Omnia Adventurers and Social Club Inc

Omnia Adventurers and Social Club Inc Web Site: http://www.omnia.asn.au/index.cfm PO Box 602, Civic Square ACT 2608 April 2015 Vol 49 – No 6

The Mt Taylor walk (Monday 23rd March) was lead by Celia with more than 20 walkers climbing up to enjoy the sunset views. Next week (March 30th) is the last of the daylight savings walks till next spring so do come along. . . Photo by Celia.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS TO BE APPROVED AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING Clifford Henderson, Sian Bryant and Sylvie David, Isabelle Giguel Mainsel, Cath Shannon, Carmel Coady, Linda Di Mauro.

New applications will be reviewed by the Committee at the next Board meeting. If any member objects please notify to the Membership Secretary either by post or email within 14 days of this publication. Please give members a special smile and make them welcome at all Omnia events.

A BIG THANK YOU to last month’s Activity Organisers (AOs) March Activity Organisers included: Georgina, Kate, Keryn, Carol, Angie, Anne D, Aileen, Celia, Christine, Terry.

1 Omnia President’s Report April 2015

Dear Members

The Committee met in March to discuss the Club’s business matters, including membership and the new Omnia website. David V and the Committee met with a Web designer to advance discussions and costings on providing the updating of our Omnia website and a more automated systems for uploading and associated activities. As you know, your Committee has been reviewing the website and is now evaluating quotations for redeveloping the site to improve its look and functionality. We aim to have the site more engaging for current and future members as well as automating many of the current manual procedures. We also believe the new web design will be very attractive to prospective members. The cost will not be cheap, but we are confident we can afford the work and thank members for supporting the Club with the increase in membership fees. There will be more about this later on.

It was nice to receive seven new members to the Club. We will welcome them on Sunday 12thApril. Don’t forget the new members Free BBQ (food only) at Black Mountain Peninsular on Sunday 12th April at 12:30. Hopefully the weather will be fine, but if inclement we will get advice out to you as to where we will hold the activity.

The Committee has been contacted by a former Omnia member now living on the Coast. Evidently there are a number of people in that area who would like to participate in Omnia activities when they come to Canberra, They are happy to reciprocate by nominating occasional activities there. The Committee has agreed to this kind of ‘regional membership’ which potentially offers benefits for members based in Canberra as well as those who are now resident in the local region. Any such ‘regional’ events will be advertised as normal, on the website and in weekly emails.

The lovely evenings have seen good numbers in attendance at the mountain walks and it is encouraging too, to see the newer AOs taking a leading role. Keep your eyes and ears open for the activities. Aileen is doing a great job getting out the weekly updates and Expressions of Interest for events. Nominate yourself to run an activity and bring some friends along.

On behalf of the committee I wish you all a great month in April and look forward to seeing you all out and about . . .

Regards Terry. On Behalf of the Committee

OMNIA MEMBERSHIP – joining and renewing

Membership renewals are due on the anniversary of the month you joined. If you want to know which month you joined, email [email protected]. If you joined Omnia in November/December your membership renewal will soon be due.

Please pay by EFT to Omnia account BSB 062900 A/c 00800926 mark your name in the subject line. You can also make your payments of $40 to the Treasurer.

Not on our mailing list but would like weekly email updates from Omnia? Contact [email protected] and don’t forget to include your current email address.

2 OMNIA NEWSLETTER Got an item for the next Omnia newsletter? A comment or a short report about an activity? – or just a photo taken on a recent activity, with names, a caption or few lines of text? We would like to have your news, views and opinions. This is your monthly blog site. What have you been up to - can you share? Please let us know what you think about your club. How can we do better? We might call this section 'Omniopinions' but others might think of a better title! Send items to: [email protected] The newsletter deadline is the 3rd Friday of the month.

Omnia activities are organised by members and details made available in the Club’s calendar of activities

Here’s how... Just email your Activity proposal to the Activities Coordinator: [email protected] Plan your activity – things like date, time, meeting place, level of difficulty, payment required etc. This form shows you what information you need to collect if you are proposing to run an event. Discuss your activity with the Activities Coordinator or simply complete this form and email to [email protected] for consideration. Don’t forget to include all details of the event and your return email. At the first Friday TGIF in the month members gather ideas for activities for the following month’s calendar. This is a good opportunity to discuss and contribute your ideas for activities. If you want to gauge interest in an activity before you organise it ask the Activities Coordinator to email all members an Expression of Interest request.

Going to an activity? Before attending any activity, e.g. weekend trips, dinners (other than walks and TGIFs), contact the Activity Organiser (AO) to confirm. If bookings are required make it easy for the AO by booking by the due date. If you can’t attend after making a booking let the AO know by the day before the activity at the very latest. Otherwise great inconvenience could be caused to the organiser and other participants who may be waiting in vain for you to arrive! AOs: Please ensure everyone has signed the Risk Waiver Form BEFORE the activity.

PROPOSAL FOR AN OMNIA ACTIVITY Date Time and Place

Activity description

Expression of interest required?

Organiser contact details

Grading (for walks) Grades 1-6

3 Omnia Out and About

Grotesque gargoyles or spiritual guardians of place?

Had you noticed the Aboriginal gargoyles in the great courtyard at the Australian War Memorial? I hadn’t until I went to see for myself after the debate started to rage about their ongoing existence. Critics, including Aboriginal elders have labelled their inclusion as "bizarre" and "racist" according to the Canberra Times (25/2). With the imminent restoration and possible removal of the gargoyles it is timely to have this debate taking place. The inclusion of two Aboriginal heads – among the 26 sandstone gargoyles of stylized Australian native animals, seems to me extraordinary. Some of the animals look scary with bulging eyes and fierce expressions. The representation of Indigenous peoples as fauna was indicative of the times. According to current popular Eugenics theories they were seen as inferior (Aboriginal people were just above the ape but below the White man). But why are so many of the Indigenous animal gargoyles stylized into horrifying beings? By their association it likens the Aboriginal man and woman to the ugly beasts and evil spirits on European Gothic cathedrals?

Charles Sturt University Adjunct Senior Lecturer Dr Robin McLachlan, who worked at the memorial in the 1990s, said it had been a "very sensitive" issue "It's a contest between preserving the integrity of the building that is a very important monument for Australia and removing something which is blatantly racist. (CBT 25/2) The gargoyles were originally designed by sculptor Leslie Bowles and installed in 1941. AWM National Collection assistant director Tim Sullivan said "What Bowles wanted to try and create was a series of artworks that were representative of the Australian spirit, of the Australian country" (ABC news 25/2). Guardian spirits of Country maybe but why alongside the wild looking animals? Should they be moved or stay in place as a historical record of out-dated ideas? http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/australian-war-memorials-indigenous-gargoyles-may-go-in-sandstone-revamp-20150225-13n46c.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-25/consultation-indigenous-gargoyles-war-memorial/6262140

Words and photos by Lucinda Lang

4 5 Omnia Calendar APRIL 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

30th March 31st March 1st April 2nd April 3rd April 4th April 5th April Monday Evening TGIF Brumbies Game Walk Red Hill & Walk Brunch with a Breathtaking View!

6th April 7th April 8th April 9th April 10th April 11th April 12th April Monday Evening Trivia Activities planning Dinner at Soi-8 Thai New Member's Walk Rugby Union club, and restaurant welcome BBQ at Turner TGIF Black Mountain Peninsular

13th April 14th April 15th April 16th April 17th April 18th April 19th April Monday Evening TGIF Walk

20th April 21st April 23rd April 24th April 25th April 26th April 22nd April Monday Evening Trivia TGIF Bike ride on Lake Walk Ainslie Football Club Burley Griffin

27th April 28th April 29th April 30th April 1st May 2nd May 3rd May Monday Evening TGIF Walk

OMNIA WEBSITE WWW.OMNIA.ASN.AU (ACCESS RESTRICTED TO MEMBERS). DETAILS OF THE MONTHLY ACTIVITIES AND CONTACT DETAILS FOR ACTIVITY ORGANISERS (AOS), CAN BE ACCESSED ON OUR WEBSITE ONLY IF YOU LOG IN. YOU WILL NEED TO PUT IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER FOLLOWED BY YOUR PASSWORD. ANY PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected]

6 .http//www.omnia.asn.au/calendar.cfm

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES FOR APRIL 2015

The Calendar is correct at time of publication but more activities are often added throughout the month. PLEASE GO TO THE OMNIA WEB CALENDAR TO VIEW THE LATEST DETAILED AND UP-TO-DATE ENTRIES FOR THE MONTH. Remember you will need to enter your membership number and password to see the calendar in detail. Just click on any event to open the full calendar details - which show up to two months ahead. Watch for the weekly e-mails for the most up to date activities information week by week.

FRIDAY 3 APRIL

TGIF at the Hellenic Club Woden Meet at 6.30pm at the Hellenic Club on Matilda Street in Woden - plenty of parking. There'll be a sign- in sheet at the desk then go through to the dining area where a table is booked. There's good food, a lively atmosphere and, from 9pm, a DJ in the Bar area. Contact: Genevieve on 0417 248 016

SATURDAY 4 APRIL

Brumbies Game EOI - Brumbies v Cheetahs, Canberra Stadium, at 7.40 pm. General admission tickets from $11. Please contact Kate if you_re interested and we can book a block of tickets or buy at the gate. Contact: Kate on 0404 136 794 or [email protected]

SUNDAY 5 APRIL

Walk Red Hill & Brunch with a Breathtaking View! Meet at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am departure for a circular walk from Terry and Lucinda’s home at 10 Norfolk St Red Hill to the Red Hill Lookout Café (Little Brother) for brunch. It's a fairly steep walk with rough loose surface in places so wear shoes with a good grip. The views are terrific. The new owners have revamped the café and it has great food. About 2 hours return including coffee/brunch. Contact: Lucinda on 0437 992 550 or [email protected]

MONDAY 6 APRIL

Evening walk - Black Mountain Meet at the Frith Rd substation at 6pm for a 6.15pm departure for our normal Black Mountain walk. Rating is easy/moderate but hiking boots or joggers with rugged soles are recommended for the loose surfaces in places. Bring water, a torch and a jacket. We'll go for a meal and a glass of wine (or beer) either at a nearby BYO restaurant or eating place afterwards. Black Mountain is 812m ASL and 256m above Lake Burley Griffin. Contact: Carol T on 0433 192 229 or [email protected]

THURSDAY 9 APRIL 7 Trivia and the RUC, Turner Time: 7.15 for 7.30 start. Location: RUC Club, 54 McCaughey Street, TURNER Dinner: Be at the RUC Club at around 6.30 Join your Omnia friends for a light hearted, fun night of trivia at the ever popular RUC Club, (formerly the Bowlo). Many prizes on offer. A mix of general knowledge, science, geography and entertainment questions. The RUC has a grill offering good quality, well priced meals and daily specials. If you plan to have a meal be there earlier at around 6.30. Contact: Anne D on 0413 593 225 or Angie on 61663668

FRIDAY 10 APRIL

TGIF at the Mawson Club Meet at 6.30 for TGIF in the Lounge at the Mawson Club, Heard St, in the Southlands Shops. This will also be the planning session for May activities so bring your ideas for fun and interesting things to do in the coming month. The Club doesn't take table bookings but food is available either in the Citrus Cafe - or order food and eat in the lounge area. Plenty of free parking. Contact: Aileen P on 0418 670 028 or Keryn K on 0407 898 737

SATURDAY 11 APRIL

Dinner at Soi-8 Thai restaurant Join friends for an authentic Thai meal at Soi-8 Thai Restaurant at unit 1/8 Barker St, Griffith shops. Great reviews on Urban Spoon and Trip Advisor. Check menu www.soi-viii.com RSVP by Saturday 4 April to [email protected] (Maximum 12 people so let Jenny know soon) Contact: Jenny on 0403 527 600

SUNDAY 12 APRIL

New Member's welcome Free BBQ at Black Mountain Peninsular Come and meet the new members over a free BBQ (snags provided). BYO drinks and salads. Commencing at 12:30 for the BBQ. Look for the Omnia Banner. This is a great opportunity for new and prospective members to meet Omnia members - so think about bringing along a friend as well. Contact: Terry on 0427 799 544

MONDAY 13 APRIL

Monday evening walk - Mt Painter Please arrive at 6pm so that we can set off at 6:15pm from the corner of Redfern and Allman Streets in Macquarie. Turn into Allman Steet and park immediately on the left, nose into the reserve to leave room for all our cars. Note: This is a relatively new departure point for the Mt Painter walk. The walk has a gentle start and ends with spectacular views. Bring a torch, water and a jacket. Contact: Virginia on 0402 670 265 or [email protected]

FRIDAY 17 APRIL

TGIF at the Kingston Pub TGIF at The Kingston Pub 6.30 pm Corner of Giles St and Canberra Avenue in Griffith - casual and friendly. Meet in the barbecue area for drinks, a meal - or both. Cook your own steak or fish, or relax while the Kingo's staff prepare your meal. See you there at 6.30 pm Contact: Angie on 61663668 8 MONDAY 20 APRIL

Evening Walk - Mount Ainslie Meet in the small car park behind the Australian War Memorial, off Treloar Crescent, Campbell, at 6pm for a 6:15pm departure. Rating is easy/easy-medium - it's all on paved path, so joggers are OK. Bring water. a torch and a jacket. Join us for a meal and a glass of wine perhaps at an inexpensive BYO restaurant or pub in Campbell, Civic or Dickson after the walk. Mt Ainslie is 834m ASL and 278 m above Lake Burley Griffin water level. Contact is Kate Boast: 0404136794 or [email protected] Contact: Kate on 0404 136 794

THURSDAY 23 APRIL

Trivia at the Ainslie Club Time: 7.15 for 7.30 start Location: 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie Join your Omnia friends for a light hearted, fun night of trivia at the ever popular The Ainslie Football Club. Many prizes on offer. A mix of general knowledge, science, geography and entertainment questions. The The Ainslie Football Club has a grill offering good quality, well priced meals and daily specials. If you plan to have a meal there you'll need to come earlier, around 6.30pm Contact: Christine on 6101 8740 or Angie on 61663668

FRIDAY 24 APRIL

TGIF at the HaHa Bar, Belconnen Meet at 6.30pm at the HaHa Bar, 102 Emu Bank, on Lake Gininderra, Belconnen. When you arrive just say you're with Sharon's group upstairs. The upstairs space serves drinks and tapis. There is a la carte restaurant downstairs prices from $24-$32 mains and there's lots of cheaper eateries along that same stretch if people want to do that. Contact: Sharon J on 6249 8753

SUNDAY 26 APRIL

Bike ride on Lake Burley Griffin Meet at 10am at the Acton Ferry Terminal for a ride around Lake Burley Griffin - probably heading west first and eventually to either Kingston Foreshore or Pialligo for coffee but we'll decide on the day. It'll be a comfortable ride suitable to most levels of fitness and experience - so come along for an enjoyable few hours ride and socialising. You can either do the whole lake or stop at either of the Bridges to get back to the start. Remember sun protection and water - and snacks if you need them. In case of wet weather, make your own decisions and arrangements. Contact: Kate on 0404 136 794

MONDAY 27 APRIL

Evening walk - Red Hill Red Hill - may be the standard walk or the golf course loop. Meet at the top end of Brereton St (off Gilmore Cres), Garran (Gregory's map book ref: map 60 L9 or 61 A8) at 6pm for a 6:15pm departure. Rating is easy/easy-medium. Bring a torch. Red Hill is 720m ASL or about 170 m above Lake Burley Griffin. Contact: Ken L on 0416 266 938

9 ABOUT OMNIA Information: If you have questions about Omnia or if you need help organising activities contact any Committee Member (contact details last page, this newsletter). Further information about Omnia (including who does what and the Omnia Constitution) can be found on the Omnia web page www.omnia.asn.au

Privacy: Omnia’s e-mail address list is used solely for the distribution of news about Omnia activities and club business. Our list is totally in the Club’s control and contains no annoying advertising material nor does it open the door to any “spam”. The list is generated through the membership database and is restricted to financial members of the club.

Activities: Information about monthly activities and contacts for most Activity Organisers (AOs) can be found on the Omnia website www.omnia.asn.au it’s easy to log in - the username is your member number and the first time password is 'omnia'. The first time you log on you will be prompted to change your password. Contact [email protected] if you have any problem logging on.

Property: For enquiries about First Aid kits or Omnia Property contact Karel (our property officer) on telephone 6291 8088 or 0402 806 405. If you would like to run an Omnia function we have a tent, a barbeque, crockery, cutlery and even a Santa Suit.

Omnia Committee 2014 - 15

President Terry O’Brien [email protected] Vice President (Activities) Aileen Power [email protected] Secretary Angie Seymour [email protected] Treasurer Carol Kemmett [email protected] Membership Secretary Christine Petrie [email protected] Committee Member Sharon Johns Committee Member Adrian Harris

Administration Positions Webmaster David Vickers [email protected] Public Officer David Vickers Newsletter Editor Lucinda Lang Property Officer Karel Pelikan