canberra citynews july 23-29, 2009

32
CityNews July 23-29 JULY 23-29, 2009 ALL ABOUT CANBERRA JOHN HARGREAVES ON LIFE WITH THE GREENS, LOYALTY AND TEA BAGS MICHAEL MOORE LEARNS A POLITICAL LESSON IN THE BUSH HELEN MUSA GETS AN AUDIENCE WITH RON RADFORD MARK PARTON SURVIVES A CLASH OF THE YOWIE MEN TO HELP AIMS MELANIE DARTERS RALLY FOR THE BREAST-CANCER CAUSE HEALTH & FITNESS THE FRUITS (AND NUTS) OF EATING WELL

Upload: canberra-citynews

Post on 13-Mar-2016

231 views

Category:

Documents


8 download

DESCRIPTION

The Government’s irascible Minister for Loose Ends, John Hargreaves, is not one for hiding his light under a bushel and in this week’s edition he regaled JORIAN GARDNER with his views about living with the Greens and loyalty to his party leader. Elsewhere, HELEN MUSA scores an exclusive audience with National Gallery chief Ron Radford, MICHAEL MOORE learns stuff in the bush and WENDY JOHNSON visits a relocated dining legend. There’s more, of course, just a click away.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 �

July 23-29, 2009

All About CAnberrA

JOHN HARGREAVES ON life with the GReeNS, lOYAltY AND teA BAGSMICHAEL MOORE learns a political lesson in the bush

HELEN MUSA Gets an auDience With ron raDForD

MARK PARTON surViVes a clash oF the YoWie Men

to helpaimsMelanie

DARTERS RALLY FOR THE BREAST-CANCER CAUSE

HEALTH & FITNESS the fRUitS

(AND NUtS) Of eAtiNG well

Page 2: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

2 CityNews July 23-29

Page 3: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 3

Buy Better elsewhere?I DON’T THINK SO!

The Optical Superstore is a preferred provider to Medibank Private and CBHS. Health fund memberswith Optical Cover obtain spectacles with NO or LOWout of pocket expense* at The Optical Superstore. ALWAYS CHECK prices at The Optical Superstore first.

Canberra Civic,28-36 Ainslie Place,

Canberra City ACT Ph: 6230 4966

* subject to annual entitlement being available and on the spot claiming through HICAPS (health fund eftpos)

AttentionSpecsaversCustomers

If you think the word ‘savers’ in the name Specsavers means they are cheaper than The Optical Superstore,

Original lenses purchased from Specsavers and price comparison on 20/12/08.New price comparison on 27/2/09. Transitions is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.

The Optical Superstore was $389 cheaper than Specsavers for these lenses made to the same prescription. They have now reduced their prices but not enough to beat The Optical Superstore. The Optical Superstore is still cheaper by $159.

$389LessWas

$159LessNow

Tailor made, multifocal,1.67 index, anti-reflective,Transitions® lenses

THINK AGAIN!

ProudlyAustralian Owned

1300 4 77327

13

004 SPECS

Specsavers is a U.K. based franchise andThe Optical Superstore is Australian owned

AKUNA STREET

CANBERRA CEN

TRE

PETRIE STREET

CITY

CITY WALKAINSLIE

PLACE

LONDON CIRCUIT

Sundays 10am to 4pm Wentworth Ave Kingston 6239 5306

www.obdm.com.au

Fine Craft | Gourmet PantryContemporary Art | Espresso | Multicultural Food Z0

0 32

090

news

John hargreaves… “i think the people of Brindabella deserve to have [MlAs who] actually live in their electorate.”

John says Amanda’s a goner

inDeXJuly 23-29, 2009 since 1993: Volume 15, number 28 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

JGD

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

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, of Suite 1, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

4�,�65 copies a weekSix-month audit to March 31, 2009

General manager: Greg Jones 0419 418196, [email protected] sales executives: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Jonathan Hick, 0415 177345 Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701 Scott Meikle, 0404 318888 advertising sales co-ordinator: Rebecca Darman 6262 9100, [email protected] advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9439 9929adelaide advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 8379 9522perth advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 9429 3075

cONtAct US

coVer: canberra Darters centre Melanie Kitchin talks about the team’s plan to help the McGrath Foundation. story page 4. photo by silas.

arts&entertainment 18-20body 21crossword 24Dining 20environment 9health&Fitness 22-23horoscope 24letters 8Movie reviews 19news 3-6politics 4 property 25-32social scene 15,17sudoku 24

LABOR minister John Hargreaves has a message for Brindabella Greens member Amanda Bresnan – enjoy your first and last term as a politician. He also seems to have a similar message, for his boss Jon Stanhope, albeit veiled. Or maybe that’s putting words into his mouth.

“I will be looking forward to lead-ing the team in Brindabella at the next election to take back the seat (won in October by Bresnan) that is rightfully Labor’s,” Minister Harg-reaves said sternly.

“I think the people of Brindabella deserve to have people that actually live in their electorate. We had for-mer Liberal MLA Steve Pratt [ousted at the last election] who represented Brindabella but didn’t live there – and the electorate dealt with him.

“We now have a Greens member (Bresnan) who doesn’t live there – and she will be dealt with the same way.”

It’s clear that the Minster for Cor-rections, Disability and Ageing has a love-hate relationship with his new Greens colleagues.

“It’s sort of like a fantasy world between an engagement and a mar-riage, and it ain’t quite either,” he said. “It’s slightly more than pla-tonic – but I wouldn’t say it’s kissing and cuddling though.

“Some in the public seem to think that we are all on the same team only wearing different coloured shirts.

Wrong! Labor ideologies and Greens ideologies are very different. The Greens are a party with a conserva-tion base and social conscience poli-cies tacked on, while Labor are all about social conscience – addressing the needs of the community. And then there are the Liberals who, while Labor addresses need, the Liberals address greed.

“There are times when the Greens are acting quite responsibly and I have enjoyed talking with them and coming to an accommodation with them very much and having them as another part of the conscience process, and there are times when the [phrase] ‘fairies at the bottom of the garden’ works for me.

“(But) if they haven’t learnt how to be proper politicians yet then I am sorry, but I have absolutely no sympathy for them at all.”

Hargreaves also has a wake-up call for those Greens thinking of be-ing in government one day.

“The Greens will never be in gov-ernment as long as democracy rules in this country, because they will never have such a body of support in the community to be anything but the minority group,” he said.

“They will have the balance of power quite frequently, but they will never, ever be in government in their own right as a majority or minority.”

Mr Hargreaves is the long-time head kicker of the Labor right,

which at the moment holds the major-ity of votes in the party. Education Minister Andrew Barr, a former chief of staff to Mr Hargreaves, is the poster boy of the right, tipped to per-haps roll Chief Minister Stanhope for the top job before the next election.

Curious, “CityNews” put the scenario to Mr Hargreaves and his comments became cryptic: “The problem I have in answering your questions is that when I have a cup of tea I use tea bags – not tea leaves! If I had some tea leaves I would more than likely be able to answer you.

“You have got to ask yourself though – where is the burn-out rate? Political parties from time to time look at themselves and say – ‘we need a breath of fresh air; we need fresh blood’, and certainly you need to have a generational change. Hav-ing said that, you don’t walk away from a winning formula.”

Up popped the show-us-your-unqualified-support-for-the-leader question, and Mr Hargreaves gave the stock standard answer – albeit missing the actual name of the Chief Minster.

“I will be loyal to the leader of the Labor Party”, Mr Hargreaves said. “The leader of the Labor party has my full support.

“What I will say is that I give Jon Stanhope as much loyalty as he gives me.” And he smiles.

He loves them, he loves them not… labor’s parliamentary head-kicker – the plain-speaking, no-nonsense John Hargreaves – isn’t shy about describing acT Greens as ‘fairies at the bottom of the garden’. JoRiaN GaRDNeR sat slack jawed through the interview.

By Jorian GardnerTHE 2009 Floriade and NightFest program from September 12-October 11, will have a new “Carnival Stage and Bar” featuring stand-up comedy, acrobatics and magic from artists such as Josh Thomas, Rebecca de Unamuno, The Great Gondos and Nick Nickolas, as well as a performance by Australian singing legend Marcia Hines.

NightFest will again feature films under the stars as well as this year’s feature act “Pyrophone Juggernaut” – a troupe that performs on the largest hand-operated, multi-octave, fire organ in the world. It’s a giant flame-fuelled instrument, made from stainless steel, copper and aluminium industrial salvage.

The night festival program will also feature roving performers such as the Funky Love Squad, a suited, oversized act called The Bouncers, Danillo (one half of The Great Gondos performing solo) and a nightly troupe of fire performers from Canberra and interstate.

The Floriade program features an opening concert on Saturday, September 12, called “Rhythm ‘n’ Blooms” (that repeats daily at lunchtime with different acts) and a new work called “Tank” by Canberra Youth Theatre performed throughout the festival.

The Floriade and NightFest program, under this year’s theme of “Mind, Body and Soul”, is yet to be announced by Tourism Minister Andrew Barr, but is accessible already on the events website – www.floriadeaustralia.com.au.

Marcia to starat Floriade

Page 4: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

4 CityNews July 23-29

Sue Mortimer Jeanette Schofield Ali McGavin Effie Vlandis Isabella Kazan Nereash Mattick Andrew Kon Alison Polkinghorne

Open Monday to Saturday Phone 6251 1477 [email protected] Belconnen

You can have peace of mind and trust our team to deliver effective communication, manage your property with care and maximise it’s value.

Trust And Peace Of Mind!

news

netballer Melanie Kitchin… “it’s a game for everyone, not just for girls any more – mixed netball and men’s netball have really taken off. it’s really good to see.” photo by silas.

Get a ticket…The Australian National League Darters game against Singapore (which has joined the league as an international team) will be played at the AIS on Friday, August 7. Tickets (adults, $14; child/concession, $8 and family, $34) are on sale from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849.

Bec rules, OK… Bec Goddard, the first female central umpire to control a senior aFl match in australia. photo by silas.

cover story

THE Canberra Darters wom-en’s netball team wants its home-game audience next month to be a sea of pink, as it gets set to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Half the gate proceeds for the night of Friday, August 7 – which will see the team com-pete at AIS against Singapore in Canberra’s first interna-tional netball match – will be donated to the McGrath Foun-dation. The foundation was co-founded by Jane McGrath and her cricketing husband Glenn after Jane’s diagnosis and initial recovery from breast cancer.

Centre Melanie Kitchin told “CityNews” that breast cancer has touched the lives of several Darters players.

Melanie’s family has suf-fered more than most; her pa-ternal grandmother and three great-aunts have all died of the disease.

“They were all quite young, my grandmother and her sis-ters. My dad was 14 when his mum died, so obviously I was never able to meet her, and it was very hard for my dad to grow up without his mother.”

Melanie started playing net-ball at the age of 12, when she joined her school friends, who needed an extra team member.

“I was a goal defence, which means I was trying to stop the other team scoring – these days, I play centre, which is the link player in the team.”

She moved to Canberra in 2007 and says that she’s glad to see netball becoming such

a popular sport, including among men.

“It’s a game for everyone, not just for girls any more – mixed netball and men’s netball have really taken off. It’s really good to see.”

She’s enthusiastic about the way the Darters have rallied to the breast cancer cause.

“Netball is a team sport, and the girls are my team-mates: Playing together we’ve become such friends, and banded to-gether.

“That’s how the girls feel about raising awareness for breast cancer: It’s something that all women have to band together and fight.

“Breast cancer affects one in eight women; so women of all ages are rallying. The girls see at as an important thing for all

women to get behind.”A prize will be awarded

to the best-dressed audience member at half-time, which Melanie says will hopefully encourage spectators to think pink when getting dressed for the night: Pink is already the prime hue of both the Darters and the McGrath Foundation.

BEC Goddard recently became the first female central umpire to control a senior AFL match in Australia. How fitting that it was in Canberra?

Ainslie Oval was the scene, a ground I have at-tended on many occasions. I have watched Jezza take fabulous marks there and my brother-in-law (Bec’s father) ran the wings. This was completely different though; you’re not allowed to take your car in anymore, but there is a man with a real coffee machine.

I paid $5 to get in (it used to be free). The nice gatemen told me that both grandmothers were here – one in the stand and one over the far side with Bec’s cousin, Rachel. She was the first female in the country to goal umpire a senior grand final; the cousin, not the grandmother.

I went to the stand on the flank where some friends were sitting. An umpire official sat be-hind me. Bec walked out and held the ball aloft. There was a huge cheer from our stand. We all laughed and I commented that I’d never sat in an umpire’s stand before; to which the umpire

official retorted: “That’s because we’ve never had one”. Well, I said, perhaps you should have more women as officials. He suggested that the women around him might join the umpire panel. I think they said something like their sock draw-ers needed sorting.

When Bec tossed the ball straight (all the time) or ran backwards or did anything, we cheered. At half time, I asked the umpire official what his view was of Bec’s performance. Oh, joy: He said she’d be allowed out for the second half and also next week.

We didn’t hear one person bag the umpires or call them maggots. Her 50-metre penalties were spot on.

On a serious note, a good game is where the game is the winner and the umpires are unno-ticed. This was so, except for our stand where we had no idea who was playing or what the score was.

Latté and good umpiring: it doesn’t get much better than that. And the sky didn’t fall in.

MeGaN HaGGaN reports that canberra’s national league netball team plans to score some goals against breast cancer next month.

Darters aim to helpcancer research

proud auNTy aNNe (caHill laMBeRT) turns out to ainslie oval to cheer on… the umpire! But she has a good excuse.

Taking a stand for whistle blower Bec

Page 5: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 5

*Total amount payable of $85,618.00 for a new vehicle on a 60 month operating lease with 15,000km p.a. allowance. Comprehensive motor vehicle insurance must be taken out by the customer and the cost is additional to the total amount payable. Customer responsible for registration fees in years 2+. Offer available on new and demonstrator models, restricted to approved business customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 73 074 134 517 until the earlier of 30 September 2009 or when stock runs out. Vehicle must be returned at the end of the operating lease. 1. Excess wear and tear fees and excess km charges apply; see your Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer for conditions 2. Subject to independent tax advice 3. Includes dealer delivery, statutory charges and first 12 months registration (subsequent registration payable by the customer).

expression-s.com.au

38 Collie Street, Fyshwick 02 6280 5500 LMD 17000531CAPITAL STAR Mercedes-Benz in the capital

A D

aim

ler B

rand

No residual risk.No excuses left.

Approved business customers can drive away a CLK 280 with Avantgarde AMG Sports Package and only pay from $298* plus $29.80 GST per week with a 60 month term operating lease. Furthermore, operating lease packages are available across the entire CLK range while stocks last. To find out more visit Capital Star Motors today. www.mbcapitalstar.com.au

Plus $29.80 GST per week

$298CLK 280 with Avantgarde AMG Sports Package from

Establishment fees, comprehensive motor vehicle insurance and excess kilometre fees are also payable.

*Operating LeaseNo residual riskNo balloon payment1

No upfront capital outlay requiredPayments may be fully tax deductible2

Payment includes on road costs and12 months registration3

Approved business customers only

5245 CSM Residual Risk_CLK Class_Citynews_FA.indd 1 7/7/09 9:02:18 AM

Page 6: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

6 CityNews July 23-29

PROPERTYCOUNCIL

of Australia

GJ2436-V29

For more information on upcoming events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lauren Waugh on 02 6248 6902 or email

[email protected]

Of ce Market Report BreakfastWhen: Wednesday 5 August 2009Time: 7:15am to 9amVenue: Hotel RealmProudly Sponsored by: THINC

2009 Awards Night and Gala BallWhen: Friday 7 August 2009Time: 7pm to midnightVenue: National Convention CentreProudly sponsored by: St Hilliers

Phone: (02) 6241 1451 www.ambiusindoorplants.com.au

INTERIOR PLANTSCAPING

AMB732 - Canb News 1-6 page.indd 1 2/6/09 1:12:41 PM

IT was not the first financial bind for Senator Bob Brown when the Greens Leader was re-cently ordered by the Courts to pay $240,000 to Forestry Tasmania. He said he could not afford to pay – opening the possibility of bankruptcy and the consequential loss of his seat in Parlia-ment.

In early June, within a few days of this an-nouncement, Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith promised to bail him out and was followed by more than 1000 donors with pledges that cov-ered Brown’s legal bill. From a very awkward pickle Brown reaped the benefit of strong politi-cal support.

On a previous occasion in 1990, Brown used his Goldman Environmental Prize money to personally pay a deposit of $50,000 to purchase two forested properties in Tasmania adjoining the Wilderness World Heritage Site rather than have it logged for wood chips. On that occasion, others also came to support him – giving birth to Bush Heritage Australia. In both cases his clear motivation to protect the environment resulted in strong positive outcomes for the environment and for his own agenda.

In the arid and desert areas of SA there are some interesting examples of how Bush Heritage Australia and similar organisations are work-ing to restore bio-diversity to badly denuded pastoral leases.

Bush Heritage Australia recently purchased Boolcoomatta. It is one of about two dozen of their properties. I was invited to visit and to observe efforts being made to rehabilitate a property that until 2006 was still being used as pastoral land for the production of wool and meat. The conservation challenges are great.

For anyone who has driven along the Barrier Highway from Adelaide to Broken Hill, the over-whelming impression is of wide, stony plains, a few kangaroos and emus and endless arid land

with some covering of saltbush. Drought, over grazing and the invasion of foxes, goats and rabbits has damaged the area. Brown’s legacy means that Bush Heritage Australia with ongo-ing support from both large and small private, public and commercial sources is one organisa-tion that is in a position to intervene to provide protection even at the eleventh hour.

Boolcoomatta is a vast property of 63,000ha adjacent to the Bimbowrie National Park. The process of rehabilitation has started by remov-ing the introduced pastoral animals and the next stage to protect flora and fauna will focus on controlling the pest animals.

With recent rains there is evidence that the range of native flora is already beginning to significantly increase. Peter Ashton, a former National Parks ranger, leads the on-the-ground team that comprises him and wife Emma, who work with a handful of carefully selected volunteers. Amongst the myriad of other tasks they have been using a systematic GPS-based approach to map rabbit warrens so that eradica-tion efforts can be effectively evaluated.

There is some government funding for very specific projects but Bush Heritage Australia is largely supported by donations from the public.

North of Lake Eyre in the Simpson Desert another similar organisation, Australian Wild-life Conservancy has purchased Kalamurina, a property of more than 650,000ha with paral-lel aims to those at Boolcoomatta. Australian Wildlife Conservancy, which was founded by the current chairman Mark Copley, also owns more than 20 conservation properties. The Kalamurina property, managed by Tess and Mark Mclaren provides a link between National Parks now providing a conservation area across two States covering more than seven million hectares. Without stock, this property is also starting its own carefully guided rehabilitation. There is evidence of an increase in local native fauna and the bird life that is part of the water flows is abundant.

Cynical though we may all be about political motivation from time to time, it is refreshing to see these outcomes that have resulted from altruistic personal drive and commitment.

For further information visit www.bushherit-age.org.au and www.australianwildlife.org

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

political columnist MicHael MooRe heads north and into the bush

to see the proceeds of politics at work. and he’s impressed.

From pickle to political profitnews

IS our Tim the Yowie Man a fake? That seems to be the view of Rex Gilroy, famed Blue Mountains cryptozoologist and authority on the mysterious western Sydney Black Panther.

The panther is back in the news as the Rees Government in NSW looks for anything to take the attention away from Budget deficits, failing services and the potential sale of Government assets. Apparently, a not-so-secret NSW Government report suggests that the panther could very well exist in the Blue Mountains and beyond.

I followed up the story by getting Gilroy on my breakfast program at 2CC to talk about his many panther sightings. The multi-talented Gilroy also happens to be the head of the Blue Mountains UFO research club, but he was not all that keen to draw a link between panther sightings and the appearance of lights in the sky or even little green men in Katoomba.

When, during our interview, I made the mistake of mentioning our own investigator of all-things-weird, Tim the Yowie Man, the mild-mannered Gilroy became instantly as ferocious as a Blue Mountains panther.

“Tim the Yowie Man would know nothing of these creatures,” Gilroy growled. Then came the bombshell: “He decided my title ‘Yowie Man’ would fit him, so he pinched it off me”.

I tried to defend Tim’s honour, but the feisty Gilroy was having none of it. He went on to question Tim’s Yowie theories and to generally discredit the affable ghost-hunting storyteller who’s entertained and informed us for so long.

News travels fast in the crytozoologist world and it didn’t take long for Tim the Yowie Man to call me to try to restore his shattered reputation.

“Those comments by Rex are disappointing,” Tim said. “It’s almost litigious!”

He said that many years ago it was the media who dubbed Gilroy, “Rex the Yowie Man”, but that it was a title that Gilroy deemed to be frivolous and he was extremely hesitant to adopt it.

In more recent years, when Tim began mak-ing claims about the Yowie, mainstream media began referring to him as Tim the Yowie Man.

Tim was involved in a much-publicised court case against Cadburys over the use of the word Yowie. He won the case so that “anyone and everyone is free to use the moniker The Yowie Man”.

Tim’s offered the white flag of truce, but with no response from Rex who, I think, is either out hunting panthers or has been abducted by aliens!

MaRk paRToN unwittingly sticks his head into the great yowie Man debate.

Panther manstrikes at Tim

the wide, red plains of boolcoomatta, a property about 70kms from broken hill. photo by Michael Moore.

Moon film winners LAST week we invited readers to write a message to the world if they’d landed on the moon first. According to judge Jorian Gardner, the winners of the four copies of the newly released DVD documentary “The Sky at Night: Apollo II, a Night to Remember” are: Brett Minney, of

Flynn, with: “Are we there yet?”; “It’s not made of cheese after all!” said Ian Pearson, of Barton; Tania Browne, of Evatt, wrote: “These moonbeams are making me thirsty!” and Peter McDonald, of Cook, also favoured the drinking theme with: “This is the worst pub I have ever been to. There is just no atmosphere.”

Page 7: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 �

JASPER Package 1From $5,990* (RRP $8,582) in selected King Fabrics.

As displayed in luxurious TrueTouch Leather $10,990* (RRP $16,188).

KATO Super flexible with special cushioning featuring feather-down softness.

* ALL OFFERS APPLY WHILE STOCKS LAST. OFFERS NOT LIMITED TO THIS SALE. DELIVERY AND ACCESSORIES EXTRA. CONDITIONS APPLY SO SEE IN SHOWROOM FOR DETAILS.

* NOT AVAILABLE FOR RUN-OUT STOCK. CONDITIONS APPLY. KF0907/HWS/CCN

SHOWROOMS OPEN 7 DAYS.CANBERRA:Fyshwick12 Townsville Street 02 6239 3336 SYDNEY:Annandale61 Parramatta Road 02 9516 5466Chatswood216 Victoria Avenue 02 9410 3366Northmead2 Windsor Road 02 8838 6666 (Corner James Ruse Drive) MELBOURNE:Southbank312 City Road 03 8633 8666Richmond569 Church Street 03 9429 7666 BRISBANE:Fortitude Valley1024 Ann Street 07 3253 6666

CONCERTO Personal comfort has never been available in quite so many choices.

Packages available From $3,990* (RRP $5,622).

PHOENIX Package 4A in Paradise Fabric.

3 seater, 2 seater Armless plus 4 large back cushions.

50% off. Only $3,574 (Save $3,574) or 40% off all

individual Phoenix pieces in Paradise Fabric only.

ASTRO Deluxe Package 2 From $1,395* (RRP $1,911)

in selected King Fabrics. In thick Italian Viva Leather From $1,850* (RRP $2,480).

STRATA It’s sleek, low design takes comfort to a new level.

DELTA STORAGE Package 7

Easy to use, generous storage

spaces solve the storage problem.

From $2,490* (RRP $4,162) in premium

KingSuede Fabric.

Save up to 50%off selecteditems* at the WinterSale.

Hurry last days!

NOINTEREST

EVER!PAYMENT PLAN*

Page 8: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

� CityNews July 23-29

40% OFF

40% OFF 30% OFF

www.homeexpress.com.auOn sale while stocks last

Canberra City Centre02 6247 4398

Canberra Brand Depot(Outlet Store. Next to the Airport)

02 6247 1433

Hotel Living Wool Quilt 600gsm Winter weight.

SB $59 RRP $99 DB $79 RRP $129KS $99 RRP $169

Hotel Living Microfibre Quilt or Bed ToppersSB $39 RRP $79 DB $49 RRP $89KS $69 RRP $109

Queen Size

$59RRP $99

Queen Size

$89RRP $149

Queen Size

$139RRP $249

‘Trend’ 75% White Duck Down Quilts Luxurious quilt with cassette baffled wall construction. Covered with a cotton sateen covering.

KS $159 RRP $299

All Mini Jumbuk Quilts & UnderlaysHighest quality range of luxury woollen quilts and underlays, giving you great comfort and a totally refreshing nights sleep. Australian owned.

is. 21873

six-year-old Will Gee collects eggs at his Queanbeyan home. photo by silas.

by tanya Davies

environment

Efficient gardening is going round in circles

briefly

FIRST-TIME home owners Chris and Lauren Gee are excitedly designing their Queanbeyan garden. Inspired by Linda Woodrow’s permac-ulture design, they are developing a mandala garden comprised of six circles, with a seventh formed in the centre by a pond to attract a vari-ety of natural pest predators.

The idea for circles came from Woodrow’s ex-periments with chooks. Her chook dome is easy to build, move and maintain. Yet circles also make for time-efficient gardening and a soft design. The garden works on a rotational aspect with something happening in all six circles; whether it is a crop of corn growing, rows of carrots and onions – classic companions – or the chooks composting mulch, cuttings and scraps, fertilising a circle ready for planting.

Similarly, once the garden is established the chooks will be rotated on to a circle that has already yielded a crop; their job then is to clear away the weeds and spent plants, and turn the earth, literally doing all the work. Within a couple of weeks they’ll have made a weed-and-seed-free, fertilized and pH-adjusted soil ready for planting and saved the Gees all the digging and compost carrying. And there will also be eggs to eat.

The Gees have eight chooks in their dome which are currently yielding about six eggs. As well as finding they’ve bonded with the hens – they had planned on eating them but have changed their mind! – the family labradoodle has also become fond of them, taking to them in a similar way to Maremmas – Italian sheep

dogs regularly used to protect poultry. As well as food scraps, chickens can be given

almost anything to compost. In her book “The Permaculture Home Garden” (Viking) Woodrow explains putting cooking oil, hair, crushed egg shells, meat scraps and bones and sour milk which she has left on the windowsill for a day to make curds, into her chook dome. Anything they don’t eat they work into the earth for earth-worms and microorganisms to work on.

Chickens are also intelligent social creatures and form their own social structures, which Mr Gee is enjoying observing. The first two hens to lay currently “rule the roost” and convey “the pecking order” to those below them. (It is sug-gested that chooks should be kept in groups of less than 20 to prevent fighting.)

The family still has a lot of groundwork to do before they can start yielding veggies, but they are looking forward to planting fruit trees in the spring – hopefully apples, stone fruits, a fig tree (to shade the pond from summer sun) and a lemon tree where a pile of compost is currently preparing the soil. “Because,” says Mr Gee, “they say once you’ve planted a lemon tree you never move.”

In the meantime, they have an abundant supply of chemical-free eggs for the children to gather.

Road safety grantsROAD safety in the ACT will be boosted by $404,397 funding 14 grants from the NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust’s grant program. “Funding will be widely distributed. Kidsafe ACT will receive $43,700 to continue its road safety awareness programs in pre and primary schools while the ANU will investigate the factors involved in ‘looked-but-did-not-see’ crashes with a grant of $80,593,” chairman Don Aitkin said.

Lefties gatheringTHE ACT Division of the National Association of Left-Handed Golfers Australia will be host the association’s national championships in Canberra in October. Up to 250 players along and 100 partners/friends will participate in the week-long event over 72 holes for men and women playing courses including Royal Canberra, Yowani, Gungahlin Lakes and Gold Creek. Applications can be obtained from www.nalg-act.org.au/page2.php. Registrations close on July 31.

All go for GO!WIN TV will launch a new, free HD channel next month called GO! It will be targeted at viewers aged 14-39 with programs such as the most-anticipated new show of the US television season, “The Vampire Diaries”.

Costly war on weedsWEED Prevention and control in the ACT will cost $2 million this financial year, says Environment Minister Simon Corbell. Weed control will be focused mainly on lowland grasslands, the Molonglo River and Lower Cotter catchment. “It is imperative we get in early and prevent the weeds getting a stranglehold on native species,” he says. The weed management strategy, he says, is in line with the National Weeds Strategy.

Happy pantsOxFORD Australia’s word of the month is: Dak – verb; pull down or remove the trousers etc. of (a person) as a joke or punishment.

Page 9: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 9

www.hbaconsult.com.auPh: 1800 658 910

HBA LEARNING CENTRES

CANBERRA

$1175Self paced learning

CERT IV TRAINING & ASSESSMENT

HBA CONSULTING GROUP Level 6, Arthur Street

North Sydney NSW 2060

$1450blended delivery

(4 days with a HBA Trainer followed by workbooks &

project tasks)

TrusT The specialisTs in engineered Timber flooring.McNeill’s Carpet Choice can offer all the help you need when it comes to engineered timber flooring. And right now they are ranging the new and exclusive 175mm Silkwood collection by Boral Timber Flooring.

With a massive range and specialist advice, you can trust McNeill’s Carpet Choice to help you make the right choice for your home.

mcneill’s carpeT choiceUnit 2, 4 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. 6280 4500www.carpetchoice.com.au

Product featured: Sydney Blue Gum, 1 Strip (175mm).

neWrelease!Boral Silkwood

Extra Wide Plank

lettersWrong on roos, MarkI HAVE only just managed to catch up with the “City News” ar-ticle (CN, July 9) that contained the tirade penned by [column-ist] Mark Parton pertaining to the opponents of the Canberra kangaroo cull.

Mr. Parton states that he does not care what the National Kangaroo Protection Coalition has to say any more. This im-plies that he won’t be talking to us in the future. See! He has enriched our lives already.

Perhaps Mr. Parton is implying that we should be part of the clique who hides despicable deeds under the carpet in order to “protect” people’s profits. Rubbish. We will tell the world how the Government of the capital of Australia butchered thousands of the most recognisable representatives of our nation because they were in an “inconvenient” place.

This government did not even attempt to justify their blood letting, unless you believe that they wanted to save grass. Alan May, isabella Plains

Can we have Daddo back?NOW that [Nine network’s CEO] David Gyngell has axed “This Afternoon”, can Andrew Daddo please return to the evening show on 666 ABC Canberra? Listeners will welcome his return, Mark Scott.

Andrew heslop, Kingston

Promises? No worriesRE the article by Jorian Gardner (“Exposed: ‘Greenmail’ costs”, CN, July 9), I wouldn’t be too concerned about Mr. Stanhope’s ALP promises to the Greens, he has not got a good track record with keeping them. Just ask proponents of the Canberra Inter-national Dragway! Ignorance does not impress electorates.

Stuart Green, fraser

Not so fabulousWE took our son, as a special treat, to see the recent French and Saunders performance [at the Royal Theatre] and were extremely disappointed. In fact, I could probably put it a bit stronger than that.

Our seating was down on the “flat” and it was very hard to see the stage because we were all squished in together. I had to constantly squirm to see around the people in front – and I am of average height. The performance was very patchy and for the amount we paid I expected quality work and to be able to see!

I read the review in “The Canberra Times” the following day and thought they must have been at a different performance. My son’s comment – Dylan Moran was much better (and, I seem to recall, cheaper!)

Dorothy topfer, via email

The carbon ‘mirage’HOW much more newsprint has to be wasted announcing and re-announcing the G8’s 2050 carbon dioxide reductions target “mirage”?

I use the term mirage as the figures seem to get bigger and bigger but recede further off in time. [Prime Minister Kevin] Rudd is talking the same talk, and the Copenhagen meeting lat-er this year relies on major polluters like China, India, Russia and Brazil coming on board. If the performance against Kyoto is any guide, a lot of talk but little action (actual achievement of reductions).

M. Gordon, flynn

Page 10: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

�0 CityNews July 23-29 CityNews July 2-8 1

T HE E A SIES T WORKING NE X T G™ MOBILE PHONE

Telstra Licensed Shop Canberra Centre

DG23B Canberra Centre

Bunda Street Canberra

Call 6247 9777

*MIN COST IS $720 PLUS USAGE (INCL. BROWSING AND CONTENT ) CHARGES.™ and ® are trade marks and registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited, ABN 33 051 775 556.

ASK US HOW

N O W A V A I L A B L E O N A

$30P H O N E P L A N F O R 2 4 M O N T H S *

T EL S T R A E A S Y TOUCH® DIS COV ERYEasy to read display & menu layout

BUNDA STREET

PETR

EE ST

CITY MARKET

AKU

NA

ST

BALLUMBIR STREET

CANBERRACENTRE

TelstraShop

TelstraShop

THE Telstra Licensed Shop in the Canberra Centre is about to undergo a transformation – and licensee Darren Wilson is excited about his shop’s new look and the latest products on offer.

Canberrans are tech-savvy consumers who want access to up-to-the-minute solutions in telecommunication, he says.

“They tend to be up-to-date with what’s hap-pening in terms of latest releases. Our clientele, in particular, are very highly educated in relation to new products.”

The store has just launched the new generation iPhone, building on the success of the original launch, which Darren says was “phenomenal”.

The Canberra Centre’s Telstra shop has been operating for ve years: A family owned and operated business, it has strong ties to the local community, says Darren.

“Canberrans are a close-knit community who tend to support local traders, and they’ve given us a lot of support.

“We have a strong customer focus centred on very high levels of expertise, knowledge and customer service.”

Because of the technical nature of its products,

it’s vital that managers and staff share their customers’ enthusiasm for telecommunications products.

“We have a highly experienced and dedicated sales team, led by executive account manager Brentyn Wilson, and store manager Daniel Wenn, who between them have more than 20 years of telecommunications experience.

“We’ve also recently expanded our operations to include a team of well-skilled business special-ists, who focus exclusively on the provision of complete business telecommunication solutions for business enterprises in the local market.”

As well as the new iPhone, Darren is also excited about the fact that the world’s fastest mobile broadband device is now available from his store.

The Next G Turbo 21 Modem is up to four times faster than competitor mobile broadband devices in Australia, says Telstra Business Group manag-ing director Deena Shiff.

It features typical download speeds ranging

from 550kbps to 8Mbps, which means business customers can process their electronic communi-cation quickly while on the move.

“The Next G network has already transformed the Australian business scene,” Ms Shiff says.

“It has underpinned a shift to mobile work-ing and has resulted in the introduction of new labour-saving wireless devices, making the smart-phone a must-have accessory. The productivity gains are signi cant, and have been documented.”

The Canberra Centre store also offers mobile phones, wireless internet, xed landline services, broadband and Foxtel.

Darren Wilson says he enjoys providing up-to-date communications solutions to Canberrans and

is looking forward to the future in his new-look store.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the latest technologies in a company that prides itself on being a world leader in the development of telecommunication products,” he says.

“Backed by the leading Telstra Next G Network, the recently released 21mb wireless internet technology and a highly driven team of telecommunication consultants, we can offer the opportunity for Canberrans to obtain the best and most effective solution to all telecommunication requirements.”

For more information call 6247 9777 or visit www.telstra.com.au.

Telstra Shop, Canberra Centre advertising feature

Darren thrives on being up-to-date

The Next G Turbo 21 Modem and new generation iPhone.

Brentyn Wilson with a client… He’s one of the store’s highly experienced sales team members.

Page 11: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 ��CityNews July 2-8 1

T HE E A SIES T WORKING NE X T G™ MOBILE PHONE

Telstra Licensed Shop Canberra Centre

DG23B Canberra Centre

Bunda Street Canberra

Call 6247 9777

*MIN COST IS $720 PLUS USAGE (INCL. BROWSING AND CONTENT ) CHARGES.™ and ® are trade marks and registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited, ABN 33 051 775 556.

ASK US HOW

N O W A V A I L A B L E O N A

$30P H O N E P L A N F O R 2 4 M O N T H S *

T EL S T R A E A S Y TOUCH® DIS COV ERYEasy to read display & menu layout

BUNDA STREET

PETR

EE ST

CITY MARKET

AKU

NA

ST

BALLUMBIR STREET

CANBERRACENTRE

TelstraShop

TelstraShop

THE Telstra Licensed Shop in the Canberra Centre is about to undergo a transformation – and licensee Darren Wilson is excited about his shop’s new look and the latest products on offer.

Canberrans are tech-savvy consumers who want access to up-to-the-minute solutions in telecommunication, he says.

“They tend to be up-to-date with what’s hap-pening in terms of latest releases. Our clientele, in particular, are very highly educated in relation to new products.”

The store has just launched the new generation iPhone, building on the success of the original launch, which Darren says was “phenomenal”.

The Canberra Centre’s Telstra shop has been operating for ve years: A family owned and operated business, it has strong ties to the local community, says Darren.

“Canberrans are a close-knit community who tend to support local traders, and they’ve given us a lot of support.

“We have a strong customer focus centred on very high levels of expertise, knowledge and customer service.”

Because of the technical nature of its products,

it’s vital that managers and staff share their customers’ enthusiasm for telecommunications products.

“We have a highly experienced and dedicated sales team, led by executive account manager Brentyn Wilson, and store manager Daniel Wenn, who between them have more than 20 years of telecommunications experience.

“We’ve also recently expanded our operations to include a team of well-skilled business special-ists, who focus exclusively on the provision of complete business telecommunication solutions for business enterprises in the local market.”

As well as the new iPhone, Darren is also excited about the fact that the world’s fastest mobile broadband device is now available from his store.

The Next G Turbo 21 Modem is up to four times faster than competitor mobile broadband devices in Australia, says Telstra Business Group manag-ing director Deena Shiff.

It features typical download speeds ranging

from 550kbps to 8Mbps, which means business customers can process their electronic communi-cation quickly while on the move.

“The Next G network has already transformed the Australian business scene,” Ms Shiff says.

“It has underpinned a shift to mobile work-ing and has resulted in the introduction of new labour-saving wireless devices, making the smart-phone a must-have accessory. The productivity gains are signi cant, and have been documented.”

The Canberra Centre store also offers mobile phones, wireless internet, xed landline services, broadband and Foxtel.

Darren Wilson says he enjoys providing up-to-date communications solutions to Canberrans and

is looking forward to the future in his new-look store.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the latest technologies in a company that prides itself on being a world leader in the development of telecommunication products,” he says.

“Backed by the leading Telstra Next G Network, the recently released 21mb wireless internet technology and a highly driven team of telecommunication consultants, we can offer the opportunity for Canberrans to obtain the best and most effective solution to all telecommunication requirements.”

For more information call 6247 9777 or visit www.telstra.com.au.

Telstra Shop, Canberra Centre advertising feature

Darren thrives on being up-to-date

The Next G Turbo 21 Modem and new generation iPhone.

Brentyn Wilson with a client… He’s one of the store’s highly experienced sales team members.

briefly

telstra business awards ambassador Deena shiff… marketing and promotion are crucial to remaining competitive during the economic downturn, she says.

Passion binds award finalistsadvertising feature2009 ACT Telstra Business Awards finalist

• Contract1 (professional services), Braddon;• Makin Trax Australia design and construction), Curtin; • PSI Asia Pacific (professional services/in frastructure), Braddon;

• Point Project Management (professional services), Braddon; and• Succeed Personal Develop- ment (health and fitness), Greenway.

The ACT finalists are:

Silver for snapperCANBERRA photographer Scott Leggo has won four awards with images of the Australian landscape at this year’s Canon Australian Profes-sional Photography Awards, which attracted 2459 submissions from 655 professional photographers. He was awarded two Silver with Distinction and two Silver Awards. They follow his success in the 2009 NSW/ACT Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) awards where he was named the 2009 ACT Emerging Photographer of the Year.

Top boffin for ANUPROFESSOR Julio Licinio, a prominent international researcher of obesity and depression, has been appointed director of the ANU’s John Curtin School of Medical Research. “Obesity and metabolic syndrome are truly epidemic in Australia, which now has one of the highest obesity and overweight rates in the world: Over 50 per cent of the adult population in Australia is overweight or obese. De-pression is also a major and growing problem,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to decreasing the burden of disease and to identifying new treatment strategies for these two common and complex disorders.”

Something about KateLABOR Senator Kate Lundy has been short-listed alongside 24 other leading innovators for the international “Top 10 Who are Changing the World of Internet and Politics” award, co-ordinated by PoliticsOnline and the World eDemocracy Forum. Voting is now open for the top 10 positions at http://politicsonline.com/content/main/specialre-ports/2009/top10_2009/vote.asp.

Store brings new jobsTHE Reject Shop has opened a new store at Coole-man Court Shopping Centre, Weston, providing around 20 new jobs. It is the retail chain’s fourth store in the ACT.

FIVE small and medium businesses are vying for the 2009 ACT Telstra Business Awards, to be announced on Friday, July 24.

The companies, which range from professional services, to health and fitness, to mountain-bike track construction, are all very different, says Telstra Business Group manag-ing director and Telstra Business Awards ambassador Deena Shiff – but what they have in common is passion.

“For 17 years, the Telstra Business Awards have applauded and inspired the strength and spirit of Australia’s entrepreneurs,” Ms Shiff says.

“As economic conditions get more difficult, the role of these awards couldn’t be more important. And the ACT finalists are rising to the challenge.

“They are turning their passions into sustainable businesses, creat-ing new markets and jobs while doing what they love every day.”

She says marketing and promo-tion are crucial to remaining competitive during the economic downturn, and the awards are a good opportunity for small and medium businesses to stand out.

The five companies have been named as finalists across four categories in the awards program, which offers more than $400,000 in cash and prizes across the State and national awards.

The winners of each category will proceed to the national awards, which will be presented in Sydney on Thursday, August 20.

The selection process has involved not just a rigorous self-assessment process, but also an assessment of plans and processes by a panel of independent judges, which visited each finalist and which has verified their financial data, says Ms Shiff,

The finalists are competing for the title of ACT Telstra Business Award winner, but also the busines-sowner Micro-Business Award, the MYOB Small Business Award, the Panasonic Medium Business Award and the Sensis Social Responsibility Award.

Ms Shiff says small and medium-sized businesses need business-grade tools and guidance to succeed in the modern, competitive environment.

“We touch more small and medium businesses than almost any other organisation, and we want them to succeed not only by providing services and solutions, but also by working in partnership with them to help their business thrive into the future,” she says.

“We want to work with small and medium businesses to realise their potential and help them receive the recognition they deserve.”

Page 12: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

�2 CityNews July 23-29 CityNews July 16-22 1

WITH exibility an important part of the sector, and contracting still performing strongly as a form of employment, there’s an increased need for contractor management in IT in particular, says Contract1 founder Stuart McLeod.

While contractors effectively perform the same tasks as employees, they need to take on board all the responsibilities normally handled for them by traditional payroll departments – from superannuation and PAYG tax to insur-ance.

“We provide the necessary insurances and public liability, professional indemnity and workers’ compensation cover – all requirements when an IT professional contractor goes into a role,” Stuart explains.

“In addition to that, as a contractor if you take up a six or 12-month contract with a rm or government department, your employment is entirely reliant on them, but it can be inconsistent.

“If you’re moving from department to department you’re actually changing employ-ment all the time – so by acting in a sense as the employer, we provide some consistency as well as getting rid of a lot of the headaches.”

Contract1 grew quickly from a small-scale beginning, Stuart says.

“We started the company a bit over three years ago now – I was born and bred in Melbourne but came to Canberra to work in a role with AusAID, as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“That was for about two years as a contractor, and as it happened I had the infrastructure and insurance to do my own contract management.

“The agent who found me the original AusAID role asked me if I wanted to do the management for two or three other clients, and it all started from there!”

With 2.5 employees and more than 100 contractors on its books, Contract1 offers its clients a range of services such as time sheets, a monthly newsletter and blog, novated car leases, a fortnightly pay cycle (regardless of the employer’s pay cycle) and choice of superannua-tion fund.

“This way you don’t have to worry about Busi-ness Activity Statements and so on,” says Stuart.

“In a lot of instances it can be cost prohibitive for people to not just apply for an ABN, but set up a company and everything that goes with that – in time and money it costs more than the three per cent we charge for complete contract management.”

Stuart says he’s excited to be part of the Telstra Business Awards, and urges Canberran small and medium operations to take part in the future.

“It’s a celebration of not only our little team – and the fact that my wife puts up with a lot, me being self-employed! – but of our successes.

“In small business in particular we don’t often celebrate our little successes. It’s good for us to re ect on all the hard work that goes into making a business work, and it’s good for small businesses to get involved in this kind of industry recognition.”

For more information call 1300 854625 or visit www.contract1.com.au.

Stuart McLeod… “It’s good for us to re ect on all the hard work that goes into making a business work.”

Convenience for Canberra contractors2009 ACT Telstra Business Awards nalist - Contract1 advertising feature

Take a holidayfrom highcontractor

managementservices fees.

PO Box 5016 Kingston ACT 2604PHONE 1300 854 625TIMESHEETS 1300 854 645FAX 1300 854 705www.contract1.com.au

Page 13: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 �3CityNews July 16-22 1

WITH exibility an important part of the sector, and contracting still performing strongly as a form of employment, there’s an increased need for contractor management in IT in particular, says Contract1 founder Stuart McLeod.

While contractors effectively perform the same tasks as employees, they need to take on board all the responsibilities normally handled for them by traditional payroll departments – from superannuation and PAYG tax to insur-ance.

“We provide the necessary insurances and public liability, professional indemnity and workers’ compensation cover – all requirements when an IT professional contractor goes into a role,” Stuart explains.

“In addition to that, as a contractor if you take up a six or 12-month contract with a rm or government department, your employment is entirely reliant on them, but it can be inconsistent.

“If you’re moving from department to department you’re actually changing employ-ment all the time – so by acting in a sense as the employer, we provide some consistency as well as getting rid of a lot of the headaches.”

Contract1 grew quickly from a small-scale beginning, Stuart says.

“We started the company a bit over three years ago now – I was born and bred in Melbourne but came to Canberra to work in a role with AusAID, as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“That was for about two years as a contractor, and as it happened I had the infrastructure and insurance to do my own contract management.

“The agent who found me the original AusAID role asked me if I wanted to do the management for two or three other clients, and it all started from there!”

With 2.5 employees and more than 100 contractors on its books, Contract1 offers its clients a range of services such as time sheets, a monthly newsletter and blog, novated car leases, a fortnightly pay cycle (regardless of the employer’s pay cycle) and choice of superannua-tion fund.

“This way you don’t have to worry about Busi-ness Activity Statements and so on,” says Stuart.

“In a lot of instances it can be cost prohibitive for people to not just apply for an ABN, but set up a company and everything that goes with that – in time and money it costs more than the three per cent we charge for complete contract management.”

Stuart says he’s excited to be part of the Telstra Business Awards, and urges Canberran small and medium operations to take part in the future.

“It’s a celebration of not only our little team – and the fact that my wife puts up with a lot, me being self-employed! – but of our successes.

“In small business in particular we don’t often celebrate our little successes. It’s good for us to re ect on all the hard work that goes into making a business work, and it’s good for small businesses to get involved in this kind of industry recognition.”

For more information call 1300 854625 or visit www.contract1.com.au.

Stuart McLeod… “It’s good for us to re ect on all the hard work that goes into making a business work.”

Convenience for Canberra contractors2009 ACT Telstra Business Awards nalist - Contract1 advertising feature

Take a holidayfrom highcontractor

managementservices fees.

PO Box 5016 Kingston ACT 2604PHONE 1300 854 625TIMESHEETS 1300 854 645FAX 1300 854 705www.contract1.com.au

CityNews July 16-22 1

2009 ACT Telstra Business Awards nalist - Makin Trax advertising feature

Darren’s on the fast track to success MAKIN Trax is a business with a difference – it’s all about designing and creating mountain bike, walking and multi-use tracks, and keeping them up to scratch.

“I’m a passionate mountain biker, and have done years of volunteer track building,” says director Darren Stewart, whose background as a licensed builder and plant mechanic enabled him to transition to a professional role doing the work he had loved carrying out as a volunteer.

“An opportunity came up for me to do it professionally, in association with the new Stromlo Forest Park.”

After the 2003 bush res, the ACT Govern-ment commissioned the design and construc-tion of an initial track network at the new park – and the edgling Makin Trax was subcon-tracted to construct it.

Since then, the company has been contracted on its own account to design, build, maintain and remediate tracks.

“It’s grown from there,” Darren says. “As well as contracting to maintain the Stromlo site, we work at many other places in Canberra, from Mount Franklin to Mount Majura and everything in between.”

He says Makin Trax is unique in that it’s able to service the needs of all land managers responsible for mountain bike, walking and multi-use tracks, which are traditionally seen as distinct disciplines.

Being able to provide a “one-stop-shop” for the design, construction, maintenance and re-mediation of these track networks and related infrastructure (such as bridges) has been part of the secret to the company’s success – the rest is down to their passion for what they do.

As well as building tracks, the company is also setting up special tools for unique con-struction approaches as well as prefabricated rock armouring for unstable track surfaces.

Makin Trax is developing design and construction techniques to control user groups on individual tracks, such as speed control for mountain bikers into corners to stop skidding and erosion.

Darren says it’s a privilege to do what he

loves professionally, and that he’s very excited about the upcoming Mountain Bike World Championships, to be held at Stromlo Forest Park in September.

“It’s going to be a massive event.”Makin Trax is an innovative business model

in a highly specialised market – something completely unique, Darren says.

“There aren’t many people who have a business like this!

“We’re excited about the Telstra Business Awards because they’re recognition of our having started something from nothing.

“We developed the business from a volunteer role, and now we’re doing it professionally, which is wonderful – it’s great to be a nalist as it’s recognition of how well we’re going and how unique we are.”

In the trenchesMAKIN Trax has a second arm, Trenches and Trans-formations, which helps the general public as well as organisations make the most of their “patch of dirt”.

“I have a background in heavy machinery opera-tion including bobcats and excavators,” says Darren.

“Trenches and Transforma-tions is about helping people in the do-it-yourself market.

“Whether it be changing the levels of a customer’s patch of dirt, removing trees, digging holes or trenches, we can make people’s lives easier by taking the back-breaking part of the work out, ready for them to complete their landscaping projects.”

There’s an increasing interest in do-it-yourself home improvements such as vegetable patches, and

homeowners are increasingly willing to get their hands dirty and do their own landscaping, Darren says: Even if it’s something as simple as removing a couple of trees.

Trenches and Transforma-tions applies the same principles and techniques in excavating and improving front and backyards as Makin Trax does in its large-scale projects.

This involves a site survey, an assessment of the project’s scale, a personalised brief or quote and, if required, the dirty work itself: moving dirt, rocks, grass and more to get a landscaping project underway.

For more information call 0418 632992 or visit www.makin-trax.com.au.

Makin Trax principal Darren Stewart (above and right) at play and work.

Page 14: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

�4 CityNews July 23-29 CityNews July 16-22 1

Daniel nails the top apprentice prizeConstruction Training Industry Awards advertising feature

CARPENTER Daniel Fitzpatrick con rmed his position as the ACT’s most-Outstanding Apprentice for 2009 by winning the construction industries most-prestigious award at the seventh ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) and NRMA Insurance Graduating Apprentice and Industry Encouragement Awards.

More than 380 people attended this major industry event at Thoroughbred Park on Friday, July 17, to see ACT graduating apprentices formally recognised for their outstanding performance in their individual trades.

ACT Education and Training Minister Andrew Barr congratulated the winners and jointly presented the major award, with NRMA Insurance assessing opera-tions manager ACT-Country South Rob Douglass, to Daniel, who recently completed his apprenticeship with CIT and is employed by Aspect Building Pty Ltd.

Daniel started carpentry after graduating from the University of Canberra with a bachelor of graphic design quali cation. He had undertaken some crossover study of architecture and design subjects

during his degree and was interested in redirecting his need for hands-on work associated with building and construction as a career option. It was then he turned his energy into a carpentry apprenticeship.

He has excelled in all aspects of his trade and says he would like to continue with his studies next year and complete the certi cate IV in building. He sees himself maintaining and applying the skills associated with carpentry and building for many years to come.

Winner of this year’s Woman in Non-Traditional Trade Award was Alice Vagg, who was recognised for her achievements as a systems electrician. She completed her apprenticeship training with Electro Group Training and is employed with CSIRO.

Other awards recognised bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, glazing, landscaping, meritorious performance, painting and decorating, plumbing, engineering fabrication (light and heavy metals) and mechanical tting and machining, refrigeration and air conditioning, solid plastering, systems electrician, wall and oor tiling, wall and ceiling lining, concreting, roof tiling and commercial/residential cadet.

“The quality of apprentices nominated and interviewed this year was outstanding. Each of the apprentices demonstrated their commitment and dedication to their chosen trade and to the industry,” said Vince Ball, executive director of CITC.

“This year’s winners were all highly motivated and have reached a high standard of skill and dedica-tion in their chosen elds within the construction industry.”

In acknowledging the importance of the major sponsor, NRMA Insurance, and the other sponsors and supporters, Mr Ball referred to the enormous contri-bution the construction industry plays in not only the local economy but also to the general community.

Winning apprentice Daniel Fitzpatrick (centre) is presented with his award by Rob Douglass and Education and Training Minister Andrew Barr. Photos courtesy of Hot Shots Photography.

The winning touch… this year’s award-winning CITC apprentices.Minister Andrew Barr presents Alice Vagg with her Woman in Non-Traditional Trade Award.

The ACT Regional Building and Construction Industry Training

Council would like to congratulate outstanding apprentices and

finalists of the

2009 CITC – NRMA InsuranceGraduating Apprentice and Industry Encouragement

Awards

We would also like to thank our sponsors and supporters

SM

K00

88

The ACT Regional Building and Construction Industry Training Council would like to thank all our Sponsors and Supporters.

2009 Outstanding apprentice

Daniel Fitzpatrick

Bricklaying Ashley HarrisCabinet making Jarryd KeeversCarpentry Daniel FitzpatrickCommercial/Residential Cadet

Frank Caridi

Glass and glazing Andrew ReynoldsLandscaping Will ConnorsMeritorious Thomas SmithPainting and Decorating

Brett Alcock

Plumbing Luke KichensideEngineering fabrication – metals light

Sean Duffy

Engineering fabrication – metals heavy

Daniel McGavin

Engineering mechanical – tting & machining

Scott McCoy

Refrigeration and air conditioning

Sam Harris

Solid plastering Anthony MaughanSystems electrician Thomas CreekWall and oor tiling Ben DarmondyWall and ceiling lining Mark JonesWoman in Non-Traditional Trade

Alice Vagg

And the winners are…

Page 15: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 �5

BMW EfficientDynamicsLess emissions. More driving pleasure.

scene More photos at www.citynews.com.au and facebook

At Paparazzi @ Garran, Philip Kouvelis celebrating 30 years in his own real estate business

louis Gianakis, philip Kouvelis, con saclley and aurthur Gravias Genette purnell and colleen rischbieth

amber cummings, alex Whitelock and amber Mitchelle

angela Miller with tony and lindy stefanou

tim burke and alicia hyblewskiDino nikias, nick George and ivan slavichMichael papandrea and Margaret Damiano

Page 16: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

�6 CityNews July 23-29

new partners and promotions advertising feature

CHRIS STEVENS Lawyer, commerciaL Litigation

6274 0982

[email protected]

CHRIS Stevens has joined Bradley Allen Lawyers as a lawyer in the commercial litigation practice group. “It’s been really exciting to get involved with more commercial clients,” says Chris. “It’s fantastic to be part of this area of Bradley Allen and working with such a well-regarded firm.”Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours at the ANU (2006) and was admitted to the ACT Supreme Court in 2007 after completing a professional program at the College of Law.Chris previously worked at the Australian Government Solicitor, where he provided legal advice to the Commonwealth Government on negligence and common law claims, commercial litigation and public liability.

LORRAINE WHITE associate, commerciaL

6274 0938

[email protected]

LORRAINE White joined Bradley Allen in January last year and has now been promoted to the position of associate. She says that being an effective negotiator and an excellent communicator is paramount to her job. “I am totally committed to meeting clients’ needs and providing responsive and practical advice” she says. “Bradley Allen is a fantastic environment for me to be able to work in. The firm has highly skilled and experienced professionals, and a culture of delivering results for our clients”.Lorraine practises principally in commercial law, leasing, commercial contracting and business sales and purchases. Before becoming a lawyer Lorraine was a senior executive in the Australian Public Service. Lorraine has strong analytical and drafting skills.

HEATHER ROSSLawyer, commerciaL Litigation

6274 0834

[email protected]

HEATHER Ross has joined Bradley Allen Lawyers as a senior lawyer in the commercial litigation practice group. She holds a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from NT University and was awarded the Attorney General’s Medal in 2003 for most outstanding graduate. Heather was admitted to the Supreme Court of the ACT earlier this year.“I am proud to have joined the very knowledgeable and well-respected team at Bradley Allen. I am looking forward to the many challenges that come with commercial litigation and a change of jurisdiction together with achieving excellent and commercially sensible results for our clients”. Her areas of practice include broad commercial litigation and dispute resolution, contract law, leasing disputes, building and construction law, insolvency, as well as trade practices, corporations law and debt recovery.

ALLYSON HINE Lawyer, commerciaL Litigation

6274 0824

[email protected]

ALLYSON Hine has joined Bradley Allen Lawyers in the commercial litigation practice group.Allyson holds a Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Laws at the ANU (2003) as well as her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.“I come from a general-practice background, so it is a great opportunity for me to specialise in commercial litigation,” says Allyson. “I enjoy the technical and strategic challenges that arise in commercial disputes more than other areas of practice and am looking forward to achieving commercially sound outcomes for my clients and making sure their business goals are met effectively.”Allyson has substantial experience in a broad range of areas of legal practice, both in the Territory and in New South Wales. Her core areas of practice include bankruptcy and insolvency, corporations law and of course litigation and dispute resolution in numerous contexts including negligence, contract, equity, leasing, building/construction, banking, trade practices and fair trading. Allyson also practices in employment law.

GEORGE KORDIS associate, commerciaL

6274 0808

[email protected]

GEORGE Kordis has been promoted to the position of associate after having joined Bradley Allen Lawyers in June 2008.His extensive experience has meant he has developed a strong practice in the areas of commercial and property law. He is committed to serving his clients’ needs in a wide range of commercial and legal matters.After more than 13 years in the field, George has acted for individuals, business proprietors, non-government associations, statuatory authorities and various industry sectors. He practises principally in the areas of commercial leasing and associated property matters, company acquisitions and business sales and purchases.He has worked as a commercial lawyer in both NSW and ACT and was previously the commercial partner of a small local firm. His varied experience over a wide range of commercial matters has provided him with a strong grounding in his area of practice.

ALAN BRADBURYPartner

6263 9900

[email protected]

ALAN Bradbury has joined Williams Love & Nicol Lawyers as a partner from July 1. He was formerly a partner at Minter Ellison and is a well-respected member of the Canberra legal fraternity. Alan is a NSW Law Society accredited specialist in local government and planning law with more than 25 years experience in the area. He also has an extensive administrative law practice involving statutory interpretation, FOI, administrative appeals and judicial review. Alan lectures in environmental land use and planning and assessment law at the ANU.The practice will now expand to provide legal services in planning and local government law to local councils, developers and property owners. Alan continues the Williams Love & Nicol specialist tradition with all partners being accredited specialists: Alan, planning local government law; John Wilson, employment and industrial law; Mark Love, business law and David Toole, property law.

Page 17: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 ��

36 Bougainville Street, Manuka

DR SPIRO PAZIOS, DR RON PEDLEY, DR RAY TE MOANANUI & DR ANTONY VIDOVIC

scene More photos at www.citynews.com.au and facebook

At the opening of ‘Summoning the Rain’, M16 Artspace

bron Davies, Julie spencer and suzanne Moss

richard blackwell, Joseph Falsone and phil Grimmett

lydia connell and susannah Firth

elena Kirschbaum and tom Davis

Faye alexander, steve Morton and Gail Winkworth

angela Menz, emily henderson, ed boettcher, Megan cook and lisa Galdys

Greg Mungoven and carolyn Jeffress hanny and lee Dewar

Kat evans, nalin Kiczurczak, tara edwards and Jane Wilson

At the fashion launch of Polbymade, The Front Gallery and Cafe, Lyneham

peter Jordan and sara Freeman polly and bryony stokes

Page 18: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

�� CityNews July 23-29

citylife arts | cinema | dining | body | health&fitness | horoscope | crossword | soduku

ron radford… “every single person in the region should come to the national Gallery once a year.” photo by silas.

while he thinks the word “canberran” dreadful, National Gallery director Ron Radford is a convert to the capital and values the engagement its residents have with his gallery. He tells why and how to HeleN Musa.

Radford the reluctant ‘Canberran’

lachy hulme as Kjell, left, and Darren Gilshenan, as elling.

The funny world of friendless Elling

home-grown, world-class dance comes to the playhouse

quantum leap at the playhouse 2009

select optionsometimes we choose, sometimes it just happens…

Photography: Lorna Sim

29 July – 1 August 2009tHE PlAyHOusEpresented by Ql2 centre for youth dance | ql2.org.au

RON Radford is a self-confessed convert to Australia's national capital. And a good thing, too – he has been the high-profile director of the National Gallery of Australia since late 2004 and has a clear vision of how “our gallery” differs in focus from all others in the nation.

It is Radford's proud boast that the NGA collec-tion is “the most balanced collection in Australia”. Its bias, if it has one, is to cover all of Australia, unlike State galleries that will always have a State-oriented bias. Ours may be the last national gallery in the world, but in Radford's view, we've caught up.

Radford is keenly aware of the dichotomy of catering to art lovers in Canberra as well as to the wider nation. The big shows attract 70 per cent of non-Canberrans and 30 per cent from within in the ACT, but the consumer population for public programs and children's events is 95 per cent local.

“What a dreadful name!” Radford says of the word “Canberran” – “they ought to think of something else.” But whatever name you give them, he knows Canberrans perceive the NGA as “their National Gallery”. Thirteen thousand of the 23,000 members of the National Gallery come from Canberra and many of them are busy raising funds under the Masterpieces of the Nation project to buy Tom Roberts' work “Shearing Shed, Newstead”.

Canberrans are more loyal than anyone else to the gallery’s cafes and shops, he notes. And though 70 per cent of visitors to the big blockbust-ers are from out of town, the public programs cater to the intellectual leanings of Canberra, seen during a recent standing-room-only lecture given

by 84-year-old sculptor Bert Flugelman. Radford himself gives seminars on artists and there are artistic dress-a-thons for children.

“All these events are for Canberra, but I think we can get even more people through… every single person in the region should come to the National Gallery once a year,” Radford says. It pleases him that 86,000 of the people who came to “Turner to Monet” last year had never been to Canberra before.

Many come to see destination works – the once-derided “Blue Poles”, the “Ned Kelly” series and Streeton’s “Golden Summer, Eaglemont”. Nowadays, if he is ever asked for “Blue Poles” on loan, “the answer is NO”.

Radford follows the collecting institution’s for-mal acquisitions policy “to the letter of the law”. That is based on the 1966 Lindsay Report, which specified target areas as modern art worldwide, all Australian art and works of art representing Australia’s neighbours in southern and eastern Asia and the Pacific Islands.

As for any fanciful idea that the recession might have affected acquisitions favourably, that just didn't happen.

“Prices were supposed to plummet,” Radford moans, “but now there are record prices during the so-called crisis… the fact is that the arts prospers during recessions.”

But no financial crisis is going to interfere with the main thrust of the acquisitions policy.

Radford has continued to downplay the Mezo-American collection, the Old Masters and the African holdings, though they are still held in the national collection as the property of the

Australian people. Now it's full speed ahead in indigenous, modern, Pacific and Asian art.

Outside the building, construction is in full swing on the King Edward Terrace site. Inside, some areas have been stripped away in prepara-tion for the Ned Kelly and showcase galleries due to open in December.

So the chaos of construction will soon give way to an integrated precinct also involving the complementary National Portrait Gallery. During the recent Degas exhibition that opened just after the Portrait Gallery launch, he noticed people rushing from one gallery to the other. "We don't have the data yet, but it's great!" he says.

By helen MusaDIRECTOR Pamela Rabe is in the middle of a "wonderful, wonderful adventure".

That adventure is "Elling", to be seen at The Playhouse in early August in a version staged by Rabe for the Sydney Theatre Company.

"Elling" started out as a novel by Ingvar Ambjørnsen, became a play, then became a cult Oscar-nominated film, then a play again, notably in this 2007 London hit adaptation by British playwright Simon Bent.

Elling, the main character, played by Darren Gilshenan, "is a self-confessed mummy's boy living with mum for 40 something years… but he has severe problems which come into focus when his mum dies."

According to Rabe, not all of Elling's social anxieties are unfamiliar to us – that's where the humour comes in.

"It's just that, the playwright has amplified them to an extreme degree. He is in a pretty bad way – friendless, alone and terrified. He just can't cope," she says.

So, Elling is institutionalised and gets to meet Kjell-Bjarne, a long-time inmate. "They are very much an odd couple," Rabe says, "so it is amazing how quickly they

invest in their relationship." When they are set up in a flat outside the institution, the fun begins.

Rabe is best known to Australian audi-ences as an actor herself, most recently seen in "Wars of the Roses."

"As an actor I've been told I seemed like a director, sometimes to people's dismay… I believe I have a ‘coalface’ sense of how actors think," she says.

After the former director of the Sydney Theatre Company Robin Nevin gave her a chance to direct three Daniel Keene plays, the present directors Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton asked her to direct "Elling". She jumped at the chance.

Rabe acknowledges that she's been very lucky. Darren Gilshenan in the lead role is, what she calls, "a sensational cast".

"Everybody knows about Darren Gilshenan’s reputation as a comic artist, but now they’re seeing him with breadth and depth," she says.

Playing Elling's opposite number Kjell-Bjarne is Lachy Hulme, well known in Canberra from the TV series "The Hollow-men”.

"Elling", The Playhouse, August 5-8, bookings to 6257 2700.

Page 19: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 �9

harley Davidsons on display… fully customised by loving owners and skilled craftsmen.

aRTs iN THe ciTyby Jorian Gardner

Visual arts“custom Made: corey allen, aaron Meneghel, Geoff noakes, ralph smith, Jonath-an Desprez”Craft ACT, Level 1, North Build-ing, 180 London Circuit, Civic, until August 8. reviewed by anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

Hogs with a dash of colour

Running out of LucksmithsciNeMa

by Dougal Macdonald

“lucKY countrY” (M)

arts&entertainment

Brutal toughness in the bush

“the escapist” (Ma)

“MY liFe in ruins” (pG)

aden Young as nat, in a scene from “lucky country”.

THEY shimmer, they gleam, and they embody absolute attention to detail. Each piece comprises scores of indi-vidually worked and polished components, representing hundreds of hours of skilled craftsmanship.

The art of craft is most closely associated with hand-made pieces that are both functional and beautiful and the works in this latest concept exhibition from curator Jas Huggonet fulfil both these criteria. But unlike the modest proportions of most craft objects, these five, sleeping, rainbow-coloured beasts weigh in at an average of 350 kilos each and look as if they might, at any moment, roar into life.

Hugonnet has transformed Craft ACT’s multi-roomed gallery space into one long showroom in which these magnificent Harley Davidson bikes look completely at home. Three Softtails, 1 Deuce

and 1 V-Rod have been fully customised by loving owners and skilled craftsmen. Like wearable art, they beg to be taken out and allowed to strut their stuff in public. It’s all about fantastic colour combinations in candy red and charcoal, crimson red, candy blue, teal blue and gleaming black, finely painted decorative

embellishments and flawlessly polished metal components that sizzle under the gallery lights.

This is a marvellous crosso-ver exhibition. Lovers of craft will find plenty of high-level craftsmanship to admire; bike lovers will delight in these sexy, custom made performance machines.

UNDERGROUND pop battlers The Lucksmiths are serving notice. Sadly, like many of their songs, The Lucksmiths have been conquered by everyday life. Formed in 1993, and having since transcended musical fashions and movements, the Melbourne band has long been seen as a refreshingly unique amongst the musical land-scape. They play their final show in Canberra on August 22 at Tilley’s in Lyneham.

IT’S the first anniversary of the death of much-loved arts worker, lighting designer and driving force behind the new Belconnen Arts Centre, Jan Wawrzynczak. Word has it that stage one of the new Belconnen Arts Centre, due to have the ribbon cut on it soon, will feature a dedication to Wawrzynczak.

A NEW exhibition from the young people involved in the Tuggeranong Art Centre’s “Mes-senger” program, is on show until August 4 in the centre’s gallery. Called “Pretty/Gruesome”, it celebrates the 10th year of the “Messenger” program, which utilises artistic expression as a tool to build resilience in young people.

“THE Four States of Artaud: Evoking the Mesh” is a new theatrical workshop being put on by local theatre company Shadowhouse Pits and the Daramalan Theatre Company at the Old Chapel Studio at Daramalan between September 29 and October 2. The workshop promises to “unearth the creative bones of Antonin Artaud to release creative powers from the binds and the constraints of cultural socialisation”. Places are limited. Email [email protected] for more information.

ABOUT the first third of Andy Cox’s screenplay for “Lucky Country” sets the scene with a parable that Kriv Stenders’s direction films somewhat naively.

In 1902, Australia is a brand-new federa-tion with a home-made constitution, a small population, world-leading social innovations and unbounded optimism. God-fearing, British teacher Nat has built a house in the bush for his wife (now buried in the yard), teenaged daughter and son entering adolescence. Times are tough – no money, the only horse dead, Nat about to succumb to tetanus (we know this – he doesn’t) – and a trio of Boer War veterans has arrived seeking shelter.

The veterans slowly inveigle their way into the family. There’s a whiff of a gold strike in the air. The film’s energy and dramatic cred are a’building. And the blood and tears are about to flow.

Visually interesting, well acted but, even when the pace gains momentum, difficult to read, “Lucky Country” ultimately tells of the power of Australia’s bush to crush good but ill-prepared men and gold’s propensity to corrupt. Those have never been news.

At Dendy

PRISON realism should make uncomfortable cinema, those depicting prison as somewhere to avoid probably outnumbering those that take us there for laughs.

In real time, interspersed with convoluted flashbacks, “The Escapist” mixes action with observations of the awfulness of prison life

before tangling itself in an unexpectedly predict-able conclusion.

The prison holding lifer Frank (Brian Cox, who also co-produced), desperate to see his daughter who for 14 years has been returning his letters unopened and is now dying from substance addiction, is a grim place.

Writer/director Rupert Wyatt’s screenplay makes no compromise in depicting men isolated in confined spaces and left to manage their lives under two inflexible kinds of governance; one defining their incarceration, the other the social and political structures that prisoners create to govern and survive in their separate community.

“Tough” adequately summarises “The Escap-ist”, although “Hunger”, “Shawshank Redemp-tion” or “Midnight Express” are tougher. But resolving difficult plot situations less easily would have made it hit harder.

Does Wyatt intend his film more to discomfit film-goers by delivering a statement about prison society than to provide mere escapist entertainment ? For me it took the middle ground, which was not totally satisfying.

At Dendy

DONALD Petrie’s comedy is light and frothy, its clichés aren’t total failures, its cringe-making is comfortable and it has moments evoking the Ealing comedies.

Nia Vardalos plays Georgina, an American with a degree in classical Greek civilisation, working for a cut-price Greek tours company. Today she will lead tourists from several countries on a tour of Greek antiquities. The tourists most want to eat and shop.

The bus has seen better days, its taciturn driver needs a shave and haircut and the pas-sengers don’t know each other. Georgina senses she’s on a less-than-satisfying career path. Another guide from the same company is trying to poach her clients. And she’s been too long without another warm body in her bed.

Predictable? Yes, almost to a fault. But, helped by Richard Dreyfuss playing a widower still in grief and a trip to the barber revealing the driver’s underlying qualities, it’s fun. It makes you laugh, ancient Greece’s ruined bits look good, the outcomes are happy. The tourists grow through their differences and Georgina learns about her own limitations. If you don’t approach it with great expectations, you may well find it a moderately agreeable diversion.

At Greater Union and Hoyts

Page 20: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

20 CityNews July 23-29

Dickson - open 7 daysT:6249 6662F/T: 6249 64764/6 Cape Street

Canberra City - Closed SundaysF/T:6262 9565

19 East Row, Sydney Building(In the bus interchange)

Vietnamese Restaurant

20% OFF WHEN YOU SPEND $20 OR MORE *

*conditons apply

BISTROLunch: Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm - 2pmDinner: Tuesday - Saturday, 6pm - 9pm

RESTAURANTOpen for Dinner: Wednesday - Saturday, 6pm - 9pmSUNDAY BUFFET: all you can eat for $20 6pm - 9pm

BISTRO SPECIAL2 Course Lunch for only $10.00 Tuesday - Friday

• 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah ACT• 02 6295 9853 • www.harmonieclub.com

Present this ad to receive 20% off your seafood degustationBookings are essential,

15th Floor,Rydges Lakeside,

London Circuit02 6247 6244

Friday & SaturdaySeafood Degustation Menu

Open from 6.00pm

santa lucia trattoria’s “dramatically different” location at the swinger hill shops, with a view of the brindabellas from the outside terrace.

by Wendy Johnson

Santa’s on top of the Hill

bruschetta con boccoini.

dining

Making moves to musicMusical thearte“of art and Men: nora heysen”Lyrics, Tim Rice. Music, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Direction, Duncan Ley. Musical direction, Lucy Bermingham. Choreography, Jacqui Richards. The Q, until August 1. reviewed by Jorian Gardner

stephen pike... a delight.

43 per cent of our readers earn more than $100,000pa.*

advertise.6262 9100* McNair Ingenuity Research 2006

THE classic red and white table cloths are still there as is the passion for traditional, home-style Italian cuisine passed down through three generations of the Catanzariti family. What is dramatically different is the location.

Santa Lucia Trattoria, an institution in Kingston for 20-odd years, has moved to the Swinger Hill shops, with a lovely view of the Brindabellas from the outside terrace.

Caterina and Francesco Catanzariti came to Canberra from Calabria in 1956, but it is Roberto’s name on the business card these days.

We dined outside, enjoying the full glory of the winter sun, the peace and quiet and the cheerful pots of colourful pansies.

At lunch you can order from the main menu or the lunch specials ($13.90), which come with a glass of wine or a soft drink and fresh, chewy Italian bread (brought in from a supplier who makes it with love from their home).

The carbonara was delightful – the pasta perfectly al dente with a touch of cream and a generous amount of tasty bacon. It wasn’t overly heavy on the sauce (or garlic) and was silky smooth in texture.

The tomatoes in my penne alla puttanesca packed a punch and married with the chili, salty capers and olives. Santa Lucia adds anchovies to this dish, but I wasn’t in the mood, so the restaurant kindly obliged by loading on the olives instead. It was a tangy dish, fresh, clean and unpretentious.

Santa Lucia is also open for dinner and breakfast. The breakfast menu includes toasted banana bread ($4), toasted Italian bread served with ricotta and jam ($7.50) as well as more hearty dishes such as omelettes and Pascoe’s Special (fried eggs with Italian sausage and beans in a Napoletana sauce for $12).

The restaurant is licensed with imported Italian and Australian wines, starting at $18 a bottle, with some available by the glass. Santa Lucia is also byo (wine only, $4.50 corkage).

We ended with coffees which were okay, although I would have loved more velvety milk on top. And, although it’s a bit time consuming, a bit of “coffee art”, in true Italian style, would be nice. The handles on the coffee cups are challenging and, on another note, the ashtray my friend asked for wasn’t clean (oops). We asked to see the dessert menu, but it never arrived.

I wouldn’t say the welcome was as warm as it should have been but, by the time we left, it was service with a smile.

Santa Lucia Trattoria, Swinger Hill shops, open Tuesday to Saturday, call 6295 1813.

THIS is an awkward and slow-paced production of the World Chess Championship, set in Merano between Russian Grandmaster Antoly Sergievsky (Stephen Pike) and Freddie Trumper (Roy Hukari).

The music by the male half of Abba fame Benny and Bjorn is stirring if dated and is a difficult score to sing, bouncing from almost operatic to pop at the drop of a pawn. Some principal cast members struggle to reach the demands the composers set them, while others thoroughly impress.

Stephen Pike as Antoly is a delight, confidently hitting his musical mark on each occasion. Lexi Sekuless, as Florence, is wonderfully performed with musical precision and empathy.

Christine Forbes, as Svetlana, is a vocal revelation, stealing

the show with her beautiful, versatile, note-perfect voice.

Choreography by Jacqeulyn Richards is bright and inven-tive and Lucy Bermingham and her band do an admirable job to keep up with the chal-lenging score. The lighting design seemed rushed.

The chorus is the engine room that drives the presentation and, when in full voice, made an outstanding sound that blew across the impressive Q Theatre with energy, vigour and emotion. Each one of them looked to be having fun, singing to the top of their ability, and somehow making a million costume changes look easy. They should be congratulated as the stars of the show.

Page 21: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 2�

Bentley’s of Canberra Jamison Plaza 6251 2681 and Garran Shops 6281 4339 | Beauty Bar Jamison Plaza 6253 4488

MS

1049

-V3

MD02976257 9111

Upstairs Garema Centre, Bunda St, Canberra City

MD

0299

WE HEARD THE GREAT NEWS. DID YOU?NICE WORK SIBU HAIR!beauty

bUi

To celebrate, when you have a service with Sibu Hair, come next door and

receive 10% off your next treatment with us at Sibu Beauty**Offer only valid until the end of August - Conditions apply

UNIT 26 NICHOLLS SHOPS, KELLAWAY AVENUE NICHOLLS

PHONE 6241 1511

TUES, WED & THUR 9.00am - 8.30pm FRI 9.00am - 6.00pm SAT 8.00am - 5.00pm

beautybUi

UNIT 27 NICHOLLS SHOPS, KELLAWAY AVENUE NICHOLLS

PHONE 6241 4115

MON 9.30am - 6.00pmTUES, WED & FRI 9.00am - 6.00pm THUR 10.00am - 8.00pm & SAT 8.00am - 3.00pm

Congratulations on winning IHS salon of the year 2009.We are proud to be associated with such a talented team.

body

Dentist David burgess… “there’s a clear correlation between stress and teeth grinding.”

When stress spoils a smile

polly stokes… “i love generat-ing bespoke pieces, and work-ing with Japanese textiles.”

Polly Stokes’ “Butterflies in Sakura” dress.

Polly’s inspirationis made in Japan

CANBERRANS are among the most likely Australians to try to take good care of their teeth – but we’re also at risk of damage from tooth grinding or bruxism, says local dentist Dr David Burgess.

“I’ve recently noticed an increase in bruxism among my patients,” says Dr Burgess, who says the trend is in line with that noticed by the Australian Dental Care Network.

“There’s a clear correlation between stress and teeth grinding, with bruxism com-monly triggered by stressful events, such as worry about job security, or financial strain.

“The GEC and financial concerns are an issue for many of my patients – and from my discussions with colleagues in other metropolitan cities, Canberrans are experiencing bruxism on a similar level.”

Although we have good access to dentists – “people living in the ACT are more likely to take good care of their teeth” – those under financial strain may cut back on regular dental check-ups, Dr Burgess says.

“In the worst case, they may only make a booking when the problems escalate and they’ve cracked a tooth.

“Ironically, treating this is more costly than a simple check-up. Even in tough times, if people maintain the health of their teeth through regular six-monthly check-ups, they will be less likely to develop serious dental problems and the effects of bruxism will not be as substantial.”

Grinding our teeth is a problem because it can lead to not just tooth and facial pain, but also headaches, jaw dam-age, hearing problems such as tinnitus, and worn or cracked teeth or fillings.

“If it’s the result of stress, bruxism can sometimes disappear once the person

has adjusted to the stressful situation, or the stress has been removed. However, the grinding can continue indefinitely.

“A lot of my patients actually grind their teeth while they are sleeping, and are not even aware they do it.

“Nocturnal bruxism is more damaging, as people have no control over it.”

There are several ways to treat bruxism, including using mouthguards, and relaxation techniques to cope with stress.

By Megan hagganLOCAL fashion designer Polly Stokes found learning the Japa-nese language itself a bit beyond her abilities – but learning the language of the country’s culture and history came naturally.

A CIT graduate (Bachelor of Fashion Design), Polly lived in Soubudai-Mae, 40 minutes from Tokyo, for 18 months to soak up the culture she loves – and is now back home in Canberra to launch her fashion label, Polbymade, inspired by the kimono.

“The biggest difference for me was the population density in Japan – I didn’t really feel any other sense of culture shock, probably because when I went over there, I was expecting to feel a bit out of my depth,” Polly told “CityNews”.

“So I suppose, in a way, I was prepared for a lot of the differences.

“The one thing I didn’t get used to was the incredible number of people in such a small place, so unlike Canberra. It was over-whelming at times.”

Polly threw herself into the experience of life in a very different culture.

“I started having Japanese lessons, but very early on my teacher and I decided I wasn’t going to pick a lot of it up. Some people just aren’t cut out for languages and I’m one of them.

“But this turned out to be wonderful, because we turned it into a cultural exchange, visiting museums and so on, and she taught me how to cook some traditional dishes – I feel like I got so much out of it.

“I love generating bespoke pieces, and working with Japanese textiles, because they’re such beautiful and often intricate pieces of fabric.”

Polly’s website is www.polbymade.com.au.

Page 22: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

22 CityNews July 23-29

TO GET KICKING CONTACT BODY BASICSPh: 6282 8344 Mobile: 0437 775 627

Email: [email protected]

WINTER KICK

START

MD0296

SAVE $125 SESSIONS FOR $200

TAKE YOUR PLACE NOW55

0411 112 464 www.fitmums.biz M

D0201

All FitMums get FREE entry into Lollipops Playland after

all Brand Depot Sessions

FITMUMS HAVE MARRIED HEALTH AND BEAUTY!Try our new Arbonne range of gorgeousskincare. Contact us to sample a gold bag of salon quality products in your home TODAY!!

Exercise evolution and fi tness revolution

6247 6267 | 11/5 McKay Gardens St, McKay Gardens Professional Centre, Turner

MD0295

health&fitness

WITH the number of overweight and obese adults in Australia still increasing, it’s not surprising that the figures for fat children are showing the same pattern of growth.

Babies are quick to imitate. Their clever little brains adapt to society’s cues very fast, as they soak up everything they see and hear.

You have probably witnessed a toddler pick up a remote control and babble into it as if it were a mobile phone, or caught your little miss trying on your latest shade of gloss!

Our children are an extension of ourselves in the sense that they mimic every habit – the good ones and, unfortunately, the not so good.

Making healthier choices for yourself in diet, exercise, relationships and work will not only improve the quality of your wellbeing, but also that of everyone around you – especially your children.

Setting good, healthy examples for children while they are young and super-impressionable makes it easier for them to make the goal of getting enough fresh food and exercise a priority in their long-term lives.

Exercising in front of your children and with your children, lets them know that being active is an important part of your life and will ensure that they, too, have a natural tendency to do things that are good for their bodies.

Jenny Tiffen is the founder of Canberra FitMums.

Go Figure’s Sandra Barac… “The health and fitness requirements of a female are very different to that of a male.”

If you’re not sweating…Make the most of mimicry

by Jenny tiffen

ATTENTION!

Contact 0407626689

Must sell, owner relocating

COMES WITH A

DATABASE OF REGULAR CLIENTELE! RRP: $26,000

FOR SALE* $10,000ono

*indicative illustration only

Generate extra income from a Commercial Stand up Solarium

HAIRDRESSERS,BEAUTY SALONS & GYM OWNERS

By Megan hagganMEN and women’s fitness needs just aren’t the same, says Sandra Barac, who has just opened women’s health and fitness club Go Figure in Queanbeyan.

“I have all too often seen a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach with men and women,” says Sandra.

“But the health and fitness requirements of a female are very different to that of a male: our body strengths are different, and our metabolic rates aren’t the same – that’s why women find weight loss harder than men.”

On average, women have slower metabolisms, she says, which explains why male “The Biggest Loser” contestants tend to out-lose the women, and why women are more quickly affected by alcohol.

“Because of this, our nutritional needs and calorie intake needs are different,” she says.

“Females cannot naturally build muscle in the same manner as men do – a female will require a pro-gram that’s based on the goals and requirement of each individual.”

Women who want to lose weight need to cut down on their carbohy-drate and fat intake, Sandra says, but their nutritional needs will vary for several reasons.

“It depends how much exercise you’re doing, but you need a certain amount of carbs to get through your day-to-day activities without becoming fatigued and finding you’re struggling,” she says.

Many women not only have dif-ferent fitness preferences, but also find exercising with men intimidat-

ing, particularly if they want to use equipment which is popular with males, such as weights.

“If you ask a man and a woman what they want to do in the gym, they’ll usually have different answers – women prefer cardio, they prefer classes, and things like yoga and pilates. Men want to bulk

up using weights,” she says.

“Many women say they can’t use weights because there’s men in the gym watching – they think, ‘what if I’m not doing it properly?’

“Some might be using the three-kilogram weights, and feel intimi-

dated because the guys in the gym can lift that with their little finger, so they keep away from weights entirely.”

Women tend to prefer exercise classes, Sandra says, “because if you’ve been in a high-stress job all day, constantly thinking, sometimes you just want the instructor to tell you what to do”.

Body pump, spin and boxing are the most popular classes around town at the moment, she says.

“Women also say that men sweat on all the equipment and don’t wipe!” Sandra adds, laughing.

“I hate it when women say they don’t sweat. Sorry, but if you’re not sweating, then you’re just not work-ing hard enough!”

Page 23: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 23

UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF WOMEN!

NEWTO THE FEMALE FITNESSINDUSTRY

PH: 6298 1788Queanbeyan - Riverside Plaza

gofi gure@gofi gureqbn.com.auwww.gofigureqbn.com.au

CALL NOW to be the fi rst to see the latest womens gym

NOW OPEN‘Surrender who you are for what you could become’

health&fitness

How healthy superfoods really workRose Males, nutritionist and fitness instructor at proFit Health club in civic, talks about some of the best “superfoods” to keep us healthy and on the go…

OATS: “Oats, or porridge, are full of fibre and help to reduce cholesterol,” says Rose.

“They’re great for the winter months because they fill you up, especially if you add something like sultanas.”

BLUEBERRIES: “Blueberries are full of anti-oxi-dants, like many of the ‘superfoods’,” Rose says.

“These help in fighting the free radicals which contribute to the ageing process.”

YOGHURT: “Yoghurt’s full of calcium – look for yoghurt that contains live cultures which promote health and improve the immune function.

“Eating yoghurt can help reduce the risk of some cancers, and if you’re eating the low-fat variety, can help reduce cholesterol.”

NUTS: “Nuts contain healthy oils like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, are full of fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as anti-oxi-dants,” Rose says.

“Almonds are probably the best, followed by walnuts: Almonds contain Vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, zinc, magnesium – and they’re natural!”

Rose says we should limit our consumption of nuts to about 20 a day, due to their oil content.

CITRUS FRUIT: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are all in season now.

“They also help protect against mouth cancer, oesophagal, larynx and stomach cancers; and research suggests that two serves of citrus fruit a day can reduce the risk of these cancers by 40 to 50 per cent.”

Juice is good, particularly varieties without added sugar, but Rose says eating whole fruit has added benefits because of the fibre contained in the pulp.

TOMATOES: “Tomatoes contain an anti-oxidant called lycopene, which can help improve heart health, and has been linked to a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer,” Rose says.

“We can enhance the absorption of lycopene by adding a small amount of olive oil to tomatoes, and they’re best eaten raw.”

CHOCOLATE: That’s right, chocolate: Treats shouldn’t be banned entirely, and the right chocolate can be one of the healthiest.

“Chocolate contains anti-oxidants, and when you eat it your system secretes endorphins, which help you feel happy,” says Rose.

“It should be eaten in moderation, and you should look for darker chocolate, especially the 70 per cent cocoa varieties. It’s the cocoa that contains the anti-oxidants.”

Page 24: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

24 CityNews July 23-29

Great Food, Simple Dinner & Great Service is our recipe for a memorable dining experience.With the 28 years of experience at major hotels in India, Japan and Australia, our very talented chef Mr Hari Prasad Sharma, will use only the fresh local produce and some authentic spices from India to combine classical traditional recipes with modern twist creating true dining experience. First established in 2000, we off er a superb range of every day lunch & dinner specials aswell as catering and functions for corporate events.

147 Blues Point Rd

McMohans Point

Sydney NSW

02 8904 1255

NEWLY OPENED

5 Genge St

Canberra Centre ACT

02 62472228

SK04

12DINE IN LUNCH SPECIALS - STARTING FROM $19.90

OPEN

7DAY

S

© Auspac Media

6 7 4

9 1

4 1 5 2 7

3 1 7 8

7 5

4 6

8

9 8

1 4 9 2

general knowledge crossword no. 221

Sudoku is an 81, square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks. You can success-fully solve the puzzle just by using logic and the process of elimination.

solution next week

sudoku hard no.11

solution sudoku medium no.11

solution crossword no.220

your week in the stars With Joanne Madeline Moore July 27 - august 2

7 2 6 5 9 1 3 8 4

1 9 8 7 3 4 5 6 2

4 3 5 2 6 8 1 9 7

8 6 9 1 5 7 2 4 3

2 1 7 4 8 3 6 5 9

3 5 4 9 2 6 7 1 8

6 4 1 8 7 2 9 3 5

9 8 2 3 1 5 4 7 6

5 7 3 6 4 9 8 2 1

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

DS H R A F F R A Y ST H Y R O I D A L TA E Y U L U L A T EF U N E R A L N B EF A E T R A V A I LE N S MR A P I E R A V I A R Y

U C I AB A L O N E Y T G RA L U G R A P H E DC H E V R O N M O MO Y S E P I C U R EN A S C E N T N L N

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

There’s no denying you are a clever Ram but are you making the most of your cerebral talents? This week it’s time to don your thinking cap as you give yourself a vigorous mental workout. The weekend is the perfect time to spruce up your Aries abode with cleaning, repairing and general reorganising.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Taureans are a tenacious lot. Your tenacity works positively when you are determined and loyal; but negatively when you are just plain stubborn and intractable. This week you’ll discover that some things are worth holding into, and some aren’t (in which case you need to let go). Working out which is which is half the battle!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week’s stars see you flirting up a storm. If you are attached, expect some rejuvenating romantic antics and, if you are single – anything is possible! Don’t take shortcuts at work on Wednesday and Thursday. Concen-tration and discipline will get you a lot further than a rushed and half-baked approach. Focus on the tasks at hand.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Are you obsessed with someone? Can’t get them out of your head? Expect fanatical fantasies and over-the-top obsessions to increase this weekend, when Pluto fuels your passions. For less compulsive Crabs, avoid getting drawn into power-plays on Sunday, as no one is likely to win.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions are impulsive, impatient creatures but it’s the qualities of determination and endurance that will help you achieve your goals this week. Flash-in-the-pan plans are out, and patient progress is in! Tuesday favors romance and creativity so make the most of it and plan something special.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With Saturn moving oh-so-slowly through your sign, it seems as if you are learning everything the hard way. Your work situation is in a constant state of flux and you need to have your antennae tuned for those who may be undermining your position behind your back. Stay alert!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Expect an up and down week, which will disrupt your desire for harmony and balance. Tuesday should be super creative and romantic but Wednesday looks unpredictable, as a friend or loved one throws you a curved ball. News (or memories) of an old flame could unsettle you on Sunday.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Scorpios can waste a lot energy trying to organise others. This week you need to work on the one person you can control – yourself. Power plays and moodiness will only lead to frustration and unwanted dramas on the weekend. Instead, try a little tenderness – and the gentle art of compromise.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

On Wednesday and Thursday your intuition will be working overtime, as your dreams try to tell you something. Impulsive, ill-thought-out actions could land you in hot water on the weekend – if you’re not careful. So make sure you think (long and hard) before you throw yourself into the latest hair-brained scheme!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

This week, compliments and cooperation will get you a lot further than being a Capricorn critic. In the words of Henry Ford (born July 30) “Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” You may have the moody blues on the weekend, as the Moon mooches around in your solitude zone. Use it productively as a time to rest, recuperate and rejuvenate.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Singles – a gregarious Gemini or lusty Leo could set your heart (and libido) racing! Attached Aquarians - are you doing your own thing so much that your spouse feels neglected? What you want and what your partner needs may be two very different things. Perhaps it’s time to get talking, before the gap becomes a chasm?

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Does your love life seem to be more trouble than it’s worth at the moment? With task-master Saturn in your partnership zone, the lesson you need to learn is that relationships require hard work, 24/7. “Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone. It has to be made like bread, remade all the time, made new.” (Ursula Le Guin).

ACROSS1 What is brief fall of rain?8 What are restrictions imposed upon commerce by law?9 Which is another term for a member of the clergy?10 Name a word which implies something commonplace.11 What is the practice of growing very small trees?13 What is legal soundness or force?16 To be indistinct to the sight is to be what?19 What do we use to rub out pen or pencil marks?22 Name another term for calendars.24 Which widely cultivated red plant is used as a vegetable?25 What are schizomycetes?26 What is an airstrip known as?

DOWN2 Name a common telephone greeting.3 What are small, usually hard, abnormal elevations on the skin?4 What is another term for a "fence"?5 Name a courtesy title for an ecclesiastic in France.6 To have uttered with a loud, harsh sound, like a donkey, is to have what?7 Name the metallic element, symbol Co.12 What are negative votes?14 What is something that serves as a guide?15 Which part of March was Julius Caesar told to "beware"?

17 What is a light, simple song of sentimental character?18 What are arts, trades or occupations, requiring special manual skills?20 Name another word for a publicity man.21 In films, what is a person hired as a member of a mob or crowd?23 Which imperial land measurement is equal to approx 0.405 hectares?

solution next week

Page 25: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 25

Quick sales required. High set outlook. This neat as a pin 3 bedroom home suits 1st home buyers with

room to extend up or out & improve the view. Open plan kitchen & meals flows to formal lounge. Good

size master bedroom & robes to second bed. Sensible mix of polished timber & carpet floors, wood

heater, separate studio, large single garage/workshop, lots of storage under the house, 585m2 block &

big backyard. Must be sold, prior offers considered. Auction on site 11am Saturday 8th August

Peter Blackshaw Belconnen Charles Blackney 0409 136 867

47 EARLY STREET

Queanbeyan

The formal entrance to “Weetalabah” greets the fortunate few who reside in this most prestigious

estate only a short 20 minute (approx) drive to Civic. Stunning 4 bedroom plus granny flat home

offering a spacious 360m2 or 39 squares (approx) of single level living at its very best. Expansive

grounds (4.4 acres/1.79 ha approx) provide privacy and space for the kids to play. Auction on site 10am Saturday 15th August

Manuka 6295 2433 Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

71 WOODLAND AVENUE

Weetalabah Estate

[OFFICE DETAILS] [AGENT DETAILS] www.peterblackshaw.com.au

prestigepropertyUrban debate heats up

Homebuyers grabbing blocks at Forde

Luxury touch of Turner

address: 33 Hackett Gardens, Turner. price: by negotiation.inspection: Saturday 2pm-2.45pm and Tues 6.30pm-7.15pm. agent: Maria Selleck, Maria Selleck Properties, 0417 258803.

HOMEBUYERS bought almost one residential block a day at Forde in the final two months of the financial year, says project director Gavin Kemp.

“Fifty-three residential land sales for 73 dwellings in just two months is a phenomenal achievement in the current market,” he says.

“Despite the recent downturn, home-buyers in Canberra continue to look for quality land, in a good location and close to community and recreation facilities.

“A significant proportion of the sales were actually to first-home buyers, who have been encouraged by the Federal Government’s first-home-owners grant

and attractive interest rates. Interesting-ly, sales were also strong in the second and third home-buyer market emphasis-ing Forde’s broad market appeal.”

Located between Mulligans Flat and Horse Park Drive, the Forde community is expected to contain 1100 homes and a population of 2500 people by 2012.

“INTUITIVELY crafted to maximise liveability with an effortless interplay of natural light and flowing space, this stunning single-sto-rey house combines contemporary and clas-sical features with sleek, luxurious finishes to accentuate its prestigious, tightly-held address,” says selling agent Maria Selleck.

The house, in Hackett Gardens, Turner, features formal lounge and dining rooms,

open-plan family, meals and rumpus rooms with vast entertaining space, floor-to-ceiling doors and windows opening to the outdoor entertaining areas.

There are five large bedrooms, two with ensuite and walk-in-robe, designer bathroom, powder room, state-of-the-art kitchen (with enough bench space for two chefs) and a store room/studio.

By catherine carterINTENSE debate continues about the relative virtues and disad-vantages of urban consolidation or infill development (increasing residential density in and close to Civic and the town centres) and greenfields development (opening up new areas of previously vacant land for housing).

Many positive environmental outcomes can be achieved by locating people where they can use existing transport, power and social infrastructure. It reduces the need for cars, thus potentially offering a significant payoff for the Territory both in the reduction of pollution from a major source of CO² and in the improvement of driving conditions on the roads for those who have to use cars as their only viable means of transport.

Increasing density is certainly a good idea, but it doesn't necessar-ily follow that greenfields develop-ment is always bad. People should be able to choose their housing and lifestyle. For example, families

with young children often desire a garden or backyard, as a clean, safe location for their children’s play.

There are environmental advantages in some greenfields developments. Consider recent advances in green building techniques. New homes can certainly be more energy-efficient and less emission producing than existing older buildings.

Multi-residential dwellings, such as apartment blocks, often take longer to build and cost more than allowing people to build the home of their choice on the land of their choice, and the redevelopment of brownfield (previously used) sites often involves planning and political complications.

But are there sufficient suitable sites available in our urban areas to provide enough housing for the Territory's needs? Has anybody conducted the surveys and done the sums?

Catherine Carter is the executive director of the Property Council of Australia (ACT).

Page 26: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

26 CityNews July 23-29 CityNews July 16-22 1

AFTER purchasing a Defence Housing Australia (DHA) investment property in 2006, Greg wishes he had bought one 10 years ago.

“My wife and I are busy people. We have four-year-old twin boys, so life gets pretty hectic,” he said.

“Buying a DHA property was about setting up an investment that we didn’t have to worry about. We needed something that was pretty much going to look after itself.”

As a mortgage broker, Greg is aware of many investment opportuni-ties in the market.

“What attracted us most to DHA is the fact that it is a sound investment. It’s really a no-brainer when you’ve got rent paid by a government busi-ness enterprise.

“Our DHA property offers certainty, unlike our other investment properties and shares. We know that the rent is going to arrive every month for the entire term of our lease. We will never have to nd new tenants or worry about the property becoming vacant and the associated costs.

“DHA will also re-carpet and re-paint our property at the end of the lease, and this really appealed to us.”

Greg and his wife are not new to investing. In addition to their DHA property they own three residential investment properties. All the proper-ties are located in SA.

“With our other investment proper-ties we’ve had to invest a lot of time dealing with bad tenants, real estate agents and managing maintenance,” he said.

“The great thing about our DHA property is that there is almost noth-ing we have to worry about. In fact, the only real decision we’ve made so far was buying the property itself!”

Greg and his wife are looking at buying another investment property in the NT to diversify their portfolio.

“I’d be more comfortable buying a property interstate if it was a DHA property because it would take the worry out of living so far away from the investment,” he said.

Based on his experience, Greg is now encouraging his parents to invest with DHA.

“My parents are selling their fam-ily home of 45 years and are looking to invest in something that has a safe income and a good return,” he said.

“As retirees, they’ve already owned investment properties and had their fair share of problems with tenants and agents over the years. They’ve seen our experience with DHA and now they also want something hassle-free.”

For more information call 133 342 or visit www.invest.dha.gov.au

Investor Greg relaxes with his wife and family… “The great thing about our DHA property is that there is almost nothing we have to worry about. In fact, the only real decision we’ve made so far was buying the property itself!”

Property investing with no hasslesDefence Housing Australia advertising feature

Page 27: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 2�CityNews July 16-22 1

AFTER purchasing a Defence Housing Australia (DHA) investment property in 2006, Greg wishes he had bought one 10 years ago.

“My wife and I are busy people. We have four-year-old twin boys, so life gets pretty hectic,” he said.

“Buying a DHA property was about setting up an investment that we didn’t have to worry about. We needed something that was pretty much going to look after itself.”

As a mortgage broker, Greg is aware of many investment opportuni-ties in the market.

“What attracted us most to DHA is the fact that it is a sound investment. It’s really a no-brainer when you’ve got rent paid by a government busi-ness enterprise.

“Our DHA property offers certainty, unlike our other investment properties and shares. We know that the rent is going to arrive every month for the entire term of our lease. We will never have to nd new tenants or worry about the property becoming vacant and the associated costs.

“DHA will also re-carpet and re-paint our property at the end of the lease, and this really appealed to us.”

Greg and his wife are not new to investing. In addition to their DHA property they own three residential investment properties. All the proper-ties are located in SA.

“With our other investment proper-ties we’ve had to invest a lot of time dealing with bad tenants, real estate agents and managing maintenance,” he said.

“The great thing about our DHA property is that there is almost noth-ing we have to worry about. In fact, the only real decision we’ve made so far was buying the property itself!”

Greg and his wife are looking at buying another investment property in the NT to diversify their portfolio.

“I’d be more comfortable buying a property interstate if it was a DHA property because it would take the worry out of living so far away from the investment,” he said.

Based on his experience, Greg is now encouraging his parents to invest with DHA.

“My parents are selling their fam-ily home of 45 years and are looking to invest in something that has a safe income and a good return,” he said.

“As retirees, they’ve already owned investment properties and had their fair share of problems with tenants and agents over the years. They’ve seen our experience with DHA and now they also want something hassle-free.”

For more information call 133 342 or visit www.invest.dha.gov.au

Investor Greg relaxes with his wife and family… “The great thing about our DHA property is that there is almost nothing we have to worry about. In fact, the only real decision we’ve made so far was buying the property itself!”

Property investing with no hasslesDefence Housing Australia advertising feature

Do you have a busy weekend of house hunting ahead?

By using the Trip Plan you can organise your day, with driving directions and travel time, at the click of a button.

ANOTHER UNIQUE FEATURE FROM

01209 allhomes TripPlan03_FA.indd 1 19/5/09 3:00:30 PM

Page 28: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

2� CityNews July 23-29

API EXCELLENCE IN PROPERTY AWARDSRecognising outstanding achievement in the property industry

Entry Deadline: 26 AUGUST, 2009Nominate your colleagues or clients. For one or more of the 3 awards:

The Bradley Allen Lawyers Property Development Award

The ACT Building & ConstructionIndustry Training Authority YoungAchiever of the Year

The Village Building Co.Property Industry Award

For nomination forms please see

www.act.api.org.au or contact Richard Swinbourne,on 0408 623 070

ANOTHER API INITIATIVE

The Smarter Office Solution

A cost effective Serviced Office solution for the ▪ 1-10 person business

Best address, best receptionist, best IT and ▪ support

Flexible lease terms starting at just one month▪For less than the cost of a secretary▪

Arrange a personal tour today!T | 02 6243 5151W | servcorp.com.au

Flexible Virtual Office Solutions

The most professional business image from ▪ $160 per month

Full business support without the physical ▪ office space

Best address, dedicated receptionist, network ▪ of meeting rooms and exclusive IT solutions

No deposit, no long term commitment ▪

Sign up online today!W | servcorp.com.auT | 02 6243 3600

CANBERRA | SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | ADELAIDE | PERTH | NEW ZEALAND INDIA | SOUTH EAST ASIA | CHINA | JAPAN | EUROPE | MIDDLE EAST

2 MONTHS

@½ PRICE

Servcorp Serviced and

Virtual Offices

Level 1 The Realm

18 National Circuit

Barton Canberra

Levels 6 and 11

St. George Centre

60 Marcus Clarke Street

Canberra City

2009.04.09 Canberra City News_B.indd 1 4/9/2009 4:22:06 PM

2008 HIA Display Home of the Year

Better Building Services Display Home“MAXUS”now open for inspection

47 Birdwood Street, Hughes

Discover the secret of a Better Building Experience

Visit our web site anytimewww.betterbuilding.com.au

Saturdayand

Sunday12 – 4pm

or by email [email protected]

or call

to make an

appointment

on6299 9411

LIC

’D A

GEN

T C

AN

BER

RA

WID

E PT

Y LT

D T

/A R

ICH

AR

D L

UTO

N P

RO

PER

TIES

• �

� B

OU

GA

INV

ILLE

STR

EET,

MA

NU

KA A

CT

����

BELCONNEN6253 2323

DICKSON6230 0005

MANUKA6260 8999

TUGGERANONG6293 2323

WESTON CREEK 6287 1600

WODEN6281 6900

PAGE

���/�� BURKITT STREET - Retirement villa for over 60’s - and you can bring your pet! Your good fortune that the owner has decided to live in Sydney. Nestled amongst landscape gardens, this two year old large two bedroom sunny villa at Ridgecrest Village with northfacing courtyard will ensure you enjoy your retirement. Well appointed kitchen, quality fi ttings, halogen lights, 3 storage cupboards, second toilet, reverse cycle air conditioning, dishwasher, dryer and 24/7 Vitacall make this a must-see.

Open: Saturday 1.15-2pmDetails: Christine Shaw 0405 135 009

2 1 1

By Negotiation

Page 29: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 29

fmariaselleck.com.au

LICE

NSED

AGE

NT ‘T

IGNE

PTY

LTD

’ TRA

DING

AS

‘MAR

IA S

ELLE

CK P

ROPE

RTIE

S’ |

22.0

7.09

call us 6162 1234

TenderHall | Secluded Location, Breathtaking Views

33 CAPTAINS HILL ROAD - Occupying a commanding elevated position in one of the region’s most sought-after locations, this magnifi cent property captures stunning panoramic views of the Murrumbidgee Valley to Canberra and Black Mountain Tower to the South, Hall Village to the East, and the Brindabella Ranges to the West. This once in a lifetime opportunity presents approximately 40 acres (16.19 hectares) of tranquil, beautiful land, surrounded by a haven of native fauna and a quiet rural lifestyle. This unique property offers total privacy, an immensity of potential and a lifestyle that can be virtually self-suffi cient. The property currently has a lovely 3-bedroom home presenting unparalleled prospects and a rare blank canvas of living in this home while building your own dream home to exact style, size and design specifi cations in beautiful country settings minutes from city centre yet worlds away from the noise and bustle.

3 bed | 1 bath | 2 car

Open: Contact Maria for viewing times Tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday 13th August 2009

fMaria Selleck 0417 258 803

6 MACQUARIE STREET - The classic exterior of this beautiful residence is a clever façade for the sophisticated, contemporary and light-fi lled interior that offers a fresh, easycare, executive home boasting all the essentials for a lifestyle of incomparable luxury in a magnifi cent exclusive location. Defi ned by its generous proportions, this grand residence, features an easy interaction between indoors and outdoors whilst taking advantage of the coveted northerly aspect. Faultlessly presented, this outstanding residence, expertly crafted to the highest standard by an award-winning builder, is graced with multiple formal and informal areas embraced by an extensive use of glass, including separate lounge and dining rooms, an enormous open plan gourmet kitchen overlooking the huge family/meals rooms leading out to a wide north-facing terrace, segregated large master bedroom suite complete with spa ensuite and walk-in-robe, 3 additional bedrooms, including guest bedroom with ensuite, deluxe bathroom and rumpus room. This exquisite home is set on a large 1208.3m2 block amidst professionally landscaped gardens. A unique opportunity for those seeking a quality home jam-packed with features in a highly desirable address within easy walking distance to Parliament House, Barton offi ces, Manuka, Kingston and Lake Burley Griffi n. EER 5.

4 bed | 3 bath | 4 car

Tender: Closes 5pm, Wednesday 12th August 2009 Open: Contact Maria for viewing times

Barton | One Of The Finest, Award Winning Builder, Premier Address Tender

TenderHawker | Impressive and Elegant

55 ERLDUNDA CIRCUIT - When position and lifestyle count, this beautiful Hawker residence offers you the opportunity to enjoy total style and sophistication. Impressively presented, this elegant light-fi lled home is set amongst mature, attractive landscaped gardens on a large block of about 952m2. Offering a functional fl oorplan with north-facing living areas, this home boasts formal/informal areas including separate lounge and dining rooms, 4 bedrooms, master with ensuite, and kitchen overlooking family and meals area. Entertain in style under the gazebo overlooking the beautiful manicured gardens and let the world go by. If you are looking for a beautiful family home within walking distance of primary and secondary schools, shops, transport and the Pinnacle Nature Reserve in a quiet street, with the added bonus of being in an exclusive suburb, then look no further. EER 2.

4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car

fMaria Selleck 0417 258 803 Open: Contact Maria for viewing times Tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday 13th August 2009 fMaria Selleck 0417 258 803

Page 30: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

30 CityNews July 23-29

GJ30

67

Tuggeranong

GOWRIE $350,000

Excellent Poten alI require a li le TLC. A ba le-axe block with room to

extend. 3 bedroom home, 2 with robes, original kitchen with meals area and a good size lounge/dining room. Large windows provide ample natural light and there are lovely trees on the block. Loads of poten al in this sought a er suburb. Ample o street parking. EER 1.0

Ewa Skoczek 0414 665 626

BANKS OFFERS ABOVE $435,000

WANNIASSA $415,000+

Movie in and Enjoy3 bedroom Family home has been lovingly nurtured.

Featuring an updated kitchen, bathroom with spa, and laundry. The back verandah is ideal for alfresco entertain-ing. The backyard is private with mature trees a rac ng local bird life. Evapora ve cooling, large garage, proximity to transport and schools are some of the features. EER 1.0

Ewa Skoczek 0414 665 626

BANKS $325,000 - $355,000

3 Bedrooms, Double CarportThe house is located back from the street & set in a very

private posi on on the block. 3 Bedrooms all with built-ins, two way bathroom & Centrally located Kitchen that ows

onto the living areas give this house a lovely feel, Gas hea ng and cooking complete the picture. There is room to

move with a nice sized yard. EER 3.5

Brenden or Be y 0419 289 574

CALWELL $350,000 - $390,000

Fantas c First HomeGreat 3 bdrm home in a good suburb, quiet cul-de-sac loca on, walking distance to schools, shops and entertainment.

Two living areas, tasmanian oak kitchen with dishwasher, R/C air con unit, back to base alarm. Good sized rear yard for pets with covered pergola for entertaining, single carport & lock up storage. EER 1.5

Wayne Kennedy 0414 622 926

CONDER $340,000 - $360,000

Lovely, Open Plan Home!!Set in a quiet culdesac close to shops, schools & public

transport, this lovely dual occupancy property features open plan living areas making it very easy to furnish. RCAC & gas wall furnace hea ng will be very e ec ve to Canberra extreme temperatures at bay. The small rear yard is private & ows on to secure car accom. EER 3.0

Be y Wark 0408 166 833

ROYALLA $810,000 - $860,000

Live The Country Life In StyleIf a large stunning home set in the country is what you desire than this is the home for you. 4 generous sized bedrooms

with large ensuite to main & a spacious open plan family, kitchen, meals area that looks over the stunning views of the Royalla Valley. The home also boasts a spectacular formal lounge from which you can take in the views over dinner or

drinks. The enormous rumpus room adds to the charm of this family home. Never have a problem with space again with the huge 5 car garage (15m x 9m) all with auto doors & an addi onal single garage ideal for storage or stock feed. 10.1

acres to live the country life!!

Be y or Brenden 0419 289 574

GORDON STAGE ONE $344,000

More Spacious Than Most!Looking perfect from front to back & featuring separate

living areas together with a central kitchen with gas cook-ing. All bedrooms are segregated & the main is spacious with a 2 way bathroom & corner spa. Gas hea ng will keep you cosy & warm, plus a single garage with internal access & an easy care, paved rear courtyard. EER 3.5

Be y Wark 0408 166 833

Step up to 4 Bedrooms In Style!!This 4 bedroom ens home has all the features needed for the perfect environment to raise a family. Gas hea ng, 2

x RCAC & separate living areas wrapped around a func onal, central kitchen. All bedrooms have built in robes & new vani es in both bathrooms. Large covered pergola, private rear yard. Dble car accom & more. EER 4.0

Be y Wark 0408 166 833

1Jugiong 349 Audley Road

A Rare Offering...

If you've always wanted acreage just for living, then this is

the ticket. Positioned overlooking the river on 15 acres

sits a modern open plan home with 4 bay powered shed.

Subdivided into 3 paddocks, this property is sure to suit

those wanting the rural lifestyle with "little worry" and an

affordable price tag!

Sale$357,000

View By Appointment

Cassie Sheahan 0409 032 712

6938 2212 raywhite.com

CONDER $340,000 - $380,000

Compact, Cosy & CloseCosy 3 bedroom home, nothing to do, in the best loca-

on ever, only seconds to the local club, schools, shops, and transport. Timber blinds, modern colours, plenty of natural light north facing, covered pergola mountain views, double garage, secure rear yard with colourbond gates, great street appeal, it won’t last! EER 4.5

Wayne Kennedy 0414 622 926

Page 31: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

CityNews July 23-29 3�

Holder 47 Blackwood Terrace

The owners of this versatile three bed/ens family home

with panoramic views, are downsizing. Siding a reserve,

the block of approx 1256m2 is in a RZ2 suburban core

zone. Step behind closed doors to appreciate the many

opportunities this home presents, including a studio with

kitchenette/ens, rumpus, terrace with i/g pool. EER 0.0

AuctionSaturday 15th August at 11am

On Site

View By Appointment

Sandy Funston 0414 629 996

6162 0681 raywhite.com

DS Residential Pty Ltd t/as Ray White Canberra

3 3 2 Jerrabomberra 7 Brennan Court

This secluded 4 bed/ens home plus study and rumpus is

situated on a battle axe block of approximately 1153m2 in

a quiet cul-de-sac and fronts bushland. Unwind with a

walk in the bush or by doing some laps in the indoor gas

solar heated swimming pool. You are only minutes to the

shopping centres, schools and sporting ovals.

AuctionSaturday 8th August at 2pm

On Site

View By Appointment

Sandy Funston 0414 629 996

6162 0681 raywhite.com

DS Residential Pty Ltd t/as Ray White Canberra

4 2 2

Kingston 62 Dawes Street

This luxury 2 storey 4 bedroom 4 bathroom, triple garage

residence, reflects excellence in contemporary

architecture, the use of natural light and space. Offering

approx 350m2, a separate street entrance to the

downstairs rumpus makes this room ideal for a home

office. EER 5.0

SaleBy Negotiation

View By Appointment

Sandy Funston 0414 629 996

6162 0681 raywhite.com

DS Residential Pty Ltd t/a Ray White Canberra

4 4 3

Page 32: Canberra CityNews July 23-29, 2009

32 CityNews July 23-29

GUNGAHLIN DRIVE

10 MIN TO CBD

TO FEDERAL HWY

GUNDAROO DR

HORSE PARK DR

FRANCIS FORDE BLVD

FORDE SALES AND INFORMATION CENTRE