CityNews May 3-9 1

2 CityNews May 3-9

CityNews May 3-9 3

news

The cancer threat that haunts DanielleWIN News presenter reveals the health fear that runs in her family

index / contacts Since 1993: Volume 18, Number 15

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.auJournalists: Freyla Ferguson, freyla@citynews.com.au Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Libby Hill, libby@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.auDesign and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086Graphic designer: Leonie FoxContributing photographer: Andrew FinchAccounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.auDistribution and circulation: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

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FRONT COVER: Canberra International Music Festival star soprano Susan Ellis. Story Page 23. Photo by Alex Jamieson

Arts&Entertainment 23-27Canberra Confidential 10Cinema 24Dining 27Garden 28-29Home 30News 3-9Politics 4 Property 32-36Puzzles 31Social Scene 11-14

DANIELLE Post says it would be no surprise to her if one day she faces her own battle with breast cancer.

The WIN News presenter is the am-bassador for Canberra’s Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk, an event that raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For Dan-ielle, breast cancer runs in her family, with both her grandmothers and four great-aunts sufferers of the disease.

“I am petrified that I am going to get it,” Danielle says. “I haven’t resigned myself to the fact that I am, but I won’t be surprised if one day I do get it.”

Her maternal grandmother, died of the disease when her mother was only 13 years old.

“It was in 1970, and she was 43 years old,” Danielle says. “They detected it so late that there was very little they could do.

“My mum has very little memory of the disease because it happened so quickly.”

However, her paternal grandmother battled the disease twice and beat it both times; the first time was in 1982 when she was 62 and living in Holland.

“My dad had to fly back to Holland to

help my grandmother,” she says. Then she realised being so far away from her children who were in Australia wasn’t a good idea, so she emigrated.

“Three years ago at 89 years of age, she got breast cancer again.

“So, in the first instance she had a single mastectomy and in the second, she had caught it in the remaining breast.

“She’s fine three years on and she’s going strong.

“It’s always a topic of conversation in our household.

“I’m a pretty responsible person, so I am not going to ignore it.”

At last year’s Canberra’s Mother’s Day Classic fun run 5300 participants, including Danielle, took part.

This year, as ambassador, Danielle will run the 5km circuit in between her MC duties.

And although the disease strikes a chord in her family, the key reason she’s throwing her support behind the event is to create awareness.

“Breast cancer, really does touch

so many people’s lives, to use a cliche phrase,” she says.

“You probably know someone who’s had breast cancer, if you don’t you

would know someone who would know someone who’s had breast cancer.

“It’s just going to get worse over time.

“It could be me in 10 years that people would be walking for. You never know.

“For anything, it doesn’t have to be money that we raise, money obviously helps with the improvements in treat-ments but the awareness is the key.

“You can talk about it in your house to your 12-year-old daughter, and when she’s 26 she knows that there is a chance and that she’s alert about it.” Already, registrations in Canberra are up by 20 per cent with organisers expecting 6000 people to turn out.

The event is run in every capital city and more than 30 regional centres. Last year, nationally the event raised $3 million for the National Breast Can-cer Foundation. This year they hope to raise $4.2 million.

“In general, what’s 5kms when these women wake up every day with a fight on their hands,” Danielle says.

“A lot of them have children, a lot of them partners and they fight every day.”

Mother’s Day Classic fun run, in aid of the National Breast Cancer Founda-tion, starting at Rond Terrace, Com-monwealth Park, Sunday, May 13 from 7.30am. Register at mothersdayclassic.com.au/event/act/canberra

Freyla Fergusonreports

Mother’s Day Classic ambassador Danielle Post... “It could be me in 10 years that people would be walking for. You never know.” Photo by Silas Brown

4 CityNews May 3-9

news / politicsWeekend offashion, fashion and fashion!THE inaugural Every-thing Fashion Market will be held at the National Convention Centre, Sat-urday May 5, 10am-4pm, and will bring an unprec-edented 80 fashion design-ers together to showcase local and national design-ers’ works.

R e b e k a h Griffiths (pic-tured), prin-cipal of Mate-rial Pleasures Recycled De-signer Cloth-ing, is a major sponsor of the event.

“The Everything Fashion Market will be unique,” she said.

“There is no other handmade fashion market of its size in Australia.

“It caters to the growing demand to directly con-nect the designer with the consumer.

“Designers from across Australia will exhibit, and Material Pleasures will show a wide range of Aus-tralian and international designer garments.

“A chance to see, try and buy from such a di-verse collection really is very special.”

The bi-monthly Fash ‘N’ Treasure market at the Old Bus Depot building in Kingston will also be open on May 5.

Fash ‘n’ Treasure brings together local wardrobes, fashion de-signers, fashion shops, milliners and stylists.

“These two fashion events, on the same day and in such close proxim-ity, will draw local and interstate visitors to the city,” said Rebekah, who estimated a potential at-tendance of 20,000 or more between the two markets.

AN admission of hospital figures being manipulated ex-poses the level of pressure the new hospital reforms are put-ting on jurisdictions. However, shonkying figures is unac-ceptable and it is important for the community to understand what is going on.

This is not good timing for Chief Minister and Health Minister, Katy Gallagher. It is not surprising that Opposition Leader Zed Seselja has come out baying for blood, demand-ing an external independent investigation.

Why wouldn’t he in an elec-tion year? He is hoping to more closely align the Government with what appears to be the actions of a misdirected public servant. He is desperate to make the issue appear in the worst possible light – just as the Government did to his of-fice a few weeks ago over fail-ures regarding staffing.

There is some grist to his mill with the Chief Minister standing aside on the basis of a possible conflict (the public servant stood down over the data manipulation issue has a relationship with a member of Gallagher’s family) to allow her deputy to manage the situation.

In reality, this is an ap-propriate investigation for the office of the ACT auditor-general, which has the runs on the board as a fierce and in-dependent body managing the checks and balances that are appropriate for government. It has wide experience in exam-ining figures and data while looking for discrepancies and systemic errors, making it the right organisation to interro-gate the issue.

However, it will need to

provide the community with confidence that the information hospital director-general Peggy Brown sent to all Health Direc-torate staff tells the full story.

Dr Brown’s letter identified that “the Directorate will also be commissioning a full exter-nal review across data collec-tion and reporting systems at the hospital. This will ensure that we can be confident with the accuracy of other data re-ported and will also assist us to identify how we can strengthen our overall data integrity pro-cesses”.

The review is also necessary and this is appropriate action from Brown, provided the in-formation is fully available to the auditor-general.

The challenge is to be confi-dent this discrepancy is based on the appalling action of a rogue public servant rather than a systemic problem that requires a dramatic and sus-tained response.

There is also a political di-mension. This is why Seselja wants an inquiry that is even further distanced from the Government than the Auditor-General. A minister does not have to give written or specific directions for things to be done. Tony Fitzgerald’s Royal Commission that identi-fied widespread corruption in

Queensland a couple of dec-ades ago provided an insight into how governments can create an atmosphere where public servants work in an in-appropriate way to achieve the goals that are set from the top.

Identifying such widespread systemic malpractice would effectively guarantee Seselja government. However, in my view, the chances of this incident being in any way comparable to the Queensland situation are minuscule. My observation, from my own experience, is that public servants within the Health Directorate are willing to give frank and fiercely independent advice. The difficulty for them is that they feel the pressure to deliver the best possible health system for the community.

While it is unacceptable that figures are manipulated, it is in the context of huge pressure to meet the demands of the Federal Government’s reform process or be deprived of sub-stantial federal funds that can be used to improve our hospi-tal system.

Michael Moore was an in-dependent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health. He is a member of the ACT Local Hospital Network Council.

Shonky figures reveal system under stress

MICHAEL MOORE says the exposure of manipulated hospital statistics comes at a politically bad time for the Chief Minister

Katy Gallagher... standing aside. Zed Seselja... baying for blood.

CityNews May 3-9 5

news / more cheap eats

We love cheap eats and it appears you do, too! Readers have sent in their suggestions for the best cheap eats (that is lunch for $10 or less) around Canberra following the “CityNews” cover story on February 16

Quick serviceGENELLE says the Hellenic Club is the go for a cheap lunch: “The Hellenic Club in Moore Street has four $9.90 lunch specials on the board every day. Great food and quick service for members.”

Hellenic Club, Moore Street, Civic.

AND it’s not just in the city, the Hel-lenic Club in Woden also offers cheap eats at their Asian-inspired restaurant Ginseng.

For only $8.50 at lunchtime there’s pepper chicken, Mongolian beef, satay combination, Teriyaki chicken and vegetarian Singapore noodles on offer.

Hellenic Club, Matilda Street, Woden.

Pretty tastyIN Belconnen, Nada wrote via our website: “Pho Viet, on Beissel Street, right near Westfield, has lunch boxes for $10 – you can get a variety of dishes

with rice including satay chicken, beef in black bean sauce, and there are vegetarian choices as well. You also receive a soft drink and the food is pretty tasty!”

Pho Viet Family Restaurant, Beissel Street, Belconnen.

Freshly cookedSABIR dropped in a comment on our website: “Flavours of India, in Garema Centre, does freshly-cooked lunch packs from $8. They also have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $18 and you can choose two curries plus rice from the buffet for $10. Good value and no waiting time.”

Flavours of India, Garema Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

Great lunch!!!OLGA wrote on our Facebook page: “Ginger & Spice do a great lunch menu for $9.90!!!” With all those ex-clamation marks it must be good. The restaurant offers typical Asian fare such as black bean beef, sweet and sour pork, satay chicken, Mongolian beef to name a few. Served with boiled rice.

Ginger & Spice, Gungahlin Square, Hibberson Street, Gungahlin.

City bargainsPETER sent this via email: “The Mag-pies City Club offers $10 members’ meals. Excellent bistro fare. Member-ship is only a few dollars.

“The best deal I’ve seen anywhere in Civic is Mooseheads where $10 gets you a meal plus a pint on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The pint can be swapped for a soft drink if required.”

The Magpies City Club, between Bunda Street and Garema Place, Civic.

Mooseheads Pub and Night Club, London Circuit, Civic.

Hot specialsMR CAPPUCCINO in Kingston has been campaigning for their cafe to be included in our Cheap Eats sequel! Many of their menu items including

everything in their display windows – sandwiches, bagels, wraps and their six hot food specials (that change dai-ly) are under $10. And for everything else, the most you’ll pay is $15.

Mr Cappuccino, Leichhardt Street, Kingston.

Free teaRICE Tapas Bar and Restaurant is Jen’s pick. She writes: “Here is another venue that offers delicious Thai meals for $8. It comes with free jasmine tea and water for dine-ins. Their menu

changes every day.”Rice Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Gare-

ma Place, Civic.

Menu under $10AN entire menu of lunches under $10 – it’s true! Judy commented on our website: “The Jetty Cafe on Lake Tuggeranong has an entire menu of meals for under $10! Great value and a fantastic view over the lake. It’s in the Tuggeranong Community Centre, beside the library.”

The Jetty Cafe, Tuggeranong Com-munity and Function Centre, Cowl-ishaw Street, Greenway.

Lunch pack for $6FOR Japanese, Stewart Ng says: “There is a take-away Teriyaki (fish or chicken) lunch pack for $6 in Shogun Japanese Restaurant. Monday-Friday, lunch only.”

Shogun Japanese Restaurant, Gare-ma Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

The $3 burgerFOR more of a late-lunch/dinner meal... The Uni Pub is offering $3 burgers every Monday from 3pm to 9pm. Now that’s a bargain!

The Uni Pub, London Circuit, Civic. Continued Page 6

Readers get their teeth into meal deals!

6 CityNews May 3-9

From Page 5

Cafe fareSANDI says London Grill is the sister cafe of the award-winning Banana Leaf Restaurant (next door) and all food is prepared by the same chefs. It offers typical cafe fare including full cooked breakie, freshly made sandwiches, ham-burgers, fish burgers and more, but they also offer a mix of different cuisines including Mexi-can burritos, nachos or enchiladas, curries and rice, and pasta.

London Grill, City Walk, Civic.

Sue gets aroundSUE seems to chase cheap eats, too! On our web-site she wrote: “There is also in the city Shali-mar, which is an Indian Restaurant on Marcus Clarke, which offers a number of takeaway dishes for under $10. The dishes were $7.50 last time I bought some there, very nice food run by husband-and-wife team.

“Further out of the city is Flatheads Cafe in O’Connor shops where you can get delicious fish and chips for $10 with all the atmosphere of the ‘70s style cafe. Awesome! There is no corkage charge either if you bring your own wine.

“Today, my friend and I shared a chicken schnitzel burger with chips cut in half at Vikings Tuggeranong Town Centre for $7. What a bargain, tasted great and magnificent view of the mountains sitting in the alfresco area. Go Tuggers!

“In addition, when I was at Tilley’s in Ly-neham I was fortunate enough to have a din-ner in this wonderful establishment. The pub atmosphere is second to none.

“My two friends shared the fish and chips with salad which was more than enough for two people and they were quite happy to provide two

plates which made their meal well under $10 a piece. Let’s support establishments which are happy to do that!”

Shalimar Indian Restaurant, Marcus Clarke Street, Civic.

Flatheads Fish Cafe, Macpherson Street, O’Connor.

Vikings Town Centre, Corner Athllon Drive and Rowland Rees Crescent, Greenway.

Tilley’s Devine Cafe, corner of Brigalow Street and Wattle Street, Lyneham.

news / more cheap eats

KEEP them coming! Can you think of a cheap lunch anywhere in Canberra? Send them through to freyla@citynews.com.au or visit us on our website citynews.com.au

CityNews May 3-9 7

THE mind is a precision instrument of self-de-lusion. And this was nowhere better illustrated than in the testimony given by Rupert Murdoch to the Leveson Inquiry into the British press.

It is almost impossible to credit that Murdoch actually believes what he told the inquiry, yet he had a completely straight face in this exchange:

Counsel assisting (Mr Jay): What about the Australian Press Council upholding allegations of bias by Murdoch papers in their political reporting [in 1975]? Was that at least factually right?

A. No. Q. And of you openly pushing your commer-

cial interests by using your newspaper powers; is that right?

A. No. I take a particularly strong pride in the fact that we have never pushed our commercial interests in our newspapers.

Truly, the mind boggles. The press council did so find. And the evidence is overwhelming that the Murdoch press has assiduously ped-dled their influence with politicians the world over to gain business advantage. Indeed, I was present when the young Murdoch courted my then boss, Deputy PM and Minister for Trade and Industry John McEwen, to change the rules to allow him to buy the “News of the World”. And the pattern has continued and grown to the point where they were enlisting British politicians to back their multi-billion pound acquisition of BSkyB.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The newspapers and other media are an instrument

of their wider commercial interests.Those of us who care about the ethics and

traditions of the press are torn between rage and despair. Good men and women over the centuries have suffered and died in the cause of “freedom of the press”. So it is heart-break-ing to see the way Murdoch, with his disgust-ing scandal sheets, has distorted it to his own commercial ends. Worse, he is using it now as a shield against those who are responding to his excesses by suggesting some form of regu-lation.

But does he realise what he’s doing, or has the mind’s power of self-delusion won out? I suspect that part of him, in the quiet of the night, recog-nises the truth. Just as I believed that Richard Nixon knew deep down that he was running a criminal enterprise from the White House. Indeed, the parallels with Nixon’s downfall over Watergate are quite startling. They range from the broad issues – the relatively minor crime exploding into a massive cover-up – to the minutiae of each man’s principal offsider (Bob Haldeman and James Murdoch) softening his hairstyle when called to give evidence.

But essentially it’s the man at the top who set the tone of his organisation, which encouraged – even compelled – it to run out of control.

Nixon crashed and burned. Will Murdoch do the same? We should all hope so. Because at stake is that “freedom of the press” that we all hold so dear. He cannot be allowed to destroy it from within.

robert@robertmacklin.com

news / opinion

It’s time Rupert crashedROBERT MACKLIN wonders if Rupert Murdoch realises what he’s doing, or has the mind’s power of self-delusion won out?

news / more cheap eats

8 CityNews May 3-9

opinion

More for the ‘dicshinry’“Cambra” versus “Canberra”. Yes, GY Lang, your letter (CN, April 19) hit the mark.

Many more words could be added to the bad pro-nunciation dictionary (or should that be “dicshinry”). We have, of course, “Austraya” (Australia), “miwyon” (million), “Febrery” (February) and “secetree” (secretary).

I did send an email to a local ABC newsreader some 10 years ago explaining that secretary was actually easy to pronounce if the word was broken down into its syl-lables: sec - ret - ary. But my suggestion fell on deaf ears.

Hilary Warren, via email

A year on...IT was just over 12 months ago that the report of the much celebrated Review of the ACT Public Sector by Allan Hawke comprehensively dismissed the submis-sion from the ACT Ombudsman about overhauling the ACT Government’s integrity framework.

The submission recommended, amongst other things, a one-stop agency for complaints, improve-ments in codes of conduct across the ACT Government and an overall lifting of standards of transparency and accountability.

Step forward to April 2012, and the ACT Ombuds-man’s previously-rejected submission now seems to have transpired into Katy Gallagher’s “new agenda”.

I wonder what other rejected ideas will arise on the road to Damascus, with Ms Gallagher’s government staring down an election?

John W Williams, Civic

Silly spray from PartonANOTHER silly anti-Greens spray from Mark Parton (“Putting the egg before the poor chicken”, CN, April 26).

We should not forget that Mark ran as an independ-ent candidate in the 2008 ACT election. Is he using his “CityNews” column to attack potential opponents in preparation for another run in 2012?

Patricia Saunders, via email

Low density is bad newsIN response to T. Smith Jones’ letter (“Walter would be turning”, CN April 19), I agree that Walter Burley Griffin would be dismayed with the current state of new suburban development in Canberra – but certainly not for the reasons stated.

Walter would be disgusted by the single-level detached “McMansions” sprawling out in the Monaro.

“Where are the children meant to play?” she asked of the small backyards. Well, I think they’re too busy in their gigantic bedrooms, or perhaps children’s rumpus, or the home theatre.

Walter envisaged a “garden city” with activated, walkable boulevards, efficient public transport, and sustainable development, ahead of his time – none of these things are achievable in the super-low den-sity we are encouraging. Our “ecological footprint” stands at almost nine global hectares, two more than the national average of 7.8gha, and way above the world available/sustainable average of 2.1gha.

It bitterly disappoints me when Canberrans shun the type of minor density increase Tracey is referring to. Denser development CAN be family and backyard friendly. We are in no fear of turning into Sydney overnight, but an increase in density could lower our reputation as some of the worst consumers and polluters and give our wonderful city that extra bit of activation it needs to truly come to life.

Sarah Herbert, on behalf of Canberralab

Memories wanted!“TNT” magazine in London is putting together a special issue on May 28 to mark its 1500th edition – And we’re calling on our readers, past and present, to send us their stories about the role the magazine has played in their lives.

Launching in 1983, TNT Magazine was considered the traveller’s bible for Australians and New Zealanders visiting or living in London.

As well as collating stories from new arrivals – and those who have made the capital city their home – we want to get in touch with our readers who have now gone back to Australia, NZ and South Africa.

Maybe you picked up the first copy of “TNT”? Or maybe you met through our “Desperately Seeking” pages? Perhaps you attended one of our events?

We’d love to hear your anecdotes – big and small. Email them to letters@tntmagazine.com with “1500th issue” in the subject, by May 11.

Carol Driver, group editor, “TNT”, London

Shocked and disappointed

Dear Chief Minister, We are shocked and very disappointed that the

“Round Town” program has been cut. You are a mother – you would not have cancelled the

Mother’s Day event at Glebe Park! We have attended that event for many years, along with 8000 other Canberrans. The last two years were the biggest yet! Can you please let us know why?

What about the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Dogs Day Out and music in the city events on Friday nights?

There are other events, but they are not tailored to families the way these have been.

Please review this.The Johnson Family, Gowrie, on behalf of many

families and friends in the school and wider community

dose of dorin

letters

CityNews May 3-9 9

opinion / sport

RECENTLY I was involved in a workshop aimed at creating a brand for Canberra for next year’s centenary celebrations.

One of the questions we were asked was: What does Canberra mean to you?

To me, it is all about community and pride in the achievements of people within the community, in particular sportspeo-ple representing Canberra. It gives us a chance to celebrate success.

Even though cyclist Michael Rogers lives in Italy, he is still Canberra’s Michael Rogers. It is the same with any number of athletes often becoming well-known after they have left the ACT to live elsewhere.

The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games gives us another opportunity to exhibit that pride.

What follows is a rough guide to Can-berra athletes and athletes based here preparing for the Olympics. To make the team is an achievement in itself. • Caroline Buchanan was born, raised

and lives in Canberra. She is ranked number two in the world of BMX and has emerged as a genuine gold-medal prospect for London.

• Lauren Boden has emerged from a background in Little Athletics in the ACT to make the Australian Track and Field team in the 400 metres hurdles; just making the semi-finals in Olympic track and field is deemed to be a suc-cess. It’s worth noting that Caroline and Lauren are wonderful role models, spending time in schools and in the community talking about what it takes to be successful in life, not just sport.

• Fellow 400 metres hurdler, Brendan Cole, is another from coach Matty Beck-enham’s stable in Canberra.

• Sprinter Melissa Breen has travelled halfway across the world chasing an “A qualifier” in the 100 metres.

• Marathoner Martin Dent missed out on running a qualifying time in the London Marathon and his possible selection rests in the hands of the selec-tors. The only Australian male to have qualified for the Games in the marathon is Michael Shelley who spent a number of years training under Dick Telford in Canberra.

• Former Canberra resident Zoe Buck-man has qualified for the 1500 metres.

• AIS-based Paralympian, Evan O’Hanlon is the fastest cerebral palsy runner in the world.

• Walkers such as Nathan Deeks, Jarred and Claire Tallent have spent many hours walking the streets of Canberra as part of their training.

• Glen Turner and Andrew Charters are vying for a place in the world num-ber-one-ranked men’s hockey team; Anna Flannigan is going through the same selection process in the women’s.

• Rower Sarah Cook is in contention to compete in her second Olympics after Rowing Australia confirmed that a women’s eight would be going to Lu-cerne in a bid to qualify for the Games.

• Olympic gold medalist in the men’s dou-

ble sculls Scott Brennan, who worked as an intern at Canberra Hospital after winning gold in Beijing, is back with David Crawshay to defend his title.

• Swimmer Alicia Coutts almost counts as a Canberran; although based at the AIS, she is involved in many commu-nity projects in this city.

• Basketballers Patrick Mills and Lau-ren Jackson have plied their trade overseas this year, but will spearhead our men’s and women’s teams in Lon-don.

• Marianna Tolo and Carly Wilson are also seeking to be part of the Australian women’s basketball team.

• Cyclist Vicki Whitelaw is another to watch out for in the women’s road race. Unfortunately, Daniel Ellis missed selection, but Alex Bird remains in contention.

• Boxer Bianca Elmir is also in the hunt for the Olympics with women’s boxing in the Games for the first time.

• We could stretch a little and claim beach volleyballer Natalie Cook as one of ours; she is vying for selection in her fifth Olympics with assistance provided by the ACT Academy of Sport.As I said, this is a rough guide to Can-

berra athletes preparing for the Olympics. Keep an eye out for these and others who are still vying for selection. This is the event they’ve all been working so hard to make. We wish them all the best.

With the London Olympics looming, TIM GAVEL says Canberra has much to be proud of in the athletes from our town

Our Olympic kids are alright

The new world of news

10 CityNews May 3-9

Canberra Confidential Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au

Blasted and bustedCANBERRA public servant and toy blaster hobbyist/blogger Martyn Yang, found himself in a bit of a “situa-tion” with global game company Hasbro over a post he uploaded on to his site about an unreleased Nerf gun.

Martyn runs Urban Taggers, “a blog community” that’s dedicated to “all things to do with toy blasters”.

When Martyn received an email from Hasbro offering samples of a new and unreleased Nerf gun to offer his blog’s readers, he thought all his Christmases had come at once. Wrong!

Instead, he found two lawyers at his doorstep, slap-ping him with a letter saying he’d used unauthorised information and images of the “N-Strike Elite Rampage” that’s protected by copyright. Oops.

The company was in fact trying to track the blogger’s address down.

“...I really didn’t know that my hobby of shooting toy guns and foam darts was going to lead to all this...” writes Martyn on his blog.

Although, he hopes “not to post on this issue anymore”, it’s definitely gone viral.

Taiwan-based CGI-animated news site Next Media Animation has created a YouTube video dedicated to Martyn’s story.

“I DON’T look anything like NMA’s CGI portrayal of me!! :P,” Martyn wrote on his blog.

To view the NMA’s news animation visit http://youtu.be/i7HoC_Rnx_U

To learn more about Martyn’s blog visit http://urban-taggers.blogspot.com.au

A thing going onSNAPPER Silas Brown, curious when there’s things going on, snapped these construction hoardings at

Kingston shops and set “CC” the challenge of finding out more. On the remote possibility it was a cafe under construction (joke) we called “CityNews” dining reviewer Wendy Johnson who told us it was indeed to be a cafe, from the team behind Manuka’s Urban Pantry, opening later this year, and to be called curiously Me and Mrs Jones, from the song of the same name (“We meet ev’ry day at the same cafe / Six-thirty I know she’ll be there / Holding hands, making all kinds of plans / While the jukebox plays our favorite song”).

Happy now, Silas?

Calling all NCDC typesDES Pain, a former chief engineer of the National Capital Development Commission (the forerunner of the National Capital Authority) with colleagues Gordon Shannon, Geoff Campbell and Barry Browning, is organising a reunion for commission staff next March.

“It will be 55 years since the commission started opera-tions and 25 years since its abolition,” Des says. “This does seem to be an appropriate time to relive the accomplish-

ments of the NCDC and to renew old friendships.”While he has lists of names and addresses of many

former commission staff he knows there are many people not on these lists and “we do not wish to exclude them”.

Former staff members who’d like to know more should contact Des by email at despain@bigpond.com

Marathon men CANBERRA’S “forever classic” radio station will be put to the test on May 12 when 2CA presenters Leighton Archer and Larry Appley stay on air for 24 hours to raise money for Marymead.

The radiothon will include “special guests and celebrities from around Canberra, Australia and the world” who will call in to the station to keep the lads alert throughout the marathon fundraiser.

Marymead is an organisation that supports vulner-able and disadvantaged children and families.

To be part of the 24 hour radiothon for Marymead tune into 1053 2CA, on digital radio or online at 2ca.com.au from midday Saturday, May 12.

Anzac/Liberation Day in Polinago, mayor Armando Cabri and former Canberran Tiit Tonuri.

Anzac Day in a distant townFORMER ACT Liberal Party president Winnifred Rosser and partner David Malloch are now residents of Polinago, a small Italian town an hour outside Modena in the Emilia Romagna. She reports that just as Anzac Day is one of the most important national days in Australia, for Italians it is also Liberation Day, celebrating the end – in 1944 – of Italy’s engagement in World War II.

Winnifred writes that visitors Cowra resident and former Canberran, Col. Tiit Tonuri (Rtd) and his wife Jan were explaining the importance of Anzac Day to Australians, when the local mayor immediately invited Tiit to join with the former members of the Alpini (the Italian Mountain Corps) and Carabinieri in celebrating Liberation Day and Anzac Day.

Col. Tonuri placed a floral tribute on the local war memorial and was presented with a plaque and a pennant.

“Of course, this was all followed by a wonderful long lunch, lots of really good Lambrusco and Nocino (digestive liqueur),” Winnifred writes.

CityNews May 3-9 11

At the 8th Latin American Film Festival, National Gallery of Australia

scene / around canberra invite us / scene@citynews.com.au

Karina Menday and Tatjana Clancy Anna Mendez, Luci Foote, Daniel Reategui and Tatiana Vernon Peter Naumann and Simon WeavingAmbassador of Uruguay Alberto Fajardo and Gabrielle Hall

Ximena Briceno, Felipe Diaz and Penina ReidMark Dale and Avi AmesburyLenise Barbosa, Marianna Davila, Maria Cisneros and Louisa PeruMaria Mendoza, Jack Taylor, Ivonne Thomson and Diana Carvajal

12 CityNews May 3-9

Pro-Fitness Training / advertising feature

Quality fitness with a personal focusA RECENT addition to the upmarket precinct at the Kingston Foreshore is the new deluxe studio of Pro-Fitness Training – a premium fitness facility with a difference.

“At Pro-Fitness Training we provide a specialised fitness training service in a quality facility,” says owner Robert Lisle.

“Our focus is on our client’s overall health and fitness wellbeing.

“We provide a range of services that aim to motivate, guide and support them to reach both their fitness and lifestyle goals.”

“Our individual genetic make-up means that we each respond differently to exercise and physical training that, in turn, can affect our performance and intended results.

“On a client’s initial visit to Pro-Fitness Training, one of our qualified and experienced personal trainers will determine their unique customer profile as a basis on which to provide them with a professional fitness consultancy.

“We also seek to combine this with sound advice on the advantages of adopting complementary nutritional values, and the favourable physical and mental benefits.

“Good posture is an important foundation to our overall health and wellbeing. The client’s posture is therefore a key focus. At Pro-Fitness we conduct a postural analysis within the client’s initial assessment before designing a fitness program unique to their needs. Pilates principles are then incorporated within the personal training sessions. Pro-Fitness Training is one of very few facilities that offer this unique approach.”

By combining more than 30 years experi-ence in the fitness industry, with professional studies in fitness, pilates and massage, Robert has established a unique approach to his clients, business and lifestyle. As an individual he takes great pride in maintaining the integ-rity of that wonderful organism, the human body, and strongly promotes the holistic benefits of combining a variety of health and fitness doctrines in our daily lives. He has put this into practice by building a credible reputation as an energising and caring private professional. As such he has built a strong dedicated clientele base over many years and is highly regarded in the both the local and national fitness industry.

Robert established Pro-Fitness Training in

1990, originally working from a private studio in Scullin, which still operates today. In addi-tion, for the past 17 years Pro-Fitness Training was exclusively contracted to the five-star Hyatt Hotel in Canberra, where Robert’s team of professional trainers provided specialised fitness services to both members of the ClubHouse gym and visiting residents.

The new premises on the Kingston Foreshore is located at 11 Parbery Street. The downstairs studio contains brand new state-of-the-art equipment including the latest Kinesis One – a single stand-alone station enabling zero-impact exercises for balance, strength and flexibility.

A pilates and yoga studio is located upstairs complete with reformers, trapeze table high/ladder barrel and yoga mats.

“There is a good feel about the area,” Robert says of the new location. “We are not far from the lake and just 200 metres away from the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, a fantastic environment for outdoor exercise.”

Appointments are welcome for personal training sessions, which may be one-on-one, dual or small group (maximum four).

Yoga classes are held on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6pm. Pro-Fitness Training will be expanding its range of classes in the future.

Pro-Fitness Training has no contracts, memberships, joining fees or any other hidden charges.

Pro-Fitness Training, 11 Parbery Street, Kingston.

Call 0414 547 286 or www.pro-fitnesstraining.com.au

Exercise Professional Robert Lisle, principal of Pro-Fitness Training, supervises a session at the new studio in Kingston.The Pro-Fitness studio at Kingston.

CityNews May 3-9 13

At South Africa’s Freedom Day celebration, Yarralumla At Rotary’s ‘Evening of Australian Art & Music’, Forrest

scene more photos / www.citynews.com.au

Mpume Nkomo, Thato Modiga and Phila Ludidi

Oratile Khama, Sybil Wakefield, Ainslie Hudson and Mandla Nkabeni

Michael Hurst-Meyers, Marcia Chirawu, Eileen Hurst-Meyers and Letty Modiga

Air Vice Marshal Leo Davies, Carolyn Grayson and Maj-Gen Jeff Sengelman

Stephen and Julia Gledhill, Ayo Olukanni with Karen and Ray De Jersey

Sanyu Kibukamusoke and Ellen Jino Ray Leggott, Rebecca Gordon and Chris Kirby

Sue and Paul Street with Gillian McFeat

Edutation Minister Chris Bourke, Bill Bashford, Fiona Petersen and Don McFeat Bruce Mackay and Chris Edwards

Archdeacon Karen Kime and Joy Thomas

Rosemary Warner and Anton Penner

Special guest Christine Anu and the ambassador of Austria Hannas Porias

14 CityNews May 3-9

scene invite us / scene@citynews.com.au

At the Dutch Queen’s Day Drinks, Diamant Hotel At the Safe Work Australia Awards, Parliament House

Maurits De Graeff and Carla Zijlstra

Carla Nolten, Eva Kokkelnans and Lilian Mellink Nariette Scherners and Adam Wong

Peter Kokshoorn and Wilfred Hulzebosch

Veronique Eldering, Mark Versteden and Carolina Sardella James Mifsud, Matt Lehwess and Danielle Robinson

Tatiana Beresnikoff, Dianah Brown, Linda Prattley, Heather Wilson and Andrew Craig

Lindsay Kranz, Carmel McGregor and Gerard Fogarty

Wayne Mead, Glenda Snoxall, Robert Meizer and Roxanne Ruscoe

Brendon and Melinda Leyshon with Andrew Porter

Natalie Irvine and Rob McBeath

CityNews May 3-9 15

Mother’s Day gift guide advertising feature

Ideas and inspiration to make mum smileThere’s no better time to show your mum you care than Mother’s Day. Whether you treat her to a pampering beauty treatment or jewels, luxurious leathergoods, designer homewares or a bouquet of flowers... whatever you choose, the “CityNews” guide to Mother’s Day will show you the way...

Gem bar offers personal choiceTHIS Mother’s Day, Solitaire Jewellers will launch the Solitaire Gem Bar. This new collection allows you to select your own natural-coloured stone and either have it set in a setting of your choice or present the loose stone to your loved one in a Solitaire presentation box.

“It’s the ideal gift to present this Mother’s Day,” says store manager Rosy Palombi.

Solitaire Jewellers is building a reputation for being an engagement ring and wedding band specialist store, according to Rosy.

“The dedication Solitaire has for their customers is paramount and they ensure that your heart’s desire and needs are foremost, creating masterpieces of the finest quality,” she says.

“With a new visionary approach to bridal jewellery, we understand how important it is to find your perfect engagement ring, which is why we have the best design range but can also create the ring of your dreams within your budget while using beautiful, natural diamonds of the highest quality.”

Solitaire, lower level, shop G 21/22 Canberra Centre. Call 6162 3665 or visit solitairejewellers.com.au

Centre for mum’s affectionTHERE’S bound to be some-thing to buy mum at Majura Park Shopping Centre.

Not only is it home to Australia’s largest Woolworths but Big W, Dick Smith, Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, Lollipop’s Playland and more than 30 specialty stores can be found at the new shopping centre.

The Majura Park Shopping Centre has been designed to be the hub of Majura Park activity and provide a central meeting place for both customers and precinct office workers.

Majura Park Shopping Centre, 18-26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park. Call 6275 2252 or visit majuraparkshopping.com.au

‘Dream-come-true’ gifts for every budget“INFLUENCE is a mother’s dream come true,” says owner Tom Butt.

“We have a wonderful array of gifts and homewares that can suit any taste, style and budget.

“Our wonderful staff love to help each customer select that perfect gift just right for their mum.

“We are offering a selection of pre-packaged gifts this year which we hope will make shopping for mum that little bit easier. Each gift varies in style, colour and price so each one is unique and special, just like our mums.”

New products arrive in store daily in the lead up to Mother’s Day including candles, cushions and travel mugs.

“Of course we still have our ongoing products such as Ashdene, tiles, clocks, Paris hat boxes/trunks and jewellery which have always been popular gift ideas for mum,” says Tom.

Influence, ground floor, Can-berra Centre. Call 6227 6229 or visit influenceonline.com.au

16 CityNews May 3-9

Mother’s Day gift guide / advertising featureWhere winter’s warmly coveredWINTER fashion to update your mother’s wardrobe is sure to be well received on Mother’s Day, according to Rodney Clark marketing and accessory manager Vanessa Stuart

“Now is the time to start investing in your winter wardrobe,” Vanessa says.

“Stick to a palette of soft winter neutrals and blues accented with orange in cosy knitwear and jackets, classic winter cord and dark denim.”

Rodney Clark, Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6295 3188 or visit rodneyclark.com

Nehru collar jacket, $180, from Rodney Clark.

Digital floral scarf, $60, from Rodney Clark.

Stripe knit, $170, from Rodney Clark.

Tapestry scarf, $90, from Rodney Clark.

“MOTHERS are the most precious of people and at Pepe’s Paperie we know mums are worth more than their weight in stationery!” says principal Pepe Ianniello.

“In both our Civic and Phillip stores we have a wide variety of beautiful books, albums and stationery to delight mothers of all kinds this Mother’s Day.

“Not to forget the My Walit range, a luxury leather range that is stylish and chic.”

Pepe’s also stocks a range of locally designed An April Idea Mother’s Day cards.

Pepe’s Paperie, at 2 Townsend Street, Phillip, call 6162 3586 and Shop 26, Level 1, Canberra Centre, call 6162 4448. pepespaperie.com.au

Stationery to delight all mums

Stylish and chic... the My Walit luxury leather range.

CityNews May 3-9 17

Mother’s Day gift guide / advertising feature

Special lunch for mumTHERE’S never been a better time to experience Blu Ginger with a new menu just in time for Mother’s Day, according to owner Reddy Manne.

“We will have a special Mother’s Day lunch with wonderful new dishes on the menu,” he says.

Located in a large open-plan space along Genge Street in Civic, Blu Ginger’s high ceilings and edgy wallpaper add character to the dining experience.

Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant was first established in Sydney in 2000, in the dining precinct of McMahons Point.

“At Blu Ginger we use only the freshest locally sourced produce, combined with authentic spices imported directly from the sub-continent, to offer clas-sic, traditional recipes with a modern twist, creating a unique and memorable dining experience for you,” Reddy says.

“In 2009, Blu Ginger opened in Canberra and offers the same high standards of service, atmosphere and

authentic flavour as its sister restaurant in McMahons Point.”

Blu Ginger, Genge Street, Civic. Call 6247 2228 or visit bluginger.com.au

Celebrating the day with a big discount“MOTHER’S Day is a very special day,” says Jennifer Dromgold, the owner of A Little Laser cosmetic laser clinic in Manuka.

To celebrate the special day, Jennifer is offering a 25 per cent discount on all treatments from hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation during May.

Laser hair removal can be effective for the lip and chin, underarms, bikini, legs, and skin rejuvenation can tackle age spots and broken capillaries.

“I also offer a free consultation to discuss and explain what treatment option is suitable for your needs,” Jennifer says.

“Having recently moved from Civic to my own boutique clinic in Manuka Arcade, I enjoy building an honest relationship with my clients and offer individual

and personalised treatment plans for laser hair removal or laser skin rejuvenation to people of all ages and skin types.

“Laser hair removal is a safe, permanent and comfortable option for both men and women and my clients are treated with a high-quality, medical-grade laser.

“I have 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry. As a laser therapist I personally do all the treatments in my clinic. No changing therapists every time you have an appointment.

“I enjoy helping people achieve results with the treatments I provide.”

A Little Laser, Manuka Arcade, Manuka. Call 6232 6629.

CityNews May 3-9 19

Mother’s Day gift guide

Personal pampering by the professionalsWHY not allow mum to be pampered by the professionals at Mystique Beauty, where the focus is on building a personal relation-ship with each individual client?

“Our goal is to have a high degree of focus on quality and of professional standards,” says owner Karla Palombi.

“We are committed to not only making our valued clients feel comfortable, but for them to leave feeling 100 per cent satisfied with their treatment and their experience at our salon.

“As the owner, I am leading my team of qualified beauty thera-pists to ensure that all objectives are met, such as the appropriate training to maintain and update the knowledge of relevant treat-ments and standards of hygiene.

“It is of great importance to me that the staff here at Mystique Beauty carry out a high standard of professionalism as well as a friendly approach. I like to demonstrate trust, respect, under-standing and support of individual differences and diversity.”

Mystique Beauty, 109 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. Call 6242 4542 or go to mystique-beauty.com.au

Hot looks for cold days GERTRUDE Boutique is welcoming the cold Can-berra winter with some exciting new additions.

Gertrude Boutique manager Kerry Andrew says a collection of unique Owl paintings, by award winning Melbourne-based artist, Kim Kennedy, are a must-see for owl lovers and art lovers alike.

“The owl paintings complement Gertrude Boutique’s beautiful selection of Italian shoes, bags and boots,” Kerry says.

“These leather products have been individu-ally sourced with Gertrude customers in mind.

“Gertrude Boutique has several new suppliers and expanded its range of shoes, bags and boots. Gertrude Boutique offers a broad range of prices and styles to suit all budgets, occasions or ages.

“Embrace winter with style. Step out in the latest winter accessories straight from Italy. Visit Gertrude Boutique, experience the pleasant surrounds and let the friendly staff show you our latest range.”

Gertrude Boutique, Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 6004 or visit gertrudeboutique.com.au Art by Kim Kennedy is available at Gertrude Boutique.

20 CityNews May 3-9

Mother’s Day gift guide / advertising featureAlways treats in store“WE always have beautiful things to treat mothers,” says Gail Lubbock, owner of Escala Shoes in Manuka. “We have some lovely leather gloves in store at the moment that are all cashmere-lined for these colder days.

“The gloves wear really well and your mum is worth it!”Gail says that a scarf from their north Italian supplier would

also make a gorgeous gift.“They’re cashmere-lined, too, and double-sided in lovely red,

purple, taupe, chocolate, burnt orange and soft, muted shades. They are just delicious and spectacularly made,” she says.

“A handbag is also a really precious gift, and we have the latest collection of Lupo bags in store now, which includes lovely little clutches.”

Gift cards are also available, says Gail.Escala Shoes, 21 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 7666 or

escala-shoes.com.au

The place for a good pampering“IT’s important to spoil mum because she’s worth it, and she needs pampering to maintain all the energy to be as loving and wonderful as she is,” says Erica’s Aesthetics owner, Erica Mayr.

Erica suggests pampering mum with a facial, manicure and pedicure package.

“We have new massage chairs, which we do the pedicures in and it’s really pampering and lovely,” she says.

“Mum can walk in and relax straight away in the elegant surround-ings and be pampered by two therapists.

“Our facial will make you feel like a queen and you will leave with beautiful hands, feeling revitalised and beautifully relaxed.”

Erica’s Aesthetics, 45 Jardine Street, Kingston. Call 6162 4199 or visit ericasaesthetics.com

Relax and let mum go for itBEAUTIFUL Pialligo is the perfect place for a relaxing day with mum, according to Bliss Garden and Giftware owner Iain Eaton.

“Take mum out for brunch and a spot of shopping and let her choose her own,” he suggests.

But if you prefer to surprise her with a special gift, Bliss has plenty of options.

“There’s heaps of new jewellery to choose from, including new wooden earrings and pendants from Polli,” Iain says.

“Plus new-season handbags in colours to die for and snuggly scarves, hats and gloves for the winter months ahead.”

How about a lush bohemian clay vase filled with a gorgeous bouquet? Or if a living

bouquet is more her style, a potted Cyclamen in a ceramic indoor pot that will flower through winter.

“A new range of body care products from Myrtle & Moss are causing quite a stir at Bliss, citrus scented from all natural ingredients, they’re made in Australia and packaged beautifully. Heavenly scented candles from Citta and Ecoya are the perfect gift for those who have everything,” Iain says.

And to make it all so easy, Bliss provides complimentary gift wrapping.

Bliss Garden and Giftware, 8 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Visit blissgardengiftware.com.au or call 6257 8358. Clay vases, from $69.95, from Bliss

Garden and Giftware.

A beautiful Lupo handbag or scarf would make a great gift for Mother’s Day, says Escala owner Gail Lubbock.

CityNews May 3-9 21

Mother’s Day gift guide / advertising feature

Lots of versatile ideas for the busy mums-to-be“NEW mums-to-be are amazing,” says Motherly Instincts owner Beck Daly. “They are busy and always try and do too much, so we need to make them feel special this Mother’s Day and make them put their feet up.”

Beck suggests that one way to make mum look and feel amazing, is with great winter fashion, especially important for pregnant

women whose bodies are constantly changing.“Motherly Instincts has a big range of versa-

tile maternity wear for all mothers-to-be from maternity bras, breastfeeding tops, tunics and tights to sleepwear, swimwear, jeans and cargo pants,” she says.

“Every pregnant woman needs a pair of comfortable maternity jeans for the Canberra winter and we stock great brands like Szabo,

Ripe and Ninthmoon.“We find pregnant women always tend

to go with block colours so pick up an Elk Necklace to go with that black top.”

Beck also recommends body pillows, birth books and gift vouchers for the mum-to-be.

Motherly Instincts, 1-2 / 37 Heard Street, Mawson. Contact 6293 4452 or motherlyin-stincts.com.au

Glass artist will create a very personal giftVISIT the Canberra Glassworks with mum this Mother’s Day and have glass artist Carole Griffiths create a personalised portrait pin.

For $55, Carole will create the pin based on mum’s physical characteristics while you watch and she will then complete the pin in her studio and post it to you.

While you’re there, treat mum to a burger at Brodburger, watch Nikki Main and Belinda Toll in the Hotshop demon-strating with commentary on how they create their artworks, marvel at the new Eat! Exhibition and try your own hand at glassmaking.

Work with an artist to make your own glass paperweight in the 20-minute Hotshop sessions. Cost is $70 plus postage and can be booked in advance on 6260 7005. Why not organise a gift certificate to pop in mum’s card?

Canberra Glassworks, Wentworth Avenue Kingston. Call 6260 7005 or visit canber-raglassworks.com

Special menu starts with bubblesMALCOLM Carlin at The Hermitage Fine Dining says mums deserve to be treated on Mother’s Day.

“It’s probably the only time of the year when mum really does get spoilt,” he laughs.

The Hermitage is making it easy to treat her, too, with a special menu on the day starting with a glass of bubbles.

“We’ll have a special three-course menu with a selection of entrees, main meals and desserts to choose from,” Malcolm says.

The Hermitage, 170 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6230 0857.

Luna Ryan Ducks on Spoons, $90.

Ben Edols Cane Tumblers , $99.

Canberra Glassworks tumblers, $40.

Bird Brooches by Andrea McKey, $31.

Nudibranch kilnformed Poppy, $99.

Annette Blair’s Emma Petersen dishes, $75

Pebble Paperweights by Rob Wynne, $96.

22 CityNews May 3-9

Mother’s Day gift guide Little shop big on treatsHOME Bed and Bath, a part of the Creations group in Manuka’s Style Arcade, is full of treats for Mother’s Day.

“It’s a gorgeous little shop, oriented towards indulging yourself or someone in your life,” says owner Michele Black.

“We carry a gorgeous range of local and imported giftware.“We spend a lot of time at home and it’s lovely to be sur-

rounded by gorgeous things that you can enjoy.”Home Bed and Bath carry the vibrant Missoni range.“Missoni have a wonderful way of mixing patterns and col-

ours and the new ranges that come out each year are designed to work back with original ranges,” she says.

Not only do they stock cushions, throws and sheets for the home, but Missoni dressing gowns make a more personal gift.

“L’Occitane French beauty products are also really popular. People have their favourite ranges and once you introduce someone to a range, they are hooked – I know I can’t get enough of the almond range,” Michele says.

Home Bed and Bath, Style Arcade, 16 Franklin Street, Manuka. Call 6295 1763.

Spa journey promises mum a top pamperHOW can you give mum a gift that says how much you love her?

This Mother’s Day, the team at Jindii EcoSpa in Duffy have made your job simple, says owner Bianca Prichard.

“The warm, friendly staff will greet mum before taking her on a heavenly journey, tailored especially for her,” she says.

“The ‘Marma Lowanna’ package, which means ‘beautiful’, is the perfect gift for every mum, or anyone in need of some serious pampering.

“The beautiful, organic spa products from LI’ TYA make this an experience that she will always remem-ber.”

The all-encompassing “Marma Lowanna” combines

the most popular LI’ TYA treatments in unison to create a deluxe, head-to-toe pampering experience; the Miji Jina foot treatment, Miji Polama hand treatment, Kodo massage and the Mirri facial.

“Mostly, mums just like to know that they are loved and appreciated for the special job that they do,” Bianca says.

“Mother’s Day offers the perfect chance to say ‘thanks mum’ and return the favour – to let her nurture herself for a change!”

Jindii EcoSpa has gift vouchers and LI’TYA spa-care products available for purchase.

Jindii EcoSpa, 20 Jindabyne Street, Duffy. Call 6257 8777 or visit www.jindii.com.au

Missoni luxury for the home from Home Bed and Bath.

CityNews May 3-9 23

arts & entertainment

WITH his head in the stars and one eye on the Burley Griffin plan, director Christopher Latham, has dreamed up a whole galaxy of musical events for this year’s Canberra International Music Festival.

He even found a Nobel laureate, astronomer Prof Brian Schmidt, to launch his program of 27 concerts.

But Latham’s stars aren’t just human and celestial. Some of them are buildings – “amaz-ing spaces”, he calls them, and he’s lined up a constellation of national architectural treasures where fine musicians from around the world will perform.

Old Parliament House, for instance, will be the setting for a performance on May 17 of Edinburgh Festival director Jonathan Mills’ homage to the Burley Griffin Plan, “Ethereal Eye”, at the end of which the Centenary of Canberra will announce shortlisted finalists for the CAPITheticAL design ideas competition.

Latham’s heavenly bodies include the High Court, the National Film and Sound Archive, the National Museum of Australia, the National Gal-lery, the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House, the National Library and the National Portrait Gallery.

How serendipitous, then, that the opening concert, at noon on May 11, will take place in the NPG, with Canberra’s own Griffyn Ensemble joining in a celebration of this modern space.

The ensemble, once described by “CityNews” reviewer Ian McLean as “Canberra’s leading chamber music ensemble”, easily rivals Latham’s

enthusiasm for star-watching, having recently performed “The Southern Sky” in the ruins of Mount Stromlo Observatory and, on May 11, it will perform a new composition, “Mirage”, by its director Michael Sollis.

There’s no mistaking the excitement in the voice of Canberra soprano Susan Ellis, one of the ensemble’s principals, as she describes her Peter Sculthorpe piece, “Patrick White Fragments”.

“It’s quite a special piece, quite a theatrical piece,” she says, in which the spoken text is overlaid on to the music.

Another exciting work for her will be John Cage’s “Melodies”, one of his “chant” pieces and, for sheer fun, she’ll do Henry Cowell’s rarely-performed “Mother Goose Rhymes”.

As Ellis says: “I love the fact that The Griffyn Ensemble is really eclectic”, so the emotional highlight will be Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young”, re-arranged by John Corigliano for soprano, piano and percussion. The last time she sang it, that “magic moment” brought tears to her eyes.

Latham’s musical telescope is also on artists from afar, such as the Latvian composer-in-residence Peteris Vasks, the NZ String Quartet, headed up by violinist and co-director, Helene Pohl, or pianist Daniel de Borah, the former Canberra Grammar School student who studied at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, the St Petersburg State Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music and has been placed in events such as the “Arthur Rubinstein in Memoriam” competition in Poland.

Canberra International Music Festival, all around the national capital from May 11-20. Full details at www.cimf.org.au

Griffyn Ensemble, from left, Matthew O’Keeffe (clarinet), Susan Ellis (soprano), Wyana O’Keeffe (percussion), Meriel Owen (harp), Michael Sollis (composer and director), Kiri Sollis (flute) and Carly Brown (horn).

We’ll be listening...

“CityNews” reviewers IAN McLEAN, CLINTON WHITE and arts editor HELEN MUSA will be comprehensively critiquing the Canberra International Music Festival every day at the special festival hub www.citynews.com.au

Pianist Daniel de Borah.

NZ String Quartet’s violinist, Helene Pohl.

The stars come out to playHELEN MUSA previews the Canberra International Music Festival

Helen Musa Ian McLean Clinton White

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24 CityNews May 3-9

arts & entertainment

“Café de Flore” (M) I OFTEN wonder what the strangers in the cinema are thinking about in a film where keeping the narrative threads untangled is a constant challenge and the emotional level threatens response options balanced between extremes of possible outcomes.

Jean-Marc Vellee’s film about families and relation-ships made me acutely aware of this with a screenplay that takes nothing for granted, describes unpredictable dramatic journeys by characters who overcome some risks, while other risks run their course.

For hairdresser Jacqueline, raising Laurent alone as if he were not afflicted with Down Syndrome is a 24/365 labour of absolute love, along a rocky road leading we cannot know where.

Antoine (Kevin Parent) divorced from Carole (Helen Florent) has custody of their two daughters and a trophy partner Rose (Evelyne Brochu) with whom he has built a relationship that would be perfect but for the older daughter’s resentment.

At school, aged seven, Laurent and Vero become inseparable. Rose doesn’t want the world to know that she and Antoine plan to marry. Carole and Rose do not detest each other and Antoine, while his mind is made up, retains a real fondness for Carole, whose life alone is beginning to lead her along dangerous pathways.

These permutations contain much for mature folk to ponder and test against their own situations and experiences. The acting is first-rate, particularly Marin Gerrier as Laurent and Vanessa Paradis as Jacqueline. The film invites compassion for its characters without becoming mawkish or clichéd. While its structure is staccato, the narrative is comprehensible. Overall, it has genuine merit.

At Dendy

“The Way” (PG) WHETHER, when making this lovely film, Emilio Estevez, writer/director/actor and son of the principal character both on and off screen, had in mind Sir Walter Raleigh’s lovely gentle poem “The Passionate Man’s Pilgrimage”, written on the eve of his execution, is immaterial. But it is obliquely relevant to the film.

The poem is quietly, calmly religious. The film, about strangers who meet at the eastern end of the Camino de Santiago and develop friendship, understanding and endurance during the 800 kilometre westward pilgrimage to Compostella, where the body of St James reputedly lies in the Cathedral, is not religious. But without proselytising or preaching, it says something that Christians, atheists and agnostics alike can value.

Wonderful simple characters, all beautifully played, take a journey through countryside filled with lingering images, meeting other pilgrims and local folk.

American Tom (Martin Sheen, Estevez’s father) in Spain to deal with his son Daniel’s accidental death on the first day of his pilgrimage, collects the ashes and on the moment decides to undertake the pilgrimage himself.

Joost from Amsterdam (Yorick van Wageningen) walking to lose weight, befriends Tom. Chain-smoker Sarah (Australian-trained and drop-dead handsome Deborah Kara Unger) joins the pair, determined to quit when she reaches the shrine. Irish writer Jack (James Nesbitt) seeks inspiration to guide him through writer’s block.

I would have been delighted if “The Way”, not shrieking any strident promotional claims but quietly meriting one as it rolls, had run longer than its two hours, as I expect thoughtful film-goers might agree after seeing it.

At Dendy

“Wish You Were Here” (MA) WATCHING the first two-thirds of Keiran Darcy-Smith’s thriller, co-written by actress wife Felicity Price, had me disagreeing with that title. But I stuck it out, as is my duty, and the last part sort of made up.

David (Joel Edgerton) and pregnant Alice (Price) together with her sister Steph (Theresa Palmer) and Steph’s current bloke Jeremy (Anthony Starr) holiday to-gether in Cambodia. Jeremy goes missing. When the other three return to Sydney, Alice learns that David and Steph had a drunken beach bonk after a party, a one time thing but Alice goes right off her rocker about it, although not to the extent of taking the older kids home to her oldies.

The film’s other theme is Jeremy’s whereabouts. AFP, DFAT and a Customs sniffer dog enter the story. But the truth remains in Cambodia and only David knows it. Its revelation partly explains his poltroonish behaviour. But I doubt whether, as written, he could have been any better a person had things been otherwise in a film in which time and place play hide and seek games to annoying effect.

At Greater Union

Dougal Macdonaldcinema

Unpredictable journeys of risky relationships

CityNews May 3-9 25

arts & entertainment

Big bang in pen and ink

“THE Big Think” is an art/science exhibition of 40 prints of original pen and ink drawings about the Big Bang theory. They’re all by Greg Sugden, a Braidwood ceramic artist, author and publisher of picture books promoting the public awareness of science. At CSIRO Discovery Centre Gallery, May 8-20.

THE Street Theatre’s amazing “First Seen” on Sunday afternoons at 3pm has been packed out. They’re brand new creations workshopped in Canberra with top professional performers. I’ve caught “From a Black Sky”, a new opera by Sandra France and Helen Nourse and cabaret artist Geraldine Turner’s musical “Drama Queen”. On May 6 will be two plays by Cathy Petocz, then on May 13, “Sampaguita” by Noonee Doronila. Bookings to 6247 1223.

SAMMY J, star of “Good News World” and host of the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, is here soon to per-form and launch his new album, “Skinny Man, Modern World”, Jay Sullivan will play host. At Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuesday, May 8, bookings to 6293 1443.

DARAMALAN College’s theatre students have been at Caloola Farm creating “iSHORTS2.0”, nine short works with 13 student directors and 39 actors from years 7 to 10. You can see the finished product at McCowage Hall, Daramalan College, 7.30pm, May 9-12, bookings to 6245 6300.

ARTIST Karin Maier has created a collection of watercolour illustrations and mixed media pieces celebrating 100 songs and their 100 stories. From Radiohead to Dolly Parton, they’re all on show. Maier says: “The stories are beautiful… memories of lost love, the freedom of adulthood.” “Top 100”, at M16 Artspace, Griffith, noon-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday, May 10-27.

“ANYTHING Goes” is an eclectic collection of photography, paintings, prints, etchings, pottery, sculptures and hand-sewn items from emerging artists in the Open Art program through Belconnen Community Service. At gallery@bcs Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, 9am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday, May 7-18. Official opening May 9, 4.30pm. All welcome.

Talented Shefali to the rescue

Oboist Shefali Pryor...

By Helen Musa

THE Canberra Symphony Orchestra is appealing to our more cultivated tastes in its second Llewellyn Series concert for 2012, with “an evening of refined elegance”.

With the considerable appeal of visiting British conductor Andrew Mogrelia, who will be staying on for the International Music Festival, they’ve put together an optimistic mix of Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte” overture, Ruritanian dances for orchestra, Beethoven’s optimistic Symphony No 1 and the four-movement Oboe Concerto in D major by Richard Strauss.

The CSO describes the Strauss as “an intimate, gorgeously lyrical

work that makes great virtuosic demands on the soloist”, so it’s lucky it has engaged a brilliant young artist in oboist Shefali Pryor.

The winner in 2006 of the Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Award, Pryor is now associate principal oboe with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and a staff member at the Sydney Conservatorium.

A youthful member of the Australian Youth Orchestra, she went on to study at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg. She has toured as guest principal with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and performed with the Australian Op-era and Ballet Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic, WA and Tasmanian Symphony orchestras.

Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, May 9 and 10. Free pre-concert talk at 6.45pm. Bookings to 1300 795012 or www.ticketek.com.au

Helen Musa arts in the city

26 CityNews May 3-9

arts & entertainment

Dark, joyous dancingDancers from QL2’s Quantum Leap ensemble will perform in “Me Right Now”. Photo by Lorna Sim

By Helen Musa

AS the weather cools, we’ve become accustomed to Quantum Leap’s dancers presenting their annual, original creation on grand subjects – our war heroes in “For Valour”, or the natural environment in “Night. Time”.

Now, 30 young artists are turning the spotlight back on themselves in the show “Me Right Now”, coming up at The Playhouse.

“It’s about young people, exactly what they’re like now – some of it is dark, some of it is joyous,” says Ruth Osborne, artistic director of QL2 Dance Centre from which the leapers come.

Many things will be the same, says Osborne who, together with dance artist Adelina Larsson, will choreograph the big finale of the show. Canberra’s Bearcage productions will create the huge visual backdrop, impossible to achieve as a normal set, while Sydney composer Adam Ventura has again created an

original musical score.One thing will be different – because of a touring

commitment in Taiwan during July, the usual practice of bringing visiting young dancers from Thailand will not happen this year.

Osborne has engaged three top young choreog-raphers – Lina Limosani, working with boys and girls; Matt Cornell with young men, and Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal with young women.

Tyas Tunggal, who lives in Yamba, on the north coast of NSW, is a familiar figure in Canberra from her extensive work with Elizabeth Cameron Dalman at Mirramu Dance Company.

In creating this new work, she told “CityNews” she had considered the myth of the nymph Echo and Narcissus, with reference to narcissism among teenagers. Some of the work is highly symmetrical and geometrical, suggesting controlled ceremonial rites of passage. At other times, the young dancers run the gamut of emotions.

“Me Right Now” at The Playhouse, May 9-12, Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Romantic put into context

WHETHER for his soaring, romantic impressions of Australia or the scientific detail in his paintings, Eugene von Guérard is acknowl-edged as Victoria’s (and probably Australia’s) most important colonial landscape painter.

Not just that, appointed the first master of painting at the National School of Art, Melbourne and cura-tor of the National Gallery of Victoria, his early students included Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Rupert Bunny.

The NGA holds some of von Guérard’s master works, notably his mighty “North east view from the northern top of Mt Kosciusko” and now, in a touring exhibition from the National Gallery of Victoria, we’ll be able to put his work in context as we see NZ and European landscapes and illustrated sketch books that throw light on the influence of European Romanticism, of his court-painter father Bernhard

and of his own fascination with the geography, geology and vegetation of the New World.

Born in Vienna and trained as a painter in Rome, Naples and Düsseldorf, von Guérard migrated to Australia in 1852, where he travelled and sketched, later paint-ing the forests of Gippsland and the Otways, the crater lakes of Victoria’s volcanic Western District and the peaks of the Kosciuszko plateau.

As the exhibition’s curator, Dr Ruth Pullin, explained at an exhibi-tion preview held in the Austrian embassy, his work, particularly “Tower Hill”, is sometimes the only accurate representation we have of how the landscape in parts of Victoria looked before land degradation took place.

Eugene von Guérard, “Nature Revealed”, at the National Gallery of Australia, until July 15.

Eugene von Guérard’s “North east view from the northern top of Mt Kosciusko” (1863), oil on canvas, NGA.

Helen Musa reports

CityNews May 3-9 27

Gryphons adds to the beat of Barker Street

IT was a Friday night and the after-work crowd was pumping at Gryphons, the latest cafe and bar at the Griffith shops.

I like the location. It’s where the Chinese restaurant used to be, overlooking the park. It has had a total re-fit and is adding life to the Barker Street scene.

If you’re up early and want breakfast, Gryphons is there seven days a week. If you’re up late (till midnight, anyway), Gryphons is there seven days a week.

On the bar side, Gryphons can be applauded for investing in the wonderful world of wine preserving, with a machine that stops oxidation in opened bottles, keeping high-end drops in top shape for some time. What it means is you can order many premium varieties by the glass. And with its attractive wine list on offer, Gryphons has an advantage here.

I’ve been twice and am trying to get my head around the service and quality of food. Perhaps I’ve just been unlucky, but I’ve yet to have a decent pizza at Gryphons (should I have to have luck on my side?).

On the first visit, the dough in my pizza wasn’t cooked, although hats off to the kitchen for im-mediately rectifying the problem. On the second visit, we waited a long time only to find that three of our four pizzas, served on slate plates, were cold.

The garlic seafood pizza was the piping-hot winner of the evening ($19 and $25). It was loaded with marinated prawns, calamari strips and scallops on a creamy mornay sauce. Great tastes and a memorable effort.

We figured you can’t go wrong with a supreme with peppers, mushrooms, onion, pepperoni, oven-roasted tomato, leg ham and olives (no pineapple, thanks – $18 and $24), but agreed we’d had much better, including in the inner south.

While excited about the funghi – a mixture of oyster, shitake and enoki mushrooms with Gorgonzola cheese and onion drizzled with porcini oil ($18 and $24) – we would have preferred the Gorgonzola to have been melted.

At Gryphons you order drinks and food at the bar, grab a number and a seat. Ordering was challenging and it seemed there was no system for serving those who were at the bar first.

Our wine glasses were far from sparkling clean, so we took fresh

ones from the dishwasher tray on the bar.

I want to like Gryphons; I really do. And I want it to be a place I’d

visit often, but so far no luck. 16 Barker Street, Griffith shops,

Griffith. Call 6260 8848. Open seven days, 7am-midnight.

Wendy Johnsondining

Gryphons... the latest cafe and bar at the Griffith shops. Photo by Silas Brown

28 CityNews May 3-9

garden

Start thinking summer, now!CEDRIC BRYANT looks at three different approaches to outdoor living

THE last month of autumn continues with glorious weather and regular rain to keep the garden looking its best.

With thoughts of a cold winter to come, it is an ideal time to think about next summer, sun and shade.

This week, I have returned to my occasional series of landscape ideas to enhance the quality of outdoor living and value of a home.

Gazebos and pergolas are es-sential items with our hot summers providing welcome shade. Rather than ones connected to the home, I am looking at free-standing units in the garden surrounded by fragrant plants.

1. Gazebo styleTHE gazebo style should reflect the age and type of home. For example, I have illustrated here a typical hexagonal gazebo I designed to suit the original 1928 Canberra home. It is located at the end of a path lead-ing from the swimming pool. The roof is western red cedar shingles. Thornless roses growing over the gazebo complete the romantic picture – a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surrounding garden.

2. Breeze catcherFOR modern Canberra homes with Colorbond roofs or using corrugated iron, an equally modern gazebo is required. The gazebo illustrated was designed and constructed by Decoin Industries, in Hume, and displayed at Floriade.

This open gazebo is ideal for catching any breeze in the home garden and possibly surrounded by additional shade trees. It is low maintenance, especially if the metal is powder-coated.

Fragrant shrubs such as Osmanthus “Heaven Sent” or the new Daphne “Eternal Fragrance”

are planted close by to complete the picture. The latter is the hardy variety from Southern Italy.

3. For creepersI DESIGNED this pergola to suit the style of home in old Canberra. Even-tually Vitis coignetiae or ornamental grape will provide summer shade over the top with stunning autumn leaf colour and allowing sun through in winter. One still has to keep in mind regular maintenance if it is timber. This is why I would not recommend any clinging climbers such as Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Virgina Creeper on a pergola.

For the same reason, do not grow these on the home, especially if it is painted or rendered. Also be aware that Wisteria can have tremendous strength and thick stems that can literally bring down a timber pergola.

So now is the time to go through the garden books and magazines to plan where to install a gazebo or pergola ready for next summer.

MAYBE we should have a healthier respect for snails? “You’re joking!” I hear you say. But snails – or rather their shells – play an important role in knowing all about soils, especially so in Britain and Europe.

To ascertain what plants were growing in pre-history, say 3500BC to 2500BC, there are certain indica-tors, according to Francis Pryor, author of “The Making of the British Landscape”.

One is carbon dating of timber found in prehistoric sites and plant pollen, which survives almost indefinitely. The other is looking at snail shells. Different types of snails like varying conditions, as with plants, some prefer dry conditions, wet conditions, or full sun or shade. Snail shells, tens of thousands of years old, found in excavations tell us about the vegetation in an area, heavily treed or open country etcetera.

What’s to be done this week?

• Finish planting bulbs now. Check garden centres for clearance specials.

• Raise all outdoor pots off the ground to prevent water logging.

• Lift and divide rhubarb crowns to increase production.

• Keep accumulation of falling leaves off hedges.

• Final reminder, once 90 per cent of leaves have fallen off fruit trees, spray with Kocide or Bordeaux to prevent brown rot in fruit next season.

Pergola to suit the style and period of the home.

Traditional gazebo for a 1928 Canberra home.

An ultra-modern gazebo for a modern home.

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CityNews May 3-9 29

OPEN Gardens Australia president Tamie Fraser will be in the beautiful Wooloondool garden at Maude Road, Hay, on Sunday, May 20, to share her love of gardens and gardening with visitors.

A lifelong passionate gardener, Mrs Fraser is familiar with the trials and tribulations that can beset country gardeners – and Wooloondool garden owners Felicity and Nick Maynard have had more than their fair share in recent years.

Not only do they live in an extremely challenging climate, but they’ve also had to face years of drought, and a succession of mouse, locust, spider and frog plagues.

And just in case that wasn’t enough, just a couple of months ago massive floods hit the Hay area, causing significant loss and damage in the garden.

Set on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Wooloondool is designed with texture, shape and colour in mind. It features trees and climbers glowing with autumn colour, and mixed plantings of perennials, fruit trees and many native species.

A pretty croquet lawn, a circular walk with plantings of heritage roses graduating from white to red, and a mixed native and exotic boundary provide points of interest.

Tamie Fraser will give informal talks in the garden at 11am and 2pm on May 20.

Teas and refreshments will be available and plants will be for sale.

Wooloondool Maude Road, Hay (from Hay, travel 10km west on Maude Road), May 19-20, 10am-4.30pm, entrance $7 (under 18 free).

Courses in worms and compostTHE Canberra Environment Centre’s “Sustain Ability Workshop 2012” series will cover topics from afford-able retrofitting for renters to bike maintenance and vegetarian cooking classes.

Forthcoming classes include: • “Composting Made Easy!”, in which participants will

learn the theory behind composting, the different ways of composting and then choose the way or ways that suit them best. Date: Wednesday, May 9, 6pm-7pm; cost, $5 Carbon Challenge Participants, $15 general public.

• “Worm-Farming Made Easy!”, in which participants will discover that worms can be kept outside, inside, on the balcony or in the garage and are ideal for

units. Worm castings are great for composting food scraps, feeding house plants, adding to seedling mixes and potting soils or top dressing around plants. Date: Thursday May 10, 6pm-7pm; cost, $5 Carbon Challenge Participants, $15 general public.

• “Affordable Retro-Fitting for Renters”, which explores simple, low-cost and/or free actions that can reduce energy use in the home. Topics include winter heating, summer cooling, lighting, hot water, fridges and freezers, cooking and general appliances. Date: Saturday, May 19, 10am-11.30am; cost, free.Limited places available, to book, contact projects@

ecoaction.com.au or phone 6248 0885. Workshop loca-tions at www.ecoaction.com.au.

Wooloondool garden... designed with texture, shape and colour in mind.

Open Gardens president Tamie Fraser... familiar with the trials and tribulations that can beset country gardeners.

Tamie to share herlove of gardens

30 CityNews May 3-9

Seeing red!home

By Kathryn Vukovljak

RED-alert crimson is a great way to add a hit of hot colour to your home. Go for gadgets and accessories that turn up the heat.

See-through styleThe Magimix Vision Toaster, $399, is a little pricey but so cool! Watch your bread go brown through the clear, double-insulated windows. Available in red or cream or black, or in stainless steel for $499, from department stores.

Square upIdeal for a kids’ room, the contemporary-style, Cluedo four-cube shelf provides handy storage and costs $58 at Officeworks.

Well-heeledPerfect for shoe fetishists, this red stiletto spoon rest by AMCO costs $29.95. Call (03) 8787 4200 or visit www.cambur.com.au for stockists.

Quick updateCushions add colour without costing the earth. Rosalina flower cushion, $99.95 from Laura Ashley.

CityNews May 3-9 31

Sudoku medium No.79

General knowledge crossword No. 358

Solution next week

Solution next week

Crossword No.357 Sudoku hard No.78Solutions

puzzles pageJoanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / May 7 - 13 Across

4 What relates to a style of art developed in Italy in the 16th century?8 Name the cart used during the French Revolution to convey victims to the guillotine?9 To bring an accusation against someone in respect to treason, etc, is to do what?10 What is a witty, ingenious, or pointed saying, tersely expressed?11 What do we call a person who plays on words?12 Name an alternative term for sundries.14 Which expression implies something is free of charge?18 Which word means loss of memory?21 What is a whole number as distinguished from a fraction?22 To be flagrantly obvious is to be what?23 What are trips for conveying messages?24 Name another term for a bullfighter.

Down 1 What is a lofty tower attached to a church, temple or the like?2 To mingle is to do what?3 Which term implies “according to a certain rate” (3,4)?4 Name a different word for dirigibles.5 To become mature is to do what?6 What is a group of four singers, etc?7 Which liquid is used as a solvent and an anaesthetic?13 Name the goldmining town, midway between Alice Springs and Darwin, ... Creek.15 What is another term for a parsonage?16 Which other word is descriptive of the dawn?17 What do we call a person who attends to our needs in a restaurant, etc?18 In which book do we preserve photographs, etc?19 What is the grassy surface of land?20 What do we call a person who acts on behalf of another?

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)There’s a fine line between making smart decisions at lightning speed – and making impulsive moves that land you in hot water. This week will work best if you do something out of character for an Aries – think before you act and speak. This will be easier to do when Mercury moves through Taurus (from May 9-24). Avoid being rash with cash on the weekend.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)Security-loving Taureans prefer to have plenty of order and routine in their lives – but have you become an incredibly boring Bull? The Sun and Jupiter join up in your sign on Sunday, so it’s time to kick up your hooves and live life to the max. Be inspired by birthday great Katharine Hepburn (born on May 12, 1907): “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)It’s an excellent week to be with friends and participate in group activities. You’re keen to socialise and circulate; mix and mingle. With Venus vamping through your sign, there’s never been a better time to ask for what you want. Attached Twins – pamper your partner with plenty of extra TLC. Singles – romance is in the air so tune up your flirting techniques ASAP!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)Don’t lean on others and be a clingy Crab. There are times when you have to be independent and make decisions on your own. This week is one of those times – especially at work. If you are passionate and proactive about professional projects, then good fortune and lucky breaks will come your way. Just remember – the early bird catches the worm.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)With Venus in your networking zone, make sure you nurture and grow your connections (both personal and professional). Lions are loud and proud this weekend, as jolly Jupiter joins up with the Sun (your ruler). Professional projects are particularly favoured, as you move ahead with confidence, creativity and chutzpah. Resist the urge to be too boisterous and bossy though.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)Don’t be too set about how the week should proceed. Aim to be organised yet flexible; then you can adjust your schedule as the days unfold. A bit of Moon in Aquarius spontaneity is just what the doctor ordered on the weekend. It will stop you from being too careful, cautious – and critical! Study and travel are favoured (plus anything else that expands your knowledge).

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)Serious Saturn is moving slowly through your sign but lighten up Libra! Your motto for the moment is from Harry Truman (born on May 8, 1884): “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” Lust and loot are on your mind this weekend, with improvements due in both areas.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)When it comes to relationships, communication and companionship are the buzz words at the moment. Scorpios have strong likes and dislikes but you’ll gain the best results by walking the middle path. It will help bring some equilibrium to your intense life. Singles – you have a better chance of finding love if you are proactive and cast your net wide (including overseas).

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)There’s nothing worse than a bored Sagittarian! You’ll feel super restless this week and your boredom threshold will be at an all-time low. So make sure you have plenty of challenging projects to channel all that excess energy into. Charm and confidence are a potent mix on Sunday. The more positive vibes you put out, the more you’ll receive in return.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)Your perfectionist side is highlighted, and you’ll get stressed when things don’t work out 100%. But don’t allow your thinking to become too black and white this week. Most issues are much more complex and have lots of grey areas that require exploration. Friendships get a pleasant boost on Sunday, and relations with a child or teenager are set to improve.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)When it comes to friendships, there’s much to be gained from shared interests and joint ventures. Home is where the heart is on the weekend, as Jupiter blesses family relationships – and the Sun encourages creative communication between loved ones. If your house is feeling too small, it’s the perfect time to move (or plan a bright and breezy extension).

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)This week the emphasis is off you and onto group activities. How can you contribute to your local community – and support those around you? Helping others is one of your natural talents, so don’t waste it. Are you worried about money? And is your bank balance going backwards? Finding a professional to fish you out of financial trouble is the sensible way to go.

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMooreCopyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011

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