperty ManagementCo-Ordinator

We will be offering obligation free market appraisals for you and special government rates during the months of September and October.

• Our tenant selection process is comprehensive. Like you, we only want the best possible tenant• We guarantee that we will communicate with you proactively on all matters relating to your property• We will arrange inspections with you and your tenants at times that suit you, on short visits to Canberra• Benefit from having only the best people in the business manage your home• Be assured your home will be well managed, just like it was our own

Do you require the services of someone MORE than just a property manager?

TUGGERANONG Tel: 6296 5595 51 Comrie St, Wanniassa ACT 2903 Lic Agent Canberra South R/E Pty Ltd

Property Management: 6296 [email protected]

Being posted can be an exciting and busy time. At Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong, we can minimise all the worry in relation to the care of your home while you are away. Our team of highly experienced property management professionals will always give you direct, honest advice and feedback which is critical when you are away from Canberra.


Brand New Home in Kingston ForeshoreThis contemporary home in a tree-lined street, features four bedrooms, ensuiteand separate studio above the garage. With cutting edge architecture by TomiMilan, this home offers approximately 26 squares of living over two levels, withdouble lock up garage and private outdoor courtyard for entertaining. Quality nishings, modern xtures, a stroll to the lake, shops and cafes of thiscosmopolitan location - enquire today for this rare opportunity! EER 5.

Brand New Home in Kingston ForeshoreThis beautiful four bedroom ensuite home offers approximately 38 squares ofliving area, spread over two levels, with triple garaging and a private courtyardfor outdoor entertaining, in the prestigious new Kingston Foreshore!

Stroll to the lake, shops and cafes from this separate title house. With quality inclusions such as Miele appliances, glass balustrades, double glazed windows and much more - enquire today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! EER 5

This selection of brand new one, two and three bedroom townhouses offer first home buyers a wonderful opportunity to enter the market in a convenient and highly sought after location. There is still time for first home buyers to secure the $21,000 new home grant, whilst also paying no stamp duty.

The majority of these fantastic townhouses are two bedroom ensuite homes with courtyards and there is a choice of various oor plan designs.

From this prime location close to Erindale Shops you only have a short drive over the hill to Woden and handy access to the Tuggeranong Hyperdome. Within

walking distance to Erindale College, Active Leisure Centre, cafés, restaurants and the Vikings Club, this position is one not to be missed! A full set of plans and inclusions lists are available from the agent, so move quickly to secure your townhouse because this opportunity at these prices will not last long. EERs 5, 5.5, 6.

Address: 51 Cunningham Street, KingstonInspect: Saturday 2:00—2:30pmPrice: By NegotiationContact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Address: 58 Dawes Street, KingstonPrice: By NegotiationContact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Unbelievable Opportunity for First Home Buyers

Address: McWhae Circuit, WanniassaPrice: From $320,000 - $420,000Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

GJ32

77


Address: 8 Aldous Street, Franklin and 4 Arndt Street, FordeInspect: 4 Arndt Street, Forde open for inspection Saturday 3:00—3:30pmPrice: $594,000 and $495,000Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Choose your favourite! These two brand new, spacious four bedroom ensuite homes have been built by an award winning local builder.

Designed with the family in mind, these stylish homes enjoy open plan designs centring on large kitchens with stone benchtops and stainless steel appliances,

surrounded by roomy informal family and meals areas which spill onto the alfresco entertaining areas.

With double auto garages with internal access, modern nishes, ducted vacuum, reverse cycle air conditioning, oor coverings and much more - you can just move in and enjoy! EERs 5.

Brand New And Waiting For 1ou!


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ON any good night in Australia, more than 1.2 million people will have trouble getting a good, restful sleep and will greet the morning feeling tired and cranky.But now for residents of Canberra and surrounding areas, a good night’s sleep is one step closer thanks to Sleepy’s Fyshwick.According to the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA), many people sleep badly and su! er preventable pain and other spinal conditions due to their beds being incorrect for their body type.‘‘We spend one third of our life in bed, so it is important to choose the right one and look after it,’’ Dr Eva McQueen, spokesperson for the CAA said.Proprietor of Sleepy’s Fyshwick, Michael George said: ‘‘If your aches and pains feel worse in the morning than before you went to bed or if your mattress has annoying peaks, dips or lumps, then you need to consider updating.’’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 su! er back, neck, hip or shoulder pain.‘‘Sleepy’s chiropractic range of beds is the only bedding range that the CAA has helped design,’’ Mr George said.‘‘The CAA thoroughly tests the range and when they pass all the chiropractic criteria they are approved – the only CAA endorsed range in the Australian Bedding Industry.’’A bedding purchase is one of the most important choices you make for your body and is one of the most used items in the home.‘‘It is one of the only household items you will buy that is a health bene" t and factors largely to how well you function every day,’’ Mr George said.‘‘Some people want to spend up to $10,000 on a plasma or LCD television and many only watch it for two hours a day. It is not unusual to spend $30,000 or more on a car, which becomes an ongoing expense, yet we may only spend an hour or two in it each day.‘‘A bed that is comfortable can alleviate many sleep problems, improve quality of life and is an investment in your health.‘‘At Sleepy’s, we o! er a 60-day replacement guarantee on our core range, so if you are not sleeping better within two months, you can exchange your mattress,’’ he said.

‘‘The exchange program is all about having peace of mind, as it is often di# cult to tell how a mattress really feels in the short period of time you spend in a bedding store.’’Sleepy’s deliver free to Canberra, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. They stock a large range of mattresses, which means you don’t have to wait six weeks to take delivery.‘‘We also o! er a mattress and ensemble removal service at no charge to our customers. We take out the old and bring in the new – all you have to do is strip the bed,’’ Mr George said.Sleepy’s also sponsor sleep awareness programs and host chiropractic workshops support Breast Cancer Network Australia, Sids for Kids and local community groups.The sta! at Sleepy’s have been trained by Sleepmaker and representatives from the CAA so they are able to give expert advice.

If you have any questions or need advice about a new or existing mattress, call Michael, Stephen or Susan at Sleepy’s Fyshwick on 6239 1140 or drop in and visit the team at 125 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick.

Secrets of a better night’s rest...

125 Gladstone Street FYSHWICK6239 1140

UPSIZE YOUR MATTRESS FOR FREEO! er ends 30 September 2009

FINAL FLOORSTOCK CLEARANCE UP TO

50% OFFNEW RELEASE GELITE

INTRODUCTORY OFFER FROM

$2299NEW RELEASE

Chiropractic ENDORSED POCKET SPRING RANGE( )queen

mattress

ALL OUR MATTRESSES ARE AUSTRALIAN MADE • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

canberra citynews september 10-16, 2009

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