Canberra CityNews August 12-18, 2010

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� CityNews August 12-18


sport

Sport perils of social networks

THE expression on some of the faces of the Raiders’ players said it all. No, they hadn’t been told they weren’t in the side; instead, they had just taken part in a seminar run by the Australian Federal Police about the dangers inherent in social networking.

They were being told about the problems associated with putting personal details on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The players were told it can lead to an invasion of privacy, security problems, identity theft… you name it, everything that a player would normally work hard to protect goes out the window.

It is an issue not just for sportspeople, but for soci-ety in general. Sport though appears to be one of the targets for people looking to create a bit of mischief.

The media have also used Facebook sites to garner background information on players that wouldn’t normally be available. The Panthers’ management felt so strongly about it, they banned their players from using social networking sites.

Professional sport clamps down heavily on detrimental comments; previously though, it only had to worry about the traditional media. Richmond’s Daniel Jackson suggested on Facebook that he would be better suited to playing in the NRL after copping his third penalty of the season. It was obvious that the comments were not intended for public consumption but the lack of understanding about social networking amongst sportspeople is that it is there for all to see.

Twitter, it would appear, is just as dangerous because it allows sportspeople to vent to a mass audience, sometimes in the heat of the moment.

In many aspects, sportspeople such as Lance Armstrong use Twitter to run agendas and campaigns without the need for a media manager. In fact, Armstrong used Twitter to announce that this year’s Tour de France would be his last.

We have also had players announcing that they have been left out of teams via their Facebook sites or revealing they have serious injuries.

The NBA, while embracing social networking for publicity, has also been forced to place limits on its use, banning players from using Twitter just before, during and immediately after games.

As sport moves further towards entertainment, social networking has the potential to attract a new audience to sport with media managers getting quotes from players during games while they are on the bench. These quotes are then tweeted to supporters watching the game.

Social networking has the potential to lift sport to a new level and, so long as there are guidelines, this could be enhancing; otherwise it could lead to chaos.

Any privacy a player would normally work hard to protect can go out the

window when it comes to social networking, says TIM GAVEL.

By Megan HagganCHOOSING a wish to come true isn’t a decision that four-year-old Anabella Sebbens, suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), took lightly.

Mum Tamie told “CityNews” that she and her husband, Wayne, had wanted their daughter’s Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to be her decision, and not rush her – and one day inspiration struck.

“One day in May, we were down by Lake Burley Griffin, riding our bikes, and there was a wedding at the Carillon: a proper fairytale wedding with bridesmaids and flower girls, white horses and a carriage.

“Anabella made us stand and watch it, and we had to wait and watch until the horse and carriage came across the Carillon bridge!

“She turned to me and said; ‘I know what my wish is,’ and I said, ‘well, you can’t really get mar-ried’.

“She replied that no, she wanted to get dressed up like a princess, ride in a horse and carriage and have her very own ball.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation organised a Princess Ball at the Canberra Hyatt, complete with princess castle cake, a princess dress designed specially for Ana-bella and those all-important white horses.

“They tracked down the white horses and carriage – she was so excited when she saw them,” said Tamie.

Anabella was diagnosed with ALL two years ago, and was treat-ed with intense chemotherapy at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. The family, including

little sister Sophie, who was three months old at the time, relocated temporarily to Sydney for nine months of her treatment.

Her chemotherapy finished in June, and while she is still immu-nosuppressed, her parents hope Anabella’s immune system will be back to normal in time for her first

day at primary school next year. She has a 75 per cent chance not to relapse – and if three years pass without a relapse, will be consid-ered cured.

“The princess ball was a cel-ebration: that she can start being a normal little girl now,” Tamie said.

“Over the last two years, every-thing about this illness has been scary, or hurt her, or made her physically unwell – it’s almost as though she felt she was being pun-ished.

“She’s been different from other children for such a long time; this wish still set her apart from other children, but in a positive way this time.”

Wish granting co-ordinator for Canberra Karen Keunen said that having their wishes granted can be of great help to sick children and their families.

“We’ve been told it helps them get through their treatment, gives them motivation and something to look forward to.”

Wishes are open to all children (under the age of 18) who have a life-threatening illness: not just cancer, but also other chronic life-threatening illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, she said.

More information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation on www.makeawish.org.au

FRONT COVER: Anabella Sebbens arrives at the Hyatt. Photo by Silas

cover story

Four-year-old Anabella Sebbens with her parents, Tamie and Wayne, and little sister Sophie. Photo by Silas

Anabella’s wish comes true

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

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

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Arts&Entertainment 13-15Body 23Crossword 27Dining 15Horoscope 27Home 26Letters 6

Movie reviews 14News 3-9Politics 8-9Property 28-31Social Scene 10Sudoku 27

INDEX August 12-18, 2010 Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 32

THE Make-A-Wish Ball is on Saturday, August 28 at the Hellenic Club, Woden.

The night will feature a Bollywood dance group and swimming legend Dawn Fraser has donated a framed memora-bilia item for auction.

Tickets are $100 each from Margie on 0438 703982 or from reception at the Hellenic Club.

Ball for more wishes

Editor: Ian Meikle, [email protected] reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618493 [email protected] editor: Megan Haggan, 6262 9100 [email protected] editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, [email protected] and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086Designer: Joran Dilucian

Senior advertising executive: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Advertising sales executives: Jonathan Hick, 0415 177345 Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701 Mara Stroppa, 0431 245130 Lyn Cram, 0458 028990Advertising sales co-ordinator: Rebecca Darman, [email protected] advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

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By shereen charlesAS the sun sets in Canberra this evening, lo-cal Muslims will break their fast, after having abstained from food and drink from predawn to dusk. This will continue for a month, as Mus-lims welcome the holiest month in the Islamic calendar – Ramadan.

Performing the act of fasting is observing one of the five pillars of Islam, said Canberra Islamic Centre’s president Mr Mazhar Ali Sahib.

“It is a period when people practice a lot of self control and sacrificing. Muslims give up food and drink during the daylight hours. The reason they do this is to understand and appreciate the good and bountiful that we are provided,” he said.

Ramadan helps to focus on that while purify-ing the soul and body at the same time, he said. “It also helps Muslims gain closeness to the Almighty through humility.”

Although the length of time spent fasting var-ies from country to country, depending on the times the sun rises and sets, the way Ramadan is observed is usually the same.

“The usual practice is that people generally wake up before dawn to have their breakfast, do their morning prayers and express their inter-est to fast for the sake of Allah.

“At sunset, it signifies the breaking of the fast. It’s known as iftar and people usually break their fast with dates and savouries before performing their prayers and having their din-ner,” he said.

The 2006 census recorded 4373 Muslims liv-ing in Canberra, but Mr Sahib estimated that the number has risen now to around 6000.

In Canberra, iftar falls between the hours

of 5pm and 6pm over the month of August and until September 10. Although iftar tends to fall within the working hours in winter, Mr Sahib said that most employers are understanding and flexible regarding their working hours.

“Some people will work through the lunch hour instead of taking that break so that they can go home to prepare for iftar with family and friends,” he said.

What makes Ramadan in Canberra different from predominantly Muslim countries is the strong sense of community that has been forged over the years.

“Most people who live in Canberra are away from their family and friends back home. We realised that if these people are left alone, they lose the feeling of Islam and the importance of Ramadan. We try our best to accommodate

Tummies rumble for


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Shoes of the faithful at the Canberra Mosque in Yarralumla... Ramadan “is a period when people practice a lot of self control and sacrificing.” Photo by Silas

Ramadan Where there’s a WillsTHE inaugural Benny Wills Golf Day and Dinner will be held at Gungahlin Lakes, Nicholls, and followed by dinner at the Ainslie Football Club on Thursday, September 16, with MC Tim Gavel. Four-year-old Benny Wills died in 2009 after being diagnosed with an inoper-able brain tumour. The event aims to raise $50,000, with all proceeds going towards brain tumour research at Sydney Children’s Hospital. For further information visit www.bennywills.com or contact organiser Imogen Wills at [email protected] or on 0417 065404. Golf is $80, dinner is $80 and golf and dinner is $150.

New UC chancellorJOHN Mackay has been appointed chan-cellor of the University of Canberra. The ACTEW chairman will take over from Prof Ingrid Moses on January 1. Mr Mackay was a student at the university’s predecessor the Canberra College of Advanced Education (gradu-ating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Administration) and more recently a member of its governing council. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university last year.

Office glutTHE office market vacancy rate in Can-berra is 13.6 per cent, its highest level on record, according to the Property Council of Australia’s latest “Office Market Report”. Canberra now has the highest office market vacancy rates of any of the capital cities. Civic’s vacancy rate increased from 7.4 per cent to 16 per cent, the highest on record.

everyone, even non-Muslims to come and experience Ramadan with us,” he said.

As the number of Muslims in Australia continues to grow, Mr Sahib said that religious tolerance and understanding follows suit.

“Muslims have been in Australia for a long time now and Australians are very aware of it. They do have an understanding of Ramadan although they do not know the details. Most of the time, they are in awe that some-one can go without food and water from predawn to sunset. Of course, there will be pockets of intolerance sometimes, but mostly, there have not been any issues here in Canberra,” he said.


all about

SARAH JESSICA PARKERWIN one of five copies of “Who Do You Think You Are? USA”. Simply go to citynews.com.au/competitions and follow the instructions.

opinion

HOW wonderfully refreshing it was to see retired ACT Supreme Court judge Ken Crispin taking the case for drug reform into the public arena via the ABC’s “7.30 Report” recently.

His arguments were not new. It has been clear for many years that the so-called “War on Drugs” has not only been lost, it has been counter-pro-ductive. It has actually caused untold thousands around the world to become hooked on drugs when otherwise they would have spent their en-tire lives without the slightest interest in them.

The reason is that prohibition encourages the development of a pyramid selling system. As Crispin put it, the addict gets sick of stealing to buy his drugs so becomes a dealer urging others into the habit to pay for his own. And the fact that it’s illegal only increases the temptation to young people passing through that stage in life where rebellion against authority is an attraction in its own right.

The result has been that the drug trade has become a worldwide phenomenon; heroin and co-caine are a fraction of the price they were 40 years ago when the “war” began; entire states such as Mexico and Afghanistan have been utterly cor-rupted; drug lords and terrorist groups have found common cause; hundreds of thousands of police officials throughout the world have joined the enemy (for a price); and we’ve had to build lots of new jails – at an outrageous cost – to house all the POWs.

Yet in the face of such blindingly obvious facts, no politician has been prepared to stand up for

change. According to Crispin, they fear the “law and order brigade”, and I’m sure that’s true. But for how much longer will this motley crew of right-wing politicians and religious authoritarians be able to retain their control over the broader and more rational community?

Alas, at this stage there seems to be no end in sight. What’s needed is once again a movement of people of good sense and goodwill to come together under a banner to change community perceptions.

The simple truth is that drug use is not a crime; it is a health problem. The solution is to decrimi-nalise drugs and remove its rebellious cache. Instead of more jails we should be investing in state-of-the-art rehab centres run by medical (as opposed to moralising) personnel.

We really can lead the way.Judge Crispin has made a powerful case for

action in his memoir “The Quest for Justice”. He has seen the issue from both sides and has earned widespread community respect.

The real question now is whether he is prepared to lead a movement for change. Should he do so, I have no doubt that many Canberrans – including your columnist – would back him to the hilt.

[email protected]

Ken’s quest for justice THE GADFLYBy Robert Macklin

What’s wrong with Don?I JUST discovered that your “new” columnist Don Aitkin is actually the chairman of the National Capital Authority, an important fact not mentioned with his columns.

When I read Don’s first article (CN, June 24) I thought this guy must have dropped out of cir-culation a few centuries ago because the article was so out of touch with reality. I was appalled by his remark that “Women starting their first baby do not, as a rule, worry about whether or not the country, or the city, can afford to house the new arrival”. In my universe men have an equal role in starting babies.

More pertinent to Don’s unrevealed position with the NCA is the implication that a housing shortage in Canberra is caused by immigra-tion and a baby boom. While Don mentions single-person households early in his article, he drops this thought rather than focus on the single-greatest driver of the housing shortage – simultaneously declining household sizes and growing dwelling sizes.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (and I’m sure Don’s NCA has access to this infor-mation) average household size has shrunk by 30 per cent in the last 40 years while the average number of rooms per dwelling has rocketed up.

Those who can afford it are buying/building bigger houses for their possessions rather than for people, and THAT is what is making it harder and harder for lower-income people to afford housing.

It is so convenient for Don to blame the usual targets – migrants and women, for the nation’s woes. Given his current role with the NCA, Don should be up front about his affiliation and check out the facts rather than reinforce tired myths.

Peter Blackwell, cook

Editor’s note: Relevant disclosure is expected from all our writers. Prof Aitkin writes as a private citizen with long-standing experience in history and politics. In any event, housing is a Territory and State government issue in which the NCA has no particular role.

letter



brieflyCalling ‘SuperGrands’ COMMUNITIES@Work is looking for “SuperGrands”, dedicated volunteers to mentor young families to help strengthen their living skills in areas such as cooking, routines, budgeting and gardening. Training, peer support and social opportunities are provided in a program aimed at giving seniors the chance to share their knowledge of a lifetime with young families. If you’re interested call 6293 6520.

Car for SportzCare SPORTzCARE ACT, a local not-for-profit organisation that provides counselling services to sportspeople in Canberra and south-east NSW, has been presented with a vehicle with the help of race-day sponsors at Thoroughbred Park by Canberra Racing Club chair-man Geoff Bloom. Thoroughbred Park dedicated its race meeting to assist Sportzcare. Race-day sponsors included John McGrath Ford, ActewAGL, Canberra Milk, Ainslie Football Club, Australian Jockey’s Association, NSW Jockey’s Association, Burley Griffin Carpet Care, B&D Bricklaying and Nick Olive Racing.

Buddies togetherBOSOM Buddies will draw its annual raffle at Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery, Lyneham, at 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 18. Bosom Buddies will also be launching their “Hat Hat Hooray” competition, in which the pubic is invited to make a hat, beret, beanie, cloche or any interesting head covering and enter it into one of three categories: happy or whimsical, sporty or fashion. Entries close on October 11 and winners announced on October 25 at the Australian Breast Cancer Day dinner. www.bosombuddies.com.au

CorrectionGARY Humphries knocked on his first door in Lambrigg Street, Farrar, not the address published in last week’s “CityNews” story “Face his fortune as Gary battles Greens”.

By Michael MooreTHE best campaign speech of the 2001 election was when Kim Bea-zley conceded to John Howard. It was outstanding because, for the first time in the election campaign of that year, Australians heard the “real” Kim Beazley instead of the one that had been framed and coached by the party campaign gurus.

Therefore, it was such a breath of fresh air when Prime Minister Julie Gillard stood up and said she was taking over the campaign to run it her way.

The things that were not heard in the 2001 campaign came out in the concession speech as Beazley reminded Howard of the chal-lenges ahead: “How are we going to be able to draw upon all our people, whatever their background, what-ever racial group they come from, whatever cultural background they have, whatever religious background we may have, how are we going to draw on the strength of all our diversity to ensure that we as a nation survive and prosper? This now is a very real challenge. We don’t stand these days where we did once in the high regard of the nations in the region around us”.

This same challenge is still ahead of us nearly a decade later. As Don Aitkin asked in “CityNews” last week... where are

the real issues of consequence in this election? Where is the real debate about alternative ways to manage health, the economy, edu-cation and national security?

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is playing the same game that the Labor strategists had opted for be-fore Julia Gillard broke the mould – forget any type of genuine lead-ership, do not take an action that might embarrass or be interpreted as a gaffe, take no risk, keep a low profile, rely on polling and focus groups and play to the populist agenda.

Beazley is not the only former leader who can provide a lesson.

The reaction to the way Rudd was deposed is partially because he was so well liked by ordinary Austral-ians who had been supportive over most of his time as Prime Minister. It would be unfair and simplistic to argue that he did not stand up and fight to make a difference based on Labor values and ideals. To name just a few: he managed Australia effectively through the global fi-nancial crisis, he presided over the development of reforms in health, education and indigenous affairs and was focused on nation-build-ing projects such as the National Broadband Network.

However, his failure to stand up

and fight in just a few areas painted him as reed that would bend in the wind. The most notable of these was on climate change which he himself described as “the greatest moral, economic and environmen-tal challenge of our generation”. And then backed down. It is true that the Greens didn’t support him on a carbon tax and because they thought it didn’t go far enough. It is true that the Liberal view of Mal-colm Turnbull was overturned in favour of the conservative view of Tony Abbott.

Perhaps the focus groups told Labor that many Australians had real doubts. But this was an oppor-tunity for leadership. An opportu-nity lost. It was not good enough to back down, to be a quitter – to post-pone decisions for fear of electoral consequences. Australians wanted to see Labor stick to its guns, to fight the good fight no matter what the odds. This is the type of Prime Minister the electorate wants to support to run the government.

Julia Gillard has effectively promised the dawn of an authentic competition of ideas. If we hear from the genuinely conservative Tony Abbott, voters will have a real choice when they go to the polls.

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

Looking hard for leadershippolitics


“IF only I had time for a cup of tea with everyone in Canberra, that would be fantastic,” muses ACT Greens candi-date Lin Hatfield Dodds, adjusting her stockings in the passenger seat of a car plastered with “Lin for the Senate” stickers.

“I genuinely like people,” she says. “People have well-developed crap detectors. Most people can tell when you’re not interested or don’t care. But I do.”

As she heads to polling day, Hatfield Dodds is on high-level election mode, gearing up to take the Senate by storm in her Green party machine.

“It’s a team process, everyone is involved,” Hatfield Dodds says about her campaign, which is headed up by Greens Leader Bob Brown’s partner Paul Thomas.

“It’s just how we do stuff.”The day after the election was an-

nounced, Hatfield Dodds stood along-side Brown out the front of Parliament House and has been present at no less than four press conferences with her leader in the capital over the first three weeks of the campaign.

In the same time Liberal Senator Gary Humphries and Labor Senator

Kate Lundy have not been seen at any press conferences with their leaders.

“It raises the profile of the Greens as a party,” Thomas told the “CityNews”.

“We’re serious about this jurisdic-tion and it says we are a cohesive team.”

Hatfield Dodds says: “People want to know, can you deliver what you’ll say you’ll deliver. The Liberal Senator has not a whole lot of influence with his party leadership.”

The social justice advocate and former ACT Australian of the Year says she has a solid relationship with her party leadership and will be a strong voice in the Greens if elected.

Hatfield Dodds gave her first press conference at Federal Parliament in 2002 for Uniting Care, titled “Let’s Get Real About Poverty”.

“I’ve done reasonably public things in the last decade and my tip for sur-viving is to take the issues really seri-ously, but not yourself,” she says.

In her campaign, Hatfield Dodds has become famous for sitting down for a cup of tea with constituents, community groups and key players in Canberra’s political scene on top of regular campaign techniques such as door knocking, supermarket bombing and propagating at car park stalls.

“It’s about creating informal spaces

to meet people,” Hatfield Dodds says.“We’re trying to create spaces to

have conversations because you can’t properly represent people without dialogue.

“Leaders and people in positions of power like to think they’re listening, but to develop vision with other people takes building a movement.

“Social transformation is not about one person, you lead from the middle.

“We’re about building pathways and THAT’s moving forward.”

In the freezing winter wind at Hawker shops, Hatfield Dodds stops the daytime traffic of pensioners, tradies and parents, handing out Greens

pamphlets and detailing her ideas jux-taposed with citizen concerns.

It’s clear the Greens have yet to shake off a certain kind of image.

“It’s the looney left,” one man says, while another woman vigorously grabs Hatfield Dodds by the hand.

“Got to keep the other guys honest!” she enthuses, borrowing an old phrase from the Democrats, long since voted out into the cold.

Despite Liberal confidence at retain-ing Humphries’ senate seat, Hatfield Dodds is more than optimistic about her chances of election,

“It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.”

campaign trail federal election 2010

Lin Hatfield Dodds, takes time for tea, at Parliament House with Greens leader Bob Brown and campaigning… “I genuinely like people”. Photos by Silas

With Greens polling showing the second ACT Senate seat too close to call, Greens candidate Lin Hatfield Dodds is always ready for a cuppa. ELERI HARRIS reports

Lin ‘gets real’ about taking Senate seat

�0 CityNews August 12-18

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At National Eisteddfod choirs launch, Forrest At Alex Sciberras’ farewell party, Canberra Theatre Centre

Ellnor Grassby, Dianne Anderson and Brenda Newham Isobel Griffin and Chris Latham

Tanya Kavanagh, Glenda Lloyd, Joe Giugni, Jennifer Lloyd and George Spencer Peter Haddon and Charlotte Nattey

Ann Sutton and Sue Chessell

Deshi Rahim, Melanie Gos and Claire Deluca Rob Bassett, Alex Sciberras and Andy March

Emanual Vavoulas, Agnes and Nathan Sciberras with Nick NonasCat Cullen and Gregor Murray

Roni Wilkinson, Tina van Raay and Huw Ollerenshaw

Trudy Collins, Sue Ebejer, Carole Rendell, Jody Turner and Helen Barker

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

By Helen MusaA RADICAL “back to the future” report on arts policy in the ACT handed down to Chief and Arts Minister Jon Stanhope has drawn mixed reactions from the ACT arts community.

The 189-page report by Peter Loxton & Associates of Sydney, makes 114 recommendations for future policy in the ACT arts after consulting around 500 Canberra arts stakeholders, but said the advice was often contradictory, with respondents showing little interest in arts forms other than their own.

To long-time arts administrator Evol McLeod, the report uncov-ered a “hugely disparate response” from the arts community that showed there was little “collegiate feel” and suggesting the need for the resurrection of arts sector forums. To Canberra playwright and director, Trevar Chilver, the report picked up on the need for ACT arts policy to “have a shake up”.

With a focus on professionalism, emerging and indigenous artists, the report says officers in artsACT were widely mistrusted by the community and criticised as “overly process-driven, bu-reaucratic and unresponsive”. Yet the report recommends giving the unit greater responsibility, with its policy advice to be both proactive and “quickly reactive”. Additionally, the report recom-mends that artsACT seek links with national cultural institutions.

A proposal to remove funding responsibilities from the current Cultural Council to a tight group of about nine professionals seems to place the peer group funding process in jeopardy.

Most radical, the Cultural Facilities Corporation would be broken up into heritage, theatre and visual arts entities, with the Canberra Theatre returning to its former status as a self-govern-ing body. This seems at odds with another suggestion of reducing the number of Key Arts Organisations from around 20 to eight clusters or “arts hubs”, also suggesting group marketing initiatives on the lines of Canberra’s marketing, dropped by ArtsACT two years ago.

Chairman of the Cultural Facilities Corporation Prof Don Aitkin, criticised the report as “sloppy and inconsistent” and for including no money chapter… “Treasury may ask ‘How much will it cost?’”

He also questioned whether Government needed a clearer arts policy, which to Professor Aitkin smacked of Soviet-era control.

In the end, the question will be whether Government will implement any of the recommendations at all. Former National Multicultural Festival director Domenic Mico says it would be a “miracle” if, as the report suggests, it restored the former festival as an independent entity.

Submissions on the consultant’s report can be made until October 29. Visit www.arts.act.gov.au or call 132281.

BEHIND the grubby Soviet-style walls of the former library in Blaxland Street, Griffith, lies this dazzling sur-prise... the reinvented M16 Artspace.

Revamped at a cost of $600,000 by the ACT Government, director of M16 Joseph Falsone said it was 25 years since the organisation began as Kingston Art Space, later becoming Leichhardt Street Studios, then M16. While they’ll be paying rent to the Government, it’s a big step forward for the art space and its 700 work-shop participants.

The complex, which houses Hands-On Studio, the Canberra Art Work-shop, the Artists’ Society of Canberra and studioMAP, also includes three galleries, four workshop spaces and state-of-the-art studios for 28 artists. –Helen Musa

By Helen MusaIT’S “40-something years,” Doug Parkinson almost blushes to tell me, since he and his band In Focus scored a smash hit with the Lennon-McCartney song “Dear Prudence”.

He’ll be in town soon at the Royal Theatre with the show “Let it Be: The Beatles songs of Lennon & McCartney” and he becomes nostalgic just thinking about the two hours of much-loved songs we’ll hear.

“I was very, very much younger,” Parkinson reminisces, “it was exciting, revolutionary music never before heard, and it was a huge influence on me. The Beatles more or less made the world stop still… I can’t see anything like that now.”

Probably even more exciting,

he’ll have a 10-piece band with him led by Paul Burton and an all-star group of co-performers in Jack Jones from Southern Sons, Jon Stevens from Noiseworks and John Waters, creator of the biographical John Lennon show “Looking Through a Glass Onion”.

Parkinson did a Beatles show back in 2007, but says with glee, “this time we’ve got the four boys – four very different artists all paying the utmost respect”.

He tells me they’ve been haggling over who gets to sing what and predicts Jones will bring the house down with “Blackbird”. He’s one of the four boys, of course, and personally hopes to carry the audience with him when he sings “Carry

That Weight” from the album “Abbey Road”.

Parkinson acknowledges the unique lyrics of the Beatles, but he thinks about them from a musician’s perspective, enthus-ing to me about their “chordal progression – so radical”.

“They had very big ears, those boys,” he says of Lennon and McCartney, who borrowed extensively from their forebears such as Chuck Berry and other formative rockers, but intro-duced their own unique chords and words, went to unusual

sources such as Indian music and dared to emulate classical music by switching from minor to major key within songs.

“They forced the Yanks to face the fact that they had mas-tered the medium of popular music,” Parkinson says.

“I think it was a thing that was meant to be, it was so wonderful how the planets all lined up.”

“Let it Be: The Beatles songs of Lennon & McCartney”, Royal Theatre, August 20. Bookings to 132 849.

Doug Parkinson… “It was exciting, revolutionary music never before heard.”

When Dougwas younger, so much youngerthan today...

Arts go backto the future

Artists go into space

Above: The new M16 Artspace gallery.

Left: Local artist Meelan Oh settles in to her state-of-the-art studio.


arts&entertainment

GREAT news that Canberra actress Lexi Sekuless has won a place in the three-year acting course at Central School of Speech and Drama in London. It’s a top school with a star-studded cast of gradu-ates, including Judi Dench and Julie Christie. Her departure has been marked by a show at Teatro Vivaldi, celebrating the career of Marilyn Monroe. Sekuless stormed the Can-berra stage several years ago as Marilyn’s famous “Girl” in “The Seven Year Itch”.

A NEW moving sculpture by Melbourne artist, Konstantin Dimopoulos, was unexpect-edly unveiled last week at the Belconnen Arts Centre by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope. “Dancers on a Lakefront” is made up of seven groups of bright yellow rods, inspired by the reeds that fringe Lake Ginninderra.

STRANGE goings-on at the venerable Jigsaw Theatre Company, which talks more of its board members than its actors these days. After publicly mourning the retirement from the chair of Andrew Lu, it has now announced that academic Adele Chynoweth will assume his vacated seat. Now, let’s hear something about the company’s future plans.

THE University of Canberra is gleeful about the winners in its Campus Design Ideas Competition. The $30,000 prize for the best design was won by WA and Italian architects MORQ, which also won $15,000 for “Siting of Key Buildings”. Expect

some time in the future to see a new-look concourse featuring a network of grass-covered roof canopies with openings to accommodate existing trees.

NEW York director Joanne Schultz is directing a show described as “part feminist fable, part noir-cabaret”. With a libretto written and sung by Maike Brill, a German-born singer and voice trainer, with piano music composed by Anthony Smith, “The Will to Freedom” is partly inspired by Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s autobiographi-

cal book “Infidel” and is at the Street Theatre from August 19-22. Bookings to 6247 1223.

YOU’VE got only until August 15 to catch Canberra artist Brenda Runnegar’s exhibition at the ANCA Gallery in Dickson. “Hills of Sand” is based on the Willandra Lakes area of far western NSW – in particular Lake Mungo.

THE photograph published with last week’s story on “The Boy from Oz” was of Jarrad West playing Peter Allen, not of Jeffrey van de zandt.

Lexi’s itching toget to London

CINEMABy Dougal Macdonald

ARTS IN THE CITYBy Helen Musa

“THe GHoST WrITer” (MA)

Lexi Sekuless... celebrating the career of Marilyn Monroe.

YOU may never have heard of any of the performers in Jon Chu’s exuberant film of love, ambition and jam dance.

A wish-fulfilling screenplay by Amy Andelson and Emily Myer shapes its view of life to the expectations of an adolescent and young-adult target audience, but that’s no reason for avoiding it. Its chief purpose is to entertain through dance numbers.

Most of all, it offers jam dance, athletic, acrobatic, energetic aggres-sive, vigorous, don’t-care-if-it-hurts movements of 21st century youth to rhythms and tones which, although made on musical instruments, seldom conform to traditional canons of musi-cal expression.

Luke (Rick Malambri) leads a working-class dance troupe which Natalie (Sharni Vinson), Moose (Adam Sevani) and Camille (Alyson Stoner) separately join. Natalie’s brother Julien (Joe Slaughter) leads a rival troupe and wants to use his inherited wealth to evict Luke’s group from its rented warehouse home. The two groups compete in the hubristically-named World Jam Dance championships. Winning is mere dramatic decoration. “Step Up” is about dance.

Available only in 3D, its in-your-face images sometimes hurtle off the screen without exactly enhancing its visual power. The flicky lighting of some of the dance routines may annoy some. But those are minor shortcomings in a film that, on its bottom line, was more agreeable than I expected.

At Dendy

“STeP UP 3D” (PG)

A HARD-headed publisher (aren’t they all?) engages the ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) to carve the fat off the memoirs of British former Prime Minister Lang (Pierce Brosnan) and turn them into a best-seller. Lang, with wife Ruth (Olivia Williams) and PA (Kim Cattrall giving a gutsier performance than in “Sex and The City”), is currently living behind tight security on a bleak island off the Mas-sachusetts coast where several days earlier, the body of Lang’s previous ghost washed up. Did he fall or was he pushed from the car ferry? Lang is about to be summoned before an international tribunal to answer charges of authorising brutal treatment of prisoners in the Balkans conflict.

Director Roman Polanski’s film has good tensions to match its gloomy autumn weather. Of all the principal characters, only the writer (he has no name) has no porkies to tell as he finds himself being drawn into a web of misinformation and concealment

spun by the Langs and right-wing academic political analyst Emmett (Tom Wilkinson). When Lang jets to The Hague to face his accusers, a confused and unhappy Ruth loses little time in screwing the writer.

The film won’t teach you much about the craft of ghost writing, but having done a little of that myself, I felt its treatment of that theme was lightweight. It’s on more firm ground as the writer, keen to earn his $250,000 fee, gets involved with people working hard to ensure that he never uncovers secrets. For whom are they working? What will the writer do when he finds out? Answering those questions forms the film’s most substantial themes.

Final assessment? Polanski was labouring under the burden of a screenplay, adapted by Robert Harris from his own novel, that should have provided a more persuasive solution of the mystery before a denoue-ment that, to say the least, is unexpected, as all good endings should be.

At Dendy

Love, ambition and dance

Sharni Vinson as Natalie in “Step Up 3D”… Its chief purpose is to entertain through dance.


URBAN Pantry, the newest eating adventure to hit the inner south, is sure of one thing and that is its identity – urban chic decor with gourmet pantry products used in the cooking (with a handful available for sale, including the café’s own blend of coffee).

I’ve been for breakfast twice and my tastebuds are still thanking me for it.

Positioned on Manuka’s famous lawns, Urban Pantry is all about detail. Detail in the fitout, detail in the food and detail in the service.

The place has a great vibe à la some of the coolest places in Melbourne. The wooden floors were transported from old Sydney homes. The brick wall features “tree of life” artwork by a young student (look closely for the sweet musical notes). The marvellous black lamps are imported from Italy and the list goes on. Indeed, every bit of the fit out has its own interesting story.

Urban Pantry, owned by the “Cream Group”, offers innovative menu items not seen in other Canberra cafés. The bread is delivered daily from Sydney’s prestigious Sonoma artisan bakers and is available for sale, including malted rye, soy and linseed, walnut raisin and country white. It’s walk-ing out the door.

The menu will excite those with gluten-free and vegetarian requirements, including the dairy and wheat-free por-ridge with banana, toasted almonds and honey ($14) and what I ordered on my first

visit, the cannellini beans braised in a spicy tomato sauce, with poached free-range eggs, basil pesto and toasted bread ($14). It’s a healthy, “make you feel good” dish, with no guilt attached. On this same visit my friend drooled over her omelette with fresh proscuitto, capsicum, olives, vintage cheddar and rocket, served with a delight-ful, tasty chilli jam made in-house.

My second breakfast experience was equally rewarding. I accepted the recom-mendation for the vegetarian pumpkin and potato cakes with rocket, avocado, sour cream and red onion jam ($14). It was one of the most delightful looking dishes I’ve been served at breakfast in ages. The “av” was creamy and the cakes a gorgeous texture. My friend and I agreed that Urban Pantry paid homage to the traditional eggs

Benedict with leg ham and hollandaise sauce (well priced at $13).

Urban Pantry has a great outdoor dining area, with new heaters. Another new addi-tion, facing the lawns, are two large tables featuring bright red and white ceramic tops – great communal dining in the sun, no matter what time of year.

Back inside, the dessert pantry features some decadent options created by the fa-ther of one of the owners, a trained pastry chef with years of experience dealing with sweets. I couldn’t justify it after breakfast, but will be back to indulge very soon.

Urban Pantry, 5 Bougainville Street (The Lawns), Manuka. 6162 3556. As of 16 August, open 7.30am to late Monday to Friday; 8am-8pm Saturday and 8am-4pm Sunday.

all about

SuSAN SARANDONWIN one of five copies of “Who Do You Think You Are? USA”. Simply go to citynews.com.au/competitions and follow the instructions.

arts&entertainment

DININGBy Wendy Johnson

VISuAL ARTJudy Cassab & John Seed Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, until September 5Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

Urban Pantry... all about detail. Detail in the fitout, detail in the food and detail in the service. Photo by Silas

In the pantry of urban chic

Still life and sculpture of steel

Detail of “Nora Heysen (1911-2003)” by Judy Cassab.

TWICE a winner of the Archibald Prize for Portraiture, the vener-able Judy Cassab continues to paint in her 90th year.

This exhibition, in conjunction with her son, sculptor John Seed, includes work from the early ‘80s through to 2009. Cassab’s

works are predominately still lifes and contemplative portraits in oils, but also one marvellous example each of a drawing, monotype and watercolour, with a selection of large abstracted landscapes, in gouache and charcoal on paper, from the Rainbow Valley series.

Cassab’s uncompromising portrait “Nora Heysen (1911-2003)”, 2008, oil on board, is richly nuanced.

Here are two artists engaged in dialogue though the

sitter had passed away and the painter was journeying through dementia. “Flowers at sunset”, 2009 is awash with wonderful Matisse-like colours bleeding through diaphonous fabric drapery. Cassab’s powerful colouration triumphs and the essence is remarkably distilled. These later works are rendered mysterious; from where springs the creative spark that translates to canvas with such continued proficiency even as the artist’s facilities of memory diminish?

John Seed’s sculptural forms speak of the artist’s years spent in nature. Seed has been lauded for his effective contributions to international rainforest conservation. These powder-coated, matt black, galvanised steel sculptures are grounded yet appear poised for flight. Fractal references recalling plants, seed pods and shells combine with wave-like forms to contribute to an architecture of nature which makes these works highly covetable.

The sole collaborative work, with sculptor John Gardner, titled “Combined Vision”, (powder-coated galvanised steel, aluminium, sandblasted glass on black granite base, 86cmx-86cmx25cm), is wilfully masculine, accomplished and fully resolved.



all about weddings dresses | venues | rings flowers | photos | pampering

advertising feature

Making the most of the biggest dayIT’S one of the biggest days of our lives – and an event with so many elements, from the ceremony, dress and jewellery to photography, reception and accommodation, needs careful planning and research!

We spoke to some of Canberra’s wedding experts to find out how bridal couples can take some of the stress out of their wedding day...

BOUQUETS are an important accessory which require a bit of research to get right, says Adi Watters, owner of Lil’ Blossom in Civic.

“Make sure you get your wedding dress before you go and see a florist,” she advises. “We try and make the bouquet more of an accessory than a focus, to comple-ment the dress, not overtake it.

“Sometimes you’ll see a tiny bride overwhelmed by a huge

bouquet, and so it’s important to get it right. I advise people to go through as many magazines as they can to get an idea of the kind of flavour they’re looking for.”

Anything goes in terms of colour and flowers used these days, Adi says, but there’s a significant trend towards less structure in bouquets and other arrangements.

“There’s a little less tradition now, and more relaxation, more individuality.”

More information on www.lilblossom.com.au or call 6162 1780.

Think about that bouquet

TAKING the time to relax before the big day is important, says Natesai Chaiyabarn, owner of Orchid Essence in Braddon.

“Pampering is a nice thing for brides and bridesmaids to do to relax – and it’s also good for hen’s nights!” she says.

Orchid Essence offers several different types of massage, as well as facials, a sauna and spa.

There are private massage rooms as well as rooms for two, where the bride and groom can be pampered before the big day.

“We do body exfoliation and facials to prepare the skin so that it looks its best, and packages so that brides can come in once a week, for four weeks, to improve their skin.”

More information on www.orchidessence.com.au or call 6249 1559.

Pampering for the bride

BRIDAL couples need to have a good rap-port with and be comfortable around their wedding photographer, says Jodi Shepherd, of Hot Shots Photography.

“A lot of people come to me and say they’re not photogenic. In fact, usually that’s the first thing people say!” she says.

“But everybody’s photogenic. It’s just a case of figuring out the best angles and features to highlight when you’re photo-graphing the subject.”

To help couples get to know her and how she works, Jodi usually photographs

couples before the wedding day itself, in her Fyshwick studio.

“I do an engagement portrait, and that way couples feel they already know me – and I know how they photograph. It means we’re all well-prepared on the day.

“A wedding photographer needs to be not just professional and creative, but someone you work well with: that you have a rapport with.”

More information at www.hotshotspho-tography.com.au or call 6260 6255.

Well-prepared for the big-day’s photos


all about weddings

WEDDING jewellery should complement the dress and the overall look the bride wants to create, says Leane Belmonte, from DeVine Goddess in the Canberra Centre – and it’s a very personal decision!

“Choosing the right style of wedding jewellery will vary from bride to bride,” she says.

“The biggest trend we are seeing at DeVine Goddess is chandelier earrings. Especially if your dress is embellished and detailed, brides are opting for a statement pair of earrings, teamed with a gorgeous brace-let to complement their look.

“Pearls are always popular, as they are classic, elegant and timeless.

“Well-chosen jewellery will help complete your look and ensure you leave a lasting impression!”

And don’t forget the

bridesmaids, she says. “It’s important for bridesmaids to have beautiful jewellery too, because they inevitably share the same picture frame as you!”

Dazzling and DeVine

Look and feel the centre of attentionWOMEN want to look and feel their best on their wedding day, says Lina Prego, of Avida Wellness Clinic in Bailey’s Corner, Civic.

Lina says that as the bride is the centre of attention, with all eyes upon her and the top objective of the photographer, it’s vital that she feel good inside and out.

“It’s fundamental that her face, body and skin are firm, luminous and looking their best.”

There’s more to looking wonderful on the wedding day than having hair and make-up done, she says. “It’s a whole body image,

making non-invasive cosmetic procedures very high in demand.

“And why not, when you can look your very best on your wedding day, and every other day, naturally without surgery or injectables?”

Lina says the most popular treatments at Avida include non-surgical liposuction for the belly, bottom, arms and legs; cellulite removal; oxygen facials; skin lifting; permanent hair reduction; teeth whitening and body wraps.

More information at www.avidaclinic.com.au or call 6249 1848.


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FIORE Garden Spa at Hawker takes a holistic approach to skin and body health, according to owner Alison Kenny.

Alison says it’s important to understand that Canberra’s climate is particularly harsh on the skin: its low humidity can cause all skin types to become sensitive and develop problems.

To bring skin back to condition for life’s milestones, such as weddings, Fiore Garden Spa offers therapeutic facials, skin and body care,

with non-invasive and customised treatments.The spa offers natural, Australian-made

beauty and cosmeceutical products formulated to bring out the skin’s natural beauty.

Treatments range from Moroccan Rose hand treatments and an aromatic foot treatment to facial waxing and signature facials for different skin types.

More information at www.fioregardenspa.com.au or call 6254 3343.

Spa takes holistic approach to skin and body health

WEDDING receptions need just as much attention as the ceremony itself, says Bindi Kelly, the new functions co-or-dinator and sales manager at the Belconnen Premier Inn.

“At the end of the day, the reception’s the longest part of the wedding and it’s the part that people remember,” she says. “If people are in too cramped a space, they certainly remember it!

“At Belconnen Premier Inn, we cater for smaller wed-dings: for a dinner reception with a dance floor, we can cater for 100 people, or 150 at a cocktail reception.

“Finding the right space for a wedding’s size means there’s plenty of room to move, and creates a relaxed environment

that’s still elegant.”Bindi says anything suppli-

ers can do to relieve the stress of planning is important. “That’s why we’re in the proc-ess of organising preferred suppliers, so we can offer

reduced rates to the bride and groom and it’s one less thing for them to worry about.”

More information at www.belconnenpremierinn.com or call 6253 3633.

Finding the right space


THE Brassey Hotel in Barton offers a beautiful heritage-listed wedding venue, which can host everything from the ceremony, to the photos and reception, says the hotel’s Markus Gibson-Huck.

“It’s 84 years old, and was built to open Parliament – so it’s the same age as Old Parliament House,” he says.

“We have a beautiful ballroom which can take up to 160 people, and a private courtyard where the ceremony can take place under the arbour.”

Landscaped gardens are in full bloom in summer, he says, providing the perfect backdrop for photography.

More information at www.brassey.net.au or call 6273 3766.

Heritage setting a well-kept secretIT’S a heritage setting for weddings: yet it remains one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets for functions, says University House’s Walter Sauer.

Many people say they weren’t aware the venue existed, he says – or that it could be used by the public.

As well as offering a heritage setting with original artwork (the 1950s building was built as accommodation for academics, and has

been carefully preserved), the boutique hotel and venue offers tranquil gardens which can accommodate functions for as many as 1000 guests.

Friends and family are welcome to stay back at the same venue, retiring to the small bar and their rooms, Walter says – “so it’s a one-stop-shop on the night”.

More information at www.anu.edu.au/unihouse or call 6125 5211.

The bloomin’ beautiful

all about weddings


THE Skyline room at the Ry-dges Lakeside Canberra has been reopened as a dedicated function venue, says the hotel’s Carley Simpson.

“It’s quite unique for Canberra, with great views over the lake and the city, which is beautiful at night,” she says.

“We’re the largest function venue in Canberra, and we can seat up to 750 people, though our largest wedding has been for 400.

“We’ve just refurbished our function venues, including Skyline. There’s a real focus on service, and we offer premier packages, up to and including a degustation menu.”

More information on www.rydges.com or call 6247 6244.

Room with a view

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COOLEMAN Court Beauty Centre offers brides tailored make-up treatments to meet their individual needs – plus complimentary champagne and cheese and fruit platter!

As well as bridal trial runs and on-the-day bridal make-up, The Beauty Centre offers several packages.

These include the on-the-day package, including bridal make-up and spa manicure and pedicure; or there’s a deluxe bridal package which also includes waxing, facials, eyebrow tint and more.

There’s also a super deluxe package, or brides can design their own package (minumum spend of $280) and receive a 10 per cent discount.

More information on www.ccbeautycentre.com.au or call 6288 5522.

Champagne, cheese and beautyBRIDES and grooms should take their time shopping for wedding and engagement rings, says Maria Rinaudo from Solitaire, in the Canberra Centre.

“It’s not something to rush into,” she says. “Do your research, see what’s out there and pick some-thing that you feel will look lovely on you, and that you’ll be happy to wear for the rest of your life.”

Maria says that wedding jewel-lery can really bring the bride and groom’s overall look together on the big day.

“We do wedding bands, engage-ment rings, cufflinks for the men, bridesmaids’ jewellery… all these little things make your outfit for the wedding day complete.”

More information on 6162 3665.

Ring can’t be rushed

GOLD’N Glow is one of Canberra’s only mobile tan-ning salons, says the salon’s Jessica Reimer, who is also the managing director of Contours in Woden.

“You can now get gorgeous, glamorous and glowing in the comfort of your own home,” she says.

First established in early 2009, the salon caters to people all over the ACT and in surrounding regions, seven days a week including after hours.

Tanning parties are available, and hosts receive a free spray tan and gifts.

More information on 0431 279 348.

Tan on wheels


all about weddings advertising feature

All about ambianceTHE right location makes all the dif-ference to the big day, says Samantha Ellison, conference sales manager at the Rydges Capital Hill.

“Location creates the vibe and ambiance of the day, and sets a certain image,” she says.

“It sets the atmosphere; there’s also the point that it’s good to have a central location.” This means guests can relax at the hotel while the bridal couple have photographs taken, she added.

“Our atrium is stunning, and perfect for pre-dinner drinks; we have a court-yard which is ideal for the ceremony – we’re a one-stop shop, with a lot of churches nearby, parks, the lake and of course Parliament House.”

More information at www.rydges.com or call 6295 3144.

THE right make-up and hair are essential for brides and bridesmaids, says Elissa Michel, from Sibu Beauty.

Make-up techniques which comple-ment the use of both colour and black-and-white photography are vital, she says.

“We recommend a trial prior to any wedding make-up, to ensure the bride has the exact look she wants, which will remain timeless in her wedding photos.”

Sibu offers in-salon or in-home bridal make-up, and services include facials, spray tans, eyelash extensions, waxing and gel nails. Bridal packages are available.


When make-up matters

Relaxed location down by the seaFINDING the right reception venue is one of the first things brides and grooms need to cross off their plan-ning list, says Narooma Golf Club function co-ordinator Joely Gelme.

“Especially if the wedding will be during the peak months of October-November or February-March, and especially if it’s planned for a Saturday, you pretty much need to look at booking 12 months in advance to get the place you want,” she advises.

“Location, view and working with the couple to give them the

perfect day” are what’s on offer at the Narooma Golf Club, she says.

“Our couples can be as hands-on as they like – or they can just drop off the wedding cake, enjoy their day and leave everything up to us. Everybody’s different, and a good venue adapts to that.”

The club offers everything from headland ceremonies and access to local beaches through to the reception.

More information at www.naroomagolf.com.au or call (02) 4476 2522.

Be ‘delighted’ about the dressDRESSING women elegantly is what Enchante is all about, says Mrs B Reynolds, the shop’s owner.

Enchante, which is French for “delighted”, opened its doors in February, offering a wide range of evening dresses and bridal gowns.

Mrs Reynolds says she wanted to take advantage of her con-tacts in the formal wear business, in Australia and overseas, to open her shop selling bridal and formal wear.

She travels frequently to trade shows here and overseas, seeking the best and most up-to-date fashion.

“Enchante has some of the most stunning and affordable dresses you will find not just in Canberra, but in Australia,” she says.

Enchante will exhibit at the Bridal Expo on Sunday, August 29.



all about

BROOKE SHIELDSWIN one of five copies of “Who Do You Think You Are? USA”. Simply go to citynews.com.au/competitions and follow the instructions.

body

MuM IN THE CITYBy Sonya Fladun

EVERY family I know says they’re always looking for socks. Where do socks go? It’s got to be one of the great mysteries of life.

Every few weeks I buy new pairs of socks, they’re worn, tossed in the wash, and then the clothes dryer. But, all too often, only single socks emerge from the process.

Over the years, I have discussed the disappearance of socks with other odd-sock-wearing friends and I’ve encountered wide and varied theories.

There are the practical sock theorists who’ve suggested that socks get wedged

underneath the agitator in the washing machine and disappear. I don’t buy this – I had my washing machine repaired a few months back and no lost socks were found.

Then there is the lint theory; that socks are progressively broken down into lint by the action of the clothes dryer and end up in the filter. I do clean a lot of lint out of the dryer, but it doesn’t explain the quantity

of socks that go missing or why it’s always odd socks that disappear.

Other more exotic explanations include the idea that some socks just wake one morning, realise that their partner is not their perfect match and go out on their own! I rarely throw odd socks out, because the optimist in me hopes that separated socks will get back together again.

I’ve concluded that socks have an innate ability to detect when I am losing control of things at home. You know, when the wash-ing mounts up, the kids’ science and art projects are scattered across the floor and

the dog has found something horrible in the garden and brought it into the kitchen. It’s at these moments that socks seize the opportunity provided by domestic chaos; and like rats abandoning a sinking ship, they just take off, leaving us and our feet to their mismatched fate.

My husband has long advocated buying socks in only one colour, probably a nice shade of dark gray or black so everything is more or less interchangeable. But I like diversity; it’s either accept a life of wearing odd socks or fight back the general household shambles. As to the mystery of where the missing socks actually go, I haven’t sorted that out yet.

The secret life of socks


ACT Property Council awards

Play that funky music...

AFRO hair, flares and fun...“Disco Inferno” was the theme for the annual Property Council Awards Night and Gala Ball, held at the National Convention Centre.

Colourful Rider Levett Bucknall Cosmopolitan cocktails flowed and guests danced the night away to the hits of the disco era.

Presented by St Hilliers, it was also the occasion for three outstanding property professionals and a local business to gain public recognition for their achieve-ments over the year.

Property Council ACT executive direc-tor Catherine Carter said: “These awards provide a much-deserved opportunity for our industry to acknowledge and showcase real excellence in the nation’s capital.

“The calibre of this year’s entries was very high, and demonstrate the enormous contribution our industry makes to the ACT.”

The ACT Property Development of the Year, sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall, was won by John Holland for the Na-tional Portrait Gallery; the ACT Property Business of the Year Award, sponsored by GHD, was won by Jones Lang LaSalle Integrated Facilities Management Busi-ness Line; The Allan Wylucki Property Professional of the Year, sponsored by Hays Property, is Rob Purdon, director, Purdon Associates; the ACT Future Leader of the Year, sponsored by the ACT Building & Construction Industry Training Fund Authority, is Dominic Pelle, senior architect, peckvonhartel and the Executive Director’s Award for outstanding contribution to the Property Council was won by Jure Domazet, director, DOMA Group.

The 2010 Allan Wylucki ACT Property Professional of the Year Award winner: Robert Purdon, director, Purdon Associates.

The ACT Property Development of the Year Award winner: John Holland, National Portrait GalleryCOMPETITION judges awarded the $80 million National Portrait Gallery the prize for its excellence in all criteria.

Judges described the gallery as a stunning building, which combined design simplicity and adaptability with finishes that will endure time and the pressure of continual public usage.

Mr Mark Chappe, director of award sponsor Rider Levett Bucknall ACT, said: “Art, architecture and innovation combine to make this building a winner not only for the strength of its design and construction and public opinion but also in terms of its functionality and the efficient use of capital employed. It is, in the judges’ view, a build-ing with a ‘wow’ factor, and simply brilliant.”

Gallery hangs a prize

A true property professional

“IN the opinion of the judges, Rob Purdon epitomises a true property professional both in terms of the professional service he provides, but also in his leadership in discus-sions and community debate about how we can achieve a better city and a better environment to live in,” said Property Council executive director Catherine Carter.

Many of his projects are chosen for their transformational potential and include the ANU Exchange. Rob has also been closely involved with many other major develop-ment projects in the city.

“In addition to his many professional interests, Rob is well-travelled, with a range of interests including sports and

family activities. His goals include being part of major conversations about the directions of the city, and he makes a strong contribu-tion to the Property Council in this area,” she said.

Jodie Volgyesi presents Robert Purdon with his prize.

Mark Chappe, Wayne Dickinson and Geoff Donald.


advertising feature

Leader of the pack

“JLL has shown itself to be a first-rate business, proving its credentials over the last 18 months by becoming a highly successful property service provider in Canberra, winning major outsourced property management portfolios,” said Catherine Carter.

“The company’s client list is impressive and, in Canberra, the company has increased leases under management,

management of rents and outgoings, and staff numbers. Growing staff numbers have provided plenty of opportunity for career growth within the company, helped along by JLL’s own intensive management training program for senior staff.

“Client retention at contract review can be a major pressure point and places any business at risk. JLL has clearly managed

that risk by broadening its client base, and meeting and exceeding expectations.”

Company exceeds expectationsThe ACT Property Business of the Year Award winner: The Integrated Facilities Management business line of agency Jones Lang LaSalle.

SINCE graduating as an architect in 2003, Dominic Pelle has achieved an impressive number of professional successes, and has shown himself to be a men-tor and a leader to other young professionals in the property industry through participation in industry organisations at a local, national and international level.

“It is pleasing to see young professionals such as Dominic contributing in a positive and meaningful way to the broader industry in which he works,” said James Service, chairman

of the award sponsor the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Author-ity, when presenting the award.

Dominic has worked on several significant design projects as well, including the Hospital of Hope Timor Leste, a new hospital complex in Dili; the new horticulture facilities for the Canberra Institute of Technology at Bruce; and a series of projects across Australia for the Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolio.

He is now working on two projects of national security significance and is upgrading security for the Australian Parliament House.

The ACT Future Leader of the Year Award winner: Dominic Pelle, senior architect, peckvonhartel.

Dominic Pelle, left, and James Service.

Chris Heaney receives award from Robert Knott.

Principal sponsor

Major sponsors Media partner

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Greg McAlpine, Nicky Cooper, Paul Middleton and Julie Evans

Spyro and Nancy Konidaris

Catherine Carter and Antoinette Perera

MLA Shane Ratenbury and Ellie Sobey

Domino Risch and Melanie Dodd

Jackie Bilston, Billie Peresin and Merryn Orchard

Tania Parkes and Kim Sinclaire

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home

By shereen charlesMOST Australians are sleeping with a virtual ecosystem growing in their beds, and they don’t even know it, says managing director of Protect-A-Bed, David Kaplan.

These ecosystems, consisting of dead skin cells, germs and bacteria, form as a result of not cleaning one’s pillow.

“The average person perspires up to one litre per night and loses millions of skin cells a day, creating a breeding ground for germs and bacteria,” Kaplan said.

“After just one year, the weight of a pillow will increase by 10 per cent as a result of the trapped dead skin cells, dust mites and fungi inside it,” he said.

These results come after a test conducted in June 2010 by Mycologia, a leading independent health and hygiene specialist. They tested four pillows to determine their health and hygiene. The pillows included a 15-year-old pillow, a four-year-old pillow and a two-year-old pillow, which was covered with a waterproof pillow protector.

The tests showed that all pillows, with the exception of the protected pillow, had extremely high levels of mould and bacteria inside and outside the pillow.

The pillow covered with the protector had 92 per cent less mould than the 15-year-old pillow.

“It just proves that using a pillow protector does have a positive impact on the health and hygiene of your pillow,” said Kaplan.

Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp, who conducted the tests, said that most people do not realise the health hazards of not cleaning their pillows.

There are three ways that fungi can affect us – triggering allergy and asthma symptoms,

causing infectious diseases and by producing toxic substances.

“There’s a real lack of awareness amongst Australians about the consequence of not look-ing after your pillow,” she added.

Aside from using a pillow protector to ensure minimal bacteria entering your pillow, Dr Neumeister-Kemp added that there are many other methods to keep your pillow clean such as washing it in water above 55 degrees and getting it vacuumed through HEPA2 vacuuming.

“It should be second nature that every time you change your pillow cover, you also clean your pillow,” she said.

Bacteria’s pillow fright

“The average person… loses millions of skin cells a day, creating a breeding ground for germs and bacteria,” says David Kaplan.


No. 274Across4 What is another term for an ankle fetter, used to restrain a convict (3,4)?8 Which word describes a person who lives apart from society?9 One who gives counsel is called a what?10 What is an agent of retribution called?11 One who joins for military service or the like, does what?12 Which sword is used only for thrusting?14 What is an alternative term for a small room?18 Which legendary monster is half man, half horse?21 Name the illegal type of share trading.22 What is the official proving of a will as valid?23 What is a lofty tower attached to a church?24 That which costs the most could be termed as the what?

Solution next week

Down 1 In computers, which machine records information on paper?2 Name another word for confidence tricks.3 What describes the culinary department of a hotel, etc?4 Which documents convey property to another, for rent?5 What is the small mallet used by a presiding officer?6 One who strives against, or withstands, does what?7 What is a colloquial term which describes fools?13 In Greek legend, who was the first mortal woman?15 What is a large, edible, marine, stalk-eyed decapod crustacean?16 Name a renowned variety of dog.17 What do we call one ordained to the sacerdotal office?18 Who was the Roman god of love – the son of Venus?19 What is another word for a proverb?20 One, fully skilled in anything is called a what?

your week in the starsWith Joanne Madeline Moore August 16-22

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)Don’t let personal obsessions affect your ability to make sound professional judgments (especially on Friday). Love is on the menu on Saturday, as Venus and Mars create beautiful music together in your relationship zone. It’s not all flowers and chocolates though – love and romance are linked with duty and responsibility.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)You are usually very practical and grounded but be careful you’re not led up the garden path this week. Check the facts thoroughly before you take someone’s word as gospel truth. It’s the perfect weekend to be passionately proactive about the things that you love, whether that’s relationships, cooking, gardening, creative projects or your health.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)Venus and Mars snuggle up in your romance zone on Saturday, which bodes well for romantic rendezvous and passionate encounters. But, with Mercury going retrograde, don’t spoil the lovey-dovey atmosphere by putting your foot firmly in your mouth! Expect some startling back-downs and back-flips from family members.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)You’re keen to forge ahead but seem to be moving sideways. Don’t be an impatient Crab! Saturn is asking you to slow down and reassess your position. Perhaps you’ve been moving in the wrong direction? The more stubborn you are, the more problems will persist – especially with loved ones. Aim to be more adaptable.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)In typical Leo fashion you’ve been talking things up but now’s the time to walk your talk and actually deliver. Loved ones are looking for more than enthusiastic plans and grandiose schemes. Let’s hope you can come up with the goods! As birthday great Mae West declared: “An ounce of performance is worth a pound of promises.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)Versatile Virgos have a wide variety of talents. Don’t underestimate your abilities or downplay your assets this week. It’s time to utilise your agile mind (especially in the areas of research and problem-solving). If a financial deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Don’t hesitate to turn your back and walk away – very quickly!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)Librans are the style-meisters of the zodiac. Venus, Mars and Saturn are all in your sign, which boosts your sartorial chic and timeless elegance. Your inspiration for the week comes from birthday great Coco Chanel: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” When it comes to love, being indecisive is out and being proactive is in.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)Scorpios are such stubborn souls but it’s worth reflecting on the saying “What you resist persists”. With Pluto and Saturn squaring up on Saturday, you may be fighting a battle that is hard to win. Retreat is not necessarily defeat. Perhaps it’s time to examine your inner motivations; give up the good fight – and graciously let go?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)Speedy Sagittarians – Saturn is urging you to slow your motor and cool your heels. Hasty actions and half-baked plans will only lead to long-term frustrations. The more you cultivate patience, the better the week will be. Love and duty are linked and, for some amorous Archers, a platonic friendship could gradually turn to love.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)Saturn aspects Jupiter and Pluto, which will increase your impatience and lower your tolerance levels. Expect others to oppose your ideas, especially at work. The changes you are keen to make will take time – and plenty of patience. Be encouraged by the words of Mae West (born on August 17): “Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)You may be dazzled by someone special at the moment but make sure they are the real deal. Perhaps you are placing them on a pedestal and seeing what you want to see? Be careful how you communicate your ideas to others as they may find your innovative Aquarian ideas threatening. Take the time to talk things through.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)When it comes to money, avoid making impulsive decisions that land you deeper in debt. What looks like a divine deal now could end up being a financial fiasco further down the track. Thursday and Friday are fabulous days for artists, actors, writers and musicians as your creativity takes flight. Stop procrastinating and make the most of it! Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.

general knowledge crossword

Sudoku medium No.38 Solution next week

Crossword No.273 Sudoku hard No.37Solutions

1

8

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18

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24

2

13

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19

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C R A N E S U A FA E T E E N A G E R

E D I T O R C E EI W A C E T O N E S

B A B O O N I D CT R D O D O A O

P E C K S N O S E SA A T A M P P GR L A A U T H O RR E I G N I N G I TO B Z A R C T I CT E R R A P I N A SS E S S P L I T S


property

THE ACT’s record office vacancy rates means there is considerable empty space in our city and town centres, some of which could potentially be converted into residential units.

Not all buildings are suitable, but some are and we need policies that encourage the adaptive re-use of older office buildings – especially in the light of our severe housing shortage.

The office market vacancy rate in Canberra has increased from 8.6 per cent to 13.6 per cent, its highest level on record, according to the Property Council’s “Office Market Report”.

Civic’s vacancy rate increased from 7.4 per cent to 15.9 per cent, also the highest on record. Vacancy in the non-Civic market increased from 9.2 per cent to 12.6 per cent.

What’s stopping such conversion is mainly the proliferation of upfront Government costs, which tend to push prices up even if the trans-formation does go ahead. That might mean changes in planning rules such as reducing car-parking ratios or stamp duty concessions.

One of the issues that will need to be considered by government and the community is that of density and in-fill development.

There is always a lively discussion around this issue, particularly as residents in estab-lished locations see changes happening in their neighbourhoods. But it’s clear that our community must provide a variety of housing types and sizes (and price ranges) if it is to meet the needs of our growing city.

Density and in-fill in key locations, such as around Civic and our town centres, and along established transport corridors, seems to make sense.

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

Home to the officePROPERTYBy Catherine Carter

The ‘premier place’ for doing businessCANBERRA’S newest A-grade city office build-ing, 121 Marcus Clarke, owned by MTAA Super, is becoming the premier place to do business in Canberra, says the fund’s executive officer, Mr Michael Delaney.The building is situated in the centre of the ANU Exchange, which is well known for its scientific, business, educational and arts facilities. Its prime location is one of the reasons why

leading Australian commercial property services, ISIS, have leased out the entire ninth floor. “ISIS has built a legacy upon quality, innovation and creating environments of the highest standards for our clients,” says ISIS CEO Mr Michael Barnes. “121 Marcus Clarke embodies those features and we are excited to make our mark.”




Documents

Canberra CityNews August 12-18, 2010