Double winner, Mark Parton.

Eddie Williams with his Best Producer award.

Milk and money

THEY clearly take tea breaks very seriously at the Treasury Building, in Parkes.

One of CC’s snouts was sniffing through the AusTender website and spotted this gem: a call for the delivery of 255 litres of milk a week to the building.

Unlike the rest of us, who’d just call, say, Canberra Milk, and haggle a deal over the phone, the parsimonious department is extolling potential milkpersons to wade through a 10-page “Response to Approach to Market” form (replete with handy hints about conflicts of interest and the like) and an eight-page explanatory document and have everything back to them by October 20.

Just as interesting is the delivery schedule: 40 litres of full-cream milk on Mondays and Wednesdays, but 35 on Fridays, and 45 litres of reduced fat on Mondays and Wednesdays, 40 on Fridays.

Skim milk, alas, has few fans among the treasury mandarins, with only four litres needed on Mondays and, worse still, three on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Christmas bleatings

CBD Limited’s website, in a shameless spruik of the return of its “Christmas in the City” festivities as “Australia’s biggest celebration of the festive season”, concludes with: “From the board and staff at Canberra CBD Limited, we wish you safe, happy and thoughtful Christmas celebrations.” And the same to them.

Fourth row in a win?

RUSSELL Lutton, publicity officer of the Burley Griffin Canoe Club, says the flatwater marathon contingent of the 20-year-old-club will compete in the final round of the 2015 NSW marathon series on Saturday.

“To everyone’s amazement, and to the consternation of the big Sydney-based kayaking clubs, BGCC first won the series back in 2012 and, remarkably, won the series trophy again in 2013 and 2014, despite the efforts of the large Sydney kayak clubs to steal the trophy back from us,” he says.

“And BGCC goes into the 10th and last 2015 race at Burrill Lake on October 17 with a club points lead hoping to make it four wins in a row.”

Flint sparks up

 MAX Flint, vice chairman of CanTheTram Inc, says he’s yet to receive a reply from Shane Rattenbury having asked the TAMS minister if, in the light of ACTION’s decision to decline certain types of advertising, he considers Unions ACT’s bus campaign as banned political advertising?  

He wrote to the minister to say “at least four ACTION buses are (or were) plastered with an outrageous advertisement by Unions ACT, claiming that light rail is going to create 3500 jobs.  

“Even the government report, where that figure comes from, says the figure is only about 1900 and the draft EIS report put the figure at only 500.”  

Indigenous aspirants

SECRETARY of the ACT ALP Indigenous Labor Network, Tjanara Goreng Goreng, has written wondering if her candidacy and that of ILN co-convenor, Jo Chivers, as two Aboriginal women seeking preselection for next year’s ACT election, is a first?  

Tjanara is looking to be on the Labor ticket for the new centre seat of Kurrajong as a non-aligned, rank and file ALP member and Jo is an aspirant from the left for the new Woden/Weston Creek seat of Murrumbidgee.

Loathed roads

THE Barton Highway has been identified at eighth in the 10 worst roads in NSW this year and the second most-loathed in the ACT. Topping the ACT was Gungahlin’s Gundaroo Drive and Horse Park Drive at number three.

What obstacle?

ANU honours student Alex Mackerras is leading a study that compares the ability of beginner and experienced drivers to spot obstacles on the road.

Using a recently acquired driving simulator, the study will also look at whether a driver’s ability to spot obstacles improves or gets worse, when not in control of the vehicle.

He’s seeking P-Platers in their first 12 months of driving and experienced drivers with at least 10 years’ experience and under the age of 40 to take part.

“There’s a huge difference between novice drivers and experienced drivers in accident statistics. Novice drivers are at much higher risk,” Mackerras says.

“One of the theories is that because they are still learning to operate the car, they can’t pay as much attention to the road. It’s a bit too much for them to handle.”

Interested participants should contact u4841882@anu.edu.au.

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ANDREW Barr says the ACT Government is looking to establish closer ties with Washington D.C.

“During my recent visit to Washington, I met with Secretary Ms Lauren Vaughan from the City of Washington D.C. to explore synergies between our two cities,” Andrew said.

“We both agreed that Washington and Canberra are very similar in both our purpose, history and economy.

“There are a number of areas where we discussed further collaboration, including tourism and links between our education sectors. Both cities recognise the importance of education, particularly the roles of tertiary education institutions, and we agreed there is more we can do to facilitate mutually beneficial ties within these sectors.

“One of the similarities between our cities are the national attractions we both host. I also met with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC to encourage more cultural and educational exchanges between the ACT Government, Canberra’s national attractions and the Smithsonian.

“This collaboration will include the creation of new opportunities to exchange and share exhibitions, offer virtual tours or develop other digital assets. This will create even stronger content and attractions for Canberrans and visitors to our region.

“We also discussed a possible MOU between the institution and the ACT Government that would see exchanges of educational staff between the Smithsonian and one of our many national attractions.

“As our city grows, it is important that we look to build stronger ties internationally to diversify our economy. This will be beneficial for Canberra businesses by opening up links to different markets and will enhance our ability to attract international investment into our own city.”

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THE Canberra Business Chamber has announced the results of its survey asking local businesses about employment opportunities that might exist in the future.

The survey was open from September 21 to September 24. It was issued to members of the Canberra Business Chamber and also supported and circulated by the Chamber’s Kindred Organisations.

“Considering the relatively short period of time the survey was open, we were very pleased with the response rate,” Canberra Business Chamber CEO, Robyn Hendry said.

“Over 170 business owners from a variety of business types took the time to complete the survey. These business owners helped us develop a picture of the employment landscape and where there will be demand next year.”

Nearly 42 per cent of respondents were aware of areas of short to medium term skill shortages in the ACT. These include:

• automotive qualifications,
• child care,
• building services consultants,
• engineers and drafters,
• construction project and management,
• hospitality staff, particularly chefs,
• ICT,
• banking,
• retail workers,
• tradesmen,
• disability and aged care,
• business continuity managers,
• electricians and
• economists.

In terms of unskilled or semi-skilled shortages, 29 per cent believe there will be employment opportunities from February 2016. Respondents felt there would be permanent and permanent part time positions available as well as casual positions. Areas where respondents believe vacancies could arise included:

• cleaning,
• hospitality,
• support workers, and
• warehouse packing and production.

In order to fill vacancies and help upskill workers living in the ACT, businesses indicated they would be prepared to provide on the job training. Nearly 58 per cent of respondents said they would be willing to take on a work experience placement in their business over the next 12 months.

“It was gratifying so many businesses see themselves having a role in the provision of training,” Robyn said.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Yvette Berry, feels the information collected through the survey is valuable.

“It will help inform our response on employment pathways for refugees and the feedback was particularly positive regarding businesses’ willingness to provide work experience placements,” Yvette said.

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Rhonda Burchmore… audiences are in for plenty of entertainment and a few wicked surprises, too.

She’s been in musicals such as “Guys and Dolls”, “Mamma Mia!”, “They’re Playing Our Song” and “Mame”, as well as more operatic shows – “Iolanthe”, “Ruddigore” and “Die Fledermaus” for the Victorian Opera – as well as her own cabaret shows, notably “Legs 11”, also the name of her 2010 autobiography.

Rhonda Burchmore… audiences are in for plenty of entertainment and a few wicked surprises, too.

In 1997 she gave the opening performance at Crown Casino in Melbourne with her cabaret, “Red Hot & Rhonda”, later the same year hitting Broadway in Irving Berlin’s “Easter Parade” then Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”.

In Australia, she has released four albums, featured on “Hey Hey It’s Saturday” and performed a role written for her in David Atkins’s tap extravaganza “Hot Shoe Shuffle”.

A voluble raconteur, she has appeared before at Teatro Vivaldi, the popular restaurant on the ANU campus, flirting outrageously with critics (male) and regular patrons alike while taking a trip down memory lane with tales of rock eisteddfods, forgetting song lyrics, studying in Armidale and, of course, her rapid ascent into the showbiz stratosphere.

Sending up her own sexiness, she became known for a suggestive performance of “To Sir With Love”, for the university lecturer who taught her more than just drama.

Burchmore’s “Legs 11” opened with the classic “Lullaby to Broadway” followed by Sondheim’s “Broadway Baby”, luring the audience into the world of showbiz.

You can fairly bet audiences at Teatro Vivaldi are in for plenty of the same and a few wicked surprises, too.

Rhonda Burchmore, “Broadway Baby”, Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant, October 23-24, dinner and show or show only available, bookings and details to 6257 2718 or vivaldirestaurant.com.au

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Josh and Jo Murray… “We learned everything from scratch and to now be at the point where our riesling is already getting bronze, we are very excited.” Photo by Andrew Finch

Run by Josh and Jo Murray, the winery is small but packs a punch, and Josh says that considering the high calibre of rieslings in the Canberra region, and that this is their first time entering, they are thrilled with the result.

When the family moved to the 16.8-hectare Wallaroo property in 2009, there was a one-hectare vineyard already there, planted with half riesling and half cabernet sauvignon.

“I used to do a home brew beer but beyond that we had no experience in making wine, and the vineyard wasn’t a factor of the purchase,” says Josh.

“With the vines it was a case of either get rid of them, because with no attention they would go crazy, or try to work with them.

“Our initial plan was to sell the grapes, as the previous owners had done, but we thought, why don’t we work with the grapes and turn water into wine.”

The family moved to the property as a lifestyle change and to have some acreage for the family and kids.

As well as the vineyard, Josh says they now have white dorper sheep, miniature belted galloways, an alpaca and chooks.

“We’ve never looked back, and we love the space for the kids to run around, and that we can grow fresh food and have chickens,” Jo says. “We wanted a bigger backyard – and we got a really big one!”

The couple says there was a steep learning curve in terms of the vineyard over the first couple of years while they were both working full time.

Josh invested in fermentation tanks, crushers and presses, and says that Google was his friend in the early stages.

“I love the whole process, it’s nice to be outside and it’s a bit addictive, year to year; as soon as one batch was bottled, I’d be thinking about the next one,” he says.

“In 2012 we got a consultant in who restructured the vineyard, looking at the way the vines were growing and how to prune to increase yield and produce better quality fruit. They still prune for us every year.”

In the first year, Josh says they produced 20 or 30 litres of experimental batches of non-commercial vintages and that, while it was early days, they knew they were on the right track. In 2013 they started their first commercial vintage.

“We produce 1000 bottles of riesling per year, but that’s gradually increasing because our yield is increasing,” he says.

Josh says they don’t have enough volume to warrant a cellar door at this stage, but that they sell the wine via their website and word of mouth.

“We’ve found there is a great sense of community among the local vineyards and have had a lot of advice and support from Bill Crowe, from Four Winds Vineyard, and Hamish Young and Andrew Ferrell, from Eden Road Wines,” he says.

Josh says that when it comes to harvest time, the whole family is involved.

“One of the highlights of the year for us is when our family and friends come together and help us harvest and crush the grapes,” he says. “Everyone enjoys being part of the process and the kids get involved as well.”

The name Murrora Estate comes from Josh’s surname and Jo’s maiden name (Murray/Ora), and Josh says the term “Estate” was intentionally tongue-in-cheek given the small size of their operation.

“We learned everything from scratch and to now be at the point where our riesling is already getting bronze, we are very excited,” he says.

Visit wine.murrora.com.au

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THE Friends of the ANU Classics Museum are inviting the public you to a lecture by Dr Lily Withycombe on the subject of “Augustus and the temple of Jupiter Feretrius”.

In the late 30s BC, the ancient city of Rome, still suffering from civil war, was apparently filled with decaying religious sites. One particular temple, dedicated to Jupiter Feretrius on the Capitoline hill, was allegedly in ruins. In a powerful ideological move, the young Octavian restored this temple and placed it at the centre of his religious and political policy.

The temple’s associations with victory and the correct procedure for the declaration of war made it an appealing candidate for attention, but the nature and the outcome of the rebuilding appears to have been quite unusual.

In this talk Dr Withycombe will examine a number of Roman coin issues and literary sources to explore this unique temple restoration and offer a case study of early Augustan temple rebuilding in Rome.

Lily Withycombe graduated with a PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2014, having written a thesis on religious architecture and topography of Augustan and early Imperial Rome.

She has since been working as a curator at the National Museum of Australia, and is particularly interested in the architectural and topographical reconstruction of ancient cities, as well as multimedia and digital displays in Museums.

8 pm Thursday October 22, Haydon‐Allen Lecture Theatre (The ‘Tank’, park in the Baldessin Carpark, on Ellery Crescent)

Supper in the Museum will follow, where items of merchandise will be on sale, all proceeds of which help us support the ANU Classics Museum.

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THERE’S an ad on the telly for one of those betting agencies, I can’t remember which one, but it’s based on the premise that to be a real man you have to make a decision… and make it fast.

Mark Parton.

In 2008, I remember having a tech expert in my radio studio to showcase the new iPhone. My little Nokia phone had a camera, but I’d never used it and it had internet capability, but I’d not ever connected.

This device geek showed me all of the wonderful things that the new iPhone could do. I rejected it instantly… loudly and publicly. I stated on radio that I would never ever get one of these devices: “Phones are for calling people. If I want to get online, I’ll sit down at my computer”.

That may have been a bad early call.

I PROGRAMMED radio stations back in the day when it was done by gut feel. As a music director, you would receive a bunch of records in the mail, listen to them and decide which ones should be played on your station.

I clearly remember previewing a new single from a well-known artist and laughing out loud at how bad it was. This song was apparently attached to some movie that I’d never heard of. I called in a couple of the other announcers so they could hear how this singer had “murdered” an old Dolly Parton song. I then tossed it in the reject bin.

A month or so later, I went scrambling back through the bin to try to find Whitney Houston’s version of “I’ll Always Love You”.

Bad early call.

AND I did an outside broadcast ahead of one of those big Australia Day concerts on the lawns of Parliament House. The promoter was popping by our broadcast point at regular intervals with some of the artists in tow for us to interview.

I remember interviewing Tania Doko, from Bachelor Girl, who was a riot. The afternoon progressed and more and more artists came through. I looked around at one stage and the promoter was there with a dark-haired gentleman standing 10 metres or so away from us.

“Who’s this ?” I asked.

“That’s Gotye.”

“Who?”

“Goat-tee-ay.”

“What sort of a name is Gotye ?” I said.

The promoter explained to me that his name was Wally De Backer.

I put my hand up and said: “No, I think we’ll pass on the ‘goat man’ at this stage.”

The goat man, of course, went on to become only the fifth Australian act to have a number one single on the US Billboard chart.

And, thanks to my short-sighted decision, he’s not even somebody that I used to know.

Bad early call.
Mark Parton is the breakfast announcer on 2CC

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“SILVER hairs among the gold”, “every cloud has a silver lining” and “by the light of the silvery moon” – there was no shortage of metaphors for Tuggeranong Arts Centre to choose from in naming their 25th anniversary celebrations.

Film and set designer Kate Llewellyn… “Everybody was welcome to contribute an artwork”.

The concept is that of theatre director and now creative producer, Julian Hobba, and the mighty steel frame works representing the twin orbs sun and moon are the work of sculptor Tony Steel, but it seems fitting that the adornment of the galaxy is in the hands of a star artist who once studied theatre at the arts centre.

Film and set designer Kate Llewellyn, working with Queanbeyan-based textile artist and designer Polly Crowden, is on the rise. In 2013 artsACT awarded her a grant to work as an artist-in-residence in schools. Early this year she designed the set for the premiere production by Honest Puck Theatre. And “CityNews” columnist Robert Macklin, who worked with Llewellyn this year on a film project, describes her as “a fine artist with enormous potential”.

This month Llewellyn and Crowden have been conducting creative community workshops at the centre to cast and produce the 50 masks that will embellish the sun, wriggly sea creatures to inhabit the oceans, and all manner of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial artworks for a “Universe” that visitors can walk through. The sun will be on fire, but Llewellyn assures “CityNews” that the rock-solid gypsum masks will not turn to ash – and they will be spectacular.

The “Universe Alight” art installation, conceived by Hobba and Llewellyn after endless hours of discussion, settled on a huge illuminated sculpture of the sun, three metres in diameter, and a smaller moon with a myriad of individual sculptures and artworks created by the community around them, representing the past, present and future, on and off this planet.

“Everybody was welcome to contribute an artwork, although we had to make sure that there was no ‘adult’ material,” Llewellyn explains.

Llewellyn and Crowden encouraged the use of recycled materials – metal, kitchen utensils, cardboard, paper – anything. And they encouraged families to do it at home if they wanted.

On the big day, hung outside and enhanced by “nice theatrical lighting”, the “Universe” will be there in mist and smoke for everyone to view or touch.

But if there are clouds to obscure the silver linings?

“Whatever the weather is, that’s what’s going to happen,” Llewellyn says philosophically.

The Silvery Moon Festival, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway, 1pm-9.30pm, Saturday, November 7, details at tuggeranongarts.com, bookings via trybooking.com

PROGRAM

1pm-9.30pm: The Universe Alight.

1pm-2pm: Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows.

2pm- 2.30pm: The Gugan Band.

3.30: North wall of the centre, launch of the Messengers’ Program mural created with street artists Houl and Small.

2.30pm-5.30pm: Filipino, Nepalese, bellydance, samba and Bollywood dancers.

5.30pm-6.30pm: Cassidy’s Ceili.

6.30pm-7.30pm: Bushdance.

7.30pm-8.30pm: The Groove Kings.

5pm and 7.30pm: in the TAC Theatre, Fresh Funk (paid event).

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GOOD news from self-styled late-start artist, former Democrats candidate and prominent Women’s Electoral Lobby member, Julie McCarron-Benson, that she’s made the semi-finals in the $150,000 Doug Moran Portrait Prize.

The acrylic work titled “Ted and Shirl: Grey Nomads” is a portrait of friends of mine attempting to travel all over Australia. “I have tried to present them as though you, the observer, are giving them directions,” McCarron-Benson told “Citynews” today. She has also shown us her portrait of broadcaster Elaine Harris, entered in the Portia Geach Prize.

“The Communicator: Elaine Harris”

The artist, who came to Canberra from Canowindra to work in the Commonwealth Public Service, graduated from ANU with a BA. She was an unsuccessful Australian Democrats candidate in the 1989 ACT elections, the 1990 Federal Elections and the 1992 ACT elections, and also opened businesses and Michele’s Pantry and Cafétopia, as well as producing gourmet foods like Mum’s famous Ginger Honey and the Political Spice Range, curries and spice mixes with a political theme. In 2006 she started producing the ‘Our Canberra limited edition’ calendar.

By this time McCarron-Benson had taken up landscape drawing in an adult education art class at the ANU School of Art, later joining Canberra Art Workshop and studying ‘lithography at Megalo. In 2008 she held her first solo exhibition.

The Doug Moran Portrait Prize is run by the Moran Arts Foundation. 30 finalists will be selected from the semi-finalists and will form the 2015 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize exhibition, to run at Juniper Hall, Paddington, NSW, from October 29 to February 14. This year’s judges are Angus Trumble from the National Portrait Gallery and artist Rick Amor.

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CANBERRA’S Craig Burns has taken out Geoscience Australia’s 2015 Top Geoshot photo competition, with his photo of Hamersley Gorge in Western Australia.

Winning entries in the annual competition were announced in Canberra today.

Chosen from an outstanding field of 315 entries from across Australia, Craig Burns’ photo highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Rock Stars’, by capturing the folding and rock strata in Hamersley Gorge in Western Australia’s iron ore country.

Geoscience Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Pigram, reflected on the aim of the annual photo competition, which is a highlight of Australian Earth Science Week celebrations.

“Earth science is all around us and makes a significant difference to our everyday lives. This competition aims to raise awareness of our geological heritage and encourages people to consider the importance of geology in our world,” Chris said.

“Entries in this year’s competition were of a very high standard, emphasising Australia’s natural beauty by creatively capturing many of our natural tourism features and magnificent landscapes.”

“It was great to see such a wide representation from across the nation, with a large proportion of entries coming from New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Each year Geoscience Australia encourages photographers of all ages to celebrate our amazing Earth, by entering the Top GeoShot photography competition. Entries are received in three categories: Junior, Intermediate and Open. Top Geoshot entries are judged on their creativity and fit with the theme – which in 2015 was ‘Rock Stars’.

The winning entries can be viewed on Geoscience Australia’s website: ga.gov.au. A selection of entries is now on display in Geoscience Australia’s foyer as part of Earth Science Week celebrations and will continue to be displayed throughout the year.

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JOY Burch has invited all year 9 and 10 ACT school students to enter the ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize 2016 competition for the chance to experience the trip of a lifetime.

“2016 will mark the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Pozières during the First World War. The ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize 2016 will give students a fantastic opportunity to take part in these historic commemorations in France and Belgium,” Joy said.

“The two students who win the prize will represent the ACT on a funded study tour of the Western Front. They will experience the terrain, visit key battlefields, and attend the official 100th anniversary commemorative services for the Battle of Fromelles and Battle of Pozières.

“The competition offers students an opportunity to research stories about the sacrifices made by Australians during the battles of the Western Front; stories that have become an important record of our nation’s history, sacrifice and the legacy of war.

To enter the competition students can write a poem, script, short story piece or musical composition, or create a video/digital presentation, photographic piece, craft or artwork.

The Prize is open to all ACT public and non-government students who are in years 9 or 10 in 2015 as part of the ACT Government’s commemorative activities during the Centenary of World War 1.

“I encourage all students to participate in this year’s competition and look forward to seeing the wide range of talented and creative submissions. For the two winning students, it will be an unforgettable experience,” Joy said.

The competition closes on Friday 5 February 2016. For more information, go to det.act.gov.au.

[Photo: Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch with history students at Lanyon High School at today’s launch of the ACT Chief Minister’s ANZAC Spirit Prize.]

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YVETTE Berry says the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) State of the Service Report 2014-2015 shows that the gender pay gap has closed to only 2%.

“The Report demonstrates consistent ACTPS performance on gender pay gap, female workforce and female executive participation,” Yvette says.

“In 2015 the ACTPS remains one of the nation’s best performers for women in closing the gender pay gap. Nationally women earn 17.9 per cent less than their male colleagues, while in the ACTPS women are paid 2 per cent less. The ACTPS is also performing better than the broader ACT labour market where the gender pay gap is still 11.7 per cent.

“The ACTPS is a progressive and diverse workplace, committed to being representative of the community it serves. In 2015 the ACTPS has 13,593 female employees, 65 per cent of the full time equivalent workforce. This is approximately 17 percentage points more women than the overall ACT labour force (48.3 per cent) and approximately 19 percentage points more than the Australian labour force (46.1 per cent).

“In executive and decision-making roles, the ACTPS continues to demonstrate leadership with women holding 42 per cent of Senior Executive positions. A recent study by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency revealed that only 17.3 per cent of women occupy chief executive officer roles and 26.1 per cent of key management positions in the national labour force.

“In the ACTPS six out of eight Directors-General, including the Head of Service Kathy Leigh, are women.

“As Minister for Women I know there is still work to close that 2% gap, to ensure women are represented across a diverse range of policy areas and to improve parity in the private sector.”

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THIRTY sculptures will adorn the Queanbeyan riverbank for  the second Clearwater Sculpture Prize with Awards announced at noon, Saturday, October 17 on the Riverbank main stage, exhibition runs October 16-18.

Riverside sculpture by Neil Dickinson

Festivals and events:

NINETY TWO stencil finalists from 21 countries will be on display in the 2015 Stencil Art Prize Exhibition at aMBUSH Gallery at Central Park, The Living Mall, in Sydney October 16- 30. Recognised as the largest stencil event in the world, this year’s Stencil Art Prize takes the art of stencil making to a whole new level. The winner will be announced tomorrow Friday October 16. Canberrans usually fare well in this prize.

THE regular Sunday markets at Westside Acton Park, 3 Barrine Drive, Acton run from noon to 6pm on Sunday.

Arts business:

BELCONNEN Community Centre’s gallery@bcs is an affordable alternative to commercial galleries and is now taking expressions of interest for exhibitions in 2016. Inquiries to gallery@bcsact.com.au

Talks:

GLASS Artists in Residence (Air) Annette Blair (NSW), Mark Thiele (SA) and Thomas Foundation Artist in Residence (TFAiR) Ede Horton (VIC) will discuss their current Glassworks residencies, at the Canberra Glassworks, 4-5.30pm, Thurs October 15, RSVP to 6260 7005.

ROBERT Bell, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the NGA talks about “Bodywork: Australian Jewellery 1970-2012” at Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 1st Floor, North Building, 180 London Circuit 3pm to 4pm, Friday, October 16.

Theatre:

‘Company’ cast, photo Andrew Finch

DAMIEN Ryan’s new production of ‘Hamlet” for Bell Shakespeare is at The Playhouse until October 24, bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“DEAD Men’s Wars”, co-produced by Canberra Youth Theatre and Long Cloud Youth Theatre from NZ, explores the role of youth as part of the ANZAC legacy. At The Street Theatre, 12.30pm and 7.30pm October 14-24, bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

Dance:

“ALL the things” is a junior contemporary dance performance by QL2 members, Theatre 3 Repertory Lane Acton, 3 shows only, 7pm Friday October 16, 3pm Saturday October 17 and 6pm Saturday October 17. Bookings to canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.

DANCE ARTIST Alison Plevey and cellist Alex Voorhoeve perform a site-specific contemporary dance and musical piece at Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, 1st Floor, North Building, 180 London Circuit 4pm, Friday, October 16. All welcome.

Film:

THE Iranian Film Festival Australia 2015 is at the Arc Cinema – National Film and Sound Archive this weekend October 17 – 18, bookings to nfsa.gov.au

THIS year’s Japanese Film Festival runs until Sunday, October 18 at Capitol Cinemas Manuka, 6 Franklin St Manuka. Full program at japanesefilmfestival.net and tickets at the door.

Classical Concerts:

GUITAR Trek will release their sixth album in a concert at Wesley Music Centre, 7.30pm, this Saturday, October 17, bookings to trybooking.com

HUSBAND and wife duo mezzo-soprano Christina Wilson and pianist Alan Hicks perform “Love and Harmony Combine”, Wesley Music Centre at 3pm on Sunday October 18, ticket only at the door.

Gigs:

THE band Gay Paris, in the middle of their national tour set around their new album “Dark Arts”, will be at the Phoenix Pub in Civic from 9pm this Saturday October 17,
Saturday 17 October 7.30pm.

AUSTRALIAN rock act Dead Letter Circus are touring in support of their album “Aesthesis” and will be at UC Refectory, at 8pm tonight, October 15, bookings to deadlettercircus.oztix.com.au

CANBERRA indie-folkers, LAVERS, will be at the UC Refectory, tomorrow, Friday October 16 bookings to oztix.com.au

The Basics, photo Cybele Malinowski

Exhibitions:

THE Potters’ society 2015 Members’ Exhibition is opening in Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson at 6.30pm tonight, Oct 15 and runs to Nov 8.

‘ECLECTIC’ celebrates the curious places in which we find beauty and divinity, as seen by 5 artists. At Aarwun Gallery in Federation Square, Gold Creek,  opens at 2pm this Saturday Oct 17 (all welcome) and runs until November 20.

EMERGING designer/maker in wood, Luke Batten, is exhibiting new work under the title “Process” at Gallery of Australian Design, 47 Jardine Street, Kingston, open at 6pm tonight, Oct 15, all welcome.

Ruth Oliphant – ‘Aspect – morning’, kilnformed and coldworked glass

“THE Fire did not beat us – 100 years of fighting bushfires in the Australian Capital Territory: 1915 – 2015”, is showing at Tuggeranong Arts Centre until November 15.

THE NGA‘s Gerard Vaughan will launch the “Up, Up and Away” Cranleigh-Capital Chemist Art Show on Friday, October 16. At Cranleigh, Starke Street, Holt, 10am to 4pm, October 17 and 10am to 12.30pm, October 18.

‘SPUN’ is Alison Wright’s first solo exhibition in Australia. Her works use natural silk cocoons embedded on heavy Italian paper, white on white. Mon-Fri 10-3, Sat & Sun 10-4, until November 1 Nishi Gallery 17 Kendall Lane, New Acton.

“THE Art of Shakespeare,” Bell Shakespeare’s exhibition showing how Shakespeare has inspired artists of all disciplines, is at Parliament House until October 23.

Philip Alldis Residue 2015 conte on Canvas

JENNIFER Taylor’s paintings from Arrernte country and Aotearoa, Darcey Bella Arnold’s “New but Nah” and Ellie Windred’s “Desperate Thirst”, at M16, 21 Blaxland Crescent Griffith, noon – 5pm Wednesday to Sunday until October 25.

“PAINTING in Paris” sees young emerging artists, Kirrily Humphries + Yioryios, showing work by both while on exchange at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Furneaux St Manuka until Oct 25. Opening is at 6pm tonight Oct 15, all welcome.

“THE Distant Warriors: Ka Maumahara (We Will Remember Them) Let Us Not Be Forgotten” is the ANZAC Centenary exhibition inspired by the stories of Indigenous Australian and Maori soldiers still running at Canberra Glassworks until November 19.

‘PUNUKU Tjukurpa’ an Artback NT touring exhibition of works from the Maruku Arts archive at Mutitjulu near Uluru and is developed with Maruku Arts, now at the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

STRATHNAIRN Arts has ‘Shaping and Dyeing to Show Off’ and “Faces and Places: Paintings and prints by Cary James” until October 18.

Tim Winters Channel Country, mixed media

JANENNE Eaton’s show, “Reef” continues at Nancy Sever Gallery, 6 Kennedy Street Kingston, Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm until October 25.

Julie Manley’s Dolls

PHOTOACCESS has “Antarctica” by nature photographer Tony Fleming, and its final members’ exhibition for 2015, “PhotoACTIVISM,” running until October 18.

‘Intertidal’ by Kylie Fogarty

SCULPTURES by Sydney artist Michael Buzacott can be seen at the Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street (off Barry Drive), Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm to November 1.

“TRANSLOCATION” is an exhibition by Launceston artist Patrick Sutczak showing at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, noon-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday until October 18.

BELCONNEN Arts Centre has exhibitions by Mike MacGregor, Jo Hollier, Elizabeth Truswell, ACT Tenants’ Day, until October 18.

JANET Angus’s show “Within These Walls” continues at CCAS City in Hobart Place, Civic, Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm Saturday 9am to 1pm until October 24.

“ACT-Belong-Commit ,” Canberra artists in celebration of Mental Health Week, continues in gallery@bcs, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Crt Belconnen Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, until tomorrow, Oct 16.

The post What’s on and where in the arts this weekend appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

ICON Water have YouTubed a glorious time lapse video of the building of the new Cotter Dam sure to thrill the hearts of construction enthusiasts across Canberra.

The post Video / Cotter Dam construction in time lapse appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

THE big, blow-up “Pink Lady” at the entrance to Gandel Hall, at the National Gallery of Australia, was a spectacular and potent symbol, and a perfect welcome for the inaugural Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Pink Lady Luncheon, which was a stunning success.

With the support of its event partner Konica Minolta, BCNA called on lots of local organisations to help with the lunch. This incredible network of volunteers was what convinced David Cooke, MD of Konica Minolta, to take the advice of his employees and put BCNA into the chosen group of NFP’s for their support priorities.

Guest speaker was Kathryn Fagg, a lady with formidable career achievements, a self-effacing attitude who happens to be a BCNA board member, Reserve Bank board member and a breast cancer survivor.

Yes, they’re everywhere; monies raised will help to increase the survival rate.

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SIMON Corbell says planning for the first stage of Canberra’s city wide light rail network is on track with official completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“Following four weeks of consultation on the draft EIS in June/July this year, in which 60 responses from the community and local businesses were received, the final EIS is now complete,” Simon said.

“This marks an important milestone in working towards delivering stage one of Canberra’s light rail network.

“Development of the EIS has helped the government explore all potential environmental impacts before construction of the light rail starts to make sure that they can be prevented or minimised through a range of effective mitigation measures. The EIS has also identified benefits and opportunities that will be delivered as a result of the project.

“Following consultation on the draft EIS, the Capital Metro Agency worked through all comments received and has addressed any outstanding issues prior to lodging the final document with the planning and land authority.”

“One of the key issues raised by the community and local business was the potential use of the Magistrates Court car park of London Circuit as a compound site during construction of Capital Metro stage one.

“The ACT Government listened to concerns and has put measures in place to ensure the amount of parking in and near the Magistrates Court car park is maintained or increased above its current level during construction.

“The final EIS document reflects the recent announcement made by government that only 50 per cent of the car park will be available for use as a compound site should it be required by the successful bidder. This is just one of the many mitigation measures identified through the EIS process. We are also in the process of consulting with city businesses and other key stakeholders on two options that could increase current parking levels in this area of the city during construction.”

In preparing their assessment report of the final EIS, the planning and land authority has confirmed that they are satisfied that the final document considers all relevant impacts to the project and addresses public comments.

“With the EIS now complete, the Capital Metro Agency can move into the next phase of planning for light rail by preparing to lodge a Development Application for the project. An impact track development application is required for Capital Metro stage one, Gungahlin to City, and will include another opportunity for the community to provide feedback,” Mr Corbell said.

The final EIS document for Capital Metro stage one and the planning and land authority’s assessment report is available online at planning.act.gov.au

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IT’S an exciting time around town as the finalists for the 2016 ACT Australian of the Year are announced.

There’s a crowded field of worthy Canberrans this year. They are:

2016 ACT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
• Dr Alison Taylor and Dr Michael Archinal – Veterinarians (Holder and Red Hill)
• David Morrison AO – Equality advocate (Griffith)
• Dr Brendan Nelson – Cultural leader (Barton)
• Dr Helen Watchirs OAM – Human rights advocate (Deakin)

  2016 ACT SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

• Yvonne Cuschieri OAM – Cancer support pioneer (Queanbeyan)
• Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC – Sustainable agriculture advocate (Yarralumla)
• Professor Chris Parish – Medical researcher (Campbell)
• Professor Greg Tegart AM FTSE- Scientist and technology advocate (Yarralumla)

  2016 ACT YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

• Dr Kate Eisenberg – Doctor, science advocate and volunteer (Holt)
• Sophie Hope – Multidimensional volunteer (Casey)
• Leonard Weiss – Musician (Forrest)
• Nipuni Wijewickrema – Social entrepreneur (Chifley)

  2016 ACT LOCAL HERO

• Peter Cursley – Newborn care champion (Farrer)
• Fiona Kirk – Charity founder (Greenway)
• David Richards – Volunteer Fundraiser and Christmas enthusiast (Forrest)
• Yanping Zhang – Medical researcher (Bruce)

Best of luck to all of them, individual biographies are available at australianoftheyear.org.au.

The post And the nominees for the 2016 ACT Australian of the Year are… appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

BRUMBIES and Wallabies star David Pocock is organising a fund raising evening for his native Zimbabwe.

David grew up in Gweru, in central Zimbabwe, until 2002. At that time his family left the country after some friends had been killed as part of Robert Mugabe’s disastrous land reform program.

Like a number of the white farmers evicted from their properties, the Pocock’s were able to escape, meaning that those left worse off by the land redistribution policy were the farm workers.

Eightytwenty Vision, was established by David Pocock and friend Luke O’Keefe to support, Nkayi- a town in central Zimbabwe. The work of the charity is varied but with a focus on health and education.

The concert, to be held on 4 November at Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant at the ANU is to raise money and support for the work of 80/20.

An evening with Rugby star David Pocock to support the work of Eighty Twenty Vision,
November 4 — 7:30pm
Teatro Vivaldi — ANU Arts Centre
3 Course Meal & Concert
Tickets — $100 per person, Tables of 8-10, To book, call (02) 6257 2718

The post An evening with David Pockock appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

A hazard reduction burn will be completed this evening at the rear of the National Zoo, starting about 5pm.

Firefighters will remain on site until the fire has been extinguished. Temporary smoke cover may occur.

The post Controlled burn tonight at the zoo appeared first on Canberra CityNews.