canberra citynews january 21-27, 2010

CityNews January 21 - 27 �

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� CityNews January 21 - 27


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contact usINDEXJanuary 21-27, 2010 Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 3

Arts&Entertainment 12-14Body 20Crosswords 20-21Letters 7Fashion 15Horoscope 21Movie reviews 13News 3-9Politics 6Property 22Social Scene 10-11Sudoku 21

FRONT COVER: Trainee zookeeper and ANU student Vanessa Pirotta shares a “gummy, slobbery” kiss with Hummer, the affectionate giraffe. Story Page 8. Photo by Silas.

“CLARE Holland House is irreplace-able and needs to be very carefully protected and preserved,” says Valerie Brown.

ANU Emeritus Professor Valerie Brown AO, is in the perfect position to judge the proposed sale of Canberra’s only palliative care hospice Clare Hol-land House; she has worked in health promotion for decades, and experi-enced the hospice first hand – in tragic circumstances.

In 2004, her husband, former vet-eran press gallery journalist Wallace Brown, developed motor neurone disease, and spent the final two years of his life in the hospice community outreach program.

So when the ACT Government pro-posed the sale of Clare Holland House – to the Little Company of Mary Health Care Limited as part of the Calvary Hospital buy-back deal – Professor Brown was spurred to action.

“This government’s policy is to keep public services in public hands,” she says.

“Well, what are they doing selling a public service into private hands?

“The integrated hospice, community outreach and volunteer program make up tremendous support and depends on the close collaboration and inde-pendence of the three arms of care.

“The support to live your life as long as you have it is just fantastic. Profes-sionally, because I have been working on health promotion for decades, I know that it is outstanding in world terms. In Australia, it’s actually a model that we follow.”

It is this integrated system that the Supporters of Clare Holland House are seeking to retain. Created to represent the families of those who have lost a loved one at Clare Holland House, and with nearly 500 Facebook supporters, the group has expressed concerns about the hospice’s future as a private health facility.

However, as “CityNews” went to press, Health Minister Katy Gallagher announced that the sale of Clare Hol-land House and the purchase of Cal-vary would be dealt with separately by the Assembly, saying: “I would hate to see the concern of a couple of hundred members of the community put at risk

what I see in terms of the big picture about the sustainability of our overall public health system.”

Volunteer Bob Crews, whose wife passed away at Clare Holland House five years ago is concerned about the maintenance of quality services.

“I have only one question to ask: Is

there a demonstrable benefit to pallia-tive care services from this sale?” he says. “If not, it should be removed from negotiations.”

The sale of the hospice, which has always been administered by Little Company of Mary Health Care, but staff employed by the ACT Govern-

ment, would make the Catholic health-care provider solely and directly responsible for providing services.

Gallagher insists that palliative care will remain the same if and when the sale goes ahead.

“This proposal is not about the de-livery of palliative care, it is about who owns the bricks and mortar,” she says. “LCMHC will continue to provide the same public palliative care service that it currently provides to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and the ACT Government will continue to fully fund Clare Holland House to pro-vide public services to all people. The hospice is not a bargaining chip.”

A spokesman from Little Company of Mary Health Care said nothing will change in the integrated structure of the hospice should the sale go ahead.

“Clare Holland House will continue to operate in exactly the same way as it is now, the services will be provided in accordance with Government require-ments, the ACT Palliative Care Society will continue to provide volunteers services, it will remain on the same site and it will have the same name,” he says.

“The only difference will be that if Calvary Health Care owns the build-ing then there will be greater oppor-tunity to invest in additional services for the palliative care community in Canberra.”

Professor Valerie Brown with a photo of her late husband Wally… “It [Clare Holland House] belongs to the community, leave it that way.” Photo by Silas.

Nothing’s going to change when they sell clare Holland House: The Health Minister says so, The Little company of Mary say so. But the passionate supporters of canberra’s only hospice just aren’t having a bar of it. eLeRi HaRRis sits through the tears to find out why.

Why it hurts to sell the hospicenews

New political writerJOURNALIST Eleri Harris (pictured) has joined the writing staff of “CityNews” as our political reporter. Harris has a background in broadcast and online jour-nalism at Crikey, AAP and

Melbourne’s Student Youth Network (SYN FM). Her accomplishments include a thesis on Australian media coverage of kidnapping in West Papua, unleashing the scandalous cat-food gate upon the nation and making Tony Abbott confess he was jealous Kevin Rudd got to meet the Pope and he didn’t.

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4 CityNews January 21 - 27

news

SIXTY-THREE per cent of people go out of their way to avoid public toilet blocks and 55 per cent of us hover or squat when using them.

And two-thirds of us have elaborate exit strategies that involve opening doors of public toilets with our elbows, fingers, feet, and paper towels rather than touch the door handle normally, according to independent research into the behaviours and attitudes of 492 people in Sydney and Melbourne com-missioned by Pink Hygiene Solutions to better understand Australian washroom habits. A public washroom is defined as any toilet facility away from home.

“The results show that Australians are very wary of using public washrooms, with the majority of us preferring to ‘hold on’ than use a public toilet, yet 98 per cent of us need to do so at least several times a week,” said Vivian Oppl, Pink marketing and communications manager.

“When we need to go, we’ll go to great lengths to avoid touching surfaces, with the toilet seat (77 per cent), flush button (47 per cent) and the exit door to the washroom (36 per cent) the most feared areas to touch.

“The findings show it’s time to clean up our washrooms as people are highly concerned about visible cleanliness and bad smells. People will make choices about where they go based on the state of the toilet facilities.

“Stand-alone public toilets, such as those in parks rank at the bottom of the list, with 93 per cent of people saying they are ‘fairly or very unhygienic’.

“Most people understand the importance of washing and drying their hands, with 78 per cent of respondents claiming they wash their hands with soap and water and 75 per cent saying their use the paper towels or hand dryers supplied.”

TOO few loos in Civic? Blame Canberra’s designer Walter Burley Griffin. That’s how the Department of Territory and Municipal Services explains away the city’s small number of public toilets.

Canberra has half the number of public toilets of other cities of a similar size, with only two located in Civic, according to the Australian National Pub-lic Toilet Map.

Hobart, with roughly 125,000 fewer people has eight in the CBD and another three in the major tourist area. Geelong, with 135,000 fewer citizens has 10 in the CBD.

Canberra city has just six, with three of those outside Civic on the other side of Parkes Way on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

We are surrounded by smaller regional towns in NSW with double the number of facilities: Yass has nine, Queanbeyan 14 and Goulburn 13.

A TAMS spokesperson pointed “City News” to-wards the unique geographic make up of Canberra, courtesy of Walter Burley Griffin, to explain the comparatively low loo density.

“As a ‘planned city’ Canberra is vastly different to other cities in that we have multiple, large-scale satellite town centres in Belconnen, Woden, Tug-geranong and Gungahlin.

“As such, the Canberra City CBD does not act as the same commercial centre magnet as other cities of comparable size.”

So how many public toilets are enough public toilets?

The ACT has 143 public toilets, one for every 2455.9 people, according to the National Public toilet map.

Head of the Australian Toilet Organisation Scott Chapman said there are more public toilets in Civic than listed on the toilet map, but that it is difficult to get the ACT Government to provide up to date information on facilities.

“World-leading cities have public toilets placed such that members of the public have no more than 500 metres to walk to a public toilet,” Chap-man said.

“It would appear, on the face of it, that Civic is substantially lacking in this regard.”

Chapman said toilets should be well sign-posted, easily accessible and visible.

“You shouldn’t need to go into a shop or shopping centre to find a loo.”

Chapman’s family, WC Innovations, sup-plied several Exeloo automated public toilets to the ACT Government in the period 1996 to 1999 – including those in the Civic bus inter-change.

ANU Professor Patrick Troy, who special-ises in urban development, suspects the real reason for Canberra’s seeming lack of facili-ties is somewhere between the TAMS theory and a dependence on private infrastructure.

Canberra CBD Ltd. CEO Linda Staite said that this is certainly possible, although they had not received any public complaints about the number of available loos in Civic before.

“It hasn’t come up in any of the research we’ve done before,” Staite said.

“At this point in time it’s not high on our list, that’s not to say we couldn’t if the prop-erty owners on our board were interested.”

Blame Walter for too few looswith the emphasis on getting people to come shopping in the city, eLeRi HaRRis discovers it’s hard to spend a penny in civic.

Why we hate to love public toilets

Collector’s item… East Row, one of the three public toilets TAMS maintains in Civic. Photo by Joran Dilucian.

Don’t get caught short in Civic… Map from Google Maps.

brieflyBob McMullan to retireVETERAN Canberra politician Bob McMullan (pictured) has announced his intention to re-tire at the next Federal election, expected to be this year. After 22 years in poliotics, the member for Fraser intends first to have a holi-day, then dedicate himself to the challenge of global poverty and global economic development.

New role for ZisslerFORMER TAMS chief Mike Zissler has been appointed CEO of Lifeline Canberra.

Southside council meetsTHE inaugural community meeting of the Old Canberra South Community Council will be held at the National Press Club from 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 17. More information from Kevin Gill on 0409 446405.

ACT relief for HaitiACTING Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has announced $50,000 in emergency relief funding for earthquake struck Haiti. A 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti close to the capital Port-au-Prince on January 14, with devastating consequences for the impoverished Caribbean nation. The donation will be made through the Red Cross.


politicsBy Michael Moore

Come on, Meredith, admit itNOW that there may be some remuneration rid-ing on the issue, is Meredith Hunter prepared to admit that having a “convenor” and not a “leader” of the Greens was all just a ruse?

Was it just a sop to those who think that there should be no power structures within the Greens Party? A sop to those who believe that leadership has no part in left-wing organisa-tions? A sop to the feminist approach adopted by the Greens to achieve decisions through consensus?

Hunter has applied to the Remuneration Tribunal for consideration of her role as “head” of the ACT Greens in the Assembly. Does this really deserve extra remuneration?

What will the tribunal have to consider?The argument goes that Liberal Zed Seselja

is paid a hefty allowance for his position as Leader of the Opposition so why shouldn’t the “leader” of the next largest party in the Assem-bly also be paid an allowance in recognition of her responsibilities. In the Westminster system, Zed provides the leadership for the alternative government. His role is to be in a position to take over the government even at short notice and to provide a sensible alternative in terms of politics, position and policy. It is this role that is recognised by the system and accounts for the remuneration that is paid.

Similarly, the deputy leader either in govern-ment or in the alternative government is pro-vided with an allowance. This applies not just in the ACT, but across all Australian jurisdictions. At first glance, it would appear that Hunter has little claim. However, the emergence of “mid-dle” parties and strong cross-bench forces does require some rethinking. Perhaps Ms Hunter should aim for a position equivalent to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. An argument could well be put that the responsibilities as-sociated with successfully flexing the power of the cross-bench in the community interest is at least as significant and probably more so than that of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. But drop the spin, Meredith, and adopt the ap-propriate title. All your constituents understand you are the Leader of the Greens Party in the Assembly – you can admit it!

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

news

By Eleri Harris

CANBERRA woman Judy Bamberger is known in media circles nationally as a serial writer of letters to the editor, weekly offering her opinion and analysis of the Middle East peace process to anyone who will listen.

But on January 28 the 57-year-old IT consultant will be taking her conviction and passion for peace and education to Gaza, via Egypt, in an effort to practically tackle problems faced by Palestinian children behind the checkpoints.

Armed with a shipment of donated school supplies from Australia, Bamberger hopes to deliver the material needs for education – pencils, pens and paper – currently hampered by Israeli sanctions on Gaza.

“Everyone is entitled to an education,” Bamberger said,

“I cannot believe the Israelis don't allow pencils and school supplies for kids.

“Pencils and school supplies are an imperative part of the learning process.”

Former Australian Ambassador to Egypt Bob Bowker said access to school supplies is a key education issue in Gaza, with students from private and government-run schools forced to depend on supplies smuggled in from Egypt at great cost.

“The UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is the only agency permitted by Israel to receive school supplies in Gaza and those shipments are often delayed for several months awaiting security clearances.”

Bamberger says she was inspired by “Back to School” advertisements here in Canberra.

“Palestinian mums and dads don’t want anything different from their kids than what we do,” she says.

“We’re just lucky because we can buy pens and pencils and notebooks and things like that.”

Bamberger, a Jewish American who describes herself as “idealistic”, said she understands it will be difficult – if not impossible – to make it into Gaza herself.

A stand off between Israel and Egypt means the Egyptian Red Crescent [Red Cross] are the only organisation allowed on the Egyptian side to transport and distribute humanitarian supplies in Gaza.

“The reality part of me says I probably won’t be able to do what I want to do,” Bamberger said.

“But I will be able to deliver school supplies to the Egyptian Red Crescent and they will be able to arrange the appropriate shipments to get in.

“Part of me has to hope that there is someone out there who is equally concerned about kids and humanitarian issues as I am and is able to move mountains.

“It is the Holy Land, miracles do happen.”Palestinian Ambassador to Australia Izzat

Abdulhadi doesn’t think Bamberger will need a miracle, just the right words and determination.

“I think she has many means to try to get into Gaza, with a good communications strategy it is certainly possible.”

Between the Red Crescent in Egypt, United Nations and international NGOs in Israel Abduhadi said the means to deliver school

supplies to Gaza do exist.“I think this is really important and it’s

really good humanitarian work,” Abduhadi said, emphasising that any assistance to school students in Gaza is valuable.

Starting on a kibbutz during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Bamberger, who is not affiliated with any political group, has funded her own trips to volunteer in Israel and Palestine.

She has helped people on both sides of the conflict and is indiscriminate in her enthusiasm to assist.

“I’ve been called anti-Semitic, I’ve been called a self-hating Jew, but I really just want to help kids learn,” she says.

“As a former teacher, knowledge is important to me.

“There’s a third generation of Palestinian children living in poverty and education, as we all know, is one of the best ways out.

“We need to educate Palestinian kids, whether they’re in the West Bank or Gaza.

“We need to get them integrated into the world to focus on survival and love, not hatred and violence.”

To donate school supplies or assistance contact Judy Bamberger on 6247 6220 or at [email protected]

Judy Bamberger and some of her donated school supplies… “I’ve been called anti-Semitic, I’ve been called a self-hating Jew, but I really just want to help kids learn.” Photo by Joran Dilucian

Judy’s mission will need a miracle


news

PROFESSIONAL BMX competitors from around the country and the world will compete at the annual Hill-side Dirt Jam at Wamboin on Saturday, February 6 to raise money for the pediatrics ward at the Canberra Hospital.

Last year, the event hosted by local professional BMX rider Cam White raised $17,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation Australia. This year he hopes to break $20,000, with about 40 competitors and more than 1000 spectators expected to cheer them on.

White, who turned professional with BMX riding in 2003 and now competes in competitions in Australia and the US, said he chose the pediatrics ward in Can-berra because he wanted to keep it local.

“Plus BMX is really about kids and I think it’s good to relate it back to them,” Cam said.

–tamara smallhorn

letters

White man can jump

THE trouble with Michael Moore's article "Simon, it's time to act on violence" (CN, Janu-ary 14) is that it is just commonsense.

As I ponder Corbell's response to the fires on this day in 2003, I can't help but think that commonsense is something that is sadly lack-ing in our Police Minister, so Michael's article is sure to go over his head.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Boom without debateMICHAEL Moore wrote a very interesting article (CN, January 7-13) entitled “Dangers of being inside the tent”. In particular, he highlighted the threat posed by an increasing tendency towards executive government with more and more power being vested in fewer politicians. His reference to Kevin Rudd's advocacy of a big increase in the Australian population to around 35 million by 2050 highlights the grave shortcomings about how critical national policy is formulated in some instances. As Moore rightly points out, such a massive change in population projection has been adopted as a government policy virtu-ally without debate and clearly without any comprehensive analysis or substantive policy. The very significant negative impacts on our cities, social fabric and natural environment have been conveniently ignored.

However, my endorsement of [the] article does not extend to his critical comments about citizen-initiated referenda. Far from relying on “shallow political debate and slogans”, they can act as an effective method for the community to exercise control over political parties which treat the voter with contempt. They have worked very well in Switzerland, for example. Such referenda are infrequently held there because politicians understand that they can be held accountable for any highly ques-tionable or unpopular legislation, should they seek to introduce it.

colin Lyons, Weetangera

The Greed Party?GIVEN that the Greens had hardly warmed their seats in the ACT Assembly, before they had their hands out for more taxpayers’ money, perhaps they should change the party’s name to The Greeds.

Greg o’Regan, Farrer

Santa’s sacked YOUR esteemed columnist Robert Macklin should promptly set about requesting Santa to bring him a different brand of fancy diary for Christmas this year, because his present one

seems to contain inaccurate information about public holidays in Tasmania, which Robert uses as the basis for his column "Here's to more public holidays" (CN, January 14).

A Google search on "Tasmanian Public Holi-days in 2010” through Tasmanian Government websites would inform Robert that Tasmania observes 10 state-wide public holidays this year – while the ACT observes 12. With the Royal Hobart Regatta and the Royal Hobart Show public holidays being observed in southern Tasmania only, Hobartians observe 12, the same number as their Canberra brethren.

All the other public holidays listed in Robert's now discredited diary are regional observances. For example, the Flinders Island Show public holiday is for the municipal area of Flinders Island (in the middle of Bass Strait) and in no way brings Tasmania to a grinding halt. Likewise, for the Burnie Cup that he mentions.

John Milne, chapman

ROBERT Macklin's fancy new diary from Santa (“Here's to more public holidays”, CN, January 14) has let him down. In his penultimate para-graph he suggests we give back Melbourne Cup Day. This day has already been given back and replaced by Family and Community Day, to be held on Monday, September 27. The Chief Minister's Department website might have been a more reliable reference.

[Letter writer] M Gordon, of Flynn (“No pensions from Fisher”, CN, January 14) claims that [Prime Minister Andrew] Fisher must be the only child of a minister of religion to have ever to become PM. Robert James Lee Hawke's father Clem was a minister of religion.

J Bradley, Isaacs

Sons of a preacher manIN his letter (CN, January 14), M. Gordon, of Flynn, states that Andrew Fisher "must be the only child of a minister of religion to have ever become PM". In fact, there have been several others: George Reid, Billy Hughes and the irreverent Bob Hawke.

Maurits Zwankhuizen, via email

Editor’s note: while the debate about Andrew Fisher’s parentage is fascinating, it is based on an inaccurancy. Fisher was the son of a coal miner not a minister of religion.

Corbell lacks commonsenseLetters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to [email protected], use a form at www.citynews.com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.


cover story

By Kathryn Vukovljak

NOT every girl would be excited about being kissed by a giraffe, but trainee zookeeper and ANU student Vanessa Pirotta says she just loves her charge’s beautiful blue tongue.

“Hummer’s a star,” laughs Vanessa. “He has a lovely personality – as soon as he sees me, he comes up eagerly to find out what’s going on. He’s very affectionate.”

While many students might do waitress-ing or bar work to get through uni, Va-nessa, who’s studying science and major-ing in zoology and evolution and ecology, works part-time at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

“Animals have always been a passion for me,” she says.

“The zoo’s management strategies reflect how the animals would live in the wild, which is great, and this job gives me a chance to put into practice what I’m learn-ing at university. I love it.”

Vanessa’s role includes preparing the food buckets for various animals, conduct-ing keeper talks and Zooventure tours,

and she says, “a fair amount of poo shovel-ling!”

Having grown up on a 16-hectare farm in Murrumbateman, Vanessa, 21, says she’s adored animals her whole life – particular-ly snakes, giraffes and marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. She says she’s wanted to work with animals ever since she was given a pet black-and-white cow for her twelfth birthday.

“Animals are just like people – every one has their own unique personality,” she says. “I love how, without words, so much can be said.

“I just think they’re amazing – their in-telligence and how they interact with hu-mans never fails to astound me. At the zoo, we work towards a mutual understanding and respect, which is paramount.”

Her favourite animal at the zoo will always be Hummer the giraffe though, she says.

“He’s a quirky one,” she laughs. “He loves to perform, too – as long as it’s his choice. Of course we have to consider his personal space and I never touch him on the face. He just doesn’t like it, which is fair enough – and he’s so big, he could eas-ily knock me out just with his head, if he was upset.

“But those gummy, slobbery kisses – there’s nothing better!”

WE spent some time in the high country over the Christmas break. The best thing about staying at Charlotte Pass is that there’s no mobile phone signal. It’s bliss. The worst thing are the flies.

We were there the day after a serious dump of rain and as a consequence the flies were massive. I’m talking huge “horse flies”. When they fly close, it sounds like a small helicopter coming in to land.

When my girls saw their first “horse fly” they were convinced this was some sort of computer-generated model out of a movie. My seven-year-old’s fascination turned quickly to combination of fear and anger when the bloody thing bit her. The girls sug-gested that we dash back to the chalet and have a bath in a tub of Aerogard.

It’s not just the size of the mountain fly that makes them a bigger pain; it’s their work ethic. Mountain flies are the original “serious insect”. They will not rest. They keep on hassling you. They try to break you mentally, and they often succeed. They work harder than most of the staff in the Prime Minister’s office, except perhaps Kevin himself.

As we dodged the flies, I stopped to reflect on how the humble fly has helped to shape this great nation. Of all the creatures here, the fly is the one that has arguably had the biggest effect on the Australian culture. So much so that there have been calls in the past to push the emu aside and include the fly in our coat of arms.

Thanks to the fly we have the Australian salute. Linguists believe that our accent was created largely by the practice of breathing through our noses for fear of a fly ending up in our mouth. Without flies we would never have seen the emergence of that quirky bush fashion item, the cork hat.

Hail the blowfly on Australia Day for its contribution to our country.

All hail the humble blowieof all australia’s mighty creatures, the humble fly has arguably had the biggest effect on the australian culture, writes �cc breakfast announcer MaRk paRToN.

For the love of Hummer

The long-promised drinking fountains at Ainslie Avenue near London Circuit and at the bus interchange. Photos by Joran Dilucian.

Two city fountains start bubblingAS Canberra’s summer tempera-tures soar, TAMS has managed to install two of the four drinking fountains the Government had initially promised to have opera-tional in Civic by mid-2009. You can find them at Ainslie Avenue near London Circuit and at the bus interchange.

The remaining two – to be in-stalled at the bottom of City Walk where it intersects with Akuna Street and on Bunda Street – have yet to commence construc-tion, despite assurances in early December that work was to start “next week”.

A TAMS spokesperson told “CityNews” that the bubbler to be installed at City Walk is now awaiting approval and connec-tion to ACTEW and should go up

by late this month or early Febru-ary and the Bunda Street bubbler had been caught up in revised planning for the area. Refurbish-ment there was to commence “late 2009”.

“CityNews” first exposed the plight of public drinking foun-tains in the city centre in January last year noting their scarcity and their filthy or defunct condition.

This prompted a response from Chief Minister Jon Stanhope in February, who promised not only to repair the rundown bubblers

but also to install four new units in the above-mentioned busy pedestrian areas across the city centre.

“CityNews” followed up in Sep-tember and again in December only to find no new bubblers and no signs of impending construc-tion.

After further prompting in early December, TAMS advised that bubblers would be installed before Christmas. However, with the arrival of the New Year, only two have arrived.

eleven months after the chief Minister’s promise last summer of more drinking fountains for civic, the Department of Territory and Municipal services has struggled to have them installed, reports TaMaRa sMaLLHoRN.

Trainee zookeeper and ANU student Vanessa Pirotta… “This job gives me a chance to put into practice what I’m learning at university. I love it.” Photo by Silas.


news

By tamara smallhornTHE Canberra Museum and Gallery has been given a fresh new facelift with the addition of an attention-grabbing new display covering its previously plain external walls.

The photographic and artistic display, visible from London Circuit, stylishly depicts images from Canberra’s past and present, including nostalgic reproductions of old movie ticket butts from the once fashionably quirky, now closed, Electric Shadows Cinema.

Director of ACT Museums and Galleries, Peter

Haynes, said that the new display was something CMAG had wanted to do for some time.

“All the images that have been used are of visual art and social history from CMAG’s collection,” Mr Haynes said.

The new display is the beginning of a process to include more signage around all the exterior of CMAG.

“The new signage makes CMAG’s presence in the community much more obvious... and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback and enquiry about it,” Mr Haynes said.

By Kathryn VukovljakWHY not build a house, sell it for a profit in the current, inflated property market, and donate the proceeds to children who are a little less lucky than most?

A gala fundraiser ball will be held at the Hotel Realm in Barton on Saturday February 6, 2010, hosted by local charity Raize the Roof, whose aim is to do just that.

“We hope to raise enough money to secure a block of land and build a house,” says director Danielle Dal Cortivo. “The house will then be auctioned and the proceeds donated to charities that help children all over the world.

“Given that real estate prices remain sky-high in Canberra, the project could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

The event will include entertainment from the local Canberra big band, Spectrum, guest speaker Paul De Gelder, a Navy diver and shark-attack survivor. His Excellency Molosiwa Selepeng, High Commissioner for Botswana, will also attend.

“It will be a fantastic night, bringing together Canberra’s diplomatic, business and political community,” says Danielle.

Founded by a group of Canberran young pro-fessionals, Raize the Roof is led by Danielle and her brother Lincoln, a builder.

Money from the sale of the house will be donated to Camp Quality in the ACT and Re-gional NSW and SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana.

While it’s cheaper to build a house than it is buy one, there are still huge start-up costs, says Danielle, so fundraising forms the backbone of the charity’s work at the moment.

“We hope to actually start building by the end of the year, although it might be ambitious to say that!”

“Our aim is to make a difference locally and globally,” she says. “It’s a long road, and it will be quite challenging, but I think the outcome is going to be amazing.”

For more information visit www.raizetheroof.org.au

Canberra Gallery and Museum’s London Circuit window display. Photo & montage by Joran Dilucian.

Old and new hit the gallery wall

Help to Raize a roof

�0 CityNews January 21 - 27

scene More photos at www.facebook.com/canberracitynews

At the opening of Wojciech Pietranik’s ‘Striking Art, Lasting Impressions’, Royal Australian Mint, Deakin

At Valerie and Don Allan’s golden wedding lunch, Brassey House, Barton

Nuna Jaroszynski, Polish ambassador Andrzej Jaroszynski, artist Wojciech Pietranik and Mint CEO Graham Smith

Yola Goldoci, Barbara Kalinowski, Chris Kowalik, Ewa Starczeyska

Cathy and Geoff Miller with Marlene McClelland Joel Crean and Fiona Nelson

Joy and Nick Van Zomeren with MLA Steve Doszpot

Dinny and Darrel Killen

Doug and Brenda Sarah

Mary Riley, Karen Haimes and Pat Young

Celia and Peter Irving

Valerie Allan, David and Liz Sargent with Don Allan

CityNews January 21 - 27 ��

sceneInvite us at [email protected]

At the opening night of Jon English’s ‘Rock Show’, Q Theatre, Queanbeyan

Anne Stevenson, Anne Murn, Maria Glyn-Daniel and Deb RobertsSally Nicholls, Janette Newham and Sharon Crebbin

Sue Cook and Jenny FreebodyChris and Joanne Toogood

Gai and Dennis Crawley with Helen McKenzie Joan Braithwaite and Judy Grant

Nigel and Marion Stoker

Alysha and Mubin Khokhar

Katie Whelan, Jed Piaservoli and Samantha Kellow

Leigh Brennan and Samantha Beasley

�� CityNews January 21 - 27

all about living arts | cinema | fashion | body | home | puzzles | horoscope

By arts editor Helen Musa

“THERE’S only so far you can go with a name like Fred Smith,” Canberra’s most famous singer-songwriter is telling me.

Well, maybe, but over the years I’ve interviewed him after postings to Port Moresby, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, Washington, DC and now Afghanistan. There he now represents the Department of Foreign Affairs’ interests in the southern town of Tarin Kowt, entertaining himself, his colleagues and their Dutch counterparts with songs by night if there’s nothing else to do.

“I find it very enriching to work in these very complex environments,” he tells me of his postings. And just to prove it, he’ll be off to Afghanistan again as soon as he finishes his coming stint here.

Fred Smith, a true-blue Canberran much loved by our theatrical community from the days when he provided free show entertain-ment for Elbow Theatre, boasts to me – tongue-in-cheek – that he’s been bold enough to travel even as far as Tuggeranong. But now he is doing something really brave and appearing on stage at the Playhouse on January 29 with

the very droll Blue Mountains cult chorale The Spooky Men, with whom he will sing his songs of masculine misadventure – “thinking men’s drinking songs,” as he puts it.

“The Information Age [has] not diminished man’s yearning for the open sea that finds voice in the sea shanty,” he says.

Their photos show Smith and The Spooky Men looking very grim – “grim is part of the aesthetic,” Smith assures me. In addition, they do “lots of comic things and they can even grow beards if they want to,” something that he thinks he may find useful in Afghanistan.

Smith’s first encounter with the subtly amusing Spooky Men came when he met their leader Stephen Taberner at a session bar dur-ing the 2008 National Folk Festival in Canberra. On an hour’s notice they did an impromptu show which was such a huge success that they all decided to lay down a CD, “Urban Sea Shanties,” and were back playing before a crowd of 2000 in the Budawang Pavilion in the 2009 festival.

“I provide the content,” Smith says, “and they provide the grandeur.”

Fred Smith appears with The Spooky Men's Chorale at 8pm on January 29 at the Canberra Playhouse. Bookings www.canberraticketing.com.au

Fred Smith, in the white suit, and The Spooky Men's Chorale…“I provide the content, and they provide the grandeur.”

Fred Smith’s awfully brave face

CANBERRA’S theatre practitioners are reeling at the news that the ANU Drama Studies staff have been told to cancel all proposed Moon-light and Papermoon productions for 2010. A yet unreleased review by the university has proposed greater emphasis on research and less on practical drama. Papermoon carried off two of the top Canberra Critics’ Circle theatre awards in 2009.

“THE Los Angeles Times” has just dropped a bombshell with the announcement that Michael Brand, who has served four years as the director of the J. Paul Getty Museum, will step down from his role at the end of the month. Brand, born and educated in Canberra and a former head of Asian Art at the NGA, is leaving the Getty about one year before his contract is up. He says the choice

to resign was “my decision”, but the “Times” says current and former Getty officials point to a “personality clash” between Getty president and chief executive James N. Wood and Brand, as well as differences of opinion over the Getty’s strategic vision. Brand is the third person to hold the director post since the museum opened to the public 12 years ago.

THE National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is visiting the Canberra Theatre Centre from Janu-

ary 25 to 31 with short courses for adults and young people as a part of the Summer on Tour program. You won’t get in now, but think about next year and email [email protected] for details. Acting techniques will be taught here by NIDA graduate Sam Haft, who has been seen in TV shows such as “Underbelly 2” and “The First Australians.”

THE National Gallery of Australia and National Australia Bank have chosen the 16 students for

the annual National Summer Art Scholarship in which two Year 11 students from each State and Territory (yes, we are in there with the NT) in Australia are chosen to participate in a week-long program of activities centred on a behind-the-scenes experience of the gallery. They were selected from more than 400 applications. Young Canberrans chosen are Alexandra Harwood, from Girls’ Grammar, and Isabelle Mackay-Sim, from Narrabundah College.

THE New Year program for 2010 at ANCA opens with “Tracing Time”, an exhibition of new work by local fibre artist Katrina Barter. Text is applied to calico and hand-made paper is stitched. Eco-printing elements use time as a medium. The show runs at 1 Rosevear Street, Dickson, until January 31.

aRTs iN THe ciTYBy Helen Musa

ANU shock edict: Cancel all new shows

TV star Sam Haft to teach acting techniques.


arts&entertainment

“UP IN THE AIR” (M)

RYAN (George Clooney) earns a living telling people that their long-held jobs are “no longer available; please clean out your desk, hand in your key card and take this packet of information to help you cope with the change.”

Writer/director Jason Reitman’s film simultaneously pleases us with manifest dramatic values and distresses us by their core theme. Ryan is a loner chasing 10 million frequent flier miles, using loyalty cards linked to that ambition to make check-in routines across America marvel-lously economical of time and movement. His professional routines are word perfect. His stark, un-inviting apartment befits somebody who sleeps there only one night in nine.

Alex’s travel practices equal Ryan’s for efficiency. Neither of them wants a rela-tionship but they share splendid bed when their itineraries intersect. When Ryan’s firm employs new MBA Natalie (Anna Kendrick) to reduce company overheads with revolutionary on-line systems, he takes her on the road to show her the human face of the firing business.

“Up In The Air” doesn’t exactly fit any ge-neric pigeonhole. The screenplay threatens but avoids predictability although cynics might wonder when Ryan will cop a dose of his own medicine. Reitman gives most of the film’s best lines to the stunning Vera Farmiga as Alex, as well as to both Clooney and Kendrick. If that description confuses you, untangling it is an agreeable exercise.

At Dendy, Hoyts and Greater Union

“BRAN NUE DAE” (PG)

UNTROUBLED by serious considerations of Aboriginality, Rachel Perkins’s rendition of Jimmy Chi’s successful stage musical based on his teenage experiences in Broome in the late 1960s is a fun movie in which satirists and farceurs such as W.S. Gilbert and Georges Feydeau might well have found merit.

Willie (Rocky McKenzie) leaves his adored Rosie (Jessica Mauboy) when his mother sends him to college in Perth. After offending Father Benedictus, Willie runs away and joins Uncle Tadpole to cadge a lift to Broome in a psychedelic Kombi carrying free-spirited Annie (Missy Higgins) and her German boyfriend Slippery (Tom Budge).

The film is a musical road comedy about

Willie and Tadpole travelling north pursued by Benedictus. Its dance routines and songs, while projecting strong emotions, lack sophistication (which did not diminish film-goers’ enthusiasm at the session I watched it, but its free-ranging Austral-ian-ness may disappoint those expecting something more erudite).

Ernie Dingo’s full-on comedic reprise of Tadpole gives more energy to the film than does Geoffrey Rush having his own great fun as Benedictus, but a cameo by Magda Szubanski as Roadhouse Betty, while comical enough, fails to strengthen

the plot. Deborah Mailman’s enthusiastic portrayal of Aboriginal party girl Roxanne vividly evoked for me a sad moment half a lifetime ago on the footpath outside the Normanton pub when I declined, with all possible grace, an offer of indescribable delights from an Aboriginal woman seeking beer money.

At all Canberra cinemas

“THE TOOTH FAIRy” (G)

CLAPPED-OUT ice-hockey player Derek (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) who hasn’t taken a shot at goal in nine years, fancies single mom Carly (Ashley Judd) whose moppet daughter can’t find the dollar note the tooth fairy was supposed to leave under her pillow.

Derek, who snitched it to make a poker bet, denies that the tooth fairy exists.

An annoyed Chief Tooth Fairy (Ju-lie Andrews wasted in the role) arraigns Derek, sentences him to two weeks’ Tooth Fairy duty with optional extensions if he doesn’t obey the rules and gives him into the charge of Tracy (Stephen Merchant) for basic training.

The rest comprises episodes of the sheerest nonsense that failed to delight a bunch of ankle-biters who thundered up and down the aisle as the film unrolled. I admired their judgment.

At Hoyts and Limelight

Flying high for a fall

ciNeMaBy Dougal Macdonald

THEATRE“Aladdin, An Arabian Genie Tale”Directed by Cameron Thomas and adapted from “The Arabian Nights” for Free Rain Theatre by Jodie McAlister, at the Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre, until January 23.Reviewed by Helen Musa

A panto-free Turkish delightTHIS version of “Aladdin” is definitely a play, not a pantomime with songs. Strong on plot and dialogue in Jodie McAlister’s adaptation, but short on audience interac-tion, it took the players in this intimate space a while to get into the swing of things.

McAlister sets the story in Istanbul, not China, and is more interested in issues of personal freedom that many of her young audience members may be.

Brendan Hawes and Simon Thomas as the lazy pickpockets Aladdin and

Fahnaz make a good fist of fecklessness, while Elizabeth Flora as Aladdin’s mum is formidable though not as funny as the Widow Twankey in the panto “Aladdin”.

Her confrontation with the Sultan (Andy Johnson) is good clean fun.

Director Cameron Thomas plays with the dilemma of conjuring up two incompetent but friendly genies in Elizabeth Cain and Brendan Kelly, while the larger-than-life James Dias towers over the rest of the cast as the wicked magician who has evil designs on the Princess Yasmin (Nicola Grear).

The many scene changes are handled with light-hearted flair and, of course, there is a happy ending.

Vera Farmiga and George Clooney in “Up in the Air”.

“Bran Nue Dae”... a fun movie.

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arts&entertainment

VISUAL ART“Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne & beyond” National Gallery of Australia, until April 5.Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

CONSIDERING the tremendous hype presaging and accompanying this exhibition, it is a relief to find, amongst the 112 paintings from the Musée D’Orsay, some wonderful small paintings not seen before in Australia from less well known members of the post-Impressionist avant-garde together with iconic works from the headlining masters, particularly the seminal Cézanne.

Post-impressionism denotes a range of styles that burst on to the French art scene during the 1880s. This was a tremendously diverse period when painters rebelled against the prevailing orthodoxy. Room one sets the scene with luminous examples from Impressionist paint-ers, including Claude Monet and Henri Gervex. These were already a tremendous challenge to the accepted norms and, against these paintings, in the following five rooms, we can clearly see the unfolding of a mélange of post-Impressionist styles and imagine the furore which accompanied their showing for the first time.

Paintings by Emile Bernard (who, with Paul Gauguin, founded “synthetic symbolism” or synthetism), and Edouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis (members of the group known as the Nabis or “prophets”)

repeatedly draw the eye. In Bernard’s “The har-vest (Breton landscape) [La moisson (Paysage breton)] 1888”, Denis’ “Landscape with green trees (green trees) (Procession under the trees) [Paysage aux arbres vert (les arbres verts) (La procession sous les arbres)] 1893”, and other examples from these artists, there is a radical simplification of shapes and the use of flat blocks of colour and unusual perspectives.

Wonderful also the three examples by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, particularly “Redhead (Bathing) [Rousse (La toilette)] 1889”, with its masses of white thinly applied paint and evidence of swift brushwork. Contrast this from the same year with “Van Gogh’s bedroom at Arles [Le chambre de van Gogh Arles] 1889” where the artist has used patches of thick impasto and altered perspectives to draw the viewer into the centre of his domestic world.

Go more than once. Visiting later in the day rewards with many opportunities to spend time alone in front of your favourites.

IF for no other reason than the quality of the musicianship on stage, “The Rock Show” would have had its audience screaming for more. But add the outstanding showmanship of 10 ridiculously gifted young musicians, (some of whom are likely to become household names) who confidently shared the spotlight with Australian rock ‘n’ roll royalty Jon English and you have the recipe for a memorable evening.

Focusing on the 50-year career of its star, “The Rock Show” referenced music of The Mamas and the Papas, ranged through Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix (brilliantly channeled by Kita Kerford and Joe Kalow), through David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Along the way it included haunting renditions

of “Whiter Shade of Pale”, “Stairway to Heaven” and, yes, even “Bohemian Rhapsody”, until concluding on one of Jon English’s best known songs “Six Ribbons”, with barely a pause for applause.

Light years away from the usual tired tribute show, “The Rock Show” is a brilliantly conceived and executed en-tertainment, which is notable for the quality of its musical arrangements, its intelligent direction and its excellent production values. Watch out when it returns to Canberra in September.

Small joys abound

Maurice Denis’ “The Muses”, 1893, Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

Jon English still rocksMUSIC“The Rock Show”Q Theatre, Queanbeyan, January 14Reviewed by Bill Stephens


Tommy Hilfiger, TH29" SKU24875295, $399 for two pairs, Specsavers.

Trent Nathan SP02110, $240 ($144 if you buy lenses, too), Optical Superstore.

fashion

By Kathryn Vukovljak

GLASSES that look geeky are a big style hit, says freelance stylist and former fashion editor of “GQ” magazine Melissa Boyle.

The 1960s’ Rayban Wayfarer style is still popular, she told “CityNews”. “It’s a strong look, and not just for sunnies.

“Soften the heaviness of traditional black by choosing a clear or tortoiseshell design to make it more feminine.

“You can project whatever image you

like by choosing the right frames. “For a professional yet high-fashion

look, opt for a frame that has a strong colour at the top and is frameless at the bottom. It gives a smart, polished look.

“And as it’s not a full frame, you could go for a hit of colour without it being too full-on – bright blue, red or green are very ‘now’ – and will show more personality.”

Metal frames are another good look, although Melissa says oval frames are old news. “They’re a bit over, so choose a rectangular frame, perhaps one that’s slightly rounded at the edges, to give a very wearable look.”

Kids go green and retro coolGREEN is the coolest summer colour for kids, says Kylie Petroni, owner and founder of Cackleberry Kids.

“We’re seeing every shade of green, from brights to more muted tones,” she says. “Mix-ing green with earthy colours such as coffee or mocha is a popular look.” Kylie adds that abstract prints stemming from a retro perspective are also in.

“Retro puppies and kittens prints, hippy vans and blossom designs, as well as vintage wallpaper patterns are all popular this summer,” agrees Dijana Dotur from Sookibaby.

“We’re seeing fuchsia and

soft pink for little ladies, in frilly nappy bottoms and cute kimono dresses, with vest tees and ties in leaf greens with a hint of brown for little men,” she says.

Kylie says there are also a lot of organic fabrics around this season. “They’re lightweight, wash and wear well and feel gorgeous on the skin,” she says.

Mirabai Walton, owner of Purebaby, agrees. “The fabric of the summer is bamboo,” she says. “It’s beautifully soft and cooling, anti-bacterial and absorbent, plus it biode-grades.”

– Kathryn Vukovljak

Revenge of the nerds

Organic tee, $40, and green Toro shorts, $42, both Cackleberry Kids.

Summer Holidays singlet, $22.95 and I Love Sookibaby nappy pants, $24.95, both Sookibaby

Missoni SP01964, $200 ($60 if you buy lenses, too), Optical Superstore.

Zyl Art, ZA6101C1, $219, Greg King Eyewear.

Joshi 847 Col 35, $260, Greg King Eyewear.


advertising feature

Taking control of the life you live IF you want to take control of your life, Om Shanti College is offering a 10-week lunchtime seminar series to empower people to better plan their lives.

“This series will be absolutely indulgent, relaxing and inspiring, and it will make a lasting, positive impact on your life,” says Luciana Todd, director of Om Shanti College.

The course, called “Design and Live the Life you Love”, is aimed at providing participants with the practical skills to create the lifestyle they’ve always wanted, says Luciana.

“It includes discussions on getting what you want, space and time manage-ment, stress reduction, reconnecting with joy and pleasure and communicating powerfully,” she says.

It also includes a complimentary

90-minute one-on-one coaching session with Luciana, a professional life coach.

Om Shanti is a Registered Training Or-ganisation offering vocational education and training in complementary therapies. Qualifications include Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice, Diploma of Remedial Massage, and Certificate IV and Diploma of Aromatherapy.

Students can graduate as qualified massage therapists in as little as 12 weeks or as long as 12 months.

“Graduates leave transformed, with a fulfilling career ahead of them. Most go on to work in clinics in Canberra or create their own businesses,” says Luciana.

“Now is the time to make the change into this amazing industry.”

Om Shanti, 2a Barker Street, Griffith Shops. Call 6295 2323.

it’s the New Year and a great time to resolve to get fit and healthy. Here’s a “cityNews” guide to some of the top gyms, massage therapists and organic food providers to help you stick to your health and fitness goals… for life!

New Red Hill clinic

ANYONE looking for a fresh start this year might like to consider one of the therapies available at new massage and therapy clinic Body and Mind in Red Hill.

Body and Mind, which opened in April last year, offers a range of specialised therapies in massage, aromatherapy and holistic life coaching.

“Our therapies are all about detoxing, getting off to the right start and getting the life you want,” says practitioner Liz Walton.

“With people having such busy lifestyles, the more we look after ourselves, the more we can meet the demands of our daily schedules.

“If you’re passionate about personal growth and changing for the better, come and try one of the therapies offered by our highly trained professionals,” she says.

With new therapists joining its staff this month, Body and Mind is a growing business providing bodily and mind-thera-py solutions in a part of Canberra where these services haven’t previously been available, Liz says.

Body and Mind, 6/12 Duyfken Place, Red Hill. Call 6232 7077.

It’s time to resolve to


get fit and healthy

Break from myths and train for strength FITNESS centre Elite Physique’s Billy Giampaolo (pictured right) is eager to break down some of the myths circulating about women’s fitness, saying that anyone can lose weight and speed up their metabolism with the right training.

“There are a lot of fallacies going around about ‘tone’ training, but the truth is you can only train for strength, not tone,” Billy says.

“Correct weight training will cause your muscles to grow and get stronger, while the right nutrition helps to keep your body fat down. High-repetition light training does nothing for tone,” he says.

“Building strength is the basis for fitness and the only way to do that is through weight training. For ladies, that doesn’t mean you’re going to come

out looking like a man. It reduces your likelihood of getting osteoporosis, makes you less prone to back injury, and has a lot of other health benefits,” Billy says.

Although Elite Physique has world-record holders among its ranks, it is a family-owned gym that meets the needs of everyone from beginners to elite athletes.

“Elite Physique is for everyone,” Billy says. “Our motto is ‘the best you can be’. When you walk through our doors it feels like walking into a big family and we welcome people no matter what their fitness level.”

Elite Physique, Cnr Botany & Townshend Streets, Phillip. Call 6281 6999.

There is a season WITH the silly season over and the New Year awash with resolutions of eating healthier, it’s a great time to embrace the health benefits of eating organic, says Susan Phillips, of Aussie Organics International.

“Organic food is a really good way for people to improve their diet and complement any New Year’s fitness regimes they may have undertaken,” she says.

All the food at Australian-owned Aussie Organics Interna-tional is organically grown in keeping with the natural turn of the seasons, Susan says.

And with summer growing producing such delicious offerings of stone fruits, lychees, melons, passion fruit and mangos, as well as lush salad ingredients, it’s the perfect time of year to go organic.

With Aussie Organics International offering online ordering and home delivery across Canberra, it couldn’t be easier to improve your health this New Year, says Susan.

“Plus organic food just tastes so much better!”Call 1300 644 944 or visit www.aussieorganics.com.

YOU’RE more likely to succeed at your fitness goals – and stick to them – if you take a friend along to the gym with you, says Body Basics personal trainer Jason Ritchie.

“I find that when people train with a partner, they get more out of the experience,” he says. “It’s a great motivator and gives you someone to compete against.

“People who train together succeed together,” Jason says.

Body Basics is offering free training for a second person in its personal training program for pairs.

“Normally we charge $20 extra for the second

person, but this month we’re offering training to the second person for free,” he says.

Body Basics also offers an intensive boot camp program that takes in lake runs, sledgehammer and tyre-hitting exercises, body weight training, kick boxing, and runs up Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie.

“The course consists of 12 sessions over six weeks, each session dealing with a different activity. And for new customers who enlist in the six-week program, they’ll receive the following six weeks for free,” Jason says.

Body Basics, Martin Street, Curtin. Call 6282 8344.

Take a mate to reach fitness goals

TRANSFORM your body into a fat-burning machine with the innovatively holistic Wellness Revolu-tion program, says program designer and exercise scientist Chris Males (pictured left).

The Wellness Revolution is an out-door, 90-day, group exercise program with 35 training sessions, nutritional guidance, and health assessments, says Chris.

“When people join a gym their visits often end up being sporadic, so they never see results. Results come from the consistency of the workout. With the Wellness Revolution, you commit yourself to three training sessions per week for 13 weeks,” he said.

In fact, Chris is so confident of its effectiveness he offers a money-back guarantee.

“No one has claimed their money

back yet, though,” he said.The Wellness Revolution has

improved the wellbeing of some prominent Canberra business men, says Chris, including Philip Kouvelis, Richard Luton, Richard Keeley, Peter Beanes and Gerard Tiffin.

“It’s all our best stuff rolled into one course,” he said.

More information at www.thewellnessrevolution.com.au.

Revolution program promises healthy results

advertising feature


home improvement

Give your space a bright, new lookConsidering giving your house or office a facelift? Interior design, energy-efficient products and an outlet factory for everything you could possibly need are here in this guide to renovation, as well as top tips from the experts on the easiest and cheapest way to freshen up your space – a lick of paint in the season’s hottest colours.

Tiles and everything elseRENOVATING, extending or just doing some home improvements? The Renovations Factory Outlet is a one-stop-shop for everything you’ll need to get the job done – at attractive prices, says sales manager Jack Noja.

“We sell beautiful polished porcelain tiles at just $30 per square metre, which is roughly half of what anyone else in Canberra charges,” he says.

“There are lots of other great deals in store, too – we also stock built-in wardrobes, bathroom fittings, vanities, kitchen sinks, tapware and appliances.

“Generally people will come in for their tiles then spot some other great deals!” says Jack.

Renovations Factory Outlet, Wollongong St, Fyshwick. Call 6162 1235.

Design for happiness GREAT interior design can make people feel better about life in general, says James Moloney, director of Captivate Interior Design.

“I love that about design – many people don’t realise the effect that a well-organised, inspiring interior can have on their lives.”

James specialises in providing design solutions for restaurants, cafes and retail shops – but can offer design solutions for all interiors.

“I enjoy the outcome of the design process – when all my ideas come to fruition,” says James. “My passion is for creating spaces that people enjoy being in.”

“Offices can often be boring and a bit stale – I like to use strong colour to inject a bit of personality and interest into the space.

“Often the corporate logo can inspire the colour and design, so we can make the whole office a continuation of the company’s brand identity and business philosophy.”

Contact James Moloney on 0404 805945.

Time to go ‘sailing’JUST Rite is a Canberra-based company that offers energy efficient products from skylights to double glazing that can help with any renovation and save money on ongoing energy costs.

Through design, quality insulation and the choice of ap-pliances, energy smart homes not only cost less to heat and cool, but they help to reduce the greenhouse effect by lower reliance on energy created by burning fossil fuels. Energy smart design takes advantage of the sun’s warmth in winter and limits its impact in the summer as well as ensuring that afternoon heat from the west gets particular attention.

Now summer’s here, it’s a good time for anyone looking to spruce up an outdoor area to consider Just Rite’s professional design and installation service to select the best shade sail for any area. Just Rite’s shade sails promise a high-qual-ity, long-lasting product that are 95 per cent UV blocked and available in a large range of colours (with a 10-year warranty). They feature stainless steel fasteners and turn buckles to ensure there is no rust.

Just Rite’s outdoor display at 14 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick, offers a complete range of shade sails and examples of the other products on offer such as pergola roofing, glass bricks, glazing and skylights.

For more information call 6280 5300 or visit www.justrite.com.au.

http://www.justrite.com.au

http://www.justrite.com.au


special feature

ACCESSORIES: Arm yourself with the latest accessories – brushes, rollers, trays, and painters tape will ensure you are fully prepared. Fillers, rags, sandpaper and stirrers will also assist to achieve a professional finish; while a ladder will help complete the job without over-stretching.

PREPARATION PAINT: Preparation is the key to a professional paint job. If required, ensure you have the appropriate primer, sealer or undercoat.

CEILING PAINT: A great looking ceiling can help complement walls and furnishings and provide a unifying sense of quality and style.

INTERIOR PAINT: For the interior, choose a low-sheen paint that will provide a smooth, luxurious finish and yet is durable enough

to withstand the day-to-day rigours of family life. A washable and stain-resistant option will work well in high-traffic areas.

BATHROOM & KITCHEN PAINT: Bathrooms and kitchens must have colours that are bright, fresh and flexible to provide a clean, crisp look – citrus yellows and bamboo shades will be popular over the next 12 months. Semi gloss and gloss are ideal for these areas, as they’re washable for easy clean-up, and will provide a durable, moisture-resistant finish.

DOORS, WINDOWS & TRIMS: Most doors, windows and trims projects will need enamel paint, which is perfect for fixing up all of those little sections of the house. You don’t have to stick to white, either – the right colour combinations can help create eye-catching effects!

Paint colours signal optimism By Kathryn VukovljakPEOPLE will favour warm and bright colours this year, showing increased optimism as we recover from the global financial crisis, according to Andrea Lucena-Orr, Accent colour expert.

“Many forces shape our colour preferences – from personal taste, life stage and fashion through to socio-economic factors and global events.

“The global financial crisis has definitely had an effect on colour selection,” she says. “Global forecasts from 2008 of a bright, vibrant season were abruptly changed. Overnight, colours were reduced to muted, conservative and neutral shades.

“However, we’re now seeing the attitude effects of a more optimistic consumer – at last!”

Whites and neutrals will still dominate as the main base throughout the home; however, we will be seeing a lot brighter colours come into play, according to Andrea. These will be in feature colours, furnishings and accessories.

“Feature colours are still extremely popular as they’re seen as a quick, cost-effective way to add trend and fashion colours into the home, enabling the walls to work with the latest accessories from homewares stores.

“I predict that 2010 will be the dawn of a colourful new decade!”

Practical painting tips from Mitre 10’s Angela Clarkson...


ACROSS17 Wide awake18 Be present20 More mature21 Keen23 Nice looking24 Body swelling25 Very angry27 Lifting device29 Buries33 Happy34 Enmeshed38 Of punishment40 Bed covering42 Type of heron45 Attack47 Stir up49 Danger50 Painter’s stand51 Ledge52 Good manners53 Use power54 Rents56 Slander58 Help60 Act of closing62 A willow64 Boring tool65 Line of hills66 Unclear67 Legal bar69 Cafe72 Walk heavily74 A law75 Given temporarily77 Endow with gift80 Pays attention83 Of the ear85 Lubricant88 Dearth90 Wickets93 Scenes94 Little drink95 Sale item96 Many times97 Reputation98 A pair99 Went over again100 Doctrine101 Worthless finery102 Maintain104 Teem106 Incursion108 Type of race111 Signed113 Froth117 Vigour120 Involve121 Tops123 Confirm125 Remove from power126 Stayed in place128 Lower in position129 Waterside worker130 Sham133 Medicine rations136 Slackness137 Wish138 Doesn’t catch139 Meant143 Church song145 Joke147 Brittle148 Hired for wages152 Raised in reputation154 Command155 Renegade156 Tree fluid158 Unmarried man159 Without company160 A cereal161 Biblical prophet162 Ooze out163 Do well166 One hearing167 Religious period170 Wood working tool172 Plants grown175 Habituate178 Lugs180 Of three dimensions181 Try182 Private remarks184 Manage in use185 Custom186 Mends187 Desert fertile spot188 Type of car191 Love affair195 Associate on friendly terms

198 Sudden rise202 Part of stairs205 Morsel206 Get up207 Frighten208 Rich tapestry209 Neatly smart210 Choristers211 Handy212 Involves by necessity213 Country bumpkin214 Love217 Diver for pearls222 Interment225 Turn back229 Celebration231 Beneath232 Horse attendant233 Enigma234 At that place

235 Astound236 Place of worship237 Pertaining to sound

DOWN1 Large bird2 Anger3 Unusual4 Religious group5 Bole of tree6 Drains7 Wise man8 People of style9 Times between10 Press11 Cute12 Residue of grain13 Precious stone14 A grating15 Harvest

16 Level18 Consumed19 Failure22 Branched horn26 Principles28 Awaken30 Fasteners31 Improper32 Pointed hooks35 Heavenly figure36 Openings37 Go in39 Living41 Hanging decorations42 Defeated43 Wanted44 Moving46 Limb47 Agree to48 Free from liability

49 Stick out55 Disagree with57 Strong cord58 Alcoholic drink59 Rugby score61 Chooses63 Unusual language68 Cooker70 One more71 Attained73 Get aboard76 More weird78 Bird’s home79 Unfavourable81 Named82 Fate84 Sent out86 More unusual87 Mules88 Play imperfectly

89 Church official91 Higher92 Cleanse103 One who explains104 That woman105 Endures107 Requested109 Process of studying110 Until now112 Energetic113 Tilted114 Hits hard115 Royal person116 Caper about118 Niche119 Sings falsetto122 Rescue124 Decorated a cake127 Acts131 Tear violently

132 Sign of crying134 Piece left out135 Extra sensory perception (abb)140 Horse’s sound141 Boredom142 Went quickly144 Place for travellers145 Legal personages146 Defeat utterly147 Prepare food for149 One packing goods150 Sessions of bowling151 Run off to marry153 Challenges154 Carry157 A fruit158 Slanted edge164 Frenzied165 Empty space

168 Place for cigarette butts169 Pipes171 Striped animals172 Greenish blue colour173 Commands174 Strain175 Small creature176 Not confident177 Female sheep179 Snakes182 Fire residue183 Cry loudly189 Type of antelope190 Behind at sea192 Give opinion193 Presage194 Cut into wood196 Hidden197 By use of eyepiece199 Small coins

200 Custom201 Skin sores203 Line on weather map204 Turn outwards215 Throw out216 Rim217 Say a prayer218 Word of sorrow219 Type of lily220 Flowing gown221 Stump222 Wager223 Be untruthful224 Betting prices225 Tear apart226 Waistcoat227 Ladder step228 Carve on metal229 Throw230 Depend

giant crossword

27

40

54

66

85

97

102

120

129

139

152

163

180

188

209

214

28

86

140

189

1

21

55

103

164

215

231

22

50

87

141

190

205

2

41

75

165

170

216

76

142

3

17

29

42

56

67

171

181

191

210

217

235

30

68

93

153

159

192

4

113

137

218

31

193

5

57

77

114

121

130

172

219

32

51

78

98

104

131

143

154

194

206

6

23

43

64

105

173

186

220

232

79

94

132

160

7

44

122

126

174

221

88

99

144

155

166

18

33

45

58

69

115

182

195

211

222

236

8

70

106

145

196

107

128

127

9

24

71

123

146

197

233

19

59

65

116

183

187

223

52

89

95

108

147

161

207

10

46

80

124

133

175

224

81

100

117

134

138

156

11

34

47

60

109

176

198

212

225

35

82

96

110

135

157

162

199

12

20

61

72

118

177

184

226

237

36

200

13

119

125

136

227

37

53

73

83

101

111

148

158

178

201

208

14

25

48

179

228

234

84

90

149

167

15

38

49

62

74

168

185

202

213

229

26

91

150

203

16

63

112

169

230

39

92

151

204

solution next week


your week in the starsWith Joanne Madeline Moore

January 25 - 31

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rams can be incredibly romantic, so now’s the time to pamper your lover with a candle-lit dinner or surprise getaway. Singles – it may feel like one step forward and two steps back – but persistence will win out in the end. Saturday’s fiery combination of a Leo Full Moon and Sun/Mars opposition is a combustible, accident-prone mix, so be careful.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

With lucky Venus in your career zone (until February 11) it’s the ideal time to improve your work conditions. You could apply for a promo-tion, bonus or raise, plus give your office/work area a makeover. Single Bulls – love and work are cosmically connected. So don’t forget to put extra lipstick or cologne in your briefcase – just in case!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week, the worst thing you can do is be bored. Your quicksilver mind is crying out for stimulation so start studying up a storm – or just amuse others with your entertaining stories and zingy one-liners! With lucky Jupiter on your side, you have a chance to make your mark at work – but only if you have the confidence to step up to the plate.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Thursday will be a tricky day as Pluto, Saturn and Mercury stir up relationship issues. Nothing a clever Crab can’t handle though! Avoid finalising important financial transactions on the weekend as you’re liable to make decisions based purely on your emotions – which will fluctuate wildly under the influence of the Full Moon.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Have you been giving your partner their moment in the Sun? If you haven’t, they may get a little antsy about you always hogging the limelight. Single Lions – it’s time to go on the prowl, looking for love. Saturday’s Full Moon in Leo is a major astrological aspect for bush fires so, if you are in a high-risk area, take extra precautions.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Your weekends are usually organised with military precision as you squeeze every last drop out of the limited time available. Saturday’s fiery Full Moon is about to toss your timetable out the window, as chaos and sudden surprises ruin your routine. Be inspired by Germaine Greer (born on January 29) “The essence of pleasure is spontaneity.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Mid-week you are uncharacteristically impulsive when it comes to love. It’s time to ditch the gentleman/lady-like image and instead slip into super-sexy mode and make a bold romantic move! If you haven’t set goals for 2010, the weekend is the perfect time to do so as the Full Moon activates your hopes, dreams and wishes zone.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Be selective about who you mix with on Thursday and Friday, as you’ll pick up other people’s moods like a sponge. Saturday’s Full Moon sees you at your Scorpio best – and worst. Dramatic and demanding; sexy and secretive; passionate and possessive. You’ll be thrust into the public spotlight as you cause a stir wherever you go.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re in an “all-or-nothing” kind of mood. Moderation and common sense go out the window as you overdo just about everything and make every mistake in the book – but you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you totally obsessed about a project (or person) at work? Tension is brewing between your high, exacting standards; and the more fluid, intuitive approach of someone else. Be more flexible and try to see both sides of the situation. On the weekend expect dramatic develop-ments to do with the big two – sex and money.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re keen for radical change, but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Some aspects of your life are due for a major overhaul but there are other things it would be wise not to tamper with. You need to make selective changes – not wreck everything! With Venus in your sign, you’re at your fabulous, flirtatious best.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Fish are compassionate, friendly folk who love helping others, but don’t overdo it this week or you’ll end up overworked and underap-preciated. With four planets in your soul sector, you’re in the mood for activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation and contemplation, as you tune into the wonderful mystery that is you!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

general knowledge crossword No. 245

ACROSS1 Name the profession of a dealer in textiles and cloth goods.8 What is the condition of the atmosphere with regard to its water-vapour content?9 Which bird is noted for its habit of laying eggs in the nests of other birds?10 Name the scurf which forms on the scalp.11 What is an ordinance promulgated by an authority?13 What do we call one who indulges in irony, sarcasm, ridicule, etc?16 The collection of computer programs loaded externally, is known as what?19 What are musical compositions for eight voices or instruments?22 In which line of work does one who makes bows and arrows operate?24 What is the inland duty on spirits, tobacco and the like?25 Name the closed audio system, as within an office complex, school, etc.26 To be the most bashful or retiring is to be the what?

Solution next week

DOWN2 Name a renowned Australian pioneer settler (1774-1852), Richard ...3 Which is one of the most popular card games?4 What was the former name of Zimbabwe?5 A prophetic sign is known as a what?6 What describes one who worships another?7 What are poles on which flags are hung or displayed?12 Name the young of a bovine mammal.14 What are the propositions expressed in geometry?15 To be unemployed, or doing nothing, is to be what?17 Name an alternative term for rectangular.18 What are tenth parts of anything?20 Something shabby or dowdy is said to be what?21 Which lengthy teeth do elephants, walruses and the like have?23 What is an old or worn-out horse?

Sudoku hard No.23 Solution next week

1

9

11

16

22

25

2

17

12

3

18

4

8

10

13

23

5

14

19

24

26

6

20

15

7

21

Solution Sudoku medium No.23Solution Crossword No.244S S C S I M P S O NC A T A R R H O C ER A A A N T H R A XA N T O N Y M O I UT E I A E R O B E SC U N EH A R E M S P R I S M S

U S A AB I B E L O T I S IU E I A B D O M E NC O L O N E L E O TK L G K A R A K U LS H A D O W S S E Y

canberra citynews january 21-27, 2010

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